I was watching the mid-day news yesterday and saw where GOP presidential candidate, Donald Trump drew a huge crowd in Dallas, Texas. I've been to the Dallas area several times. Dallas is a nice place to visit unless you happen to be a Democratic President. It does not surprise me that Trump has a lot of support in Dallas; folks throughout the Lone Star State buy into Trump's cowboy gibber-gabber style...'Don't mess with Texas.' Actually, Dallas is a lot like Chicago; both cities find many of its citizens wallowing in self-absorbing and bogus ethnocentric beliefs.
I notice many religious placards at most Republican rallies and I likewise notice many Republican politicians running to the aid of peoples' perceived religious rights when their rights appear under attack. What I find disingenuous is how some of these 'Christians' pick and choose. For example: I wonder how many people at the Dallas-Trump political rally were anti-gay marriage predicated on their religious beliefs but support Trump, a man divorced three times. I'm just saying, Jesus did not 'cotton' to divorce. Too many Christians come only to Jesus in personal troubled times and too many Christians pick and choose Jesus' words to support 'their' personal attitudes or agendas. I have a novel idea my Christian brothers and sisters. Let's stay busy doing two things, which we can all agree that Jesus asks of His true followers: (1) Worship Him and (2) Love one another as He loves us.
Anyway, I headed to the backyard swing with toy poodle Yodie to continue my pondering of the ways-of-the-world. If you're ever passing by Decatur on I-72, feel welcome to stop and swing a spell.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
As the Young Say: It Is What It Is !
My Northern Illinois based daughter telephoned yesterday to ask a question. It seems that a high school student attending the same school as two of her children posted a shooting-day threat on Facebook. The student making the threat said the shooting would happen on September 16. Obviously, the school administration and local law enforcement agencies took the threat seriously and arrested the student. The student told police that no matter him being jailed, he had friends who were on board to carry out the shooting mission.
My daughter's question: "Would you, as a parent, send your two children to school the day of the proposed shooting?" I laughed and made light saying, "Call the morning of the designated shooting day and tell the attendance officer that you're going to try home-schooling THAT day."
Okay, it's not a funny matter in these times...it's nuts out there! The high school in question has over 3,000 students. Schools across this nation will one day have metal detectors and backpack inspectors every morning and school lock-down during hours. Schools will likely have several police liaison officers on site. All of these needs will cost taxpayers...but it's coming. Just as sports' stadiums, arena venues and airports have these safety measures, schools are close behind.
The American gun control debate is over...it ended when this nation accepted the harsh reality that it will accept twenty-six children being slaughtered at Sandy Hook Elementary School...the NRA won; children lost...there, public schools and parents must debate and figure out how to best protect at each local level.
Interestingly, it was not an illegal immigrant that shot innocent students at Columbine high school or Sandy Hook Elementary. In fact, our (school) mass-shootings have most often been at the hands of home-grown privileged 'white' kids who have grown up in a gun-loving violent culture.
My daughter's question: "Would you, as a parent, send your two children to school the day of the proposed shooting?" I laughed and made light saying, "Call the morning of the designated shooting day and tell the attendance officer that you're going to try home-schooling THAT day."
Okay, it's not a funny matter in these times...it's nuts out there! The high school in question has over 3,000 students. Schools across this nation will one day have metal detectors and backpack inspectors every morning and school lock-down during hours. Schools will likely have several police liaison officers on site. All of these needs will cost taxpayers...but it's coming. Just as sports' stadiums, arena venues and airports have these safety measures, schools are close behind.
The American gun control debate is over...it ended when this nation accepted the harsh reality that it will accept twenty-six children being slaughtered at Sandy Hook Elementary School...the NRA won; children lost...there, public schools and parents must debate and figure out how to best protect at each local level.
Interestingly, it was not an illegal immigrant that shot innocent students at Columbine high school or Sandy Hook Elementary. In fact, our (school) mass-shootings have most often been at the hands of home-grown privileged 'white' kids who have grown up in a gun-loving violent culture.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Abba Dabba Do !
I am not Roman Catholic. That said, I have always held the utmost respect for The Catholic Church. These are not empty words, let me give two examples. (1) There is no organized (religion) church that serves the poor and stays the course in the inner-city mission as does the Catholic Church.
(2) There are no religious followers any more disciplined although one might make a good argument for the Muslim faithful.
These days, I Find myself with great appreciation and respect for the current Pope Francis. In my humble opinion, he is a breath of fresh air for the Catholic faith as well as the entire Christian-community. Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the United States beginning in late September. He will speak to our Congress. This means, the United States Congress will have heard from both the leader of the Jewish faith and Catholic faith. (Note: I believe I'll spearhead a movement called, 'Methodists Lives Matter.') Perhaps the only Protestant clergy leader that was acceptable to all Protestants was Billy Graham...I don't anticipate a plea for Mike Huckabee to be the Protestant spokesman, he's busy defending law breaking fools.
While Pope Francis roams our countryside, keep in mind that he has shown a softer side regarding homosexuals and abortion. He pushed for the renewed relationship between the United States and Cuba. He buys into the global warming theory and its impact on our environment, the Pope Also has passionate feelings of support for the poor who seek refuge...the IMMIGRANTS; legal or otherwise. Finally, Pope Francis supports the Iran nuclear deal.
ALL the aforementioned positions fly in the face of every GOP Presidential Candidate. This loud singing, old Methodist boy shall sit back, while the Pope is here and watch the 'quick-dance-steps' by the conservative Republicans, especially those candidates who are Roman Catholic as they gibber-jabber in and around appearing to kiss up to The Pope and the Church while holding favor with the Tea Party haters.
(2) There are no religious followers any more disciplined although one might make a good argument for the Muslim faithful.
These days, I Find myself with great appreciation and respect for the current Pope Francis. In my humble opinion, he is a breath of fresh air for the Catholic faith as well as the entire Christian-community. Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the United States beginning in late September. He will speak to our Congress. This means, the United States Congress will have heard from both the leader of the Jewish faith and Catholic faith. (Note: I believe I'll spearhead a movement called, 'Methodists Lives Matter.') Perhaps the only Protestant clergy leader that was acceptable to all Protestants was Billy Graham...I don't anticipate a plea for Mike Huckabee to be the Protestant spokesman, he's busy defending law breaking fools.
While Pope Francis roams our countryside, keep in mind that he has shown a softer side regarding homosexuals and abortion. He pushed for the renewed relationship between the United States and Cuba. He buys into the global warming theory and its impact on our environment, the Pope Also has passionate feelings of support for the poor who seek refuge...the IMMIGRANTS; legal or otherwise. Finally, Pope Francis supports the Iran nuclear deal.
ALL the aforementioned positions fly in the face of every GOP Presidential Candidate. This loud singing, old Methodist boy shall sit back, while the Pope is here and watch the 'quick-dance-steps' by the conservative Republicans, especially those candidates who are Roman Catholic as they gibber-jabber in and around appearing to kiss up to The Pope and the Church while holding favor with the Tea Party haters.
Friday, September 11, 2015
Talkin to the Dog
I took my one and only aptitude test as a freshman at Illinois State in the fall of 1957. Basically, the conclusion suggested I should consider careers that placed me working with the elderly or with the young. Another way of looking at the interpretation is I'm likely not too interested in people twenty years to sixty years old.
At age 76, it would seem as if I'd enjoy having morning coffee with some old cronies, however I don't! On the other hand, my wife keeps telling me that mothers at the mall and other public places don't want me 'talking' to their little kids...somewhat of a sad commentary. I spend much time with my toy poodle, Yodie; works for us.
At age 76, it would seem as if I'd enjoy having morning coffee with some old cronies, however I don't! On the other hand, my wife keeps telling me that mothers at the mall and other public places don't want me 'talking' to their little kids...somewhat of a sad commentary. I spend much time with my toy poodle, Yodie; works for us.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Hard to Say
One day this past week, a long time friend/teaching colleague tossed out the idea of peoples' favorite 'fat actor.' I could not decide between Andy Devine, the famous western 'sidekick' and Burl Ives who played 'Big Daddy' in 'Cat On a Hot Tin Roof,' in which Ives gave a riveting and passionate speech about 'mendacity.'
This brings me to my thought about 'speech' in and of itself. Again, I have difficulty deciding on my all-time favorite speech...perhaps Dr. King's, 'I Have a Dream...maybe Abe Lincoln's 'Gettysburg Address' and then it could be a dying Lou Gehrig's Yankee Stadium 'Farewell'
This brings me to my thought about 'speech' in and of itself. Again, I have difficulty deciding on my all-time favorite speech...perhaps Dr. King's, 'I Have a Dream...maybe Abe Lincoln's 'Gettysburg Address' and then it could be a dying Lou Gehrig's Yankee Stadium 'Farewell'
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Disappearing Dads
Dance is a art form consisting of selected human body movements relating to rhythm and expression. The elements and subsequent benefits are similar to other human body movements found in sports.
Unlike many other sport performances it is noteworthy observing the male seat selection process at childrens' dance recitals versus the NFL game. The prize spectator viewing location at the Bears-Packers game appears to be near the 50-yard line. Walk into any dance recital auditorium where hundreds of young girls are preparing to perform for 31/2 hours and you will notice ever aisle seat is occupied by a male.
As the dance recital performers do their thing there is energetic applause. At the completion of each dance the auditorium lights go dark. When those lights come back on you will observe a few aisle seats are vacated. This subtraction of male bodies from aisle seats continues throughout the dance performances until only a couple of Dads remain in the auditorium for the last dance performance.
Of course all Dads re-appear in the lobby where they oblige smiling mommies who wish to take pictures of little dancers holding huge flower bouquets. A very interesting 'folkways' phenomenon.
Unlike many other sport performances it is noteworthy observing the male seat selection process at childrens' dance recitals versus the NFL game. The prize spectator viewing location at the Bears-Packers game appears to be near the 50-yard line. Walk into any dance recital auditorium where hundreds of young girls are preparing to perform for 31/2 hours and you will notice ever aisle seat is occupied by a male.
As the dance recital performers do their thing there is energetic applause. At the completion of each dance the auditorium lights go dark. When those lights come back on you will observe a few aisle seats are vacated. This subtraction of male bodies from aisle seats continues throughout the dance performances until only a couple of Dads remain in the auditorium for the last dance performance.
Of course all Dads re-appear in the lobby where they oblige smiling mommies who wish to take pictures of little dancers holding huge flower bouquets. A very interesting 'folkways' phenomenon.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Go For The Throat
Sean Hannity, Fox News commentator, has frequently attacked President Obama on every front and issue possible; that's what pundits do. Hannity always puffs up his chest regarding our country as if he has some 'squatting rights' on patriotism. Hannity's obvious position is simply America does not make mistakes and thus needs not ever apologize. Therefore Hannity is always ready to criticize Obama when the President suggests that we (America) have not always lived up to our ideals.
Recently, Pope Francis apologized for the Roman Catholic Church's crimes against indigenous people. The Pope went so far as to beg for forgiveness for The Church. It will be interesting to see if Sean Hannity, a Catholic, will be supportive of his Catholic Church and faith as he is for his country and thus public attack and criticize Pope Francis.
Recently, Pope Francis apologized for the Roman Catholic Church's crimes against indigenous people. The Pope went so far as to beg for forgiveness for The Church. It will be interesting to see if Sean Hannity, a Catholic, will be supportive of his Catholic Church and faith as he is for his country and thus public attack and criticize Pope Francis.
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