Sunday, August 22, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
68+ Miles, 55lbs, 11 Days
I just finished a Philmont hike with my son and others from his Troop. That's where I've been. Apologies for comments and visits that have gone unnoticed, for comments unapproved for so long, for the absence of posts. Between digging ditches in Costa Rica and the hike through the Northern New Mexico mountains, this Summer has almost killed me. But it wasn't me that had to be carted off the mountain. Nor was it me, who opted out of certain hikes (though I thought seriously about it- and often) Yes, my knees gave out the last half mile or so and I hobbled through the gate, but I did it with a full pack with no one's help. I am officially old. And the Tooth of Time has indeed chewed on me. Here are some pictures. More details later.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Geography 101
Innocent Bystanders reports on this gem from County Supervisor Peggy West of Milwaukee in discussions on whether the City of Milwaukee to boycott Arizona over SB1070. It appears that this official would have less of a problem with Arizona if only it were a tad closer to Mexico....huh?
“If this was Texas, which is a state that is directly on the border with Mexico, and they were calling for a measure like this saying that they had a major issue with undocumented people flooding their borders, I would have to look twice at this. But this is a state that is a ways removed from the border,”
Now after reading and perhaps even viewing such a pathetic statement one needs (besides a stiff drink) a bit of comic relief. May as well laugh as cry. Or laugh AS you cry over the state of education in our schools. Bride of Rove provides both with a comment left at HotAir who is also carrying the story.
True story. I was volunteering in my son’s fifth grade science class with two other moms and the topic of the day was the moon. I asked why there was no material on astronauts and moon landings? The two moms said they were relieved that fiction wasn’t being taught to kids.
Me: But. Lovell’s book Lost Moon. NASA. All of the video and science that has resulted in from the space program … velcro and Tang for crying out loud … do you really believe it was a hoax? Mrs. (teacher) help me out here.
Teacher: I don’t believe we actually went to the moon either so I don’t teach it.
Me: Interesting. So somehow all of those companies were in on the biggest lie ever perpetrated on the world.
I was unable to change their minds, though I made a valiant effort.
But the best is yet to come...for the punch line you have to visit the site. Made me laugh.
“If this was Texas, which is a state that is directly on the border with Mexico, and they were calling for a measure like this saying that they had a major issue with undocumented people flooding their borders, I would have to look twice at this. But this is a state that is a ways removed from the border,”
Now after reading and perhaps even viewing such a pathetic statement one needs (besides a stiff drink) a bit of comic relief. May as well laugh as cry. Or laugh AS you cry over the state of education in our schools. Bride of Rove provides both with a comment left at HotAir who is also carrying the story.
True story. I was volunteering in my son’s fifth grade science class with two other moms and the topic of the day was the moon. I asked why there was no material on astronauts and moon landings? The two moms said they were relieved that fiction wasn’t being taught to kids.
Me: But. Lovell’s book Lost Moon. NASA. All of the video and science that has resulted in from the space program … velcro and Tang for crying out loud … do you really believe it was a hoax? Mrs. (teacher) help me out here.
Teacher: I don’t believe we actually went to the moon either so I don’t teach it.
Me: Interesting. So somehow all of those companies were in on the biggest lie ever perpetrated on the world.
I was unable to change their minds, though I made a valiant effort.
But the best is yet to come...for the punch line you have to visit the site. Made me laugh.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
There Are No Accidents
Man- You know things are bad when your own dog runs you over with your own truck...
A Florida man was run over by his own pickup truck after his dog put it into gear, according to reports. (more)
Sharia Law in America
Under Sharia law non-Muslims are not allowed to proclaim their beliefs to Muslims. Nice to see they have the Dearborn police to help them enforce this.
If this is what it looks like, replete with cops confiscating video cameras to keep what happened off the record, it’s one of the most ridiculous First Amendment violations you’ll ever see. H/T and more over at HotAir
This is an ongoing issue and you can read more details at WND and a link to last years video which is even more disturbing.
Some color for the story over at Touchstone:
"...There are no Muslims who do not need the Gospel, and no Christians, Arab or otherwise, who can live without it. Why should we be silent? The Gospel can be shared always, but not always welcomed. Jesus wasn't in the end; why should we be?" More
If this is what it looks like, replete with cops confiscating video cameras to keep what happened off the record, it’s one of the most ridiculous First Amendment violations you’ll ever see. H/T and more over at HotAir
This is an ongoing issue and you can read more details at WND and a link to last years video which is even more disturbing.
Some color for the story over at Touchstone:
"...There are no Muslims who do not need the Gospel, and no Christians, Arab or otherwise, who can live without it. Why should we be silent? The Gospel can be shared always, but not always welcomed. Jesus wasn't in the end; why should we be?" More
The Never Ending Game
Lost in the headlines of oil spills, replacement of generals etc. is a bit of history being made in the sports world-and its not the World Cup. (yes, I watch the games when I can- and I enjoy them.)
A RECORD-SETTING MATCH THAT'S NOT OVER YET
Previous full-match time record: 6 hours, 33 min. at 2004 French Open
playing time during 5th set: 7 hours, 6 minutes
Total playing time: 10 hours
John Isner had 4 match points in the 5th set
Just in the 5th set: they played 881 points
John Isner has hit 98 aces
More aces: Nicolas Mahut has hit 95 aces
previous ace record at any match: 78
Total games played: 161 (118 in 5th set)
Longest known tennis matches
10 hours - John Isner vs. Nicolas Mahut, 2010 Wimbledon (in progress)
more here:
http://www.statesman.com/sports/10-hour-wimbledon-match-shatters-all-records-765628.html
A RECORD-SETTING MATCH THAT'S NOT OVER YET
Previous full-match time record: 6 hours, 33 min. at 2004 French Open
playing time during 5th set: 7 hours, 6 minutes
Total playing time: 10 hours
John Isner had 4 match points in the 5th set
Just in the 5th set: they played 881 points
John Isner has hit 98 aces
More aces: Nicolas Mahut has hit 95 aces
previous ace record at any match: 78
Total games played: 161 (118 in 5th set)
Longest known tennis matches
10 hours - John Isner vs. Nicolas Mahut, 2010 Wimbledon (in progress)
more here:
http://www.statesman.com/sports/10-hour-wimbledon-match-shatters-all-records-765628.html
Monday, June 7, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
Controlling the Thinking of Others
On Politics and the Arabic Language from Porphrogenitus
(Required reading)
Musing a bit further on this article, particularly this section:
Next, our counterterror adviser evokes the perverse logic behind the administration’s recent decision to censor words offensive to Muslims (which I closely explored in this PJM article):Until the recent "troubles" it wasn't just Islamic jurisprudence that properly understood what the term Jihad meant; it was universally understood throughout not just Islam but all cultures that had contact with Islam to mean warfare, specifically directed at non-Muslims or those declared heretics and thus deemed to be un-Islamic. (more)Nor do we describe our enemy as “jihadists” or “Islamists” because jihad is a holy struggle, a legitimate tenet of Islam, meaning to purify oneself or one’s community, and there is nothing holy or legitimate or Islamic about murdering innocent men, women and children.Inasmuch as he is correct in the first clause of that sentence — “jihad is a holy struggle, a legitimate tenet of Islam, meaning to purify oneself or one’s community” — he greatly errs in the latter clause, by projecting his own notions of what constitutes “holy,” “legitimate,” and “innocent” onto Islam. In Islam, such terms are often antithetical to the Judeo-Christian/Western understanding. Indeed, the institution of jihad, according to every authoritative Muslim book on Islamic jurisprudence, is nothing less than offensive warfare to spread Sharia law, a cause seen as both “legitimate” and “holy” in Islam. As for “innocence,” by simply being a non-Muslim infidel, one is already guilty in Islam. Brennan understands the definition of jihad; he just has no clue of its application. So he is left fumbling about with a square peg that simply refuses to pass through a round hole.
On the Flotilla Disaster
...Those who sent an elite unit into a hostile confrontation armed with toy weapons made an incredibly stupid decision. And a uniquely Israeli one. In recent memory, Israeli military action has been violent but not decisive, bloody enough to provoke the outrage and condemnation of the world (at this point, a stubbed toe will do), but not enough to actually change facts on the ground (the Hamas and Hezbollah wars being prime examples). These halfhearted wars and battles have earned Israel demerits in world opinion without enough to show in improved strategic position. Exit question: How many new flotillas to Gaza are being planned right now in Europe, Turkey, and the Middle East?
Net result of the “peace/humanitarian” mission: dead activists, wounded Israeli soldiers, no more humanitarian aid to Gaza than if Israel’s offer to transfer the aid to Gaza from Ashdod had been accepted, and a likely breakdown in the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks that were about to start. Congratulations.
UPDATE: Reuters: “Greta Berlin, a spokeswoman for the Free Gaza Movement that organized the convoy, said: ‘How could the Israeli military attack civilians like this? Do they think that because they can attack Palestinians indiscriminately they can attack anyone?’” Here’s a hint, Ms. Berlin: when you try to run a naval blockade, and then attack the blockaders with weaponry, “civilians” is not an apt description.
Allison Kaplan Summer (via Instapundit): “Israel appears to have stepped directly into a trap of a carefully planned suicide mission dressed up in the clothing of a humanitarian effort.”
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Saturday Night Part 4 - On Desire
A two part question for a two part definition- h/t MWebster (see below)
Regarding "desire" as a sexual urge or appetite. We have heard it said that, for example one can have homosexual feelings but not act on them and thus not enter into sin. That is, it is the acting on the thoughts, rather than the thoughts themselves that is the problem. Presumably this would also work for heterosexual thoughts as well. Yet, we are told in Matthew for example, that to even look upon a woman with lust is to commit adultery. Is this a question of intent i.e. the thought, matched with the intent (desire?), makes the sin or is it the thought itself regardless of intent? This seems to be an interesting question on a number of levels including but not limited to matters of linguistics, etymology and of course theology.
Next part, separate question. Regarding desire in relation to a longing or hoping. How much weight do you think should be given to those feeling that arise inside of a person to do some specific thing? For example, if one had a desire to write, a lifelong, unrealized ambition to do this thing, how serious should that individual take that feeling? Should they pursue it? You can insert any particular in the above example. I am reminded of the early try outs of "American Idol" here (the only part I'll watch but only by accident). Lifelong desire meets hard reality in many cases. Did no one tell them they couldn't sing? Or did someone tell them but they ignored it? Obviously this is part of the answer. Like Spiritual Gifts, such desire requires some community affirmation. But is there something more to say here?
Main Entry: 1de·sire
Pronunciation: \di-ˈzī(-ə)r, dē-\
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): de·sired; de·sir·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-Frenchdesirer, from Latin desiderare, from de- + sider-, sidus heavenly body
Date: 13th century
Main Entry: 2desire
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Saturday Night- Part 3
Speaking of culture, is there, or has there been, a distinctively American culture and what are its challenges?
Have we lost it? Are we losing it? If we are losing it then how do we begin to bring it back?
And how does this mix/clash from a Christian point of view?
A recent review in Touchstone seems to ask a similar set of questions. George Barna, "The Seven Faith Tribes" appears to have written a thought provoking book on confronting the concern that "America is being torn apart by our failure to talk and work together toward a desired set of outcomes, based on a common set of values we possess."
Barna used data gleaned from 30,000 interviews and concludes that the problem with American culture is directly related to the loss of an American experience of community over and above our individual experiences of community.
Barna goes on to identify the existing values shared among the different world views or "tribes" and to build (rebuild?) our common life as a nation on them. He names twenty that can form the basis of genuine civic community according to the Reverand Thomas A Baima who reviewed the book, among them:
"to represent the truth well" (honesty)
mutual respect for human rights
civility
What values do you think are or should be on such a list?
Have we lost it? Are we losing it? If we are losing it then how do we begin to bring it back?
And how does this mix/clash from a Christian point of view?
A recent review in Touchstone seems to ask a similar set of questions. George Barna, "The Seven Faith Tribes" appears to have written a thought provoking book on confronting the concern that "America is being torn apart by our failure to talk and work together toward a desired set of outcomes, based on a common set of values we possess."
Barna used data gleaned from 30,000 interviews and concludes that the problem with American culture is directly related to the loss of an American experience of community over and above our individual experiences of community.
Barna goes on to identify the existing values shared among the different world views or "tribes" and to build (rebuild?) our common life as a nation on them. He names twenty that can form the basis of genuine civic community according to the Reverand Thomas A Baima who reviewed the book, among them:
"to represent the truth well" (honesty)
mutual respect for human rights
civility
What values do you think are or should be on such a list?
Friday, May 21, 2010
A few years ago while traveling between San Angelo and Austin, I came upon a stunning field of yellow flowers. Now Spring drives through the Hill Country in Central Texas are known for their wildflower extravaganzas but this was truly special. so much so that it conjured an attempt at poetry.
Today I made that same trip to San Angelo and back on the occasion of my mother's 80th birthday and was astounded at the miles and miles of yellow flowers. While it is true that it has been many years since conditions were right for such a wildflower display but (except for the Rape Seed fields in Britain) I cannot remember ever seeing such a thing in my life. Not only the roadside and many meadows but often entire hillsides and from the road as far as the eye could see, carpets of yellow broken only by the green dots of oak or mesquite trees. Sections of the road were so crowded on both sides with flowers so as to create a glow inside the vehicle and cause one to squint with its brightness.
And me without a camera.
So I've attached a couple of links of pics which come close- close, mind you, to what I saw today. Go visit the photographers sight
My oldest son took some video on his phone toward the end of the "yellow bricked road" but I don't know how well it came out. We'll see.
Today I made that same trip to San Angelo and back on the occasion of my mother's 80th birthday and was astounded at the miles and miles of yellow flowers. While it is true that it has been many years since conditions were right for such a wildflower display but (except for the Rape Seed fields in Britain) I cannot remember ever seeing such a thing in my life. Not only the roadside and many meadows but often entire hillsides and from the road as far as the eye could see, carpets of yellow broken only by the green dots of oak or mesquite trees. Sections of the road were so crowded on both sides with flowers so as to create a glow inside the vehicle and cause one to squint with its brightness.
And me without a camera.
So I've attached a couple of links of pics which come close- close, mind you, to what I saw today. Go visit the photographers sight
My oldest son took some video on his phone toward the end of the "yellow bricked road" but I don't know how well it came out. We'll see.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Saturday Night With a Beer (or whatever) -Part 2
We went on a kayak trip down a rain swollen river today, the scout troop and I, and save for a nasty sunburn on the top of my foot (actually both-but one is decidedly worse than the other) I fared fairly well. The water was moving faster and higher than we had ever seen it on our annual trips down the Guadalupe, taking almost two hours off the trip (though part of that was due to the fact that we did not stop and swim as usual).
Good fun but I am fairly whacked.
Still, I cannot forgo a new tradition on only its second night, so here we go.
Here is tonight's question. Once again, feel free to change the question around or add your own completely different question.
France and Belgium have recently gone about banning, or attempting to ban the Muslim veils. Switzerland has passed legislation in the the same regards concerning new Minarets.
Do you think this is a result of a position against Muslims, a security issue or an attempt at preserving specific cultural identity? Or perhaps a combination of all three or some thing else?
I'm working on getting chat added to the blog to make these discussions easier but until then, we'll have to make due with the comments.
Good fun but I am fairly whacked.
Still, I cannot forgo a new tradition on only its second night, so here we go.
Here is tonight's question. Once again, feel free to change the question around or add your own completely different question.
France and Belgium have recently gone about banning, or attempting to ban the Muslim veils. Switzerland has passed legislation in the the same regards concerning new Minarets.
Do you think this is a result of a position against Muslims, a security issue or an attempt at preserving specific cultural identity? Or perhaps a combination of all three or some thing else?
I'm working on getting chat added to the blog to make these discussions easier but until then, we'll have to make due with the comments.
Friday, May 14, 2010
BREAKING: Oliver North Confirms Mullah Omar Capture
This has been talked about for a few days. The article provides interesting perspective on behind the scenes complexities of approaching peace talks etc.
Mullah Omar Capture
Mullah Omar Capture
Holder hasn't read Arizona law he criticized - Washington Times
I don't know why this should surprise me but it still does. Most disturbing is his statement that he has gotten his information from the newspapers and TV. Good grief.
- Washington Times
and if that wasn't enough...
AG Eric Holder Refuses to Say 'Radical Islam' Is a Cause of Terrorism Committed by Muslims
Total incompetance or ignorance, or both.
NRO asks the very relevant question:
"How can you ever hope to stop something when you refuse even to speak its name?"
This is something right out of "Harry Potter."
Read more...
- Washington Times
and if that wasn't enough...
AG Eric Holder Refuses to Say 'Radical Islam' Is a Cause of Terrorism Committed by Muslims
Total incompetance or ignorance, or both.
NRO asks the very relevant question:
"How can you ever hope to stop something when you refuse even to speak its name?"
This is something right out of "Harry Potter."
Read more...
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Saturday Night With a Beer (or whatever)
Was watching Lark Rise to Candleford. Our Saturday Night at the movies kind of thing. Tonight there was an interesting thread on duty and responsibility but I could not watch it all because a neighbor came by. Her husband is in France right now tending to the details of his elderly mother's death. She (our neighbor) is upset because she could not be with him while he goes through this difficult time. Hmmm- the thread stretches on.
Question for tonight- Does the current trouble that Greece is having, portend teh doom of the EU?
or any other you'd like to throw out. The beer is cold.
Question for tonight- Does the current trouble that Greece is having, portend teh doom of the EU?
or any other you'd like to throw out. The beer is cold.
Saturday Night With a Beer (or whatever) Good Friends and Good Conversation
Many years ago, a couple of friends and I would meet at the Dog and Duck Pub and drink a few beers and discuss matters of great importance. Usually it was theology or at least led to theology (natural since Theology is the mother of all 'ologys after-all) There were some good times and I listened (but not enough) and learned and grew. Times change of course and life took away those moments (and friends moved off to Indiana- (damn it MC) ) And I miss those times.
Something occasionally happens like that on these blogs. A point of contact, an insight, an inspiration and even, dare I say, friendships.
So I thought I would try something for a few months. Every Saturday evening I can, I'll post a topic or question for discussion. I'll do it around 9:00 pm central time. and maybe we can discuss them in the comments section. I'll leave it up all week so if you can't make it Saturday evenings then you can stop in later. You can also add your own questions via e-mail or this blog if you would like. It can be about anything that would make a good conversation.
I hope to "see" you here tonight. I'll try it for a few months and if it works, then great. If not, oh well. I'm still drinking the beer.
(I know some folks don't drink and that's OK- sip on something else. If you do partake, please share the name so I can put it on the shopping list) :-)
Something occasionally happens like that on these blogs. A point of contact, an insight, an inspiration and even, dare I say, friendships.
So I thought I would try something for a few months. Every Saturday evening I can, I'll post a topic or question for discussion. I'll do it around 9:00 pm central time. and maybe we can discuss them in the comments section. I'll leave it up all week so if you can't make it Saturday evenings then you can stop in later. You can also add your own questions via e-mail or this blog if you would like. It can be about anything that would make a good conversation.
I hope to "see" you here tonight. I'll try it for a few months and if it works, then great. If not, oh well. I'm still drinking the beer.
(I know some folks don't drink and that's OK- sip on something else. If you do partake, please share the name so I can put it on the shopping list) :-)
Johny Cash Sings Nine Inch Nails... and its awesome
a meditation in song. Particularly poignant sung at that point in his life.
and while your at it listen to Dr Ralph Stanley - "Oh Death" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpkdOA1LU5I&feature=related
and while your at it listen to Dr Ralph Stanley - "Oh Death" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpkdOA1LU5I&feature=related
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Pick Me, Pick Me!
I don't have cable and don't watch much TV so I'm sure I'm the last to see this but it made me laugh and hope it does you as well
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Revelation
Heard this yesterday over lunch time. An oldie from Waylon Jennings. I don't believe I've ever heard before. Very powerful. You could just as easy minimize the YouTube window as the video adds nothing to the song and even distracts.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Threads- a short story
The shirt lay on the end table beside her chair- unfinished business yet a hollow chore considering the distance between them. Four years newly-wed and blessed with a three year old son, they were lovers in a storybook romance. Each page in the photo album a chapter in a fairy tale, chronicling their meeting, their courtship, their marriage and their new life together. He played the part of the dashing young knight so well; dark hair and dark eyes, but a dazzling smile that could disarm both friend and stranger, young or old, man or woman. His smile was not the smile of the player or Casanova. No, his smile was all the more devastating because of its sincerity and the good heart from which it sprung so readily. It was that smile that had attracted her those years before and the good and decent heart that caused her to fall and remain, in love despite the distance. It was pure light, warming and brightening.
He loved to fly. He could not get enough. Which is why he joined the Army and became a pilot- to fly. In his letters, he had complained that he was not getting enough time in the cockpit but said his commanding officer had promised him more flying time. In fact, he said, that time was coming soon and he was very excited. His excitement charged the words causing them to fairly leap off the pages of his latest dispatch.
He planted grass in the desert. That was who he was. He went to war and planted grass in the desert. Not only did he plant grass he made it grow and be green and flourish there in the desert. Others wrote to tell her that he was their cynosure, their guide and center. They told her how he brightened their days in the desert. His smile, his laughter, his green grass.
She examined the shirt beside her, the missing button making it look incomplete. It was given to her husband as a wedding gift complete with glass buttons. Buttons which she brought with her when she moved to this country. Buttons handed down from her grandmother's grandmother. Handmade connections to other worlds and other times. No place for that shirt in the war, in the desert, and no need for the tiny glass buttons.
He had a plan for his return. They had a plan, the two of them and their three year old son. They'd start a greenhouse business. He would land his helicopter and put his degree to work. They'd grow things- plants and children. They would make a life beyond the Army. "The trick," he said, "was to maximize the land usage, get the most yield from a small plot and then expand. She smiled as she read the letter again.
She took the needle and thread in hand. The thread seemed to stretch between them, a translucent bridge across the distance. It seemed to quiver in her hands as if with electricity. The button seemed a lucent window through space. She pierced the fabric with the needle and as she did the needle gave a small jump and pricked her finger. She held her hand out in front of her, and wondered at the small dot of blood oozing to the surface and dropping beneath the left breast pocket of the shirt, followed by a tear.
Finished now, she folded the shirt and placed it in the box with his uniforms and medals and letters. The stain would no doubt remain. But she knew he would not mind.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Generic Ballot Points Toward Possible 50+ Seat Loss for Democrats
Be still my beating heart....From fivethirtyeight
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Not Just AGs Suing Over Healthcare
According to One News, a group of nearly 5,000 American physicians, The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), is also suing to overturn the newly enacted healthcare bill.
Dr. Jane Orient, executive director of AAPS, says several issues are of concern.
"It's an issue of freedom, it's an issue of saving the country from bankruptcy, it's an issue of access to medical care -- all of these things," she says. "This bill is a monstrous threat to Americans; and the more they find out about it, the more they dislike it [and] the more they fear it." (more)
Dr. Jane Orient, executive director of AAPS, says several issues are of concern.
"It's an issue of freedom, it's an issue of saving the country from bankruptcy, it's an issue of access to medical care -- all of these things," she says. "This bill is a monstrous threat to Americans; and the more they find out about it, the more they dislike it [and] the more they fear it." (more)
Monday, April 5, 2010
Watch 'Em Spin
I still have the book that was required reading in my journalism class so long ago, "How To Lie With Statistics", still it is interesting to note a couple of surveys out today:
Tea Party 48% Obama 44%
On major issues, 48% of voters say that the average Tea Party member is closer to their views than President Barack Obama. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 44% hold the opposite view and believe the president’s views are closer to their own. (Rasmussen)
Almost half the members of the group reported getting their news about national issues from Fox News, 10 percent of respondents said that talk radio is one of their top two sources, which is seven-points higher than average voter.
And then asks: How will the press report it?
NOT EXACTLY A 'MAINSTREAM' FORCE.. at the Washington Monthly for an example of things to come.
Tea Party 48% Obama 44%
On major issues, 48% of voters say that the average Tea Party member is closer to their views than President Barack Obama. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 44% hold the opposite view and believe the president’s views are closer to their own. (Rasmussen)
Tea Partiers Are Fairly Mainstream in Their Demographics
Tea Party supporters skew right politically; but demographically, they are generally representative of the public at large. That's the finding of a USA Today/Gallup poll conducted March 26-28, in which 28% of U.S. adults call themselves supporters of the Tea Party movement. (Gallup)
According to Moderate Voice:
A new poll suggest what I have thought was true about the Maryland’s brew of tea party activists – a good segment of them are Democratic voters who are blue collar people that tend to lean conservative in the way they want government to work. Some of these Democratic voters voted for Ronald Reagan, Bush in 2000, and Ehrlich in 2002. However, the political landscape has changed and Ehrlich has got be careful how he aligns himself with this brand of Maryland Tea.(more)
Taken together I think it points to what many have been predicting for some time i.e. a dark November for members of Congress, especially but not exclusively, democrats
Newsbusters points to the some other salient points from the poll:
The group also vehemently dislikes President Barack Obama – even more so than those who called themselves Republicans in the survey. Over 80 percent of Tea Party members disapprove of the job he’s doing as president, whereas 77 percent of Republican respondents said they disapprove of Obama. The Tea Party members are also strongly opposed to the Democrats’ healthcare plan, with 82 percent saying they oppose it -- only 48 percent of respondents overall were opposed. [...]
And then asks: How will the press report it?
Usually, the press is willing to take things at face value without an intelligent question to spare (e.g. the "gay" gene, global warming, etc.) but I bet this will be different...
see....
Sunday, April 4, 2010
MereComments has this to say on this Holy Day:
...The world is old, and stupid. It wears the sniggering leer of the demagogue, the avid glance of the privateer of finance, the smug half-smile of the professor in the know. It does not want to understand the Cross, and Jesus who suffered upon it, because it is afraid of the new life that springs from Him; because that new life can take you where you do not know you want to go. But Jesus, who died for us, conquers by dying, conquers by giving of himself utterly. If we would be conquerors, if we would be as God himself, we must make ourselves one with Jesus, and give utterly. That cross, we feel, is too heavy for us to bear. It is too heavy; we cannot carry it. Then we must confess our nothingness, our weakness, and, as Therese of Lisieux says, let the cross carry us. We would be soldiers alongside our captain; first let us be as nothing, acknowledging that without Him who emptied Himself for us, we too are empty, like wooden idols, or like the waste and void before God said, "Let there be light."... (more)
There is more and you really should read it but the quote:
"The world is old, and stupid. It wears the sniggering leer of the demagogue, the avid glance of the privateer of finance, the smug half-smile of the professor in the know..."
made me think of another posting and for evidence of the line above you need look no further than the WaPo and its anti-Catholic vitriole published TODAY no less, and courtesy of everyone's favorite (especially his own) atheist, Richard Dawkins.
Pundit and Pundette, who wrote about it, rightfully asks, Did anyone at the Post think twice before they published this attack? Imagine them printing something like that about any other religion....(more)
H/T CMR
Sigh.
...The world is old, and stupid. It wears the sniggering leer of the demagogue, the avid glance of the privateer of finance, the smug half-smile of the professor in the know. It does not want to understand the Cross, and Jesus who suffered upon it, because it is afraid of the new life that springs from Him; because that new life can take you where you do not know you want to go. But Jesus, who died for us, conquers by dying, conquers by giving of himself utterly. If we would be conquerors, if we would be as God himself, we must make ourselves one with Jesus, and give utterly. That cross, we feel, is too heavy for us to bear. It is too heavy; we cannot carry it. Then we must confess our nothingness, our weakness, and, as Therese of Lisieux says, let the cross carry us. We would be soldiers alongside our captain; first let us be as nothing, acknowledging that without Him who emptied Himself for us, we too are empty, like wooden idols, or like the waste and void before God said, "Let there be light."... (more)
There is more and you really should read it but the quote:
"The world is old, and stupid. It wears the sniggering leer of the demagogue, the avid glance of the privateer of finance, the smug half-smile of the professor in the know..."
made me think of another posting and for evidence of the line above you need look no further than the WaPo and its anti-Catholic vitriole published TODAY no less, and courtesy of everyone's favorite (especially his own) atheist, Richard Dawkins.
Pundit and Pundette, who wrote about it, rightfully asks, Did anyone at the Post think twice before they published this attack? Imagine them printing something like that about any other religion....(more)
H/T CMR
Sigh.
He Is Risen!
H/T STR blog:
But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.
For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive....
But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.
For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive....
Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written,
"DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory.
"O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
"DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory.
"O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15
additional readings and commentary from Insight Scoop:
additional readings and commentary from Insight Scoop:
Readings for Sunday, March 21, 2010:It is known by many names: Easter, the Feast of the Resurrection, Resurrection Day, Pascha (from the Greek for “Passover”), the Great Feast, and the Feast of Feasts. Fr. James Schall, S.J., has described it as “the defiant feast,” for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead defies human logic and understanding. It also defies and defeats death, as the great Byzantine hymn proclaims: “By death He conquered death, and to those in the graves, He granted life!” (more)
• Acts 10:34a, 37-43
• Psa. 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
• Col. 3:1-4 or I Cor 5:6b-8
• Jn. 20:1-9
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Today hell groans and cries aloud
From Merecomments:
...On Holy Saturday morning, hell is again a subject in the hymnography, and this time is personified and speaks.
Today hell groans and cries aloud: "It had been better for me, had I not accepted Mary's Son, for He has come to me and destroyed my power; He has shattered the gates of brass, and as God He has raised up the souls that once I held."Today hell groans and cries aloud: "My dominion has been swallowed up; the Shepherd has been crucified and he has raised Adam. I am deprived of those whom once I ruled; in my strength I devoured them, but now I have cast them forth. He who was crucified has emptied the tombs; the power of death has no more strength." Glory to Thy Cross, O Lord, and to the Resurrection.
This "hell" is the "sheol" in the Old Testament, or "hades," the place of the dead, not the final hell of the last judgement.
Glory is given, in the last line, to both Cross and Resurrection, and one might add the smashing of the gates of death. There is a Gospel reference, also to the phrase above "emptied the tombs"--Matthew 27:52--"the tombs were opened and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised."
Sermons that simply assert vague notions about life after death, how the soul lives on in some fashion, and do not preach what the Scriptures teach, are not delivering to their hearers much more than beliefs in immortality you might find in various cultures at various times. The Gospel is earthshaking news, not philosophy about eternal values and hope and springtime. The Resurrection is the ending of a cosmic battle. Or just the beginning. Accept nothing less than that Good News. (read the whole thing here)
Friday, April 2, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
The Truth About the Health Care Bill- From the Left's View
Some myth busting from the Left, courtesy of FDL:
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| The bill will make health care affordable for middle class Americans. | The bill will impose a financial hardship on middle class Americans who will be forced to buy a product that they can’t afford to use. A family of four making $66,370 will be forced to pay $5,243 per year for insurance. After basic necessities, this leaves them with $8,307 in discretionary income — out of which they would have to cover clothing, credit card and other debt, child care and education costs, in addition to $5,882 in annual out-of-pocket medical expenses for which families will be responsible. |
| 5. This plan is similar to the Massachusetts plan, which makes health care affordable. | Many Massachusetts residents forgo health care because they can’t afford it. A 2009 study by the state of Massachusetts found that:
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| 6. This bill provide health care to 31 million people who are currently uninsured. | This bill will mandate that millions of people who are currently uninsured must purchase insurance from private companies, or the IRS will collect up to 2% of their annual income in penalties. Some will be assisted with government subsidies. |
| 7. You can keep the insurance you have if you like it. | The excise tax will result in employers switching to plans with higher co-pays and fewer covered services. Older, less healthy employees with employer-based health care will be forced to pay much more in out-of-pocket expenses than they do now. |
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