UUs and their ministers

There has to be a discrete way UUs can share information about ministers. Congregational polity is local, but that doesn't mean we can't collaborate. There seem to be a few too many folks with control issues out there for my taste.

The good earth

It's a new year, almost a new president and time to start back in with some observations on the world-at-large. And where to start? I think with a recommendation that folks read this op-ed from Wendell Berry and Wes Jackson: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/05/opinion/05berry.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Entitled A 50-year Farm Bill it is a succinct reminder of why locavorism is more than yuppies getting fresher arugula. We are of the earth whether we are willing to acknowledge it or not. Quality of life is dearly tied to quality of soil. What better way to preserve green space, use less energy to ship food and eat better than to energetically support smaller-scale local farming.

Voting The Bible

Today I saw the bumper sticker "Vote The Bible" on a car. (a bright shiny Toyota Camry if you must ask) I've seen the slogan many times before, yet had never troubled myself to ask the question just what parts of the bible are supposed to guide ones' hand in the voting booth?

Old Testament or New? Smiting and stoning or Samaritans and saviors? Hopefully not Revelations.

I listened to Bishop C. Joseph Sprague of the Methodist Church speak last night. He was the addressing the crowd at the MARCC 40th anniversary celebration here in Cincinnati. Bishop Sprague took a moment to mention the election in passing. The essence of what he said was that the true Christian message of the Bible had nothing to do with gay marriage and abortion and everything to do with caring for the least of our citizens, being true stewards of the earth and creating an equitable and just society for all.

That would be a long message for a bumper sticker.

The Monster Rove Made

I don't find the very recent efforts of the McCain-Palin campaign to rein in virulent outbursts at their rallys to be very credible. For one thing, the language used to admonish is tepid compared to what the mob is saying.

Yes, mob. McCain yesterday tried to head-off an ugly line of thought from a supporter in Lakeville, MN. When the senator described Obama as "a decent person" and "family man" he was booed. McCain must have a very high opinion of his persuasive powers if he thinks that those few honest words could change a point of view that has been built and tended carefully for 12 plus years by Karl Rove and the Fox News pundits.

If the McCain campaign is serious about running a positive campaign they need to do more than say 'tsk tsk' at a few partisan events. Withdraw the negative advertisements. Publically rebuke Sean Hannity and others of his ilk. Apologize and admit the lies you have told. But it won't happen.

McCain was booed for refusing to demonize his opponent. Rove made a monster and turned it over to the GOP. Anybody remember what the monster did to Dr. Frankenstein?

My question to John McCain

This afternoon I posted the following message on the McCain campaign website:

The tone of your campaign has taken a very negative turn. The crowds who attend rallies are using violent language to refer to liberals, Democrats and Sen. Obama. This includes reference to 'kill'. This language scares me. In June of this year members of my religious denomination were murdered in Knoxville TN by a man who hated liberals. How can I believe that you and Gov. Palin are for all Americans when you encourage hateful and violent speech against persons who do not share your party affiliation?

I'll let you know if I get a response.

No use for America? - The Alaska Independence Party

'No use for America' is part of a quotation from Joe Vogler the founder of the Alaskan Independence Party. I'm still trying to wrap my head around what I read on their website - they're for the US Constitution but demand a vote on secession because it was denied in 1958 when Alaska joined the union. The AIP wikipedia entry is less interesting for the contested content than the conversation on the talk pages about the content.

I've yet to read anything on the web that satisfies me that Todd Palin is no longer a card carrying member or that is trustworthy as to whether Gov. Palin spoke at a 2000 gathering.

Also of interest are the life and times of Joe Vogler. He was murdered, but executive of the AIP have suggested publically that there was a conspiracy to prevent him from testifying in front of the United Nations.

Waiting Until Next Year

Oh woe. The Cubs lost last night, the glorious bid for a championship is gone. It makes me sad. I like baseball in general and the Cubs in particular. I like it played in the sunshine, on grass and best of all on weekday afternoons when one, strictly speaking, should be someplace else. I like baseball on the radio better than on TV.

This summer the Cubs gave me a break from quotidian concerns and the larger, nagging miasma of politics and environmental decay.

Baseball always makes me feel younger. That's what even two hours freedom from anxiety can do.