Feast Your Eyes, Part Deux

Whether he is herding "Big Blue" in the course of his over the road trucking or vacationing with his camper, Michael (just below) photographs his natural surroundings with a keen eye for composition. His photographs bring his trip home to share with friends. I'm grateful he allows me to share them with you.
Michael's first love is the scenery of Arizona, whether desert scenes or mountain scenes.

He captures the beauty of a sudden desert storm.

Here's a rugged rock formation set against a boundlessly blue desert sky.

We're not in AZ anymore with this one. Winter snows in the Rocky Mountains are sheltered by canyon walls.

Michael takes meal breaks, dawn or dusk walks, any stop for Big Blue, as an opportunity for hiking and photography. Here's Big Blue as he looks back at the start of a hike. (Or is it returning from the hike?)

How high is up? This Arizona butte is framed by the stalk of a century plant and the branch of a tree imitating a century plant stalk. That's a hiking challenge!

The rain gods have been good this year. After several years of hard drought, Arizona's mountain snow packs and desert rains have combined to nurture our lands back to health. This year's wildflowers will be spectacular. In the meantime, this oasis promises safety for wildlife.

Michael is home this weekend, spending time with family and friends. His first call to me? Would I like to hike the perimeter trail? Oh, I'd love to. Give me cooler weather please, and I'll gladly hit the trail to see the world through Michael's eyes. And for those of you elsewhere in the cold cruel world, the high today in Phoenix AZ was 80 degrees. Whew!

Just bring me the beautiful pictures, Michael, and thanks!

Atheist Bus? Not My Bus

In London, UK, atheists have bought bus adverts to declare,
"There is no God."
Every blogger on two continents has trekked to a clever website that allows us to design our own adverts. Okay, I exaggerate.

I declare that for me, there is a God. She is devine. She loves us all with no exceptions.

My beliefs grow and change with time. They began with fairly conventional Christianity in the Episcopal Church, went to lapsed Christian, returned to theism in general, and are now Christianity plus. I couldn't explain it today to save myself. Thankfully 'saving' myself is His/Her job. My job is to be the best Pat I can be, cuz that's how God created me and wants me to be.

Thanks be to all the universe for the me that I am!

Feast Your Eyes, Nourish Your Soul

Big Blue
Blue Rider blew into town last weekend and brought his digital camera with him. He kindly allowed me to share some of his Nature Boy discoveries along the highways of America. Blue Rider is my friend, Michael, who travels the highways of America and revels in every magnificent scene he absorbs.

Michael's constant traveling companions are Skittles (forground) and Duffy. Nope, that's not Duffy in the background; it's a local pup coming up to make friends with Skittles. Duffy is the spiritual one, present with Michael and Skittles wherever they travel. Notice how attentive--okay, downright hammy--Skittles is! Micheal sees beauty in barren winter scenes, and imagines the trees greening up in the spring.

Some images are from his drives in Arizona. There is precious little of his home state that Michael hasn't visited, hiked, and photographed. This was from a local trip, a "busman's holiday." Shall we call that truck Little Blue?

Below is a scene from the cab (passenger side, I'm sure) of Big Blue.

More pictures are coming. Due to my resurgent blog-ignorance, this post is it for now.

Flight 1549 From The Inside

I was touched by this first hand account of passenger and rescuer heroism following the ditching of US Airways flight 1549. I received this by email and it is clearly an in-house communication that escaped into cyberspace. Because of this, I'm editing the names as I am sure the business would prefer. Thanks to Marge M for calling my attention to this account.

This is from a Managing Partner at Name & Name who was on Flight 1549.As many of you now know, Gerry McN. (New York/Charlotte) was on US Airways Flight 1549 last week. We caught up with him to discuss the harrowing incident and - in a departure from our usual format -present his stirring account as told to us:

Thursday was a difficult day for all of us at the firm and I left the Park Avenue office early afternoon to catch a cab bound for La Guardia Airport. I was scheduled for a 5 pm departure, but able to secure a seat on the earlier flight scheduled to leave at 3 PM. As many of us who fly frequently often do, I recall wondering if I'd just placed myself on a flight I shouldn't be on! Just prior to boarding I finished up a conference call with my associate, Jenn S. ( New York ), and our placement, the CIO of United Airlines. When I told him that I was about to board a US Airways flight, we all had a little fun with it. I remember walking on the plane and seeing a fellow with grey hair in the cockpit and thinking "that's a good thing... I like to see grey hair in the cockpit!"

I was seated in 8F, on the starboard side window and next to a young business man. The New York to Charlotte flight is one I've taken what seems like hundreds of times over the years. We take off north over the Bronx and as we climb, turn west over the Hudson River to New Jersey and tack south. I love to fly, always have, and this flight plan gives a great view of several NY landmarks including Yankee Stadium and the George Washington Bridge. I had started to point out items of interest to the gentleman next to me when we heard a terrible crash - a sound no one ever wants to hear while flying - and then the engines wound down to a screeching halt. 10 seconds later, there was a strong smell of jet fuel. I knew we would be landing and thought the pilot would take us down no doubt to Newark Airport. As we began to turn south I noticed the pilot lining up on the river still - I thought - en route for Newark. Next thing we heard was "Brace for impact!" - a phrase I had heard many years before as an active duty Marine Officer but never before on a commercial air flight. Everyone looked at each other in shock. It all happened so fast we were astonished!

We began to descend rapidly and it started to sink in. This is the last flight. I'm going to die today. This is it. I recited my favorite Bible verse, the Lord's Prayer, and asked God to take care of my wife, children, family and friends. When I raised my head I noticed people texting their friends and family, getting off a last message. My blackberry was turned off and in my trouser pocket; no time to get at it. Our descent continued and I prayed for courage to control my fear and help if able. I quickly realized that one of two things was going to happen, neither of them good. We could hit by the nose, flip and break up, leaving few if any survivors, bodies, cold water, fuel. Or we could hit one of the wings and roll and flip with the same result. I tightened my seat belt as tight as I could possibly get it so I would remain intact. As we came in for the landing, I looked out the windows and remember seeing the buildings in New Jersey , the cliffs in Weehawken , and then the piers. The water was dark green and sure to be freezing cold. The stewardesses were yelling in unison "Brace! Brace! Brace!"It was a violent hit - the water flew up over my window - but we bobbed up and were all amazed that we remained intact.

There was some panic - people jumping over seats and running towards the doors, but we soon got everyone straightened out and calmed down.There were a lot of people that took leadership roles in little ways. Those sitting at the doors over the wing did a fantastic job; they were opened in a New York second! Everyone worked together - teamed up and in groups to figure out how to help each other. I exited on the starboard side of the plane, 3 or 4 rows behind my seat through a door over the wing and was, I believe, the 10th or 12th person out. I took my seat cushion as a flotation device and once outside saw I was the only one who did; none of us remembered to take the yellow inflatable life vests from under the seat.

We were standing in 6-8 inches of water and it was freezing. There were two women on the wing, one of whom slipped off into the water. Another passenger and I pulled her back on and had her kneel down to keep from falling off again. By that point we were totally soaked and absolutely frozen from the icy wind. The ferries were the first to arrive, and although they're not made for rescue, they did an incredible job.

I know this river, having swum in it as a boy. The Hudson is an estuary - part salt and part freshwater - and moves with the tide. I could tell the tide was moving out because we were tacking slowly south towards Ellis Island, The Statue of Liberty , and The Battery.

The first ferry boat pulled its bow up to the tip of the wing, and the first mate lowered the Jacobs ladder down to us. We got a couple people up the ladder to safety, but the current was strong pushing the stern of the boat into the inflatable slide and we were afraid it would puncture it: there must have been 25 passengers in it by now. Only two or three were able to board the first ferry before it moved away. Another ferry came up, and we were able to get the woman that had fallen into the water on the ladder, but she just couldn't move her legs and fell off. Back onto the ladder she went; however, the ferry had to back away because of the swift current. A helicopter arrived on station (nearly blowing us all off the wing) and followed the ferry with the woman on the ladder. We lost view of the situation but I believe the helicopter lowered its basket to rescue her.

As more ferries arrived, we were able to get people up on the boats a few at a time. The fellow in front of me fell off the ladder and into the water. When we got him back on the ladder he could not move his legs to climb. I couldn't help him from my position so I climbed up the ladder to the ferry deck where the first mate and I hoisted the Jacobs ladder with him on it; when he got close enough we grabbed his trouser belt and hauled him on deck. We were all safely off the wing. We could not stop shaking. Uncontrollable shaking. The only thing I had with me was my blackberry, which had gotten wet and was not working. (It started working again a few hours later).

The ferry took us to the Weehawken Terminal in NJ where I borrowed a phone and called my wife to let her know I was okay. The second call I made was to Jenn. I knew she would be worried about me and could communicate to the rest of the firm that I was fine. At the terminal, first responders assessed everyone's condition and sent people to the hospital as needed. As we pulled out of Weehawken my history kicked in and I recalled it was the site of the famous duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr in 1804. Thankfully I left town in better condition than Mr. Hamilton who died of a mortal wound the next day! I stayed with my sister on Long Island that evening, then flew home the next day.

I am struck by what was truly a miracle. Had this happened a few hours later, it would have been pitch dark and much harder to land. Ferries would no longer have been running after rush hour and it would not have been the same uplifting story. Surely there would have been fatalities, hypothermia, an absolute disaster! I witnessed the best of humanity that day. I and everyone on that plane survived and have been given a second chance.

It struck me that in our work we continuously seek excellence to solve our client's leadership problems. We talk to clients all the time about the importance of experience and the ability to execute. Experience showed up big time on Flight 1549 as our pilot was a dedicated, trained, experienced professional who executed flawlessly when he had to.

I have received scores of emails from across the firm and I am so grateful for the outpouring of interest and concern. We all fly a great deal or work with someone who does and so I wanted to share this story - the story of a miracle. I am thankful to be here to tell the tale.

There is a great deal to be learned including: Why has this happened to me? Why have I survived and what am I supposed to do with this gift? For me, the answers to these questions and more will come over time, but already I find myself being more patient and forgiving, less critical and judgmental.

For now I have 4 lessons I would like to share:

1. Cherish your families as never before and go to great lengths to keep your promises.

2. Be thankful and grateful for everything you have and don't worry about the things you don't have.

3. Keep in shape. You never know when you'll be called upon to save your own life, or help someone else save theirs.

4. When you fly, wear practical clothing. You never know when you'll end up in an emergency or on an icy wing in flip flops and pajamas and of absolutely no use to yourself or anyone else.

Thanks to all who have reached out; I look forward to seeing you soon!

Dick F.

Please Don't Divorce Us

Thanks to Di Scott for directing me to this video that says it so eloquently:


"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.

Now step right over to the Courage Campaign website and sign their petition to the California State Supreme Court.

The Stethoscope

My friend, Nancy, sent me a copy of this reminder that we aren't walking alone in this world. What a joyful reminder:



This was produced by Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene TX. Thanks to them as well as to Nancy for calling it to my attention.

Arizona Cardinals (Almost!) Win Super Bowl

The Arizona Cardinals did themselves proud in the 43rd Super Bowl tonight. Kurt Warner connected repeatedly with receivers and called rushing plays advantageously, but the Pittsburgh Steelers won out in the end. After going ahead with less than three minutes left in the game, our Cardinals were unable to stop a sustained and successful counter attack. Our Cardinals lost very honorably, 27-23.

Now that we've got our game, just wait until next season!

Sponsor An Executive

This is funny once, maybe.... Or maybe it just makes me feel cranky. Thanks to Dale H for calling my attention to this:

So Go Before You Leave Home....

Proposed light rail station bathroom (left).

Jim Walsh at the Arizona Republic reported yesterday that there is a wave of discontent among passengers using the spiffy new light rail, The Metro. It seems these delicate souls need bathrooms at Metro stations, and Phoenix has failed to anticipate and provide for this basic need.

Let me just say this: If Metro light rail stations get bathrooms, then bus transit stations should get them, too.

One of the first hard lessons of bus commuting for me was continence planning. You know, visit my home bathroom before leaving for work? Just like Mom taught me to do before rides in the car? Know the route to the bathroom upon arrival at my distination business? Drink less fluids? Surely Metro riders have heard of these precautions.

For that matter I used to plan accordingly for my car commutes. So, what's with these precious needy folks? Did they all have mini-commodes in their automobiles?

Quite a few Metro riders are enjoying test rides anyway. Metro still looks like a Disneyland ride on weekends: "I know George. Let's bundle up the kids and take them for a ride on the train." I also secretly long for a sign four feet high saying, "You must be at least this tall to ride."

When the newness wears off and the Metro is left to experienced mass transit commuters, the idea of bathrooms at stations will be an amusing memory.

Are There Christians in Iraq? Yes!

And many of the Christians in Iraq worship in Baghdad with the Reverend Canon Andrew White who has courageously worked for religious reconciliation in the midst of Iraq's war. Tip of the hat and thanks to Lyle Skillen for connecting me to Canon White's updates from Baghdad. From an article published in the UK Times, January 23, 2009:

From Times Online
January 23, 2009
Wanted by God, but wanted by killers too
Canon Andrew White talks about life, work and death threats in the world’s most dangerous parish.

Michael Binyon

He drives to church in an armourplated car, escorted by 25 members of the Iraqi Army. As he preaches, he and his congregation are protected by soldiers cradling machineguns. Each week, familiar faces disappear — kidnapped, abducted or blown up by a suicide bomber. And each week politicians, generals, Muslim clerics and desperate mothers stream in to St George’s Anglican church to beg the help of an English vicar in ending violence, promoting dialogue and negotiating the release of hostages. For Canon Andrew White, fighting for peace has an all too literal meaning. His parish is the most murderous in the world: Baghdad.

* * *

“Peacemaking of the old woolly liberal kind no longer works,” he writes. And the US military, he says, is vital to any effort. “Many people object to the idea that military action has an important role in peace- making, but I believe it more strongly now than ever.”

But he insists that religious figures are central to politics in Iraq. There is, in Iraqi eyes, no distinction. He is trusted and respected, he believes, because he is ordained — and because he belongs to no faction. His work in encouraging reconciliation has high backing — by Lord Carey of Clifton, the former Archbishop of Canterbury and a personal mentor, by Shia and Sunni clergy, by the Iraqi Government, US commanders and by President Bush himself, who wrote to him, just before leaving office last week, to “thank you for helping our people and sharing the Almighty’s love with the people of Baghdad”.

Read the whole article here.

Canon White has a new book out in the UK:
The Vicar of Baghdad by Andrew White (Times Books, £8.54)

Thank You, MadPriest!

As I trolled my favorite blogs last night, I discovered that this humble (new, sketchy) blog of mine has been recognized as a new friend of MadPriest's most excellent blog, Of Course I Could Be Wrong. OCICBW, as it is known in the blogosphere sector I frequent, is full of music, humor, irony, commentary, and God's love for all of us.

I am grateful for the hat tip, MadPriest! I was blown away, and thanks for the references to other new friends, more than one of whom I'll be following further.

Yes We Can!

And I promise to help do the work of healing America.

As I was watching the inauguration, I realized that none of this would have happened if Al Gore had assumed the presidency in 2005. At that time, I wondered what God's plan was. I wondered what benefit could come from President W being re-elected (by court decision, no less). I reminded myself that there was surely a purpose underlying Gore's election loss (by court decision, yes). So many of us were discouraged and even angry. We could not see ahead.

But today I know the purpose, and my faith in God's guidance of our paths is renewed and refreshed.

All hail the Power....!

Cardinals and Steelers!

Our Arizona Cardinals will meet the Pittsburgh Steelers on February 1 in the Super Bowl! We Arizonans have enjoyed a stellar weekend: Cards win the NFC championship; Martin Luther King Day which many of us had to march for in Arizona; and next up, the inauguration of the next President of the United States. Well, maybe not everyone is as thrilled as I am. But many, many are!

Go Cards! Go Barack! Dr. King, what a prophet you were in our midst!

Cardinals Win NFC Championship!

We don't know yet, whether the Ravens or the Steelers will be in Super Bowl 2009.

We do know the Arizona Cardinals will be in Super Bowl 2009 after winning their first ever NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles! Now Bill Bidwill and Arizona Cardinal fans have just about seen it all!

Go Cards!

I'm a Born Again American

Caution: If you listen to this more than once, it will be yours for life. And you'll be glad you listened!



Norman Lear and Keith Carradine have collaborated to bring this new anthem for Americans. They have built a website that asks us to sign on, to be educated about issues, and to volunteer in ways to build a stronger, healthy nation. Count me in!

It's worth the time to go to "About Us" to read the brief stories and biographies of the Americans who performed in this video.

One of the most inspirational settings is at Mount Rushmore where Patti Linsky, Cantor for Temple Ahavat Shalom, sings with Islamic Center's Mu’azzin (Caller to prayer) Benyoucef. Now that's American!

For those of us, like me, who need to see the words, go to the Born Again American website and click on "Read the Words".

Thanks to Rev. Susan Russell at her Inch At A Time blog for sharing this. She is justifiably proud of All Saints' (Pasadena CA) choir's participation!

Fine, Thanks! No Mo Trips to Vet, Pleeez

Joyful Klemme tolerated a trip to the veterinarian Tuesday afternoon and survived indignities like rectal temp and an immunization shot. She traveled in the most modern of conveyances, The Metro light rail. All of that was fine. Joyful was not amused at being 'crated' and bungee corded to a (rolling suitcase) dolly and trundled over bumpy driveways, sidewalks and light rail tracks. I kept reminding her how green we were being, keeping our carbon pawprints down, and saving money on transportation. Joyful kept uttering muttered epithets at every jounce.

Joyful wants her God-guardians, Gail and Laverne, Marge and Maggie, and the neighbors to know, she is healthy, healthy, healthy! "No mo' trips to the vet, pleeeez. I am well!"

On Being Set Free to Live a Dream

A note of admiration and respect to my friend Michael: You go, Blue Rider!

Michael's previous employer 'riffed' him. Reductions in force are happening in all sorts of businesses, and many people look upon being laid off as a dismal and depressing event in life.

Not Michael.

Michael spent some time figuring out what he could do to match his love of travel with his need for a career change. Michael loves driving and hiking and drinking in the beauty of creation. Yes, there are ways to live out the joys of life in one's work, and Michael found his. Then he set about learning how to make his dream job come true. After a few weeks of training, he was granted his unlimited CDL (commercial driver's license), and he went to work for Werner Enterprises as a driver trainee. He put in his required driving time with an instructor-driver, and then got his own Werner-owned truck.

Today he and his trusty side-kick, Skittles, drive the highways of America delivering goods to distribution warehouses, everything from toilet paper to lawn mowers and more. The list of goods he has freighted over the road boggles the mind! When they stop for rest or a meal, he and Skittles take long walks, exploring woods, deserts, mountains, lakes, streams and any other roadside wonder of nature. Skittles and Michael are always accompanied by the spirit of Duffy. Skittles and Duffy have been Michael's canine companions at home and on the road for many years.

I'm a big fan of Michael's can-do spirit. Instead of falling into fear and depression about losing his job, Michael made the most of being set free to make new choices.

I've taken to calling him Blue Rider and his truck, Big Blue. He calls me and lets me know where he is driving and gives me a verbal travelogue of his scenery while driving and nature walks on breaks. He is living out a dream and he knows now he has options for his new career.

If I can talk Micheal out of some other pictures, I'll post them. In the meantime, thanks to Werner's website for allowing use of an ideal picture of Big Blue. And thanks to photographer Jim G. for this picture of the happy travelers. Isn't that Duffy in the image, too?

You go, Blue Rider!!

Being Gay Really IS a Gift from God

Here is the Reverend Edwin Bacon from All Saints Church, Pasadena CA with an expanded message for my life and the lives of LGBT people everywhere:

Cardinals Win! (Yes, really!)

Would you look at this?

Arizona Cardinals 33

Carolina Panthers 13

It is Saturday, January 10th, and the long-time lackadaisical Arizona Cardinals just won an NFL quarter-final game. They will next play for the right to go to the Super Bowl!

Is this the same Arizona Cardinals we've had all along? Well, yes and no. It sure is Kurt Warner at quarterback and Edgerrin James and Anquan Boldin and other familiar names. Yet there is a distinctly new spirit and team, perhaps as the result of Coach Whisenhunt's leadership. I'm not a Cardinals fan; I lost interest years ago due to year after year of failing seasons. So I'm not going to run out and try to buy a ticket or buy a TV to watch them, but I'll give them a post in my Diverse Mind blog! Good for the Cards! Go Cards! We are finally proud of you!!

My Other Car Is A Valley Metro Bus!

Mi Coche

On October 31, 2008, I donated my car to charity. Yes, it will be nice to have a modest tax deduction. Yes, it means I'm thinking 'Green!' But mostly it helps me prepare for retirement. It was time to fix or replace my well-worked car, and I chose to do neither.

Instead I walk out to a bus or Metro stop on Central Avenue or Camelback Avenue and hop aboard for a relaxed ride to anywhere. I read my newspaper or a book or do a puzzle or just spend quiet time. I smile at children and sometimes help someone who is new to riding the bus. We are all new at riding the Metro, so I'm the one being helped half the time. I'm getting some exercise walking. I'm enjoying a slower pace to life. I'm reducing my carbon footprint. And I'm being much gentler to my bank account.

People react with astonishment or pity. They have no idea how much I enjoy my car-free lifestyle. If you don't believe me, try it! Click on the title above for help getting started. You don't have to give your car away or sell it. But you might find you want to. I did!

Missing You

 

Babs,

Your smile was there for me when I was new, your hand reached out in welcome.

You gave me your name and phone number and asked me to call you the next day. You became my sponsor, my guide, my friend, and--somewhat unwillingly on my part--my honorary psychologist. You taught me how to make the steps work in my life and how to hang on to recovery no matter how life buffetted me. You said, "There are no big deals." You also said, "Life's hard and then you die." No matter what my whine, you had a wine-free answer. And I learned to live one day at a time, however imperfectly.

We were at Willie's on the north shore of Kauai, a short walk to End of the Road. We visited gardens and luaus and beaches. We spent relaxed vacation time together with our loved ones, and it was good. This photo is in my memory as one of the happiest smiles I've ever seen. I'm keeping it here and looking back from time to time to remember.

I miss you. Thanks for my very life!

Feeling Fine in 2009

It's here; it's the New Year!

This year is full of promises for us as individuals, for our nation, and for the world. Let's make it the best we can, one person at a time. Let's do less criticizing and more construction. Let's find the kernel of good in each other's ideas and help improve the idea. Let's work together, instead of obstructing one another.

Let's build 2009, build America, and build our self-respect. That's my hope for 2009.

Welcome to Our Home, Joyful!

Joyful is the one on the left. She's a pretty 3-5 year old black cat with luxurient long fur and sparkling green eyes. Gail is the one on the right. Gail and her mother, Laverne, brought Joyful to me after a search for a new human Mom--that would be me. Joyful's previous Mom died unexpectantly, so Gail and her Mom set about caring for Joyful until they could find a new home. Never once did they consider taking her to the pound or any place else where she might not have a future.

Thanks be to God for good people who love animals. It's been lonely since Stretch died, and now Joyful and I can both be...well, Joyful!

It's Over and We Awaken to a New World

Election 2008 is in the books.

Barack Obama is now the President-elect of the United States of America. What a journey he has made! And we will have a young, vibrant First Family to inspire continuous participation especially among young people. Barack was elected by the young people with a little help from their voting elders. It is a joy to see new life in people's faces reflecting new hopes and dreams for our nation.

Thank you, Senator John McCain! You are an American hero, and you are a gracious man, a statesman, to have conceded so magnanimously. I pray that your work in the senate will continue to be for the good of our country. I can imagine an Obama-Biden adminstration with you in a prominent cabinet position. And it would be magnanimous and smart of our new administration to use your talents to our country's best advantage.

On a personal note, I am disappointed and frankly hurt, that anti-gay marriage constitutional amendments have been added to the constitutions of Arizona, California and Florida. I almost expected it in Arizona and Florida, but I was appalled that California mustered enough deluded "Christians" to pass a blatantly discriminatory admendment. What will become of the marriages of over 18,000 couples who are married in the state of California since the California Supreme Court ruled that marriage was a right for gay couples as well as straight couples?

It must break the heart of God to see such vitriole from His children in the name of Jesus Christ who taught us to love one another. Discrimation is not a Christian value.

How Racism Works

Thanks to my friend, Jane R, who sent this by email. The writer, Kelvin LaFond, wrote this as a letter to the editor of the Star-Telegram in Dallas/Ft. Worth for the September 5th edition. I find it helpful in discernment for the election, but also a sound life lesson:

How racism works:

What if John McCain were a former president of the Harvard Law Review?

What if Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his graduating class?

What if McCain were still married to the first woman he said "I do" to?

What if Obama were the candidate who left his first wife after she no longer measured up to his standards?

What if Michelle Obama were a wife who not only became addicted to pain killers, but acquired them illegally through her charitable organization?

What if Cindy McCain graduated from Harvard?

What if Obama were a member of the Keating 5?

What if McCain was a charismatic, eloquent speaker?

If these questions reflected reality, do you really believe the election numbers would be as close as they are.This is what racism does. It covers up, rationalizes and minimizes positive qualities in one candidate and emphasizes negative qualities in another when there is a color difference.

--Kelvin LaFond, Fort Worth

Alaskan Women Reject Palin Rally

Today I got this email that brought joy to my heart. Governor Sarah Palin is NOT recommended for veep by her own constituents in Alaska:

[The] Alaska Women Reject Palin rally was to be held outside on the lawn in front of the Loussac Library in midtown Anchorage . Home made signs were encouraged, and the idea was to make a statement that Sarah Palin does not speak for all Alaska women, or men. I had no idea what to expect.

The rally was organized by a small group of women, talking over coffee. It made me wonder what other things have started with small groups of women talking over coffee. It's probably an impressive list. These women hatched the plan, printed up flyers, posted them around town, and sent notices to local media outlets.

One of those media outlets was KBYR radio, home of Eddie Burke, a long-time uber-conservative Anchorage talk show host. Turns out that Eddie Burke not only announced the rally, but called the people who planned to attend the rally "a bunch of socialist baby-killing maggots", and read the home phone numbers of the organizers aloud over the air, urging listeners to call and tell them what they thought. The women, of course, received some nasty, harassing and threatening messages.

I felt a bit apprehensive. I'd been disappointed before by the turnout at other rallies. Basically, in Anchorage , if you can get 25 people to show up at an event, it's a success. So, I thought to myself, if we can actually get 100 people there that aren't sent by Eddie Burke, we'll be doing good. A real statement will have been made. I confess, I still had a mental image of 15 demonstrators surrounded by hundreds of menacing "socialist baby-killing maggot" haters.

It's a good thing I wasn't tailgating when I saw the crowd in front of the library or I would have ended up in somebody's trunk. When I got there, about 20 minutes early, the line of sign wavers stretched the full length of the library grounds, along the edge of the road, 6 or 7 people deep! I could hardly find a place to park. I nabbed one of the last spots in the library lot, and as I got out of the car and started walking, people seemed to join in from every direction, carrying signs.Never, have I seen anything like it in my 17 and a half years living in Anchorage.

The organizers had someone walk the rally with a counter, and they clicked off well over 1400 people (not including the 90 counter-demonstrators). This was the biggest political rally ever, in the history of the state. I was absolutely stunned.

The second most amazing thing is how many people honked and gave the thumbs up as they drove by. And even those that didn't honk looked wide-eyed and awe-struck at the huge crowd that was growing by the minute. This just doesn't happen here.

Then, the infamous Eddie Burke showed up. He tried to talk to the media, and was instantly surrounded by a group of 20 people who started shouting O-BA-MA so loud he couldn't be heard. Then passing cars started honking in a rhythmic pattern of 3, like the Obama chant, while the crowd cheered, hooted and waved their signs high.

So, if you've been doing the math? Yes. The Alaska Women Reject Palin rally was significantly bigger than Palin's rally that got all the national media coverage! So take heart, sit back, and enjoy the photo gallery. Feel free to spread the pictures around to anyone who needs to know that Sarah Palin most definitely does not speak for all Alaskans. The citizens of Alaska , who know her best, have things to say.

There followed numerous delightful pix of intelligent Alaskans expressing their opinion of Sarah Palin, all delightful.

And I wish I could reproduce them all, but here is my favorite:

SNL Lives!

Saturday Night Live is back! And what a way to start. If you haven't already seen their Palin & Clinton segment, here's your chance:

Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!

Godparenting A Gay Child

I have been asked to prepare a reflection about being Godparent to a child who may be gay. This is the first draft. I invite your comments. (Careful now; be as critical as you like, but be nice!)


My Godchild May Be Gay: How Can I Help?

Children are not as shielded from references to sexuality in today’s culture. What they may be shielded from at home will likely be picked up at school or play. Most grade-school children know rudimentary (and sometimes erroneous) facts about sexuality, and some are shockingly knowledgeable at a young age. As a result a child may realize at quite a young age that he or she feels attracted to children of the same sex, or get crushes on adults of the same sex. Such children may or may not talk to their parents or other adults in their lives about this. Or they may approach the topic obliquely, saying something like “I have a friend….” Other children may display signs of gender confusion like dressing up in the opposite gender parent’s or friend’s clothing, or behaving more like opposite gender children.

Like me some children, no matter how cognitively knowledgeable they are about sexuality, may have no conscious feelings of same or different gender attractions, may never talk about gay* sexuality or demonstrate any signs of cross-gender behavior. Such children may not awaken to their sexual identity until their late teens or even later in life. This is as prevalent, or more so, than children with early conscious awareness of alternative sexuality. I was a tomboy from the time I could crawl with a swagger. Yet I had no conscious awareness of alternative sexual expression until my early twenties.

Sexuality is one facet of our God-created lives. We are physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and sexual beings. We who may affect the lives of children need to evaluate how we feel about gay (or other) sexuality. If our feelings are negative or if we feel we don’t know enough about the subject to be able to help our Godchild, one of the best resources is PFLAG--Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. PFLAG’s website, http://community.pflag.org/, provides a wealth of information, including ways for you learn more about supporting anyone in your life who may be gay. There are local chapters in every state and if one is not far from you, I urge you to meet with members personally. I will recommend some additional resources later.

Here are some suggestions to help a child who may be gay:

Ø For all children, know that ‘gay’ behavior is not a predictor of adult sexuality. Keep an open mind, but realize that a child is trying on different personas as he or she is growing up.

Ø Let your Godchild know that some people are gay, just as some are of other races. Point out that God creates diversity in humanity just as in all nature.

Ø If you have a gay relative or friend that your Godchild knows also, express your appreciation of that person. It’s not necessary to point out that he or she is gay, just that he or she is a valued person in your life. (Think you don’t have any gay people in your life? Look again!)

Ø Let your Godchild know that there are different forms of family, and that love, respect, and spiritual well-being are characteristics of healthy families, whether large multi-generational families or single parent families, or same-sex families.

Ø Let your Godchild know that you are always open to questions about confusing subjects or things that come up at school that are not easily understood. Be open to “I have a friend…,” or other subtle openings to teachable moments.

Ø If your Godchild shares that he or she may be gay or is gay, ask how that is going. Open a conversational avenue to get your Godchild’s feelings about this. He or she may be elated or depressed or even hurt. Be prepared to provide tangible assistance if your Godchild is having a hard time with this. Know gay-friendly resources in your town such as doctors, counselors, clergy who can help support good mental, emotional, and spiritual health as your Godchild adapts to a new or renewed self-image.

Ø If a child under the age of 12 says he or she is gay or is going to grow up to be gay, treat it respectfully and check for support needs as above. Know, however, that it can probably be safely filed with I’m gonna be a fireman when I grow up, I wanna be an astronaut, and the myriad of other trial and error imaginations of most young children. The closer to twelve-years-old, however, the more carefully you need to assess for reality vs. imagination.

Ø Remind your Godchild that God created each of us just the way He meant us to be and that “God don’t make no junk!” God loves us with the sexuality He gave us, but he expects us to use the gift of our sexuality responsibly. The values we learn in our families, schools, and faith communities apply just as much to gay relationships as to straight ones.

For some people, coming out to a loved one about minority sexuality takes more courage than they will ever have to muster again. Our culture is not supportive of gay sexuality. Children and teens can be especially cruel to a ‘sissy’ classmate, even if that child is not gay. There is a frightening high incidence of suicide among gay or questioning teens and young adults. Likewise many states still do not have hate-crime legislation to prevent gay-bashing. Gays awakening to their sexuality are at high risk.

They also fear hurtful responses from their families and loved ones. A loving Godparent can manifest God’s love for a gay Godchild through acceptance and support.

* 'gay' meaning gay, lesbian or other minority sexual expression

Additional resources: For The Bible Tells Me So, Soulforce, Metropolitan Community Churches, Integrity, Dignity, etc.

Wise Words for Governor (VP Nominee) Sarah Palin

I am only one of hundreds who finds this quote relevant to Gov. Palin's criticism of Senator Obama's work experience as a community organizer:



"Mrs. Palin needs to be reminded that Jesus was a community organizer, Pontius Pilate was a governor." ("MJR, Michigan" via the NYT comments .)



Like my source, Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton's Telling Secrets, I'm guessing MJR, Michigan is a woman and an Episcopalian.

Careful There, Barack Obama!

Tip of the Hat to Gail who sent me an automobile sized bumper sticker, the same one that now electronically graces the sidebar of this blog. If we ban Republican Marriage, people like me--daughter of two stalwart Republicans--will not be able to counterweight them later. What to do, what to do?? Should we continue to allow them to marry and reproduce, knowing that they are apt to produce solid Democratic Party off-spring? Or should we ban such marriages so they will taste the pain of ostracism? Something to mull.

Gail also brings my attention to an opinion piece in the July 7th (2008) Seattle Post-Intelligencer written by syndicated columnist Amy Goodman: To Whom Does Obama Respond? Ms. Goodman documents several actions of Senator Obama that seemingly go against his own stated values. And she is right about Obama's motives. He is likely stretching himself beyond his personal values in an attempt to appeal to the broadest spectrum of potential votes.

Ms. Goodman cites an apparent position change on the pending (as of 7/5/08) FISA amendments. However days later, Sen. Obama voted with his colleagues, Sen. Dodd and Sen. Feingold, to oppose giving communication companies immunity for past releases of customer records to the federal government Homeland Security agencies. When that amendment failed, however, Sen. Obama voted for the overall package of FISA changes that included the immunity provision. As I say both of these votes took place after Ms. Goodman's article.

It is noteworthy that the senior senator from Arizona was only one of two Senators who were not present to vote on either FISA amendment. Senator Ted Kennedy was in treatment for glioblastoma cancer. Senator McCain was....?

I'd have preferred that Sen. Obama continue to oppose a FISA that permitted immunity; many of us would have preferred that he continue to vote with Sen. Dodd and Sen. Feingold. That he chose to do otherwise was probably a practical choice, but not a morally sound one.

As for Ms. Goodman's opinions on other Obama statements, some of which I like and some of which I don't, Obama is answering questions in the context of the moment--never a good situation for a candidate's credibility. I would like to know what details surrounded these other issues. For example, overall I dissapprove of the way NAFTA has worked in practice. I'm guessing he feels the same way overall. But if he were being asked a specific question about a narrow issue within that topic such as establishing NAFTA with Colombia, his anwer might indeed appear to conflict with previous statements. Free trade isn't fair trade, but regulating and increasing trade with a Colombia, seriously working to clean up its historical drug cartel economy, may give them badly needed alternative economic support in transition.

Ms. Goodman also cites Obama's opinions of Supreme Court decisions on overturning DC's ban on handguns (favors the ruling) and on prohibiting the death penalty for child rapists (disagrees with the ruling). Taking Ms. Goodman's accuracy as a given, these statements give me the willies. These are 180 degrees from my opinions on these decisions. Watch it, Barack!

She concludes that Senator Obama may well be losing some voters in an attempt to appease others. One of the most attractive qualities of Candidate Obama was his apparent commitment to values like my own. He is not going to lose me over this, because the alternative is unthinkable. But it's a shame that he's slip-sliding on his own values. I like him for his values, and failing his integrity in this way may lose him as much as believes he will gain.