Espionage and treason are such a strong words

I have been listening to multiple reports today (Feb 17, 2017)  from various news sources about the “plan to deploy 100K National Guard troops to round up illegals for deportation…”, which is, of course, intended to show how anti immigrant President Trump is. Whether he is or is not anti immigration isn’t at issue here.  That’s a subject for another time. (If your comments are about that issue, I will have to assume you did not read any further than the first paragraph.)

I ask that each of you look past the sensational headlines and consider what is more likely the real story.

Everyone is focusing on the wrong question. Yes, there probably is a memo that outlines something like this.  It is likely meant as a working document for discussion rather than for implementation. It has probably been in the files since before Pres. Trump took office. Whatever the case, this memo should not be the issue.  

The real question should involve espionage and intentional disclosure of national information.  Who provided this memo to the Associated Press? Someone made the decision to violate their security clearance, and take advantage of their position, and turn this over to the media. That same someone obviously puts a political motivation above National security.

Throughout my military career, I held a security clearance.  I have been called upon many times to participate in working groups, to look at multiple scenarios of a potential situation, and contribute ideas on how to counter problems which MAY arise.  To say the least, we worked on some very interesting issues. Be that as it may, my experience is that these draft plans are merely ideas on how to approach a situation; to, as a group, think through all contingencies.  The “plans” are a result of working group discussions, and many times they are studied and simply put on the shelf.  They are NOT “READY FOR PRIME TIME!”  They have done their job.

At the very least, these scenarios are classified For Official Use Only (FOUO), but more likely are in a category of Secret or higher. The classification is there to protect means and methods of approaching situations to defeat an adversary.  I am speaking from a military position on this point.  (AND NO, I AM NOT CONSIDERING IMMIGRANTS AS ADVERSARIES!!!) As such, passing information like this to a news service like the AP is a treasonous act.  It is done consciously to reveal things which should not be made public.  Someone has determined that doing so will either get them something or do political damage to an opponent.  

Proper handling of classified information is known by every level - from the rawest recruit to the highest ranking General, and for cleared civilians, from the lowest clerk to the top of the Senior Executive Service.  Anyone in possession of such information should, and really does, know their responsibility for protecting it.  This was a deliberate act.

The popularity of things like Wikileaks and Eric Snowden tend to glorify the wrong side of disclosure of information.  It is the difference between “the public has a right to know” and “the public has the right to be protected, and revealing certain information is counter to that goal.”  The current, commonly-held attitudes toward keeping something private (classified…) would be disastrous in a serious war time situation.  I hope we never have to put it to the test.

Again, look past the sensational headlines and consider what is more likely the real story.

We Have No Bounds Anymore

What has our society come to? It seems that we simply accept, without question, that there are no societal bounds. Anyone can say or do just about whatever they want, excluding outright lawlessness,  apparently without consequences.

As an example, I cite a Periscope broadcast of the Inauguration prayer service for our new President.  I was interested, so I started watching a portion of it. If you are familiar with Periscope, it gives anyone a platform to live stream video, and then allows viewers to make comments. I guess I would have expected the people who were watching to be, like me, interested in the service rather than someone whose purpose was to ridicule or denigrate.

But that was not the case here. The whole intent of many of the viewers, apparently, was to make their opinion on the matter overshadow the event itself. Many of the comments were downright abusive and hateful, both toward the President and also religion in general. I would estimate that I saw four or more abusive comments for each neutral or complimentary one. It must make people somehow feel important or powerful to spout off in such a manner. (Yes, I realize I could have turned the comments off!)

I guess that the old adage of “if you can't say anything good, don't say anything at all” no longer applies.  I guess it has changed to “I have an opinion on the matter, you are entitled to hear it,  and I will shout it out until you get so tired of me that you let me have the last word!”

Lord help us!

Guess what-i'm tired

Fair warning:  This is likely to make you mad.  If I offend you with this, I'm sorry!  I guess I've been offended enough times lately that I was driven to write this.

I love each of you. Family, friends, coworkers, church members.  I keep in contact with you because I want to know what is happening in your world.  I am interested in you.

I want to hear about your kids being in sports.  I want to see videos of their marching band performance or a hockey, soccer, or football goal.  Tell me why you enjoyed your vacation, punctuated with interesting pictures of that trip.  Post pictures of the wedding or family gathering.  Let me know about your holiday plans.  Keep me informed about those important things going on in your life that I may not know about because you happen to be in another part of the country.  Let me in on the GOOD stuff!  In short, I want to know how YOU are doing.

That being said, here's what I am really NOT interested in hearing about.  ...Why the world is ganging up against you.  ...How ticked off you are that your candidate lost.  ...Squabbles within your family or your workplace, and why I should take your side of the issue.  ...Those cute cat videos you found.  (yeah, I can search for them, too, if I ever possibly wanted them)  All of these, I'm sure, have their place, but I don't need to know about every one of them, thank you very much.  I only mention these because I've see ALL of them.

I acknowledge, as you probably will also,  that there are at least two, and often multiple, positions on any given issue, whether that issue is religious, financial, family, or political.  I will happily grant each of you the freedom to hold your opinion on anything. That is the freedom of thought and speech granted to us by our constitution.  Please have the courtesy of granting that I may hold an opinion, whether or not it is the same as yours.

However, vitriolic posts stating any opinion (of which I have seen many recently) are really disturbing to me.  Many of those are framed and stated in such a way that I am embarrassed to even have them in my email or in my Facebook feed. Several of them use atrocious language or reference sites that use foul language or espouse extreme positions, whose sole purpose is to either put down or raise the ire of those who don't hold that opinion!  Even if I might hold such a position, my Christian upbringing certainly would not allow me to state it in such a way as to lower myself to this so-called "sailor-speech." (No offense intended to my Navy friends!)   Everyone should keep it clean.  We still have polite, moral standards, even though they are swiftly going by the wayside in our society.

I'll tell you what.  I will try not to post any inflammatory opinions on my position, (I guess this post may have to be considered an exception to that...) and I ask that you just consider doing the same.   You know what they are, and you know it when you post them!  None of those extreme posts will likely change my stand on any of those issues, so, unless posting them is somehow therapeutic for you, I don't really need them.   In fact, many are so far-fetched that they are more likely to strengthen my views on whatever the issue is!

I won't drop any of you from my email list or Facebook friends list over this.  If this is too extreme, and you choose to drop me, I guess that's your choice.

Remember, I love you...

Protesting reality

The protest mentality playing out right now

I admit I have not given much of my time paying attention to the anti-Trump protests.  But in those few pictures I've happened across, it looks like the age group is mostly 40 or younger.

That would speak volumes to me as a Boomer.  This is the age of the 'everyone gets an award' and 'make everyone a winner' mentality.  I can cite many personal examples of  those who, despite their training in these matters, do in fact 'get it'.   Others have, instead, become programmed to believe that there are no losers! This group is the ones I'm speaking about.

Then they enter real life, and it comes on them like a speeding train.  Guess what.  The real world has winners and losers!  When this group is forced to actually face this reality, many have been given no training to cope with the situation. So all they can think of to do is get mad at something.  Become the victim.  Create havoc.  Destroy something.  Lash out at society.  Do everything possible to show that you are a upset.  Don't accept what has happened.  And, sadly enough, many of them are not really sure of just what it is that they even want!

There are, unfortunately, enough people whose philosophical goal is to destabilize this fine country, and who see this as an opportunity to capitalize on this mentality.  They 'feed the flame' so that they get the media attention to this 'injustice'. (I think the media is as much to blame as anyone, but that's for another day) They pay people to disrupt businesses and neighborhoods so that the 'normal' citizen is inconvenienced or even injured in the process.

How sad that this is going on in our country.  Oh, that everyone would see that there is room for more than one opinion, more than one voice to be heard.  And, yes, someone loses!

PS:  I think the Bible has a description of these people, too.
“So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭19:32‬ ‭NASB‬‬
http://bible.com/100/act.19.32.nasb

Alan L. Buhler,
LtCol, USAF, Retired

the pot calling the kettle black

The pot calling the kettle black...

This is day one after the election.  The electorate has spoken.  Now, I am hearing a tremendous amount of people referring to President-elect Trump as a bigot.  Here's the Merriam-Webster definition.

bigot

noun  big·ot  \ˈbi-gət\

Simple Definition of bigot
* : a person who strongly and unfairly dislikes other people, ideas, etc. : a bigoted person; especially : a person who hates or refuses to accept the members of a particular group (such as a racial or religious group)

Because he has not performed any executive duties yet, no one knows how his administration will conduct itself.  I've not yet seen a politician conform too closely to campaign rhetoric, and don't really expect that now.  An awful lot of what is posted against him is a strong (dare I say vehement?) and unfair dislike for what people attribute to him as being his ideas, and it is coming from people who refuse to accept or acknowledge anyone who may have or do now support him.  Many of these can only see Trump supporters as being part of some sub-intelligent group.

Be careful who you are calling a bigot.  It might just reveal YOUR bigotry.

Let's be apolitical about this

Apoliticism is apathy or antipathy towards all political affiliations. The Collins Dictionary defines apolitical as "politically neutral; without political attitudes, content, or bias."  Other definitions call it having no interest or involvement in political affairs.

I am of the strong opinion that there are two entities that MUST exist as apolitical bodies in order to maintain a strong, free country.  One of those is sometimes called the fourth estate - the media.  The other is the Supreme Court.  If either one becomes politicized, then freedom, majority rule, and free thought mean little.  Unfortunately, both of these have been coopted by political leanings and ideology to the extent that their purpose changes dramatically.  Both of these no longer serve the constituency, but instead uses it's position to influence society toward their ideology.

Take first the media.  As a product of the 1950's and 1960's, I well remember when news reporters gave you what happened.  That was it.  They rarely had panels of experts to interpret the news, but instead gave the facts and expected the viewers to be intelligent enough to determine how that affected them.  The likes of Chet Huntley, David Brinkley, and Walter Cronkite stood firm in the fact that their personal opinion should not enter into the discussion.  It was essentially irrelevant.

Plus, the news programs happened once a day - not this round-the-clock constant stream of opinion pieces interspersed with snippets of things that fit the agenda.  The shift in emphasis happened, in my opinion, with the advent of the 24 hour channels - CNN being the first of note.  With that amount of available airtime, and not enough happenings to report, it was necessary to create filler. That filler has evolved over time to be spin, indoctrination, with much of it questionable as far as truth and believability.

So, my call is that the media has ceased to be apolitical.  Whomever you listen to is grinding an axe for one side or the other.  The is no more reporting - just more and more filler.

The score now stands at politics 1, freedom 0.

That leaves the Supreme Court.  Of any governmental body, this is the one that should shun political leanings totally.  That is the ONLY way that a pure justice system can happen.  It is, to my thinking, clearly the way the founding fathers envisioned it to be.  They, like an umpire, must look at the rule book - in this case, the Constitution - and decide if the "play" is legal or not.

Sadly, this is not the case.  Each team has now provided it's own umpires, and they are more about arguing over the rules than they are with watching the game.  If one can get more umpires from their team, then they can rest assured that they get their way, regardless of the rules.  These umpires - the judges - think they are the winners or losers, when in fact freedom and justice are the ultimate losers.

Politics 2, freedom zero.

Unless the American people wake up and demand that this change, we are in for rough times.  They must vote into office those who think country over politics, and "vote with their wallets" for impartial media reporting.  Only then will we rebalance the government, and reestablish a free society.

Freedom wins...

Define the terms and control the conversation

One thing that the progressive movement has done well is to learn how to get the "rules" to favor their side.  They have done an exceptional job at creating definitions that favor their point of view and agenda.  By defining the terms, and co-opting the media, they clearly have a controlling voice in current society.

I think my first introduction to that was in one of my - shall I call it a "Social conscience"class - in my first or second year of college.  We got into a discussion over "choice" and it's impact.  I took offense that they chose such a benign sounding word for such a horrible act.  (Yes, I am pro life!). As I recall, I was the only one who spoke up about it, too.  I explained I supported "choice" as a Democratic concept, but not how they defined it.  I was not the star of the class that day.

Ok.  I get it, now.  New definition to an existing word. The term was effectively hijacked, and used to support a political agenda.

As that concept became more common place, and acceptable, new definitions crept into the vernacular.  Another example is the new use of pride.  It is a basic human desire to be proud of who one is or of what you have done, but that term has also been taken over to the extent that it no longer carries the meaning it once did for society.  It "means" now that it encompasses everything the LGBT wants it to.  Please understand I am not saying anything against them here-I am only using them as an example of driving the conversation by taking over a term.

This is not isolated to such groups or concepts.  A while back I read of a resolution, voted on and passed by a majority, that included the word "unanimous" in the title. ( I understannd this is not an uncommon ploy. )  The casual reader would read that as supported by each one rather than a majority.  So, again, define the term and control the conversation.

How about the term "affordable?"  Yes, currently made famous in Home Affordable refinance program (HARP) and Affordable Care Act.  Clue here.  When you have to put that in the title, you know it's gonna cost you!  Each of these government programs carries a heavy tax burden, and it would be a real stretch to "afford" either of these.

So, what is the point?  I guess we need to be discriminating readers - and voters - when we come up against terms like these.  We must realize how they can be manipulated to easily muddy the waters so you don't see the bottom - you only see what "they" want you to see.

Consume carefully.  Vote your conscience.  Know where you stand, and use your Super powers (your heart and your brain...) to make sense of what you hear.  Act accordingly!

Can we get another wagon, please?

How many of you will remember a theme that recurred over and over in the old Westerns about a "Doctor" selling a Magic Elixir that cured everything?  This "Doctor" parked a wagon in some prominent place and started to gather a crowd.  He would show an old man barely able to walk who would drink some of the elixir, then get up and do a dance.  The crowd would be awestruck, and flock to the wagon to buy their share.  Clearly, this was no "Doctor" and the Magic Elixir was nothing of the sort.  It was likely 90% whiskey with some flavoring thrown in.  A straight out misrepresentation of what it really was - or maybe a 10% truth???

And the wagon was an essential part of the plan.  It made for a quick get away when the people found out the truth and ran them out of town!

Fast forward to today.  We have our crowds worshipping at the feet of two Snake Oil Salesman.  Each appears to be selling their brand of the stuff, but how can one be sure that either of the elixirs will do any good?  I guess I would have to wonder about the percentage of truth that exists on either side these days.

No wagon this time. We built them a permanent residence for their time here in "town."

Each of these salesman is in it for profit, just like the salesmen in the old days.  It's all about power and agenda.  And likely neither of them is selling  a complete cure that is "good for what ail's ya."  Maybe we should take the two elixirs, mix them together, and see what we come up with!  Now there's a thought.

If there is no (or little) truth in what they say, how can you choose?

Can we get another wagon, please?

You can't have it both ways...

First off, this should NOT be considered an article in support of either Donald Trump or the GOP.  Instead, it is about the "system" and how things seem to be just a little one sided.  We selectively pursue or ignore laws when they do or do not support our political views.

This cites an article from Politicususa.com about Apple refusing to support the GOP convention in any way, shape, or form.

http://www.politicususa.com/2016/06/18/apple-dumps-trump-refusing-provide-money-technology-gop-convention.html

A similar article on the matter is at the "Bipartisan Report".

http://bipartisanreport.com/2016/06/19/breaking-apple-drops-all-support-of-gop-convention-their-reason-is-incredible-video/

Let's think about this for a minute. Apple doesn't like Donald Trump or the GOP for supporting(?) him for the presidency.  OK - that can be their opinion.  They have that right.  However, if Donald Trump or the GOP comes to them with a contract for technological support - a contractual, business arrangement - then Apple should be obligated to provide that service.  That is the LAW of the land.  If Apple is to be applauded for such a stance instead of taken to court, then shame on them - and shame on us for allowing it to happen.

IF - and this is a big IF - they are allowed to skate on this point, then the Christian business owner who is forced to or provide insurance coverage for contraceptives, or bake a cake, or provide flowers, or photograph, or sing at a ceremony for a same-sex couple, when they clearly do not agree with that type of union should similarly be applauded for their choice and stance on the matter.

Sadly, that's not the case.  Apple is being held up on a pedestal for refusing to provide a service that they are in the business of providing.  (That's being "politically correct" in the current environment.) In the other cases, the lawyers and civil libertarians and GLBT community take businesses to court to force them to provide services.  (Here, refusing is NOT "politically correct" in the current environment.)

Get off the back of Chick Filet and Hobby Lobby and similar businesses that have taken stands because of their beliefs until you see the two-faced stance you are taking.

Oh, I was wrong - If you define the playing field, and the rules, I guess you CAN have it both ways...

Our God is Bigger that Lymphoma

Reflections on recent events - May 2016

Have you ever been to a church service and realized that the sermon was written just for YOU??  I got one of those last Sunday.

Here’s how it all fits together.  Early in March, I went to the dentist, who discovered an abnormality in my upper palate.  She sent me to a specialist who biopsied it and discovered it is follicular lymphoma, one of the rarer of the 76 types of Non Hodgkins Lymphomas.  Next step - referral to Mayo clinic in Rochester, MN.

Late April saw a trip to Mayo to get some answers.  We had some tests early in the week, but the last test could not be done until the following week.  We elected to spend that time in Sioux Falls rather than driving back to Rapid City.  

Sunday was, as always, church time.  We went with our daughter to their church.  Pastor Reed spoke on the theme of “Tough as Nails.”    (Scripture references are James 1:2-4, 2 Cor 11:23-28, and 2 Tim 4:7.)

The theme of the sermon was that the purpose of a nail is to be hammered.  A nail that’s soft will bend under the blow.  A nail that’s properly made will withstand the blow and do it’s job well.

He emphasized two principles from the scripture:

1. WHAT is in you will come out of you when the hammer falls.
2. WHO is in you will come out of you when the hammer falls.

I really thought that was a good way to put things in one’s life into the proper perspective.  We are strong or weak depending on what (and who) is in us.

Now, with that fresh in my head, we went back to Mayo for the last test - one that will tell how advanced the lymphoma is.  As it turns out, it’s somewhat advanced, and typed at Stage IV-A.  So that means that I will have to endure a regimen of 6 months or so of chemotherapy treatments.

What immediately came to mind was a voice in my head saying:  “OK - I’ve got this.  You don’t need to worry about it.”

I guess the “tough as nails” sermon was effective in putting the events into perspective for me.

OGIBTL - Our God is Bigger Than Lymphoma!

Opportunity for learning? or big fiasco?

NOTE HERE:  Since the original writing of this article, it became clear that this did NOT happen as was initially reported by SEVERAL authoritative news sources.  Some of the RANT still applies, even if the exact circumstances are different...

First of all, this should BY NO MEANS be seen as an endorsement for any candidate (read that Trump.)  It is, instead, using an incident concerning his campaign to illustrate a point.

Start, please, by noting the turmoil at Emory University when students had the audacity to advocate voting for Trump when that's not the established and agreed-upon position.  There's a couple of links here (one Facebook, one a Google search) if you have not heard about the incident.

https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=emory%20university%20chalk

http://bit.ly/1RujreI

Maybe looking at a couple of terms, with Buhler's commentary on them, might be a good place to start.

     Democracy:  Each individual has a vote, and may choose to vote for whomever he or she chooses, without fear of reprisal.

     Freedom of Speech:  Within ethical and legal limits, a person may hold and express his or her opinion on the discussion at hand.  This is a guarantee and is fundamental to our way of life.

     Higher education:  This is where individuals go to learn a profession.  It should NOT be a means for indoctrination by faculty or benefactors of said institution.

Back to the incident.  A student, or maybe students, wrote "vote for Trump" in chalk on some sidewalks and other school property.  Is that, technically, vandalism?  Probably.  OK.  Just make the students remove it, take a demerit, and it all goes away.  But here's where it gets interesting.

Students (how many??)  started protesting because it was interpreted as "racist."  Some were going to counselors because they "in pain" and "feared for their lives."  Some "expected" shootings as a result. I'm sure some just took the opportunity to join the protest - whether or not they felt strongly about the issue.

This SHOULD HAVE been an opportunity for learning.  It SHOULD HAVE been a Civics lesson in the democratic process.  (I expect Emory University has a Civics department - most universities do!) It SHOULD HAVE been used as an example of how opposing views can co-exist in a country that was founded on that very principle.  There were SO MANY positive outcomes that could have come out of this.  Sadly that's not the case.

Instead, it appears, that the University played into all this, and even fed it, rather than calling it what it was - a political rally, supported, or at least allowed, by the University.  The students, on both sides of this issue, are PAYING for an education.  They education are GETTING is that you may no longer hold an opinion or express yourself unless that opinion is lock-step in line with the establishment.  Democracy has been reduced to a society being ruled by the loudest person talking.

This is a sad state of affairs...

Are we Fans or are we Christians?

Look closely at the front page headlines from the Rapid City Journal March 19, 2015.

“Earth stands still as basketball takes over”

All I can say is “Really???”

Don’t get me wrong.  I enjoy a good competition.  There is a lot to be said for teams striving for that title (whichever one is being sought at the time) and the fierce competition that goes along with it.  The thrill when that final shot from way past half court goes through the basket to force an overtime period.  The excitement of that goal-line stand that defeats the sure winner.  The roar of the “12th man” on the team that drowns out the ability for the opposing team to effectively call their plays.

The result of whatever competition/ tournament, or series of competitions is, at best, a temporary and fleeting thing.  It brings bragging rights, and probably some totally ridiculous level of monetary gains and losses.  The “winner” will get trophies and accolades that last for a few months - or at least until the next round of competitions start.  The “loser(s)” will be dissected and analyzed over and over and over again.  Careers will likely be enhanced or ruined based on the outcome.  NASCAR, the Master’s, the Super Bowl, March Madness - this applies to them all.

Yes, it’s exciting.  But on a scale of “…the Earth standing still??”  I think not.

What would happen if Christians would bring this level of intensity to the Great Commission?  (see Mark 16:15 or Matt 28:19) What if every Christian wore their “team jersey” proudly for all to see, so there was no question about where he / she / we stand?  What if there was so much competition for “seats” that we had to add more capacity to our churches, or be so sought after that we needed additional venues and meetings to accommodate everyone that wanted to participate?  What if we were so “on fire” that virtually everyone would want to join with us?

Our church has just started a Missional Church Consulting Initiative (MCCI) program.  Through this effort, we will take a deep (and possibly disturbing, controversial, or uncomfortable) look into our missions, activities, resources, and priorities.  Our purpose will be to align our policies and priorities, as a congregation, with those outlined in the Holy Bible.  We will likely start new initiatives, and pare others down or even totally redirect those resources.  We might have to make some really-close-to-our-heart decisions that may change worship structures, times, or focus.  There are times during this process when we will surely become extremely uncomfortable!  

Unlike the temporary title won or lost by a sports team, our goal is winning souls.  And THAT, my friends, is eternal, not temporary!  I pray that we can approach this with a fervor that equals or exceeds what we would put into following a tournament.  Become an active player, not a sideline observer!

A Straw bed and a thorny crown

From a straw bed to a throny crown…

Our church’s Christmas Eve services really emphasized, for me, the connection between the birth and death of Jesus.  Without the birth of a Holy child, God could not redeem us.  Without the shedding of blood, with Jesus’ death on the cross, the birth meant little to anyone but the family. 

Christmas seems to have pushed us into a Santa trap - we tend to concentrate on what we can buy that would “impress” someone with our generousity and insight.  Granted, there is much of our time and energy that is spent on giving to others, but we really tend to forget that there would NOT be a Christmas without Christ - the first of two Ultimate Gifts.

On the other side of the equation is Easter.  It is both a horrible and a wonderful story.  We are Easter People (thank you, Pastor Randy Cross for that.)  What we have is that second Ultimate Gift - forgiveness for sins and Eternal life.  That means we have Hope - no matter what the present circumstances in which we find ourselves.  We can rejoice, even in death of a loved one, when they have chosen to put themselves in the arms of Jesus in life - making Him Lord of their life.  Jesus proved that there IS life after death - something each of us should look forward to.

May each of you Easter People have this blessed perspective on this Christmas Season!

That offends me

I guess I missed the memo.  Who passed the law / edict / vote / gave the direction that says that people have a constitutional (?) right to NOT be offended?  What happened to the "live and let live?"  "You go your way, and I'll go mine."  That's all gone by the wayside.  Now, if anyone screams that they are offended by something, many times people / agencies will bend over backwards to react to that so they won’t be offended.**  

I certainly won’t go out of my way to knowingly offend anyone, but you can hardly do anything now days without someone being offended.  So often, we’ve let the minority dictate for the majority, based on an assumption that it was “the right thing to do.” (whatever that means...)

I eat meat.  I wear leather.  I have done so all my life.  That involves raising and killing animals.  It might even - God forbid - require the use of some weapon!  Animal rights advocates will claim that this offends them because, in their opinion, no animal should be killed for food or for their pelts.  Celebrities pick up this mantra and cast it far and wide, “clearly” proving that only the most evil people will have so little concern for their animals that they would slaughter them and then eat or wear them.  I guess their celebrity (which they only have because WE gave it to them) makes them philosophers, too, and those who bow at the altar of celebrity will just fall in line without question.

Stores have, for decades, broadcast holiday music that ran the gamut from the cartoonish Frosty and Rudolf to the traditional Christmas themes with which we are all familiar.  There was something for everyone.  Then, one person or group says they are “offended” by any music that even remotely mentions the true meaning of Christmas, and the store then “sanitizes” the music list.  No more of “that” music is heard. There is no longer something for everyone.  What you hear has been dictated by a minority with a heightened sensibility and an agenda. 

Churches, Synogogues, Mosques, and other houses of religion have historically openly displayed the symbols of their faith - Crosses, Menorah, statuary, prayer rugs, ornate domed buildings covered in gold, stories in stained glass, etc.  One can only describe these as beautiful works of art.  They display a tangible history, one that should be studied and reflected upon.  It should be appreciated by everyone.  Instead, groups are crying foul if there are any symbols of religion even visible from public areas, streets, or parks.  Better remove them - someone might be offended.

Countless locations on any map you pick up are likely named for historical figures, like Lewis & Clark, Custer, Lee, Jackson, Harney, and so forth.  Groups are now calling for many of these to be renamed because they are “offended” if the person or event for which it was named was against them or their people.  Maybe we should start calling them Point A, Point B, or Point C.  It would look great on a map, and is very unlikely to offend anyone!

This whole area is accentuated in the world of education.  The community of people from which any school draws will likely represent a wide range of sensibilities.  People from different religions, ethnic backgrounds, lifestyles, and political leanings.  The diversity this represents is what makes our country so rich in heritage and culture.  Those fortunated enough to live in or near military installations get a wider view of the world’s diversity than the more traditional, lower mobility communities.  But, whatever you do, you have to be careful about being sensitive to what these people bring to us.

Extend this concept to names for sports teams and their chosen mascots.  These have been increasingly in the news as offensive to one group or another.  Face it - you can hardly turn around with out gettin’ busted on something.  I guess it will not be long before everything will be so watered down and milk-toast that one would have to go out of their way to find something offensive.  Won’t that be fun?

**So, how about me?  So far, the only group that no one if afraid of offending is the Christian.  Offense targeted at the Christian community is not only tolerated, it seems to be actively promoted on many fronts.  In the name of “separation of church and state,” there will soon be so little of the church left tolerated in society that it may be hard to recognize.  

I am offended daily with exclamations of “Oh, my God” and the plethora of words that were once taboo, and which have now become commonplace.  I am offended when someone disparages people of other religions and faiths.  I am offended that children are subject to much of the language and filth that has crept into the public square.  I am offended that any of these words are now used for titles of movies, lyrics for songs, professional (?) entertainers and groups, and even on billboards for all to see.   I am offended that I can only listen to Christmas or Christian music in places where no one around me will possibly be offended.  Yes, I am offended, but when I say something about that, I am told that I am just being overly sensitive, and to just forget about it. 

Maybe they are right.  Maybe I’ll have to quit being sensitive and forget about it…

The Wheelchair Minister

Speaking in tongues

If you ever want to start a heated theological discussion, just bring up the subject of “speaking in tongues” and there will likely be no lack of conversation.  It can be very controversial.  To discuss the merits for or against the Biblical concept of tongues is NOT the subject at hand.  I merely want to start your thinking for what is below.

This week our pastor was talking about a visit he made early on in ministry.  The visit was to a facility that cared for the severely disabled. He wanted to see it because he had heard such good things about their care for people who could not care for themselves.

A good number of the residents were bed-ridden, or at least limited in their mobility.  Many of them required constant care throughout the day.  That was their life.

The administrator who was conducting the tour relayed a story of one wheelchair bound resident.  This person was non-verbal except for some unintelligible sounds.  But he had a routine that he performed every night.  He would start at one end of the facility and visit each resident’s room, place his hand on their arm, and make those gutteral sounds for about 30 seconds, then move on to the next room.  This was his way of connecting with each person there.  The administrator said that he had most likely learned this from a visiting chaplain sometime that had done this for him.  It must have made such an impression that it started this “ministry” to the residents.

Neither the staff nor the resident  visited ever knew what was being said.  And I won’t try to convince you that this was a “prayer” in the traditional sense.  But, just the same, this man confined to a wheelchair was doing a service for each one of his housemates.  It was his way of bringing them comfort.

Speaking in tongues?  Maybe yes, maybe no.  

But it does make one think, doesn’t it?  If this person of such limited ability can provide this example of love for others, how much more could we do with our abundance of abilities.  It humbles me to think that I do even a fraction of what he is doing for his neighbors.  

1 Cor 13:8 says “Love never fails.”  May it be so with me.

Searching for Janet or William Schulz

Need some help here - in an investigative way.  I'm trying to deliver a long lost letter.  But in order to do that, I need to locate either one of the people below.

Here's the story.  I purchased a used book in a bookstore (Exodus, by Leon Uris if it makes any difference) several years ago.  In the book was a letter that had been written but never mailed.  The only date was 16 Sep, no year given.  All it said on the envelope was Miss Janet Schulz, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  The Air Mail postage was 10 cents, so it likely was 1980’s or earlier.

It appears to have been written by her brother, Bill (very likely William Schulz) a First Lieutenant on special duty in the military and probably stationed overseas.  He may have been (?) in a protocol position,  maybe embassy duty even, or maybe any unit when he just "drew the short straw" as he talks about setting up an itinerary for a General Officer visit.  He expected to make Captain in Feb.  I don't even know which military service this would have been.

There are references to a Volkswagen (Janet’s, maybe).  Janet may have been teaching at the time. 

I did a whitepages search on the internet for both of those people, and could find nothing linking them together (known associations, etc.)  And, Wisconsin may have been only a temporary thing for one of both of them.  I don't really know.

That’s about all I’ve got.  Any help from anyone here? 

Reply to @computer7th on twitter, or leave a comment below.

(Lack of) Accountability for the Judicial Branch

I wonder sometimes where we are headed - as a country, I mean.  From the perspective of a country-boy growing up in the 1950's until today, I see such changes that literally boggles my mind.

Times back then were relatively simple.  Everyone knew generally what to expect from each other, and from those who were put into power to make decisions for us.  Citizens were given arguments - sometimes very heated ones - and then the vote decided whose argument held the most weight. Once decided, our elected and appointed officials would pretty much toe the line to fulfill those decisions.  Any Constitutional issues were most likely detailed up front for consideration BEFORE the vote.

Back then, the citizen's vote really meant something.

Two of the three branches of our government are subject to election by the voters.  Every two, four, or six years, voters are asked to "tell" their elected officials how they are doing, and either vote them back in or replace them.  Whether you agree or disagree with who is ultimately elected, you have a voice in every election.  There is some accountability, at least once in awhile.  If someone REALLY messes up, accountability can be more swift, but instances like that are rare.  That two thirds of the government will ebb and flow, but still are relatively responsive to the citizenry.

The Judiciary branch of government, however, appears to have NO accountability to it's citizens.  What's up with that?   They become an extension of the other two branches, which makes them isolated from the people they are meant to serve.  Whoever wields the most power at a given time can put in place like-minded people in the courts - and they stay there.  The problem is, though, they don't listen to the people.  They do whatever they want, and answer to NO ONE. 

We are constantly hearing stuff like 

     “Oh, so most of you think marriage is only a man and a woman - Sorry - not going to happen.”  and “What - you want gender specific bathrooms?  Why would you possibly want that?”  

     “Ten Commandments? That might offend someone.” 

     “Constitution?  I don’t care how it’s written, I interpret it THIS way!”    

Then, once it’s been said (establishing a precedent,) it’s there to stay.  That precedence becomes the rule by which everything later will be measured.  It is much akin to introducing a pollutant into a water supply - it’s easy to get it in but it’s a devil to get back out!  

So, where’s the “hook?”  How do we pull the "stooge off the stage” when we don’t want to watch his / her performance any longer?  Term limits?  Periodic reconfirmation?  Make each one subject to Election?  That’s a tough one, alright.  

Whatever the method, we need to find a way to turn this situation around!  It’s only going to get worse.  Somehow, we need to make the Judiciary branch accountable to the people, as our founding fathers surely intended.    

I wonder what the courts would say about that????

A Mission Statement for a School District

To give credit where credit is due, this is based on http://www.gktw.org/about/mission.php

I was visiting the site because our grand daughter (3 years old) just took benefit of their generosity during a "Wish Trip" to Orlando and the Disney Park.  The family stayed at "Give Kids the World" resort located there.  I was impressed with their mission statement, and it made me think about how it could be applied to me and my role as an educator.

Note that with only a few select changes, this works well with what we do in education.  What a template for a mission statement for a school district!

Replace “Give Kids the World” with your school name

Replace guest with student

Replace corporate partners / supporters and donations with families and tax dollars.

At Give Kids The World, we have adopted the following core values to help guide our everyday actions as we strive to fulfill our mission. Our core values are upheld by the entire Give Kids The World family, including our staff members, volunteers, and corporate partners. We put first priority on the needs of the children and their families. We reach out to all of our guests to make them feel like members of our family and help create magical memories. We do whatever it takes to provide a joyful and quality experience for every guest. We always do our best, individually and collectively. We earn and maintain the complete trust of our corporate partners. We use all donations effectively and efficiently to achieve our purpose. We protect the interests of all supporters. We always try to do the right thing. We are honest and straightforward with each other and with our sponsors. We admit mistakes and do our best to correct them. We focus our energy and resources on the children we serve. We help each other and feel collectively responsible for achieving our mission. We are individually accountable for our roles and commitments. We ask for help when we need it, and provide help when needed.

Recalculating

RECALCULATING…

I don’t know about you, but when I hear my portable GPS navigation unit saying that over and over, I get really tired of it.  Sometimes it is right on the money because I didn’t turn when I should have.  Other times, even if I know I are on the right track, and can see the destination, if it’s not the way that the GPS thinks it should be, it will yell at me.  My recent visit to Airzona reminded me of how much this gets under my skin.  Why three right turns when one left turn would do the same thing? Why tell me to go 200 more feet and turn left when I’m in the parking lot of the place to which I wanted to drive?

That set me to thinking about how God often looks at us.  He has created a GPS for us - in the form of the inspired Word of God.  We go about our daily lives and, even if we try hard to follow the things we know God wants, we often end up on the wrong path.  We think we know what’s right, but sometimes it’s only close, and other times it’s WAY OFF THE MARK!  I often find myself too far off the mark to even think I can ever get back.

RECALCULATING…

That’s what I would expect from God if he were audibly speaking to me throughout my day.  I’m sure I’d hear that A LOT!

Think about the times we know of that the God of the Ages has “recalculated” for our benefit.  In the Garden of Eden, God had a perfect plan - perfect, except for that little thing called free will.  Adam and Eve took it upon themselves to do what God had specifically told them not to do.  And they got caught.

RECALCULATING…

When things got so bad that God considered wiping it all out and starting over, one faithful soul listened to God and built an ark for his family and animals.  God made a plan to save Noah and his family from judgement.  In essence, God was 

RECALCULATING…

God promised to never wipe out the world like that again, but that didn’t mean that people did not still sin.  God chose Abraham to raise up a nation, then provided guidelines for them through Moses, which created a way for them to be acceptable despite their sin.  But people, because of who they inherently are, continued down that same path that started in the Garden.  

RECALCULATING…

God then made one more way to redeem us - to make us acceptable in God’s eyes.  He sent His only Son to live a perfect life and then die for us - in our place.  We can now become as his adopted children, simply by believing in Jesus as the Christ and the Messiah.  As Jesus said on the Cross, “It is Finished.”  No more

RECALCULATING…

wait for it...

Have you ever said, or heard someone else say something like "I can't wait until..."  or "It seems like I'll die before..." (insert here birthday, Christmas, a trip, or anything that comes with anticipation.)

Americans are impatient.  That's all there is to it.  From the time we are old enough to hold the remote, we know that even the toughest of impossible situations can be solved in an hour, including commercials - two hours if it's a special.

A few weeks ago, our sermon at church was on being patient.  The pastor used several references in the Bible of times when people simply needed to wait.  Patience is not something that is easy to learn.  It is always a struggle.  The sermon was a tough one for me to hear, as you will see below.

Here's just a sample of some of those who waited.  Noah and his family fled catastrophe by being sheltered from the flood in an ark designed by God.  How long?  They stayed for 40 days before they found any dry land.  During that time, they could not do anything but wait!  When Moses went up the mountain, he left the Israelites waiting for him to come down for that same 40 day period.  They were not, as you remember, quite as faithful as Noah during the waiting period.  Jesus was in the desert being tempted for a similar 40-day period.  Unlike the Israelites, Jesus did not falter.  Even though all these were the same period, there are many examples of shorter (or longer) periods.  Jonah waited for three days to be delivered; Saul of Tarsus was blind for three days before he received back his sight; the Israelites wandered for 40 years, and that after captivity for 400 years.  Ouch!

Remember, asking for patience can bring some difficult times, and really press you to the limit.  I don't remember asking for patience, but God has been, and is doing, a work in me to learn patience.

The initial "waiting trial" I can remember is when our first granddaughter was born.  Everything was fine up to delivery, but then she immediately went into respiratory distress.  She had to be put into a drug-induced coma and placed on life support, only to be flown at 3 hours old to Denver.  No warning; just waiting.  Parents and grandparents waited for that first month of life to see whether there would really be a baby at home.  That was tough.  That baby survived and is now a healthy teenager with brilliance and energy to spare.

We are currently going through another "waiting trial" - again with a granddaughter, this one with leukemia.  Diagnosed at two and a half years old, one can hardly conceive of the amount of chemicals and care that it takes to get someone cured of this.  And it's not over until she is declared cancer free, which will likely be another 15 months from now.  She seems to be on the right track, which we pray will continue to be the case.

How are your "waiting" skills?  Are you able to trust God for whatever time He determines is right?

It's like God is saying to us "Would you just wait!  I know what I'm doing!"

"They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."  Isaiah 40:31

Final Note:  Parts of this blog were very hard to write - they bring powerful memories, not all of which I like to think about.  AB