CrossLeft blogs
In a lighter, but clogged vein: Dietary Disaster
My wife likes the relaxing white noise of football games between teams she cares nothing about. (She gets involved in rooting only for LSU and Illinois. And even I retain some feeling for Illinois teams, as much as I despise the mixture of big-time sports and education.)
Anyway, she just informed me of the latest culinary delight which is being sold at the Texas-Oklahoma football game in Dallas today.
My blood runs cold. We're doomed. Surely, "death to the infidels" will soon be a fact, not just a threat.
My haiku on the end of days:
I've heard the last knell.
Doom. They sell, we consume. But...
Chicken-fried bacon?
Medic!!
My stent's clooging up at the thought...
I'd prefer death by chocolate.
Bill
Walt Kelly and Pogo
I recently read that Berkeley Breathed is retiring his wonderful character, Opus, after almost 30 years of creating wonderful gentle satire of American culture and politics. Opus is part of a long tradition in comic strips of sharp political satire. From Al Capp and his comic strip Li’l Abner, to Gary Trudeau’s Doonesbury, to Aaron McGruder’s Boondocks, a few comic strips in each generation have taken on the politicians, celebrities, and wall street financiers that dominate the nation’s news. One of the first cartoonists to tackle political subjects in his work was Walt Kelly in his comic strip Pogo. It has the reputation of being one of the best comic strips to ever grace the news page.
Walt Kelly was born on August 25, 1913 in Philadelphia. He drew his first cartoons while he was in high school for the local Bridgeport Post. In 1936 Kelly moved to California and began work in Walt Disney studios, where he worked on the films Pinochio, Fantasia, The Reluctant Dragon, and Dumbo. He left Disney studios during a bitter strike and moved to New York to work in the comic book industry. It was in a comic book in 1942 that Walt Kelly first introduced the world to his famous character, Pogo the Possum.
On Matthew 22:1-14, and (Inter)National Coming Out Day
The parable of the wedding banquet for me speaks to an invitation for all people, but also an invitation that is not without preconditions. First and foremost, we are expected to treat the host, and everyone present, with respect. This brings to mind Communion, which I feel very strongly is the heart of what Christianity is supposed to really be about. All are invited. The precondition is not who you are, or what path in life you are coming from, but how you treat the people around you when you are "at the banquet." There is also the way in which we respond to the invitation that must be considered. Those potential guests who ignore or reject the invitation do not enjoy the banquet. This should not be confused with a literal invitation into church, but rather an expression of God's invitation to each one of us, calling us to full life and wholeness. The other precondition is how you are present at the banquet. It's not enough to just show up.
Theology Panel conference call on Tuesday, October 14th, 8:30 EDT
I would like to invite all those interested to the next Theology Panel conference call on Tuesday, October 14th, 8:30 EDT. To particpate call 1-218-339-2500, use 727705* as your access code.
The panel seeks to provide a progressive Christian theology to our our activist work in achieving social justice.
We have had several lively discussions thus far, and the value of those discussions can be enhanced with continued participation.
The agenda for the discussion is always open to amendment, but I would propose that we bick up last month's un-addressed topic:
2 Views of God: strict father vs nurturant parent.
To refress our collective memory:
"I just re-read an article by George Lakoff wherein he states his belief that the difference between conservative and progressive Christianity is whether God is seen as a strict father or a nurturant parent.
"The strict father God is punitive: Follow His commandments and you go to Heaven. Disobey and you go to Hell. Since you're all sinners, He'll give you a second chance. His son has suffered so much that he has built up enough moral credit to pay for the sins of everybody. If you accept Jesus as you're savior, He'll wipe the slate clean as if you've been born again; but this time you'd better get it right or else. Do what your church says and you'll go to Heaven; disobey and you'll go to Hell."
Let's discuss debate tonight here
let's discuss here!
The Question Catholics Must Ask Sarah Palin
Originally posted at Talk to Action.
Bruce Wilson and Ruth have reported here at Talk to Action about Alaskan Governor and GOP Vice-Presidential nominee Sarah Palin's ties to the Wasila Assemblies of God Church, a congregation involved with the Latter Rain (aka the New Apostolic Reformation) - an international network that views Catholicism as one of several "corrupt religious systems."
Why Crossleft Has Been Important To Me
It's been a year now that I've been in Crossleft, a Progressive Christian site. Why have I stayed? For the most part it's because Crossleft dovetails my two prevailing interests: an interest in liberal and progressive politics and an interest in a more progressive Christianity. I've learned a lot from reading the bloggers in this site. A few years ago I was in a painful church conflict that really shook my faith in God and Christianity. A small part of me though, still wants to believe in God and Jesus, so I've embarked in these past few years to try to figure out what parts of this Christian faith do I still believe. During this time, I found Crossleft. I've always felt that Crossleft has been like a Godsend to me.
In order to better understand why, a little of my history is in order.
Olbermann's Special Comment on Palin
Great lead in to our petition. Be sure to sign it: http://www.crossleft.org/node/6557
McCain: A Short Bio
Rolling Stone just came out with a 10 page biography on McCain.It is interesting reading.
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/make_believe_maverick_the_re...
The article makes the point that McCain is strangely a lot like George W. Bush. Born into American royalty, a screw up and loser himself ,but with big ambitions to exceed his Father and Grandfather, and now through strange twists of fate, he has the opportunity.
Press Release: Catholic Democrats Corresponds with Pastors Across Ohio to Keep Parishes Safe from Divisive Politics
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 5, 2008
Media Contacts:
media@catholicdemocrats.org
Ph: 617/817-8617
Catholic Democrats Corresponds with Pastors Across Ohio to Keep Parishes Safe from Divisive Politics
Letter Publicizes US Bishops' Guidelines
Cincinnati, OH - Catholic Democrats, an organization that advances the rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching within the Democratic Party and in the public square, has corresponded with all Catholic pastors in Ohio this weekend encouraging them to keep their parishes safe and free from disruption by divisive partisan politics during this presidential election campaign. In a letter faxed to, and received by, more than 600 Ohio parishes in advance of "Respect Life Sunday," the Catholic Democrats wrote to support the pastors who found themselves inundated this weekend by conservative organizations and representatives from the McCain campaign who have used the divisive issue of abortion to polarize Catholics for political gain. In 2004 it was well documented that the Bush Campaign employed similar tactics in Catholic parishes to their advantage.
Updated Features on CrossLeft
I finally had some time this weekend to get some of our functionality up to date on CrossLeft. We've brought back some old functionality, updated some existing functions and brought in some new features that I hope you will appreciate.
Old functionality- Quotes - Quotes are back in full effect. You can add to your quote collection under "create content" and you can see other's favorite quotes here.
- Images - Good news for Angelo. You can once again upload images under "create content". You can also include images in your blog post. Also, you upload multiple images at once. This is significant upgrade over uploading file attachments.
- Invites - Invites are back in a big way. I would encourage you to use invites to bring your friends and colleagues into our community. The invite feature will allow you to track your invites to see who has responded and who hasn't. To invite folks use the side menu item.
- Email and Printer friendly pages - Now available in the top right corner of every post. Be sure to email good posts to friends and families.
- Fiverstar ratings - Ratings were upgraded...while you add your comment you can also add your rating of the blog post. You can also now vote without posting a comment.
Wall Street's amorality and the current financial mess. An actual easy solution, newly put in place.
Amoral 1. Neither moral or immoral. 2. Not caring about right or wrong.
If Sen. Obama wants to yet again administer a coup de grace, this time on economic policy, and prove once more he is a Christian, let him quote 1 Timothy 6:10, which begins "For it is the love of money that is the root of all evil--." It is not money but the love of it that corrupts the human soul, with all the greed and power that comes with it.
We are given at birth with both a free will and the responsibility for the consequences of our freely taken actions. In the financial community, i.e. on Wall Street this seems to mean that they can create any exotic product they can concieve, take all the profits, bank it off shore to avoid paying taxes on it, hire lobbyists to; limit any taxes they might have to pay to 15% and pressure govenment to not regulate these new products. In addition, they beleive if the financial community grows so big that if it fails they can fall back on Uncle Sam to bail them out, insuring that failure to do will have catastrophic consequences for the overall economy. A sort of "economic black mail."
It's like they can go to 'Vegas, play the crap tables, keep all private winnings and pass the losses off onto the public. If caught, they take Golden Parachutes and escape any hardships, any penalities for their bad bets.
Obama Must Ride Out the Storm
I keep getting outlandish emails attacking Obama. I find it amazing that he continues to endure countless smear campaigns, rumors and out right lies about his faith, his wife, his past associations, his platform and his intentions. In spite of the intensifying hellish fury of his opponents, he is actually leading in the latest polls. Is that evidence of God's powerful and sustaining hand?
It is my Republican friends that send me this kind of stuff. I have never received anything besmirching the character of John McCain or his wife even though they are both potentially huge targets with some obvious vulnerabilities. It seems the more liberal folks are generally taking the higher ground and the conservatives continue in the Karl Rove approach that operates from a mentality of fear, lies and distortions. This is the Party that gains the support and endorsement of many of my Christian friends? I honestly don't get it. Is it because the Republicans lend empty lip service to being anti-abortion and anti-gay?
Frank Capra and the Populist Film
One of the hallmarks of Christmas since I was a child has been watching It’s A Wonderful Life. It’s a great film, one that makes me appreciative of my friends and family. The director of It’s A Wonderful Life is Frank Capra, one of the finest directors of the 1930s and 1940s. One of the things that I love about the Capra films is the love that Capra has for the average American and it’s extolling of the values of American community. The characters are fun, energetic and humble, and they have supportive and loving family and friends. The optimism and sentimentality in these films though are balanced by a willingness to look at the harsher aspects of American life. Frank Capra’s films offer us a look at how Americans viewed themselves in the Roosevelt era, and they influence how we would like America to be today.
Neither Candidate Blinked, But She Winked
The Vice Presidential debate revealed that Palin and Biden were obviously well coached on every subject. Her tactic of ignoring questions and dropping into rehearsed monologues didn't work for me. Whether it's prepared notes in front of her or a teleprompter, she proved once again that, like most Americans, she can read. I don't expect her to be giving many more live interviews that require thinking on her feet or spontaneous answers.
Considering the magnitude of the event and knowing that millions were watching, I don't think she helped or hurt the ticket. Biden on the other hand, was crisp, poised, demonstrated a deep grasp of the issues and defended the top of the ticket well while effectively linking McCain to the failed policies of Bush. He did a good job skewing the mythical "Maverick" moniker Palin likes to refer to. He also underscored the fact that McCain has not put forth any detailed policy proposals for significant change on any issue. This point needs to be perpetually emphasized for the remainder of the campaign because it demonstrates the "more of the same" reality of the Republican nominee.
VP Debate?
Any thoughts on the VP debate?
Lets discuss?
US Catholic bishops condemn US immigration raids
This is a bit of an older story but still a very prevalent issue that still has not been addressed. These raids should be condemned for the atrocities that they cause and continue to cause among undocumented workers!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080910/ts_alt_afp/usvotepoliticsreligionim...
Wed Sep 10, 7:36 PM ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) - US Roman Catholic bishops on Wednesday charged that immigration raids on US workplaces break up families and disrupt communities, without addressing the country's flawed immigration system.
"The humanitarian costs of these raids are immeasurable and unacceptable in a civilized society," Bishop John Wester, chairman of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) committee on migration, said.
"I call upon the Department of Homeland Security and President (George W.) Bush to reconsider the use of these worksite enforcement raids, and without the implementation of necessary human rights protections, to please abandon them," he told a news conference.
"We ask them and the country, including the presidential candidates, to again turn their energies for building support for a comprehensive overhaul of our broken immigration system," he said.
Homelessness?
I joined LinkedIn earlier this year but never got all that involved with it. I of course added the group CrossLeft based on Kety's invite and while there decided to check out other groups that were available within the site LinkedIn.
I went to the "groups" section and typed in homelessness (in search of groups that support 'human' homelessness) and what did I find? Well I can tell you that there are a lot citizens out there that are very, very concerned about dogs and cats and not so much so for men, women and children! Seriously there must have been a ratio of 3 to 1 that is for every 3 'shelters' there was maybe 1 group designated for the homeless. We as a society have turned our backs for far too long on these forgotten men, women and children that many of us probably walk by every day.
I recently read a post on here about how Progressive groups lack organization and the ability well simply put...to get things done. Let me worry about that...
I have already reached out too and communicated with a grassroots organization located in Chicago. They have had much success with helping the homeless on the Upper West Side over the past 3 years and I would like to use their success as a model to develop something here (Philadelphia, Baltimore, DC regions) and possibly in / near your geography as well.
A familiar name..."NCLR Death Threat Punished in Court of Law"
I have read a lot recently about the hatred and venom being spewed by 'special interest' groups and even our main stream media. If I remember correctly I believe the FBI has shown an increase of 35% in hate crimes this year and over 25% in California alone. This increase is a direct result of the deep underlying racism that exists in America and it's also directly tied to the ongoing debate on immigration that tends to be marginalized by the main stream media oulets and therefore termed 'normal' if not expected behavior. I'm happy to see that something, however small, at least something has been done to show that this type of behavior is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. Unfortunately, I doubt that this story will make the main stream media feeds so I'm glad that there are bloggers and journalists out there reporting on these topics. Though not that ironic that this guy is actually a son of a first generation immigrant after all unless you're Native American we are ALL (yes that includes all of you Caucasians out there as well) ALL descendants of immigrants!
Here is the post I am referring to in the headline, Kety Esquivel writes...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kety-esquivel/nclr-death-threat-punishe_b_...
Kety EsquivelPosted October 1, 2008 | 07:35 PM (EST)
NCLR Death Threat Punished in Court of Law
Speaking Truth to Power
Barack Obama didn't call Sarah Palin a pig by using the expression "lipstick on a pig" but when the Canaanite woman asked Jesus to heal her daughter, he effectively called her a dog when he said, "It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs." (Matthew 15:26) And this after Matthew reported on Jesus' own view that what goes in the mouth doesn't defile a person, but what comes out of the mouth does. Perhaps Palin and McCain would accuse Matthew of "gotcha journalism" but I think the rest of us can plainly see the contradiction in Jesus' own position. Certainly the Canaanite woman saw it as well as she pressed the issue to the point of reminding Jesus of his own understanding of his mission to serve the least, the last, and the lost (even the dogs get the scraps).
