You probably remember me soliciting prayers for my friend Marci, and her thanks for them. Well,we chatted tonight, and she gave me the current news. Her CA125 number is now 33--that's in the healthy range, which is 35 or less.
When she went for surgery, it was 700+. That's not in the healthy range.
She repeats her thanks.
TRIUMPHALIST--YOU GOT A PROBLEM WITH THAT?
Saturday, November 6, 2010
NaNoWriMo
Well, Ok, it's not going so well. I've only managed 1784 words. So NaNoWriMo is rapidly morphing into Nation Write Most of (a very short) Short Story Month.
I used to be good at this! I got A's on all my assignments in creative writing class.
I'm not even sure I like my main character.
On the other hand, it beats watching TV and reading low brow magazines.
I don't know if I'll put it up--depends on if the content is suitable for a Catholic Blog.
UPDATE: Ashes and Dust is now at 5813 words--not nearly so far behind! I wonder what it's about....I'm just writing events that seem to be in sequence, but I have no overreaching theme. I guess I'll find out at the end of the month.
I used to be good at this! I got A's on all my assignments in creative writing class.
I'm not even sure I like my main character.
On the other hand, it beats watching TV and reading low brow magazines.
I don't know if I'll put it up--depends on if the content is suitable for a Catholic Blog.
UPDATE: Ashes and Dust is now at 5813 words--not nearly so far behind! I wonder what it's about....I'm just writing events that seem to be in sequence, but I have no overreaching theme. I guess I'll find out at the end of the month.
Stephen Colbert
I was in Borders yesterday, an was surprised to see Stephen Colbert's book I Am America: and So Can You, in the bargain section deeply discounted. More deeply discounted, in fact, than Anne Rice's Road to Cana.
Considering the ratings of his TV show, the recent rally, and the amount of positive exposure he gets in both the secular and Catholic press, I was amazed. I was also surprised by the number of books he had on the shelf. It's not selling well.
I wonder now if I shouldn't read it.
Considering the ratings of his TV show, the recent rally, and the amount of positive exposure he gets in both the secular and Catholic press, I was amazed. I was also surprised by the number of books he had on the shelf. It's not selling well.
I wonder now if I shouldn't read it.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Since I'm Still Recovering From the Election...
...I'm just going to put up a few things in the news, and not think to much.
HUD--HUD has dismissed a Fair Housing complaint lodged against a woman in Grand Rapids Michigan. You might remember the deal, she put up a notice at her Church seeking a Christian roommate, and someone who saw it filed a complaint for religious bias in housing. If the ruling had gone against her, she would have been liable for hundreds of dollars in fines, and required to attend workshops on fair housing law. However, HUD ruled that she didn't violate the law, and had a constitutional right to be selective about her roommate. I'm glad. Otherwise, a precedent would have been set to prevent people from advertising for, say, a roommate of the same sex. how refreshing--an outbreak of common sense in a government office.
CCHD--CCHD, in the very document that was meant to outline thereform renewal of the program, praised a group called the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. It turns out that this group has strong ties to Marxist groups (Marxism is proscribed by Catholic Social Teaching), Gay groups, and groups promoting Abortion, Contraception and "reproductive freedom". Some renewal. I guess I was wrong--the folks at CCHD are not interested in substance, but are engaged in smoke and mirrors. When will they learn that we are not going to give up, forget, or go away? A detailed report is up at www.reformcchdnow.com. Check it out.
I have to ask--what, exactly, is these people's idea of Catholic Identity?
YAZ-- The Bayer pharmaceutical company has been marketing a product called Yaz for several years, since 2006. It was being billed as "beyond contraception" and touted as a panacea for all the ills of woman hood. Seriously, it was supposed to relieve menstrual discomfort, battle acne, help with weight. It also put lots of women in the hospital. The FDA in 2008 required the Bayer company to change it's side effects warning and it's warnings about risks--but it wasn't enough. now 4000+ women are suing the company. Each has a documented and serious health problem well attributed to the drug. I can't believe that hormonal birth control manufacturers are actually concerned with women's health,considering that what they sell is destructive to the same, and this destructiveness has been known and understood since it's introduction.
Oklahoma and CAIR--The Oklahoma branch of CAIR is suing in federal court to stop the State Elections Board fro certifying the results of a ballot measure passed Tuesday. The ballot measure bars the state's courts from using International law, Foreign Law, or Sharia Law in deciding cases--it means that Oklahoma courts must use Oklahoma law to decide Oklahoma cases. They are calling it unconstitutional. I'm not sure, but the lawsuit might be asking the court to do something unconstitutional. I don't think that the Federal Courts can tell a State Elections Commission what it can and cannot certify. Moreover, if the the court rules that the State must take legal cognizance of Islamic religious law, then there is a precedent for it to take cognizance of The Code of Canon Law, or the Mishna and Talmud. Or any number of other religious law codes. This could be a mess. it could also drive a further wedge between the States as political entities and the Federal Government. That could lead to a constitutional convention. And that could lead anywhere.
HUD--HUD has dismissed a Fair Housing complaint lodged against a woman in Grand Rapids Michigan. You might remember the deal, she put up a notice at her Church seeking a Christian roommate, and someone who saw it filed a complaint for religious bias in housing. If the ruling had gone against her, she would have been liable for hundreds of dollars in fines, and required to attend workshops on fair housing law. However, HUD ruled that she didn't violate the law, and had a constitutional right to be selective about her roommate. I'm glad. Otherwise, a precedent would have been set to prevent people from advertising for, say, a roommate of the same sex. how refreshing--an outbreak of common sense in a government office.
CCHD--CCHD, in the very document that was meant to outline the
I have to ask--what, exactly, is these people's idea of Catholic Identity?
YAZ-- The Bayer pharmaceutical company has been marketing a product called Yaz for several years, since 2006. It was being billed as "beyond contraception" and touted as a panacea for all the ills of woman hood. Seriously, it was supposed to relieve menstrual discomfort, battle acne, help with weight. It also put lots of women in the hospital. The FDA in 2008 required the Bayer company to change it's side effects warning and it's warnings about risks--but it wasn't enough. now 4000+ women are suing the company. Each has a documented and serious health problem well attributed to the drug. I can't believe that hormonal birth control manufacturers are actually concerned with women's health,considering that what they sell is destructive to the same, and this destructiveness has been known and understood since it's introduction.
Oklahoma and CAIR--The Oklahoma branch of CAIR is suing in federal court to stop the State Elections Board fro certifying the results of a ballot measure passed Tuesday. The ballot measure bars the state's courts from using International law, Foreign Law, or Sharia Law in deciding cases--it means that Oklahoma courts must use Oklahoma law to decide Oklahoma cases. They are calling it unconstitutional. I'm not sure, but the lawsuit might be asking the court to do something unconstitutional. I don't think that the Federal Courts can tell a State Elections Commission what it can and cannot certify. Moreover, if the the court rules that the State must take legal cognizance of Islamic religious law, then there is a precedent for it to take cognizance of The Code of Canon Law, or the Mishna and Talmud. Or any number of other religious law codes. This could be a mess. it could also drive a further wedge between the States as political entities and the Federal Government. That could lead to a constitutional convention. And that could lead anywhere.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
*%^$@!>&^ and further more )&@#!><"!@*&^%
Well, I spoke with the VA today. It seems they were wrong--it won't be thirteen months until my debt to the government for their mistake in over compensating me is taken care of. That's why i didn't get paid this month. I will be fifteen months. My disability payments should resume in March.
I asked why they didn't follow through on the payment plan. The guy i spoke with said they didn't have them, and the chick at the regional office just said that so I wouldn't go off over the phone.
If you're going to f**k me, I at least want kissed.
The Army itself was always fair and above board. The Civilian agencies? Not so much.
Try to get hired on somewhere, at 50+, with a multi axis disability, in the worst recession since the 30s.
I asked why they didn't follow through on the payment plan. The guy i spoke with said they didn't have them, and the chick at the regional office just said that so I wouldn't go off over the phone.
If you're going to f**k me, I at least want kissed.
The Army itself was always fair and above board. The Civilian agencies? Not so much.
Try to get hired on somewhere, at 50+, with a multi axis disability, in the worst recession since the 30s.
And Another One Bites the Dust
I just found out that Bishop Richard Skilba has reached the age of 75--the required age for a bishop to submit his resignation. His holiness accepted it with blinding speed, and there was much rejoicing.
Skilba was consecrated an Auxilliary Bishop of Milwaukee, under the prompting of Rembert Weakland. You'll remember Rembert--the guy who paid out almost a half million dollars in Church monies to his catamite to keep him quite about their sexual activities. Skilba was the financial officer for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and helped to conceal the malfeasance.
Skilba also was opposed by some in the Vatican, as he had headed up a commission on the Scriptures and the Question of Ordination of women, whose exegesis was..questionable, to say the least. But a little political slight of hand got him in.
As a bishop, Skilba was noted,not only for covering for his bosses homosexual activity and misuse of Church funds, but for promoting he celebration of the Solstice--saying that the Jesuit martyrs (who were murdered by the Indians of the region) were teaching that very thing to the native American Tribes of the Great Lakes). he was also famous for Liturgical abuse.
And let us not forget his opposition to the hymn "O come O come, Emmanuel", on the grounds it make Catholic Jewish rapprochement more difficult. After all, it's mostly made up of scriptural quotes and allusions, and we know how he feels about scripture.
So, another of the "Old Guard" of dissenting, modernist bishops with inadequate grasp of Catholic morality and theology is out of the loop.
I just wish it hadn't taken so long.
Skilba was consecrated an Auxilliary Bishop of Milwaukee, under the prompting of Rembert Weakland. You'll remember Rembert--the guy who paid out almost a half million dollars in Church monies to his catamite to keep him quite about their sexual activities. Skilba was the financial officer for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and helped to conceal the malfeasance.
Skilba also was opposed by some in the Vatican, as he had headed up a commission on the Scriptures and the Question of Ordination of women, whose exegesis was..questionable, to say the least. But a little political slight of hand got him in.
As a bishop, Skilba was noted,not only for covering for his bosses homosexual activity and misuse of Church funds, but for promoting he celebration of the Solstice--saying that the Jesuit martyrs (who were murdered by the Indians of the region) were teaching that very thing to the native American Tribes of the Great Lakes). he was also famous for Liturgical abuse.
And let us not forget his opposition to the hymn "O come O come, Emmanuel", on the grounds it make Catholic Jewish rapprochement more difficult. After all, it's mostly made up of scriptural quotes and allusions, and we know how he feels about scripture.
So, another of the "Old Guard" of dissenting, modernist bishops with inadequate grasp of Catholic morality and theology is out of the loop.
I just wish it hadn't taken so long.
Consequences
Well, we are beginning to various results of the last year or so. Pretty much what was expected in some quarters, an poo-pooed in others.
Notre Dame gave an honorary degree to President Obama. At the time there was outcry and wailing that a Catholic institution would give an honor to such a pro-abortion politician. Other people were calling it a tempest in a tea cup. But the results are in-- Note Dame has had a short fall of $120,000,000 this fiscal year, occasioned by a sharp drop off in Alumni giving. They were told that would happen. They didn't listen.
Manhattan is having an increase in Emergency Room waiting times, in the wake of the closure of St. Vincents hospital emergency services. The death rate is increasing. One physician called it a "slow motion car crash", another has said that emergency room loads are off the board. What's disturbing is the fact that with the Health Care bill, many more Catholic hospitals are saying they will have to close. Since that's about 1 in 4 American hospitals, it's looking grim. Add in that the ACLU is currently in court, trying to make "emergency abortions" mandatory for Catholic hospitals, and the future looks bleak, if you're sick or injured.
Notre Dame gave an honorary degree to President Obama. At the time there was outcry and wailing that a Catholic institution would give an honor to such a pro-abortion politician. Other people were calling it a tempest in a tea cup. But the results are in-- Note Dame has had a short fall of $120,000,000 this fiscal year, occasioned by a sharp drop off in Alumni giving. They were told that would happen. They didn't listen.
Manhattan is having an increase in Emergency Room waiting times, in the wake of the closure of St. Vincents hospital emergency services. The death rate is increasing. One physician called it a "slow motion car crash", another has said that emergency room loads are off the board. What's disturbing is the fact that with the Health Care bill, many more Catholic hospitals are saying they will have to close. Since that's about 1 in 4 American hospitals, it's looking grim. Add in that the ACLU is currently in court, trying to make "emergency abortions" mandatory for Catholic hospitals, and the future looks bleak, if you're sick or injured.
Persecution and Paranoia
OK--it's obvious to anybody who reads this blog at all regularly, that I am concerned about secularist persecution of the Church. But there are limits to what we can legitimately call persecution. It's important for us to remember that. After all, I think we have all heard the story of Chicken Little, or the Boy who Cried Wolf many times.
The problem is, that with the proliferation of Internet news and opinion sites, some sites--even sites with wide readership, have gotten to the point of trying to brand anything and everything they don't like as persecution. And that makes it harder for us to prove our point when it really is persecution, or religious bigotry.
An example: A woman in Canada, who claims to be a visionary, erected a structure over her statue of the BVM. Now the local municipality wants it removed, not because it's a religious shrine, but because it was erected in contravention of local ordinances and building regulations that apply to everybody. The authorities have made it very clear that all she needs to do is apply for a permit to erect the structure, and erect it in accordance with building practice standards. They have even said that the application for permit will be approved--before she has even submitted it. This woman is claiming bigotry and persecution, saying, in effect, that the Virgin has exempted her from the local laws.
That isn't persecution--that's paranoia. And it makes it much harder for us to fight when we are confronted with religious bigotry, discrimination or outright persecution. The problem here is not the woman in question--I suspect that she has some degree of mental illness--but the Let-Jump-On-This School of Catholic pseudo journalism. Not everything we don't like is directed at us, nor is everything that doesn't favor us intended to harm us. We need a sense of proportion.
We need not to be a part of the problem. Just avoiding that goes a long way toward being a part of the solution.
The problem is, that with the proliferation of Internet news and opinion sites, some sites--even sites with wide readership, have gotten to the point of trying to brand anything and everything they don't like as persecution. And that makes it harder for us to prove our point when it really is persecution, or religious bigotry.
An example: A woman in Canada, who claims to be a visionary, erected a structure over her statue of the BVM. Now the local municipality wants it removed, not because it's a religious shrine, but because it was erected in contravention of local ordinances and building regulations that apply to everybody. The authorities have made it very clear that all she needs to do is apply for a permit to erect the structure, and erect it in accordance with building practice standards. They have even said that the application for permit will be approved--before she has even submitted it. This woman is claiming bigotry and persecution, saying, in effect, that the Virgin has exempted her from the local laws.
That isn't persecution--that's paranoia. And it makes it much harder for us to fight when we are confronted with religious bigotry, discrimination or outright persecution. The problem here is not the woman in question--I suspect that she has some degree of mental illness--but the Let-Jump-On-This School of Catholic pseudo journalism. Not everything we don't like is directed at us, nor is everything that doesn't favor us intended to harm us. We need a sense of proportion.
We need not to be a part of the problem. Just avoiding that goes a long way toward being a part of the solution.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
The mandatory post Election post
Well, reading the paper, and checking around the 'Net has shown me that the Democratic party is trying very hard to figure out what went wrong, but trying harder not to look at hard truths. I have a post below about that, so I'm not going to talk about it much. I will say that Nancy Pelosi's remark yesterday afternoon that the Democrats had the momentum and were going to keep the house brought the phrase "out of touch with reality" to mind.
I'M GOING TO TALK TO REPUBLICANS NOW!
I'm pretty sure that the Democratic Party hasn't learned anything from this election yet. They didn't seem to understand that their victory in '08 was more a reaction against the Bush Administrations bungling than an endorsement of progressive policies. And the Republican Party didn't seem to get the right lesson from it either. It took the rebellion of the TEA Party movement, and the success of candidates endorsed by that movement in the Primaries to wake you up--if in fact you woke up at all.
The most powerful branch of the Government is Congress--without it, the president cannot act. And Congress has been enjoying it's lowest approval rating ever. That includes, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Republican Party, the Republican members of Congress.
Don't gloat about your victory. You won because there didn't seem to many people to be a viable alternative. And had it not been for the activism of the TEA Party movement, you might not have won. Because we're about fed up with the Republican Machine, just as we are with the Democratic machine.
Dont' Forget that! You have NO mandate, and you can go away just as easily as the the Democratic Majority in the House, and the Super Majority in the Senate.
Do what we elected you to: Protect our liberties. Reign in spending and shrink the deficit--in real terms. Reduce Taxation. Shrink the Federal Government. And work on the economy. (Although that last is so broken it will take years to fix. And you Republicans were part of the reason it got so FUBARed. Just as you are part of the reason many of us feel our basic liberties are at risk.
IF YOU DON'T MAKE GOOD ON YOUR PROMISES, EXPLICIT AND IMPLICIT, YOU WILL BE GONE IN TWO YEARS, JUST AS THE DEMOCRATS WERE GONE IN FOUR. WE DON'T TRUST YOU. WE WILL WATCH YOU, AND NOBODY IS GETTING ANY MORE FREE PASSES.
Now I'm done talking about politics for a while--I'm sick of it. But I won't stop watching what you try to do to my Country.
I'M GOING TO TALK TO REPUBLICANS NOW!
I'm pretty sure that the Democratic Party hasn't learned anything from this election yet. They didn't seem to understand that their victory in '08 was more a reaction against the Bush Administrations bungling than an endorsement of progressive policies. And the Republican Party didn't seem to get the right lesson from it either. It took the rebellion of the TEA Party movement, and the success of candidates endorsed by that movement in the Primaries to wake you up--if in fact you woke up at all.
The most powerful branch of the Government is Congress--without it, the president cannot act. And Congress has been enjoying it's lowest approval rating ever. That includes, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Republican Party, the Republican members of Congress.
Don't gloat about your victory. You won because there didn't seem to many people to be a viable alternative. And had it not been for the activism of the TEA Party movement, you might not have won. Because we're about fed up with the Republican Machine, just as we are with the Democratic machine.
Dont' Forget that! You have NO mandate, and you can go away just as easily as the the Democratic Majority in the House, and the Super Majority in the Senate.
Do what we elected you to: Protect our liberties. Reign in spending and shrink the deficit--in real terms. Reduce Taxation. Shrink the Federal Government. And work on the economy. (Although that last is so broken it will take years to fix. And you Republicans were part of the reason it got so FUBARed. Just as you are part of the reason many of us feel our basic liberties are at risk.
IF YOU DON'T MAKE GOOD ON YOUR PROMISES, EXPLICIT AND IMPLICIT, YOU WILL BE GONE IN TWO YEARS, JUST AS THE DEMOCRATS WERE GONE IN FOUR. WE DON'T TRUST YOU. WE WILL WATCH YOU, AND NOBODY IS GETTING ANY MORE FREE PASSES.
Now I'm done talking about politics for a while--I'm sick of it. But I won't stop watching what you try to do to my Country.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
The Results of the Poll on Liturgical Preference: Feel Free to Discuss in the Comm Box
I'm not sure if my little poll reflects much light on the Church, but it seems to reflect some interesting things about the people who stop by to read, (or to gawk at my typos and spelling errors!).
An overall majority, 52%, prefer the Extraordinary form of the Mass--the TLM. This surprised me a little, Because I knew that a lot of the people who comment and stop by like the EF, but I didn't realize that it was such a large percent.
Coming in second, was the OF--the Novus Ordo--celebrated ad Orientam, with or in Latin, with 28% of the vote.
Orthodox Liturgies came in fourth, with 4% of the vote--not surprising, as there aren't all that Many Orthodox Christians in the US, and I don't imagine a lot of them hang out on Catholic Blogs. What surprised me here was that Easter Rite Catholic Liturgies tied with Protestant Services for last place, with no votes. I thought that they would at least get a couple, especially as I know several Catholics of the Roman Rite who just attend the Eastern Rites as an antidote to the liturgical wilderness of some locations.
But I confess myself baffled by one result. Dancing naked in the woods, painted blue, guzzling mushroom mead tied with the Novus Ordo celebrated versus Populam in English--the typical Parish Mass in the US. They both got 8%, with the same number of votes exactly. I don't know whether this is a reflection on my blog, Naked Dancing Drunk Tripping Pagans, or people who prefer the typical Parish Mass.
An overall majority, 52%, prefer the Extraordinary form of the Mass--the TLM. This surprised me a little, Because I knew that a lot of the people who comment and stop by like the EF, but I didn't realize that it was such a large percent.
Coming in second, was the OF--the Novus Ordo--celebrated ad Orientam, with or in Latin, with 28% of the vote.
Orthodox Liturgies came in fourth, with 4% of the vote--not surprising, as there aren't all that Many Orthodox Christians in the US, and I don't imagine a lot of them hang out on Catholic Blogs. What surprised me here was that Easter Rite Catholic Liturgies tied with Protestant Services for last place, with no votes. I thought that they would at least get a couple, especially as I know several Catholics of the Roman Rite who just attend the Eastern Rites as an antidote to the liturgical wilderness of some locations.
But I confess myself baffled by one result. Dancing naked in the woods, painted blue, guzzling mushroom mead tied with the Novus Ordo celebrated versus Populam in English--the typical Parish Mass in the US. They both got 8%, with the same number of votes exactly. I don't know whether this is a reflection on my blog, Naked Dancing Drunk Tripping Pagans, or people who prefer the typical Parish Mass.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Nuthin'
Giants took series--great sadness throughout the land.
Granddaughter suddenly spewed forth the contents of her stomach--great sadness through out the land.
Realized that if you're Catholic, Gregorian Chant is Roots music---Great joy throughout the land.
Granddaughter suddenly spewed forth the contents of her stomach--great sadness through out the land.
Realized that if you're Catholic, Gregorian Chant is Roots music---Great joy throughout the land.
More Evil Overlord Rules
Taken, as always, from that font of Evil Overlord Wisdom, Peters Evil Overlord List, at www.eviloverlord.com.
116. If I capture the hero's starship, I will keep it in the landing bay with the ramp down, only a few token guards on duty, and a ton of explosives set to go off as soon as it clears the blast-range.
123. If I decide to hold a contest of skill open to the general public, contestants will be required to remove their hooded cloaks and shave their beards before entering.
116. If I capture the hero's starship, I will keep it in the landing bay with the ramp down, only a few token guards on duty, and a ton of explosives set to go off as soon as it clears the blast-range.
123. If I decide to hold a contest of skill open to the general public, contestants will be required to remove their hooded cloaks and shave their beards before entering.
Have you Written Your Bishop Yet?
Have you written your Bishop concerning the possible election of Bishop Kicanis to the the presidency of the USCCB? After recommending the ordination of a man he knew had committed sexual improprieties with a minor, said man later being convicted of 27 counts of sexual abuse of a minor? It's not a good idea for Bishop Kicanis to be elected President of the USCCB, and the usual custom is to elect the Vice President to the Presidency , a position Bishop Kicanis currently holds.
I have written Bishop Kicanis himself, and asked him to remove himself from consideration. perhaps you could do so as well. The Diocese of Tucson has a contact link to Bishop Kicanis on their web page at
http://www.diocesetucson.org .
I'm tired of being approached by acquaintances, and strangers, and asked to account for the Bishops in this matter. I'm also sick of the money we contribute being used to pay for their mistakes, although we have no choice in that matter--we are after all a part of one body, and parts of that body have done damage to society that amends must be made for. But having this Bishop as president of the USCCB will give ammunition to those who seek to discredit or damage the Church in the US.
I have written Bishop Kicanis himself, and asked him to remove himself from consideration. perhaps you could do so as well. The Diocese of Tucson has a contact link to Bishop Kicanis on their web page at
http://www.diocesetucson.org .
I'm tired of being approached by acquaintances, and strangers, and asked to account for the Bishops in this matter. I'm also sick of the money we contribute being used to pay for their mistakes, although we have no choice in that matter--we are after all a part of one body, and parts of that body have done damage to society that amends must be made for. But having this Bishop as president of the USCCB will give ammunition to those who seek to discredit or damage the Church in the US.
Why I Think the Democratic Party Looks to Do Poorly This Year
I see all kinds of things in the Press and on the "Net about what's going on this election. But I don't see a lot about what I think is going on.
The Democratic Party is trying to discover the roots of their low poll numbers. And personally, I think their efforts are little better than scrying in a bowl of murky water. Representative Pelosi is trying to blame Republican fund raising--saying all the money has appeared from nowhere, or from foreign contributors. (I find this to be disingenuous at best--at worst it's common mendacity. The republicans are raising money because people don't like the government that's in power. And the Democrats have raised money from the same kinds of sources that they are labeling "foreign" when it flows into Republican coffers. It comes from corporations that do business in the US, and have US branches. It's not the money I mind--it's the disinformation!) John Kerry is trying to blame Glen Beck. As if Mr. Beck would have an audience if his message didn't resonate with what people are thinking. Mr. Kerry is also voicing the opinion that the American People are frightened, and have abandoned rational thought.
Here's what I think is happening:
First, we have noticed that the share of the GDP that's going to the federal government is now about 25%--one Dollar in four is going to the black hole of federal government. That's money that people could spend themselves, on what they want and need. That spending would more effectively stimulate the economy that the Administrations Stimulus Plan. And we know that the plan that we were told would hold unemployment at no more than 8% allowed it to rise to double digits. it now hovers at close to ten percent, even though we are told the recession is over. We know that it didn't work.
We also know that this recession isn't a normal downturn in the Business Cycle. It's a crisis of debt. And we know that much of the precipitating cause--the burst in the housing bubble--was caused by policies stretching back as far as the Carter Administration, encouraging financial institutions to make risky loans to people who can't afford them to buy houses. This came to a head during the Clinton Administration with laws that essentially required lenders to make such loans.
We also know that the National Debt, which hovered around 40% of the GDP is now around 90%. And since many people felt that 40% was too high, yes people are worried. We have become a nation in danger of bankruptcy.
So the present Administration and Congresses handling of the Economic Crisis isn't passing muster with lots of common folks. By common folks, I don't mean demagogues or candidates who are trying to woo us. I mean people like the guy who posted the magic marker sign on the street I saw this morning: "Bankrupt America? Yes We Can!" Financial policy isn't standing up to scrutiny from the people paying the bills.
But there's something else that's functioning, on a more emotional level. The Democratic Party is casting about for reasons for it's declining appeal, but not looking at itself. It's looking for issues with which to oppose Republicans, and often not being able to make a case, is relying on attack ads to an extent that many believe to be unprecedented, up to and including fabrication of outrageous charges. To the point that in our area, Democratic rank and file, and Liberal spokespersons, are crying foul. They look desperate and week. But what is even more alienating, their "Masterminds", people like Pelosi and Kerry are saying things that seem to place the blame on--the electorate. As if we're too ignorant or stupid to understand what's going on. Or, perhaps, only a fool could possibly disagree with them, or so they seem to be saying to the guy who punches a time clock.
Finally, there are people who are worried about something more basic than even the economy: Liberty. With Administration attempts to gain control of the means of communication, and with things like the FBI being told to consider Free Speech lawsuits by conservatives and pro-lifers as acts of violence, some of us wonder if the Liberties that make being an American unlike being anything else will survive the re-invention of the country that the Dems seem to have in mind.
If the Democratic Party had addressed these concerns effectively, and had not tried so hard to block other concerns by opposing states attempts, under the 10th Amendment, to solve some of their own problems, they could carry this election. But they seem to eager to forge ahead with an agenda that appeals to a loose coalition of special interests and Big Government Advocates, none of which on their own constitute a plurality.
I think they are loosing out, because the average person, senses a feeling of contempt for them, and their concerns, from a Party they perceive as elitist. (It didn't help that John Kerry, a tax fan, parked his hugely expensive yacht in a state other than his own, to lower his tax bill! That made him look hypocritical. Not that I blame him--I would have done the same thing.! But it did look bad. As did Pelosi's bullying the Air Force into providing her a Jet, kept for her use at Tax Payer expense--something no other speaker of the house has had. Looks Bad, again.)
The Democratic Party is trying to discover the roots of their low poll numbers. And personally, I think their efforts are little better than scrying in a bowl of murky water. Representative Pelosi is trying to blame Republican fund raising--saying all the money has appeared from nowhere, or from foreign contributors. (I find this to be disingenuous at best--at worst it's common mendacity. The republicans are raising money because people don't like the government that's in power. And the Democrats have raised money from the same kinds of sources that they are labeling "foreign" when it flows into Republican coffers. It comes from corporations that do business in the US, and have US branches. It's not the money I mind--it's the disinformation!) John Kerry is trying to blame Glen Beck. As if Mr. Beck would have an audience if his message didn't resonate with what people are thinking. Mr. Kerry is also voicing the opinion that the American People are frightened, and have abandoned rational thought.
Here's what I think is happening:
First, we have noticed that the share of the GDP that's going to the federal government is now about 25%--one Dollar in four is going to the black hole of federal government. That's money that people could spend themselves, on what they want and need. That spending would more effectively stimulate the economy that the Administrations Stimulus Plan. And we know that the plan that we were told would hold unemployment at no more than 8% allowed it to rise to double digits. it now hovers at close to ten percent, even though we are told the recession is over. We know that it didn't work.
We also know that this recession isn't a normal downturn in the Business Cycle. It's a crisis of debt. And we know that much of the precipitating cause--the burst in the housing bubble--was caused by policies stretching back as far as the Carter Administration, encouraging financial institutions to make risky loans to people who can't afford them to buy houses. This came to a head during the Clinton Administration with laws that essentially required lenders to make such loans.
We also know that the National Debt, which hovered around 40% of the GDP is now around 90%. And since many people felt that 40% was too high, yes people are worried. We have become a nation in danger of bankruptcy.
So the present Administration and Congresses handling of the Economic Crisis isn't passing muster with lots of common folks. By common folks, I don't mean demagogues or candidates who are trying to woo us. I mean people like the guy who posted the magic marker sign on the street I saw this morning: "Bankrupt America? Yes We Can!" Financial policy isn't standing up to scrutiny from the people paying the bills.
But there's something else that's functioning, on a more emotional level. The Democratic Party is casting about for reasons for it's declining appeal, but not looking at itself. It's looking for issues with which to oppose Republicans, and often not being able to make a case, is relying on attack ads to an extent that many believe to be unprecedented, up to and including fabrication of outrageous charges. To the point that in our area, Democratic rank and file, and Liberal spokespersons, are crying foul. They look desperate and week. But what is even more alienating, their "Masterminds", people like Pelosi and Kerry are saying things that seem to place the blame on--the electorate. As if we're too ignorant or stupid to understand what's going on. Or, perhaps, only a fool could possibly disagree with them, or so they seem to be saying to the guy who punches a time clock.
Finally, there are people who are worried about something more basic than even the economy: Liberty. With Administration attempts to gain control of the means of communication, and with things like the FBI being told to consider Free Speech lawsuits by conservatives and pro-lifers as acts of violence, some of us wonder if the Liberties that make being an American unlike being anything else will survive the re-invention of the country that the Dems seem to have in mind.
If the Democratic Party had addressed these concerns effectively, and had not tried so hard to block other concerns by opposing states attempts, under the 10th Amendment, to solve some of their own problems, they could carry this election. But they seem to eager to forge ahead with an agenda that appeals to a loose coalition of special interests and Big Government Advocates, none of which on their own constitute a plurality.
I think they are loosing out, because the average person, senses a feeling of contempt for them, and their concerns, from a Party they perceive as elitist. (It didn't help that John Kerry, a tax fan, parked his hugely expensive yacht in a state other than his own, to lower his tax bill! That made him look hypocritical. Not that I blame him--I would have done the same thing.! But it did look bad. As did Pelosi's bullying the Air Force into providing her a Jet, kept for her use at Tax Payer expense--something no other speaker of the house has had. Looks Bad, again.)
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Counting Your Blessings
You know, I just realized something. When I set out to give thanks for all the blessings I've received, counting my blessings, as it were, I am real good at counting up the big ones, but maybe I miss the important ones.
Like, the gift of enough patience to enable me to receive the blessing of being with my family. or the gift of enough contrition to return to the sacraments. Or the gift of enough humor not to take myself to seriously, that enables me to take others seriously enough. All the little things, that make the big things possible.
I don't think I can consciously count up my blessings--they are so many, and many of them are so subtle, I'll never know until judgment day.
God has been very good to me.
Like, the gift of enough patience to enable me to receive the blessing of being with my family. or the gift of enough contrition to return to the sacraments. Or the gift of enough humor not to take myself to seriously, that enables me to take others seriously enough. All the little things, that make the big things possible.
I don't think I can consciously count up my blessings--they are so many, and many of them are so subtle, I'll never know until judgment day.
God has been very good to me.
Halloween Report and Kudos to the New Albany Police Department
Well, the Trick-or-Treaters have just about finished coming through. And I think this year was better than last year.
I didn't see any of the tweeny girls in costumes that....well...that I would enjoy seeing on a college girl, so to speak. The last two years I saw a lot of that. And I didn't see any moms all costumed CFM, either. Also, better than the last two years.
Something new this year--The New Albany Police Department was much in evidence, and calling the kids over and asking their names. As they did this, in a very friendly manner, they gave the kids treats. A nice way to practice community policing--the kids aren't intimidated, and the adults see that the police are out protecting them. The which either reassures them, or discourages them, as needed. Good Job, NAPD!
So, all in all, a better year than the last two. Except for the potato brained gazebos that the political campaigns had giving out treats attached to campaign literature. That was tacky.
Best costumes: Ron Weasley and Harry Potter! Two boys who I think were related. One had natural bright red hair, and was wearing Hogwarts robes with Gryffendor scarf. The other wore real glasses, ditto on robes and scarf! They looked like..Ron and Harry. Second place to the girl, a little later, who was an excellent Hermione. Third place to the Zombie Ballerina.
Worst Costume: A tie. Either Hanna Montana, or the unidentifiable mish-mash kid.
Sweetest Kid: A young male, to old to trick-or-treat, say 15 or 16. But he couldn't help but tell me about his costume (a flying squirrel) that his sister made for him. He was maybe 6 or 8 years old inside his head. Second Sweetest kid--maybe even first sweetest when everything is considered--his younger sister, who made his costume, and took him trick-or-treating.
I didn't see any of the tweeny girls in costumes that....well...that I would enjoy seeing on a college girl, so to speak. The last two years I saw a lot of that. And I didn't see any moms all costumed CFM, either. Also, better than the last two years.
Something new this year--The New Albany Police Department was much in evidence, and calling the kids over and asking their names. As they did this, in a very friendly manner, they gave the kids treats. A nice way to practice community policing--the kids aren't intimidated, and the adults see that the police are out protecting them. The which either reassures them, or discourages them, as needed. Good Job, NAPD!
So, all in all, a better year than the last two. Except for the potato brained gazebos that the political campaigns had giving out treats attached to campaign literature. That was tacky.
Best costumes: Ron Weasley and Harry Potter! Two boys who I think were related. One had natural bright red hair, and was wearing Hogwarts robes with Gryffendor scarf. The other wore real glasses, ditto on robes and scarf! They looked like..Ron and Harry. Second place to the girl, a little later, who was an excellent Hermione. Third place to the Zombie Ballerina.
Worst Costume: A tie. Either Hanna Montana, or the unidentifiable mish-mash kid.
Sweetest Kid: A young male, to old to trick-or-treat, say 15 or 16. But he couldn't help but tell me about his costume (a flying squirrel) that his sister made for him. He was maybe 6 or 8 years old inside his head. Second Sweetest kid--maybe even first sweetest when everything is considered--his younger sister, who made his costume, and took him trick-or-treating.
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