I watched with interest Pope Francis's recent visit to the United States. It was the first time in a long while, that I had a positive feeling about the Catholic Church.
I am not a Catholic or even a Christian, but I like this Pope. I was impressed by both what he said and what he did. To me he exemplified the teachings and what we know of the life of Jesus of Nazareth. His homilies were teaching, not preaching as most religious leaders are prone to do. He was forthright, blunt and forward looking. He seemed to have a clear understanding of the nuances of American politics and because he shared his concerns for those less fortunate, was labeled a "Liberal" by some less insightful observers.
The Pope is a conservative Catholic and the changes he has promulgated in the Church were long over due. As an outsider my view of the Catholic Church has been of a huge very insulated bureaucracy that cares more about self preservation and orthodoxy than the people it is supposed to serve. He is prodding the Church to become more relevant in the modern world and that will be a good thing. I wish him well.
I have always had a very strong interest in religion, so I was impressed with the Pope's activities here as he demonstrated what I believe a religious leader must do. Lead by example, such as visiting a prison, eating with the homeless and embracing people at random. I believe his behavior exemplified what Jesus would have done, had he returned to us in 2015.
It bothers me to see how modern religions from Christianity to Islam have totally ignored and distorted the original messages of their respective religious founders. In this country, for example, the current message from some conservative Christians of intolerance, bigotry and even racism would be completely foreign to Jesus whom these folks claim to worship.
I think Pope Francis's words and deeds have come closer than any religious leader in my lifetime to answering the question--WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?
Monday, November 23, 2015
Friday, November 6, 2015
BEN CARSON---MESSIAH OR SOFT SPOKEN ELMER GANTRY?
On a recent visit with relatives, Ben Carson was being interviewed on TV. Two people watching quickly volunteered that they will vote for him. I asked one of them why he supported Carson and he said "Because he is a good Christian man". His message definitely resonates with conservative Christians. He is saying what they want to hear and his mild approach fits their idea of a paster or even a Messiah.
Reporters have been looking into his past and some of the events he has described in his books. They have raised questions about the truthfulness of some of his stories he has been telling on the campaign trail. When confronted with some inconsistencies, he has reacted defensively and his campaign staff have refused to discuss any of the questions.
He appears to be living a pretty lavish lifestyle while on the road and has collected many millions of dollars in donations. However, he has spent more than half of it on direct mailings to get more money.
Over the last couple of weeks he has spent his time on a "book tour" instead of actually campaigning. Some have suggested that he is not really running for President, but using the process to sell books and make money.
Because he comes across as soft spoken with a solid conservative message, the evangelicals and others have flocked to him. These folks see the country as an increasingly secular society that does not share their "values" and he gives them hope that as President he would turn things around. Meanwhile they are pouring money into his campaign.
Is Ben Carson a gift from God sent to "open the door" for the religious to rule or is he just a soft spoken Elmer Gantry?
Reporters have been looking into his past and some of the events he has described in his books. They have raised questions about the truthfulness of some of his stories he has been telling on the campaign trail. When confronted with some inconsistencies, he has reacted defensively and his campaign staff have refused to discuss any of the questions.
He appears to be living a pretty lavish lifestyle while on the road and has collected many millions of dollars in donations. However, he has spent more than half of it on direct mailings to get more money.
Over the last couple of weeks he has spent his time on a "book tour" instead of actually campaigning. Some have suggested that he is not really running for President, but using the process to sell books and make money.
Because he comes across as soft spoken with a solid conservative message, the evangelicals and others have flocked to him. These folks see the country as an increasingly secular society that does not share their "values" and he gives them hope that as President he would turn things around. Meanwhile they are pouring money into his campaign.
Is Ben Carson a gift from God sent to "open the door" for the religious to rule or is he just a soft spoken Elmer Gantry?
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
DEMOCRACY IS ALIVE AND WELL IN LEBANON COUNTY
On election day, I spent 11 hours at the polling place at the Campbelltown Fire Company handing out information in support of Dr. Rugh Henderson's bid to retain his seat as a South Londonderry Township supervisor. He lost the election, but he was happy with the effort and under the circumstances, did the best he could with the hand he was dealt.
It was a great day to experience American Democracy at its best. There was a steady stream of voters and as they approached, I would thrust a handout about the good doctor toward them. Almost all of them accepted the paper or politely said "no thank you". My optimistic view for the future of our nation was reinforced by seeing voters show up with the entire family. One lady came carrying a baby in one arm and holding the hand of a toddler with the other; and yet she still was willing to accept my slip of paper. I heard very few negative comments and both Republicans and Democrats at this location were visiting, discussing events of the day and generally seemed to be having a good time. I met 3 of the 4 County Commissioner candidates, ate chicken corn soup and hotdogs provided by the fine cooks of the fire company and generally felt the day went very well.
All over Lebanon County citizens were running for political office. Despite the national media's obsession with the often divisive social issues, I heard little or no talk of them in any of the local elections. It was all about what really matters---dealing with issues people genuinely care about.
There was as usual some give and take, but the rancor and bad feelings often associated with elections in other areas of our country just were not evident. The citizens of Lebanon should be proud of their efforts on Election Day 2015. Now if only the rest of the Country could do the same.
It was a great day to experience American Democracy at its best. There was a steady stream of voters and as they approached, I would thrust a handout about the good doctor toward them. Almost all of them accepted the paper or politely said "no thank you". My optimistic view for the future of our nation was reinforced by seeing voters show up with the entire family. One lady came carrying a baby in one arm and holding the hand of a toddler with the other; and yet she still was willing to accept my slip of paper. I heard very few negative comments and both Republicans and Democrats at this location were visiting, discussing events of the day and generally seemed to be having a good time. I met 3 of the 4 County Commissioner candidates, ate chicken corn soup and hotdogs provided by the fine cooks of the fire company and generally felt the day went very well.
All over Lebanon County citizens were running for political office. Despite the national media's obsession with the often divisive social issues, I heard little or no talk of them in any of the local elections. It was all about what really matters---dealing with issues people genuinely care about.
There was as usual some give and take, but the rancor and bad feelings often associated with elections in other areas of our country just were not evident. The citizens of Lebanon should be proud of their efforts on Election Day 2015. Now if only the rest of the Country could do the same.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
DONALD TRUMP IS ALL SHOW AND NO SUBSTANCE
On June 18, I wrote on my Blog:
Donald Trump is "running" for President of the United States. Many of the pundits are skeptical that he will really last as a candidate. I hope he does, because he is the "best" bad
example we currently have on the horizon. Many in the GORP community like his off the wall comments and extreme ideas. He may be just the enema the country needs to clear out our political system. GO DONALD GO.
I NEVER DREAMED he would have the impact that he has had on the race for President. From late June right up until today, almost every political news show started with the name Trump. I think I know why he has drawn such attention and apparent "success". He has tapped into the GORPs of America.
As long as I can remember the Republican party has been called the Grand Old Party---the GOP.
That name is dead. Many of the current crop of Republicans are not "Grand" or "Old" or having a "Party", so let's just call them what they are---the Group Of Radicals Party or GORP.
The GORP's have come to power in parts of our country, because many Americans are scared and do not know what the future will bring. They want SIMPLE answers to complicated questions.
GORP politicians can get elected, BUT THEY CAN NOT GOVERN. GORP's can only hold power by using fear and intimidation.
The GORP's now running the US House of Representatives are a threat, because they are willing to destroy the United States as we know it, to further their agendas. To call them "CRAZY" may be true, but we must not underestimate them.
Donald Trump has become the poster boy for the GORP's. They like him because he gives them simple answers to very complicated problems. But like all GORP's and their supporters, Trump must ultimately admit that the easy way out does not exist.
In the end he has destroyed the future of his presidential bid by being duped by a con artist aboard the U.S. Battleship Iowa in California and stumped by a Muslim question in New Hampshire. There were no 100,000 veterans supporting his speech aboard the Iowa last week---it was just one guy and he is a crook. So what happened to the "smart" Mr. Trump?
When a guy stood up at a town hall event in New Hampshire and said President Obama was a Muslim, Trump looked dumfounded and could not provide a comeback to the obvious bigotry.
Donald Trump is all show and NO substance. The Fall winds of change will soon come and blow him away.
Donald Trump is "running" for President of the United States. Many of the pundits are skeptical that he will really last as a candidate. I hope he does, because he is the "best" bad
example we currently have on the horizon. Many in the GORP community like his off the wall comments and extreme ideas. He may be just the enema the country needs to clear out our political system. GO DONALD GO.
I NEVER DREAMED he would have the impact that he has had on the race for President. From late June right up until today, almost every political news show started with the name Trump. I think I know why he has drawn such attention and apparent "success". He has tapped into the GORPs of America.
As long as I can remember the Republican party has been called the Grand Old Party---the GOP.
That name is dead. Many of the current crop of Republicans are not "Grand" or "Old" or having a "Party", so let's just call them what they are---the Group Of Radicals Party or GORP.
The GORP's have come to power in parts of our country, because many Americans are scared and do not know what the future will bring. They want SIMPLE answers to complicated questions.
GORP politicians can get elected, BUT THEY CAN NOT GOVERN. GORP's can only hold power by using fear and intimidation.
The GORP's now running the US House of Representatives are a threat, because they are willing to destroy the United States as we know it, to further their agendas. To call them "CRAZY" may be true, but we must not underestimate them.
Donald Trump has become the poster boy for the GORP's. They like him because he gives them simple answers to very complicated problems. But like all GORP's and their supporters, Trump must ultimately admit that the easy way out does not exist.
In the end he has destroyed the future of his presidential bid by being duped by a con artist aboard the U.S. Battleship Iowa in California and stumped by a Muslim question in New Hampshire. There were no 100,000 veterans supporting his speech aboard the Iowa last week---it was just one guy and he is a crook. So what happened to the "smart" Mr. Trump?
When a guy stood up at a town hall event in New Hampshire and said President Obama was a Muslim, Trump looked dumfounded and could not provide a comeback to the obvious bigotry.
Donald Trump is all show and NO substance. The Fall winds of change will soon come and blow him away.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
PRESIDENT BUSHES
I met George H. W. Bush at a Republican gathering in Lancaster, PA when I was running for public office in 1988. He was the main speaker and I liked him. I did not care for Ronald Reagan as President because of his views on the environment and on his excessive defense spending. I still like the President and I think his wife Barbara is a delight. They make a great couple.
George W. is another story. I felt from the beginning that he was not too bright and would be easily manipulated by the Neocons like Dick Cheney and others. As it turned out, I was correct.
He campaigned as a conservative, but never seriously pushed the social issues so dear to many of the right-wing religious crowd. Also, instead of being "conservative" with the taxpayer's money, he spent it lavishly on the Neocons misguided dream of "democracy" in Iraq and the Middle East. He will go down as one of the worst Presidents ever because when he left office, he had nothing to show for his 8 years, but a huge debt and two endless wars.
Now comes "President" Bush # 3? I think he is a good person, but he does NOT exude the fire needed to preside over a country of more than 300 million in a world filled with turmoil and uncertain possibilities. He does not seem to know when to keep his mouth shut (listen to MOM). Criticizing the Pope for his views on CLIMATE CHANGE was just plain DUMB. Mr Bush, you are NOT going to gain votes going there, so shut up. The Donald made derogatory comments about Mexican immigrants in his announcement in New York City and MR BUSH, who is married to a Mexican woman, said ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
I can't figure out if Jeb Bush is naive or stupid, but he definitely is NOT PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL at this point in the campaign.
George W. is another story. I felt from the beginning that he was not too bright and would be easily manipulated by the Neocons like Dick Cheney and others. As it turned out, I was correct.
He campaigned as a conservative, but never seriously pushed the social issues so dear to many of the right-wing religious crowd. Also, instead of being "conservative" with the taxpayer's money, he spent it lavishly on the Neocons misguided dream of "democracy" in Iraq and the Middle East. He will go down as one of the worst Presidents ever because when he left office, he had nothing to show for his 8 years, but a huge debt and two endless wars.
Now comes "President" Bush # 3? I think he is a good person, but he does NOT exude the fire needed to preside over a country of more than 300 million in a world filled with turmoil and uncertain possibilities. He does not seem to know when to keep his mouth shut (listen to MOM). Criticizing the Pope for his views on CLIMATE CHANGE was just plain DUMB. Mr Bush, you are NOT going to gain votes going there, so shut up. The Donald made derogatory comments about Mexican immigrants in his announcement in New York City and MR BUSH, who is married to a Mexican woman, said ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
I can't figure out if Jeb Bush is naive or stupid, but he definitely is NOT PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL at this point in the campaign.
GO DONALD GO
Donald Trump is "running" for President of the United States. Many of the pundits are skeptical that he will really last as a candidate. I hope he does, because he is the "best" bad
example we currently have on the horizon. Many in the GORP community like his off the wall comments and extreme ideas. He may be just the enema the country needs to clear out our political system. GO DONALD GO.
example we currently have on the horizon. Many in the GORP community like his off the wall comments and extreme ideas. He may be just the enema the country needs to clear out our political system. GO DONALD GO.
MURDER IN CHURCH---A LEGACY OF THE GORP'S AGENDA
The brutal murder of 9 black people in a church in South Carolina is just the latest fallout from a nationwide campaign by the GORP's (Group Of Radicals Party) to marginalize people they do not like. This campaign of denying Black people voting rights and access to health care emboldens crazy individuals like the church murderer and the cop who shot Walter Scott 8 times, to look at people different from themselves as something to fear and to be destroyed.
These politicians need to be held to account for the atmosphere they are creating with their discriminating legislative agenda. These actions combined with promoting of gun rights to such an extent that "everyone should carry" is encouraging unstable individuals to do unspeakable acts.
The GORP's (formerly the Republican Party) hide behind a "christian curtain" created by the same people who justified slavery with Biblical scripture back in the Civil War period. They are not really Christ-like or real Christians, they are self-righteous bigots who use religion as a ruse to control and discriminate against people they do not like.
The current crop of Republican candidates for President have to decide if they are going to be REAL REPUBLICANS or GORP's.
The national Republican Party seems to be a current supporter of the GORP movement and in my opinion if they continue the "Party" may reach such an extreme level that they will have to be labelled a hate group. Their supporters seem to hate everyone but rich white men---a decreasing minority. They may have the money and power, but they may have to resort to extreme means to keep it.
How the Republican candidates respond to this latest mass murder will give us a clue as to whether they are going to be running to be A REAL REPUBLICAN who will be PRESIDENT for everyone or a GORP who will be PRESIDENT of the few who support the GORP agenda. Yes, a GORP could win, but the country would be torn apart if that happens.
These politicians need to be held to account for the atmosphere they are creating with their discriminating legislative agenda. These actions combined with promoting of gun rights to such an extent that "everyone should carry" is encouraging unstable individuals to do unspeakable acts.
The GORP's (formerly the Republican Party) hide behind a "christian curtain" created by the same people who justified slavery with Biblical scripture back in the Civil War period. They are not really Christ-like or real Christians, they are self-righteous bigots who use religion as a ruse to control and discriminate against people they do not like.
The current crop of Republican candidates for President have to decide if they are going to be REAL REPUBLICANS or GORP's.
The national Republican Party seems to be a current supporter of the GORP movement and in my opinion if they continue the "Party" may reach such an extreme level that they will have to be labelled a hate group. Their supporters seem to hate everyone but rich white men---a decreasing minority. They may have the money and power, but they may have to resort to extreme means to keep it.
How the Republican candidates respond to this latest mass murder will give us a clue as to whether they are going to be running to be A REAL REPUBLICAN who will be PRESIDENT for everyone or a GORP who will be PRESIDENT of the few who support the GORP agenda. Yes, a GORP could win, but the country would be torn apart if that happens.
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