Why don’t you ever write?
by Ted Mallory Charter Oak-Ute NEWSpaper Thursday, October 28, 2004
"Do you ever get nasty phone calls about stuff you write in the paper?” asked a friend from Ute the other day. I guess I thought that they were worried about me. Only later, when we were leaving school and getting into our cars did I notice the “W” sticker prominently displayed on their bumper. Maybe it wasn’t worry, maybe it was a hint.
Actually no one’s ever called. What I want to have happen is for readers to write letters to the editor. Since I’ve been writing this column, that’s only happened once. They did a very good job too, and I agreed with what they wrote, even though they were motivated to write it because their disagreed with me.
A few times people have written in “A Note of Thanks” to the paper for something they linked. And a couple of times I’ve received notes or letters directly, that were positive. Thank you, by the way, those always mean a lot to me.
Last year, one of my Journalism students, an Eagle Scout, wrote a letter to another newspaper. His opinion was that he thought that the city employees in his town should have a dress code, so that they’d look more professional.
Some one was so frustrated by what he wrote that they sent him anonymous hate mail, and crank called him. It turned out to be an adult. There was even some suspicion that it was his former Scout Master! Yikes.
I WANT you to write to the NEWSpaper. Even if its in response to or in disagreement with me. There are three reasons that I want you to write. One is for feedback to this column.
Another is because we don’t know how lucky we are to even HAVE a newspaper. Are you kidding me? Two towns as small as ours? If you appreciate having our own paper, please contribute your news, stories, letters, opinions, photographs, anything you can think of. I wouldn’t be surprised if Lyon Publishing would even welcome book and movie reviews, recopies, memories and even poems!
Finally, I want to encourage you to write the paper because it is your First Amendment right! Lets make the NEWSpaper our “forum,” a public meeting place for open discussion, debate and expression of ideas.
A newspaper is a grown-up, sane, civilized, respectable, and fun way to discuss and debate. Crank phone calls, anonymous hate letters, bricks through windows, toilet-papered trees, and burning crosses on lawns are decidedly NOT fun or civilized, let alone grown-up.
My goal is not to indoctrinate or to win arguments. My goal in this column is to make you think. If I make you laugh or touch you somehow- bonus. If I do manage to persuade you to my point of view, double bonus.
Ah, but if I help you understand different points of view while solidifying your own opinion-even if it’s the complete opposite of mine- that’s bonus too. That’s the role of a free press and of a public forum.
You can drop your letters off in the Ute office, or mail them to Lyon Publishing in Mapleton. You can email them to their office at mpress@longlines.com. Or you can send it to me at coachmallory@hotmail.com.
You could use a letter-to-the-editor to explain something, to try to persuade people to do something, to warn readers of the consequences of some action or inaction, to criticize something, to propose a new idea, or to praise something or someone. I call that an Oprah-torial, when you call attention to unsung heroes or promote books or products that have really impressed you. Here are some tips on writing letters-to-the-Editor:
· Keep it short and on one subject. Under 300 words is best. I know, I know, this is a case of “do as I say, not as I do”
· If it’s to a paper other than this one, try to make it related to something that appeared the newspaper. While some papers print general commentary, many will only print letters that refer to a specific article.
· Be careful to avoid libel, that’s when you deliberately write something that’s not true in order to hurt someone’s reputation. One good way is to deal with issues, policies or actions, rather than dealing with personalities. Another is to be sure you’ve got your facts straight.
· Offer a solution, an alternative, a course of action. Don’t just complain. Teddy Roosevelt called people who did that “Muckruckers.” Ever rake manure after it had started to dry? You made it start stinking again didn’t ya? That’s muck-rucking.
· Try this simple outline. Three paragraphs; An introduction that points out the problem and your position, A main body that provides facts and sound reasoning that supports your position, and finally a conclusion that restates your opinion and urges the reader to take action.
Please write soon and write often. We look forward to hearing you. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to vote Tuesday- even if it’s because you want to try to cancel out my vote! Not only is it your right, it’s your duty! What’s more, if you don’t vote, then you won’t deserve to complain.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Ted's Prayer Blog
Ted's Prayer Blog
Here is finally the Prayer blog that I've thought about starting for months but never got around to.
Here is finally the Prayer blog that I've thought about starting for months but never got around to.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
This is for all my friends and former students who know what a Peanuts aficianado I am. This is a cell from the 'Its the Great Pumkin, Charlie Brown.' Charles Shultz was a genius. Masterful mix of watercolor, ink, crayon, and charcoal. It's the WWI Flying Ace (AKA Snoopy) traveling behind enemy lines.
Mallory
Turkey and Gravy Flavour at Jones Soda
Turkey and Gravy Flavour at Jones Soda
Okay, this is just too gross to not share.
Okay, this is just too gross to not share.
Send Us Your Label Ideas
Send Us Your Label Ideas
You can email your photos to Jones Soda and get them printed on bottle labels! Cool, huh?
You can email your photos to Jones Soda and get them printed on bottle labels! Cool, huh?
The Official Website of Coach John Wooden
The Official Website of Coach John Wooden
Wooden is a Christian leader who has an awesome training model for athletes and business people called "the Pyramid of Success."
Wooden is a Christian leader who has an awesome training model for athletes and business people called "the Pyramid of Success."
Monday, October 25, 2004
"Randi," digital image, 2002. Maybe I like this one because this kid is particularly photogenic (photogetic?) maybe I like it because in spite of her being photogenic, it's still honest, it captures a moment, a "slice of life" of "Americana," you know what I mean, she's tired and hot yet enthusiastic and excited, losing daylight and wind-swept, yet hopeful and youthful. It may or may not be the most balanced composition, but I just have always thought I was lucky to capture it because it has some kind of magic to it.
Mallory
Experiment- this digital image was created by using a slow shutter speed and looking at the cheerleaders through a bouquet of balloons that were flapping furiously in the wind while relfecting the "Friday Night Lights" at the football game. You could choose to see it as a big blurry mess, or remember that much of art is serendepity and look at it as if it is a masterful Futurist work that is full of energy and shows the motion and dynamism of high school cheerleaders getting the crowd fired up!
Mallory
Sunday, October 24, 2004
A gapping wound is beginning to tear
"To disagree, one doesn't have to be disagreeable."
~Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater
The other day I got an email from an old friend from college. He’s in the Air National Guard. I thought I’d share some of what we said to each other with you.
I was waiting for it too. So were we all. Secretary of State Collin Powell is someone I'd always respected and trusted, certainly more than Bush, Cheney, or Rumsfeld. So, I tended to believe his presentations of WDM intelligence to the U.N. before the war. But I still had a hang up with a pre-emptive strike. Through all of history only aggressor nations struck first. Now finally the 1,500 page Duelfer Report tells Congress that there were no WMDs. Could those satellite images the Defense department showed my friend’s Guard unit have just been of the vans and trucks of electricians, plumbers, even lunch caterers?
In Sept. of 2003 a friend emailed me a Powerpoint presentation of photos taken in Iraq. The presentation was entitled "Dig Deeper, Watson." In these photos are seen USAF personnel excavating a Russian-built fighter plane. The wings were removed, but the rest of the fuselage was intact. I thought if somebody could bury a monster like a fighter jet, it would be nothing to hide some chemical munitions.
I remember that slide show that he sent me that slide show of the Russian jet in the sand. It was amazing. That had raised a lot of questions and fears in my mind at the time. It's easy to see how anyone could "flip-flop" on these things.
In May of 2004, a story broke in the news that US Army demolition experts found an IED in Iraq that was a chemical mortar round. They were treated for mild Sarin exposure. The IED (improvised explosive device) was set to explode without being launched from a mortar tube. Had this round been launched and detonated, it would have taken out an area the size of at least 3 football fields. I don't want to even think of what that would have looked like.
Yes, many feel that Bush isn't handling this war very well, and that it was foolish to go in without more allies. I can't help wondering, however, that stockpiles of WMD may exist.
Naturally that’s the kind of things that makes you shiver. But no matter how vicious Hussein had been toward his own people, that didn’t mean he had the capability to attack the U.S. Before we invaded, it was less likely that his weapons could land in the hands of Al Queida Terrorists. Especially when a radical Wahhabist-Muslim like Bin Laden and a Secular-socialist totalitarian dictator who's nominally a Sunni-Muslim like Hussein hated each other. Hussein didn’t want Al Quieda in his country and Bin Laden had no respect whatsoever for Hussein. I hate how Vice President Cheney insists that the invasion of Iraq is part of the War-on-Terror. I still think that we should’ve concentrated far more force on Afghanistan and left Iraq to continue withering away like it had been for a decade. Sure the world is better off without Hussein, but Bin Laden is still out there.
On a different vane, I grow weary of people claiming one cannot be a Christian and vote Democrat. I've been biting my tongue these last couple of days. There's a teacher here who gets really excited about stuff like this. I have to argue that things aren't quite so simple. The article you've sent illustrates a point that many of us in the Guard have quietly mulled over. We can't keep on like this. Our military is stretched dangerously thin. Democrats can be Christians too, however. My good friend Ted Mallory is a fine Christian man. I immediately thought of you when this guy made his comment. I like the guy, but he talks a bit too much.
That’s something that sounds like something that many Vietnam veterans complained about- even if they think that the war is just, they were frustrated by the government’s mishandling of it.
Granted, it may be because we're friends, so I'm prone to listen to him and automatically give legitimacy to his input- but his letter reminded me that both sides of the war issue have reasonable, authentic, well-meaning cause to believe what they believe. So I want the “hawks” to know that I see your point, but please try to be open to the opinions of us “doves” as well. So close to the election, things are too charged, too polarized.
I suppose any war is polarizing. As a Civil War historian, my friend knows that too well. I fear that even if in no other way, this war resembles Vietnam insofar as the longer it goes on, the more divided the population will become.
I agree about the Vietnamization of the Iraq situation. I think you could even draw comparisons to the Philippine Insurection of 1900. Our foes are utilizing low tech means to attack a technologically superior force and yet our generals continue to insist that we can beat them with "just another 20,000 troops."
Thank goodness that Aguinaldo didn't have CNN. (Of course, W.R. Hearst could be just as bad I suppose.)
I will go and do my duty when I'm called. I am prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice if necessary, but when/if they hand that triangular flag to my wife, It would be nice to know that my death was worth it.
“How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake?....We are here in Washington to say that the problem of this war is not just a question of war and diplomacy. It is part and parcel of everything that we are trying as human beings to communicate to people in this country - the question of racism which is rampant in the military, and so many other questions such as the use of weapons; the hypocrisy in our taking umbrage at the Geneva Conventions and using that as justification for a continuation of this war when we are more guilty than any other body of violations of those Geneva Conventions; in the use of free fire zones, harassment interdiction fire, search and destroy missions, the bombings, the torture of prisoners, all accepted policy by many units in South Vietnam. That is what we are trying to say. It is part and parcel of everything.” ~Lieutenant John Kerry made before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on April 23, 1971.
It frightens me to imagine either my friend from college, or any of my students as the last to die in Iraq.
I really consider myself a moderate centrist. I consider myself an American before and above being a Democrat and a Christian before and above being an American. I believe that our Nation's motto "E pluribus unum" -"Out of many, one" is more than a motto, it should be a mission, a principle which we should strive for. But it seems like people won’t let you be “for the troops, but against the war.” If you suspect the Bush Administration of favoring the rich and corporations, especially oil companies at the expense of the working class, or of botching the real War on Terror and the War on Iraq, somehow you’re a traitor.
Whether the next President is bush or Kerry, not only will they have to clean-up our mess in Iraq and continue to protect us from Terror, they will need to do an awful lot to heal the gapping wound in our unity that the war in Iraq is just beginning to tear.
~Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater
The other day I got an email from an old friend from college. He’s in the Air National Guard. I thought I’d share some of what we said to each other with you.
Hey Ted,
Say, I've enjoyed some of your forwards as of late and I wanted to say thanks. They've been quite thought provoking. I was wondering if I could share some in site with you regarding some things I've seen/heard regarding the Iraq War.
I've had some doubts recently with us being "over there", but I struggle with these feelings due to information that I have concerning the rationale for going to war with Iraq.
In Feb. of 2003, I sat in an intelligence briefing with members of my Guard unit in NE. We were shown satellite photos of vehicle activity around suspected WMD sites that indicated movement which lead experts to believe that Saddam was hiding something. This was quite a moment for me considering that I'm really seeing this…We had information about carrier battle groups and ground units and their time tables for deployment. Wow! It was cool, yet scary. So the war came and went...and lingered. I held out that there would be WMD discovered in a matter time. I figured that I would be one of those guys out there in my chem suit and detection equipment dabbing at mysterious liquids. Heck! That's what I've been training for!
I was waiting for it too. So were we all. Secretary of State Collin Powell is someone I'd always respected and trusted, certainly more than Bush, Cheney, or Rumsfeld. So, I tended to believe his presentations of WDM intelligence to the U.N. before the war. But I still had a hang up with a pre-emptive strike. Through all of history only aggressor nations struck first. Now finally the 1,500 page Duelfer Report tells Congress that there were no WMDs. Could those satellite images the Defense department showed my friend’s Guard unit have just been of the vans and trucks of electricians, plumbers, even lunch caterers?
In Sept. of 2003 a friend emailed me a Powerpoint presentation of photos taken in Iraq. The presentation was entitled "Dig Deeper, Watson." In these photos are seen USAF personnel excavating a Russian-built fighter plane. The wings were removed, but the rest of the fuselage was intact. I thought if somebody could bury a monster like a fighter jet, it would be nothing to hide some chemical munitions.
I remember that slide show that he sent me that slide show of the Russian jet in the sand. It was amazing. That had raised a lot of questions and fears in my mind at the time. It's easy to see how anyone could "flip-flop" on these things.
In May of 2004, a story broke in the news that US Army demolition experts found an IED in Iraq that was a chemical mortar round. They were treated for mild Sarin exposure. The IED (improvised explosive device) was set to explode without being launched from a mortar tube. Had this round been launched and detonated, it would have taken out an area the size of at least 3 football fields. I don't want to even think of what that would have looked like.
Yes, many feel that Bush isn't handling this war very well, and that it was foolish to go in without more allies. I can't help wondering, however, that stockpiles of WMD may exist.
Naturally that’s the kind of things that makes you shiver. But no matter how vicious Hussein had been toward his own people, that didn’t mean he had the capability to attack the U.S. Before we invaded, it was less likely that his weapons could land in the hands of Al Queida Terrorists. Especially when a radical Wahhabist-Muslim like Bin Laden and a Secular-socialist totalitarian dictator who's nominally a Sunni-Muslim like Hussein hated each other. Hussein didn’t want Al Quieda in his country and Bin Laden had no respect whatsoever for Hussein. I hate how Vice President Cheney insists that the invasion of Iraq is part of the War-on-Terror. I still think that we should’ve concentrated far more force on Afghanistan and left Iraq to continue withering away like it had been for a decade. Sure the world is better off without Hussein, but Bin Laden is still out there.
On a different vane, I grow weary of people claiming one cannot be a Christian and vote Democrat. I've been biting my tongue these last couple of days. There's a teacher here who gets really excited about stuff like this. I have to argue that things aren't quite so simple. The article you've sent illustrates a point that many of us in the Guard have quietly mulled over. We can't keep on like this. Our military is stretched dangerously thin. Democrats can be Christians too, however. My good friend Ted Mallory is a fine Christian man. I immediately thought of you when this guy made his comment. I like the guy, but he talks a bit too much.
That’s something that sounds like something that many Vietnam veterans complained about- even if they think that the war is just, they were frustrated by the government’s mishandling of it.
Granted, it may be because we're friends, so I'm prone to listen to him and automatically give legitimacy to his input- but his letter reminded me that both sides of the war issue have reasonable, authentic, well-meaning cause to believe what they believe. So I want the “hawks” to know that I see your point, but please try to be open to the opinions of us “doves” as well. So close to the election, things are too charged, too polarized.
I suppose any war is polarizing. As a Civil War historian, my friend knows that too well. I fear that even if in no other way, this war resembles Vietnam insofar as the longer it goes on, the more divided the population will become.
I agree about the Vietnamization of the Iraq situation. I think you could even draw comparisons to the Philippine Insurection of 1900. Our foes are utilizing low tech means to attack a technologically superior force and yet our generals continue to insist that we can beat them with "just another 20,000 troops."
Thank goodness that Aguinaldo didn't have CNN. (Of course, W.R. Hearst could be just as bad I suppose.)
I will go and do my duty when I'm called. I am prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice if necessary, but when/if they hand that triangular flag to my wife, It would be nice to know that my death was worth it.
“How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake?....We are here in Washington to say that the problem of this war is not just a question of war and diplomacy. It is part and parcel of everything that we are trying as human beings to communicate to people in this country - the question of racism which is rampant in the military, and so many other questions such as the use of weapons; the hypocrisy in our taking umbrage at the Geneva Conventions and using that as justification for a continuation of this war when we are more guilty than any other body of violations of those Geneva Conventions; in the use of free fire zones, harassment interdiction fire, search and destroy missions, the bombings, the torture of prisoners, all accepted policy by many units in South Vietnam. That is what we are trying to say. It is part and parcel of everything.” ~Lieutenant John Kerry made before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on April 23, 1971.
It frightens me to imagine either my friend from college, or any of my students as the last to die in Iraq.
I really consider myself a moderate centrist. I consider myself an American before and above being a Democrat and a Christian before and above being an American. I believe that our Nation's motto "E pluribus unum" -"Out of many, one" is more than a motto, it should be a mission, a principle which we should strive for. But it seems like people won’t let you be “for the troops, but against the war.” If you suspect the Bush Administration of favoring the rich and corporations, especially oil companies at the expense of the working class, or of botching the real War on Terror and the War on Iraq, somehow you’re a traitor.
Whether the next President is bush or Kerry, not only will they have to clean-up our mess in Iraq and continue to protect us from Terror, they will need to do an awful lot to heal the gapping wound in our unity that the war in Iraq is just beginning to tear.
Friday, October 22, 2004
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Pacifism & Christianity?
Confessing Christ in a World of Violence
From Sojourner's Magazine
Our world is wracked with violence and war. But Jesus said: 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God' (Matt. 5:9). Innocent people, at home and abroad, are increasingly threatened by terrorist attacks. But Jesus said: 'Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you' (Matt. 5:44). These words, which have never been easy, seem all the more difficult today.
Nevertheless, a time comes when silence is betrayal. How many churches have heard sermons on these texts since the terrorist atrocities of September 11? Where is the serious debate about what it means to confess Christ in a world of violence? Does Christian 'realism' mean resigning ourselves to an endless future of 'pre-emptive wars'? Does it mean turning a blind eye to torture and massive civilian casualties? Does it mean acting out of fear and resentment rather than intelligence and restraint?
Faithfully confessing Christ is the church's task, and never more so than when its confession is co-opted by militarism and nationalism.
- A 'theology of war,' emanating from the highest circles of American government, is seeping into our churches as well.
- The language of 'righteous empire' is employed with growing frequency.
- The roles of God, church, and nation are confused by talk of an American 'mission' and 'divine appointment' to 'rid the world of evil.'
The security issues before our nation allow no easy solutions. No one has a monopoly on the truth. But a policy that rejects the wisdom of international consultation should not be baptized by religiosity. The danger today is political idolatry exacerbated by the political idolatry exacerbated by the politics of fear.
In this time of crisis, we need a new confession of Christ.
1. Jesus Christ, as attested in Holy Scripture, knows no national boundaries. Those who confess his name are found throughout the earth. Our allegiance to Christ takes priority over national identity. Whenever Christianity compromises with empire, the gospel of Christ is discredited.
We reject the false teaching that any nation-state can ever be described with the words, "the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it." These words, used in scripture, apply only to Christ. No political or religious leader has the right to twist them in the service of war.
2. Christ commits Christians to a strong presumption against war. The wanton destructiveness of modern warfare strengthens this obligation. Standing in the shadow of the Cross, Christians have a responsibility to count the cost, speak out for the victims, and explore every alternative before a nation goes to war. We are committed to international cooperation rather than unilateral policies.
We reject the false teaching that a war on terrorism takes precedence over ethical and legal norms. Some things ought never be done - torture, the deliberate bombing of civilians, the use of indiscriminate weapons of mass destruction - regardless of the consequences.
3. Christ commands us to see not only the splinter in our adversary's eye, but also the beam in our own. The distinction between good and evil does not run between one nation and another, or one group and another. It runs straight through every human heart.
We reject the false teaching that America is a "Christian nation," representing only virtue, while its adversaries are nothing but vicious. We reject the belief that America has nothing to repent of, even as we reject that it represents most of the world's evil. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23).
4. Christ shows us that enemy-love is the heart of the gospel. While we were yet enemies, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8, 10). We are to show love to our enemies even as we believe God in Christ has shown love to us and the whole world. Enemy-love does not mean capitulating to hostile agendas or domination. It does mean refusing to demonize any human being created in God's image.
We reject the false teaching that any human being can be defined as outside the law's protection. We reject the demonization of perceived enemies, which only paves the way to abuse; and we reject the mistreatment of prisoners, regardless of supposed benefits to their captors.
5. Christ teaches us that humility is the virtue befitting forgiven sinners. It tempers all political disagreements, and it allows that our own political perceptions, in a complex world, may be wrong.
We reject the false teaching that those who are not for the United States politically are against it or that those who fundamentally question American policies must be with the "evil-doers." Such crude distinctions, especially when used by Christians, are expressions of the Manichaean heresy, in which the world is divided into forces of absolute good and absolute evil.
The Lord Jesus Christ is either authoritative for Christians, or he is not. His Lordship cannot be set aside by any earthly power. His words may not be distorted for propagandistic purposes. No nation-state may usurp the place of God.
We believe that acknowledging these truths is indispensable for followers of Christ. We urge them to remember these principles in making their decisions as citizens. Peacemaking is central to our vocation in a troubled world where Christ is Lord.
From Sojourner's Magazine
Our world is wracked with violence and war. But Jesus said: 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God' (Matt. 5:9). Innocent people, at home and abroad, are increasingly threatened by terrorist attacks. But Jesus said: 'Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you' (Matt. 5:44). These words, which have never been easy, seem all the more difficult today.
Nevertheless, a time comes when silence is betrayal. How many churches have heard sermons on these texts since the terrorist atrocities of September 11? Where is the serious debate about what it means to confess Christ in a world of violence? Does Christian 'realism' mean resigning ourselves to an endless future of 'pre-emptive wars'? Does it mean turning a blind eye to torture and massive civilian casualties? Does it mean acting out of fear and resentment rather than intelligence and restraint?
Faithfully confessing Christ is the church's task, and never more so than when its confession is co-opted by militarism and nationalism.
- A 'theology of war,' emanating from the highest circles of American government, is seeping into our churches as well.
- The language of 'righteous empire' is employed with growing frequency.
- The roles of God, church, and nation are confused by talk of an American 'mission' and 'divine appointment' to 'rid the world of evil.'
The security issues before our nation allow no easy solutions. No one has a monopoly on the truth. But a policy that rejects the wisdom of international consultation should not be baptized by religiosity. The danger today is political idolatry exacerbated by the political idolatry exacerbated by the politics of fear.
In this time of crisis, we need a new confession of Christ.
1. Jesus Christ, as attested in Holy Scripture, knows no national boundaries. Those who confess his name are found throughout the earth. Our allegiance to Christ takes priority over national identity. Whenever Christianity compromises with empire, the gospel of Christ is discredited.
We reject the false teaching that any nation-state can ever be described with the words, "the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it." These words, used in scripture, apply only to Christ. No political or religious leader has the right to twist them in the service of war.
2. Christ commits Christians to a strong presumption against war. The wanton destructiveness of modern warfare strengthens this obligation. Standing in the shadow of the Cross, Christians have a responsibility to count the cost, speak out for the victims, and explore every alternative before a nation goes to war. We are committed to international cooperation rather than unilateral policies.
We reject the false teaching that a war on terrorism takes precedence over ethical and legal norms. Some things ought never be done - torture, the deliberate bombing of civilians, the use of indiscriminate weapons of mass destruction - regardless of the consequences.
3. Christ commands us to see not only the splinter in our adversary's eye, but also the beam in our own. The distinction between good and evil does not run between one nation and another, or one group and another. It runs straight through every human heart.
We reject the false teaching that America is a "Christian nation," representing only virtue, while its adversaries are nothing but vicious. We reject the belief that America has nothing to repent of, even as we reject that it represents most of the world's evil. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23).
4. Christ shows us that enemy-love is the heart of the gospel. While we were yet enemies, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8, 10). We are to show love to our enemies even as we believe God in Christ has shown love to us and the whole world. Enemy-love does not mean capitulating to hostile agendas or domination. It does mean refusing to demonize any human being created in God's image.
We reject the false teaching that any human being can be defined as outside the law's protection. We reject the demonization of perceived enemies, which only paves the way to abuse; and we reject the mistreatment of prisoners, regardless of supposed benefits to their captors.
5. Christ teaches us that humility is the virtue befitting forgiven sinners. It tempers all political disagreements, and it allows that our own political perceptions, in a complex world, may be wrong.
We reject the false teaching that those who are not for the United States politically are against it or that those who fundamentally question American policies must be with the "evil-doers." Such crude distinctions, especially when used by Christians, are expressions of the Manichaean heresy, in which the world is divided into forces of absolute good and absolute evil.
The Lord Jesus Christ is either authoritative for Christians, or he is not. His Lordship cannot be set aside by any earthly power. His words may not be distorted for propagandistic purposes. No nation-state may usurp the place of God.
We believe that acknowledging these truths is indispensable for followers of Christ. We urge them to remember these principles in making their decisions as citizens. Peacemaking is central to our vocation in a troubled world where Christ is Lord.
irrigation
"It is one thing to say with the prophet Amos, 'Let justice roll down like mighty waters,' and quite another to work out the irrigation system. Clearly there is more certainty in the recognition of wrongs than there is in the prescription for their cure."
~Rev.William Sloane Coffin
~Rev.William Sloane Coffin
"I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country... Corporations have been enthroned, an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money-power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until the wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed."
~ABRAHAM LINCOLN, November 12,1864
Mallory
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
"The language of the Bible should be heard like a mother talking to her children." ~Martin Luther
Reformation day is coming up, Oct 31. I found this painting while looking for this quote. It's not the original, and I don't know the name of the artist of eithr this one or the one it's based on, but it's the most kind, gentle, compassionate looking portrait of Luther that I've seen. He has an enormous passion and sense of humor that comes through in his writing, but most people see him as a stern, crabby German. I hope that this painting and this quote show that his goals were that all could come to know, understand, and receive God's beautiful Grace, Faith, Hope, Love, Mercy, and Peace.
Ephesians 2:8-10
Mallory
Monday, October 18, 2004
Friday, October 15, 2004
The United States of the Bush Oligarchy
Merriam-Webster Online: "One entry found for oligarchy.
Main Entry: oligarchy
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -chies
1 : government by the few
2 : a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes; also : a group exercising such control
3 : an organization under oligarchic control "
Main Entry: oligarchy
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -chies
1 : government by the few
2 : a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes; also : a group exercising such control
3 : an organization under oligarchic control "
The Barreling Bushes
Here's a pretty scary expose' on where Bush and Bush's Dad got their money and their power.
The Barreling Bushes:
"There is no evidence to suggest that the events of Sept. 11 could have been prevented or discovered ahead of time had someone other than a Bush been president. But there is certainly enough to suggest that the Bush dynasty's many decades of entanglement and money-hunting in the Middle East have created a major conflict of interest that deserves to be part of the 2004 political debate. No previous presidency has had anything remotely similar. Not one. "
The Barreling Bushes:
"There is no evidence to suggest that the events of Sept. 11 could have been prevented or discovered ahead of time had someone other than a Bush been president. But there is certainly enough to suggest that the Bush dynasty's many decades of entanglement and money-hunting in the Middle East have created a major conflict of interest that deserves to be part of the 2004 political debate. No previous presidency has had anything remotely similar. Not one. "
The Progressive Party Platform, 1948
The Progressive Party Platform, 1948 | Democracy for Washington:
Have you ever heard of Henry A. Wallace? Publisher of "Wallace's Farmer," Secretary of Agriculture & then Vice President and finally Secretary of Commerce under FDR?
He was from Iowa, he started as a Republican, became a Democrat, and ended up reviving the "Progressive Party" The Progressive Party was first created by Teddy Roosevelt, the Republican President who promised Americans a "square deal," until he was betrayed by his own party. It's not communism or socialism, but it does oppose the kind of oligarchy that we have now, where the top 2% gets massive tax cuts and special perks for the Carlyle Group, Halliburton, and the Abu Dhabi-based Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI).
My personal political biliefs are those of Teddy Roosevelt and Henry A Wallace. If that makes me a "liberal" then I guess I'll have to live with that!
Have you ever heard of Henry A. Wallace? Publisher of "Wallace's Farmer," Secretary of Agriculture & then Vice President and finally Secretary of Commerce under FDR?
He was from Iowa, he started as a Republican, became a Democrat, and ended up reviving the "Progressive Party" The Progressive Party was first created by Teddy Roosevelt, the Republican President who promised Americans a "square deal," until he was betrayed by his own party. It's not communism or socialism, but it does oppose the kind of oligarchy that we have now, where the top 2% gets massive tax cuts and special perks for the Carlyle Group, Halliburton, and the Abu Dhabi-based Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI).
My personal political biliefs are those of Teddy Roosevelt and Henry A Wallace. If that makes me a "liberal" then I guess I'll have to live with that!
Principles of the Progressive Party
The Progressive Party is born in the deep conviction that the national wealth and natural resources of our country belong to the people who inhabit it and must be employed in their behalf; that freedom and opportunity must be secured equally to all; that the brotherhood of man can be achieved and scourge of war ended. The Progressive Party holds that basic to the organization of world peace is a return to the purposes of Franklin Roosevelt to seek areas of international agreement rather than disagreement. It was his conviction that within the framework of the United Nations different social and economic systems can and must live together...The Progressive Party holds that it is the first duty of just government to secure for all the people, regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national background, political belief, or station in life, the inalienable rights proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence and guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. The government must actively protect these rights against the encroachments of public and private agencies. The Progressive Party holds that a just government must use its powers to promote an abundant life for its people. This is the basic idea of Franklin Roosevelt's Economic Bill of Rights. Heretofore every attempt to give effect to this principle has failed because Big Business dominates the key sectors of the economy. Antitrust laws and government regulation cannot break this domination. Therefore the people, through their democratically elected representatives, must take control of the main levers of the economic system. Public ownership of these levers will enable the people to plan the use of their productive resources so as to develop the limitless potential of modem technology and to create a true American Commonwealth free from poverty and insecurity. The Progressive Party believes that only through peaceful understanding can the world make progress toward reconstruction and higher standards of living; that peace is the essential condition for safe-guarding and extending our traditional freedoms; that only by preserving liberty and by planning an abundant life for all can we eliminate the sources of world conflict. Peace, freedom, and abundance - the goals of the Progressive Party - are indivisible. Only the Progressive Party can destroy the power of private monopoly and restore the government to the American people. For ours is a party uncorrupted by privilege, committed to no special interests, free from machine control, and open to all Americans of all races, colors, and creeds. The Progressive Party is a party of action. We seek through the democratic process and through day-by-day activity to lead the American people toward the fulfillment of these principles.
Salon.com Why conservatives must not vote for Bush
Here's an article by a conservative Republican who doesn't think Republicans should vote to re-elect Bush
Here's an article by a conservative Republican who doesn't think Republicans should vote to re-elect Bush
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Here is an awesome example of the sculpture of Nebraska artist, Reinhold Pieper Marxhausen. Marwhausen makes works that he want EVERYONE to be able to experience, even those with disabilities. You might say that this is an abstract painting that is meant to be touched, even caressed. It was made from burn and polished maple. Marxhausen is a professor emeritus from my Alma Mater, Concordia University in Nebraska. He is now retired and battline Alzheimers's.
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Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Only love
"The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it... Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate.... Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
~Martin Luther King Jr.
~Martin Luther King Jr.
Monday, October 11, 2004
Guestbook & Comments
Ted's Column
One of you wrote me and said that he would've left comments on some of the images here, but when he clicked to do so, Blogspot told him that he had to become a member of Blogger before he could make any comments. Here's another way, you can click here to visit my main blog- where I post my weekly column, and sign the guestbook there. When I get a chance, I'll put a link to that site on this site, and maybe I'll even add a guestbook to this site too.
One of you wrote me and said that he would've left comments on some of the images here, but when he clicked to do so, Blogspot told him that he had to become a member of Blogger before he could make any comments. Here's another way, you can click here to visit my main blog- where I post my weekly column, and sign the guestbook there. When I get a chance, I'll put a link to that site on this site, and maybe I'll even add a guestbook to this site too.
Ted's Pics & Picks
Ted's Pics & Picks
Have you ever wondered what my artworks look like? Did you know that I teach Art? Click here and you can brouse through some of...
1. My paintings, drawings, and prints
2. My photographs & digital images
3. My cartoons
4. Artworks or photos by some of my students
5. Some of my favorite paintings by famous artists and why I like them.
Hope you like it!
Have you ever wondered what my artworks look like? Did you know that I teach Art? Click here and you can brouse through some of...
1. My paintings, drawings, and prints
2. My photographs & digital images
3. My cartoons
4. Artworks or photos by some of my students
5. Some of my favorite paintings by famous artists and why I like them.
Hope you like it!
Here is a portrait that Mexican surrealist Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) painted as a gift to her surgeon. I'm teaching my junior high art class about Frida this week. She had polio and was in at least two near-fatal car accidents that left her unable to have children as well as in constant pain. Add to that that her husband, Mexico's most famous painter, Diego Rivera was always cheating on her. Notice that her palatte is her heart. Surrealism is when artists paint what is beyond reality- feelings, fantacies, nightmares, or the supernatural realm. Kahlo is famous for painting self portraits that expressed her physical and emotional pain. She once said, "I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone, because I am the person I know best.
My painting carries with it the message of pain."
P.S. October is Hispanic Heritage Month.
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"Portrait of Picasso" mixed media, 1994 "Everything you can imagine is real". ~Picasso
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Cathartic Cartooning. I don't mean to patronise you if you already know this word, but many of my high school students don't, so here goes catharsis: to cleanse, purge, from katharos
1 : PURGATION
2 a : purification or purgation of the emotions (as pity and fear) primarily through art b : a purification or purgation that brings about spiritual renewal or release from tension
3 : elimination of a complex by bringing it to consciousness and affording it expression
Don't ask me what "purgation" means.
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Here's one I found from the Sower in January of '91 when George HW (George the First) started the last Gulf War.
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Here's one I drew back in 1990 or so for the Concordia College newspaper, the Sower. It's not that I'm some theological liberal who's an advocate of female clergy, but I am progressive enough that I think that the Church should loosen up a little- and that men need to step up to their spiritual responsibilities.
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