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ON THE ROAD AGAIN: "The Loyal Opposition" The "religious right" returned President Bush to office because of his stand on "family values" and he is repaying his debt by a promise that amounts to a rupture in the social contract. That may be a conservative stance but it surely isn't compassionate! ON THE ROAD AGAIN: "An Exciting Elixir" The invasion of Iraq may have been the fulfillment of a dream and an "exciting elixir" of the administration's neo-conservatives; a book written by Chris Hedges points out that War Is A Force That Gives Us Meaning ON THE ROAD AGAIN: "A New Vision" The U.S. must seek a new vision for peace, justice and security based on preventing conflict and seeking alternatives to war. Senator Barack Obama's book entitled The Audacity of Hope offers an alternative vision. ON THE ROAD AGAIN: "Affirmation, Not Manifesto" The primary focus of my 'sacred journey' is the counter-world to which Jesus has always been pointing. As I promised, I shall keep on alerting other companions to that realm of grace as long as I live! ON THE ROAD AGAIN "Looking in the Mirror" That which is alarming and frightening to many is the fact that violence is erupting savagely in every part of the world. Society is characterized by nothing less than "a culture of violence." To reject this "culture of violence" that pervades society requires a robust vision of a counter-world of unfailing justice, unyielding compassion and inextinguishable hope. If you look in the mirror you may find someone other than Ron Artest or Seung-Hui Cho glaring back at you. Scape-goating is avoidance, not taking responsibility. ON THE ROAD AGAIN: "Passing Along the Story" Many of us are puzzled and dismayed by the fact that the "religious right" chose "family values" and "moral concerns" as the basis for returning George W. Bush to the White House. Worse, those are just code words for anti-choice and homophobia. The crux of our views of alarm is found in what Tom Delay claimed, namely, "The Almighty is using me to promote a 'biblical world view' in American politics." That's alarming! As well as megalomanaical! Bill Moyers suggests, "Allow yourself that conceit -- to believe that the flame of democracy will never go out as long as there's one candle in one citizen's hand." The "story" of justice, compassion, freedom and inclusion is worthy of sacrifice. I am determined to keep that candle glowing brightly! ON THE ROAD AGAIN: "'Explaining' Tragedy" Voices intent on 'explaining' tragedies of such devastation as the tsunami or the destruction of New Orleans by Katrina are claiming that God (or Allah) is punishing people for their sins. Other voices recognize that compassion is needed, not explanations and condemnation. A companioning God cares; destruction isn't the divine intent for this creation. Geologists can describe what happened when the tsunami struck the nations surrounding the Indian Ocean; however, they are unable to explain that horrid event. Those religious leaders, Christian and Muslim, who claim that it was the judgment of God violate my understanding of the nature of this cosmos as well as my vision of God. In fact, I am embarrassed by their crass claims about God's behavior. I suspect that Bill Moyers' phrase is far more realistic. God prefers to remain anonymous when people try to decide what took place with that devastating upheaval. Global warming and ozone depletion are, perhaps, involved. And human beings are complicitous in these problems. That doesn't explain much but it does broaden the potential causes. ON THE ROAD AGAIN: "Is Impeachment Essential?" The refusal of congressional leaders to hold President Bush accountable for impeachable offenses is a source of disillusionment to concerned citizens. More than that, the sympathy (after 9/11) for and confidence in the U.S. by other nations has deteriorated substantially. Drastic measures are essential if this country is ever going to recover the moral leadership of the world and to rid itself of the hatred of nearly all. Ultimately, the rebellion of citizens is the only safeguard to deliver us from "where George has gotten us because we let him do it." What our elected officials have refused to debate, namely, impeachment, merits consideration, now! With his administration's neo-conservative leaders poised to take action against Iran, I don't think we have much choice other than impeachment!!
ON THE ROAD AGAIN: "Draining the Venom from Bush's Swamp" Even though he finally admitted mistakes concerning the invasion of Iraq, the president has rejected any significant changes in his policies. George W. Bush gives no indication that he learned anything from the November 2006 election, from the Baker-Hamilton Commission report or from the vocal and sustained opposition expressed by Congressional hearings. He is one arrogant and stubborn Texan. I wonder if unresolved grief and continuing recovery from alcoholism are clues to his personallity characteristics. What troubles me the most is his religious stance that he is divinely appointed to his task. It is this "messianic complex" that alarms. Politics parading in the guise of religious certainty is a characteristic that is blind to reality. The best hope I can see is found on the bumper sticker 1/20/09! He can't succeed himself! He has served two terms. Hallelujah. |