I know that it is custom to make goals for an upcoming year - a New Year's Resolution. But, while I do have certain things I want to accomplish, they aren't my priority. I was thinking a lot about my family this Christmas, and today, my head was filled with prayers, petitions, and hope for each member of my family (my immediate one). I'd like to ask each of you, my friends, to pray for them for me whenever you get a chance. I can use all the help I can get.
For my father: that any grudges he may hold can be lifted from him his heart. That any supposed wrong-doing that had happened in the past can be forgiven. That the same wrong-doing that has kept my family separated for over a decade can cease and the family can come together again.
LORD, hear my prayer.
For my mother: that she put all her trust in the LORD. That her faith be renewed. That she comes to learn the grace that the LORD has put in front of her in form of Jesus.
LORD, hear my prayer.
For my oldest brother, Luis: that the LORD help him control his anger. That he comes to learn peace and humility. That he comes to realize that the only true path to peace is through Jesus.
LORD, hear my prayer.
For my brother, Danny: that the LORD teach him to forgive. That the LORD rid him of his stubborness. That he stops putting false gods before Him. That he realizes that only through Christ can his life be put on the right track.
LORD, hear my prayer.
For my sister, Lilly: that the LORD help her focus on what is important. That she comes to understand that life is best fulfilled when lived with Jesus at heart. That she get her studies in order.
LORD, hear my prayer.
For myself: I pray for peace. I pray that I can become a better example of a Christian. That through my example, my friends and family can realize the good that the LORD has done for me (and them).
LORD, hear my prayer, heal my heart, and as it is said in the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi:
"Make me a channel of your peace,
Where there is hatred let me bring your love,
Where there is injury your pardon Lord,
And where there's doubt true faith in you.
Make me a channel of your peace,
Where there's despair in life, let me bring hope,
Where there is darkness, only light,
And where there's sadness, ever joy.
O Master grant that I may never seek,
So much to be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love with all my soul.
Make me a channel of your peace,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
In giving to all men that we receive
And in dying that we are born to eternal life."
AMEN.
Thank you for your time.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Characteristics of an Excellent Christian Teacher
I've started to look at different private schools to see if I can get a jump-start on my teaching career. I came across a document in the Westminster Christian School's website. They created a list of characteristics they look for in a teacher, and I thought it was really thought-provoking.
An excellent Christian teacher:
I. is an excellent Christian example,
II. has positive expectations for student success,
III. gets students excited about learning—even in subjects they consider less
interesting,
IV. communicates promptly and effectively,
V. gives worthwhile homework assignments that are…
a. challenging but fair and
b. that prepare the student to test well,
VI. supports the work and vision of Westminster Christian School (maybe we can just
say Christian schools in general?),
VII. goes above and beyond the call of duty,
VIII. is a subject matter and grade level expert—
a. passionate and enthusiastic about teaching it,
b. teaching it from a distinctly Christian world and life view, and
c. making the subject come alive for the student,
IX. knows and cares about each child as an individual, and
X. is a true professional.
An excellent Christian teacher:
I. is an excellent Christian example,
II. has positive expectations for student success,
III. gets students excited about learning—even in subjects they consider less
interesting,
IV. communicates promptly and effectively,
V. gives worthwhile homework assignments that are…
a. challenging but fair and
b. that prepare the student to test well,
VI. supports the work and vision of Westminster Christian School (maybe we can just
say Christian schools in general?),
VII. goes above and beyond the call of duty,
VIII. is a subject matter and grade level expert—
a. passionate and enthusiastic about teaching it,
b. teaching it from a distinctly Christian world and life view, and
c. making the subject come alive for the student,
IX. knows and cares about each child as an individual, and
X. is a true professional.
Monday, November 3, 2008
"People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people may accuse you of selfish motives. Do good anyway. If you are successful, you may win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. People who really want help may attack you if you help them. Help them anyway. Give the world the best you have and you may get hurt. Give the world your best anyway."
- Mother Theresa
- Mother Theresa
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Part One of My Confessions
After reading the title of this blog, you may have thought one of two things:
1) That title must be referencing to a past hit single by a popular R&B singer.
or
2) Being that I am a Catholic Christian, it must have something to do with the sacrament of confession that practicing Roman Catholics occasionally go through.
Both of them are true. I could not come up with a clever title of my own, so I had to rob Usher of a lyric from his song. As far as number 2 goes, this blog is somewhat of a confession. No, you don't need to call a member of the clergy for this. I've been through that more than enough times, and even what I am about to say has been brought up to a priest before.
This particular blog is a confession, and at the same time, an apology, to all my Christian friends.
When I started out on my journey with Jesus, I say it began with Alexandra. A year and a half into our relationship, she and my friend, Miguel, convinced me to go with her to a Youth Group at what was called West Kendall Baptist Church. It was an amazing experience, but I did not truly feel moved to give my life over to Jesus until about my third visit to that youth group.
I joined Tamiami Baptist Church and was a member of that church for about a year. I was really involved with evangelical Christianity. I was looking at the Bible a whole different way now. And as each week passed, my love for God grew and grew. However, I did not like the kind of person I was becoming. I was constantly getting into arguments with the people I love the most, my family, because they were Catholics (not practicing). After a while, as I listened to my pastor's sermons, I found myself disagreeing with him more and more as each week came and gone.
So, I remember I decided to go to a Catholic mass one week.
It was hard at first. I remember freaking out with all the things people memorized at the church. I left mass early that day. However, I found myself heading back there the following Saturday. It became a bit of a new routine for me. I would go to St. Kevin's Catholic Church on Saturday, and head to Tamiami Baptist on Sunday. The more often I went to mass, the longer I stayed, until one week where I stayed until the end.
I noticed that the taboos I had been learning were not necessarily true. I had grown up in a household of non-practicing Catholics, aka "cafeteria Catholics" because they pick and choose what they believe to be true about Catholic doctrine. Another term came from Pastor Rob Myers' mouth in Easter: "Christian CEO's" or Christian Christmas and Easter Only. Not that I think of my family in a negative light. There are many Catholics - and Christians in general - who are in the same boat. I love them. I obviously just wish that they had that same fire and passion for the Lord that I do.
Back to my story...I did research. I read the Bible extensively. I purchased books from Catholic apologists and read materials of Protestants' arguments against Catholics being considered Christian. If I did that much research for my classes, I guarantee that I would have a 4.0 GPA right now. (Note to self: when completing assignments for school, pretend it is as important as your relationship with God...wait...is that heresy?)
Anyways, I sat down with the pastor of Tamiami Baptist to tell him that I would no longer be attending that church, and we had a civil discussion about faith in general. There are no hard feelings, which I am thankful for.
What drew me to Catholicism? Through Catholicism, I was able to strengthen my relationship with Jesus Christ, more than I had before. The constant spiritual feeding at my church fills my heart with the Holy Spirit everytime I am there. I really felt like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy felt that Kansas was a bland place and longed to go "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." She landed in Oz and met a bunch of colorful characters, but in the end, she realized that there was no place like home. I have found that home at St. Kevin's Catholic Church. While I am and always a Christian first, my yellow brick road has become the Catholic Church.
So, why am I apologizing? I am apologizing because when I landed back in my own rendition of Oz, I still was not a very loving - or Christian - person. I argued with a lot of my friends extensively, including the love of my life. Some of those arguments have left me bruised inside, and I have found it very hard to open up about my faith to my new Christian friends that I have met through Alexandra (some of you who read my blogs).
I sometimes feel awkward being at Miami Baptist Church, and it has nothing to do with the people there. My past experiences just flash into my mind and I become a very secluded, and defensive person. I really am trying to open up and being able to extend that arm of fellowship with Christians from a different denomination again, because I would think that God would want all of his followers to be united and spread the Gospel as one people. I am praying hard for God to lift that burden off my shoulders.
I am apologizing because I'm not sure if I have, or if in the future I may suddenly become defensive. And I assure you that it is not my intention. I'm sorry if I have ever given off that kind of impression.
Before I conclude, I wanted to thank two very important people. I wanted to thank Father Bob Vallee of St. Kevin's. This philosopher of a priest eased my transition from evangelical Christianity to Catholocism, being that his homilies are quite evangelical themselves. I also wanted to thank Pastor Dave who is on my "Blogs I read" list. His Zeal sermons helped me go to church with my girlfriend, if at least once a month. Thank you for your amazing interpretations of scripture.
Thank you all for reading this - one of my longest original posts - and I look forward to serving the Lord for the rest of my life.
1) That title must be referencing to a past hit single by a popular R&B singer.
or
2) Being that I am a Catholic Christian, it must have something to do with the sacrament of confession that practicing Roman Catholics occasionally go through.
Both of them are true. I could not come up with a clever title of my own, so I had to rob Usher of a lyric from his song. As far as number 2 goes, this blog is somewhat of a confession. No, you don't need to call a member of the clergy for this. I've been through that more than enough times, and even what I am about to say has been brought up to a priest before.
This particular blog is a confession, and at the same time, an apology, to all my Christian friends.
When I started out on my journey with Jesus, I say it began with Alexandra. A year and a half into our relationship, she and my friend, Miguel, convinced me to go with her to a Youth Group at what was called West Kendall Baptist Church. It was an amazing experience, but I did not truly feel moved to give my life over to Jesus until about my third visit to that youth group.
I joined Tamiami Baptist Church and was a member of that church for about a year. I was really involved with evangelical Christianity. I was looking at the Bible a whole different way now. And as each week passed, my love for God grew and grew. However, I did not like the kind of person I was becoming. I was constantly getting into arguments with the people I love the most, my family, because they were Catholics (not practicing). After a while, as I listened to my pastor's sermons, I found myself disagreeing with him more and more as each week came and gone.
So, I remember I decided to go to a Catholic mass one week.
It was hard at first. I remember freaking out with all the things people memorized at the church. I left mass early that day. However, I found myself heading back there the following Saturday. It became a bit of a new routine for me. I would go to St. Kevin's Catholic Church on Saturday, and head to Tamiami Baptist on Sunday. The more often I went to mass, the longer I stayed, until one week where I stayed until the end.
I noticed that the taboos I had been learning were not necessarily true. I had grown up in a household of non-practicing Catholics, aka "cafeteria Catholics" because they pick and choose what they believe to be true about Catholic doctrine. Another term came from Pastor Rob Myers' mouth in Easter: "Christian CEO's" or Christian Christmas and Easter Only. Not that I think of my family in a negative light. There are many Catholics - and Christians in general - who are in the same boat. I love them. I obviously just wish that they had that same fire and passion for the Lord that I do.
Back to my story...I did research. I read the Bible extensively. I purchased books from Catholic apologists and read materials of Protestants' arguments against Catholics being considered Christian. If I did that much research for my classes, I guarantee that I would have a 4.0 GPA right now. (Note to self: when completing assignments for school, pretend it is as important as your relationship with God...wait...is that heresy?)
Anyways, I sat down with the pastor of Tamiami Baptist to tell him that I would no longer be attending that church, and we had a civil discussion about faith in general. There are no hard feelings, which I am thankful for.
What drew me to Catholicism? Through Catholicism, I was able to strengthen my relationship with Jesus Christ, more than I had before. The constant spiritual feeding at my church fills my heart with the Holy Spirit everytime I am there. I really felt like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy felt that Kansas was a bland place and longed to go "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." She landed in Oz and met a bunch of colorful characters, but in the end, she realized that there was no place like home. I have found that home at St. Kevin's Catholic Church. While I am and always a Christian first, my yellow brick road has become the Catholic Church.
So, why am I apologizing? I am apologizing because when I landed back in my own rendition of Oz, I still was not a very loving - or Christian - person. I argued with a lot of my friends extensively, including the love of my life. Some of those arguments have left me bruised inside, and I have found it very hard to open up about my faith to my new Christian friends that I have met through Alexandra (some of you who read my blogs).
I sometimes feel awkward being at Miami Baptist Church, and it has nothing to do with the people there. My past experiences just flash into my mind and I become a very secluded, and defensive person. I really am trying to open up and being able to extend that arm of fellowship with Christians from a different denomination again, because I would think that God would want all of his followers to be united and spread the Gospel as one people. I am praying hard for God to lift that burden off my shoulders.
I am apologizing because I'm not sure if I have, or if in the future I may suddenly become defensive. And I assure you that it is not my intention. I'm sorry if I have ever given off that kind of impression.
Before I conclude, I wanted to thank two very important people. I wanted to thank Father Bob Vallee of St. Kevin's. This philosopher of a priest eased my transition from evangelical Christianity to Catholocism, being that his homilies are quite evangelical themselves. I also wanted to thank Pastor Dave who is on my "Blogs I read" list. His Zeal sermons helped me go to church with my girlfriend, if at least once a month. Thank you for your amazing interpretations of scripture.
Thank you all for reading this - one of my longest original posts - and I look forward to serving the Lord for the rest of my life.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
The Libertarian Case for Palin
The potential political consequences of Sarah Palin have been chewed over from every imaginable angle.
Though there is plenty to ponder, one thing is certain: libertarian-inclined voters should be encouraged. No, I'm not suggesting that your little Molly will be bringing home "The Road to Serfdom" from her (distinctly non-public) elementary school. But in contrast to any national candidate in recent memory, Palin is the one that exudes the economic and cultural sensibilities of a geniune Western-style libertarian.
Now, Palin's lack of experience has been framed as an impenetrable negative. One wire story helpfully noted that Palin had never ever appeared on "Meet the Press." Shocking! But as Barack Obama often notes, it's not about experience, it's about judgment. And Palin's penchant for reform-minded conservatism is certainly at odds with the racket Washington Republicans have offered up the past 8 years.
Palin, for example, vetoed 300 pork projects in Alaska in her first year in office. She made a habit of knocking out big-government Republicans in her brief political career. For this, the 44-year-old mother of five enjoys a sterling approval rating in a state with arguably the nation's most libertarian-minded populace.
When it comes to healthcare, Palin says she wants to "allow free-market competition and reduce onerous government regulation." These days, any mention of the "free market" that's not framed as a crass pejorative is a sign of progress.
Culturally, there is little for the Heartland to dislike. By now, you've probably seen picture or two of Palin sporting a rifle. Apparently, she's left carcasses strewn across the Alaskan wilderness. In some places -- areas where the nation is growing -- owning a gun is not yet a sin. And unlike Obama, Palin seems to believe that the Second Amendment means the exact same thing in rural Alaska as it does in the streets of Chicago.
Yes, Palin is without argument a staunch social conservative. She is fervently opposed to abortion - even in cases of rape and incest, which will raise eyebrows, but is certainly more philosophically consistent than the namby pambyism of your average politician. The choice issue, after all, is complicated, even for many libertarians. And, as I was recently reminded, Ron Paul, the Libertarian champion of the 21st century, also opposes abortion.
Even when advocating for "moral" issues, Palin's approach is a soft sell. Palin does not support gay marriage (neither does Obama, it should be noted). Yet, in 2006, Palin's first veto as Governor was a bill that sought to block state employee benefits and health insurance for same-sex couples.
We cannot bore into Palin's soul to see her true feelings about gay couples, but, at the time, she noted that signing "this bill would be in direct violation of my oath of office" because it was unconstitutional. For most libertarians, the thought of politician following any constitution, rather than their own predilections, morality or the "common good," is a nice change of pace.
On the counterproductive War on Drugs, Palin is no warrior. Her Republican opponent in 2006 primary, incumbent Republican governor Frank Murkowski, made recriminalizing the possession of small amounts of pot a priority. Palin, though she does not support legalization, believes enforcement should not be a high priority.
"I can't claim a Bill Clinton and say that I never inhaled," Palin once said. This sort of honesty is a welcome change from the standard hand-wringing about marijuana's supposed disastrous consequences.
On education, Palin supports school-choice programs. There have already been smears that she backed "creationist" teaching in "public" schools, when in fact, Palin's comment regarding intelligent design should hold some appeal to libertarians. Even if you find the idea inane, in essence, Palin pushed the idea that parents, rather than the state, should decide what children are learning.
When asked about this commotion, Palin said, "I won't have religion as a litmus test, or anybody's personal opinion on evolution or creationism." If lockstep left-wing union-run school boards in urban districts would follow this sound advice on ideological litmus tests, our educational system would be a lot more productive.
Then there is a question of authenticity. And it matters. Those who will do anything for power, will say anything and support any position that is convenient. From John McCain to Joe Biden to Obama, one gets the sense that political office is their life's work. All of them have made attempts to create the perception that, hey, they're ordinary Americans just like you. Palin won't have to work at genuineness. With Palin, you get the impression she can take politics or leave it. Her life certainly hasn't been saturated with policy, favor trading and back scratching.
Of course, Washington has a mysterious power to turn perfectly reasonable, wholesome, well-meaning human beings into equivocating crooked gasbags. But, from the little we know about Palin, such a transformation doesn't seem likely. And for libertarians - in the broadest sense of the small "l" word -- she's the best candidate they can expect.
By David Harsanyi of RealClearPolitics.com
Though there is plenty to ponder, one thing is certain: libertarian-inclined voters should be encouraged. No, I'm not suggesting that your little Molly will be bringing home "The Road to Serfdom" from her (distinctly non-public) elementary school. But in contrast to any national candidate in recent memory, Palin is the one that exudes the economic and cultural sensibilities of a geniune Western-style libertarian.
Now, Palin's lack of experience has been framed as an impenetrable negative. One wire story helpfully noted that Palin had never ever appeared on "Meet the Press." Shocking! But as Barack Obama often notes, it's not about experience, it's about judgment. And Palin's penchant for reform-minded conservatism is certainly at odds with the racket Washington Republicans have offered up the past 8 years.
Palin, for example, vetoed 300 pork projects in Alaska in her first year in office. She made a habit of knocking out big-government Republicans in her brief political career. For this, the 44-year-old mother of five enjoys a sterling approval rating in a state with arguably the nation's most libertarian-minded populace.
When it comes to healthcare, Palin says she wants to "allow free-market competition and reduce onerous government regulation." These days, any mention of the "free market" that's not framed as a crass pejorative is a sign of progress.
Culturally, there is little for the Heartland to dislike. By now, you've probably seen picture or two of Palin sporting a rifle. Apparently, she's left carcasses strewn across the Alaskan wilderness. In some places -- areas where the nation is growing -- owning a gun is not yet a sin. And unlike Obama, Palin seems to believe that the Second Amendment means the exact same thing in rural Alaska as it does in the streets of Chicago.
Yes, Palin is without argument a staunch social conservative. She is fervently opposed to abortion - even in cases of rape and incest, which will raise eyebrows, but is certainly more philosophically consistent than the namby pambyism of your average politician. The choice issue, after all, is complicated, even for many libertarians. And, as I was recently reminded, Ron Paul, the Libertarian champion of the 21st century, also opposes abortion.
Even when advocating for "moral" issues, Palin's approach is a soft sell. Palin does not support gay marriage (neither does Obama, it should be noted). Yet, in 2006, Palin's first veto as Governor was a bill that sought to block state employee benefits and health insurance for same-sex couples.
We cannot bore into Palin's soul to see her true feelings about gay couples, but, at the time, she noted that signing "this bill would be in direct violation of my oath of office" because it was unconstitutional. For most libertarians, the thought of politician following any constitution, rather than their own predilections, morality or the "common good," is a nice change of pace.
On the counterproductive War on Drugs, Palin is no warrior. Her Republican opponent in 2006 primary, incumbent Republican governor Frank Murkowski, made recriminalizing the possession of small amounts of pot a priority. Palin, though she does not support legalization, believes enforcement should not be a high priority.
"I can't claim a Bill Clinton and say that I never inhaled," Palin once said. This sort of honesty is a welcome change from the standard hand-wringing about marijuana's supposed disastrous consequences.
On education, Palin supports school-choice programs. There have already been smears that she backed "creationist" teaching in "public" schools, when in fact, Palin's comment regarding intelligent design should hold some appeal to libertarians. Even if you find the idea inane, in essence, Palin pushed the idea that parents, rather than the state, should decide what children are learning.
When asked about this commotion, Palin said, "I won't have religion as a litmus test, or anybody's personal opinion on evolution or creationism." If lockstep left-wing union-run school boards in urban districts would follow this sound advice on ideological litmus tests, our educational system would be a lot more productive.
Then there is a question of authenticity. And it matters. Those who will do anything for power, will say anything and support any position that is convenient. From John McCain to Joe Biden to Obama, one gets the sense that political office is their life's work. All of them have made attempts to create the perception that, hey, they're ordinary Americans just like you. Palin won't have to work at genuineness. With Palin, you get the impression she can take politics or leave it. Her life certainly hasn't been saturated with policy, favor trading and back scratching.
Of course, Washington has a mysterious power to turn perfectly reasonable, wholesome, well-meaning human beings into equivocating crooked gasbags. But, from the little we know about Palin, such a transformation doesn't seem likely. And for libertarians - in the broadest sense of the small "l" word -- she's the best candidate they can expect.
By David Harsanyi of RealClearPolitics.com
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The Lies of Barack Obama
I'm not really a McCain fan, but I just find Obama's latest string of attack ads annoying and hypocritical. You know what I'm talking about. The ones about special interests and lobbyists.
Turns out Obama has had his share of dealings with lobbyists (more than McCain has actually)
Check out these links:
http://thehill. com/leading-the-news/lobbyists-on-obamas-08-payroll-2007-12-20. html
http://blogs. abcnews. com/theblotter/2007/07/despite-rhetori. html
http://www. boston. com/news/nation/articles/2007/09/23/in_illinois_obama_dealt_with_lobbyists/?page=full
http://www. boston. com/news/nation/articles/2007/08/09/pacs_and_lobbyists_aided_obamas_rise/
http://www. usatoday. com/news/politics/election2008/2008-04-15-obama_n. htm
http://www. washingtonpost. com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/26/AR2008082603894_pf. html
http://abcnews. go. com/Blotter/Story?id=5640118&page=1
http://ap. google. com/article/ALeqM5gEqDQB17ei0NLxILZfrpxXaQmnMAD935GVQG0
http://voices. washingtonpost. com/fact-checker/2007/10/obama_edwards_and_the_lobbying. html
VOTE FOR LIBERTY!!! BOB BARR 2008!
www. bobbarr2008. com
Turns out Obama has had his share of dealings with lobbyists (more than McCain has actually)
Check out these links:
http://thehill. com/leading-the-news/lobbyists-on-obamas-08-payroll-2007-12-20. html
http://blogs. abcnews. com/theblotter/2007/07/despite-rhetori. html
http://www. boston. com/news/nation/articles/2007/09/23/in_illinois_obama_dealt_with_lobbyists/?page=full
http://www. boston. com/news/nation/articles/2007/08/09/pacs_and_lobbyists_aided_obamas_rise/
http://www. usatoday. com/news/politics/election2008/2008-04-15-obama_n. htm
http://www. washingtonpost. com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/26/AR2008082603894_pf. html
http://abcnews. go. com/Blotter/Story?id=5640118&page=1
http://ap. google. com/article/ALeqM5gEqDQB17ei0NLxILZfrpxXaQmnMAD935GVQG0
http://voices. washingtonpost. com/fact-checker/2007/10/obama_edwards_and_the_lobbying. html
VOTE FOR LIBERTY!!! BOB BARR 2008!
www. bobbarr2008. com
Friday, July 11, 2008
Braman Lawsuit Threatens More Than Marlins Stadium
We are an overly litigious society whose nuisance suits and frivolous suits keep lawyers in expensive suits.
Sometimes the plaintiff is a person who scalds himself with hot coffee but decides suing McDonald's for millions is nobler than cursing his own carelessness.
And sometimes the plaintiff is a 75-year-old Miami multimillionaire who got rich selling cars but now wants to slam the brakes on progress.
Norman Braman does a lot of good around here. Let's admit that first.
He is a philanthropist whose generosity has touched education and breast-cancer research. He was instrumental in realizing a Holocaust Museum in Miami Beach.
It doesn't mean he always is right, though. And it doesn't look like he is right in Braman v. Miami-Dade County, his lawsuit that goes to trial Thursday in Miami-Dade Circuit Court.
Braman's effort, if successful, would derail the county's $3 billion redevelopment ''megaplan'' for Miami -- the area's long-needed and most ambitious public-works initiative in decades, one that includes a new Marlins baseball stadium.
Here is local government, for all of its history of scandal and inefficiency, trying at last to think big and be big, and finally haul Miami into the 21st Century in terms of urban revitalization and renewal.
And here are the Marlins, after 11 years of trying, through three ownership groups and several evolutions of county and city commissions, finally on the cusp of breaking ground on a ballpark all its own.
Only to have the whole grand package jeopardized by one guy's nuisance suit.
This continues Braman's dubious track record of suing over how local government spends money.
In 1982, he led a campaign to defeat a city sales tax that would have renovated the Orange Bowl for the Dolphins. It was what led Joe Robbie to soon after announce he would build a stadium and move the team north. It was a harbinger of years of OB neglect that would lead to the Hurricanes also moving out and the old stadium being demolished.
With that, Braman had drawn his line against public dollars for stadiums. Yet barely a decade later, in 1993, he owned the Philadelphia Eagles and offered to build a stadium only if the city would donate the land. Evidently, Braman had by then developed a moral distinction between getting public money and getting public land.
In 1999, Braman helped defeat a one-cent sales tax earmarked for a $1 billion mass transit plan for Miami. Hmm. Imagine that. A car dealer fighting mass transit! No vested interest there, right?
Now Braman is aiming his slingshot at big government again, but unlike the Biblical David, the little guy is no hero. He is just a rich little guy with a slingshot and a team of lawyers, slinging a lawsuit because, well -- because he can.
(And perhaps because part of the Miami megaplan includes streetcars. Imagine! The car dealer is against mass transit again! What a coincidence!)
This trial's judge will rule against Braman (it says here) because so much of the suit's premise is on shaky legal footing. For example, he claims the megaplan should have been subject to a public vote, and yet the courts already have ruled the county/city vote was legal and not requiring a public referendum. He also claims it is unconstitutional to pledge public credit to a private enterprise (such as a baseball team), and yet the Florida Supreme Court ruled otherwise in the 1990s, allowing $318 million in public money to build a stadium for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and explaining the expenditure would be ``substantially beneficial to the public.''
''Beneficial to the public'' is fundamental here.
This is about our civic responsibility to see the larger picture and put the public good over individual wants.
A Marlins fan should support a new, 37,000-seat retractable dome stadium (even if not thrilled about the OB site in Little Havana), but even nonfans should appreciate the benefit of how a thriving big-league sports team can knit a community.
Similarly, you do not need to be a connoisseur of opera or ballet to see that a performing arts center improves our overall quality of life, just as you do not need to be a parent to support better schools. This $3 billion initiative, now on trial, would rejuvenate Overtown and transform Bicentennial Park into a waterfront jewel, among many other projects.
As for the new Marlins ballpark, the club would pay roughly $155 million of the $515 million cost, and the rest would come from tourists' hotel bed-tax dollars. That is a pretty painless deal for us locals, wallet-wise.
So let's get out of the courtroom and into the future, shall we?
Let's swat this silly trial that sits on our ambition like a mosquito.
Let's get to building a better Miami.
By Greg Cote - Miami Herald
Sometimes the plaintiff is a person who scalds himself with hot coffee but decides suing McDonald's for millions is nobler than cursing his own carelessness.
And sometimes the plaintiff is a 75-year-old Miami multimillionaire who got rich selling cars but now wants to slam the brakes on progress.
Norman Braman does a lot of good around here. Let's admit that first.
He is a philanthropist whose generosity has touched education and breast-cancer research. He was instrumental in realizing a Holocaust Museum in Miami Beach.
It doesn't mean he always is right, though. And it doesn't look like he is right in Braman v. Miami-Dade County, his lawsuit that goes to trial Thursday in Miami-Dade Circuit Court.
Braman's effort, if successful, would derail the county's $3 billion redevelopment ''megaplan'' for Miami -- the area's long-needed and most ambitious public-works initiative in decades, one that includes a new Marlins baseball stadium.
Here is local government, for all of its history of scandal and inefficiency, trying at last to think big and be big, and finally haul Miami into the 21st Century in terms of urban revitalization and renewal.
And here are the Marlins, after 11 years of trying, through three ownership groups and several evolutions of county and city commissions, finally on the cusp of breaking ground on a ballpark all its own.
Only to have the whole grand package jeopardized by one guy's nuisance suit.
This continues Braman's dubious track record of suing over how local government spends money.
In 1982, he led a campaign to defeat a city sales tax that would have renovated the Orange Bowl for the Dolphins. It was what led Joe Robbie to soon after announce he would build a stadium and move the team north. It was a harbinger of years of OB neglect that would lead to the Hurricanes also moving out and the old stadium being demolished.
With that, Braman had drawn his line against public dollars for stadiums. Yet barely a decade later, in 1993, he owned the Philadelphia Eagles and offered to build a stadium only if the city would donate the land. Evidently, Braman had by then developed a moral distinction between getting public money and getting public land.
In 1999, Braman helped defeat a one-cent sales tax earmarked for a $1 billion mass transit plan for Miami. Hmm. Imagine that. A car dealer fighting mass transit! No vested interest there, right?
Now Braman is aiming his slingshot at big government again, but unlike the Biblical David, the little guy is no hero. He is just a rich little guy with a slingshot and a team of lawyers, slinging a lawsuit because, well -- because he can.
(And perhaps because part of the Miami megaplan includes streetcars. Imagine! The car dealer is against mass transit again! What a coincidence!)
This trial's judge will rule against Braman (it says here) because so much of the suit's premise is on shaky legal footing. For example, he claims the megaplan should have been subject to a public vote, and yet the courts already have ruled the county/city vote was legal and not requiring a public referendum. He also claims it is unconstitutional to pledge public credit to a private enterprise (such as a baseball team), and yet the Florida Supreme Court ruled otherwise in the 1990s, allowing $318 million in public money to build a stadium for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and explaining the expenditure would be ``substantially beneficial to the public.''
''Beneficial to the public'' is fundamental here.
This is about our civic responsibility to see the larger picture and put the public good over individual wants.
A Marlins fan should support a new, 37,000-seat retractable dome stadium (even if not thrilled about the OB site in Little Havana), but even nonfans should appreciate the benefit of how a thriving big-league sports team can knit a community.
Similarly, you do not need to be a connoisseur of opera or ballet to see that a performing arts center improves our overall quality of life, just as you do not need to be a parent to support better schools. This $3 billion initiative, now on trial, would rejuvenate Overtown and transform Bicentennial Park into a waterfront jewel, among many other projects.
As for the new Marlins ballpark, the club would pay roughly $155 million of the $515 million cost, and the rest would come from tourists' hotel bed-tax dollars. That is a pretty painless deal for us locals, wallet-wise.
So let's get out of the courtroom and into the future, shall we?
Let's swat this silly trial that sits on our ambition like a mosquito.
Let's get to building a better Miami.
By Greg Cote - Miami Herald
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Sports and Jesus
This morning, on my way to work, I clicked on my favorite Sports Radio Station: 790 the Ticket.
As usual Sid Rosenberg was on the air and rambling as usual about Sports and nonsense. Now, I like Sid Rosenberg. I liked listening to him back when he was on the air in the afternoon with OJ McDuffie. However, ever since he has moved to the morning slot, he has taken an approach to his show that I do not like. This morning, Sid Rosenberg's co-host had mentioned that UF quarterback Tim Tebow was doing some sort of missionary work somewhere and helped with ceremonial circumcisions. Where Sid Rosenberg mentioned was cool seeing as Sid is Jewish. His co-host then said, "Well, I doubt that he was spreading the word of Judaism." This goes without saying as Tim Tebow's parents were Christian missionaries who home-schooled all their children. After that, Sid says: "Well, he should have [been spreading the word of Judaism.] It's the right thing. In fact, if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you're on the wrong boat. 'Cause the last time I checked, the Jews were the chosen people."
Sid Rosenberg
This gets me a little upset for a few reasons. First of all, where does he go talking about that on a SPORTS radio show? I mean, why is he talking about how Jews are right and Christianity is wrong on a show where he should be talking about the Marlins, the Heat, the NBA playoffs, Dolphins training camp, the death of Eight Belles (the racehorse), etc. What gets me even more upset, though, is that he is going to get away with it. It's a freedom of religion/speech issue. However, I would like to see what would happen if a sports radio host, or a host of another secular show, were to say: "If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are on the wrong boat." I bet you that there will be a tremendous uproar about that. Critics will be saying how this radio host was forcing religion down their throats and soon afterwords, he will be fired.
Not Sid Rosenberg, though. You know why? Because freedom of religion in this country only applies if you are Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist, Confucianist, etc. It does not apply if you are a Christian, despite the fact that this country was founded by Christians of all denominations. I cannot believe Sid would say how he is one of the chosen people, a week after he spent an entire segment talking about how humans were not meant to be monogamous, and how masturbation was a beautiful, natural element of being human.
I would like to close with a quote that has to deal with Christianity, Judaism, and choseness. I went to my girlfriend's church for Easter service this year, before she went to Easter mass with me, and her pastor said something that has stayed with me: "Christianity is Judaism fulfilled!" Ain't it the truth?
Therefore, who are the chosen people, really?
DISCLAIMER: I'm not racist or anything, but if you want to be politically correct, might as well be towards all people, not just for the minorities. This blog was not intended as a bigotry or racism, because as many people who know me can say, I am very tolerant of everyone. But freedom of speech also applies to me. And I believe that everyone should be treated equally.
As usual Sid Rosenberg was on the air and rambling as usual about Sports and nonsense. Now, I like Sid Rosenberg. I liked listening to him back when he was on the air in the afternoon with OJ McDuffie. However, ever since he has moved to the morning slot, he has taken an approach to his show that I do not like. This morning, Sid Rosenberg's co-host had mentioned that UF quarterback Tim Tebow was doing some sort of missionary work somewhere and helped with ceremonial circumcisions. Where Sid Rosenberg mentioned was cool seeing as Sid is Jewish. His co-host then said, "Well, I doubt that he was spreading the word of Judaism." This goes without saying as Tim Tebow's parents were Christian missionaries who home-schooled all their children. After that, Sid says: "Well, he should have [been spreading the word of Judaism.] It's the right thing. In fact, if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you're on the wrong boat. 'Cause the last time I checked, the Jews were the chosen people."
Sid RosenbergThis gets me a little upset for a few reasons. First of all, where does he go talking about that on a SPORTS radio show? I mean, why is he talking about how Jews are right and Christianity is wrong on a show where he should be talking about the Marlins, the Heat, the NBA playoffs, Dolphins training camp, the death of Eight Belles (the racehorse), etc. What gets me even more upset, though, is that he is going to get away with it. It's a freedom of religion/speech issue. However, I would like to see what would happen if a sports radio host, or a host of another secular show, were to say: "If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are on the wrong boat." I bet you that there will be a tremendous uproar about that. Critics will be saying how this radio host was forcing religion down their throats and soon afterwords, he will be fired.
Not Sid Rosenberg, though. You know why? Because freedom of religion in this country only applies if you are Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist, Confucianist, etc. It does not apply if you are a Christian, despite the fact that this country was founded by Christians of all denominations. I cannot believe Sid would say how he is one of the chosen people, a week after he spent an entire segment talking about how humans were not meant to be monogamous, and how masturbation was a beautiful, natural element of being human.
I would like to close with a quote that has to deal with Christianity, Judaism, and choseness. I went to my girlfriend's church for Easter service this year, before she went to Easter mass with me, and her pastor said something that has stayed with me: "Christianity is Judaism fulfilled!" Ain't it the truth?
Therefore, who are the chosen people, really?
DISCLAIMER: I'm not racist or anything, but if you want to be politically correct, might as well be towards all people, not just for the minorities. This blog was not intended as a bigotry or racism, because as many people who know me can say, I am very tolerant of everyone. But freedom of speech also applies to me. And I believe that everyone should be treated equally.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Yankees Bury Bernie Williams Under Yankee Stadium for Good Luck
NEW YORK—Citing a need for physical and spiritual cleansing after a Boston Red Sox fan entombed a David Ortiz jersey in the floor of the new facility, the New York Yankees buried former centerfielder Bernie Williams under 4,650 pounds of concrete Wednesday in the foundation of the new Yankee Stadium for good luck.
According to team sources, the instant the 39-year-old Williams was completely submerged in the rapidly setting structural material, stopping his voice as his lungs and mouth filled with concrete, the sun broke through the clouds and shone on the yet-incomplete field. Yankees part-owner Hank Steinbrenner called the occurrence a sign indicating that the "Curse Of A Red Sox Fan's David Ortiz Jersey" had been reversed, and that God was once again on the Yankees' side.
"Any attempt to put a hex on the New York Yankees has been successfully averted," Steinbrenner told reporters while standing over the still-wet concrete slab beneath which, judging by the sluggish ripples and lopsided bubbles in the hardening agglomerate, Williams still struggled. "Not that this organization believes in curses. We're the Yankees. We believe the success of our team is based purely on our players and their on-field performance. And we act accordingly."
"However," Steinbrenner continued, "Bernie was on our last World Series team in 2000, so we figured burying him under our new home certainly couldn't hurt. Also, he was available, and his appearance fee was quite reasonable."
The burial ceremony, which delayed the completion of the stadium approximately three weeks and cost roughly $1.5 million—$1,000 of which will go to Bernie Williams' family—involved placing Williams into a six-foot-deep concrete hole directly where the tattered Red Sox jersey was found.
Dressed in his full Yankees uniform and batting helmet, and clutching an autographed ball signed by all members of Yankees' 1996 World Series team, Williams was lowered into the ground and then covered with a combination of concrete, fly ash, slag cement, and coarse aggregate consisting mostly of gravel limestone.
Though Yankees officials did not allow Williams' family to attend the burial, citing the fact they were not "true Yankees," they permitted the former centerfielder to take with him a picture of his wife and three children after Williams provided video evidence proving that all of his family members were present and cheered during the Yankees' championship run between 1996 and 2000.
"Now, we're not necessarily hoping that having him in the foundation will mean our outfielders will start throwing like Bernie, our hitters will begin hitting like him, or our faster baserunners will start running like him," Yankees first-year coach Joe Girardi said. "Most of our guys are already better than he was. We just know—and this is what I told Bernie's family—that the good deed of letting a former Yankee permanently come home will be recognized by the baseball gods and will translate into Yankee victories, which will be good for the entire human race."
Williams, who was smiling from the moment he arrived at the new stadium until his face could no longer be seen, was grateful for the opportunity.
"I would do anything to help this ballclub win another World Series," Williams shouted up to reporters while standing in rapidly filling pit. "Just to be part of this organization again in some capacity is an honor and privilege. And even though I haven't received a thank you from the Steinbrenner family, I know they are appreciative."
"This is what it means to be a lifelong Yankgluh [sic]," Williams attempted to add.
According to Yankees president Randy Levine, the organization had been discussing various ways to exorcize the curse of the buried Red Sox jersey, under which the Yankees went an "unacceptable" 4-4. Levine said that it was Hal Steinbrenner who suggested submerging a former or current player in concrete as a good luck charm.
Interoffice e-mails confirm that players who made the short list were Yogi Berra, Paul O'Neill, and current Yankee outfielder Shelley Duncan.
"Truth be told, we didn't even think of Bernie," Levine said. "But then we got a call from his agent. It took a bit of convincing on their part, but in the end it seemed like this fulfilled both of our needs."
"By giving Bernie this chance, we have once again proven why we are the classiest organization in all of sports," Levine added. "Lesser teams would have overreacted to this whole curse thing and buried Derek Jeter."
When asked if burial in the new stadium guaranteed that Williams' No. 51 would be retired in the new Monument Park, both Steinbrenners had no comment, saying only that they appreciated Mr. Williams' commitment to the team.
According to team sources, the instant the 39-year-old Williams was completely submerged in the rapidly setting structural material, stopping his voice as his lungs and mouth filled with concrete, the sun broke through the clouds and shone on the yet-incomplete field. Yankees part-owner Hank Steinbrenner called the occurrence a sign indicating that the "Curse Of A Red Sox Fan's David Ortiz Jersey" had been reversed, and that God was once again on the Yankees' side.
"Any attempt to put a hex on the New York Yankees has been successfully averted," Steinbrenner told reporters while standing over the still-wet concrete slab beneath which, judging by the sluggish ripples and lopsided bubbles in the hardening agglomerate, Williams still struggled. "Not that this organization believes in curses. We're the Yankees. We believe the success of our team is based purely on our players and their on-field performance. And we act accordingly."
"However," Steinbrenner continued, "Bernie was on our last World Series team in 2000, so we figured burying him under our new home certainly couldn't hurt. Also, he was available, and his appearance fee was quite reasonable."
The burial ceremony, which delayed the completion of the stadium approximately three weeks and cost roughly $1.5 million—$1,000 of which will go to Bernie Williams' family—involved placing Williams into a six-foot-deep concrete hole directly where the tattered Red Sox jersey was found.
Dressed in his full Yankees uniform and batting helmet, and clutching an autographed ball signed by all members of Yankees' 1996 World Series team, Williams was lowered into the ground and then covered with a combination of concrete, fly ash, slag cement, and coarse aggregate consisting mostly of gravel limestone.
Though Yankees officials did not allow Williams' family to attend the burial, citing the fact they were not "true Yankees," they permitted the former centerfielder to take with him a picture of his wife and three children after Williams provided video evidence proving that all of his family members were present and cheered during the Yankees' championship run between 1996 and 2000.
"Now, we're not necessarily hoping that having him in the foundation will mean our outfielders will start throwing like Bernie, our hitters will begin hitting like him, or our faster baserunners will start running like him," Yankees first-year coach Joe Girardi said. "Most of our guys are already better than he was. We just know—and this is what I told Bernie's family—that the good deed of letting a former Yankee permanently come home will be recognized by the baseball gods and will translate into Yankee victories, which will be good for the entire human race."
Williams, who was smiling from the moment he arrived at the new stadium until his face could no longer be seen, was grateful for the opportunity.
"I would do anything to help this ballclub win another World Series," Williams shouted up to reporters while standing in rapidly filling pit. "Just to be part of this organization again in some capacity is an honor and privilege. And even though I haven't received a thank you from the Steinbrenner family, I know they are appreciative."
"This is what it means to be a lifelong Yankgluh [sic]," Williams attempted to add.
According to Yankees president Randy Levine, the organization had been discussing various ways to exorcize the curse of the buried Red Sox jersey, under which the Yankees went an "unacceptable" 4-4. Levine said that it was Hal Steinbrenner who suggested submerging a former or current player in concrete as a good luck charm.
Interoffice e-mails confirm that players who made the short list were Yogi Berra, Paul O'Neill, and current Yankee outfielder Shelley Duncan.
"Truth be told, we didn't even think of Bernie," Levine said. "But then we got a call from his agent. It took a bit of convincing on their part, but in the end it seemed like this fulfilled both of our needs."
"By giving Bernie this chance, we have once again proven why we are the classiest organization in all of sports," Levine added. "Lesser teams would have overreacted to this whole curse thing and buried Derek Jeter."
When asked if burial in the new stadium guaranteed that Williams' No. 51 would be retired in the new Monument Park, both Steinbrenners had no comment, saying only that they appreciated Mr. Williams' commitment to the team.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Open the Doors
"Are we not perhaps all afraid in some way? If we let Christ enter fully into our lives, if we open ourselves totally to Him, are we not afraid that He might take something away from us? No! If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful and great. No! Only in this friendship do we experience beauty and liberation....When we give ourselves to Him, we receive a hundredfold in return. Yes, open, open wide the doors to Christ – and you will find true life."
- Benedict XVI
- Benedict XVI
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Tita
I love you with all my heart. I dunno how I'm gonna hold up tonight when I see you for the first time...and you won't be breathing. I'll see what happens. I ask God to stregnthen your family and all of us as we try to live without your loud voice sticking out amongst chaos...and your spunkiness brightening up everyone's mood.
I cannot wait to see you one day again.
RIP
1/31/1962 - 3/3/2008
:'(
I cannot wait to see you one day again.
RIP
1/31/1962 - 3/3/2008
:'(
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Love Me If You Can
This song by Toby Keith really speaks volumes about where I'm at in my life. Thought I'd like to share....
Sometimes I think that war is necessary.
Every night I pray for peace on Earth.
I hand out my dollars to the homeless.
But believe that every able soul should work.
My father gave me my shotgun
that I'll hand down to my son,
try to teach him everything it means.
I'm a man of my convictions.
Call me wrong, call me right.
But I bring my better angels to every fight.
You may not likewhere I'm going,
but you sure know where I stand.
Hate me if you want to, love me if you can.
I stand by my right to speak freely.
But I worry 'bout what kids learn from TV.
And before all of debatin' turns to angry words and hate,
sometimes we should just agree to disagree.
And I believe that Jesus
looks down here and sees us,
and if you ask him he would say
I'm a man of my convictions.
Call me wrong, call me right.
But I bring my better angels to every fight.
You may not like where I'm going,
but you sure know where I stand.
Hate me if you want to, love me if you can. (Repeat)
Sometimes I think that war is necessary.
Every night I pray for peace on Earth.
I hand out my dollars to the homeless.
But believe that every able soul should work.
My father gave me my shotgun
that I'll hand down to my son,
try to teach him everything it means.
I'm a man of my convictions.
Call me wrong, call me right.
But I bring my better angels to every fight.
You may not likewhere I'm going,
but you sure know where I stand.
Hate me if you want to, love me if you can.
I stand by my right to speak freely.
But I worry 'bout what kids learn from TV.
And before all of debatin' turns to angry words and hate,
sometimes we should just agree to disagree.
And I believe that Jesus
looks down here and sees us,
and if you ask him he would say
I'm a man of my convictions.
Call me wrong, call me right.
But I bring my better angels to every fight.
You may not like where I'm going,
but you sure know where I stand.
Hate me if you want to, love me if you can. (Repeat)
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Quotes from Jose Marti
"Talent is a gift that brings with it an obligation to serve the world, and not ourselves, for it is not of our making. To use for our exclusive benefit what is not ours is theft. Culture, which makes talent shine, is not completely ours either, nor can we place it solely at our disposal. Rather, it belongs mainly to our country, which gave it to us, and to humanity, from which we receive it as a birthright. A selfish man is a thief."
"It is the duty of man to raise up man. One is guilty of all abjection that one does not help to relieve. Only those who spread treachery, fire, and death out of hatred for the prosperity of others are undeserving of pity."
"A genuine man goes to the roots. To be a radical is no more than that: to go to the roots. He who does not see things in their depth should not call himself a radical."
"It is a sin not to do what one is capable of doing."
"Men of action, above all those whose actions are guided by love, live forever. Other famous men, those of much talk and few deeds, soon evaporate. Action is the dignity of greatness."
"Liberty is the right of every man to be honest, to think and to speak without hypocrisy."
"Socialist ideology, like so many others, has two main dangers. One stems from confused and incomplete readings of foreign texts, and the other from the arrogance and hidden rage of those who, in order to climb up in the world, pretend to be frantic defenders of the helpless so as to have shoulders on which to stand."
"People are made of hate and of love, and more of hate than love. But love, like the sun that it is, sets afire and melts everything."
"It is my duty to prevent, through the independence of Cuba, the U.S.A. from spreading over the West Indies and falling with added weight upon other lands of Our America. All I have done up to now and shall do hereafter is to that end. . . . I know the Monster, because I have lived in its lair—and my weapon is only the slingshot of David."
"A grain of poetry suffices to season a century."
"He who uses the office he owes to the voters wrongfully and against them is a thief."
"It is terrible to speak of you, Liberty, for one who lives without you."
"Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world."
"Men are like the stars; some generate their own light while others reflect the brilliance they receive."
"Others go to bed with their mistresses; I with my ideas."
and my favorite...
"I'd rather die standing than live on my knees."
"It is the duty of man to raise up man. One is guilty of all abjection that one does not help to relieve. Only those who spread treachery, fire, and death out of hatred for the prosperity of others are undeserving of pity."
"A genuine man goes to the roots. To be a radical is no more than that: to go to the roots. He who does not see things in their depth should not call himself a radical."
"It is a sin not to do what one is capable of doing."
"Men of action, above all those whose actions are guided by love, live forever. Other famous men, those of much talk and few deeds, soon evaporate. Action is the dignity of greatness."
"Liberty is the right of every man to be honest, to think and to speak without hypocrisy."
"Socialist ideology, like so many others, has two main dangers. One stems from confused and incomplete readings of foreign texts, and the other from the arrogance and hidden rage of those who, in order to climb up in the world, pretend to be frantic defenders of the helpless so as to have shoulders on which to stand."
"People are made of hate and of love, and more of hate than love. But love, like the sun that it is, sets afire and melts everything."
"It is my duty to prevent, through the independence of Cuba, the U.S.A. from spreading over the West Indies and falling with added weight upon other lands of Our America. All I have done up to now and shall do hereafter is to that end. . . . I know the Monster, because I have lived in its lair—and my weapon is only the slingshot of David."
"A grain of poetry suffices to season a century."
"He who uses the office he owes to the voters wrongfully and against them is a thief."
"It is terrible to speak of you, Liberty, for one who lives without you."
"Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world."
"Men are like the stars; some generate their own light while others reflect the brilliance they receive."
"Others go to bed with their mistresses; I with my ideas."
and my favorite...
"I'd rather die standing than live on my knees."
Due to Popular demand
The Gift of Gab has arrived!
Sad attempts at humor will come shortly...
Along with my usual cluttered thoughts on politics, religion, etc.
Sad attempts at humor will come shortly...
Along with my usual cluttered thoughts on politics, religion, etc.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
A Response to Atheism
From Blogger Andrew Sullivan in response to ardent atheist Sam Harris who claimed that religion is dangerous and should be abandoned by all of humanity for its greater good...
Why would I want to forget all of that precious inheritance - the humility of Mary, the foolishness of Peter, the genius of Paul, the candor of Augustine, the genius of Francis, the glory of Chartres cathedral, the haunting music of Tallis, the art of Michelangelo, the ecstasies of Teresa, the rigor of Ignatius, the whole astonishing, ravishing panoply of ancient Christianity that suddenly arrived at my door, in a banal little town in an ordinary family in the grim nights of the 1970s in England?
You want to be contingency-free? Maybe you need a richer slice of contingency. There is more wisdom, depth, range, glory, nuance and truth in my tradition than can be dreamt of in your rationalism. In answer to your question, "why not leave all this behind?" my answer is simply: why on earth would I? Why would any sane person abandon such an astonishingly rich inheritance that civilizes, informs, educates, inspires and then also saves? If faith were to desert me, I may be forced to leave. But even then, the wealth of that human inheritance would inform me and make my life worth living. I would cling to and celebrate this cultural inheritance, even if the faith that made it possible has waned for me.
Why would a human being not look at the unclean glass he is born with and ask: what is this that I have been given? Who passed this down to me? Why? Who died to give this to me? Who suffered? Who spent their lives transcribing texts to keep the memory of this man alive? Who built these churches and composed these chants and wrote these books for me to engage long after they have all disappeared from the earth? How does this amazing cultural, intellectual, spiritual inheritance connect with that inchoate sense of the divine that still permeates my soul? Could it be that what I sense in my soul is what Augustine sensed? What Dominic sensed? What John actually saw and loved and rested his head against?
I know this may sound alien to you. So let me put this in a context that might appeal to you, as a rational, empirical person. How do you explain Christianity's enduring power? Is it all a terrible, ugly blight on the human mind that must be thrown out in favor of "truly honest, fearless inquiry"? But wouldn't "truly honest, fearless inquiry" into religious faith begin by asking how Christianity came to exist at all?
Consider the evidence. I do not believe in a flying spaghetti monster. I believe in Jesus of Nazareth as God Incarnate. We have no evidence of a flying spaghetti monster. But we have solid evidence of Jesus' existence. We have a handful of independent historical artifacts that attest that a minor Jewish rabbi in first century Israel was executed by the Roman authorities. We have many Gospels that date from the period after his death testifying to the power of his message. Purported messiahs and crucifixions were not uncommon at the time. But only one of the thousands of Rome's victims is remembered in this way - and not just remembered but worshiped over two millennia later in the most advanced civilization the world has ever known. Does this not intrigue you? Have you never asked in the spirit of "truly honest, fearless inquiry": How on earth did this happen?
As a simple piece of historical inquiry, it's an astonishingly unlikely turn of events. Within a short period of time, not only was an obscure, failed Jewish rabbi remembered, his teachings became the official religion of the empire that had executed him. In the ensuing centuries, his life and teachings inspired many of the greatest minds, souls and talents humankind has ever produced. The collapse of the empire that elevated him did not lead to the disappearance of Christianity. It led to its eventual re-emergence as a vibrant, beautiful, rich experience for millions. Only Muhammad and the Buddha rival the story of this man - a fact that leads me to ask questions of both (particularly Buddhism), but which prompts you to condemn and anathematize all religious claims of any kind.
Even today, as I type these words, I look on my desk and see the sign I bring with me everywhere: his cross. When I go to dinner later, a small cross will come with me, in my wallet. In my study at home, a fourteenth century wooden carving of Jesus stares down at me from the wall. He is alive in me and millions of others after all this time, sustaining, nurturing, inspiring not just me but countless more. Even if you do not believe in him in the way I do, surely you must acknowledge that something very special has been going on here, something truly remarkable, something beyond the norm of much else in human history.
I have a rational, empirical explanation for this. It is that those who saw Jesus saw something so astonishing, so utterly unlike anything that had ever occurred before, that they became on fire with this new truth. They saw God. It was a contingent expression of God - how could it not be if humans were to witness it? But it was also an eternal expression, so that today some will still say: I know this Jesus as well as anyone ever knew him. And Jesus grasped this paradox of contingent-eternity that is the core mystery of the Incarnation.
"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."
Why would I want to forget all of that precious inheritance - the humility of Mary, the foolishness of Peter, the genius of Paul, the candor of Augustine, the genius of Francis, the glory of Chartres cathedral, the haunting music of Tallis, the art of Michelangelo, the ecstasies of Teresa, the rigor of Ignatius, the whole astonishing, ravishing panoply of ancient Christianity that suddenly arrived at my door, in a banal little town in an ordinary family in the grim nights of the 1970s in England?
You want to be contingency-free? Maybe you need a richer slice of contingency. There is more wisdom, depth, range, glory, nuance and truth in my tradition than can be dreamt of in your rationalism. In answer to your question, "why not leave all this behind?" my answer is simply: why on earth would I? Why would any sane person abandon such an astonishingly rich inheritance that civilizes, informs, educates, inspires and then also saves? If faith were to desert me, I may be forced to leave. But even then, the wealth of that human inheritance would inform me and make my life worth living. I would cling to and celebrate this cultural inheritance, even if the faith that made it possible has waned for me.
Why would a human being not look at the unclean glass he is born with and ask: what is this that I have been given? Who passed this down to me? Why? Who died to give this to me? Who suffered? Who spent their lives transcribing texts to keep the memory of this man alive? Who built these churches and composed these chants and wrote these books for me to engage long after they have all disappeared from the earth? How does this amazing cultural, intellectual, spiritual inheritance connect with that inchoate sense of the divine that still permeates my soul? Could it be that what I sense in my soul is what Augustine sensed? What Dominic sensed? What John actually saw and loved and rested his head against?
I know this may sound alien to you. So let me put this in a context that might appeal to you, as a rational, empirical person. How do you explain Christianity's enduring power? Is it all a terrible, ugly blight on the human mind that must be thrown out in favor of "truly honest, fearless inquiry"? But wouldn't "truly honest, fearless inquiry" into religious faith begin by asking how Christianity came to exist at all?
Consider the evidence. I do not believe in a flying spaghetti monster. I believe in Jesus of Nazareth as God Incarnate. We have no evidence of a flying spaghetti monster. But we have solid evidence of Jesus' existence. We have a handful of independent historical artifacts that attest that a minor Jewish rabbi in first century Israel was executed by the Roman authorities. We have many Gospels that date from the period after his death testifying to the power of his message. Purported messiahs and crucifixions were not uncommon at the time. But only one of the thousands of Rome's victims is remembered in this way - and not just remembered but worshiped over two millennia later in the most advanced civilization the world has ever known. Does this not intrigue you? Have you never asked in the spirit of "truly honest, fearless inquiry": How on earth did this happen?
As a simple piece of historical inquiry, it's an astonishingly unlikely turn of events. Within a short period of time, not only was an obscure, failed Jewish rabbi remembered, his teachings became the official religion of the empire that had executed him. In the ensuing centuries, his life and teachings inspired many of the greatest minds, souls and talents humankind has ever produced. The collapse of the empire that elevated him did not lead to the disappearance of Christianity. It led to its eventual re-emergence as a vibrant, beautiful, rich experience for millions. Only Muhammad and the Buddha rival the story of this man - a fact that leads me to ask questions of both (particularly Buddhism), but which prompts you to condemn and anathematize all religious claims of any kind.
Even today, as I type these words, I look on my desk and see the sign I bring with me everywhere: his cross. When I go to dinner later, a small cross will come with me, in my wallet. In my study at home, a fourteenth century wooden carving of Jesus stares down at me from the wall. He is alive in me and millions of others after all this time, sustaining, nurturing, inspiring not just me but countless more. Even if you do not believe in him in the way I do, surely you must acknowledge that something very special has been going on here, something truly remarkable, something beyond the norm of much else in human history.
I have a rational, empirical explanation for this. It is that those who saw Jesus saw something so astonishing, so utterly unlike anything that had ever occurred before, that they became on fire with this new truth. They saw God. It was a contingent expression of God - how could it not be if humans were to witness it? But it was also an eternal expression, so that today some will still say: I know this Jesus as well as anyone ever knew him. And Jesus grasped this paradox of contingent-eternity that is the core mystery of the Incarnation.
"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."
Save the whale, but not the baby?
The following is an article taken from the Florida Catholic that was written by Archbishop John Favarola.
My dear friends,
Last month, ABC News reported on some "amazing images of animals in the womb."
The images were obtained using the same ultrasound technology that for nearly two decades has allowed human parents to peek inside the mother's womb and, if they choose, find out the sex of their unborn baby.
Apparently, this ultrasound technology had not been used on animals until National Geographic scientists embarked on this study, which is aimed at helping animals "survive."
Listen to some of the remarks uttered by the reporter based on the observations made by the scientists:
"Amazing images of animals in the womb shed new light on the beginning of life. …
"In the beginning, we are all very much alike; sperm meets egg and the embryo soon develops a heart, eyes, limbs. …
"You can see actual animal behavior in utero, which is really the building block to how those animals survive. …
"An unborn dolphin swims in the womb long before it swims in the sea. A puppy starts to pant before birth. That will be its main way in life of keeping cool. …
"
The pictures are indeed striking, but researchers also say that learning from them will help them help the animals survive."
How sad that similar pictures of human babies sucking their thumbs inside their mother's wombs — pictures that were available 34 years ago — did not convince our Supreme Court that unborn human life was equally entitled to survive, and therefore worthy of legal protection.
In fact, more than a decade ago, when I was on the U.S. bishops' pro-life committee, we tried to show very similar images of babies inside the womb at a congressional hearing. The committee chairman turned us down.
I wonder, if she were in the same position today, would she have refused to show these images of unborn animals in their mothers' wombs? If the hearings concerned the protection of animal life, would these images be deemed too disturbing to behold?
Because they leave no doubt that what is developing inside the womb is an elephant, or a dog or a dolphin. This is animal life at its beginning stages. Similarly, what we find inside a human mother's womb is human life at its beginning stages — not just a blob of cells.
These images of animals in the womb were not obtained by zealot pro-lifers bent on "imposing their religious beliefs" on their fellow Americans. These images — like those of human babies sucking and kicking in the womb — were obtained by scientists.
But facts and science have no place in our debate on abortion. On that issue, we want to do as we please. So people put on a bumper sticker that says "Save the Whales" but not one that says "Save the Babies."
When dogs or cats are found starved and neglected, the outcry is immediate. Hundreds come forward offering to adopt the animals in order to prevent their destruction.
I bet we would hear an outcry if anyone suggested harming the unborn dog, dolphin or elephant pictured in those National Geographic ultrasounds.
But where is the outcry about the more than 1 million babies who are killed each year by abortion in this country alone?
As I always say, there is no logic in this country where abortion is concerned. Our views are completely schizophrenic, and as long as this is so, we will remain deeply divided over this issue.
For no one is as blind as the one who refuses to see.
My dear friends,
Last month, ABC News reported on some "amazing images of animals in the womb."
The images were obtained using the same ultrasound technology that for nearly two decades has allowed human parents to peek inside the mother's womb and, if they choose, find out the sex of their unborn baby.
Apparently, this ultrasound technology had not been used on animals until National Geographic scientists embarked on this study, which is aimed at helping animals "survive."
Listen to some of the remarks uttered by the reporter based on the observations made by the scientists:
"Amazing images of animals in the womb shed new light on the beginning of life. …
"In the beginning, we are all very much alike; sperm meets egg and the embryo soon develops a heart, eyes, limbs. …
"You can see actual animal behavior in utero, which is really the building block to how those animals survive. …
"An unborn dolphin swims in the womb long before it swims in the sea. A puppy starts to pant before birth. That will be its main way in life of keeping cool. …
"
The pictures are indeed striking, but researchers also say that learning from them will help them help the animals survive."
How sad that similar pictures of human babies sucking their thumbs inside their mother's wombs — pictures that were available 34 years ago — did not convince our Supreme Court that unborn human life was equally entitled to survive, and therefore worthy of legal protection.
In fact, more than a decade ago, when I was on the U.S. bishops' pro-life committee, we tried to show very similar images of babies inside the womb at a congressional hearing. The committee chairman turned us down.
I wonder, if she were in the same position today, would she have refused to show these images of unborn animals in their mothers' wombs? If the hearings concerned the protection of animal life, would these images be deemed too disturbing to behold?
Because they leave no doubt that what is developing inside the womb is an elephant, or a dog or a dolphin. This is animal life at its beginning stages. Similarly, what we find inside a human mother's womb is human life at its beginning stages — not just a blob of cells.
These images of animals in the womb were not obtained by zealot pro-lifers bent on "imposing their religious beliefs" on their fellow Americans. These images — like those of human babies sucking and kicking in the womb — were obtained by scientists.
But facts and science have no place in our debate on abortion. On that issue, we want to do as we please. So people put on a bumper sticker that says "Save the Whales" but not one that says "Save the Babies."
When dogs or cats are found starved and neglected, the outcry is immediate. Hundreds come forward offering to adopt the animals in order to prevent their destruction.
I bet we would hear an outcry if anyone suggested harming the unborn dog, dolphin or elephant pictured in those National Geographic ultrasounds.
But where is the outcry about the more than 1 million babies who are killed each year by abortion in this country alone?
As I always say, there is no logic in this country where abortion is concerned. Our views are completely schizophrenic, and as long as this is so, we will remain deeply divided over this issue.
For no one is as blind as the one who refuses to see.
Why We Need Each Other
Why We Need Each Other
by Matt Lott of the band Wavorly
Sometimes I don't want to go to church.Some weeks, it's just hard for me to get up and go. Yeah, laziness is no excuse for missing church, but it has happened. Other times, my reason for not going starts with nagging thoughts about some of the people who've hurt me. Or people I've had bad experiences with at churches. I think about some of the people who don't seem to represent the name of Christ too well. Thinking about those experiences makes me want to stay home.
When I read the IYF article, "The Cure for Loneliness," it hit me that maybe I wasn't really giving the people around me much of a chance. Maybe my attitude was messed up. Maybe I misunderstood the purpose of church.
The article refers to a phrase in the Apostle's Creed that just kept coming back to me: " … the communion of saints." This really stuck out in my mind because it made me realize that the communion of saints includes everyone, including people like me who aren't very saintly at times. And having all those people together is important. Why?
The author quotes John 13:35. It reads, "If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples" (CEV). We have to love and support our brothers and sisters in Christ. It's how we show God's love.
That helped me see that I'm often so concerned with loving the lost and reaching out to the unsaved that I forget my own Christian brothers and sisters. I don't support them as much as I could, I don't commune with these saints, and I even use some of them as excuses not to go to church! It's easy for me to let small hurts stand in the way of loving my brothers and sisters in Christ.
This article reminded me that the love I show my fellow believers will help those who don't believe see that Christ's love is for everyone, no matter what we've done or what we struggle with. I also am reminded that I should be happy to have opportunities to be with other Christians in church. Because by learning to love other believers as they are, I am modeling the love of God.
by Matt Lott of the band Wavorly
Sometimes I don't want to go to church.Some weeks, it's just hard for me to get up and go. Yeah, laziness is no excuse for missing church, but it has happened. Other times, my reason for not going starts with nagging thoughts about some of the people who've hurt me. Or people I've had bad experiences with at churches. I think about some of the people who don't seem to represent the name of Christ too well. Thinking about those experiences makes me want to stay home.
When I read the IYF article, "The Cure for Loneliness," it hit me that maybe I wasn't really giving the people around me much of a chance. Maybe my attitude was messed up. Maybe I misunderstood the purpose of church.
The article refers to a phrase in the Apostle's Creed that just kept coming back to me: " … the communion of saints." This really stuck out in my mind because it made me realize that the communion of saints includes everyone, including people like me who aren't very saintly at times. And having all those people together is important. Why?
The author quotes John 13:35. It reads, "If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples" (CEV). We have to love and support our brothers and sisters in Christ. It's how we show God's love.
That helped me see that I'm often so concerned with loving the lost and reaching out to the unsaved that I forget my own Christian brothers and sisters. I don't support them as much as I could, I don't commune with these saints, and I even use some of them as excuses not to go to church! It's easy for me to let small hurts stand in the way of loving my brothers and sisters in Christ.
This article reminded me that the love I show my fellow believers will help those who don't believe see that Christ's love is for everyone, no matter what we've done or what we struggle with. I also am reminded that I should be happy to have opportunities to be with other Christians in church. Because by learning to love other believers as they are, I am modeling the love of God.
Monday, February 11, 2008
One Body in Christ
Excerpts from Don Cobb’s “One Body in Christ”
“Every church (denomination) is, like every person on the planet, right about some things and wrong about some things. That’s right. I said every denomination is right about some things in their doctrine which pertains to Scripture, and wrong about some things in their doctrine which pertains to Scripture. Man’s intelligence is limited. Our interpretations of Scripture, of which there are many conflicting interpretations, are always a combination of wisdom revealed by the Holy Spirit with a dash (or two, or more) of Man’s Imperfection. Therein lies the problem. It isn’t that the Protestants are right and the Catholics are wrong. It isn’t that the Pentecostals are right and the Methodists are wrong. It isn’t that the Adventists are right and every other Protestant denomination and the Catholic Church is wrong.
It’s that all of us are wrong about some things, and all of us are right about some things. All of us. Every Christian denomination. This is a fact which is true of the entire body of Christ.
Despite the massive efforts to declare that one denomination or another “Isn’t Christian”, the Bible defines clearly what makes us “Christian” in Romans 10:9-10, which includes all believers: “...that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” There you have it. Right? Apparently not. Not to some denominations, at least. We have among us, in our own family, brothers and sisters who insist that others who attend a different denominational church service than they are not Christian because of how they worship, because of their understanding (interpretation) of Scripture, because of many things. If these issues, these differences of opinion in how we interpret Scripture resulted in the loss of our salvation, I would be quick to say that probably most, if not all, Christians will ultimately be cast into the Lake of Fire. Fortunately for all of us, how we interpret Scripture has no bearing on our salvation…
What makes you “Christian” is not about whether or not you believe in dancing. It’s not about whether we worship on Saturday or Sunday. It’s not about whether or not you support killing babies before birth. It’s not about whether or not you believe that the healing power of Christ Jesus or in the baptisms in the Holy Spirit are “for today”. And it’s not about whether or not you prayerfully ask Mary to intercede on your behalf. If you confessed with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe He was raised on the third day, you are Christian. What makes you “Christian” today has nothing to do with what version of the Bible or even what other books you read…
The world laughs at us for the way we criticize and condemn each other over doctrinal differences. We’re not exactly the best witnesses for Jesus when we’re spending so much time telling other believers that they aren’t Christian. Are we? No. “Love thy neighbor as thyself”. What part of that don’t we Christians understand? Jesus wasn’t talking solely about Christian neighbors. He was talking about every neighbor, and yet we can’t even put His clear instructions into practice within our own body. It’s a safe bet we (many of us Christians) aren’t doing any better of a job at loving our non-Christian neighbors as ourselves than we are at loving our Christian brothers and sisters...and we’re failing miserably at loving our own family—the body of Christ…”
“Every church (denomination) is, like every person on the planet, right about some things and wrong about some things. That’s right. I said every denomination is right about some things in their doctrine which pertains to Scripture, and wrong about some things in their doctrine which pertains to Scripture. Man’s intelligence is limited. Our interpretations of Scripture, of which there are many conflicting interpretations, are always a combination of wisdom revealed by the Holy Spirit with a dash (or two, or more) of Man’s Imperfection. Therein lies the problem. It isn’t that the Protestants are right and the Catholics are wrong. It isn’t that the Pentecostals are right and the Methodists are wrong. It isn’t that the Adventists are right and every other Protestant denomination and the Catholic Church is wrong.
It’s that all of us are wrong about some things, and all of us are right about some things. All of us. Every Christian denomination. This is a fact which is true of the entire body of Christ.
Despite the massive efforts to declare that one denomination or another “Isn’t Christian”, the Bible defines clearly what makes us “Christian” in Romans 10:9-10, which includes all believers: “...that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” There you have it. Right? Apparently not. Not to some denominations, at least. We have among us, in our own family, brothers and sisters who insist that others who attend a different denominational church service than they are not Christian because of how they worship, because of their understanding (interpretation) of Scripture, because of many things. If these issues, these differences of opinion in how we interpret Scripture resulted in the loss of our salvation, I would be quick to say that probably most, if not all, Christians will ultimately be cast into the Lake of Fire. Fortunately for all of us, how we interpret Scripture has no bearing on our salvation…
What makes you “Christian” is not about whether or not you believe in dancing. It’s not about whether we worship on Saturday or Sunday. It’s not about whether or not you support killing babies before birth. It’s not about whether or not you believe that the healing power of Christ Jesus or in the baptisms in the Holy Spirit are “for today”. And it’s not about whether or not you prayerfully ask Mary to intercede on your behalf. If you confessed with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe He was raised on the third day, you are Christian. What makes you “Christian” today has nothing to do with what version of the Bible or even what other books you read…
The world laughs at us for the way we criticize and condemn each other over doctrinal differences. We’re not exactly the best witnesses for Jesus when we’re spending so much time telling other believers that they aren’t Christian. Are we? No. “Love thy neighbor as thyself”. What part of that don’t we Christians understand? Jesus wasn’t talking solely about Christian neighbors. He was talking about every neighbor, and yet we can’t even put His clear instructions into practice within our own body. It’s a safe bet we (many of us Christians) aren’t doing any better of a job at loving our non-Christian neighbors as ourselves than we are at loving our Christian brothers and sisters...and we’re failing miserably at loving our own family—the body of Christ…”
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Wow!
| Who You Should Vote For |
 Ron Paul: 87% Barack Obama: 33% John McCain: 33% Mike Huckabee: 27% Mitt Romney: 27% Hillary Clinton: 20% Who you agree with on the war in Iraq: Ron Paul Who you agree with on the economy: Mike Huckabee, John McCain and Ron Paul Who you agree with on health care: Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Ron Paul and Mitt Romney Who you agree with on taxes: Ron Paul Who you agree with on abortion: Ron Paul Who you agree with on gay rights: Ron Paul and John McCain |
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