I bought 1/2 fat icecream (more like icemilk, but that's what was available as the lowest cal icecream at the grocery store). I didn't notice when I bought it, but I just noticed that It says "CHURNED" on it in big letters. So I'm thinking, what do people who read that think? What do the advertisers think we think? Well, it's commercial icecream & it's the second decade of the second millenium. That means it's giant vats with stainless steal paddles that go around by electricity. So why is "churned" a selling point?
May 12th, 2012
May 8th, 2012
This has been passing around. It reminds me of the facts stated in my minister's sermon on immigration recently. I hope I can link to it without a problem:
The large image is here.
The large image is here.April 27th, 2012
Could it depend on the person's challenge?
I know that a person using a wheelchair, cane, or walker usually appreciates a ramp over stairs, though there are some who will take the challenge of using the stairs or getting over the curb any way. It seems most just won't bother going to that location, though. Would you in a situation like that?
Is the use of the web any different? Are any of these good reasons to not be able to keep up with your internet communications? Here are some possible scenarios:
* "Technophobia" - fear or lack of desire to use computers
* Lack of knowledge about how to find information on the internet for a number of possible reasons
* No ready access to a computer
* Dial-up access
* An old computer that keeps crashing or is buggy
* No techy relative to help fix the computer or help them learn to use the computer
* Working 12 hr. days (or 8-9 hrs. plus commuting) doing things not related to computers (teaching very young children, doing gardening, working at a number of other non-desk jobs)
* Uses the cheapest smartphone since that's the only computer & internet access they can afford & many sites are not visible in that little screen
* Cannot use social media (Facebook & Twitter & others are blocked at work sites like public schools) or look at web sites for personal use at work and has responsibilities at home and/or hobbies like sports, cooking, or other things that don't require a computer
* Uses a computer for work all day, so don't want to use it when they get home for personal use
As a computer and social network user, I may think all these people could benefit by using the internet. If everyone is a computer/web user, would we have as much variety of people in the world? I may not be able to meet them and communicate with them easily, but it's not all about what I want.
As a Unitarian Universalist, I believe that everyone has worth and should be treated with respect and compassion. Don't all those people deserve to live their life their way or do they have to conform and be like everyone else in using the internet?
Can we make information more accessible to people we care about and would like them to have the information?
People who do use the web are also dealing with information overload and with so many places to find information and their email box filling up, how can we be sure they get the information? I prefer not to use paper, but we have reduced paper a lot and sending a few people information through the mail is not the end of the world. We may be busy, but we should be able to find time to make an occasional phone call (though this is one problem I have - how did I have time to call everyone on a committee until I actually reached them before we had answering machines & voice mail? - I guess I did it because I had to if I wanted to do the work that makes a difference).
Our internet information can be made accessible to people with slow internet connections, old web browsers, and poor eye sight. We can also make the information easier to find - all of our pieces (web site, blog, and various social networks) can be listed in the same place (and to each other) or be redundant to make it easier to find information. Email is also still expected by many even if they are avoiding email lists. There are many email lists that are very active and have a lot of subscribers.
We're helping to create the information overload with our social networks and many ways that we're communicating, but it's also giving people choices and helping them find information. People will pick and choose what to look at, but I hope many will not just connect with like-minded people or like-cultured people and that they will find a diversity of people to communicate with. If not online, maybe in person since there's probably more diversity within a mile or so of your home than you may realize.
If I didn't see your communication, it wasn't that I don't care. Though I may have other priorities, I also might not have been able to find the information you put out there.
I know that a person using a wheelchair, cane, or walker usually appreciates a ramp over stairs, though there are some who will take the challenge of using the stairs or getting over the curb any way. It seems most just won't bother going to that location, though. Would you in a situation like that?
Is the use of the web any different? Are any of these good reasons to not be able to keep up with your internet communications? Here are some possible scenarios:
* "Technophobia" - fear or lack of desire to use computers
* Lack of knowledge about how to find information on the internet for a number of possible reasons
* No ready access to a computer
* Dial-up access
* An old computer that keeps crashing or is buggy
* No techy relative to help fix the computer or help them learn to use the computer
* Working 12 hr. days (or 8-9 hrs. plus commuting) doing things not related to computers (teaching very young children, doing gardening, working at a number of other non-desk jobs)
* Uses the cheapest smartphone since that's the only computer & internet access they can afford & many sites are not visible in that little screen
* Cannot use social media (Facebook & Twitter & others are blocked at work sites like public schools) or look at web sites for personal use at work and has responsibilities at home and/or hobbies like sports, cooking, or other things that don't require a computer
* Uses a computer for work all day, so don't want to use it when they get home for personal use
As a computer and social network user, I may think all these people could benefit by using the internet. If everyone is a computer/web user, would we have as much variety of people in the world? I may not be able to meet them and communicate with them easily, but it's not all about what I want.
As a Unitarian Universalist, I believe that everyone has worth and should be treated with respect and compassion. Don't all those people deserve to live their life their way or do they have to conform and be like everyone else in using the internet?
Can we make information more accessible to people we care about and would like them to have the information?
People who do use the web are also dealing with information overload and with so many places to find information and their email box filling up, how can we be sure they get the information? I prefer not to use paper, but we have reduced paper a lot and sending a few people information through the mail is not the end of the world. We may be busy, but we should be able to find time to make an occasional phone call (though this is one problem I have - how did I have time to call everyone on a committee until I actually reached them before we had answering machines & voice mail? - I guess I did it because I had to if I wanted to do the work that makes a difference).
Our internet information can be made accessible to people with slow internet connections, old web browsers, and poor eye sight. We can also make the information easier to find - all of our pieces (web site, blog, and various social networks) can be listed in the same place (and to each other) or be redundant to make it easier to find information. Email is also still expected by many even if they are avoiding email lists. There are many email lists that are very active and have a lot of subscribers.
We're helping to create the information overload with our social networks and many ways that we're communicating, but it's also giving people choices and helping them find information. People will pick and choose what to look at, but I hope many will not just connect with like-minded people or like-cultured people and that they will find a diversity of people to communicate with. If not online, maybe in person since there's probably more diversity within a mile or so of your home than you may realize.
If I didn't see your communication, it wasn't that I don't care. Though I may have other priorities, I also might not have been able to find the information you put out there.
April 1st, 2012
I participated in the worship service today which was about our annual meeting, the General Assembly (GA) of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). You can listen to the audio here and/or read this synopsis.
I told a story during the Time for All Ages about how we had a homeschooling group in our church that was connected with a larger community who met via email 15 yrs. ago. We made a banner using felt and the children traced their hands to put on the banner. Those of use who attended in 1997 marched with that banner in the banner parade which we have at the beginning of every GA. We watched part of this video - the march starts just a few minutes into the video.
The minister starts with an explanation about the basics, but included a quip about the GA when lightning struck our Standing on the Side of Love banner.
Then Liz, our consistent delegate, spoke about the Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF) service with beautiful music and the installation of Meg Riley who used to head the Faith in Action Washington Office. She talked about how we're spreading out in a human connection using the internet and other technology - it's not just congregations any more - we're a movement. Liz also spoke of the Ware lecture, our keynote speaker, which was Karen Armstrong last year. Karen has written many books, including "A History of God." Liz also tells a little about Karen's interesting life.
Then I spoke for just a minute or so, mentioning my blog - you can click on my tag uuaga11 to see all I wrote about last year's GA with photos. I shared about my biggest experience with the UU minister of Uganda and how much of a difference we can make as a small religious organization. Here's the video I mentioned of the new song we sang, "This is a Promise I Will Keep":
Mike talked about how he goes because he enjoys it and is never a delegate. He tells a personal story about his Greek heritage and how he relates the pilgrimage his family went on to what we do when we go to GA. Then he talked about going to Phoenix next year and how we've had a couple of discussions about the book, "The Death of Josseline" which is a very touching story about the history of migration and what's happening in Arizona.
Rev. Bruce spoke again about themes at our GAs - he noted 3 major themes this last year: our future, theology, justice. He talked a bit about each. It ended with the video by UUA President Morales at the great wall in Arizona - view it here.
I told a story during the Time for All Ages about how we had a homeschooling group in our church that was connected with a larger community who met via email 15 yrs. ago. We made a banner using felt and the children traced their hands to put on the banner. Those of use who attended in 1997 marched with that banner in the banner parade which we have at the beginning of every GA. We watched part of this video - the march starts just a few minutes into the video.
The minister starts with an explanation about the basics, but included a quip about the GA when lightning struck our Standing on the Side of Love banner.
Then Liz, our consistent delegate, spoke about the Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF) service with beautiful music and the installation of Meg Riley who used to head the Faith in Action Washington Office. She talked about how we're spreading out in a human connection using the internet and other technology - it's not just congregations any more - we're a movement. Liz also spoke of the Ware lecture, our keynote speaker, which was Karen Armstrong last year. Karen has written many books, including "A History of God." Liz also tells a little about Karen's interesting life.
Then I spoke for just a minute or so, mentioning my blog - you can click on my tag uuaga11 to see all I wrote about last year's GA with photos. I shared about my biggest experience with the UU minister of Uganda and how much of a difference we can make as a small religious organization. Here's the video I mentioned of the new song we sang, "This is a Promise I Will Keep":
Mike talked about how he goes because he enjoys it and is never a delegate. He tells a personal story about his Greek heritage and how he relates the pilgrimage his family went on to what we do when we go to GA. Then he talked about going to Phoenix next year and how we've had a couple of discussions about the book, "The Death of Josseline" which is a very touching story about the history of migration and what's happening in Arizona.
Rev. Bruce spoke again about themes at our GAs - he noted 3 major themes this last year: our future, theology, justice. He talked a bit about each. It ended with the video by UUA President Morales at the great wall in Arizona - view it here.
March 19th, 2012
Yesterday in our sermon, there was a true story about something that happened in Rochester, NY, where we lived for 4 yrs. in the '70s, though this happen in the late '60s and was a new one to me.
Matt Meyer told us a story of successful activism. When there was an unemployment problem there and the churches from the area came together to try to solve the problem for the out of work residents. They decided that the largest employer should help - Kodak. They couldn't get Kodak to talk to them, so they decided to try to get seats on their stock-holders board so they could get their attention. They were having trouble getting them, but then the Unitarian Universalists joined their group and asked the UUA to help. UUs from all over the country sent people in Rochester their proxy votes and that encouraged people of other faith traditions to do the same. Finally they had enough seats to get plenty of attention and finally Kodak gave training and jobs to local people and they also became advocates for other companies to do the same.
It was a really hopeful story. Apparently the whole service with interactive and improvisational music was posted on our podcast, so you can listen to it here.
Matt Meyer told us a story of successful activism. When there was an unemployment problem there and the churches from the area came together to try to solve the problem for the out of work residents. They decided that the largest employer should help - Kodak. They couldn't get Kodak to talk to them, so they decided to try to get seats on their stock-holders board so they could get their attention. They were having trouble getting them, but then the Unitarian Universalists joined their group and asked the UUA to help. UUs from all over the country sent people in Rochester their proxy votes and that encouraged people of other faith traditions to do the same. Finally they had enough seats to get plenty of attention and finally Kodak gave training and jobs to local people and they also became advocates for other companies to do the same.
It was a really hopeful story. Apparently the whole service with interactive and improvisational music was posted on our podcast, so you can listen to it here.
March 13th, 2012
I attended a webinar about the upcoming General Assembly (GA) for Unitarian Universalists (our annual meeting). This is our 51st GA, but our first "social justice GA". I'm not sure if I can afford to go yet, but I will at least attend online. This is also the first year we can officially attend from home. Here are my notes:
One of the slides on the presentation said:
The Work of Justice
Our business will be grounded in our faith tradition's commitment to justice. Plenary sessions will be limited to matters essential to the governance of our Associations and itmes that further our justice-making efforts. The exhibit hall will offer justice resources and opportunities to connect with local communities.
UUA GA Schedule that's online was reviewed.
Reflection Groups is new – similar to small group ministries with a new focus.
Heavy focus on migration justice – will have tools on how to bring it home – what’s happening in y/our community.
Education & Preparation will include AR/MC/diversity training, exploring Doctrine of Discovery - combines workshop & how can we use skills at GA & at home.
500 people are registered already. Expecting over 3,000. Many scholarships & volunteer opportunities & affordable housing options, though they're 80% full already. Ohio Meadeville has additional scholarships.
There's a camp for 10-14 yr. olds - opportunities for similar programming about justice & getting involved.
There's a blog about immigration justice online.
Book recommendation – The Death of Josseline. (I started reading this and went to a discussion about it - I hope to finish it.)
Congregational fundraising for social justice resources are available – we can pool resources.
The current schedule doesn’t show youth & young adult caucuses; they will come out in early May, along with the full program.
Offsite delegates need credentials. We had a dry-run last year – this year will be official. All plenary sessions will be available online. Reduced registration fee. Offsite participation available also for non-delegates – can call-in to ask question or make comments. Referendum on DREAM Act (this was not mentioned by the leader, but by a participant and I don't see it on the agenda).
Action we’ll be participating in was addressed in 3 parts based on a question:
Confrontational – partner organizations have not asked for civil disobedience, but could change – they want us to witness to things going on there we disagree with (such as, participate in boycotts – one hotel is having labor problems & they've negotiated with the hotels they recommend so they’re not in violation) ; youth will not be asked to participate in direct witness.
Safety issues – Will have a Right Relations team; more chaplains than usual – attending to spiritual & identity related issues; emergency response team for physical problems.
Witness actions – we will go out many times and ask other groups to come in more than usual – no specifics yet – celebrations with food, music, drama with the larger beloved community.
Youth traveling & without parent? – Scholarship application – ask for what you need in application – may not get all you ask for. Adult sponsors needed, but if don’t have one, they’ll help you find one by calling youth & young adult office.
People who are frail & can’t go out in the heat will have special accessibilities accountability. Accessibility to all is important. (Will reimburse if someone has to use other transportation than the many resources provided. - Note: the UUAGA on Twitter replied, "we're not aware of a provision 4 transportation reimbursement (tho many services r available bit.ly/ioDRiv")
Green practices include hotels near light rail & transportation available for all off-site activities.
If someone is not able to get into an Education slot, there will be many opportunities to share and ask questions.
Budget traveler? – Trying to make as small an economic impact as possible – can bring food; there are also grocery stores nearby. If eating in restaurants, $20 - $100/ day would be needed.
It's not necessarily the GA for you. There will be no judgement about whether or not you attend.
Committee members’ email contacts are online.
Look for a copy of the presentation on JPDUUA.org.
One of the slides on the presentation said:
The Work of Justice
Our business will be grounded in our faith tradition's commitment to justice. Plenary sessions will be limited to matters essential to the governance of our Associations and itmes that further our justice-making efforts. The exhibit hall will offer justice resources and opportunities to connect with local communities.
UUA GA Schedule that's online was reviewed.
Reflection Groups is new – similar to small group ministries with a new focus.
Heavy focus on migration justice – will have tools on how to bring it home – what’s happening in y/our community.
Education & Preparation will include AR/MC/diversity training, exploring Doctrine of Discovery - combines workshop & how can we use skills at GA & at home.
500 people are registered already. Expecting over 3,000. Many scholarships & volunteer opportunities & affordable housing options, though they're 80% full already. Ohio Meadeville has additional scholarships.
There's a camp for 10-14 yr. olds - opportunities for similar programming about justice & getting involved.
There's a blog about immigration justice online.
Book recommendation – The Death of Josseline. (I started reading this and went to a discussion about it - I hope to finish it.)
Congregational fundraising for social justice resources are available – we can pool resources.
The current schedule doesn’t show youth & young adult caucuses; they will come out in early May, along with the full program.
Offsite delegates need credentials. We had a dry-run last year – this year will be official. All plenary sessions will be available online. Reduced registration fee. Offsite participation available also for non-delegates – can call-in to ask question or make comments. Referendum on DREAM Act (this was not mentioned by the leader, but by a participant and I don't see it on the agenda).
Action we’ll be participating in was addressed in 3 parts based on a question:
Confrontational – partner organizations have not asked for civil disobedience, but could change – they want us to witness to things going on there we disagree with (such as, participate in boycotts – one hotel is having labor problems & they've negotiated with the hotels they recommend so they’re not in violation) ; youth will not be asked to participate in direct witness.
Safety issues – Will have a Right Relations team; more chaplains than usual – attending to spiritual & identity related issues; emergency response team for physical problems.
Witness actions – we will go out many times and ask other groups to come in more than usual – no specifics yet – celebrations with food, music, drama with the larger beloved community.
Youth traveling & without parent? – Scholarship application – ask for what you need in application – may not get all you ask for. Adult sponsors needed, but if don’t have one, they’ll help you find one by calling youth & young adult office.
People who are frail & can’t go out in the heat will have special accessibilities accountability. Accessibility to all is important. (Will reimburse if someone has to use other transportation than the many resources provided. - Note: the UUAGA on Twitter replied, "we're not aware of a provision 4 transportation reimbursement (tho many services r available bit.ly/ioDRiv")
Green practices include hotels near light rail & transportation available for all off-site activities.
If someone is not able to get into an Education slot, there will be many opportunities to share and ask questions.
Budget traveler? – Trying to make as small an economic impact as possible – can bring food; there are also grocery stores nearby. If eating in restaurants, $20 - $100/ day would be needed.
It's not necessarily the GA for you. There will be no judgement about whether or not you attend.
Committee members’ email contacts are online.
Look for a copy of the presentation on JPDUUA.org.
March 11th, 2012
Today we had a great service from a child (now adult) whose refugee family my congregation supported. People came who have moved away. Hear her sermon on our podcast.
One person who attended just happened to be in town, I believe, and didn't come specifically for this service. He had been in the religious education program with my children and during the time I was a director of religious education. I met his partner, who had stood to announce that he is going to seminary to become a minister. I also met their child, but I missed being able to speak to him after the service and give him hug. So I looked him up online and found this which I'd like to share with you - he talks about his trans experience that he shared in our church:
One person who attended just happened to be in town, I believe, and didn't come specifically for this service. He had been in the religious education program with my children and during the time I was a director of religious education. I met his partner, who had stood to announce that he is going to seminary to become a minister. I also met their child, but I missed being able to speak to him after the service and give him hug. So I looked him up online and found this which I'd like to share with you - he talks about his trans experience that he shared in our church:
March 6th, 2012
Visitng my doctor today, I overheard him talking to another patient. She was upset about partial birth abortion (don't know why). He explained the process and said it was killing babies. He's Catholic, so that may have something to do with it. I meant to talk to him, but when he visited with me, we had other things to discuss.
I have a friend who had a partial birth abortion as the fetus was dead. If there was a partial birth abortion law prohibiting it, she would have had to carry that dead fetus to term. She and her husband still felt he was their baby - they named him and everything. They mourned his death. But they don't feel guilt; just sorrow. They did nothing wrong. The fetus had a genetic disorder which killed it in-vitro. There are many reasons why partial birth abortions happen. Carrying a dead fetus and other situations could threaten the woman's life. Women have been attacked repeatedly in recent political debates. No birth control? More unwanted pregnancies. Do we really want to make those steps backward? Apparently some people do. My doctor even suggested who she should vote for: Santorum.
Then when I went shopping, the woman who pulled up next to me commented on my Obama sticker with a grimace and sarcastic remark. We're in a liberal state and relatively liberal area; apparently this shows that we'll have to fight. Obama is not a shoe-in.
Think Obama didn't accomplish enough? Check out this list of 90 accomplishments. Here is the top ten on their list:
1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices
3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women
4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq [apparently this is an old list; they're all back now]
5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB
6 Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information
7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier’s family
8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act
9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible
10. Limits on lobbyist’s access to the White House
On this page, there's a comment about his accomplishments:
“The President knows it better than anyone: this campaign is about my community. We have to make sure that the work we do is relevant to the issues that matter most here: the auto industry, education and access to affordable health care. It’s talking about these kind of changes President Obama has made that will get people to the polls.”
This article says of his 2nd term: "The most important fact of Obama’s reelection campaign is that, if he wins, the single most important accomplishment of his second term would be protecting the gains of his first term. If he wins, the Affordable Care Act — barring a truly unexpected ruling from the Supreme Court — becomes the law of the land. If he wins, Dodd-Frank becomes the law on Wall Street. If he loses, both policies are likely to either be rolled back or hollowed out." Unfortunately, "He would not enjoy anything like the congressional majorities of his first two years again. He is likely to face a Republican House or a Republican Senate or both." That's been Obama's biggest problem.
This site also names:
I have a friend who had a partial birth abortion as the fetus was dead. If there was a partial birth abortion law prohibiting it, she would have had to carry that dead fetus to term. She and her husband still felt he was their baby - they named him and everything. They mourned his death. But they don't feel guilt; just sorrow. They did nothing wrong. The fetus had a genetic disorder which killed it in-vitro. There are many reasons why partial birth abortions happen. Carrying a dead fetus and other situations could threaten the woman's life. Women have been attacked repeatedly in recent political debates. No birth control? More unwanted pregnancies. Do we really want to make those steps backward? Apparently some people do. My doctor even suggested who she should vote for: Santorum.
Then when I went shopping, the woman who pulled up next to me commented on my Obama sticker with a grimace and sarcastic remark. We're in a liberal state and relatively liberal area; apparently this shows that we'll have to fight. Obama is not a shoe-in.
Think Obama didn't accomplish enough? Check out this list of 90 accomplishments. Here is the top ten on their list:
1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices
3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women
4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq [apparently this is an old list; they're all back now]
5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB
6 Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information
7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier’s family
8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act
9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible
10. Limits on lobbyist’s access to the White House
On this page, there's a comment about his accomplishments:
“The President knows it better than anyone: this campaign is about my community. We have to make sure that the work we do is relevant to the issues that matter most here: the auto industry, education and access to affordable health care. It’s talking about these kind of changes President Obama has made that will get people to the polls.”
This article says of his 2nd term: "The most important fact of Obama’s reelection campaign is that, if he wins, the single most important accomplishment of his second term would be protecting the gains of his first term. If he wins, the Affordable Care Act — barring a truly unexpected ruling from the Supreme Court — becomes the law of the land. If he wins, Dodd-Frank becomes the law on Wall Street. If he loses, both policies are likely to either be rolled back or hollowed out." Unfortunately, "He would not enjoy anything like the congressional majorities of his first two years again. He is likely to face a Republican House or a Republican Senate or both." That's been Obama's biggest problem.
This site also names:
- Obama has overhauled the food safety system
- Advanced women's rights in the work place
- Ended Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) in our military
- Stopped defending DOMA in court.
- Passed the Hate Crimes bill.
- Appointed two pro-choice women to the Supreme Court.
- Expanded access to medical care and provided subsidies for people who can't afford it.
- Expanded the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- Fixed the preexisting conditions travesty [and rescissions] in health insurance.
- Invested in clean energy.
- Overhauled the credit card industry, making it much more consumer-friendly.
- While Dodd-Frank bill was weak in many respects, it was still an extremely worthwhile start at re-regulating the financial sector.
- He created a Elizabeth Warren's dream agency: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
- He's done a lot for veterans
- He got help for people whose health was injured during the clean-up after the 9/11 attacks.
February 14th, 2012
Having an agreement that keeps us in good relation makes our relationships more loving. I'm so fortunate to have many such relationships, besides my #1 love.
A loving agreement/ a family covenant or a marriage covenant is not so different from a congregational Right Relations Covenant. Our family covenants are not currently in righting, but we have an understanding that keeps our relationship in loving harmony. I remember when my kids were teenagers, we did have written agreements, which really did help at the time. Now they're grown and I'm so proud of them - they're independent and have chosen wonderful lives for themselves.
We're in the process of creating a Right Relations Covenant for our congregation. UU friend, Peter Bowden, wrote an article about UU Right Relations Covenant in Ain’t Misbehaving. Saving My Love For You. I like how he says that they're meant to be broken as none of us are perfect. it's a lifetime goal to work on. But we do agree to Stand on the Side of Love.
I like this version that I posted before (adapted from a poem by Dorothy Law Nolte)
If we live with criticism. . . . . . . .we learn to condemn.
If we live with hostility. . . . . . . . we learn to fight.
If we live with fear. . . . . . . .we learn to be apprehensive.
If we live with jealousy. . . . . . . .we learn to feel guilt.
If we live with tolerance. . . . . . . .we learn to be patient.
If we live with encouragement . . . . . . . .we learn to be confident.
If we live with praise. . . . . . . .we learn to be appreciative.
If we live with acceptance. . . . . . . .we learn to love.
If we live with approval. . . . . . . .we learn to like ourselves.
If we live with recognition . . . . . . . .we learn that it is good to have a goal.
If we live with honesty. . . . . . . .we learn what truth is.
If we live with fairness. . . . . . . .we learn justice.
If we live with security. . . . . . . .we learn to trust in ourselves and others .
If we live with friendliness. . . . . . . .we learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
My love to you all. Happy Valentine's Day!
A loving agreement/ a family covenant or a marriage covenant is not so different from a congregational Right Relations Covenant. Our family covenants are not currently in righting, but we have an understanding that keeps our relationship in loving harmony. I remember when my kids were teenagers, we did have written agreements, which really did help at the time. Now they're grown and I'm so proud of them - they're independent and have chosen wonderful lives for themselves.
We're in the process of creating a Right Relations Covenant for our congregation. UU friend, Peter Bowden, wrote an article about UU Right Relations Covenant in Ain’t Misbehaving. Saving My Love For You. I like how he says that they're meant to be broken as none of us are perfect. it's a lifetime goal to work on. But we do agree to Stand on the Side of Love.
I like this version that I posted before (adapted from a poem by Dorothy Law Nolte)
If we live with criticism. . . . . . . .we learn to condemn.
If we live with hostility. . . . . . . . we learn to fight.
If we live with fear. . . . . . . .we learn to be apprehensive.
If we live with jealousy. . . . . . . .we learn to feel guilt.
If we live with tolerance. . . . . . . .we learn to be patient.
If we live with encouragement . . . . . . . .we learn to be confident.
If we live with praise. . . . . . . .we learn to be appreciative.
If we live with acceptance. . . . . . . .we learn to love.
If we live with approval. . . . . . . .we learn to like ourselves.
If we live with recognition . . . . . . . .we learn that it is good to have a goal.
If we live with honesty. . . . . . . .we learn what truth is.
If we live with fairness. . . . . . . .we learn justice.
If we live with security. . . . . . . .we learn to trust in ourselves and others .
If we live with friendliness. . . . . . . .we learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
My love to you all. Happy Valentine's Day!
January 28th, 2012
In the Washington Post, "Same-sex marriage in Maryland" says, "A bill introduced last week by Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) does an admirable job of meeting both of these legitimate needs (PDF of bill). While not immune from all civilian proscriptions, religious organizations must be given wide latitude even when their actions could be deemed biased. The Supreme Court recently affirmed the right of religious organizations to be free from secular mandates that unduly interfere with religious freedom."
Haven't they always had that religious freedom to refuse to marry someone? Does anyone know of a case where a minister was sued for not marrying someone?
My husband and I went to his minister from when he was a teenager. He was a liberal minister and a friend of the family. The religion he belonged to wasn't exactly preaching what either of us believed, but it would have been an honor to be married by someone we considered a friend. When the denomination sent him to serve at another church, he told us the new minister would have to marry us. We were ignorant at the time that actually we could have asked him and explained how he felt and he might have changed his mind. But we didn't know and it wasn't meant to be.
So we had a visit with the new minister and he told us that we had to stop living in sin and start coming to church regularly for him to marry us. We didn't have to be married by him. We didn't feel we were doing anything wrong and we weren't going to change the way we were living our lives. Since I had been raised Unitarian, we asked the nearest Unitarian Universalist minister if he could marry us and he did - in a beautiful park.
Today lots of people are being married by "ministers" who were "ordained" over the internet, because religious freedom is so free that there are few restrictions on who and how a minister can be ordained.
Don't get me wrong, I think this is a good thing. May we all be able to be married by someone who makes us feel right about how we're starting our marriage - straight, gay, lesbian, or transgender. It doesn't hurt the institution of marriage. It doesn't hurt my marriage and it doesn't hurt anyone else's. Just like someone else's divorce doesn't hurt me, except maybe my own parent's, but kids are better off if they don't have parents who don't want to be together any more (or never did), especially if they don't have what it takes to make it work.
Catholicism doesn't recognize divorce, only annulments and many of them get divorced or somehow manage an annulment. If anything affected the institution of marriage, it would be divorce. But actually, why do people think of marriage as an "institution" - it's a ceremony that lives in your heart for as long as you can make it work. I recently saw a beautiful divorce ceremony - they were declared unmarried in front of their friends and family and had a party. I think it would be wonderful if more people could do their divorces amicably that way.
Haven't they always had that religious freedom to refuse to marry someone? Does anyone know of a case where a minister was sued for not marrying someone?
My husband and I went to his minister from when he was a teenager. He was a liberal minister and a friend of the family. The religion he belonged to wasn't exactly preaching what either of us believed, but it would have been an honor to be married by someone we considered a friend. When the denomination sent him to serve at another church, he told us the new minister would have to marry us. We were ignorant at the time that actually we could have asked him and explained how he felt and he might have changed his mind. But we didn't know and it wasn't meant to be.
So we had a visit with the new minister and he told us that we had to stop living in sin and start coming to church regularly for him to marry us. We didn't have to be married by him. We didn't feel we were doing anything wrong and we weren't going to change the way we were living our lives. Since I had been raised Unitarian, we asked the nearest Unitarian Universalist minister if he could marry us and he did - in a beautiful park.
Today lots of people are being married by "ministers" who were "ordained" over the internet, because religious freedom is so free that there are few restrictions on who and how a minister can be ordained.
Don't get me wrong, I think this is a good thing. May we all be able to be married by someone who makes us feel right about how we're starting our marriage - straight, gay, lesbian, or transgender. It doesn't hurt the institution of marriage. It doesn't hurt my marriage and it doesn't hurt anyone else's. Just like someone else's divorce doesn't hurt me, except maybe my own parent's, but kids are better off if they don't have parents who don't want to be together any more (or never did), especially if they don't have what it takes to make it work.
Catholicism doesn't recognize divorce, only annulments and many of them get divorced or somehow manage an annulment. If anything affected the institution of marriage, it would be divorce. But actually, why do people think of marriage as an "institution" - it's a ceremony that lives in your heart for as long as you can make it work. I recently saw a beautiful divorce ceremony - they were declared unmarried in front of their friends and family and had a party. I think it would be wonderful if more people could do their divorces amicably that way.
January 26th, 2012
The Washington Blade posted an article yesterday, "Governor O’Malley remarks on introduction of marriage bill" saying in part, "All of us want the same thing for our children. Marylanders of different religious beliefs, Marylanders of all walks of life all want the same things for our children. We want our children to live in loving, stable committed households that are protected equally under the law."
The "broad coalition" of supporters includes the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of Maryland. My church is participating in carpooling to Goodloe Congregation in Bowie to be trained by Marylanders for Marriage Equality staff, and go out in pairs to knock on doors for the purpose of identifying supporters of equal marriage. I'm afraid I can't attend. I hope many will, though.
I have participated in many such actions in the past and I am glad there are new people on board and people who are able to continue year after year to fight for this cause.
The "broad coalition" of supporters includes the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of Maryland. My church is participating in carpooling to Goodloe Congregation in Bowie to be trained by Marylanders for Marriage Equality staff, and go out in pairs to knock on doors for the purpose of identifying supporters of equal marriage. I'm afraid I can't attend. I hope many will, though.
I have participated in many such actions in the past and I am glad there are new people on board and people who are able to continue year after year to fight for this cause.
January 6th, 2012
After a phone meeting with a committee tonight that couldn't reach consensus (diversity can be hard work but hopefully & often rewarding in the end), I attended a tweetchat for Unitarian Universalist Risk Faithers (I hope you don't need a Twitter account to see it) which is storified (put in a more reasonable order on "storify.com") here. There were some encouraging words there for those of us who like to go to the edge (I'm actually not sure people would say that about me - I'm quietly lurking on the edge, I think). There was also some complaining about the hierarchy: congregational boards, our association leaders and organizations, etc.
One of our principles is "the democratic process". In my last post I was talking about leaving politics alone, but politics is with us every day to some extent - whether we're "participating" or not. We can't participate in everything - federal government, state government, county government, city/township government, political organizations, civic associations, PTA, energy co-op, credit union, worker's union, and on and on. In every organization I've ever been involved in I've heard complaints about why don't more participate. Many do, just not all at the same time. Look around - what do people participate in - things that are fun or inspirational or a break from the every day work routine. And sometimes, if they're inspired, they do something to make life better for others besides themselves.
I even think there's a democracy in our households to some degree: working things out together, sharing the labor & supporting each other, making decisions together (OK, it's a little socialist and a little dictatorial, too, but in some sense a cooperative governing body). And then there's my body which I govern and not always well, like staying up too late with an urge to blog.
It's a process - it doesn't always work well, but we know why if we think about it. We are part of the problem and we can be part of the solution. Is it a "risk" to invite change? Life is change after all. I, for one, embrace it. I encourage you to do the same (you probably already are). Find your calling, what your passion is and where your skills and experiences take you. It might not be where you expect.
I hope you're having a great life journey.
One of our principles is "the democratic process". In my last post I was talking about leaving politics alone, but politics is with us every day to some extent - whether we're "participating" or not. We can't participate in everything - federal government, state government, county government, city/township government, political organizations, civic associations, PTA, energy co-op, credit union, worker's union, and on and on. In every organization I've ever been involved in I've heard complaints about why don't more participate. Many do, just not all at the same time. Look around - what do people participate in - things that are fun or inspirational or a break from the every day work routine. And sometimes, if they're inspired, they do something to make life better for others besides themselves.
I even think there's a democracy in our households to some degree: working things out together, sharing the labor & supporting each other, making decisions together (OK, it's a little socialist and a little dictatorial, too, but in some sense a cooperative governing body). And then there's my body which I govern and not always well, like staying up too late with an urge to blog.
It's a process - it doesn't always work well, but we know why if we think about it. We are part of the problem and we can be part of the solution. Is it a "risk" to invite change? Life is change after all. I, for one, embrace it. I encourage you to do the same (you probably already are). Find your calling, what your passion is and where your skills and experiences take you. It might not be where you expect.
I hope you're having a great life journey.
January 5th, 2012
I haven't blogged in a while. I was going to blog about politics, but there are plenty of people doing that. I'm going to let it go this year. I'm letting go of many things, but it's not because of a perceived need for a New Year's Resolution. I've been slowly leading up to something new in my life that I hope to fully take place later this year. I'm sure I won't totally give up on politics - at least the learning aspects and I may participate a little - old habits, especially ones that come with strong beliefs are hard to break.
I'm not like the character, Virginia, on the tv show "Raising Hope", but I can sometimes relate to her. I know she's a caricature, but it's funny because it touches something in me and I love to laugh. It is said, "Laughter is good for the soul." and I understand research shows it's healthy, too. But that character is reminiscent of the disorganized side of me. In the last episode she says that most people don't have to struggle to get up and ready in the morning, but I am one of those people - not to the exaggerated extent they did, but it still resonated with me.
Being unorganized doesn't mean I'm not ritualistic, though, in that there are certain things I do almost every day, such as laugh, communicate with people I love, hug & kiss my husband, and give a thought to my appreciation of life. My activities vary widely each day - mostly on the computer, but also with activities with UU church members or in the community or with friends and/or family.
If my life was over anytime soon I would say I have no regrets, but my genes show longevity so I'm working on having a body and mind that will last me for a long time (I hope I can succeed - I do have an optimistic outlook, though). I love life and try to mentally prepare for bad things that might happen. I feel blessed, though, as few things have gone bad and when they have my family and community (and sometimes having health insurance for a doctor's) help gets me through it.
I wish you all a blessed life, too - whatever that means to you.
I'm not like the character, Virginia, on the tv show "Raising Hope", but I can sometimes relate to her. I know she's a caricature, but it's funny because it touches something in me and I love to laugh. It is said, "Laughter is good for the soul." and I understand research shows it's healthy, too. But that character is reminiscent of the disorganized side of me. In the last episode she says that most people don't have to struggle to get up and ready in the morning, but I am one of those people - not to the exaggerated extent they did, but it still resonated with me.
Being unorganized doesn't mean I'm not ritualistic, though, in that there are certain things I do almost every day, such as laugh, communicate with people I love, hug & kiss my husband, and give a thought to my appreciation of life. My activities vary widely each day - mostly on the computer, but also with activities with UU church members or in the community or with friends and/or family.
If my life was over anytime soon I would say I have no regrets, but my genes show longevity so I'm working on having a body and mind that will last me for a long time (I hope I can succeed - I do have an optimistic outlook, though). I love life and try to mentally prepare for bad things that might happen. I feel blessed, though, as few things have gone bad and when they have my family and community (and sometimes having health insurance for a doctor's) help gets me through it.
I wish you all a blessed life, too - whatever that means to you.
December 19th, 2011
The youth group at my church did a sermon about Social media recently (see below).
They started with a video that gives a lot of stats: watch it here - only ~2 mins.
I'm sure this was very informative to many in our congregation, though a phone call today from a member made me realize that it's still a complication and confusion in many people's lives who don't use it.
The youth group asked the congregation to respond and several responded with concerns about identity theft and bullying and harrassment. We live in a global community now and I think there are many more positives than negatives. The news still carry more positive stories and our church members still read the newspaper and watch the TV news and get negative stories there. The last youth speaker told about many positive things that have happened & how it's important to use it and how people who deny it are missing out on important information and communications. I agree with that. Bullying and harrassment have always existed, but many kids never had anywhere to go for help. Now, if they don't have access, they probably know someone from school who does.
Besides connecting to other UUs, family, and friends more frequently, did you know there are places for advice and assistance on the web that are pretty reliable? The web is like an anarchy & there's some bad information, but our friends & neighbors always gave us some bad information. The web has a way of bringing the best sites to the top and here are some:
Ask a Lawyer: http://www.freeadvice.com/law-quest
Allexperts Questions & Answers: http://www.allexperts.com/
Wikipedia has little bad info; it's overseen by smart robots and dedicated volunteers: http://wikipedia.org
The editors at the Open Directory are pretty good at weeding out bad sites & putting on good sites & here's their list of Teen Advice sites: http://www.dmoz.org/Kids_and_Teens/Teen
There's a lot of people helping people in this world. We need to be careful of our safety, but most people who put themselves out there, like authors & politicians, do not have horrible things happen to them as a result.
The biggest problems with the internet is keeping it free and available to all (see recent article about racial gap).
They started with a video that gives a lot of stats: watch it here - only ~2 mins.
I'm sure this was very informative to many in our congregation, though a phone call today from a member made me realize that it's still a complication and confusion in many people's lives who don't use it.
The youth group asked the congregation to respond and several responded with concerns about identity theft and bullying and harrassment. We live in a global community now and I think there are many more positives than negatives. The news still carry more positive stories and our church members still read the newspaper and watch the TV news and get negative stories there. The last youth speaker told about many positive things that have happened & how it's important to use it and how people who deny it are missing out on important information and communications. I agree with that. Bullying and harrassment have always existed, but many kids never had anywhere to go for help. Now, if they don't have access, they probably know someone from school who does.
Besides connecting to other UUs, family, and friends more frequently, did you know there are places for advice and assistance on the web that are pretty reliable? The web is like an anarchy & there's some bad information, but our friends & neighbors always gave us some bad information. The web has a way of bringing the best sites to the top and here are some:
Ask a Lawyer: http://www.freeadvice.com/law-quest
Allexperts Questions & Answers: http://www.allexperts.com/
Wikipedia has little bad info; it's overseen by smart robots and dedicated volunteers: http://wikipedia.org
The editors at the Open Directory are pretty good at weeding out bad sites & putting on good sites & here's their list of Teen Advice sites: http://www.dmoz.org/Kids_and_Teens/Teen
There's a lot of people helping people in this world. We need to be careful of our safety, but most people who put themselves out there, like authors & politicians, do not have horrible things happen to them as a result.
The biggest problems with the internet is keeping it free and available to all (see recent article about racial gap).
December 14th, 2011
I went through the trouble of finding local shops and farmer's markets so that I could support local growers and buy healthy foods. I was skeptical about "organic" in the first place, but now even more so. It doesn't seem like it's worth the effort.
It appeared that the Farmer's Market was run by Amish as the way they dressed, though they apparently didn't grow all they sold as they sold citrus fruits that don't grow in this area. I bought apples and since I was on the internet, I pulled off the tag and went to the web site for the brand. It wasn't organic. I guess it didn't say it was, but the Farmer's Market was on a list of organic shops, so I assumed it might be. I thought the chicken might be free range and the crafts might be made by the community that ran the shop, but I can't assume that any more.
It made me think of religions and our assumptions about them. The Amish live by the old ways, so we don't expect use of modern things from them. I was wondering about that as I unwrapped the chicken I bought there that was covered in cellophane. I guess all religions evolve to some extent no matter how hard they might try to resist.
On my way home from work, I stopped at two stores the other day - one a discount shop & one a brand department store. They both sold almost exclusively items made in China. The quality didn't seem much different either, though the prices were and the selection was greater in the department store, too. I have no idea about their hiring and employment practices are. I've got to finish my Christmas shopping and I guess I'll do more online than I had previously thought. The quality of my life & how I spend my time seems more important now than any ideal I might have about a better way to consume.
I do want to recommend some good free online information, though:
15 Crazy Things About Vaginas - it was banned by CBSNews, though their Sperm article was fine. And "coochie" was bleeped from a radio show. We have a messed up society.
Also this video by the same author: "The Shocking Truth About Your Health" (maybe not too shocking for some of my friends, though)
It appeared that the Farmer's Market was run by Amish as the way they dressed, though they apparently didn't grow all they sold as they sold citrus fruits that don't grow in this area. I bought apples and since I was on the internet, I pulled off the tag and went to the web site for the brand. It wasn't organic. I guess it didn't say it was, but the Farmer's Market was on a list of organic shops, so I assumed it might be. I thought the chicken might be free range and the crafts might be made by the community that ran the shop, but I can't assume that any more.
It made me think of religions and our assumptions about them. The Amish live by the old ways, so we don't expect use of modern things from them. I was wondering about that as I unwrapped the chicken I bought there that was covered in cellophane. I guess all religions evolve to some extent no matter how hard they might try to resist.
On my way home from work, I stopped at two stores the other day - one a discount shop & one a brand department store. They both sold almost exclusively items made in China. The quality didn't seem much different either, though the prices were and the selection was greater in the department store, too. I have no idea about their hiring and employment practices are. I've got to finish my Christmas shopping and I guess I'll do more online than I had previously thought. The quality of my life & how I spend my time seems more important now than any ideal I might have about a better way to consume.
I do want to recommend some good free online information, though:
15 Crazy Things About Vaginas - it was banned by CBSNews, though their Sperm article was fine. And "coochie" was bleeped from a radio show. We have a messed up society.
Also this video by the same author: "The Shocking Truth About Your Health" (maybe not too shocking for some of my friends, though)
December 8th, 2011
I love the below song & video because it shows how it is about family and relationships and can be a wonderful experience. I posted a comment to say that some people don't have family or good relationships. Sometimes people don't have good relationships for a reason, but most people can learn. Often churches can help with that, but sometimes they need professional help. At my UU church, we had over 30 people for Thanksgiving there who may not have been able to celebrate if it wasn't for our church community. Atheists, agnostics, Christians, and all beliefs welcome! (Though all behaviors cannot be welcome, of course. Some people confuse beliefs with behaviors.)
Any way, it's a fun and sentimental video about Christmas. Especially in countries where it's a national holiday, which in countries like the U.S. that don't support religion according to the Constitution, it makes it a secular holiday (for all, in church, a religious context, or not):
Any way, it's a fun and sentimental video about Christmas. Especially in countries where it's a national holiday, which in countries like the U.S. that don't support religion according to the Constitution, it makes it a secular holiday (for all, in church, a religious context, or not):
November 10th, 2011
I like IMDb, because it keeps my history of what I rated, though since I'm a subscriber to Flixter & Netflix, they do, too. IMDb makes my history more available and easier to sort, IMO, and is currently more complete. As I'm getting older, I sometimes forget if I saw a movie, especially if it's not very good, so I like to look back at that information.
WARNING: IMDb has a secret weighted average. Notice on this rating [note: they're blocking this page now - users can report it here if it's still blocked] that one person seemed to skew the whole average that they show on the movie page, but they do show the arithmetic mean and median ratings, which you can see how different that one is.
I also like RottenTomatoes, which like IMDb works for some movies and not others. RottenTomatoes is now also Flixter and you can connect with your Facebook friends through this site. There are certain movies that the majority don't seem to "get" so they rate them low. It's good to get recommendations from like-minded people, such as happened for this movie.
WARNING: IMDb has a secret weighted average. Notice on this rating [note: they're blocking this page now - users can report it here if it's still blocked] that one person seemed to skew the whole average that they show on the movie page, but they do show the arithmetic mean and median ratings, which you can see how different that one is.
I also like RottenTomatoes, which like IMDb works for some movies and not others. RottenTomatoes is now also Flixter and you can connect with your Facebook friends through this site. There are certain movies that the majority don't seem to "get" so they rate them low. It's good to get recommendations from like-minded people, such as happened for this movie.
October 11th, 2011
RAW FAITH
A Special Evening of Film and Discussion
with the Rev. Dr. Marilyn Sewell
This surprisingly open and revealing documentary follows two years in the private life of a Unitarian Universalist minister. Marilyn Sewell is successful and beloved in the pulpit, but behind the scenes she is lonely and yearning for change. As she considers leaving the ministry, she realizes she will be leaving her only social network. Yet when she falls in love for the first time, she realizes she does not trust intimacy. A study in contrasts, Marilyn must rely on raw faith as she questions her future, her difficult past, her God and, most importantly, her ability to love.
A discussion with Rev. Dr. Marilyn Sewell follows the film.
Friday, November 4, 7:00 PM
Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church
9601 Cedar Lane - Bethesda, MD 20814- www.cedarlane.org
FREE ADMISSION - DONATIONS WELCOME ($5-$10 Suggested)
As part of Cedar Lane's "Meaning of Ministry" Series
Co-Sponsored by River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation and
the Joseph Priestley District of the Unitarian Universalist Association
My review:
The trailer gives little clue to this story. A story about a female minister who seems very religious in a robe and high pulpit feels like it would not be a story I'd be interested in, but I was curious.
It's a documentary but more in the style of a docudrama.
The minister tells her life story, which is not necessarily one you might expect. She's a southern lady who left it all for a religion not like the one she was raised in. She had to keep her past and her feelings all a secret from the church members.
During the 2-yrs. of the making of the movie, something unexpected happens. It is what really makes the movie captivating and endearing. I was deeply touched by this story.
It is a great example of a woman who is silently brave in American society.
A Special Evening of Film and Discussion
with the Rev. Dr. Marilyn Sewell
This surprisingly open and revealing documentary follows two years in the private life of a Unitarian Universalist minister. Marilyn Sewell is successful and beloved in the pulpit, but behind the scenes she is lonely and yearning for change. As she considers leaving the ministry, she realizes she will be leaving her only social network. Yet when she falls in love for the first time, she realizes she does not trust intimacy. A study in contrasts, Marilyn must rely on raw faith as she questions her future, her difficult past, her God and, most importantly, her ability to love.
A discussion with Rev. Dr. Marilyn Sewell follows the film.
Friday, November 4, 7:00 PM
Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church
9601 Cedar Lane - Bethesda, MD 20814- www.cedarlane.org
FREE ADMISSION - DONATIONS WELCOME ($5-$10 Suggested)
As part of Cedar Lane's "Meaning of Ministry" Series
Co-Sponsored by River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation and
the Joseph Priestley District of the Unitarian Universalist Association
My review:
The trailer gives little clue to this story. A story about a female minister who seems very religious in a robe and high pulpit feels like it would not be a story I'd be interested in, but I was curious.
It's a documentary but more in the style of a docudrama.
The minister tells her life story, which is not necessarily one you might expect. She's a southern lady who left it all for a religion not like the one she was raised in. She had to keep her past and her feelings all a secret from the church members.
During the 2-yrs. of the making of the movie, something unexpected happens. It is what really makes the movie captivating and endearing. I was deeply touched by this story.
It is a great example of a woman who is silently brave in American society.
September 30th, 2011
I had to write this down it was so funny. After showing that the Brady Campaign gives Obama straight F's and then the NRA criticizes Obama for some kind of conspiracy against gun owners/supporters, Jon Stewart said this:
You can check out the video from Thurs., Sept. 29, 2011, on The Daily Show web site to see it. You have to laugh at politics, because otherwise you might tear your hair out or something.
Barack Obama will court his liberal base by running on change, get elected, fail to deliver that change with a Congress of his same party, thus alienating that base in an attempt to win over the people who hate him no matter what, ensuring his victory in 2012 where he and the Congress from the opposing party can finally take away all your guns. It's just so crazy; it's f-ng crazy.
You can check out the video from Thurs., Sept. 29, 2011, on The Daily Show web site to see it. You have to laugh at politics, because otherwise you might tear your hair out or something.
September 14th, 2011
On the radio Sun. morning, the talk show host was asking people to call in to say if they felt safer. Of course, they took a variety of answers from their calls. I knew my answer: "NO!" I actually was thinking that I felt equally safe as I did Sept. 10, 2001 as the world overall hadn't really changed that much - I knew about terrorist attacks having lived in NYC & knew it had been hit once before. I also know I'm not safe because of terrorists who live in my country, like Timothy McVeigh, and a drug addict or untreated person with mental health problems could break-and-enter and do whatever. I also don't think the Patriot Act has made it safer, but it didn't occur to me it made it less safe.
The sermon my minister gave on Sun. was short and to the point. He felt the same way to some extent. You can hear it here or you can read it here later.
But now I'd have to say I feel less safe - from my own government & the people who do terrible things out of fear.
Then came the story, Some real Shock and Awe: Racially profiled and cuffed in Detroit - how brave she is to write such a detailed story - I would have been too upset to write it so well, I think. Yet, it was unlikely to happen to me as I'm white - they call it "white privilege" but it often feels embarrassing to be considered part of a group that does these things.
Then CBS runs a story, Among travelers on Sept. 11, unease and confidence which shows several other incidents. If you're scared of people who look like foreigners, don't travel! What shame I feel for our country! And yet today when I was substitute teaching, several whose parents weren't from this country, we taught the children about "Patriots Day" and how proud we should be of this country. I know the workers have to do what they do, but the government is being over-protective while not totally protecting us since a determined terrorist could still strike. If we have to have these laws, the people who report "suspicious behavior" should have to be held & searched, too, or all people on the plane. Racial profiling is just WRONG!
The terrorists are us. :_(
The sermon my minister gave on Sun. was short and to the point. He felt the same way to some extent. You can hear it here or you can read it here later.
But now I'd have to say I feel less safe - from my own government & the people who do terrible things out of fear.
Then came the story, Some real Shock and Awe: Racially profiled and cuffed in Detroit - how brave she is to write such a detailed story - I would have been too upset to write it so well, I think. Yet, it was unlikely to happen to me as I'm white - they call it "white privilege" but it often feels embarrassing to be considered part of a group that does these things.
Then CBS runs a story, Among travelers on Sept. 11, unease and confidence which shows several other incidents. If you're scared of people who look like foreigners, don't travel! What shame I feel for our country! And yet today when I was substitute teaching, several whose parents weren't from this country, we taught the children about "Patriots Day" and how proud we should be of this country. I know the workers have to do what they do, but the government is being over-protective while not totally protecting us since a determined terrorist could still strike. If we have to have these laws, the people who report "suspicious behavior" should have to be held & searched, too, or all people on the plane. Racial profiling is just WRONG!
The terrorists are us. :_(
