Category: Journal

My journey

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Americana Journal News Commentary

Mudslinging and the Golden Rule

A low in mudslinging

 

A contrast between a message on love and the political fracas

The Sunday message today was about expressing love in action.   In our small church, we sometimes have a Questions and Comments time following the message and one of the younger parishioners asked about the incongruity between the current campaign process and the golden rule.  What a great question.

Mudslinging is not new to American politics by any means. But, as news outlets have observed, this year’s level of slander and dirty tricks by Republicans may be setting new low standards.

http://time.com/4230200/south-carolina-republican-primary-trump-cruz-rubio-carson-bush/

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/rubio-cruz-intensify-political-mudslinging-in-lead-up-to-s-c-primary/

I observe that now Trump has officially dragged Rubio down to his level of verbal sadism.  At this point the rhetoric has reached a plane where one does not know whether the actors are really serious or actually intending to be stand-up comedians.  One thing is certain.  What is being said is in no way loving.  Nor is it in keeping with the Golden Rule.

 

The Golden Rule

Speaking of the Golden Rule, I have seen it misquoted in media sources twice in the past couple weeks, and misquoted in a way that totally perverts the intentions of Jesus.    Both tragic misquotes said something like “Do unto others as they have done to you.”   This completely defeats the high ethical guideline that Jesus was giving.  In fact, the Bible expressly forbids harboring that sentiment.

“Do not say, “I will do to others as they have done to me; I will pay them back for what they have done.”  Proverbs 24:29 NRSV

Here is the proper reading of the Golden Rule as Jesus taught it.

“In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” Matt 7:12 NIV 2011

That is a much higher loving challenge.

A churning question

The unspoken question in church and in many minds including mine is why the initiator of the mud, Donald Trump, is leading?    Why is he supported by many Christians when his lifestyle and language have been so far from a Christian norm?   Why are many believers either not discerning or willing to overlook so much?

 

An inadequate process

Many other Christians including myself are completely disgusted and disappointed with this year’s political process.  It shows that media debates made for Trump style TV theater have little or nothing to do with how to determine who would make a good President.   They are not a good way to show a candidate’s credentials.  The person is forced to brag about themselves.  Those who are best at bragging are not the best leaders according to Jim Collins in Good to Great.  The highest and best leaders are humble servants of others.   Among their highest characteristics are passion for their job and for the people who work with them.  They are confident and forward looking without being arrogant.   TV debates are not good at revealing those kind of leaders.    On screen, self-promoters look better.

 

Voters not practiced in discerning character

Another issue that is resulting in the results we are seeing is that many voters are ill-equipped to discern character.  Here are my suggestions as to some of the possible reasons for this phenomenon.

  1. Americans increasingly get their practice in character watching from screens.  They view personal character from the illusion of character given by reality TV, movies, and music video.    In that world, brash and arrogant and attitude works and even comes to be admired because the camera never has to show the emotional and relational wreckage produced by such pride.
  2. Character education has only recently been returning to education. It still has not made it back to most colleges. For years, schools at all levels taught only academic subjects.   Now it is being recognized that skilled people with poor character do not make good employees.  News flash—they don’t make good neighbors, spouses, carpenters, policepersons, or Presidents either.
  3. Much of the public is ignorant of Biblical values such as the Golden rule. The misquoting of it that I mentioned only underlines this fact.  Statistically, unfortunately, church attendance decreases yearly in America and that is only part of the story.  Not only does the number of people who attend church decline but the frequency of attendance by church people declines as well.   The other part is the decrease in Christian education in the church itself.   In some quarters, sermons use little Scripture.  In other parts of Christendom, graying congregations are closing Sunday Schools for lack of students.  The result is a populace with little knowledge of the Golden Rule.
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Journal News Commentary

Republican Debate Fiasco

presidential debate image

Another painful Republican debate

I watched most of the debate last night.  It was painful.  Trump’s divisiveness and berating of others reached an all time high.  He baited both Bush and Cruz into less than civil exchanges with him.  You can’t blame them; Trump was mean.   The whole liar or not liar interplay  became so much a part of the night’s dialogue that it overshadowed the issues they were supposed to be discussing.   That’s the way Trump likes it.  The only issue he has anything helpful and substantive to speak about is the issue of  businesses moving overseas and holding money overseas.

The moderators seemed to like the fireworks

John Kasich was prophetic when he spoke up with concern about the tone of the evening, warning that if the candidates kept on in their self-destructive ways, the Democrats would have an easy time in November.    John Kasich and Ben Carson tried their best to turn the debate into something positive.  But the moderators kept going back to Trump and Cruz, as if they wanted to keep the fight going.  Perhaps they were paid to promote fireworks?    No one has the courage to ask what is best for society.  They just go for more “clicks on their page” or viewers for their channel.

My Dislike for Trump and Cruz grows

Personally I cannot see how anyone can support Trump.  Character is the number one qualification for any job and he does not have enough of it to be President.    I also dislike Cruz more each time I hear him.   His “abolish the IRS’ idea is nonsense.  And his plan to undo everything his predecessor has done means he knows nothing of how leadership of a great organization works.   Those who want to progress build on what they are given, tweaking it as needed; they don’t start with wholesale destruction.

Kasich continues to be my favorite

I continue to like John Kasich.  Each debate he shows that he understands leadership.  He knows how to relate to a varied constituency and he is the type of person that can end the stalemate in Washington.   He is also the most compassionate toward immigrants and others who need a hand of some kind.   Yet he is very pro-life and has strong Christian values.    One of the most revealing questions was the one asked of Kasich about why some Democratic voters like him.  It was asked as if this were a crime against the party.   This insinuation shows how short-sighted the party has become.  What Kasich’s popularity among dis-enchanted Democrats means is that here is a candidate that will be able to appeal to many Americans and win in November.

 

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Americana Journal News Commentary

My Take on the Super Bowl Ads 2016

Super Bowl Commercials are interesting
Super Bowl Commercials are interesting

I haven’t been really following football this year, but I always enjoy watching the Super Bowl ads.  I am especially interested in Super Bowl advertising because it is such a mirror and microcosm of American culture, for better or worse.  So again this year, I am reflecting upon the best and the worst of the Super Bowl advertising as I saw it.  (I didn’t see every one so I can’t guarantee that this opinion covers them all.)

 

The Best

 

  1. Weather Tech – I loved the ad with its talk about buying American while at the same time advertising Weather Tech products. It was visually interesting, and I felt the patriotic theme unselfishly dominated the ad. And at the end, the ad accomplished the company’s objective of helping you remember their company name and associating it both with their product and with the fact that it is American-made.
  2. Avocados in space – Every year there is one commercial that rises high on the list simply because of its creativity and off-the-wall idea. This year, this is the one.  The whole concept of future aliens looking back at current American society, totally misinterpreting some objects as undoubtedly we now do with things of the ancient past, and then getting to refreshment time and sampling avocados which are recommended as delicious was so creative.  Every Star Trek fan was glued to this one.
  3. Pepsi through the Decades – This was a delightful ad, a joy to watch. Nostalgic interest oozes from it. And it accomplishes the goal of associating Pepsi with good times. The lead actor carries it well.   I liked it also as the historical decades of music and dance theme goes with the idea of the 50th anniversary Super bowl.
  4. Marmot- This is a simple ad which at first I did not rate highly. However I changed my mind. The change came about because I was trying to figure out what the ad had been about.  I had not heard of the company. The ad prodded me to Google the company name and find out.  I discovered that the ad fit the company amazingly well and since I responded by looking it up, the ad must have accomplished its goal extraordinarily well also.
  5. Death Wish coffee – Here’s another one where the sheer creativity of the ad forced you to remember the whole thing. The drama of the ad was immense. The fact that it was for coffee at the end was a nearly complete surprise which increased the retention value.

 

The Worst

 

  1. Super Bowl babies – This ad loses on two counts. First of all it was pointless. What was it advertising? I still don’t know. That alone is a fatal flaw in an ad. Second, the ad loses on moral grounds. The whole idea of basing the ad on the assumption of couples having sexual relations after the Super Bowl is at best in extremely bad taste.  At worst, it trivializes the fact that huge sports events such as the Super Bowl are unfortunately taken advantage of by the illicit sex trade, one of the sad facts of our day.  The ad reflects America’s too casual view of human sexuality.
  2. Toyota Prius getaway – I was visually upset after this ad. It disrespects police.  It makes heroes of those who should be vilified.  It participates in the moral confusion that is America today.   Yes, I did see the mollifying ad during the closing ceremonies where the policemen got a Prius and finally caught the robbers and I was glad for that.  But to me it did not undo the damage of the original ad.  It flunked with me.
  3. Snickers Marilyn – This ad fails because the subject matter of the advertisement completely overshadows the object being advertised. After the ad, I did not even know what it was that was being advertised.   If one remembers the ad, but not what is being advertised, the ad has failed.   Any speaker knows that it is very easy for an illustration to distract from the desired point.  If I had known what was being advertised, the ad still would have failed on a second level. It failed to give a positive feeling about the product because I found the ad disgusting and not believable.
  4. Puppy monkey baby – Here’s another ad that grossly failed to do its job.  It was not interesting to watch.   The level of intelligence to which it appealed was somewhere below idiot.  And the supposed crossbreed in diapers was more stupidity than interesting.   In addition, the story line, if it could be called that, completely over shadowed the product being advertised.
  5. Kia Bland closet – I flunked this ad as well simply for not giving a positive impression. The emotional impression of a bland closet was so much of a turnoff that the ad never did recover from it. The idea of a polka dot sock as a contrast just did not cut it either. To top it all off, if I remember right, the vehicle pictured was white. So the colored highlight of the ad was the sock??

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Journal

A Black Perspective for Black History Month

Black History Month

I ran across this outstanding testimony.   It is so exceptional in thinking and in writing that I am putting it on both our church site and mine.   It provides an insightful perspective for Black History Month.  It is by new professor Esau McCaulley at Northeastern Seminary.   It is sobering as it helps us to see how much our personal history affects our views of history.  But it is also inspiring because it testifies how the gospel of Jesus provides a common story that bridges our diversities and brings all who will listen and submit to Jesus together into one holy narrative.

 

 

https://esaudmccaulley.wordpress.com/2016/02/02/two-boats-one-gospel-black-history-month-and-the-churchs-witness/

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Journal News Commentary

Like the New York Times, I like John Kasich as the GOP choice

The New York Times editorial endorsing John Kasich is well written, timely and to the point.  He is the best choice for the GOP nomination and the most positive and issue-oriented of the GOP candidates.   His record shows concern for the poor.  He has experience both in Washington and as a Governor.  My second choice is Jeb Bush.  While he does not seem to have what it takes as a campaigner, his positions and his record are good.   Trump and Cruz have two things in common, neither of them good.  1. They say whatever  they need to say to get their faithful to cheer; never mind what moderates and independents might think.  2.  By personality types, neither shows compassion or understanding for the poor, the immigrant, or the marginalized in America.    In addition, I cannot imagine either of them in charge of the foreign policy of  this great land.   Either of them would make Obama look like a foreign policy genius.

Here is the link to the New York Times editorial endorsing Kasich as the best option in the field for the GOP.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/31/opinion/sunday/a-chance-to-reset-the-republican-race.html?_r=0

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Journal Wisdom

10 Ways to Handle Stress

We use ideas we gather to help us overcome stress.
We use ideas we gather to help us overcome stress.

As I interact with people today, I find that many are under pressure.   Frequently there are two jobs in the home and children needing attention as well.   Add to this the usual stresses of family finances, school situations,  health challenges,  and family sports schedules;  it’s stressful just to name it all.   Sometimes we need to find or review ideas as to how to handle stress.    Here is a helpful list of ten ideas that contains much wisdom.    Information like this helps us put into practice the advice of Proverbs 23:4 (NIV), “Do not wear yourself out to get rich!”   If you are not fond of the word “relax”  and some highly motivated people are not, may I suggest substituting the phrase “loosen up” in suggestion one and “calm down” in number six.

  1. Try to relax while working, driving or doing any activity, keeping alert at the same time. Check to see if your arms and legs are tense. Consciously relax them. Breathe deeply and say, “I am at peace,” or “Lord, be with me today,” as you prepare for some activity.
  2. Take time to “smell the flowers.” Delight in the ocean or a sunset, and really know what it is to be alive.
  3. Laugh at yourself and. with others. Enjoy humor without hurtful teasing.
  4. Don’t fret the small stuff! Ask yourself, “In all eternity, what will this matter?”
  5. Try to be realistic about time commitments, allowing more time for each activity rather than crowding too much in a day.
  6. Try not to be “anxious” or worry. Use your thought process to decide, “I am going to enjoy this day. I will be relaxed, knowing that God is always with me in whatever I am doing—in the little things as well as in the most important ones.”
  7. Try to start each day with God, using a devotional reading together or separately. “Wait on the Lord.” “Be still.” “Lift your eyes unto the hills” (the sky, the clouds). Possibly start writing your “thought-feel­ings” for a few minutes, and then leave any concerns with God.
  8. Be at peace at the end of the day, forgiving each other and other peo­ple. Lay aside guilt. Place all concerns with God. Hold hands together and say a simple prayer before getting in bed, such as: “Thank you, Lord, for this day, for our lives together, and for your love and ours.”
  9. Deal with juggling and stress creatively. Try different methods.
  10. Accept yourself as God’s creation.

(From Do-it-Yourself Marriage Enrichment   by Warren and Mary Ebinger pp. 34,35)

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Journal News Commentary

Democratic Debate

I must be a fan of underdogs.  As I watched parts of the Democratic Party Debate this evening, I again was most impressed with Governor O’Malley.   Part of it is his record of achievements as Governor of Maryland but part of it is also his leadership ability and the way his words are usually well measured.

Tonight Secretary Clinton seemed to tie herself to President Obama in a way I don’t think she would have done a few months ago.  The apparent success of Iran diplomacy and the current positive employment situation have probably led to that.   She is probably hoping that the old wisdom will hold true.   If the economy is good they say it bodes well for the party in power in the Presidential election and if it is not, they are in trouble.    Personally, I think it unwise for her to tie herself closely to Obama as she heads for the general election as there are many people in the middle who do not like Obama’s record.

Bernie Sanders reminds me of the angry right in the Republican Party.   He is the angry left in the Democratic party raging against Wall Street, the big banks, the 1% and the Super PACS.    His words make for good political rhetoric among the left even as the tirades of Trump and Cruz ignite the far right.

I observed unfortunately that the extreme positions of Republican candidates like Trump create an easy and effective target for the Democrats.   In addition, the tone set by the slanderous in-house bickering and disrespect for the President at the Republican debate compared very unfavorably with the comparatively friendly tone at the Democratic debate.

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Journal News Commentary

Disgusting Debate Dialogue

presidential debate image

Last night’s Republican debate was hard to watch.  It was a steady diet of slander and mudslinging.  If a dirty campaign for President is the goal, Republicans have only to nominate Trump, Cruz or Rubio.  If last night was any indication, they will operate mostly by slam, slander, innuendo and disrespect.  I hate that kind of politics myself.  I already could not stand Trump and he didn’t say anything to change my mind. But the negative argumentative and disrespectful verbiage of Cruz and Rubio directed both toward the President and other debate participants  lowered them both in my opinion.   If you can’t raise yourself by lifting up positive ideas and showing a character that can be admired, I will not respect you.

Governor Kasich continues as my favorite candidate, growing with each debate.  He did not stoop to the mudslinging.   He addressed issues specifically, something Trump has never thought of doing.  Trump can identify issues, which is his strength, but he has yet to propose any solutions.   Governor Christie, while not my favorite candidate, rose in my estimation in this debate.  I especially liked his comment regarding the relative worth of Governors’ records versus Senators’ hot air.   Dr. Carson continued to be a likable bulwark of high values.   I could support him though I don’t think he is sufficiently experienced in economic and national affairs to be President.  He does, however, appear to be able to summon good “experts” as he calls them, something that President Obama has not done well.   Making people choices is one of the chief and most important roles of any leader.

 

 

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Americana Journal News Commentary Who Am I

Migrating left without moving

Observing politics today is disconcerting

It is interesting and very disconcerting to me to observe what has happened in politics over the last ten years or so and what is happening this year.   I used to call myself a conservative Republican, and even voted on the Conservative line often to reflect that leaning.   But in this political cycle I find myself to the left of nearly all the Republican candidates.   I don’t think I have changed much, but in my perception, they have moved decidedly right, becoming more isolationist, out of touch with the poor and more libertarian.

Where am I

I’m still pro-life and pro-traditional family.  I distrust bigger government and prefer conservative constitutional interpretation, all of which are traditional Republican positions.

But I am also pro-immigrant, pro prison reform, pro traditional progressive income tax, pro-minimum wage increase, and concerned about racial justice.  I also supported increasing those included in health care but along with many feel that the result has been disappointing. Today these kind of positions are more often found among Democrats.

Currently, I believe I am somewhere in the middle of the American political spectrum and the current divide between very leftist Democrats and extreme right Republicans is leaving me and many others in the middle without a good political home.

To compound the matter, the poll-leading Republican candidates (Trump, Cruz, and Carson) are my least favorite candidates of the bunch.  Trump is so scary that I would vote for Hillary or Sanders before him.

What is needed

What is needed this year is a bridge-the-gap, common-sense party.  Neither Democrats nor Republicans seem qualified for that right now.

Categories
Journal Joy Notes Who Am I

Christmas Village 2015

Each year I try to get in one post about my Christmas village and railroad.   Here it is using Sway.  Click on the article to see the pictures.  You can expand the picture to full screen.  Then in the lower right corner are arrow buttons to click to advance the Sway through the pictures and text parts.