Iraq is a plague that won’t go away! We are damned to the plight of Sisyphus!
As Harold Myerson writes, we are in a situation where we are “fighting for a national government that is not national but sectarian”, “for a nonsectarian, pluralistic Iraq, though whatever nonsectarian and pluralistic institutions existed before our invasion have long since been blasted out of existence”.
President Bush continues to send our young men and women to die to help an Iraq that does not exist in reality. All that is present is the sectarian, tribal divisions that were controlled by a dictator. As we train the military, we find out that many of them are using their new found skills to kill their sectarian enemies. They are not consolidating their efforts to secure a safe nation.
Mr. Bush was informed by the Intelligence Community what would happen if an invasion occurred. He seemed to think that he knew better. Cleary, he didn’t.
While it may be true that Sadam’s natural death would have brought on the civil war that does festers through Iraq, the situation would then be addressed by many nations (most likely including ourselves). But, we would not have become the enemy!!!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
"Freeing Celibacy" by Donald Cozzens
Donald Cozzens writes from a rather unusual background. Now in his fifth decade as a priest, he was a seminary rector when he started to reflect on the state of the priesthood. In the “Changing Face of the Priesthood”, he deals with the increase number of homosexuals in the seminary. He emphasizes that this, per se, is not a problem. It is a problem if people do not recognize that today’s seminary no longer welcomes straight people and the products of seminaries are coming from a different orientation than those of prior generations.
In the current book, “Freeing Celibacy”, he writes simply, clearly, and convincingly that celibacy is a charism (gift of God) that should not be linked to the gift of priesthood. He reviews the history of married clergy during the first millennium and the fact that Eastern Rite Catholic Clergy may marry. Moreover, the Roman Church has now accepted large number of Protestant Clergy into the Roman church with their wives. In short, there is no requirement that priests be married.
He adds that the requirement is counterproductive. Priests often struggle with the demands to the point that their energy is limited for the priestly ministry. They struggle to the point that their unhappiness seeps into their pastoral work. It does not work.
Speaking for myself, it is of interest that I became ordained with full knowledge of the demands of celibacy. Or, at least, I thought that I was fully informed. It may have been enough in another day, a day with a different set of values. As it was, the 60’s was special and the people who challenged me to reconsider my understanding of birth control, celibacy, etc. were successful! I came to realize that much of what I was taught was in error; much of what was never taught was correct! At some point, it became clear that I would never last. The structures were incompatible with common sense. There was no theology to support the life-style mandated by the Church. Furthermore, the hierarchy did not permit me to live a life-style commensurate with celibacy, e.g., work in the inner city. The bishop said that he was afraid that I would start a revolution. Correct though he may have been, I was left with little room to maneuver (within the structures).
It is doubtful that few would disagree with the clear and simple presentation of Fr. Cozzens. I encourage anyone to read it.
In the current book, “Freeing Celibacy”, he writes simply, clearly, and convincingly that celibacy is a charism (gift of God) that should not be linked to the gift of priesthood. He reviews the history of married clergy during the first millennium and the fact that Eastern Rite Catholic Clergy may marry. Moreover, the Roman Church has now accepted large number of Protestant Clergy into the Roman church with their wives. In short, there is no requirement that priests be married.
He adds that the requirement is counterproductive. Priests often struggle with the demands to the point that their energy is limited for the priestly ministry. They struggle to the point that their unhappiness seeps into their pastoral work. It does not work.
Speaking for myself, it is of interest that I became ordained with full knowledge of the demands of celibacy. Or, at least, I thought that I was fully informed. It may have been enough in another day, a day with a different set of values. As it was, the 60’s was special and the people who challenged me to reconsider my understanding of birth control, celibacy, etc. were successful! I came to realize that much of what I was taught was in error; much of what was never taught was correct! At some point, it became clear that I would never last. The structures were incompatible with common sense. There was no theology to support the life-style mandated by the Church. Furthermore, the hierarchy did not permit me to live a life-style commensurate with celibacy, e.g., work in the inner city. The bishop said that he was afraid that I would start a revolution. Correct though he may have been, I was left with little room to maneuver (within the structures).
It is doubtful that few would disagree with the clear and simple presentation of Fr. Cozzens. I encourage anyone to read it.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Painful Existence for the Palestinians
A few months ago, I commented on Carter's book, "Peace, not Apartheid", by saying that he seemed to depict the situation accurately. My assessment was supported by writings of Hannan Ashrawi that depict the Palestinian situation as apartheid.
Roger Cohen writes today about the horrible situation that the World Bank recently reported that Palestine represents a "shattered economic space".
While no one minimizes the violence originating from Hamas, the scene at the moment leaves no hope for progress. There is no way that the Palestinians can develop their economy to support the population.
Given the current situation, there is only tragedy! Everyone is losing in Palestine and Israel will not gain their long-sought security!
Roger Cohen writes today about the horrible situation that the World Bank recently reported that Palestine represents a "shattered economic space".
While no one minimizes the violence originating from Hamas, the scene at the moment leaves no hope for progress. There is no way that the Palestinians can develop their economy to support the population.
Given the current situation, there is only tragedy! Everyone is losing in Palestine and Israel will not gain their long-sought security!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Painful Assessment!
No one can imagine a more depressing situation than the need to bury one's child, even if the child is now an adult. Andrew Bacevich has persisted during the last four years in arguing about the ultimate futility of the US Invasion and Occupation of Iraq. In spite of his opposition, his son chose to follow his father's footsteps by joining the US Army. Different than his father, however, he came home dead!
His father reflected on whether he failed his son. His columnarticulates the painful conclusion that the forces of money essentially outweigh the efforts by citizens to speak to power. The futility of the effort to be critical of the failed policy, even when the American public voted for change is breathtaking.
One has to wonder about the future of our democracy!
His father reflected on whether he failed his son. His columnarticulates the painful conclusion that the forces of money essentially outweigh the efforts by citizens to speak to power. The futility of the effort to be critical of the failed policy, even when the American public voted for change is breathtaking.
One has to wonder about the future of our democracy!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Human Rights!
The United States is now just one of many nations that are cited in the Amnesty International Report. Rather than being the "beacon" that guides other nations to a higher standard of ethical behavior to individuals, we have become part of the statistics.
The degradation of standards seem to be correlated with our perceived power. We grow in our arrogance, forgetting our national roots that spawned the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Each person plays a role in the process.
The degradation of standards seem to be correlated with our perceived power. We grow in our arrogance, forgetting our national roots that spawned the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Each person plays a role in the process.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
An Important Perspective on Iraq
Former Senator Kerrey has addressed an important dimension of the Iraq situation that liberals need to address. In one of my prior blogs, I indicated the need to move beyond how we got into Iraq to consider the need to ameliorate the crisis we created. We have a responsibility for the mess! The Iraqi people need some assistance to address their problems.
Bob Kerrey goes to the crisis and articulates a view that cannot be dismissed.
Bob Kerrey goes to the crisis and articulates a view that cannot be dismissed.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
A Few Steps!
A few steps seem so routine,
Unless you are a baby!
These steps now are huge,
We smile and clap.
Now the parents work,
How to keep him safe!
Unless you are a baby!
These steps now are huge,
We smile and clap.
Now the parents work,
How to keep him safe!
"How Doctor's Think" by Jerome Groopman, M.D.
Dr. Groopman is aware of his own misdiagnoses of patients, the failure of physicians to correctly diagnose one of his personal medical problems, and the abundant stories reported about those who have suffered the consequences of physicians who erroneously made conclusions about the information provided to them by patients and associated medical findings. He wants to share his knowledge with lay people to encourage them to see their role as partners with the physicians who are called upon to diagnose and treat their medical problems.
His writing style is perfect. He deals with complex issues by discussing them within the context of individual physicians. These physicians share their perspective, often with personal stories of how errors are made. Moreover, he threads his needle through virtually all aspects of medicine: primary care, surgery, obstetrics, radiology, oncology, as well as devoting a chapter to the problems created by marketing and money.
Your time with the book will be rewarded by increased competency to deal intelligently with your health care provider. Knowing their limitations as well as recognizing one's own responsibility will increase the chances that you will avoid the consequences of erroneous diagnoses.
His writing style is perfect. He deals with complex issues by discussing them within the context of individual physicians. These physicians share their perspective, often with personal stories of how errors are made. Moreover, he threads his needle through virtually all aspects of medicine: primary care, surgery, obstetrics, radiology, oncology, as well as devoting a chapter to the problems created by marketing and money.
Your time with the book will be rewarded by increased competency to deal intelligently with your health care provider. Knowing their limitations as well as recognizing one's own responsibility will increase the chances that you will avoid the consequences of erroneous diagnoses.
"Are We Rome? The Fall of an Empire and the Fate of America"
Cullen Murphy relinquished his prestigious role as Editor of the Atlantic Monthly when the new owner decided to move operations from Boston to Washington. In his new role as Editor-at-Large for Vanity Fair, he has had time to address more complex questions.
His concerns about our involvement in Iraq are portrayed within the historical setting of Rome's invasion of Germany. As noted in an lengthy excerpt in the Boston Globe , Rome's assumption that its power was indomitable was compounded by ignorance of the Germans. The result was a colossal defeat of three Roman Legions with serious consequences for the government.
The linkage to the present situation in Iraq is obvious.
His concerns about our involvement in Iraq are portrayed within the historical setting of Rome's invasion of Germany. As noted in an lengthy excerpt in the Boston Globe , Rome's assumption that its power was indomitable was compounded by ignorance of the Germans. The result was a colossal defeat of three Roman Legions with serious consequences for the government.
The linkage to the present situation in Iraq is obvious.
Two Novels by Richard Clarke
Reading Richard Clarke’s novels may not represent the high point in literature, but they do capture plausible scenarios emanating from the ineptness of our nation to deal intelligently with the Middle East.
“The Scorpian’s Gate” deals with the emergence of Iran as the Middle East, following the scenario of an Iraq run by Shiites and the overtaking of Saudi Arabia by extremist Islamists.
“Breakpoint” projects further into the future (2012) when advanced technology is used by right-winged conservatives in the United States to achieve their extreme agendas.
I admit to projecting serious consequences to the miserable failures of the Bush Administration. Iran seems to have benefited by the gross instability in Iraq and the failure to transition from a Taliban-dominated society to an alternative form of government in Afghanistan. Iran’s dominance in the Middle East does not represent a positive outcome of our years of investment in Iraq. Thomas Friedmanaccurately captures our plight of having actually created a worse situation than existed prior to our attempts to promote our values.
I continue to be infuriated with the right-winged, ideologically-driven conservatives who somehow think that power and force represent the best, if not the only, approach to the complex world in which we live. Somehow, they seem to start from the premise that our nation is indisputably the best representative of what is good and we have the task to ensure that we maintain our way of life while promoting our values elsewhere. It does seem to occur to them that the extension of our life-style is impossible without destroying the planet. As it is, without our being able to curb dramatically our life-style, there are reasons to expect that our planet’s future is at risk.
“The Scorpian’s Gate” deals with the emergence of Iran as the Middle East, following the scenario of an Iraq run by Shiites and the overtaking of Saudi Arabia by extremist Islamists.
“Breakpoint” projects further into the future (2012) when advanced technology is used by right-winged conservatives in the United States to achieve their extreme agendas.
I admit to projecting serious consequences to the miserable failures of the Bush Administration. Iran seems to have benefited by the gross instability in Iraq and the failure to transition from a Taliban-dominated society to an alternative form of government in Afghanistan. Iran’s dominance in the Middle East does not represent a positive outcome of our years of investment in Iraq. Thomas Friedmanaccurately captures our plight of having actually created a worse situation than existed prior to our attempts to promote our values.
I continue to be infuriated with the right-winged, ideologically-driven conservatives who somehow think that power and force represent the best, if not the only, approach to the complex world in which we live. Somehow, they seem to start from the premise that our nation is indisputably the best representative of what is good and we have the task to ensure that we maintain our way of life while promoting our values elsewhere. It does seem to occur to them that the extension of our life-style is impossible without destroying the planet. As it is, without our being able to curb dramatically our life-style, there are reasons to expect that our planet’s future is at risk.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Democracy at Stake
Our democracy is being tested.
I have wondered why there has been so little public dissention and discussion regarding the policies and practices of the Bush administration. I had attributed it to the “take-over” of the government (Congress and President) by the conservative, right-wing, Republicans. The promotion of their political agenda superseded the questions of policy and practice. I have criticized myself for not publicly protesting these same policies and practices. I have attributed this behavior to the perception that it would do no good.
Al Gore’s new book, “Assault on Reason” and Professor Andrew Bacevich’s interview on WBUR (18 May) focus on the serious signs that our democracy is weakening.
Al Gore focuses on the Senate, an institution most familiar to him. He reminds the reader that the requirements of raising campaign funds and meeting with lobbyists and other vested parties result in empty chambers when Senators speak. He cites as an example the time when Senator Byrd strongly critiqued that the lack of debate over the proposed legislation to enable the President to use force in Iraq, legislation that he vehemently opposed. No one was present and there was no serious debate. In fact, one can question whether any serious or substantive debate has ever occurred.
Professor Bacevich (Boston University) has credentials in his long-standing opposition to the Iraq war. He is a retired Lt. Colonel (US Army), a West Point graduate with involvement in two wars (Vietnam and the first Iraq war) and an academic (Ph.D. from Princeton). He has repeatedly attacked the validity of the intervention and its implementation. He has seen no positive end to this debacle, in spite of the fact that his son joined the Army and was currently in Iraq. Now, in an interview with WBUR about the sadness associated with his son’s death caused by IED, he questions our democracy. He questions whether he should have done more, but more importantly, he questions the meaning of the phenomenon of the 2006 election being discounted by our representatives.
How is it that the clear rejection of the administration policy has not resulted in action to implement the public’s support of a change?
I have wondered why there has been so little public dissention and discussion regarding the policies and practices of the Bush administration. I had attributed it to the “take-over” of the government (Congress and President) by the conservative, right-wing, Republicans. The promotion of their political agenda superseded the questions of policy and practice. I have criticized myself for not publicly protesting these same policies and practices. I have attributed this behavior to the perception that it would do no good.
Al Gore’s new book, “Assault on Reason” and Professor Andrew Bacevich’s interview on WBUR (18 May) focus on the serious signs that our democracy is weakening.
Al Gore focuses on the Senate, an institution most familiar to him. He reminds the reader that the requirements of raising campaign funds and meeting with lobbyists and other vested parties result in empty chambers when Senators speak. He cites as an example the time when Senator Byrd strongly critiqued that the lack of debate over the proposed legislation to enable the President to use force in Iraq, legislation that he vehemently opposed. No one was present and there was no serious debate. In fact, one can question whether any serious or substantive debate has ever occurred.
Professor Bacevich (Boston University) has credentials in his long-standing opposition to the Iraq war. He is a retired Lt. Colonel (US Army), a West Point graduate with involvement in two wars (Vietnam and the first Iraq war) and an academic (Ph.D. from Princeton). He has repeatedly attacked the validity of the intervention and its implementation. He has seen no positive end to this debacle, in spite of the fact that his son joined the Army and was currently in Iraq. Now, in an interview with WBUR about the sadness associated with his son’s death caused by IED, he questions our democracy. He questions whether he should have done more, but more importantly, he questions the meaning of the phenomenon of the 2006 election being discounted by our representatives.
How is it that the clear rejection of the administration policy has not resulted in action to implement the public’s support of a change?
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Healthcare
While it appears that more and more people recognize the need to adopt some form of universal health care, most plans currently being considered still focus on private insurers.
As a proponent of universal health care, I would accept even this form of universal health care, at least as a step in the right direction.
The “Coalition to Advance Healthcare Reform” has advanced their views that are based on five principles:
(1) Use of a market-based system
(2) Individuals are required to adopt the system
(3) Subsidization of low-income persons
(4) Inclusion of incentives to promote healthy behaviors
(5) Elimination of differences in tax treatment between employer-provided and individual health insurance policies.
While this type of system seems to be overly complex, it would advance the cause.
As a proponent of universal health care, I would accept even this form of universal health care, at least as a step in the right direction.
The “Coalition to Advance Healthcare Reform” has advanced their views that are based on five principles:
(1) Use of a market-based system
(2) Individuals are required to adopt the system
(3) Subsidization of low-income persons
(4) Inclusion of incentives to promote healthy behaviors
(5) Elimination of differences in tax treatment between employer-provided and individual health insurance policies.
While this type of system seems to be overly complex, it would advance the cause.
Why Liberals Become Angry
I admit to being very angry, livid, irate, enraged (one could use every adjective possible to describe my anger) about President Bush and his administration. This anger is not part of my normal range of emotions. I believe that I am generally peaceful and tolerant of others. Why am I so very angry at this president?
When Thomas Sowell raised the issue of why liberals tend to be angry, I seized the opportunity for some reflection.
I would have found humor in a president who has difficulty with the English language, but I doubt that it would cause me to become angry. Not would it anger me to know that the President does not read much, including newspapers, or analyze issues even if they were critically important to the world at large, e.g., global warming. Again, I most likely would tolerate these short-comings in our national leader IF he had selected competent people to do the reading, thinking, and analyzing require for competent decision-making.
My anger is attributed to the fact that he demonstrated all of the above AND selected such incompetent and biased people who impose their ideology INDEPENDENT of facts AND, in fact, everything is such a disaster in virtually every arena, i.e., I assume that if intervention is Iraq worked out as they expected, if tax cuts did not contribute significantly to our fiscal situation, if he worked successfully with Congress, I would have to reason to be angry.
When Thomas Sowell raised the issue of why liberals tend to be angry, I seized the opportunity for some reflection.
I would have found humor in a president who has difficulty with the English language, but I doubt that it would cause me to become angry. Not would it anger me to know that the President does not read much, including newspapers, or analyze issues even if they were critically important to the world at large, e.g., global warming. Again, I most likely would tolerate these short-comings in our national leader IF he had selected competent people to do the reading, thinking, and analyzing require for competent decision-making.
My anger is attributed to the fact that he demonstrated all of the above AND selected such incompetent and biased people who impose their ideology INDEPENDENT of facts AND, in fact, everything is such a disaster in virtually every arena, i.e., I assume that if intervention is Iraq worked out as they expected, if tax cuts did not contribute significantly to our fiscal situation, if he worked successfully with Congress, I would have to reason to be angry.
Reap What You Sow!
One of many reasons for being angry about the current US Administration is the fact that our government has become less capable to promoting values inherent in the Constitution. Throughout our history, there has always been tension about how to promote those values. The two stereotypical contrasts were between isolationists and interventionists. Until relatively recently, our nation has enjoyed positive regard based on our values. There was a degree of credibility when we promoted those values. We held them out for others to see and adopt, if possible. We tended to avoid crossing the line to impose those values. When we critiqued other nations, our words had moral validity.
We have, at least for the moment, lost this level of being a credible witness to these basic values established by our Constitution.
Thomas Friedman reviews a recent news item that highlighted the partisan role played by Attorney General's Chief of Staff in selecting Department of Justice appointments. Questions of competence were trumped by their political views. He then points out the similarity between this behavior and the sectarianism practiced in the Iraqi government. We are unable to provide credible criticism because there is virtually no difference between promoting a Shiite agenda at the expense of national interests and the Bush Administration's promotion of a rigid conservative Republican agenda.
We lost our credibility.
We have, at least for the moment, lost this level of being a credible witness to these basic values established by our Constitution.
Thomas Friedman reviews a recent news item that highlighted the partisan role played by Attorney General's Chief of Staff in selecting Department of Justice appointments. Questions of competence were trumped by their political views. He then points out the similarity between this behavior and the sectarianism practiced in the Iraqi government. We are unable to provide credible criticism because there is virtually no difference between promoting a Shiite agenda at the expense of national interests and the Bush Administration's promotion of a rigid conservative Republican agenda.
We lost our credibility.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Adversity: A Test
Testing anything is good,
Just ask the F.D.A
A strong infection
Tests the immune system,
Maybe good for T Cells.
Courage tested in adversity.
Hate the test, but
Love knowing you passed the test!
Just ask the F.D.A
A strong infection
Tests the immune system,
Maybe good for T Cells.
Courage tested in adversity.
Hate the test, but
Love knowing you passed the test!
Monday, May 7, 2007
Accountability
George Packer (author of "The Assassin's Gate") will publish in the forthcoming New Yorker an article cataloging how those in the Bush administration escape being accountable for virtually anything. In addition to his current focus on George Tenet, he cites A. Gonzales, D. Rumsfield, P. Wolfowitz, C. Rice, R. Cheney, top generals as examples of a consistent pattern of people avoiding accountability (and often being rewarded for their performance).
Accountability for the extent of the clergy sex abuse has not occurred. If the bishops had complied with Canon Law, far less than civil and criminal law, the extent of the abuse would have been significantly lessened and, most likely, many incidence would not have occurred due to known consequences of such behavior.
Without examples of people in high positions assuming accountability for their actions that negatively impact the general public, it is hard to understand how young people will learn the necessity of being accountability for their behavior.
Accountability for the extent of the clergy sex abuse has not occurred. If the bishops had complied with Canon Law, far less than civil and criminal law, the extent of the abuse would have been significantly lessened and, most likely, many incidence would not have occurred due to known consequences of such behavior.
Without examples of people in high positions assuming accountability for their actions that negatively impact the general public, it is hard to understand how young people will learn the necessity of being accountability for their behavior.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Expectant News
News is ambiguous.
Sometimes good, sometimes bad,
Sometimes awesome, sometimes dreadful.
News filled with expectancy,
Gives birth to hope,
Hope for life.
News now like a seed,
Active and emerging,
Latent story under development.
Patience now,
Story written in code,
Process takes time.
Sometimes good, sometimes bad,
Sometimes awesome, sometimes dreadful.
News filled with expectancy,
Gives birth to hope,
Hope for life.
News now like a seed,
Active and emerging,
Latent story under development.
Patience now,
Story written in code,
Process takes time.
"The Family Orchard" by Nomi Eve
"The Family Orchard" (322 pages) represents a personal investment of the author to capture the essence of her family through multiple generations. In addition to portraying a series of colorful characters living through varied situations, she provides some insight into the immigration into Israel prior to its status as a nation-state.
Reflecting on one's family history can be humbling, knowing the frailties of many of the persons we experienced. If the family lacks cohesion, both as the family unit and the extended family, it becomes a real challenge to see one's place in the constellation of the series of peoples making your existence possible.
I know well only my immediate family and a few of the relatives of my parent's generation. I have no experience, even vicariously, of those in prior generations. Reading this book confirms the benefits of researching one's personal history.
Reflecting on one's family history can be humbling, knowing the frailties of many of the persons we experienced. If the family lacks cohesion, both as the family unit and the extended family, it becomes a real challenge to see one's place in the constellation of the series of peoples making your existence possible.
I know well only my immediate family and a few of the relatives of my parent's generation. I have no experience, even vicariously, of those in prior generations. Reading this book confirms the benefits of researching one's personal history.
Approach to the Iraq Quagmire
One of my strong biases is that any hope for a long-term resolution of the Iraq disaster is the need for our leader to state publicly that the intervention was a terrible mistake, resulting in a worse situation for the Iraqi people, but the vested interests of other nations require their active participation in an approach designed to ameliorate the situation. Only by claiming responsibility for the disaster will other nations get past their anger and zone in on the implications of the current situation.
Thomas Friedman's column is close to my approach. I may have written a different speech, but I surely support his general approach. The current Iraq situation is a threat to many, many nations. They need to get involved. They need to get beyond their anger at the lunatic decision to invade Iraq without the concurrence of other nations. Only by apologizing for our serious error will nations get beyond their anger and focus on what to do now.
Thomas Friedman's column is close to my approach. I may have written a different speech, but I surely support his general approach. The current Iraq situation is a threat to many, many nations. They need to get involved. They need to get beyond their anger at the lunatic decision to invade Iraq without the concurrence of other nations. Only by apologizing for our serious error will nations get beyond their anger and focus on what to do now.
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