My Prediction of the Outcomes of the Primaries

A blog demands taking a plunge to identify with others who want to predict the outcome of the primary elections. It would be fantasy to expect more than the futile efforts of others to know how the unpredictable turns out in reality. However, a blogger must enter the fray!

First, I remain a strong supporter of Obama. In fact, his performance has only increased my support. The fact that he may not overwhelm his opponents does not bother me. His democratic opponents are all good. He has been steady, he has explained well his reasoning for running for president (I do think that there is an urgency for a change in how our president functions) and he has clarified what makes him unique (in addition to his color).

Only because of the strength of the media, money, and her campaign (she has done well in staying close to the “script”, avoided most pitfalls, and has a large number of volunteers that provide great manpower to ensure turnout), I expect Clinton to be the ultimate winner. However, if she did not meet expectations in Iowa and New Hampshire, then the outcome of South Carolina’s primary will become critical. In short, she has to beat her opponents convincingly by 19 January in order to enter the 5 February primaries with optimism of winning.

While I cannot believe that any Republican could be elected in November, the candidates have done well to shatter the perceived strengths of all, except McCain. I do think that he has survived the process with his candidacy still viable. His endorsements by leading news outlets in Iowa and New Hampshire are helpful.

If the outcome is as I expect, I will vote for Clinton but will do so with less than enthusiasm I anticipated. I find her very calculating (as was her husband) which may in long run be good since it tends to identify with the proverbial middle ground. However, in this mess, I doubt that it will be enough to make the necessary changes in our domestic and international policies. I tremble with the thought that the former President will be in the White House. I cannot image his being a mere advisor. I cannot image his not creating problems for Hillary because he will not be capable to withstand saying what he thinks. And what he thinks will not be just another view of a politician. And, unfortunately, I cannot expect that his personal behavior will not emerge as a factor in Hillary’s administration. And finally, I hate the thought that, between 1988 and possibly 2016, we will have two families serving as President.

"The Orchard: A Memoir" by Adele Crockett Robertson

At Christmas, one may receive a gift or two that represents something you would never have if it were not given to you.

I recently received as a gift, "The Orchard: A Memoir" by Adele Crockett Robertson, a book that I doubt that I would have ever heard about, far less read.

Adele Crockett grew up in Ipswich (Massachusetts) on an apple farm that was originally purchased by her grandparents and loved by her father. After her father's death, she assumed responsibility for the farm. Her memoirs capture the heartbreaking work associated with trying to make the farm a success during the depression. Ultimately, she failed at the task and, after many types of work, she distinguished herself as a local journalist. Her memoir was found by her daughter who finally brought it to publications, long after the author's death.

The book is a delight because she was a talented writer. She captured the ongoing struggle with words that crisply caught the nuances of the trials and tribulations of trying to make this farm productive enough to survive.

Religious Right (Republicans)

On 7 September I wrote about the difference between religion and religious. I was trying to capture the fact that being "religious", i.e., acting on values that can be considered consistent with the basic tenets of a religion, differ from identification with a religion.

Today, Harold Meyerson focuses on the Republican Party (led by the ineffable GWB)that continues to focus on their Christian solidarity while advocating policies that are totally inconsistent with Christian values, at least as indicated by Jesus.

Whether we are dealing with preemptive war, torturing of prisoners, or immigration, the Republican Party seems to work hard to be as strong as possible in advocating positions that one could not imagine Jesus condoning.

Admittedly, the alleged links between politicians and a specific religion (most often Christianity) are sources of personal frustration. It is hard to identify with any religion that is so abused by its adherents!

"A Magnificent Catastrophe" by Edward Larson

History is so fascinating because there seems to be no end to what you don’t know. Reading may help to compensate for our ignorance, but it is humbling to realize how much we need to learn.

“A Magnificent Catastrophe” by Edward Larson was a treat because it made me realize that my feelings of intense anger at President Bush was not all that remarkable.

The election of 1800, so early in our nation’s history, was filled with anger. The Republicans (supporters of State Rights) and Federalists (supporting a strong centralized government) were adamantly opposed to each other. And some were so fearful of certain persons out of fear that our fledging nation would not survive their election, that their vitriolics were off the chart. In particular, Hamilton (a Federalist) was so opposed to President Adams (also a Federalist) that he would favor Jefferson (a Republican) rather than see Adams be re-elected. To ensure that Adams would not get sufficient votes for re-election, he wrote a long, scathing pamphlet about the evils of Adams and his weaknesses. At the same time, Jefferson (along with his supporters, e.g., Madison and Munroe) was focusing on how best to ensure his election.

The anger involved in this process made me feel that my anger is not so bad! Whether I would want to sit down with Bush and enjoy a beer is questionable, but the good outcome is that Jefferson, Madison, and Munroe (all Virginians and strong Republicans) led our nation as relative moderates. Our nation survived. So, maybe we can survive Bush!

MIKA LOUISE 16 Dec 07

Small though she be,
Mika Louise enters our world,
With energy to spare,
And hearts to melt.

Joining her new family,
Filled with love and care,
This baby will never miss
Hugs and kisses for sure.

Thankful for the gift
No one deserves.
Nature filled with grace,
Blessed this child beyond measure.

Looking forward to her growth
While never missing a moment
Of her presence in our midst,
Hoping to never lose today’s awe.

Too Complicated for Bush et al.

International diplomacy has not been a strong suit of the Bush administration. Such an understatement seems almost humorous. At any rate, somehow or other, they tend to come up with approaches that are often self-defeating and mostly unsuccessful.

The United States went into Iraq for all sorts of wrong reasons. One of these reasons was a realignment of the Middle East by allowing Iraq to be dominated by its majority population, the Shiites. Somehow, they did not anticipate the consequence of such a role of Shiites in Iraq in relationship to its neighbor, Iran.

Now, they are trying to figure out a new way to restore some balance by trying to restore Sunni strength in Iraq (giving arms and money to Sunni sheiks so that they can restore some security, especially in Northwest Iraq. To assist in this restoration of balance between the Shiites and Sunnis, they have given new military weapons, including planes. to Saudi Arabia. They anticipate that the fear of Shiite strength will mobilize the Sunni Arabs throughout the region to gain a role that will temper the Shiites.

Vali Naser does not share these views. Iran is not seeking to dominate the Middle East by expanding its power throughout the region. Rather, Iran is seeking international respect for its role within the Middle East. Attempting to mitigate the implications of the demographics, there should be a diplomatic effort to channel the strengths of both the Shiite and Sunni nations into a collaborative effort to provide security and economic development throughout the region.

What A Mess!

No big surprise, but we now find out that the Intelligence Community was wrong in 2005 when they stated that Iran was in the process of enriching uranium. And we find out that the President's words about WW III were said when he is was aware that his statements were false OR he should have known at that time.

But, no need to worry! He will not change his mind anyway! Just because the NIE says that they have no program to develop a nuclear bomb, the President remains convinced that he is right. For sure, when you have God directing you, I suppose that one does not need intelligence to support your decisions!!

Gifted Career of Joan Louise

Always clear the goal, Caring for children, any sort, any condition, anyhow. The institutions varied.  Diseases too many to name, Preemies to adolescents. Night duties were tough, Dying children never easy, But, so many joys! Smiles and hugs, Both patients and parents, Signs of thanks. It was not just the heart, Nor just the brains, Heart and Head in unison. Many years, many children, Now, adults more secure, By Joan’s care and wisdom. Time passes, years fall away, Now joy of grandchildren, Giving and loving another way. Thankful for a carin career, Skilled and supportive colleagues, Children filled with trust. Sorrows few, joys many, Smiles more than tears, In all, care with love.

Living Anew with an IPOD

My younger son was amazed and chagrined to think that I lived during the time when the Beatles were so prominent in our culture and I MISSED it all!! I was in another world at the time. Being a committed seminarian, trying hard to become a priest that would make a difference, I never saw any value in the Beatles! Amazing!

Now, here I am in more senior years going down the street with Franklin (our dog) smoking a great Gurka cigar and listening to the new album of the Eagles on my great birthday present of an IPOD! If not the Eagles, I am listening to Bruce Springsteen’s Magic album.

Age is often considered a liability. However, it can be a time to rectify the misperceptions of youth. With adult children to provide the tools (IPODs are just unbelievable creative technology) to be involved with another world of music that I have somehow missed in the past.

One can never undo the past, but if you are fortunate to live long enough, you may get involved in another aspect of life missed in youth.

I am so thankful for my IPOD and my adult children and their loving and thoughtful spouses. How fortunate can a person be!

"Heart and Head: American Christianities" by Garry Wills

Garry Wills is a historian who has authored many books. One of these books, “Papal Sin: Structures of Deceit”, was enormously influential in my personal transformation. It crystallized the fact that the Roman Church’s positions are often based on lies, i.e., positions with a false basis, e.g., priests must be male (and celibate) because Jesus instituted the priesthood that way. Jesus not only did not do this, but he did even create a priesthood. He did not even want to create a church. He was intent on reforming Judaism.

“Head and Heart: American Christianities” explores the various forms of Christianity that have surfaced during America’s history.

Of some interest to me were the following:
1) Early New England was extraordinarily intolerant of any deviation from the “truths” held my the Puritans;
2) Satan was perceived as present in those who held oppositional views;
3) Persistent tension existed between rational and emotional approaches to religion.

Of more interest was the author’s clarity on the uniqueness of the timing of our Constitution. Jefferson (and Madison) was the primary drivers of the view that religion should be considered a right of the individual rather than being dependent on the state. The influence of Deism would not have been present if the revolution occurred fifty years before or after the real event. And, if Jefferson was not present, it is unclear whether others would have been strong enough to overcome some opposition. It is extraordinary to think that our Constitution remains unique for many reasons, but not the least of which is the absence of “God” in the document. And history confirms that the “separation” between state and religion has been positive on religions. Freedom of religion has been good for religions.

It has been hard for me to conclude in recent years that religion, per se, is a problem. Religion is inherently divisive, inherently intolerant. The history of Christianities in America captures the consistent rise of one form or another of Christianity that attempts to establish uniformity in behavior, if not beliefs.

But, until Bush, the drive towards uniformity never was sanctioned by the government. Bush, however, endorsed the agenda of the American conservative Evangelicals and incorporated supporters of this agenda within his administration. Kevin Phillips previously documented also the negative consequences of the administration’s absorption of the conservative Evangelical agenda. Garry Wills addresses the same issue in even more detail.

Our nation has a plethora of problems generated by Bush: Iraq, international loss of esteem and moral value, enormous debt. However, the alignment of government with right wing Evangelicals is a very disturbing reality that has to be addressed.