Hi.  My name is Michael Heath and I'm 59 years old. I am an ordained minister and a state licensed and nationally
certified psychotherapist who has spent most of his life swimming against the current.  I was too conservative around
really liberal folks in the 60's and '70's and way too liberal for the conservative times of the 80's and 90's. Since
2000 and especially after 9/11, I have focussed my energy to refute and confront the fear-based hysteria of the
religious right and conservative talk radio.

People say I don't talk or act like a minister and yet they also say they love my  sermons and the articles I write as
well as the programs I give.  A friend of mine, John, suggested that I create a web page and make some of my stuff
available to a larger audience.  So ... with his help, I did. That was eleven years ago in 1997. Since then, every
month, I have  posted  articles, and comments as well as stories that have tickled me.

The topics vary. Although I am trained in theology and psychology,  I love politics, television and movies, sex in
culture kinds of issues, and technology - along with all Chicago sports.  Along  with my stuff, I also want to hear what
you think and develop conversations.  Oh, one other technical thing, this page is best  viewed at the 1024x768, or
better, setting of your display options.

Dealing with Stress Over a Job Interview 

 Whether a recent graduate or one who has lost a job, many experience anxiety over finding employment. The job interview is especially worrisome for many.  Here are some common difficulties and some helpful things to keep in mind when preparing for a face-to-face.

 In general, needing a job is emotionally stressful and stress  distorts our ability to think clearly. It causes us to have distorted thoughts and to mislabel the significance of events. In other words we lose perspective and problems become amplified beyond their actual size.  Under stress everything feels like a crisis.  A simple job interview can become an agonizing ordeal unless some basic distortions are identified and corrected.

Some common thought distortions are:

--     Exaggerate the significance of an interview.

--   Misunderstand the meaning of the interview.

--   Create unrealistic expectations or a false sense of panic if one doesn’t get the job.

-     Overlook important aspects of the experience.

 Objectively an interview is just an interview it is not the only interview you will ever have.

Objectively the interview is not an evaluation of your value as a human being but a look to see if your skill are a match for the employer’s needs.

Objectively every person has skill and value, it is unrealistic to think that you can be all things to all situations. Not getting the job is not failure.

Objectively every job interview is two simultaneous  evaluations

1) are you right for the job and 2) is the job right for you? The second aspect can be completely overlooked when stressed.

Here are some thoughts to remember if you or a friend is facing an important job interview:

 1.     The interview is just one job opportunity it’s not your last chance. There will be others.

 2.     The real objective of the interview is to discover if there is a good match between your skills and experience and what the job requires.   

 3.     A job you’re not right for or a from a company that
     is not enthusiastic about you is a disaster waiting to
     happen. 

4.     Each person has special talents. The

     process is to find the right opportunity,

     not to be hired no matter what. 

5. There are two interviews ( not just one)taking place
     simultaneously.  

    1) The employer evaluating your for his/her
        needs and
    2) you evaluating the employer  to see is the
        job and company fits you. 

     6. You can learn a lot about yourself which can
         be valuable in the next opportunity from
        interviews that don’t result in getting the job.  

The Perfect Father’s ( or Mother’s) Day Gift
It’s the time of year to think about our parents. Recently
celebrated Mother’s Day and Father’s day is coming up.
The perfect gift for Adult children to give to mom and dad.
– Help with planning for their future.

Help is needed because getting older isn’t what it used to
be. In the past, extended families took care of aging members.
Also, with recent medical advances, our life expectancy has
grown dramatically and experts say it is going to grow even
more soon.

 Typically a medical crisis forces a family to deal with these
issues but being pro-active can help to increase a person’s
options and thus increase making the most of our bonus years.

Certainly the topic itself is difficult. Making decisions is tough
for everyone but it’s especially daunting when it involves the elderly.

This is an area which our parents really need our understanding,
empathy and compassion.  

One might ask, “What do I know gerontology or where does
one even begin ?”   You begin by being willing to raise the issue
and ask questions. You don’t have to be an expert.

 Helping our parents doesn’t mean telling them what to do or
treating them like children. The two greatest gifts you can offer is
a willingness to talk about this difficult subject and reassurance
that you are there to help and assist with getting needed resources.  

 Here are four tips :

1.    Make a list of questions to ask

2.    Record your parent’s wishes and store them where they can be found.

3.    Know your resources . Go  to  www.ongov.net and click
on Department of Aging and Youth, notice                               Resources guide for Senior Services  

4.    Have Realistic Expectations  This is tough stuff and is stressful for
everyone. Have realistic expectations  and get support.

Rev. Heath’s mental health segment, Family Matters, is on 9WSYR’ Bridge Street  6 1 2009. It may be viewed on line at:

How Stressed  Is Your Marriage ?

Tough economic times impose a huge strain on marriage.
To make matters worse, the media have created a crisis mentality
by telling us that we are in the worse mess since the depression. 
The problem with all the negative talk is that it focuses on what is
wrong not what is right. The result is that many couples are having
trouble knowing whether their last fight was just a run of the mill squabble or whether their marriage is in a serious crisis. 

The key to telling the difference is how reasonable each partner can be in the midst of a stressful situation.  Good marriages exhibit essentials skills which can protect the relationships through  unpleasant arguments and rough patches that inevitably occur over the years.  Here is a list of questions which cover the necessary marital skills  and also reveal : How Stressed is your Marriage ?  

Do you and your partner:

 
1. Take Personal responsibility for your part of a problem  - without blaming it all on the other or do you externalize responsibility and blame your partner?

  
2. Empathize, i.e. understand and care about what your partner is feeling or do you at like your single and not consider the impact of your words and behavior has on your mate ?

3. Accept and negotiate  your individual differences without trying to make or control the other  to be like yourself or do you demand a sameness and try to make or control the other to be like yourself ?

4. Communicate  feelings  constructively  – including anger and passion, i.e.  can you talk about your experience and express your wants without attacking your partner’s behavior  or do you name call and attack your partner ?

5. Resolve Conflicts / solve problems together  or  do you either avoid them, just give in or fight until there is a winner and loser who feels resentment ?

6. Think and Keep Commitments even when you don’t feel like it or are you ruled by emotion and impulse ?

7. Have an Awareness of the Process to Call time out when things are getting heated, i.e. realize when things are getting unreasonable and unproductive or do arguments escalate until they are out of control ?

Don’t be discouraged. Even best marriages are guilty of not living up to these ideals. The key is learning the skills and improving with practice over time.

The remarks were prepared by the Rev. Michael Heath, LMHC, Fellow AAPC for 9WSYR’s Bridge Street 3/13/2009

**************************************************************************** 

Where's the Gay Minister at the Inaugural Ceremony?

 As one who has followed and written supportively about Barack Obama over the past several years, I feel compelled to comment about his latest decision.  Frankly, I  was shocked to hear that

he has selected Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration.  (Rick Warren is the guy who, although he likes to be seen as the moderate evangelical, supported Prop 8 and compared gay marriage to incest.)  Given the pain caused by the California initiative, it is hard to imagine a worse choice. 

Defenders of Obama’s selection claimed that he was trying to be a uniter and provide a diversity of views at the event. Okay, if that is true, where is the gay minister?  America has seen nothing but Christian conservatives for the last eight years but we have yet to see a gay clergy-person at a major political event.  If Obama truly wants to change America’s attitudes about gays, he must do more than just mouth the words.  He must openly acknowledge gay leaders, in public, at important occasions.  By doing so, he will provide the media events and  photo ops which will be the new icons of a changed mentality.

What is ironic is the fact that Obama belongs to the United Church of Christ, a Protestant denomination which has ordained openly gay ministers since the 1970's.  His denomination not only says that it respects gay clergy, it employs them at every level. What would be so bad about including a UCC cleric in his swearing-in ceremony ?

For a man who ran under the banner of change and who understands the media so well, it is disturbing that person Obama chose  is a man who represents America’s discriminatory and intolerant past. Where is the change in having a conservative Christian leader who opposes gay rights at this momentous hour in our history ?  Images matter.

Luckily there is still time for Obama to reconsider and include a gay clergy-person in the celebration.  Perhaps Rev. Lowery, the other minister whom Obama has chosen to participate in his inuaguration, and Bishop Robinson could give the benediction together.  I pray that many will urge him to make this inaugural event a truly inclusive and diverse occasion.

Rev. Michael Heath    Fayetteville      12 18 1008

Rev. Heath is a licensed psychotherapist, ordained UCC minster and social commentator.
www.dreamscape.com/mheath        

The media bombshell over Barack Obama’s minister, Jeremiah Wright,
has generated more smoke than light.  The knee jerk reaction of
 many news organizations has been to immediately condemn the
eminent United Church of Christ (UCC) clergyman and scholar
 as an anti-American hate monger without taking the time to look
 at the larger picture. Perhaps if we can all just calm down a little,
we can sort this out.

It is important to know that the UCC goes back to Plymouth rock,
Yale University and the founding of this country.  Theologically,
we have been called liberal. Although that is not a name I am ashamed
of, it would be more accurate to say that, we have been ahead of the
sociological curve. For example, we ordained women in 1860 and
gays in 1972.  

Trinity Church is, in addition to being UCC, also a black church,
 i.e., it is a sanctuary for those who face the stress of racism daily. 
There seems to be a lingering myth prevalent in our culture that
somehow racism ended with the civil rights movement and Dr. King. 
For some, especially since 9/11, it’s impossible to both vigorously
criticize and love. This is bizarre logic.  Does this mean that parents
hate the children they reprimand for misbehaving?  Did the Old
Testament prophets, who chastised Israel, hate her? All hysteria
aside, a simple examination of Dr. Wright’s accomplishments
(which includes serving in the Marine Corps) will erase any doubt
that he is not only a great pastor but a great American.  His major
problem seems to be that he is angry.  

As a white psychotherapist, I think the Wright videos are
disturbing because they strike a raw nerve.  The image of an angry
 black man is scary. One reason Obama’s candidacy has been
 successful is that whites do not see him as angry and they have a
fantasy that somehow he transcends race. The ultimate political
 fantasy is that we can elect a black president and completely avoid
 the race issue.  Wright’s sermons puncture this fantasy and thus a
lot of people are upset. 

When Brooklyn’s Branch Rickey brought Jackie Robinson to the
majors as the first black player, he made him swear to be silent
no matter what he encountered. He was convinced that if baseball
was to be successfully integrated, angry responses to racist attacks
 must be avoided. Many believe that one of the contributing factors
 to Jackie’s emotional depression and shortened life was that he
agreed to this deal. Although we may want Barack to be just like
Jackie, this is not 1947.  

Perhaps Obama can show us a third way: neither emotionally
suppressed nor rage-filled but thoughtful and honest. He can do
this because, as he explained in his statement regarding  the videos,
he comes from a different era than Dr. Wright. He comes from a
generation which is significantly removed from the immediate
emotional shock of some of the more extreme artifacts of racism
such as lynching and segregation.   This distance affords a
reasonableness which can, both, denounce Wright’s extreme
expressions of anger without condemning the whole man or his
 work. 

Talking about race relations is difficult but we must not shoot the
messenger of back news.  Indeed the most profound gift of
Obama’s candidacy is that he brings to our nation – a new
perspective to deal with , not only our own racial issues,
but also complex international  tensions as well. 

Rev. Michael Heath   Fayetteville NY  3 16 2008

Rev. Heath is a, licensed psychotherapist, UCC minister and social
commentator whose articles may be seen at www.dreamscape.com/mheath

7thinningstretch@cubs.com

Congratulations! 

You have been selected as a
semi-finalist in the Ultimate
7th Inning Stretch Competition. 
Out of more than 2,700
registrants, only fifty were
chosen to advance to the next
round.  The next step is to
get your friends and family
to vote!  Five different videos
will be posted to www.cubs.com
each weekday between Monday,
August 6th and Friday, August
17th.  Check the schedule
below to find out which day
your video will be online
and then start the campaigning! 
One of the five videos will be
chosen each day to advance as
a finalist.  Good luck!

__._,_.___

Understanding the Imus Slurs: The Psychology of Bigotry
 

Much of the media storm over Don Imus’ “nappy headed hos” comment
misses the point.  Most of the outcry has been that his racist comment
went “too far”. By doing so, it has largely overlooked both the remark's
misogyny as well as the larger and hugely lucrative phenomenon of
shock media. I believe that knowing the psychology of this kind of
outburst corrects the false notions that this slur was simply a mistake
or an isolated instance. 

 I suggest that Don Imus’ remarks are the essence of his show,
i.e. to express the unacceptable, the raw, the straight from the id.
Not only  were his comments not  mistakes but that his show is
simply one  of many programs that express the deep seated fears
of our  society.  Like Imus, Howard Stern, Rush Limbaugh,
Bill O’Reilly and Ann Coulter, to name but a few, are paid millions
for the garbage they spew  … and some of us love it.

 If we are really going to clean up the media, it is not enough
to punish one perpetrator.   We must first understand where
this vile stuff comes from. Psychology can help us to understand
not only the particulars of Imus’ remarks but also bigotry and the
complex issues of racism and misogyny in our culture. 

Anger and fear are the basis of racial and misogynist humor.
These emotions are triggered when we encounter people who
are different or who do not fit into our standard, pre determined
stereo-types. We fear what we don’t understand and our hurtful
humor, a verbalized sublimation of our aggression, tries to cut
the objects of our concern down to a size we can tolerate.
 
The object in this case was a group of strong, competitive
women.  The Rutgers basketball team didn’t fit the media mold
of womanhood. These weren’t girly cheer leaders.  These were
powerful warriors.  Psychologically, in order for some men to feel
safe, it is necessary to “cut” the women down by demeaning them.

The Imus problem is not simply about one big mouthed shock
jock,  It is also about how fear and rage are articulated in our
society. The same dynamic which explains the Don Imus routine
is also apparent in much of the anti-feminist commentary in our
culture and is seen particularly in intense hatred of Hilary Clinton
and all those jokes about her pant suits. Debasing others who
make us feel uncomfortable is an ugly characteristic of the human
species and we need  to be more aware of it if we are to reduce
 its occurrence.

Perhaps the moral of the Imus story is a sober lesson about
ourselves and our easily threatened nature.  We can’t stop
shock media, (that would be the cultural equivalent of stopping
swearing) but maybe we can learn from it and use it as an
indicator of where we, as a culture, need to increase public
understanding concerning such complex and difficult topics
as bigotry, racism and misogyny.

Rev. Michael  Heath      Fayetteville NY                   4 11 07
 

Rev. Heath  is a licensed psychotherapist, an ordained UCC minister
and a social commentator: www.dreamscape.com/mheath   

Also, Seymour Hersh’s article in the New Yorker is very disturbing.
it asserts that Bush pressured Israel to attack Hezbolllah in order to
soften up the region for a Iranian attack down the road, or at least
to keep the assault option open. 

Even though Rice and all the generals (except from the Air Force) are
against any bombing of  Iran  ( because we have no ground forces
that would be necessary for follow up) Cheney and the neo-cons
seem to have Bush’s ear again .

Hersh has been writing for a long time about Bush’s desire to
attack Iran,  to eliminate a nuclear threat and increase American
influence in the oil market.To date, however, the reality of our
over extension in Iraq coupled with moderatevoices such as
Rice have overridden the Cheney wing.  My worry is that Bush is
drinking again and may slide back to the neo- con position which is
spelled out in the PNAC declaration: (www.newamericancentury.org).                                                                             

Peace,

Michael

 ______________________________________________________

Three cheers for First Lady Laura Bush who has refused to endorse the gay baiting
tactics of presidential advisor Karl Rove. She recently told Fox News she hoped
Republicans would not exploit the gay marriage issue in the fall elections. Showing 
again that she is a different sort of person than the rest of the Bush team, she urged
that this sensitive issue not be hyped for political gain.  It will be interesting to see if 
anyone listens to her advice.

Her comments came in the wake of reports that Republicans will introduce
another constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. This calculated move is
designed to  play upon the homosexual fears of conservatives and to rev up
enthusiasm for a listless political base. In addition to gay marriage, a variety of
anti-gay adoption referenda  will be on the ballot in states where Republicans are
in trouble.

Playing on fears about homosexuality was a  tactic which was  used successfully
in the 2004 presidential election.  Michelle Goldberg described in her book,
Kingdom Coming: the Rise of Christian Nationalism, how in Ohio Republican
operatives worked evangelical Christians, especially in the African American
neighborhoods, into a frenzy over the threat of gay marriage.  As it turned out,
twice as many blacks voted for Bush as they had in 2000 and thus Bush was
able to win Ohio and narrowly eke out a victory in the electoral college.

While Rove’s strategy is a powerful tactic, it is not invincible.  Attitudes toward
gay marriage are changing and even those who do not support gay marriage
may find these blatant manipulations reprehensible.

 The key to defusing this diversionary scheme is to expose it well in advance
of the election. By raising the issue now and engaging in the debate, people
will have time to think through the ads rather than simply react to them. For
example, even most reasonable would agree that homosexual issues are neither
on a par with nor pose the immediate danger that the Iraq war,  terrorism or
even high gas prices do.  I believe a majority of Americans will recognize the
political maneuver for the red herring it is.  Given sufficient time, on the whole,
voters will not be fooled .  Given a chance to think, most of the people who
follow the teachings of
Jesus will reject the extremist intolerance to which this campaign will pander. 

Defeating the Republican ploy will not be easy.  It will require courage and
leadership.  Ministers are going to have to stand up and support tolerance.
Crass political manipulation must be denounced.  Good people must speak
out and it is not too soon to begin. Talk to your friends, speak up in church
and let your representatives know that you prefer the judgment of our First
Lady over that of Karl Rove.

The 2006 elections are more than an opportunity for Democrats to win
back power.  They will be a test of the American character.  In the fall
voters will have the chance affirm our core values of tolerance and to reject
the “genius” of Karl Rove and his fear based politics.

Later,

Michael

As a United Church of Christ minister and a long and loyal listener to
NPR and Liane Hansen but I am absolutely livid at Week End Edition
Sunday for running such a biased story as it did today (12 5 04).
The lead in to Allyson Jones’ piece began by citing the incident in
which the three major TV networks refused to air a United Church
of Christ commercial which gave the message that Jesus was
accepting of the differences among people didn’t turn folks away.
In that same spirit gays are welcome in the UCC.

At first I thought the report was going to chastise the networks
for restricting freedom of speech or point out how the president’s
religious views had cowed that media.  What followed, in fact,
was essentially an attack dressed up as a news story on the
“liberal” United Church of Christ. It quoted a disaffected minister
 who said that the UCC’s attitude toward homosexuals was
contrary to scripture. The report went on to say that the UCC
position on gays had split the church and forced some churches
to leave the denomination and created financial problems for
the Southern Conference.  Then, Jones went on to suggest that
it wasn’t just the UCC’s stand on gays but its overall attitude
toward black clergy which is the problem in North Carolina.
Jone’s account left the distinct impression that the UCC has
unfairly kept African Americans out of the ministry.  While
 there is a fracas in North Carolina, it is far more complicated
than the reporter explained.  The problem was not objectively
examined. The explanation was lopsided and offered,
unchallenged, the complaints of one antagonistic black minister 

If this were an isolated incident I wouldn’t be so concerned
but over the past six months a radical change has been underfoot
to push NPR’s news coverage to the right.  It first became
obvious when NPR fired radio legend Bob Edwards and said
they wanted to go in a “new” direction. Its afternoon talk and
news programs were reworked and right-wing commentators
began popping up. Now one hears comments that NPR is
“more balanced”.  We all know what that means. Actually, I think
the term is “fair and balanced.”  One has wonder why NPR would
air a story attacking the United Church of Christ on the heels of
 the UCC’s courageous action.  Given our political climate, it
makes one suspicious that public radio is trying to curry favor
by presenting those groups who are accepting of gays in a bad
light. It is frightening to think that NPR would stoop so low. Is
this the beginning of “swift boat” journalism ?

For people who do not bow down to the extremist ideology
of the far right, the prospect of not being able to trust NPR to
be a reliable source for news is disturbing.  I challenge NPR to
 explain what is going on and abandon its “balancing” act.  95 %
of talk radio is right-wing . Where do the rest of us have to go ?

Rev. Michael Heath   Fayetteville New York

Rev. Heath is a certified psychotherapist, ordained minister in
the United Church of Christ and a social commentator whose
articles may be viewed at www.dreamscape.com/mheath

Recently, when asked why he used false reports about
the Iraqi uranium deal in his State of the Union address,
George W. Bush refused to answer saying that he was
“absolutely confident ” in his decision about Iraq. 
“And there's no doubt in my mind … the facts will
show the world the truth."  What ?  When it comes
to making decisions about war I would prefer someone
who consulted the facts before making up his mind. 
Ex-CIA official Greg Thielmann has characterized
this  approach to foreign intelligence as “faith based.”
(Nightline 7/9/03)

Mr. Thielmann’s allegation is not an isolated one.
A few weeks ago, a number of stories surfaced in
the media which concluded that: The White House,
using reports it knew to be bogus, created a
false sense of urgency for the American people
to gain support for the Iraq war.  CIA officials
have broken their silence and confirmed rumors of
the conflict between  Rumsfeld and the intelligence
community. The defense department, which favored
“preemptive attacks”, was frustrated with the CIA
data which did not justify first strike interventions.
Lacking legitimate evidence,  the White House: 
1. Changed ambiguous reports to eliminate doubts,
questions or contravening evidence concerning
Iraq’s level of threat and the presence of weapons
of mass destruction (WMD)  2. Ignored legitimate
reports and credible witnesses who were  not
supportive of Bush’s view. 3. Used discredited
reports and sources, which were known to be
false but which were supportive of the administration
position, and cited them  as proof of Hussein’s
threat and the presence of WMD. 4. Pressured  
agents to “reinterpret” their conclusions when results
were not in line with the President’s view.

At first, public reaction to these reports was so
muted it seemed as though no one cared if the
President lied. A poll  showed that people didn’t
care if Iraq had weapons of mass destruction 
and 30% erroneously believed that WMD  had
been found. But then, an old story, Bush’s remark
in the State of the Union message that Hussein had
 tried to buy uranium from an African country  
resurfaced with renewed vigor.  At first, White House
officials denied knowing the African uranium  report
was false. As more evidence surfaced, showing that
the administration leaders did know,  a presidential
spokesman  finally fessed up. This time the reaction
to the deception is not ho-hum. Congressional leaders
are upset and want to hold hearings to find out, exactly,
who knew what and when.  Further they want an
explanation of why the President would be untruthful to
the American people during such an important occasion
as the State of the Union address.

Apparently as long as we are told that war will make us safer
we will accept almost anything a “war‑time” president does. Until recently it seems that no matter what Bush did, he was a hit. He spend an extra million dollars to do a Roger Ramjet  impersonation  for a photo op on an aircraft carrier – no problem. He taunted Iraqi resistance with a drunken  college student remark, “Bring ‘em on”- only a  slight problem.  But now things may be different.  Perhaps it is because W. is supposed to be the president with good moral character. 

Ironically, like his predecessors Nixon and Clinton, Bush is getting into trouble for not being able to admit that he made a mistake.  Everyone, including the great ones, make mistakes. If the president would simply admit that he exaggerated and let his personal beliefs color intelligence analysis, much of the controversy would end.

President Bush’s responses thus far, however, have been quite different.  He has blamed the media for creating a feeding frenzy.  He has denied that the CIA  told him the reports he cited were false.  Since the intelligence scandal broke, the president has changed his tune. Until recently,  Bush has claimed defiantly that America faced a serious and imminent threat from Iraq. He said this conclusion was based on indisputable evidence. Now he says we went to war because he believed there were WMD and that it was the right thing to do.  Amazingly, he has accused those who have raised concerns about the over-selling of the Iraq war of doing “revisionist history”.   I suggest that it is only the careful scrutiny of government actions (revisionist history) which distinguishes historical knowledge from partisan propaganda.

Bush’s obstinacy is a sad and great failing on his part. While many are grateful to President Bush for his strong leadership during America’s darkest hours, this accomplishment does not excuse him from accountability for misrepresenting the truth.  I have faith in our country and I have faith in our system of government. From time to time events like 9/11 may cause our nation to lose it. Over the long haul, however, the center will hold, the truth will emerge and  reason will guide us. I have no doubts that we will heal from 9/11and realize that government deception on this scale can not be tolerated..  Holding open and comprehensive hearings regarding the entire intelligence manipulation scandal would be a good start.            

Later,

Michael

******************************************************

3/ 6/03

PNAC, NOT IMMINENT THREAT, 
PUSHES US TOWARDS WAR 

Have you ever heard of the “Project for the New
American Century” (PNAC) ?  Me neither until
last night. Thank God for Nightline.  If it weren’t
for this program, I wouldn’t know what millions
of Europeans know : PNAC and the  plan behind
the Bush rhetoric for going to war with Iraq. 
Although stories about PNAC have been reported
in the world press for months, they have been
given little attention here at home.  Up until now, I
have wondered why most of Europe has been so
suspicious of American objectives in Iraq.  After
seeing Nightline’s report, the European reluctance
makes sense. 

PNAC started in the mid 90's when a group of 
out-of-power ultra-conservative Republicans got
together to think about foreign policy.  These are
people you know: Vice President Dick Cheney,
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Assistant
Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, Richard
Pearl and journalist William Crystal.  It is no
surprise that, in fact, ten of the original forty
members now have high level positions in the
Bush foreign policy administration. The plan,
which was adopted and has been promoted
through speeches, articles and letter campaigns,
was to have America embark on a 20 year process
to democratize the Middle East. The first step was
to change regimes in Iraq and to institute an
American backed government. Successive steps
would move on to Iran and other hostile non-
democratic countries.  The use of force was
specifically recommended as the preferred mode of
operation.  Though widely circulated among
Republicans, this plan was seen as an extremist
fantasy until 9/11.  Within thirty hours of the
attacks, Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld leaped on
what he saw to be a golden opportunity.  He
redefined and expanded the notion of fighting
terrorism to include attacking Iraq. 

I know all of this sounds just like another  wild
conspiracy theory but, unlike others, the people
who concocted this strategy are proud to talk
about it. Speaking with Ted Koppel on Nightline, 
William Crystal crowed like a rooster at having
convinced the president to adopt PNAC’s
plan. 

While it is disturbing to learn that our
president is influenced by such imperialistic
ideas, at least it helps to explain why we are
headed for war. For those who the oppose war
with Iraq it provides a useful outline of
questions that may be asked.  Even for those
who have not made up their about the minds
about the war, this story raises serious
questions regarding the true motives behind
the White House’s desire to go to war. 

It seems reasonable for Congress to conduct
hearings to look into the influence that PNAC
has had on the president. It also seems
reasonable, given the extraordinary cost and
sacrifice that a war demands, that the
American people have a right to know all of
the factors which are behind America’s foreign
policy.  The policy which has placed us at odds
with the rest of the free world and now
threatens the lives of thousands. 
 

Later ------
 

********************************************

2 26 03

-- My heart is very sad. In their infinite wisdom - er stupidity - the Veterans committtee of Baseball's Hall of Fame voted  and Ron Santo came up short.  I don't know what they were thinking. Ron 
was and is the epitome of American baseballl. His 9 All Star appearances and 4 Golden Glove  awards along with all of his other
statistics are right up there with other members.  His personal  impact upon the Cub organization and its fans is immeasurabe.  As an announcer he has unified  Cub fans like myself all over the country.
And he did all of this while having to fight a severe diabetic condition througout his entire career. Recently, having had both amputated he has continued to inspire Cub fans as he reamains behind the microphone as the "color man" with his partner  Pat Hughes. 

I can't believe how shallow the Veterans Committee was. Shame on them. The only thing bad you  could say about  was that he had the misfortuen to play for the the Chicago Cubs - by far the worst major league baseball  team of the 2nd half of the 20th century.   When Ron played, however, they were exciting.  He and the other Hall of Famers : Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and Ferguson Jenkins were great just not great enough. At one point of the 1969 All Star game, every player on the field for the national league was a Cub. That majical year taught me a lot about life, sucess, and disappointment. In mid August of '69 they were in first place by 9 games. For reasons that still torment me, they lost 28 of their remaining 32 ballgames.  In stead of winning the National League pennant or a  a World Series they finished 2nd, 8 games back of the Mets. 

To some folks if you don't win in major league sports you're a loser.  But not to me.  Ron Santo is a winner to everyone who knows him and who enjoys the game of baseball.  He is and always will be enshrined in my personal the Hall of Fame and in the hearts of all Cubs fans.  I guess that is what really counts. We don't  need Cooperstown to tell us what we already know.   Ron, you are a Hall of Famer  and don't let anyone tell you other wise.

Later ... 
 

_______________________________________________________
 

2  25 03 

– Sorry its been so long.  I’m just back from Negril Jamaica and the experience has  restored my emotional equilibrium. 

-- Bush's belligerence continues to be the topic which bugs me the most.  It is so hard to accept that I live in a country which elected him president.  ( Oh .... wait a minute we didn’t elect him president. Gore got a 1/2 a million more votes.) 

He is so isolated . He doesn’t understand why the rest of the world sees him, not Saddam Hussein, as the biggest threat to peace.  My hope is that we, as a nation, will stand up to this man and reject his war plans.  I witnessed a great president, Lyndon Johnson, go down over a bad war and I think it is clear to everyone that W is no LBJ.  There is still time.

Anyway, there are some very positive signs: Bush’s popularity numbers are dropping. Pro Peace turnouts through out the world and here at home have been outstanding, and even Time Magazine’s cover this week lampooned Bush in an Uncle Sam costume, asking, “Do you want this war ?  Our job is clear. We need to speak up, protest, write our representatives and say NO to Bush’s war. 

– Oh oh ... before I forget. This is really big.  As a treat I bought the entire X-File series on DVD. Monica and I are watching it episode by episode to finally  figure out the alien myth plot ( as well as to just enjoy David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson ) . Anyway, one of the extras you get on the DVDs is the deleted scenes from the pilot.  When we checked them out they were really interesting. One scene revealed that Scully had a boyfriend.   In it she went to his office to tell him she had to go to Oregon to check out an X File.  In the 2nd deleted scene, when Muldur calls  Scully late at night, she is in bed with her boyfriend, Ethan Minette, who was played by Tim Ransom.   All of this got me to wonder how much better the series would have been if they had kept him.  For five years we watched a sexless Scully. The only time she ever came close to passion was with Eddy Blunt ( who she thought was Mulder).  Oh well, what might have been ! 

– As we move into March, the Syracuse University basketball team is playing very well.  This is a very young team but I think there will be some real excitement come tournament time in the Big East and the NCAA’s. 

– Spring training has begun and it is the most wonderful time for Cub fans.  We have hope. We have a new and great manager in Dusty Baker and we have some great players.  Maybe Kerry Wood will win twenty this year and Mark Prior will shine.  Sammy is back and all is well. Let's hope the kids, Patterson, Hill and Choi will come into their own. To complete the picture Moises just has to have a better year than last year's injury ridden one.  Being a Cub fan for 45 years
is like nothing else. So much promise so much anticipation, so little pay off. 

–  Finally, tomorrow the Hall of Fame Veterans' Committee will vote and God willing, Ron Santo will be elected in to the Hall of Fame.  I look forward to being there in Cooperstown in July to see him receive this long over due recognition. 

Later ....
 
 

 ____________________________________________________
 
 
 
 
 

12 18 02  – Lott’s in the news . He’s gone.  The only question is whether he can swallow the humiliation of being deposed as the Republican leader in the senate and go back to being just a plain old racist senator from the South or if he will leave congress the way Newt did before him. 

- Cardinal (above the) Law is gone as Archbishop of Boston and his next stop may be jail. What is amazing is that he is still a cardinal. It makes one wonder: What does a Cardinal have to do to 
actually be fired?    This situation all came down once church documents came to the light of  public attention and 58 local   priests came together and voted to oppose their boss Bernie.  What 
will be interesting to watch is whether other priests across the country and around the world will follow suit.  If they do it may be the biggest house cleaning since the Reformation.  The priests may hold the key to the whole problem of  papal obstinacy.  The Pope’s refusal to include lay participation in dealing with clergy abuse or to address the issue of Bishop misconduct  has discouraged many who hope for meaningful reforms .  Priests organizing however may be a 
development that offers real hope. 

- We still are not at war and public opposition to going to war  is growing.  It is not too late to stop this President’s insanity. 

-I was sad to hear Al Gore say he wasn’t running for prez  in 2004, but maybe it is for the best. It is ironic too because he was so funny on SNL.  Some folks just can’t grab public popularity no matter what. The guy won the popular vote by over a million votes and yet people see him as a loser.  Maybe it is John Kerry’s turn.  As for Lieberman, I think he should convert – to being a Republican. 

Later ... 
 

10 26 02- Just before I prepared this I heard the terrible news about Senator Paul Wellstone. He was a great man. He had clear vision and was not ashamed of his liberal and peace loving point 
of view.  We will miss his voice and leadership. We pray that his passing may wake up other Democrats to take up the work which now needs to be done in his absence. 

10 25 02   - It has been a while. September was a terrific month that I took off for the most part spending two wonderful weeks in Paris and having more fun than a person should be allowed to 
have. It was really touching to be in Paris on 9/11. We had planned to be in Paris on 9/11 last year but the attacks caused us to let the planned trip go.  We went to a memorial service, part of 
which was in English, at the Church of the Madeline. It was very moving.  The French folks were  very kind and the media was very supportive of Americans.  They also thought that Bush was an 
idiot who was playing cowboy with Hussein for oil.. I got to tell you I agree. 

Since returning I have been flustered and not clear about what to write . Iraq is the issue but deciding how to approach it was very difficult for me. I couldn’t believe that the “debate” regarding the war powers resolution was rushed through before the break for elections.  I was so horrified at the Democrats’ lack of backbone and courage that I was speechless.  I was ashamed an my own Senators, Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer for bending over for the prez. I can not explain what the democrats are thinking.    I’m serious. I think that congress made a horrible mistake and the Democrats could have stopped it .  There was no imminent threat and everybody 
knows it.  All that talk about needing to appear unified  before the world is such a crock.  Anyway it is not too late. No bombs have dropped and no troops have landed yet. There is still time to avoid this catastrophe. We need to speak up and oppose the president and his party. We need to speak out for peace. 

On a lighter note, Monarch of the Glenn is back, (Direct TV channel 264 Wednesday’s at 8:00 pm and it is wonderful. If you haven’t caught this BBC import you are really missing great TV. 

...Later, 

Michael 
 
 
 

8 29 02 

Labor day is also soon upon us and as long as we are doing a review of the year, I wanted to talk about another issue besides terrorism: Corporate Criminality 

In addition to terrorism, the other great shock of the past twelve 
months has been the revelation of the wide spread criminality of 
corporate American.  It is fitting that as we celebrate Labor Day, 
we consider the implications these scandals have for our very 
economic system and especially the workers of America.  The 
debacles at  Enron, ImClone, World Com, Merrill Lynch, 
Adelphia and Arthur Anderson et al have exposed a virulent 
sickness which exists in the very fiber of our financial body.  They also provides clues for how it needs can be healed. 

For a long time people have believed, to quote from Al Capp’s 
musical comedy  Lil’ Abner, that “what's good for General 
Bullmoose is good for the U.S.A".  In deed it is naive to think that 
whatever is good for business is good for our overall economy or 
way of life.  What is discouraging  is the fact that the many 
scandals are not the result of a few bad apples or even a few 
accounting loopholes.  The root of the problem lies in the very 
structure of modern corporate systems.  Kevin Phillips’ book 
Wealth and Democracy is truly prophetic in this respect as he 
demonstrates how pervasive and severe the crisis is.  He cites 
meticulous data of how today's corporate execs make the 
infamous robber barons of the 19 th century look like nickel and 
dime hacks. With a historian's attention to detail, Mr. Phillips 
shows how the rich and powerful have worked together to rig our 
national economic system for their own private benefit. Ironically,
the ultimate effect of this unethical and  illegal collusion has been
catastrophic not only for American labor but also to investors,
 the corporations and eventually the national economy itself. 
The collapse of large companies, the loss of worker pensions
and the huge drop in the stock market are but a few examples
of how vulnerable our economic system is to corporate
malfeasance.  At the beginning of the 20th century, tough
anti-trust legislation was enacted to put a stop to runaway
economic excess.  Today, a new wave of corporate
crackdowns must begin. 

Corporate capitalism can be reformed without ruining our
great  economic system but something has to give.  Jerry Cohen 
(formerly of Ben and Jerry’s) is a good  example of how 
entrepreneurs can be both rich and fair to their employees. 
Sweat X, for example, is the only clothing company in America
which  makes a profit and  does not use foreign, sweat shop labor. 
As a  society we have to face some hard questions. Do you want to
be  rich and fair to labor or simply super, filthy, stinking,
what-could-you-possibly-do-with-all-that-money, rich? 
As a society we will have to chose what is more important:
allowing unlimited wealth or demanding economic justice
for our workers. 

Later ... 
 
 

******************************************** 

7/25/02 

Oops -- I need to make a correction. 

NPR's All Things Considered reported tonight that 
Vocie of the Faithful has raised $10,000 and not
$10,000,000 as they had originally reported. 

Sorry. 

Later 
 

7/24/02 

Wow ! Two Great trips in the last month. Went to
Washington DC for the 4th and had a great time. Saw
the fireworks from a great boat on the Potomac, laughed
my butt off with the Capitol Steps and ate at one the the
best restaurants ever, The Prime Rib on K street. The
block style crab cakes bring tears to your eyes. 

Celebrated my sweethearts birthday in Toronto and
really relaxed. Discovered a great restaurant, The
Commedore right next to my favorite place for a
LaBatts on the harbour, Pier 4 . The Commedore
had a great view and a great outdoor patio for cigars
 afterward.   Oh well - back to real life. 

Later, 

*****************************************

7/2/02 

It's  been a while but three things are on my mind as Monica and I 
prepare for a 4th of July holiday:  Colonoscopies, the Dallas enclave and Bill Maher. 

I never thought that George W and I would ever have anything in common but we do. Both of us had unremarkable endoscopic examinations last week and it was no big deal. I am talking about this to everyone I know because if you have a family history of colon cancer or are 50 or over, you need to get one. 

There was disappointment in Dallas after the Bishops conference  closed.  The issue of Bishop malfeasance was not even talked about. 
A Dallas Morning News report  indicated that 70% of America's Bishops had engaged in some kind of cover up activity regarding cleric sexual abuse situations.  They still don't get it.  I'll have more about this later. 

Last Friday, 6/28, was Bill Maher's, Politically Incorrect,    last show on ABC.  I am really going to miss him and his show.  I think I learned more from his guests than on any other program except maybe Nightline. He will be back. In the mean time - stay suspicious. 

Later.... 

5/14/02 

For those who wanted to see some of the photos from the 
Without Sanctuary exhibit here is the website: 

http://www.journale.com/withoutsanctuary/intro_body_main.html
 

Michael 
 

5/12 /02 

Here is a moment from the lighter side.  Recently Dawn Wells, Mary Ann from Gilligan's Island, was at Wrigley Field in Chicago to sing     " Take me out to the ballgame" for the 7th inning stretch. She was being interviewed by Skip Caray, ( Harry Caray's grandson ) the play by play man for Cubs TV.  Skip is a good announcer and but very conservative and republican. During the interview he casually asks  what brings Dawn, who lives in Los Angeles, to Chicago. She replies that she is in town to star in the Vagina Monologues and invites Skip and his partner, Joe Carter, to come out and see the play. His reaction was priceless.  To his credit he was able to gather himself later in the interview and remind folks to go out and see Dawn in the play. He was actually able to say the word vagina .  Oh to have seen Harry do that interview..... 

Michael 

4/27/02 

Living Wage Opponents Lose Cool, Resort to Name Calling

Have you heard about this?  The Syracuse Chamber of Commerce has lost its cool.  In an effort to sway its membership against the upcoming Common Council vote on the Living Wage proposal, it has sent out a nasty e-mail.  The letter mocked the economic justice ideal of a living wage and called it a socialist scheme driven by a national union conspiracy. 

Ironically, responses coming from several prominent members were not exactly what the chamber expected.  Some were outraged and have sent back their own e-mails. Personally, I think their reactions are encouraging. In an age where negative ads have become the standard by which American politics is practiced, it is refreshing to see people say, “enough, already”.  One of the members wrote back a response saying that, while he hadn’t made up his mind on the actual issue, he was so disgusted by the “inflammatory rhetoric” that he had decided to take down the Chamber of Commerce logo from his business site and give up his membership. Another, who was also uncertain about his opinion on the issue, stated that the “florid diatribe” caused to rethink his position. 

Understanding that major change is an occasion for anxiety the tone of the debate needs to improve. This e-mail is not the first time opponents of the living wage have been less than respectful toward its proponents.  Several weeks ago the Post Standard ran an editorial which was also offensive and condescending towards supporters of the plan. It categorized them as “lilies of the field” do gooders. 

A living wage plan is not a panacea.  It won’t fix everything and there will be problems, but that is true any time things change. Opposing a bold step simply because it will involve transitional problems exposes small mindedness. What Syracuse needs is a great vision.  A living wage is something that is worth taking a chance on as we, as citizens, pursue the great vision of improving the living conditions and level of economic justice in our community. 

Later... 

Michael 
 
 

3/24/02 

I hate to go on and on about the Catholic scandal but, as you have seen, new reports  come  every day and will likely continue for some time. To hear Barbara Bradley's report in toto you can go to www.npr.com/morningedition . 

In other news Monica and I made new arrangements to go back to Paris for a couple weeks. This feels weird since the last time we were going to go was 9/11. 

Have a meaningful Holy Week and a  Happy Easter. 

Later, 

Michael 

2/27/02 

A personal word about my commentary. 

I have some reluctance in posting this essay for fear that       it will be misunderstood or misinterpreted. Therefore I wish to make an explanatory comment . 

 I have assisted my own denomination in conducting disciplinary hearings for ministers who were guilty of sexual misconduct. I have worked among the horrified members of devastated churches. I have counseled the victims. 

I do not see pedophilia as a Catholic problem. It is an illness that infects all religion. I have no desire to bash the Roman Catholic Church and take no joy in my criticism. Nonetheless, I believe it is time for people to speak up and keep speaking until this problem is vanquished from the Church . My only goal is to increase thought and discussion  about this difficult subject.

Michael
 
 

1/31/02 

Hello again. I want to mention a terrific writer that you may not have heard of - Jack Miles.   His first book, God - An Autobiography , won a Pulitzer prize and his second book, Christ - A Crisis in the Life of God represents some of the best and most original theology I have read in 30 years.  Jack says he is not a theologian. He says he is a literary critic and  a textual analyst but it works for me . 

The zinger in Christ is his take on the old theological notion of justification. He turns it on its head. Traditionally, humanity has needed to be justified, the debt of human sin needs to be paid,  before mankind could receive eternal life. 

Miles shows that it is not humanity but God who needed to make restitution  for  "his " crimes against humanity. Having demonstrated the God of the Old Testament was narcissistic and given to fits of overactive rage, (e.g. condemning Adam and Even to death for one violation ; the mass slaughter of the Egyptians et. al.) he paints the image of remorseful God who through Christ suffers and gives up his life to make  make up for his past brutality . He then offers himself as divine food, in the sacrament of Communion,  to restore the immortality given to humanity at creation.  This is such an obvious conclusion yet  Christian theology has avoided saying it for two Millennia. 

I am struck by this having worked with many abused children and adults. Kids always blame themselves for the outrageous treatment they have received. Christianity has always blamed the child ( humanity) for the outrageous evil in the world and called it deserved punishment. It takes a lot of emotional  healing for one to be able  to confront one's  abuser and move on.  Perhaps Christianity can heal and move beyond much of  its self negativity and self hatred. 

Later ... 

Michael 
 

_______________________________________________ 

12/31 /01 

HAPPY NEW YEAR !
 

I want to tell you about a great time I had today with some old vinyl record albums .  I somehow got on to a Beatles thing and was looking over my CDs.  I realized that I hadn't replaced all of my records and so I went to Amazon.com to order  the missing ones.  I found Rubber Soul and Sgt. Pepper but was amazed to discover that one of my favorites, The Beatles "Yesterday " and Today, was not available on CD !  So I decided to dig out the original, circa  1965-66, and see if I could copy it onto a cassette tape. (From there I could transfer it to a computer and put it on my own CD.)

To my amazement and surprise, everything worked beautifully.  It was remarkable to play records for the first time in over thirty years and have them sound fantastic. (I haven't used my old Dennon turntable in over twenty five years.)  What also occurred to me was that all the pains I took cleaning and storing my albums, caring for the cartridge etc. really paid off.  It was amazing to listen to songs I grew up on as a young teen. Wow, the songs Dr. Robert, Day Tripper and the like brought back so many memories and feelings.  My appetite whetted, I got out their first album, Meet the Beatles, Beatles 2nd, and Beatles Something New Something New. It was a terrific afternoon and a great way to finish up the year. 

On a more serious note, just a few thoughts to close out 2001.  This has been a tough year. Our political system was rocked by voter fraud in Florida,  a Supreme Court decision that will disgrace  the judicial branch of government forever, and the selection of a President who lost the election.

Our economy took a serious nose dive and to complete the tri-fecta, on  September 11th, 19  Muslim terrorists attacked America. This was  the worst carnage our nation has experienced on her own shores since the Civil War.

And yet, not everything was bad news. 

--Senator James Jeffords proved that one man's vote could still make a difference and he took the courageous step to disassociate from the Republican Party and give the Democrats control in the Senate. 
--Science made important steps is the Human Genome and stem cell research. 
--The rescue workers responded with remarkable heroism and our nation, although shaken, pulled together.
--Our military forces sprang into action and did a hell of a job driving the Taliban vermin from their holes.
--Ironically, our President  grew into his position and has been a good leader for a nation in crisis.   It is not that I agree with his approach but we need to give credit where credit is due. I think conservatives do a better job where the use of force is required. They are more decisive and  they worry less about the consequences of excess. Sometimes it is very good to have a J ( judgmental) personality  type in charge. 

As we look to the new year, the thing that concerns me most is that we stay alert.  I don't mean high alert as in suspicious or nervous but as in careful and critical in our assessing the stuff our politicians tell us. I am  worried that, out of  fear, we will accede to authority rather than to exercise our  responsibility as citizens to think and express our opinions in sincere debate.   It is  important that we not use slogans such as "united we stand" as an excuse to become drones or sheep. And it is very important that we not confuse honest dissent with disloyalty. 

We need to continue to call into question the hypocrisy and inconsistency of the Bush administration which,  on the one hand, in the name of fighting terrorism, detains and suspends the the liberties of thousands without explanation. Unbelievably, on the other hand, it refuses to allow law enforcement officials to have access to the federal gun purchase data base for fear it would upset the NRA. 
It is amazing that, even after 9/11, John Ashcroft is still more afraid of the Federal government than terrorists .

A final thought. We need to be aware of our hysterical tendencies.   In the midst of the war against terrorism a small Massachusetts bio-tech firm published results from a revolutionary experiment in organ synthesis/replication.  Unfortunately, the term cloning  was used and a  truly important story was totally misunderstood. 

The president and congressional and religious leaders all condemned the project.  In fact they did not take the time to actually study the reports nor did they have a clue as to its real significance. In case you missed this, the cloning experiment demonstrated a revolutionary medical breakthrough for organ replacement.  This approach totally leap frogged over the whole embryonic stem cell dilemma.  By hollowing out an ovum and inserting a patient's DNA, it is believed that, eventually, a technique will be developed to grow organs or tissue to replace diseased ones. 

The point that is missed is that the protoplasm is not an embryo or fetus.  It is not a fertilized egg and it could never become a "human life."   By the way, a related and accepted  technology has already been "cloning " organs for over ten years.  In fact, synthetic skin ( which is an organ) was used to help burn victims from the World Trade Center disaster.

I am not worried that the religious right will ever be able to stop this amazing medical advancement. I am stunned by  how stupid our leaders are  and how unprofessional the media has been in not making these critical distinctions.   Oh well, time to get ready to party. A Macanudo and some fine cognac await. Cheers,

Michael

****************************************************

12/20/01 - 

Happy Holidays and New Year to Everyone! 

I hope to get a year in review comment in soon. 

Michael 
 
 

11/15/01- 

Hello again. I have been in a fog since my last posting. 
Monica and I did get to Toronto for our anniversary and we had some great food. Harbor Sixty Steak House is really fine dinning and Verona's on Queen Street is a charming Italian delight. 

The big hit, besides the Grey Goose martinis, was the Lion King and it was too incredible for  words. The opening number is by far the most amazing and innovative and moving spectacle I have ever seen. No wonder the wait for tickets in New York is so long.  Toronto however is just as magnificent, about half  the price and not too long a wait for tickets. Do what you gotta do but see it as soon as you can. 

Legislative Alert !!!

Write, E-mail , and or call  your congressperson and tell them how you feel about the Republican economic stimulus package.  You will simply not believe this abomination of corporate welfare.   Here are some facts to think over. The Gop wants to give back all the corporate taxes paid since 1985 -- 140 billion. this money can be used to relocate operations in foreign countries - and here is the beauty part - be put  into tax shelters to avoid paying further taxes. Michael Moore has called this the most obscene proposal ever to have come to the house floor. By comparison, 1.4 billion is proposed for unemployment insurance for the folks who lost their jobs following 9/11. Ten dollars for business to one for people -  I guess that is just how they see the world. 

And then there is John Ashcroft. He is going after doctors who may want to assist the dying in Oregon. He notes he will  be closely watching the use of pain medications.  God forbid anyone get relief from pain. The problem, beyond euthanasia is the chilling effect this will have on doctors prescribing any pain medication. No one wants the feds crawling up their stethoscopes. The result will be that we will all  suffer more because doctors will prescribe less pain medication. Fear will dominate the doctor patient relationship. Doctors will  become afraid their licenses to write scripts will be pulled if the prescribe too many narcotics. 

Even though Ashcroft was a big state's rights guy when it came to civil rights,  when it comes to drugs  he is a big federal interventionist. More on this later regarding the issue of merinol. 

Oh well that is enough for now. Don't  forget  six new episodes of Absolutely Fabulous are being aired on Comedy Central . 

Michael 
 

9/19/01 - 

I apologize for the unannounced hiatus. A combination 
of a heavy schedule, writer's block and vacation resulted in a gap between postings. It is good to be back. 

Writing was actually therapeutic for me this time as I am still stunned by the tragic events in New York. I loved the South Tower and visited it every time I was in the city. I liked to go up on the rooftop. It felt like you were on top of the world.  I loved having a martini at  Windows on the World while sitting at the bar and watch ingthe sun set behind the Statue of Liberty. 

I guess I am missing the building a lot because I can't even begin to imagine the reality of all the people who died. I officiate at funerals and deal with death one person at a time.  The thought of over 5000 individuals dying in one event is more than I can comprehend. My brain is not equipped to understanding all of the suffering these deaths have brought to the thousands of family and friends who loved them.   For now  I thank God for the numbness I feel. It stops the horror of that day from overwhelming me ... 

Michael 
 

___ ___ ___ ___  ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 

7/28/01 - 

HBO's  Six Feet Under  Goes  Beneath the Surface 

At first I wasn't sure. Was I still grieving the loss of Sports Night ?  Yes. Was I just clinging to Peter Krause as a remnant of the terrific Sports Night ensemble? Yes. Was I just in need of a good drama fix having lost BBC America's  Monarch of the Glenn and HBO's the Sopranos for another year? Yes. 

But despite my grieving and vulnerability and the show's slow start, Six Feet Under, HBO's weekly drama about a family who runs a funeral home, has become a solid  and intelligent drama. Besides its quirkiness, its creator, Alan Ball, has something to say  about an important topic we need to look at : Death.  It is not that the show has some new or  profound insight about life's greatest mystery.  It's just that it takes the time to include death in its weekly stories and thereby, in some small way, helps us to be a little less frightened . 

You remember Alan from American Beauty. I guess that was about death, too, or at least how men run from it and try to avoid it with sex. (Not that there is anything wrong with that. <vbg> ) I like folks who can see that death and sex and spiritual meaning are all connected and  who can express the connections with humor, eroticism and pathos. 

Anyway,  folks who are interested in issues like Death in American Culture, Death and Spirituality, Death and Sex or Death and Grieving will love it. Everyone else will just experience good drama. 

Michael 
 
 

6/18/01 

I know there are a lot of serious issues to talk about but I have to get something off my chest...could you believe the American Film Institutes picks for the 100  best all time heart stopping films ?  I have never liked the AFI and lost all respect for it when they came up with their top 400 film list which was paired down to the top 100 American films for the Millenia celebration. This time their list ...I can't even talk about it . While there are a lot of great films on it, I am really amazed by the great flims which were overlooked. Not only  that, their favorites were so obvious.  Almost every S Spielberg,  J Cameron and  Terminator type film ever made is ranked. By contrast, consider this list of  ignored films. ( not one of these made the top 400 according to the AFI) 

- the classic, Costa Garvas’ film    Z. 
-The Day of the Jackle 

OK they are not American but they are so incredible they should have been mentioned any way. And what about these: 

-Forbidden Planet 
-The Andromeda Strain 
-The Hunt for Red October 
-Hoosiers 

I could go on but you get the idea. For those who are interestd "Past Articles "( above) has a list of  another 25 great films that did not even make the 400 best list. 

Later , 

Michael 
 

5/24/01 
 

Let me do that again:  YAHOOOOOOO .......... 

Mark this day down . It will be remembered for years to come. 

I have been seriously depressed since that son of B was selected. Senator Jeffords decision to 
leave the Republican party has been the best news I have heard since the election. This event has 
lifted my spirits and renewed my faith and I can really smile and have sense of hope again. This is 
big ! This is like David knocking off the Philistine. 

With this change Joe Biden will replace Jesse Helms, and Patrick Leahy will take the chair from 
Orin Hatch. Reproductive choice is safe and so it the Supreme court from Thomas-Scallia clone 
nominees. 

Just when I was wondering where God was ...a little known man from a very small state stands up and does the right thing. This is a great day in American history. The bush league agenda has been effectively stopped for 
the next two years and we can all take a deep breath and celebrate. 

Michael 
 
 
 
 
 

5/14/01 

-- Well it has ben a good six weeks but it looks like it has struck midnight for the Cinderella Chicago Cubs. It was bad enough being knocked out of first place by  the St. Louis Cardinals in a humiliating three game sweep, but add Sammy Sosa's continued slump, Bill Mueller's broken knee cap and Kerry Wood's inability to find the plate and it feels like the new Cubs have turned back into the old, familiar, last place Cubs.  I know it is way early but I hate to get my hopes up .  It is better to face reality now. 

-- No compassion on the US Supreme Court.    Despite being OK'd for "compassionate care" in 1979 by the FDA, the Supremes have voted 8-0  that hysteria is a better emotion and dealt a knock out blow to the legal use of pot for terminally ill patients.  Now drug enforcement officials not doctors will decide what is medically necessary.  God save us. 
 

later..... 

4/9/01 

--Thanks to all of you that have written such kind and supportive notes. They are really appreciated. 

--Also I have gotten some requests for sermons and more theologically oriented commentary.  Since I do not work from a written text, I can't just post them. I am looking into getting some transcribed but I am also thinking about posting some 3-4 minute sermonettes. This would be very easy to do and I am interested if you would like to have them available. Let me know. 

--Finally there is some good news. I have been so discouraged by all the stories about the religious right in America that I was beginning to be ashamed to be a minister. But then along comes a story from Leslie Stahls on CBS's 60 Minutes that gives me some hope. After the Supreme Court decision granted the Boy Scouts of America the right to discriminate against gays, it looked like the bigots and homo-phobes had won. 

But in the months following the case some interesting things have happened. People all over the country are speaking out and rejecting the Scouts' position and organization. According to the report, the BSA has lost support, money and members and the ground swell of disapproval is not over. In cities and towns all over America local troops, schools, churches and synagogues have ended their relations and funding with the scouting organization . There is even talk that a new non- discriminating boy scout group may affiliate with the Girl Scouts of America. The Girl Scouts do not discriminate against gays. 

In Oak Park Illinois, troop leaders wrote to the national headquarters in Texas to say they respect fully objected to the national leaders' position and said they would not discriminate against qualified gay applicants. In a quick and uncommunicative response the troop was kicked out. 

I wanted to see what the Executive Council had to say about all of this but no one is talking. Personally, I have tried as, a pastor, to speak with officials but non were willing. It is almost impossible to get even the names of the people who sit on this board.  When Leslie Stahls first tried, she got no where. Then Governor Winthrop Rockefeller said he would grant an interview but canceled saying he had orders form Irving Texas not to . What do they have to hide ? Why won't they talk or be interviewed ? 

In a letter they did release they stated that the Scouts were essentially a character building organization. They didn't say a word about camping . They also said that their policies had to be responsive to their religious supporters. Particularly the Church of the Latter Day Saints. It was reported that the Mormons were ready to pull their support of the Boy Scouts if gays were allowed. Since the LDS organization is one of their largest financial contributors and backers (every male is considered to be a boy scout.) this issue may not be simply about religious or ethical principles. Embarrassing financial considerations seem to have influenced their moral judgment. 

A final touch of irony came at the end of the program when Ms. Stahls spoke with a high profile scouting public relations guy, who was an Eagle Scout and who had worked on their behalf, all over the country for twenty years. In the interview he announced that he was severing his relations with the Boy Scouts of America. He said he could no longer, in good conscience, represent them in light of their discriminatory views. And ... oh yes .. he acknowledged that he is gay. <rotflol> 

Later ... 
 
 
 

3/29/01 

It's  been a while.  I've been so upset by all of Bush's 
domestic political terrorism- the Co2  decision, the arsenic  reversal, trashing  the ergonomic guidelines, and the increaed resolve to gag family planning around the world ---- Its been quite  month. 

I have taken refuge in BBC America . Particularly, a Monarch of the Glen fan club and watching the wonderful Scottish TV program. 

Syracuse remains frozen despite the coming of Spring. That doesn't help either. 

Later, 
 
 

***************************************** 
 

2/23/01 

Too many stories and not enough time. With all the whoop la and attention to the Clinton pardons and the shock and sadness surrounding  Dale Earnhardt's death 
don't overlook the stories connected to the recent Supreme Court decision concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act. This was a terrible and wrong decision which has catastrophic implications for Congress's ability to redress discrimination and  injustices committed by the states.   Please take time to check out Justice Breyers' dissenting opinion. It explains the issues  beautifully. 

Later, 
 

2/11/01 

Well , it has been a while.  I've had an other birthday and am just back from vacation in Jamaica.  I put politics aside for a week and just experienced the beauty of creation.  I am feeling a little better but am having a really difficult time accepting that Bush is president and Ashcroft is AG.  One way to deal with this, just in case there  are others of you out there that are having the same problem, is  ... denial and avoidance. 

Personally,  I have taken up a new hobby, Pre Code , Hollywood films. (1930 -34)  I will  be writing more about this in weeks to come but if you get a chance to browse the TCM channel ( Turner Classic Movies)  offerings, check out anything made between these dates, especially with folks like Myrna Loy, Clara Bow, Norma Shearer  or Greta Garbo.  Also,  if you run into a copies of  Sin in Soft Focus or Pre Code Hollywood check them out.  They give the details of the Hays office's  campaign to censor Hollywood film makers and how it was instigated by  religious leaders who  feared even the whiff of  sex on the screen. They are also chocked full of fabulous photos of some of the greatest stars  of all time . 

Later, 
 
 

***     ***         ****     ****     ****         ***    *** 
 
 
 

1/8/01 

DEMOCRAT'S DEAL WITH THE DEVIL
BETRAYS BLACK CONGRESSIONAL
CAUCUS AND COMMITMENT
TO END RACISM

I really need to get this off my chest and 
comment on the  shocking display of racism 
which occurred in the United States Senate, 
Saturday January 6th, just prior to the 
 official counting of the electoral ballots. If 
you haven't  caught this, hear it and weep. 

The twelve  members of the Black 
Congressional Caucus (BCC)  stood up,  one 
by one,  to  oppose and protest  the Florida 
electoral count. This was based  not only on 
the biased  electoral sham which refused to 
count all the votes, but also on the   that the 
racially based voting outrages which 
prevented thousands of people of color from 
being able to vote or preventing their votes
from counting. . 

As each congressperson stood and raised 
her/his objection, s/he was asked if his/her 
petition was in writing and signed by a 
congressperson and a senator. NOT ONE 
senator dared to stand in solidarity and sign a 
petition.  By senate rules, objections, which
did not contain the endorsement by at least
one senator, could not be heard . Thus the
protests were officially disregarded and no
further discussion  was allowed. 

I watched all of this in amazement until I 
realized that the senatorial silence was the 
payoff for the deal which had just come 
down concerning the sharing of power 
between the Republicans and Democrats. 
This interpretation was confirmed on Sunday 
by Cokie Roberts during her morning ABC 
show as the buzz on the Hill. 

I couldn't believe it. Not one senator dared 
to break  ranks. What was Ted Kennedy 
thinking? What was Joe Lieberman thinking? 
It was a cowardly act of compromise which 
will be remembered as a dark day in 
the history of the senate. The senators were 
quiet not because they disagreed, but 
because they had sold out. Raising an 
objection would not have stopped dubyah 
from becoming president but it would have 
demonstrated and called official attention to 
the taint which covered his selection. 

Whether they realized it or not, I believe 
their silence  was incredibly racist. By not 
having even one non- black dissenter,  the 
BCC was made to look like a  bunch of 
racially biased extremists . Indeed, Rush 
Limbaugh is now bragging that if one "did 
not consider the black vote”, George Bush 
won 51% to 44%. Limbaugh went on to add 
these numbers were grounds for considering 
the election a landslide for Bush . Can you 
believe that ?  Why on earth anyone not want 
to consider the African American vote ? 

I very concerned about race relations in this 
country,  especially as, John, the evangelist, 
Ashcroft becomes  the next Attorney 
General.  If that is not enough to worry 
about, what the Democratic senators did on 
Saturday pushes relations to a perilous place. 
How can  Blacks ever believe white America 
takes racial discrimination seriously?  This 
incident  give all who are committed to 
better racial relations a moment to pause, 
reflect,  and speak out. 
 

Later ... 
                       ************ 
 

12/31/00 

HAPPY  NEW YEAR EVERYONE ! 
 

12/11/00 

I'm still stunned that the U.S. Supreme had to stick their nose into things and stop the  recount in Florida. Hearing the oral arguments today, however, was even more discouraging.  Mr. Boies, who is such an effective barrister, normally, appeared  tired and beleaguered. I was really concerned that when Mr. Klock and Justice O'Conner tried to blame voters for the dimpled ballots, no one, explained how they got that way, i.e. because they had not been properly cleaned out and the build up of chads prevented the stylus from puncturing the ballot.. 

Oh well, we will survive no matter what . 

Later ... 

12/400 - 

What a month huh ...and we still don't know who the 
next prez is. I have been avoiding making a comment hoping that something definitive would happen but it hasn't and since it has been a month since my last remarks I will risk sharing some thoughts: 

-Al Gore won the election but because our election system is not calibrated to distinguish such close races 
and because a blindly partisan Florida administration and legislature is Republican he may not be our next president. 
-No one changed the rules after the game had started . The Florida  Supreme Court simply looked at two conflicting aspects of the election code. The election law  was poorly written and contradictory. Courts clear up legislative messes all the time. It is clear to me that if the situation was explained without saying which candidate was which  both  Republicans and  Democrats would have accepted a hand recount.  The only reason Bush has opposed the effort is because he know he will  lose. 
-Life goes on no matter who wins. 
-This feels  like OJ trial but without the glamor and sex appeal. 
-As cynical as I am about politics, I really surprised by the lack grace that Bush and his campaign have shown. 
When he was quoted in the NY Daily News saying that Gore was trying to steal his victory, I felt nauseated. His inability to be consistent - decrying hand recounts in Florida while pursuing them in New Mexico tips how opportunistic the guy is. Likewise, with the whole world watching, I am amazed that  Bush's campaign chairperson,  Katherine Harris, did not even pretend or make even the slightest attempt to appear fair or objective in executing her administrative duties . I loved it when even Republicans like Ariana Huffington admitted that she acted in a shamelessly partisan way. 
-All of these events give me a sense of what it like in smaller less stable countries and how I  have taken our electoral process for granted.  We have been so fortunate in the past to watch one presidential election after another transpire without a hitch. This years hitch helps me appreciate how good our system is. 
-The process and  the equipment for our elections needs some serious examination and updating. 
-I really wonder if it turns out that Gore wins the popular vote by over 300,00 votes and wins Florida in the recount, if there will be any Republican legislators or electors who will have any concern for the real winner and if  they would have the courage to vote for him. 

--Theologically, it is disturbing to realize how costly redemption is.  We rarely learn  important lessons without  costly errors and blunders. The cross is more than a legend, it is a metaphor for profound changes in awareness. 
--There are really two kinds of people: those who feel a rule is a rule no matter what and those who believe life is contextual. I can't help but think of how Jesus was continually beset by Pharisees and Scribes, e.g.  Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath ?  Is it right to go beyond a deadline to count all the votes ? 

-I support Al's legal effort to attain the presidency and I hope he is successful no matter how long it takes. Personally,  however, I need to move on to other issues. 
please  come back and read my upcoming  article on 
"POST MARITAL SEX: SEX EDUCATION FOR WIDOWED AND DIVORCED ADULTS" 

Later ... 

              ________________________ 

11/3/00 

Whoo - a lot is going on in the presidential campaign !  Two articles in three days. My fingers are sore. This latest effort has mistakes and I will correct them as I can get to them. Please be tolerant. 

Also, please don't miss the article on Bush's Record  which is also new and located right below the DIU story. 

The Bush story really has me going. My worry is that Gore the Democrats are being too quiet and letting the the Republicans define the event - as a dirty  trick  not as an example of Bush's deception. Come on Democrats - lets not wimp out. 

And  finally, 

PLEASE VOTE 

Later, 

-------------------------------------------------------- 

11/1/00 

I have not posted for a while since I have been so upset 
with Al Gore's campaign and the stupidity of our electorate.  My new posting is personal therapy to list the issues that are at stake in this election. 

On more pleasant topics, Monica and  I had a blast in Toronto celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary.  Toronto is a great city and we had a hoot at the 2nd City production of Tony and Tina's Wedding .  This is interactive theater and was very good. 

Later ... 
 
 

10/5/00 
-Thanks to Dr. Ruth Westheimer and WIXT's Carrie Lazarus for doing such a great job to kick off  University Hospital's conference on Sexuality and Aging ... a subject which becomes nearer and dearer to my heart with each passing year. Also, shame on the docs who did not attend.  It is amazing how, even today, folks don't want to talk about sex.  The problem, here, is that many of our doctors need to learn more about how to talk about it with their patients and what a resource Dr. Ruth is.  The good news is that there were lots of nurse practitioners and physician's assistants there. 

-Have you seen Lazio's latest TV ad  ... the one about his Work Incentive bill?  This bill, which he wrote and President Clinton signed into law in December of 1999, helps disabled folks, who work, keep their Medicaid for expensive but necessary services. For example, a common problem developed when disabled folks, who had improved and went back to work, discovered that they could not afford their medicine on  their wages. Since they had gone to work however they lost their Medicaid coverage. Since they couldn't afford their meds they lost their jobs and went back onto SSI benefits.  Mr. Lazio's bill addressed that by allowing patients to keep their medicaid and still work. Thank you Rep. Lazio. That much of the ad is true. 

On the other hand ...Shame on you Mr. Lazio for not telling the people NY in your ad that the program REQUIRED STATE PARTICIPATION  and  that NEW YORK DID NOT PARTICIPATE. Mr. Lazio's ad, complete with a man in a wheel chair thanking him, does not mention the facts that  Gov. Pataki  opposed the bill and convinced the senate to defeat it.  This ad is really misleading because it 
gives the impression that NY citizens benefit from his bill. The fact is we do not. 

Later . . . 
 
 

10/2/00 

- Here is something really cool for those who like news shows but don't have time to watch them all. Nightline 
has begun an e-mail service which tells you about upcoming programs. This is really great and saves a lot of time. 

- On the Supreme Court watch look out for the South Carolina hospital that drug tested pregnant women's urine - without their knowledge or permission because hospital officials suspected crack cocaine use. If positive, the results were turned over to the police and the women were  arrested. There seems to be some dispute as to whether women were offered treatment as an alternative to arrest but there is no dispute  that none of this was done for alcohol or tobacco, substances which causes much more serious and long lasting effects to the fetus. 
The fact that many of these were black and all were poor is very troubling, also. 

- As for the Olympics I was really bummed. My heart throb, Tina Arena had a premier spot singing her new release "The flame", but somehow, although using it for background music, chose not to air her Olympic Stadium performance.  Overall the coverage was good but it is difficult to watch it as intensely when you already know the results.  Also , I would have cut the maudlin puff pieces which seems to go on forever and air more events.  The  biggest disappointment: women on trampolines.  I'll just have to stick to the Man's Show. <vbg> 
 

Later  ... 
 
 
 

9/13/00 

I can't believe it's mid September and summer is almost 
over.  Anyway, there are several important issues that should not be missed: 

- Bill Moyers' PBS program "On Our Own Terms", which airs its final episode tonight, is powerful stuff.  The 4 part series looks at important and often overlooked end of life issues such as "advanced directives" for medical treatment, emotional and financial obstacles to hospice care,  and most tragically, the terrible disgrace  of  inadequate pain management.  This week's Time Magazine devoted several articles to the special which are well worth reading. 

Moyers work is excellent and his message it that, although initially difficult to embrace, planning for the end of our life can make our exit from life  much easier for ourselves, loved ones and caregivers while providing the  ultimate spiritual lesson. Being able to take charge of the process or, at least with certain aspects, gives a profound sense of integrity to the patient as well  as  reduces to experience of terror and fear. 

The fact is few of us think much  about the details of dying much less talk them openly.  With programs like Moyers' we are gently encouraged to open dialog with our loved ones and doctors before we are presented with medical crisis. While not practiced in this area,  this is a skill we all can benefit form cultivating . 

- The Pope Beatifies Pope Pious IX. This is the guy who openly persecuted Jews and excommunicated Italian citizens who wished to vote. He actually ended the practice when he struck a deal with El Duce, who banned voting all together.  JPII was quoted saying he felt Pius IX was a great pontiff because he strengthened the authority of the papacy by creating the doctrine of papal infallibility. 

If this weren't absurd  enough on its own merit, coming on the heals of the Pope's tepid  apology for the Roman Church's acquiescence to the Holocaust, the whole story takes a surreal and sardonic quality fitting for a SNL skit. 

-Dr. Laura is on TV. Ironically, this maybe the best thing for folks who are offended by the talk show host's self righteous moralism's and hate provoking views. Unlike Rush Limbaugh who was genuinely gifted and entertaining, Schlessinger comes off as a frustrated Jewish comic who burned out in Borscht belt. I've only seen a couple of shows but I have never seen such a preachy toned program and that includes folks like Jerry Falwell's "Old Time Gospel Hour." It grows thin very quickly and I will be amazed if she lasts . 

My concern it for Gay rights activists to cool and just let her do her thing. As  long as she has no reason to  complain about censorship or her right to free speech  the spot light can stay on her and not her detractors.  What I think is needed to deflate her popularity and respond to her intolerance and sanctimoniousness is simply for people hear what she has to say. 

That is it for now  ... Later 
             ---------------------------------- 

8/23/00 

TV is on my mind. Tonight is the finale of CBS's run away summer hit, Survivor and I can't wait. I don't' like what the Taggi alliance did to Pagong and I, like everybody else, can't stand Richard but the show is terrific . As a  shrink I haven't had this much fun since I 
used to tape family counseling sessions and then watch and analyze the interactions. Although contrived in one sense, the  human dynamics are real and fascinating. 

The other show I can't get enough of is HBO's Sex and the City. Piqued by the Time cover story the series is painful and expressive of the sexual revolution's 2nd generation. The price of overcoming patriarchal dominance and limited roles is vividly exposed.  SATC is wonderful because it is not pc and it is not pretty.  Hip, young, gorgeous and accomplished women struggle with the pangs of loneliness and singleness. Personally,  I think a little therapy would do a  lot of good for the characters but would ruin the show. 

Later .... 

8/3/00 

Just back from Chicago and my head is still  swirling from the energy at Wrigley field and fabulous architecture.   I love that town. 

Sorry for being early on Labor Day but I was writing a piece for the CNY Labor - Religion Coalition and I wanted to put it out for comment before it goes to press. 

Any way I am somewhat relieved  by George Dubya's V.P selection  and by watching the 4 day GOP infomercial in Philadelphia. It is clear that "compassionate conservatism " is a meaningless phrase or at best a marketing strategy aimed at undecided moderates. It is good to know that the bush man did not stand up to the Christian right and that his platform and V.P Cheney is  more conservative than his dad.  All of this helps to remind us that the election will offer a clear choice. It is not about personalities or charisma. The presidential election is about policies. By standing with the ultra conservatives, Bush helps to mobilize the Democratic party. If you were bored by the personal style of Al Gore. If you had a problem getting involved in this campaign, or if you just could n't get excited enough to vote, just think about one thing.  What would this country be like with three more Supreme Court  justices like Scalia or Thomas.  This isn't a student council election, folks, our future rides on our votes. 

Later ... 
 
 

7/14/00 

Here's an update relating to the Genome story: 
Louise Slaughter, D-NY,  has introduced HR2457 
only to have it blocked by GOP congressional 
leaders, they will not let it out of committee for a vote. 
The bill entitled << The Genetic Non-Discrimination  in Health Insurance and Employment Act>>  prohibits employers or insurance companies from requiring genetic tests from job or policy applicants. 

Rep. Dick Gebhardt is trying to leverage a vote through a parliamentary technicality . Any way, if you support this kind of legislation , let your congressperson know. 
later ... 

7/6/00 

Wow,  June just blew by and here we are into Summer . 
There were so many great stories I was unable to get to: 
The dramatic Supreme Court Decision regarding Miranda rights, The Boy Scouts of America going from eagles to vultures, and then  ... the most difficult of all, at least for a Cub fan ...the Sammy Sosa trade rumors. 

I am still searching futilely for an opening sentence for an essay on The Vagina Monologues. If you have any suggestions please send them along. 

I also wanted to share a great experience Monica and I had in Cooperstown over the Fourth of July week end.  This us a fabulous jewel tucked away in countryside immortalized by James Fenimore Cooper. If you love baseball, the Hall of Fame is a sacred place. It was especially nice this visit as it featured a tribute to the, late, Charles Schultz, exhibiting many of his  strips with Charlie Brown agonizing over the game of  baseball. As a  Cub fan,  remembering the last time "we" won a World Series was in 1908, Charlie's lament is so true: 
"How can we lose when we are so sincere ?" 

Apart  from  the Hall and charming Doubleday Filed, where, on any weekend  afternoon, a ball game is going on, is the Otesaga Resort and the wonderful Otsego lake. the resort is newly refurbished but it still retains the look and feel of a 20's grand hotel and spa. If you need some R&R check it out.   Later. 

         ______________________________ 

5/31/00 

Oh just back from NYC and what a rush ! Went to the new Rose Center at the Hayden Planetarium on Central Park West and saw the Space Show .  I have never seen such a cool movie. Shown on an IMax screen, the data was collected from the Hubble space telescope.  The film is narrated by Tom Hanks. The 30 min. movie provided a virtual images starting on our planet, moving to our solar system, galaxy, and then virgo super cluster  and finally its image of  the known universe.  The sight was awesome ! 

Saw  The Vagina Monologues and laughed until my side hurt.  You may have fist heard of this because of Rudi Guliani, but trust me, this is going to be big. Every movie and stage star you can think of wants to be in it. The three person cast rotates every  2 weeks. We saw Marisa Tomei, Judith Ivey and Diane Carrol. They were  great. Not only that, the theater is small, 300 people.     More  on this later as I finish my essay. 

The Rainbow Room is open again at 30 Rockefeller Center, now the GE building, Yes.  This place, especially the bar has the best view in Manhattan. It was so clear on the evening we were there we could see the Statue of Liberty. 

Went to the New York History Museum and saw the powerful photo  exhibition on lynching entitled "Without Sanctuary". This was disturbing but very moving. 

Had great meals at Rue 57, and Petrosians. Breakfast is 
always great at the the Essex House' Cafe Botanica. 

All of this in 48 hours.  I love New York . 

later .... 
 
    ***************************************    

5/4/00 - Cardinal O'Connor is dead and, despite all the nice things being said about him, a fact remains: he lived in another  century. His attitudes about women and gays were archaic. My hope as a protestant is  that the American Catholic Church will, with his demise, take another step toward the ordination of women by supporting  a successor who lives in the 21st century. It is so absurd that in this day and age  men still cling to the notion of the ontological superiority of  their sex. Historically we know that women lead the church in its early years and it was only with the adoption of the Roman administrative style that Bishops were in and female leaders of the less hierarchically structured house churches were out. 

In a time where no one is going to catholic seminary, when many of the existing clergy are unfit due to severe sexual problems, where we are practically kidnapping priests form Africa, and where things have become so extreme that even married priests are being allowed, isn't it about time to give the gifted and dedicated women a chance to leads the many desperate flocks who are   leader less ?   Let us pray. 

Just as a side note, the United Church of Christ first ordained women in 1862. 

    ************************************* 

4/22/00  Oh ... there are just too many things going on. It's funny, sometimes  there doesn't seem to be anything going on worth talking about and then there are times, like now, when there too many stories to get to. 

Let me go in reverse order. Rush Limbaugh irritated the hell out of me today when he talked about the announcement that the wife of New York Mayor and United States Senate candidate, Rudi Guliani will star in the Eve Ensler play Vagina Monologues.  He brought up the topic by warning his audience that he was about to talk about an something objectionable. I guess the word vagina is dirty and any play that uses it must be, too.  Really mature, Rush. He then proceeded to treat the news item like she had been caught making pornography.

For those who may not have heard, Monologues is a comedic but serious portrayal of  female sexuality presented through the device of having a group of women talk about their vaginas.  It has been well received and has been used by women's groups in colleges all over the country to help raise consciousness about sex and especially violence against women.  In New York City it has been a very hot ticket off broadway. This production uses a revolving cast of outstanding talent which changes every few weeks.  It drives me nuts that Limbaugh treats both a serious topic and legitimate theatre  as pornography. Even worse, he clearly implied that by appearing in the production will embarrass her husband's  political campaign... like this is  something someone should be ashamed or embarrassed about.  I would guess it is for some, those who inhabit the frightening world of the extremist fringe.

Shifting gears from the annoying to the silly, 
I know, you are sick of the Elian Gonzalez saga, but I have  to tell you about the book he is writing with the help of a child psychologist ...."Discovering my Inner ... Tube ."  <vbg>

What else? At another time, maybe  even in an essay, I want to tell you about TiVo  and Jeremy Rifkin's new book Age of Access.

Later ....
 
 
 
 

3/24/00

Sometimes I am surprised with negative 
things . See my latest article.  But sometimes I am pleasantly surprised by people who do  things  I would never have imagined. 

Hats off to Ben Stein for his touching piece regarding Bill Clinton.  You know Ben, TV show , Win Ben Stein's Money, movies, Ferris B's Day Off and lots of  commercials. Anyway, Ben is a staunch Republican with impeccable credentials and involvement with conservative  presidents going back to Nixon. You get the picture.  And yet, despite the Republican  tendency to hate  Clinton and never say a nice word about him, you have to read what he wrote. 

Although he notes that he would not vote for him, Stein tells three small stories about his personal encounters with him. The last and most moving was about President Clinton's  personal  kindness to him  following the death of his father. At a time when he felt as bad as he ever had in his life, he expressed sincere gratitude for the kind words and personal intervention President Clinton made.   Knowing how political both men are, this is a remarkable story and reaction.   The article ended something like this. " Although I would not vote for him, he can come to my  house for dinner and stay as long as he wants."   To me his article says a lot about Ben and Bill: that Ben   can get beyond the political labels and animosities and really engage even a political adversary as a person ; and that in Bill  there is something about him, despite all his flaws, that is endearing and attuned to the feelings others.  Personally I have never cared much for Mr. Stein nor Mr. Clinton but since I read  the article I have  a new sense of appreciation for both  ... Later

****************************************** 
3/4/00 Hello again.  As you can tell I am messing with the format a little and I would appreciate your comments about how it looks to you.

With respect to news, I am still stunned by the Diallo trial verdict. I know I wasn't there and I didn't hear all the evidence but I still can't believe that four cops could have done what they did and not been guilty of something . Worse yet they could be out there again, with guns "protecting" the streets of New York.  For those who were hoping the Feds would get involved, don't hold your breath. There is no video tape like with Rodney King  and intent is very difficult to prove.

With respect to politics, I am loving the way Republicans are chewing themselves up.  I think McCain would be tougher for Gore in the Fall because there would be no religious right to attack.  It is amazing, though to see how upset folk get when the truth is spoken about guys like Falwell and Robertson.  Agents of intolerance is a phrase similar to one I used in describing the Reggie White ad against homosexuals which was signed  by Robertson and the gang of usual suspects a couple of years ago. 

I guess what it is ... is that we need absolutes and certainties  or we get very anxious  .... and even when the absolutes which are put forth are obviously crazy and socially discriminatory, we can not tolerate to have their champions discredited.  Well unless, like Bob Jones, you attack from the right. Billy Graham was a hero until he shared a stage with Catholics. Falwell was great until he opened the (im)Moral  Majority to Catholics. 

It seems that not a lot of folks are able keep a grip while holding on to the ambiguities of life.  It is simply too hard to see  the complexity in life and not be certain. It is much easier to divide up the world between the Godless and the Godly. We need clear enemies.  I must admit.  the religious right helps focus my energy and keeps me sharp.  It is much tougher to trust in God without an absolute  ideology and let the Spirit lead without knowing the destination.

Anyway, pay attention. This election is so crucial.  As many have said before, and Al is beginning to stress, the next president will most likely have three Supreme Court nominees.  A George Bush or John McCain   could ravage the country and progress women and minorities  have come to take for granted.  Later ...
 

2/24/00  Sorry for the erratic spacing in the Briefly
column.  The person  that helps me with technical
web page stuff is on vacation and I am left to my
own pitiful devices. Just in case anyone could help,
the text spacing I see in html file I write with the
Netscape program is not the spacing that appears
on the web page when I upload it.  I don't have a
clue why the different spacing occurs.

2/24/00   Sorry it has been a while but I have been
on  vacation at Runaway Bay on the north coast of
Jamaica.  The time was  restful and rejuvenating. 
This month I want to redo the web page and
make former articles more accessible  by
putting the archive link on the front page. Also
we will redo the look of the archive page and
make it more inviting. 

More later ...
 
 

1/19/00 -- Wow,  the new year is here, the month is
flying by and I still can't get used to using  the 00.
Lots of news stories to pay attention to:
- the US Supremes are going to look at the New
Jersey decision which cited  the Boy Scouts for
discriminating against a gay scout leader. You
know how I feel about that.

- They are also going to look at the so called
bubble law for women's health clinic patients.
When has the first amendment ever implied 
the right to intimidate and  terrorize law abiding
citizens ?

These are going to be  close votes.
Make sure you get out and vote for
President. Can you imagine what a
Republican president could do with
2 to 4 appointments, not to mention
all of the lower court judges which
have been held up by Orin Hatch ? 
Come on people, elections count. 

More Off the Top of My Head...

The issue of faith and politics has been in the news
 a lot lately.  Frankly, much of the commentary
found in the media is confused and dominated by
myths and over simplifications promoted by the
religious right. Most egregious is the idea that our
nation and its constitution was, from its inception,
Christian and that the founders of our nation did
not believe in the separation of church and state.
A brief review of history exposes those errors and
sets the record straight.

While many of the founders of our country were
Christian, it is not true that they were theocrats like
those of 17^th century   where people were executed
for witchcraft. At the time the constitution was
written, most Christians were democrats who
wanted a strict separation of church and state.
The actual wording  is evidence that the theocrats
lost. Theocratic proposals were explicitly rejected
by framers of the constitution. Like some southerners
concerning the Civil War, however, religious
conservatives have a hard time admitting these facts.

Even though modern evangelicals believe founding
leaders held their views, the facts don’t square with
that belief.  Here are three examples:

--The Reverend John Masons predicted in 1793 that
the  “godless document” (the US Constitution)
would one day cause God to destroy America.
-- Conservatives at the time of the Civil War believed
that America’s most tragic war was itself was an act
of divine  retribution against America for the failure
of the founders to enshrine God in the Constitution.
-- In 1863, the non-denominational  National Reform
Association was founded by conservative Christians
for the specific purpose of lobbying Congress to put
God into the Constitution .

When you hear that liberals have taken God out of
America or that the separation of church and state is
a myth and not part of the constitution, you have to
know that they’re just making it up. 

 Our nation was founded by people who valued liberty
and freedom more than religious dogma or faith in a
theocratic state.  Most, like Thomas Jefferson and John
Adams, did not interpret the Bible literally and were far
more liberal than 21^st century evangelicals.  Jefferson
was skeptical of supernatural claims in the Bible and
Adams, was a Unitarian who did not even believe in
the divinity of Jesus.

The alleged blasphemies against Christianity and 
attempts to limit its influence in government and public
life are not, as conservatives suggest, modern creations.
They date back to the very beginnings of our nation
and were as accursed then as they are now by
conservatives.

The place and influence of religion in our society and
government is an ongoing debate which has ebbed and
flowed throughout American history.  From time to
time, theocratic movements arise to try to turn the
clock back.

Currently, presidential candidates like Huckabee 
(who entered politics to “ take back our nation for
Christ”) and, to some extent, Romney (who, unlike
John Kennedy does not believe that church and
state should be absolutely separated are modern
incarnations of this phenomenon. While you will never
hear the actual word, their theocratic motivations
are unmistakable.  

Ultimately I believe their efforts, like all others, will fail. 
But it is only by constant vigilance and dialog that these
threats to religious liberty will be defeated.  In that I trust.

Rev. Michael Heath   Fayetteville NY   12 9 2007

Rev. Heath is a licensed psychotherapist, UCC minister and social
commentator: www.dreamscape.com/mheath

 *********************************************************

Nova Expose` Debunks the
“Science” of Intelligent Design 

 
If you’ve ever had any questions about the Intelligent Design
controversy,  Nova’s Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on
Trial, puts them all to rest.  Nova  presents the most complete
examination of the Intelligent Design dispute and demolishes
the faith-based swindle which had fooled senators and even the
president. (If you missed the show you can view it online at:
 http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/id/)

Through a clear and meticulous review of the Dover school
board trial proceedings, the religious basis of Intelligent Design
(ID) was demonstrated. The report also exposed the ID
supporters extortionist tactics which were employed against
opponents of the Dover curriculum change.  (Ironically, the
many vicious threats revealed a character which was antithetical
to the spirit of Jesus, the one by whom they claim to be inspired.)

The trial itself arose because eleven science teachers sued the
Dover school board for introducing ID into its science curriculum.
The plaintiffs argued ID was a religious doctrine akin to
creationism which had been banned from public schools since
the1987 Supreme Court ruling.  Attorneys for the school board
argued that ID was a legitimate but alternative scientific theory
about which students should be made aware in addition to
evolutionary biology.

The claims made by the defense  sounded reasonable: “Don’t
squelch the debate.” and  “Teach both sides of the controversy.” 
But as the evidence was presented, ID’s scientific credibility was
impugned and it was clear that in the scientific community there
was no debate and there was no controversy.

Even more devastating was the revelation that ID’s primary text,
Of  Pandas and People, was a creationist document from the get
go. Following the 1987 Supreme Court ruling, however, the text
was revised substituting the terms ID for creationism and designing
agent for God.  The  Discovery Institute’s own document verified
that the ID text was nothing more than a religious book written to
undermine secular science and promote a Christian agenda.

The case was clinched for the plaintiffs when it was uncovered
that two fundamentalist board members had lied to the court
about their own activities connected to destroying school artwork
depicting an evolutionary scene  and acquiring 60 ID textbooks
for the Dover schools.

After six weeks, the judge in the trial, John E. Jones III, a Rick
Santorum nominated and George W. Bush appointed conservative
Republican, agreed with the plaintiffs in a 139 page decision that:
1) Intelligent design is not science. and  2) ID is an untestable theory
grounded in religion and therefore, in violates the establishment
clause, and is unconstitutional to teach in public schools.  Case
closed... well not exactly.

Conservative religion’s growing encroachment into politics and
corruption of the scientific discussion in America is an alarming
development which will not be stopped by one court decision no
matter how compelling it might be.  Groups such as Focus on the
Family or the Discovery Institute routinely disguise religious
propaganda as scientific opinion on such important issues as
global warming, HIV/ Aids, breast cancer, sex education, stem
cell research or evolutionary biology.  These voices are magnified
by the right wing media such as the Fox network and hate-talk
radio.

While less than 30% of Americans subscribe to  this extreme
viewpoint, it is over-represented in political candidates. (e.g. 3 of 8
Republicans running for president say they don’t believe in
evolution.) As reasonable people,  we must always be on guard
to protest and oppose the theocratic assault against science and
our democratic institutions by religious ideology.

Rev. Michael Heath -- Fayetteville -- Nov.18, 2007

Rev. Heath is a licensed psychotherapist, UCC minister and social commentator:
www.dreamscape.com/mheath

****************************************

Michael Moore’s Diagnosis of
Health Care Industry: It’s Sicko

While a lot of attention has been given to Hillary
Clinton’s new plan to overhaul America’s health
care system, few have pointed out that hers, like
most other politicians’ programs, misses the
point.  As Michael Moore’s documentary, Sicko,
so vividly demonstrates, insurance coverage is
not the only serious problem Americans have
with health care.

Many who already have insurance are denied
needed medicines and procedures. Code word
gimmicks like “pre-existing condition”,
“experimental treatment” or “out of network
provider” increasingly restrict and exclude
treatment for Americans.
 
Another trick for denying care is a little known,
but highly unethical, practice of provider cost
monitoring. HMOs carefully track their doctors’
treatment records. Those who provide the least
costly treatments are financially rewarded. Those
doctors who cost the company too much are
punished and sometimes fired.  This practice
creates the outrageous moral conflict which pits
the doctor’s financial interest against the
patient’s welfare.  Frankly, it’s just wrong to care
more about stockholder financial interests than
the health of policy holders.

Ironically, while insurance company profits are
high now, there is a radical problem on the
horizon which,  ironically, was created by the
advances of modern  medicine.  Our population
is living longer but needs increasingly more
health care.  Many believe that insurance
companies are fighting a losing battle.
Eventually, rising health care costs will totally
overwhelm the for- profit system.

What bothers me is how politicians are so silent
regarding this issue. They go along with the
insurance industry’s propaganda which uses
bogeyman words like “socialized medicine” to
discredit the very notion of universal health care.
They seem more worried about preventing
“government interference” in health care than
guaranteeing needed treatment for everyone.

They ignore and minimize the enormous success
the rest of the industrialized world has had with
universal health coverage and choose to
perpetuate the lies which exaggerate the modest
problems medical plans have encountered in
Canada, England and France. (I know about
France’s system first hand. I lived there for over a
year and visit it frequently.)  

Change is never easy but its difficulty is no excuse
for giving up.  If you haven’t seen Sicko, I
recommend that you do. It is a powerful, thought
provoking experience that dramatically exposes a
national scandal. Whatever you think about
Michael Moore, remember that even Fox News
said his film was great.  Sicko is important
because it speaks the truth few others dare to say.
The facts it speaks are facts we need to know. 

The bottom line for me is that we can no longer
tolerate putting profit over treatment when it
comes to the way our nation treats the sick.
Remember, the sick are  not just numbers.  They are
real people, our husbands and wives, sons and
daughters, mothers and fathers, friends and
family. 

Opponents of serious health care reform claim it
is just a wild liberal scheme that costs too much.
(These are the same people who find unlimited
funds to pay for unnecessary wars.)  Providing
for the medical needs of our citizenry is not a
luxury.  It is a fundamental responsibility of a
civilized nation.

Ultimately the choice is ours. Our leaders are
afraid to lead unless we encourage them.  Tell your
representatives to have the courage to support real
universal health care in America.  

Rev. Michael Heath    Fayetteville NY    9 19 07

Rev. Heath is a licensed psychotherapist, ordained UCC minister and
social commentator: www.dreamscape.com/mheath

*****************************************

First Impression of HBO’s Tell Me You Love Me:
It’s about Sex

OK, let’s get this out of the way. HBO’s new series Tell Me You Love
Me (TMYLM)  shows the testicles and erect penis (a prop?) of its
characters depicted in sexual acts. That said, don’t be put off by the nudity.
This show is not porn. The show offers an entertaining but serious look at
problems frequently encountered in marriage and shows how marital
therapy addresses them.  

For example, in first episode we meet: A couple who love each other,
are great parents but who haven’t had sex in over a year ; Another couple
whose trouble getting pregnant creates problems in their sex life ; And a
third, engaged couple, whose wedding is in jeopardy because of
conversations over the issue of fidelity after marriage.

The last program to be this open and frank about sex was HBO’s Sex
and the City.  SATC was great but it was about young singles.  TMYLM
is about adults and adults need help.  Although it’s been over forty years
since the sexual revolution, it is obvious that American families are still
in the dark about sexuality. TMYLM sheds light onto this important area
without becoming didactic or preachy.  The dialog is strong and involving. 
Likewise, the characters are attractive but not glamorous. This is not a
soap opera.  It realistically explores how couples deal with common
dilemmas found in many marriages by tracking the lives of four families
(the three clients and the therapist).

Although I’ve only seen one episode, I am enthusiastic about TMYLM. 
Ignorance and negative attitudes about sex have created unnecessary
burdens for couples.  Tell Me You Love Me  not only amuses us but
informs and  raises our general awareness concerning problems relating
to love, sex and relationships. Perhaps best of all, in so doing, it reduces
our aversion to talking about them. Not bad for a TV show.

 Rev. Michael Heath    Fayetteville NY  9 11 07

Rev. Heath is a licensed psychotherapist, ordained UCC minister and social commentator .
www.dreamscape.com/mheath

************************************

The Chicago Cubs and Recovering
the Spirit of  Sabbath 

Getting into the semi-finals of the Chicago
Cubs 7th Inning Stretch competition has been an
eye opener.  A reporter asked me why a
minister would be a Cubs’ fan. Having
followed the Cubs  since childhood, I’d never
thought about it. The opportunity having been
presented, several things dawned on me about
why being a Cubs fan is important to me. Let
me explain..

Typically when people talk about the
theological significance of sports, they discuss
how the contest or game is a dramatic re-
enactment of the cosmic struggle between order
and chaos or life and death.  Thus winning is so
important, the analysis goes, because it’s about
beating death, at least symbolically.  Likewise,
losing is so painful because it is similar to
death.  OK, but that’s not why I’ m a Cubs fan.

Loving the Cubs is not about winning or
losing.(All right already. I know we haven’t
won a World Series since 1908.)  Cubs fans are
all about loving baseball, Wrigley Field and,
perhaps most important, the pure joy of sharing
one’s passion with other fans,  folks who
understand and care as much about the Cubs as
you do.

Recently when I went to Chicago to sing “Take
Me Out to the Ballgame”, I had some time to
kill before my audition.  Dressed in a Cubs
jersey, I walked around Millennium Park and
Michigan Avenue with my wife before taking
the Red line to Wrigley.  As we walked, we got
lots of thumbs up, smiles and friendly
conversation from men in business suits as well
as panhandlers. One  who was down on his
luck didn’t even ask for money but pointed to
the Cubs’ logo on my shirt and smiled, “ That’s
what I’m talking about !”

While I can’t fully explain the Cubs popularity
or the amazing fraternity which exists among
their fans, one thing is very important to me:
the Cubs provide a welcome  break from life’s
difficulties, conflicts and struggles.  Just to hear
their name puts a smile on your face.  The Cubs
are an emotional sanctuary from the everyday
stress of life.

Having a break is not a new idea. Genesis
writes that after God worked for six days he
took the 7th off and consecrated it as a holy day
of rest, the Sabbath. This myth affirms the
importance of leisure and that there is more to
the good life than work.  Unfortunately, the
original thrust of Sabbath changed.  A day of
rest became a day of worship filled with lists of
things one couldn’t do.  A forced sense of
reverence for and obligation to God displaced
the original intention of recuperative rest. Even
worse, for Protestants leisure and, God forbid,
having fun became suspect and sinful.

It may be a stretch to think being a Cubs fan is
an authentic experience of Sabbath but ... on
the other hand,  I think most of us suffer from
the protestant bias which values toil more than
recreation. There was a time when hard work
and delayed gratification was necessary simply
for survival.  For most, that time of drudgery is
past thanks to technology.  The critical issue
for most folks in modern society is not survival
but meaning and fulfillment. 

Enjoying the Cubs is an expression of faith and
the confidence that the redeemed life is joyful
not constantly anxious or obsessed with work.
It is interesting how psychology has
demonstrated that learning how to relax and
reduce stress is vital to physical as well as
mental health.  I believe the delight of being a
fan is an expression of spiritual health as well.
It’s the childhood glee that Jesus said we must
have to enter God’s kingdom. In the end, both
people of faith and loyal Cubs fans know it is
not whether you win or lose but that you enjoy
the game.

Rev. Michael Heath  Fayetteville NY    8 12 07

Rev. Heath is a psychotherapist, UCC minister and
social commentator www.dreamscape.com/mheath

                                 
****************************   
The Pope and the
Two Religious Paradigms*

* Caution ! This  article contains explicit theological language
and is not  intended for children or adults who think like one.

 Did you ever wonder how people who all call themselves Christian can be so different ?  The pope’s recent declaration concerning the inferiority of all other religions is embarrassing. How can an educated person in this pluralistic day and age spout such religio-centric nonsense? ( Well, this is the same church that rejected Galileo, women priests, birth control and stem cell research.)

Unfortunately this kind of thing is not an isolated event. It’s frightening to realize that (including fundamentalists and putting the papal authority aside)  there are millions of folks who think that conservative Christianity is the only true religion.

Fortunately, not every Christian is conservative. There are millions who do not believe that they have an exclusive corner on the religious truth market.  There are millions who are humble about their own faith and are respectful of others’. There are millions who do not believe that, when it comes to faith, reason must give way to supernaturalism or that modern understanding must bow to ancient myths. Perhaps most significantly, there are millions who are more concerned about social justice than personal morality or individual salvation.

The differences between these two kinds of Christianity are based on two different understandings of the theological doctrine of eschatology.  Fundamentalists interpret the meaning of the eschaton (“end of time”)
historically or literally as in “what is going to happen on the last day of the world?”.  Progressives understand eschatology teleologically, i.e. what is the ultimate end ( purpose) of time (life)?.  Put another way, progressives have a different paradigm for understanding religious language and experience. The difference is similar to the way early Christian Jews differed from non- Christian Jews regarding the law.
 
A teleological paradigm is different from an historical/literal one in some very important ways :
--Rather than thinking of God as someone who has yet to come back, one understands the reality of God  not  anthropomorphically but as the spirit of love which is present in the fellowship of the faithful.
–Rather than focusing on an exclusive, individual salvation which leaves this world, the redeemed life is experienced by embracing diversity and being partnered with God to work for social justice in this world.
--Rather than assuming that the world was finished at its beginning, one realizes the world and human kind is an ever-evolving work- in-progress.
--Rather than thinking that all revelation was given in the past, one knows that, as the UCC says, “God is still speaking”.

Although conservatives claim that the “liberal”(teleological) view is a modern corruption of the faith, such a view is not new. Eschatology is intrinsic to Jesus’ message and is  the heart of  the cross and resurrection. Frankly, a teleological paradigm fits better with our pluralistic and scientifically dominated world for it is neither  at war with  those who are different nor does it demand that everyone think the same. 

Knowing that God is found, not just in the past or in the future, but here and now also  removes the enmity between this world’s knowledge and faith.  Thus science does not conflict with faith because God is understood as  present and working with human effort to accomplish changes, such as medical and
technological progress, as well as cultural and moral advances, such as liberating the oppressed, and promoting racial, gender and sexual  preference justice.  While conservatives accuse liberal Christians of corrupting the faith, the parochial, anti-science and socially irresponsible views of Fundamentalism have more in common with the Pharisees than the Gospel.  

Until recently, the rise of the religious right was a cause of great concern for me. The Bush Administration was a grim reminder of what can happen when religious extremists gain political power and  progressive folks don’t pay attention. After hearing Ray Kurzweil at the UCC General Synod in Hartford, however, I feel a lot better.

Ray is a genius and an inventor.  His accomplishments are so numerous it would take a page just to list them. He is called the 21st century Thomas Edison. But for all his achievements, perhaps the greatest is his understanding of how information is expanding exponentially and what this means  for human life.  He observed that, based on accelerating trends, the recent rate of technological advance will be dwarfed by a quantum leap in human knowledge which is fast approaching.  These advances will require that societies be
able to adjust to rapid change. Institutions which can not deal with or even try to deny change will be stressed past their breaking point and lose credibility. If religion as a social institution is to survive, it must adapt too.

While no one knows exactly how religious outlooks change, I believe a shift is happening. The paradigm implicit in “God is still speaking” fits perfectly in a world of increasing change. For those who worry about the pope or the political power of  conservative religion, take heart and remember the larger perspective. Conservatism, despite its current growth, will, ultimately, pass away. Be charitable and compassionate. Pray that the fear which would  deny and defy God’s evolving reality be allayed and redeemed by the holy spirit of
love.

Rev. Michael Heath    Fayetteville NY    7 18 07

Rev Heath is a licensed psychotherapist, UCC minister and social commentator: www.dreamscape.com/mheath 

************************************************

Lessons from the Paris War Museum

I

I just can’t get this right.  Ever since I visited the WWII
exhibit in  Paris war museum (Hotel des Invalides) in May, 
I haven’t been able to explain the weird sensation I have
been carrying around.

The World War II display was fascinating on several levels.
As a guy,  it was great to see the guns and armaments, the
uniforms and medals and stuff that was actually used in
battles.  On a deeper level it was inspirational to listen to
the speeches of FDR, Prime Minister Churchill and Generals
Eisenhower and DeGaulle.  It was moving to see the photos,
watch the video clips and hear the audio recordings
pertaining to the events of the great war. The maps, the
newspapers  and the posters all made it real  for me .

The displays weren’t exclusively of leaders or soldiers
though.  There were pictures of women working on the
assembly lines which turned out the airplanes and tanks.
There were also gas and sugar rationing coupons used
by civilians. 

What struck me the most and which has been the hardest
to deal with is the huge contrast between the war the Allies
waged against Hitler and the Axis powers and the complete
mess our current president has gotten us into in Iraq.  In
World War II, the world faced an enormous threat and
citizens and soldiers alike made huge sacrifices to win. 

In Iraq, we have now learned that there was no imminent
threat. The decision to go to war was based on ideology
not necessity.  President Bush encouraged Americans to
fight terrorism by going shopping.   While soldiers and
their families have sacrificed, most Americans, instead of
facing hardships or rationing,   have received tax cuts and
bought SUVs. Perhaps worst of all, instead of inspirational
rhetoric or decisive action, our current leaders have been
caught up in lies and deception interlaced with catastrophic
ignorance and incompetence. 

My point is this: Memorial  Day this year was difficult for
me.  There is something that seems so wrong about an
elective war which only affects a selected population.  War
is so horrible that it  must either  involve everyone or no
one.  While Bush has claimed that the Iraq war/the war on
terror is the greatest challenge of the modern world, his
unwillingness to demand sacrifice from the voters or make
military service  universal exposes his insincerity. 

As we visit grave sites and honor soldiers on Memorial Day,
it is important to realize that we honor the military most by
not calling upon their service for anything but the most
crucial  reasons.  A voluntary army is fine for domestic and
routine affairs, but I have come to believe that to go to war
with a voluntary Army is immoral.  If the crisis is so great as
to require the last resort of war, then all able citizens must
join in the struggle.       

I think it is important to learn from our mistakes and not just
complain about them. An important lesson from the Iraq war
is that legislation is needed to protect our nation from
demagoguery as well as from its emotional vulnerability
following tragedy.  A moral to be learned from invading Iraq
is that declaring war is simply too easy.   

While no one has a solution to the mess Bush has created,
perhaps some legal changes could prevent future disasters.
For example, it is doubtful Congress would have taken us
to war if doing so would have required a universal draft to
do the fighting and a mandatory war tax to pay for it.  But
since only volunteers would be needed and the war
wouldn’t really inconvenience anyone else… what the
heck. 

People may argue about whether war is ever justified or not.
What I am saying is that if war is going to be waged then its
terrible hardships must be shared by everyone, just like it
was for my parents’ generation.   We speak of WWII as
the great war. I believe it was because an immense threat
was confronted and defeated by great sacrifice and great
leadership.  Anything less (which is what Iraq is) is simply
war as it has always been: A useless, devastating slaughter
fought by the young and poor to enrich the   established 
and wealthy. 

Rev. Michael Heath              Fayetteville NY          6/2/2007

Rev. Heath is a licensed psychotherapist, UCC minister and social commentator:
www.dreamscape.com/mheath    

 *************************************

NYS’s Healthy Teens Act Protects Kids,
Stops Anti-Science Trend

With Congress finally having found a backbone in
standing up to Bush, it seems to be safe to turn our
attention to other matters which have been
neglected over the past, scandal filled months.   An
issue too long neglected is the anti-science influence
conservative Christians exert over state and federal
policies. An  area of particular concern is sex
education curricula.

As you know, under the Bush administration,
federal funding is limited to “abstinence only”(AO)
sex education programs. These programs are
prohibited from including information about disease
or pregnancy prevention or the diversity of human
sexuality (e.g. homosexuality).  Students are not
allowed to ask questions in these areas and teachers
are expressly proscribed from discussing any of
these taboos.  Violation of these rules could result in
the schools losing their health education funding.

Problems with AO approaches are many and
serious. Recently, an independent assessment of AO
curricula exposed  that they were ideologically
biased, medically inaccurate and incomplete.
(www.gao.gov/new.items/d0787 )  Two examples
of the errors found are the “facts” that: one can
contract HIV/AIDS from tears and that condoms fail
40% of the time.

In contrast, studies evaluating comprehensive sex
education (CSE) convincingly refute the major
criticism made against complete sex education by
religious opponents, i.e. , CSE recipients engage in
greater sexual activity.  In fact, it was found that
students who had received CSE actually had less
sexual activity, lower rates for  STDs and
pregnancy and even postponed sexual activity
longer than students who had AO courses.
(www.gutmacher.org) 

In New York, state politicians decided that our
children's education should not be restricted by
religious bias. The Healthy Teens Act (HTA), which
was passed by the legislature and is currently before
the state senate, makes it possible for schools to
teach sex education right by funding schools who
wish to provide CSE for their students.

The Healthy Teens Act is important because the
vital information it provides for students is based
on science and  not on religious lobbyists who
have intimidated many state assemblies
throughout the country. 

The scope of fundamentalist influence is larger
than many realize and is not limited to sex
education.  For example, religious zealotry
concocted the “intelligent” design hoax/ "controversy"
in high school biology classes when teaching
creationism was banned by the Supreme Court.

Christian attempts to distort science does not stop with
our schools. Under conservative Christian pressure, the
practice of medicine has also been corrupted  through 
legislative mandates that require scientifically
inaccurate “information” (i.e. anti-abortion
propaganda) be given to all women seeking an
abortion.  In Texas and Mississippi women are
told that having an abortion greatly increases
their risk of breast cancer and leads to severe
mental disorders including depression.

While these developments are discouraging,
there is good news, too. Surveys have  shown
that the number of conservative followers may
have peaked and is actually declining among
teens and young adults.  Nonetheless, this is no
time for reasonable people to relax. Fundamentalist 
leaders see sex education as a crucial battleground
and are prepared for an intense fight.  Those who
support science must be willing to fight back as well.

Sometimes people are concerned about an issue
but don’t know what to do.  The Healthy Teens
Act provides an opportunity for folks who care to
demonstrate their support. Passing HTA is a
powerful way not only to ensure the health and
safety of our children but also take a stand
against the pollution of public policy by religious
bias and anti-science sentiment.  If you would
like more information about the Healthy Teens
Act, contact your state senator at www.ny.gov
and find out what you can do.

Rev. Michael Heath      Fayetteville NY   4 2 07

Rev. Heath is a licensed psychotherapist, UCC minister
and social commentator: www.dreamscape.com/mheath

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“Jesus Tomb” Raises Important Questions

The Discovery Channel’s program on Jesus’ Tomb is creating
quite a stir. Let me say from the outset that I am not suggesting
that its claims are true.   Nonetheless, it is the season of Lent and
I was wondering: What if archeologists have found  Jesus’ bones? 
Would that matter to you?

Some, like the flat earth society or “intelligent” design crowd,
would refuse to believe it because science simply does not matter
when it comes to matters of faith.  Others, however, may be
shaken.  For many, Jesus’ rising from the dead has been the
foundation of Christian beliefs. The promise of eternal life is the
whole point of faith. As one Vatican official was quoted,
“Christianity stands or falls on the literal truth of Christ’s
resurrection.”  The Apostle Paul thought so too, “If Christ is not
raised … your faith is in vain.” I Cor. 15.14, but he also believed
that Jesus would return in his lifetime, I Thes. 4.15.  Hmn?  If
there was no Heaven would you stop being Christian?  Did you
stop celebrating Christmas when you found out there was no
Santa Claus ? 

The French word for resurrection is resuscitation , (ray soo see
tah see ohn).  Imagine a lifeguard  reviving a drowned person. Is
the real meaning of resurrection adequately expressed in the notion
of a bringing a corpse back to life ?  Personally, I think it is
demeaning to Jesus to reduce his ultimate significance to a
supernatural claim.  What does believing in life after death have to
do with  Jesus’ life or moral teachings here on earth?  Is the only
motivation for faith a payoff after death? What works for me is
Christianity’s good news that the life of faith is a new and redeemed
life (and not simply more of the old) Placing so much emphasis on
bodily resurrection implies that the only thing religion is good for is 
dealing with our fear of death. Certainly, avoiding death was not
Jesus’ highest goal.  Paraphrasing Paul Tillich , “Understanding one’s
ultimate purpose in life gives one the courage to really live in the face
of death’s inevitability.”  As such, the true purpose of faith is not to
construct a fantasy to escape this earth but to motivate one to live
responsibly while we are on this earth.