We have spoken on these pages previously about the business of battling alcoholism. It is a battle. We don’t just decide one morning that twenty years of drinking should stop. Short of a compelling reason, that will never take place. Trust me, after twenty seven years in Alcoholics Anonymous as a recoveree and then as a sponsor and active in counseling it is apparent you don’t just quit. You absolutely have to see the need. There is a reason why every person who attends the AA meetings introduces himself saying, “Hi I’m XXXX, and I’m an alcoholic. If one cannot recognize that he has the disease, it’s impossible to treat. I can’t think of any other malady in which recovery starts when the sufferer accurately speaks its name. Oh that we could cure a toothache or cancer simply by stating the name and understanding the truth of it.
Even assigning the name alone doesn’t do the job. It simply provides the logical starting point. We use many devices in AA to help the sufferer. The first and most widely known technique is providing thousands of meetings every day in every city and town across the country. They are tailored for every possible taste. In cities you can find one for smokers, nonsmokers, blacks, Hispanics, women only, stags, gays and lesbians, and just about any other demographic category you can dream up. Your lifestyle will not be restricted for lack of choice. When I first came to the program, I was traveling full time and was still able to make at least one meeting every single day for the first year.
People who are serious about recovery soon come to look forward to the meetings and welcome the association with others who seek to recover. They provide a venue where every one in the room has the same affliction. There you do not associate with paid professional counselors and therapists. Instead, you are with the “been there, done that” crowd who actually can relate to whatever your problems are. They all, from the heart, wish you success and understand what you are going through. One of the saddest moments in any meeting is when a regular is missing and a friend suggests he heard that he had decided to go practice drinking a little more.
In a meeting room, in a church basement, Legion hall, high school, home, bank board room, community center, fire station, park shelter, Hilton banquet room, break room at a grocery store, AA Club, armory, homeless shelter, city hall extra room, detox, or jail – to mention a few sites where I have attended meetings – there are several typical features. There is a printed poster with the Twelve Steps, a coffee pot, endless framed mottos and the Big Book.
All of these are important, but for space economy, I will elaborate here only on a few of the mottos. “Let Go And Let God” is one of my personal favorites. Once one realizes that his attempt to run his life has resulted in the loss of family, job, liberty, finances and self-respect he is encouraged to find the One who can help. It is an absolute necessity for recovery.
“Easy Does It” calls for the recoveree to shun extremes. Reaction to every aspect of life is typical Alcoholic behavior. Actually, over-reaction is more typical. Anger, jealously, rage, control and possessiveness are the traits which rise to top with unfortunate frequency.
“Live and Let Live” removes the alcoholic from the responsibility of running the world. He has learned that God can and will do everything so he can kick back and relax and concentrate on recovery. The second part stresses the importance of others enjoying their freedom as well.
“One Day at A Time” represents one of the very most important concepts of recovery. As a mechanical device (as opposed to spiritual) it renders the entire program to a manageable level. Many newcomers are hauled up short by the idea that they will never ever drink again. This is an absolute necessity for continued recovery. Tapering off is out of the question. To attempt to see one’s entire life affected by a decision made today is alien to the most logical thinker. To be successful, the program has to be reduced to a manageable time interval.
The only time period which concerns the alcoholic is the interval between the end of today’s meeting and the beginning of the next one. Anyone can stay sober for twenty four hours, can’t they? It may not be easy but it’s doable. No one is ever challenged to stay dry in excess of one day. That day is today and tomorrow will be dealt with when it gets here.
Recoverees are recipients of minor rewards for intervals of sobriety. The newcomer gets a “24 hour” chip at his first meeting. He is encouraged to note the time and date of his last drink – if he can remember it. At thirty days he is acknowledged again for his diligence. More chips come forth as the milestones of ninety days, six months, and nine months pass. These are handed out to much applause and congratulations as the 24 hour periods pile up. The mere presence of the chip (about the size of poker chip) in pocket or purse is there as a constant reminder. Then, a golden day arrives and he is presented with a gorgeous brass chip which designates his first complete year. It is his first “birthday” and is accompanied by much fanfare, a cake, back slapping and general recognition of a job well done. Each anniversary thereafter is given equal importance and excitement. I carry one each and every day. Sunday suit or overalls, it is always with me to remind me of the foolishness in which I once indulged. My current chip has this number in raised roman numerals, XXVII. It is “mine Eben-ezer” which I raised at that point where I decided to bring God into my life to run the show.
So why bring this up now? The years are important but not nearly as significant as the twenty-four hour aspect of the program. This week I will reach a milestone for which there is no chip. There is no cake. There will be no applause. But, it means nearly everything to me. I will have been sober for 10,000 consecutive twenty four periods. With the help of God and this program, I will continue to not drink today. I’ll deal with tomorrow when it gets here.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Monday, February 4, 2008
Monday Morning Rant 23
This is as a good a place as any to register my complaint. Nobody cares anyway. I am sick to death of listening to people butcher the Star Spangled Banner. A beautiful young woman with an absolutely fabulous voice is led to improvise America’s most beloved anthem and run it right straight into the ground. That’s why I only lasted ten to fifteen seconds on the Super Bowl before I turned back to the “Puppy Bowl.”
What is it compels people to attempt to improve on this sacred song? I realize it is a hard piece of music. Lord knows, I have played it enough (trumpet) and sung it enough over the years to realize that. The range is atrocious and the intervals challenging but that’s why musicians practice. As a limited range baritone I can fully appreciate the difficulty but I have always found the subject inspired me to exceed my capabilities.
It seems to be part of a trend in music today. The artists either dumb it down to monotonous repetition or jazz it up with improvisation and unwritten octave jumps. People, please, give some measure of honor to the composer and his intentions. Yes, I know it is adapted from an Old English drinking song but that is no excuse to dishonor the piece. Back in my drinking days (twenty seven years ago) I heard better renditions of the National Anthem at piano bars than I hear preceding today’s sporting events and occasions of state.
Please, give us all a break and just sing the song!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I heard it suggested in Sunday school yesterday that ministry and teaching should be restricted to the priesthood. That would be ideal in a perfect world with an elder on every corner. While the assertion was correct within the context it was given (Ephesians 4:11) it continues on for the next couple of chapters to make understood what the responsibilities are for the body of believers. While I registered no protest vocally – I was a guest after all – I did feel it diminished the importance of every saint, regardless of office, to witness and share the gospel as he felt led. Ed. note: Where in this passage does it refer to "priesthood?" He's talking to believers.
If we are indeed Christians, is it not our responsibility to advertise it by our behavior and our testimony? We of the Restored Church are part of one of the very smallest of religious bodies extant. How many times must we be commanded to share the good news? We can not long survive as an exclusive little clique. Have we ever missed an opportunity to reveal our affiliation with a co-worker? Does your barber or beautician know you actually belong to a body of believers? How about the folks you golf, bowl, run, or workout with? We are not in a private “lodge” with a super secret hand shake. We need to share our acquaintance with a very powerful Friend.
As I looked at the make-up of the Sunday school class, I decided from their average age, probably close to seventy, that we were ill advised to accept the premise that only the priesthood should evangelize. Later at the communion service I took another look and decided that the average had dropped to probably sixty-five. This is a recipe for the utter disappearance of the church. Although it sometimes seems the scriptures are full of do’s and don’ts; a more care reading reveals they are also full of “go and do’s.” Come on, people, go now and testify of the wonders of Jesus Christ. Let the credentials come when they will; God will share that news with you.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After I got bored with the Giants and the Patriots, I took my own recommendation and tuned in to the Puppy Bowl. Enjoying the totally natural, non-scripted enthusiasm of the puppies provided an uplift of incomparable proportions.
Yes, I am a sucker for mutts. My bride is even worse. Every stray she sees automatically becomes “ours.” I don my best stern face and say no. She then says something about how they will starve or worse, die of thirst – never mind the Spring River runs less than half a mile from our house. I continue my protest with the full realization that it is a waste of breath. As you may know, after the disaster of Katrina, she went to Slidell, Louisiana with Noah’s Wish to help with the animal rescue efforts there. She returned after a couple, three weeks with the conflicting disappointment with the people who abandoned their pets and exhilaration for the caring workers who volunteered their time and treasure to help them out.
We are charged with the care of all of God’s creatures. Having dominion over them is no excuse to abuse them in any way. This includes leaving them un-neutered. Yes, it costs a few bucks but it contributes to a saner level of pet population and responsibility. I guarantee they will demonstrate more love for you than you can possibly muster for them.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
What is it compels people to attempt to improve on this sacred song? I realize it is a hard piece of music. Lord knows, I have played it enough (trumpet) and sung it enough over the years to realize that. The range is atrocious and the intervals challenging but that’s why musicians practice. As a limited range baritone I can fully appreciate the difficulty but I have always found the subject inspired me to exceed my capabilities.
It seems to be part of a trend in music today. The artists either dumb it down to monotonous repetition or jazz it up with improvisation and unwritten octave jumps. People, please, give some measure of honor to the composer and his intentions. Yes, I know it is adapted from an Old English drinking song but that is no excuse to dishonor the piece. Back in my drinking days (twenty seven years ago) I heard better renditions of the National Anthem at piano bars than I hear preceding today’s sporting events and occasions of state.
Please, give us all a break and just sing the song!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I heard it suggested in Sunday school yesterday that ministry and teaching should be restricted to the priesthood. That would be ideal in a perfect world with an elder on every corner. While the assertion was correct within the context it was given (Ephesians 4:11) it continues on for the next couple of chapters to make understood what the responsibilities are for the body of believers. While I registered no protest vocally – I was a guest after all – I did feel it diminished the importance of every saint, regardless of office, to witness and share the gospel as he felt led. Ed. note: Where in this passage does it refer to "priesthood?" He's talking to believers.
If we are indeed Christians, is it not our responsibility to advertise it by our behavior and our testimony? We of the Restored Church are part of one of the very smallest of religious bodies extant. How many times must we be commanded to share the good news? We can not long survive as an exclusive little clique. Have we ever missed an opportunity to reveal our affiliation with a co-worker? Does your barber or beautician know you actually belong to a body of believers? How about the folks you golf, bowl, run, or workout with? We are not in a private “lodge” with a super secret hand shake. We need to share our acquaintance with a very powerful Friend.
As I looked at the make-up of the Sunday school class, I decided from their average age, probably close to seventy, that we were ill advised to accept the premise that only the priesthood should evangelize. Later at the communion service I took another look and decided that the average had dropped to probably sixty-five. This is a recipe for the utter disappearance of the church. Although it sometimes seems the scriptures are full of do’s and don’ts; a more care reading reveals they are also full of “go and do’s.” Come on, people, go now and testify of the wonders of Jesus Christ. Let the credentials come when they will; God will share that news with you.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After I got bored with the Giants and the Patriots, I took my own recommendation and tuned in to the Puppy Bowl. Enjoying the totally natural, non-scripted enthusiasm of the puppies provided an uplift of incomparable proportions.
Yes, I am a sucker for mutts. My bride is even worse. Every stray she sees automatically becomes “ours.” I don my best stern face and say no. She then says something about how they will starve or worse, die of thirst – never mind the Spring River runs less than half a mile from our house. I continue my protest with the full realization that it is a waste of breath. As you may know, after the disaster of Katrina, she went to Slidell, Louisiana with Noah’s Wish to help with the animal rescue efforts there. She returned after a couple, three weeks with the conflicting disappointment with the people who abandoned their pets and exhilaration for the caring workers who volunteered their time and treasure to help them out.
We are charged with the care of all of God’s creatures. Having dominion over them is no excuse to abuse them in any way. This includes leaving them un-neutered. Yes, it costs a few bucks but it contributes to a saner level of pet population and responsibility. I guarantee they will demonstrate more love for you than you can possibly muster for them.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Friday, February 1, 2008
Figures Don’t Lie, But Liars Figure
A prominent recurring theme for both politicians and clerics is the constant drone of poverty protestations in America. To listen to either, one conjures up a Dickensesque mental picture of ragged children huddled in sub-zero temperatures around a pathetic fire of three lumps of coal in a bucket, munching on a piece of moldy bread. In the background is a mother dying of consumption, a dead or otherwise departed father, and the cruel icy wind blowing through a crack in the wall big enough to throw a cat through. Once the scenario is established, the solution is either “elect me” or “give, give, give.”
For the politicians, the problem is our old friend, category error. That is to attempt to find a solution in which the problem is ill, or falsely, defined. Poverty is best stated as a lack of material goods and advantages which are life-threatening. Obviously, if one lacks food, shelter or adequate medical care, life is at risk. To isolate those persons who actually endure these conditions is quite another matter. The US Government, having established an income threshold, tells us that thirty five million citizens live in poverty. Recent census figures estimate the population through July 2007 at over 301 million people. That same government has kindly given us data to quantify a profile of these supposedly destitute individuals.
98.9% own an operating refrigerator. 97.3% own a color television. 78% have a video cassette recorder or DVD. 75.6% have an air conditioner. 73.3% have a microwave. 72.8% own a car or truck. 64.7% have a clothes washer. 62.6% have cable or satellite TV. 58.6% have a stereo. 55.6% have a clothes dryer. 55.3% have 2 or more color televisions. And finally, 45.9% own their own homes with an average of 439 sq. ft. per person. That figure exceeds the average floor area per person (non-poverty) of all but three countries in the entire world, Australia 545, Norway 452, and Canada 442. For your interest, the average per person floor space in Mexico is 92 square feet and the average for non-poverty classified Americans is 721 square feet per person.
From the age of six until I was twenty-three, we had none (we did have a refrigerator six of those years) of the above luxuries. We also did not have a dishwasher, garbage disposal or multiple cars. Although I did not know it at the time, we were living in poverty well below today’s definition. I am certainly glad no one told me; I thought we were rich.
For a complete breakdown of the resources quoted in this post, you may check the references given at the end of this article by the Heritage Foundation. I am grateful to them for this compilation.
For the nutritional breakdown, go there and it will reveal some interesting facts about diet among the poor. Today’s “poverty stricken” are ten pounds heavier and 1” taller than the men who fought during WWII. The children show no signs of having malnutrition compared to their peers in other upper income ranges. If anything, they are more subject to obesity. Although a disgusting thought, one could live a long time on an exclusive diet of Big Macs and fries.
The anecdotal evidence of examples of ten percent of Americans declared in poverty is plentiful. Who among us has everything we think we need. It’s not needs which defeat the budget, it’s wants. I think I need a motor home and a bass boat. My spouse thinks we need to replace the carpeting in the entire house. We both think we need the resources to travel extensively both here and abroad. Through all of this, the biggest single problem we have in our house is where to store all the “stuff.” Understand that the US Government’s criteria for “poverty” describe our financial situation perfectly. My grandfather nailed it when he said, “a man is rich in direct proportion to the things he can do without.”
Yes, there are many who for a variety of reasons have less than others. Temporary poverty is common even at our house. Health problems, layoffs, bad lifestyle choices, and a burgeoning of single parent homes produce difficulties for even the most efficient money managers. Most of these have solutions in behavioral alteration. I would like to think that is the “change” about which the politicians rant incessantly. Unfortunately, no president has the ability to reach down and pull everyone up by the bootstraps. For any of the candidates to suggest that independence, ambition and initiative are far superior to the “nanny state” approach is considered cold, cruel and heartless.
The politicians shed crocodile tears over this issue to become elected. What about the clergy? I recently had a conversation with a lay official of a local protestant church, a wonderful man with a nagging problem. Over the holidays his congregation had set aside funds and other resources to help a needy family. His problem? They couldn’t seem to locate one. The Ozarks isn’t Wall Street. Every economic indicator for our region is at the bottom of the scale, yet he had a problem finding a prospect for their largesse.
On the first Sunday at the church I attend, we always take up an oblation offering which is in no way connected to the normal operating expenses of the church. This is directed to those in need. I must assume that since our group, although modest, manage to keep the wolf from the door that we have to find a different outlet. Given our missionary efforts abroad and among the Lamanites we obviously have a legitimate outlet.
Forty years ago, one’s congregation might reasonably expect a visit frequently from the office of the stake Bishop. The message was uniform and urged us to waste not, save more, file our statements and love the Lord. The bishop’s agent beamed because he knew we were “paid up” and he could safely sit back and enjoy the proceedings. I actually miss that intermittent nudging to remind me of the financial law. It brings one full circle to be reminded that all we have is a gift from Christ and to return some of it for the greater good is a part of His teachings.
For those preoccupied with the teachings of Zionic living, we find the end of the quote states: “there was no poor among them.” We popularly believe this to refer to those without material substance. In the specific we have come to believe just that. However, in a larger sense the word “poor” also means less than adequate and lacking in value. In some circumstances, it could also refer to “poor” in spirit, “poor” in knowledge of the word, and most important, “poor” in the understanding of the teachings of Christ. While the generally accepted meaning might be beneficial to some, being rich in the spirit, knowledge of and the teaching of Christ would be beneficial to all. Not least, it would also please God. “For the poor shall never cease out of the land,” (Deut. 15:11) sums up the prospect of eliminating poverty. God teaches us to expect them to be ever present. He also gives the behavioral means to govern our relations with them with an eye toward their betterment.
Like most contemporary problems, the solutions are faith based. Discourage “accidental” pregnancies and eliminate the attack on marriage to provide two-parent homes. Allow men to be men and encourage them to assume the roles of husband and father. Teach the benefits of disciplined education to enhance earning capacity. Lessen the incentives to fall deeper into poverty through further reductions in benefits not tied to actual work to restore the habit of “making a living.” The fractured homes which define the poor are self perpetuating and can easily fulfill God’s observation in Deuteronomy.
One last word of warning is to repeat the title of this post. Figures don’t lie, but liars figure. Beware of easy solutions to complex problems no matter how appealing.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
For the politicians, the problem is our old friend, category error. That is to attempt to find a solution in which the problem is ill, or falsely, defined. Poverty is best stated as a lack of material goods and advantages which are life-threatening. Obviously, if one lacks food, shelter or adequate medical care, life is at risk. To isolate those persons who actually endure these conditions is quite another matter. The US Government, having established an income threshold, tells us that thirty five million citizens live in poverty. Recent census figures estimate the population through July 2007 at over 301 million people. That same government has kindly given us data to quantify a profile of these supposedly destitute individuals.
98.9% own an operating refrigerator. 97.3% own a color television. 78% have a video cassette recorder or DVD. 75.6% have an air conditioner. 73.3% have a microwave. 72.8% own a car or truck. 64.7% have a clothes washer. 62.6% have cable or satellite TV. 58.6% have a stereo. 55.6% have a clothes dryer. 55.3% have 2 or more color televisions. And finally, 45.9% own their own homes with an average of 439 sq. ft. per person. That figure exceeds the average floor area per person (non-poverty) of all but three countries in the entire world, Australia 545, Norway 452, and Canada 442. For your interest, the average per person floor space in Mexico is 92 square feet and the average for non-poverty classified Americans is 721 square feet per person.
From the age of six until I was twenty-three, we had none (we did have a refrigerator six of those years) of the above luxuries. We also did not have a dishwasher, garbage disposal or multiple cars. Although I did not know it at the time, we were living in poverty well below today’s definition. I am certainly glad no one told me; I thought we were rich.
For a complete breakdown of the resources quoted in this post, you may check the references given at the end of this article by the Heritage Foundation. I am grateful to them for this compilation.
For the nutritional breakdown, go there and it will reveal some interesting facts about diet among the poor. Today’s “poverty stricken” are ten pounds heavier and 1” taller than the men who fought during WWII. The children show no signs of having malnutrition compared to their peers in other upper income ranges. If anything, they are more subject to obesity. Although a disgusting thought, one could live a long time on an exclusive diet of Big Macs and fries.
The anecdotal evidence of examples of ten percent of Americans declared in poverty is plentiful. Who among us has everything we think we need. It’s not needs which defeat the budget, it’s wants. I think I need a motor home and a bass boat. My spouse thinks we need to replace the carpeting in the entire house. We both think we need the resources to travel extensively both here and abroad. Through all of this, the biggest single problem we have in our house is where to store all the “stuff.” Understand that the US Government’s criteria for “poverty” describe our financial situation perfectly. My grandfather nailed it when he said, “a man is rich in direct proportion to the things he can do without.”
Yes, there are many who for a variety of reasons have less than others. Temporary poverty is common even at our house. Health problems, layoffs, bad lifestyle choices, and a burgeoning of single parent homes produce difficulties for even the most efficient money managers. Most of these have solutions in behavioral alteration. I would like to think that is the “change” about which the politicians rant incessantly. Unfortunately, no president has the ability to reach down and pull everyone up by the bootstraps. For any of the candidates to suggest that independence, ambition and initiative are far superior to the “nanny state” approach is considered cold, cruel and heartless.
The politicians shed crocodile tears over this issue to become elected. What about the clergy? I recently had a conversation with a lay official of a local protestant church, a wonderful man with a nagging problem. Over the holidays his congregation had set aside funds and other resources to help a needy family. His problem? They couldn’t seem to locate one. The Ozarks isn’t Wall Street. Every economic indicator for our region is at the bottom of the scale, yet he had a problem finding a prospect for their largesse.
On the first Sunday at the church I attend, we always take up an oblation offering which is in no way connected to the normal operating expenses of the church. This is directed to those in need. I must assume that since our group, although modest, manage to keep the wolf from the door that we have to find a different outlet. Given our missionary efforts abroad and among the Lamanites we obviously have a legitimate outlet.
Forty years ago, one’s congregation might reasonably expect a visit frequently from the office of the stake Bishop. The message was uniform and urged us to waste not, save more, file our statements and love the Lord. The bishop’s agent beamed because he knew we were “paid up” and he could safely sit back and enjoy the proceedings. I actually miss that intermittent nudging to remind me of the financial law. It brings one full circle to be reminded that all we have is a gift from Christ and to return some of it for the greater good is a part of His teachings.
For those preoccupied with the teachings of Zionic living, we find the end of the quote states: “there was no poor among them.” We popularly believe this to refer to those without material substance. In the specific we have come to believe just that. However, in a larger sense the word “poor” also means less than adequate and lacking in value. In some circumstances, it could also refer to “poor” in spirit, “poor” in knowledge of the word, and most important, “poor” in the understanding of the teachings of Christ. While the generally accepted meaning might be beneficial to some, being rich in the spirit, knowledge of and the teaching of Christ would be beneficial to all. Not least, it would also please God. “For the poor shall never cease out of the land,” (Deut. 15:11) sums up the prospect of eliminating poverty. God teaches us to expect them to be ever present. He also gives the behavioral means to govern our relations with them with an eye toward their betterment.
Like most contemporary problems, the solutions are faith based. Discourage “accidental” pregnancies and eliminate the attack on marriage to provide two-parent homes. Allow men to be men and encourage them to assume the roles of husband and father. Teach the benefits of disciplined education to enhance earning capacity. Lessen the incentives to fall deeper into poverty through further reductions in benefits not tied to actual work to restore the habit of “making a living.” The fractured homes which define the poor are self perpetuating and can easily fulfill God’s observation in Deuteronomy.
One last word of warning is to repeat the title of this post. Figures don’t lie, but liars figure. Beware of easy solutions to complex problems no matter how appealing.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Identity Politics
Are you sick of the saturation of political news which on occasion even bumps Brittany Spears out of the limelight? Well I for one am about up to here with disingenuous appeals being made for the various presidential candidates. What has become probably the most annoying aspect of the whole matter is the business of isolating the most politically correct feature in the candidate's personal life with an eye to exploiting it as a political plus.
On one side we have representatives of oppressed (?) segments of society. “Vote for me, I’m black!” "Vote for me, I’m a woman!” “Vote for me, I have high maintenance hair!” Each seems to project characteristics which are more a sound basis for a discrimination suit in court than a qualification for the world’s most important and powerful position. They have abandoned any hint of subtlety and through the magic of word play, actually further the stereotypes which we have long labored to downplay in our society.
On the other side, the theme has switched somewhat to emphasis on faith and age. One says the other guy isn’t a Christian. The accused then pleads he isn’t running for Pope and asserts close ties to Christ. A third candidate would join in but it’s time for his nap. The remaining viable candidate is too busy shoveling to cover up his hyperactive extramarital life to join the fray.
Overriding all of this palaver, we have a complete cast of secondary players furthering the madness and bringing often painful reminders of an embarrassing political past. We do remember the “blue dress”, Chappaquiddick, open borders proposals, “wide stance” and a veritable host of criminals which occupy our highest legislative bodies. This is not a partisan observation. The per person verifiable criminal activity in our congress vastly exceeds that of the citizenry as a whole.
We have been well trained by the media to reduce our thinking to “sound bites.” It suits are active life style. It also forebodes a national disaster. To select the “identity de jour” and make a decision which could have a bearing on the future of the nation is madness. We have onerous and comprehensive federal law in place which forbids discrimination in the workplace. Gender, ethnic origin, age, faith, disability and even sexual orientation are not to be considered in employment decisions.
Unfortunately, when the electorate is in the lonely confines of the voting booth, they (you?) have no monitor on the decision making process. If Hillary reminds you of your domineering ex-wife and John McCain seems like your grandpa, you will probably vote accordingly. If Huckabee comes off like a “hell fire” evangelist and Edwards has the appeal of a cover figure on a romance novel, your decision will be clear. What will you do if faced (not at all unlikely) with the choice between a Muslin-raised black guy whose middle name is Hussein and a false prophet-consulting "nice" guy who wears goofy underwear?
My personal suggestion is that you go well past the superficial aspects of their assigned identities. Individual postures on a variety of issues have a far longer impact on the fate of the republic. To the average Saint, appointments to the Supreme Court will have an important bearing on the future of the unborn. In general, positions on the restoration of Iraq, illegal immigration, taxes, health care, education, operation of the defense establishment and an active desire to implement the Constitution should be of the utmost concern to the voters. The pundits are always quick to point out that this is an “all-important election.” They all are. They deserve your well-thought decisions.
I will close, as usual, with an anecdote from long ago. In 1952, I went to Army Security Agency school at Ft. Devens, Mass. My wife and I lived in Cambridge, near Harvard and the studios of WTOP, Boston. At the close of the campaign, Eisenhower, on election eve, chose to give a radio address to the nation from WTOP to cap off his race for the presidency. On that blustery November night we went to the parking lot at the radio station and waited for him to emerge after his talk. Finally, the door opened and a couple guys came out followed by Eisenhower and Mamie and they headed for the waiting car. There was no jubilant crowd or press corps; just us. He returned my salute, waved, smiled and they departed.
I am haunted to this day by his appearance that night. It seemed that at the end of the run for the White House he had aged twenty years. He was haggard and slumped and until his return of my salute, he bore no resemblance to the man who had been so instrumental in the restoration of liberty to Europe. He soon recovered to his usual vibrant self and restored his beaming trade mark smile. No doubt he was encouraged by his victory overAdlai Stevenson by six-and-a-half million votes.
In consequence, my hat is off to all who would pursue this lofty office. Even those who I consider a threat to the republic are worthy of recognition for their efforts. It is strenuous work and definitely not for the faint of heart. They should be recognized on their merits and not some identity assigned by an all too eager press and each other. They at least deserve your prayerful consideration.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
On one side we have representatives of oppressed (?) segments of society. “Vote for me, I’m black!” "Vote for me, I’m a woman!” “Vote for me, I have high maintenance hair!” Each seems to project characteristics which are more a sound basis for a discrimination suit in court than a qualification for the world’s most important and powerful position. They have abandoned any hint of subtlety and through the magic of word play, actually further the stereotypes which we have long labored to downplay in our society.
On the other side, the theme has switched somewhat to emphasis on faith and age. One says the other guy isn’t a Christian. The accused then pleads he isn’t running for Pope and asserts close ties to Christ. A third candidate would join in but it’s time for his nap. The remaining viable candidate is too busy shoveling to cover up his hyperactive extramarital life to join the fray.
Overriding all of this palaver, we have a complete cast of secondary players furthering the madness and bringing often painful reminders of an embarrassing political past. We do remember the “blue dress”, Chappaquiddick, open borders proposals, “wide stance” and a veritable host of criminals which occupy our highest legislative bodies. This is not a partisan observation. The per person verifiable criminal activity in our congress vastly exceeds that of the citizenry as a whole.
We have been well trained by the media to reduce our thinking to “sound bites.” It suits are active life style. It also forebodes a national disaster. To select the “identity de jour” and make a decision which could have a bearing on the future of the nation is madness. We have onerous and comprehensive federal law in place which forbids discrimination in the workplace. Gender, ethnic origin, age, faith, disability and even sexual orientation are not to be considered in employment decisions.
Unfortunately, when the electorate is in the lonely confines of the voting booth, they (you?) have no monitor on the decision making process. If Hillary reminds you of your domineering ex-wife and John McCain seems like your grandpa, you will probably vote accordingly. If Huckabee comes off like a “hell fire” evangelist and Edwards has the appeal of a cover figure on a romance novel, your decision will be clear. What will you do if faced (not at all unlikely) with the choice between a Muslin-raised black guy whose middle name is Hussein and a false prophet-consulting "nice" guy who wears goofy underwear?
My personal suggestion is that you go well past the superficial aspects of their assigned identities. Individual postures on a variety of issues have a far longer impact on the fate of the republic. To the average Saint, appointments to the Supreme Court will have an important bearing on the future of the unborn. In general, positions on the restoration of Iraq, illegal immigration, taxes, health care, education, operation of the defense establishment and an active desire to implement the Constitution should be of the utmost concern to the voters. The pundits are always quick to point out that this is an “all-important election.” They all are. They deserve your well-thought decisions.
I will close, as usual, with an anecdote from long ago. In 1952, I went to Army Security Agency school at Ft. Devens, Mass. My wife and I lived in Cambridge, near Harvard and the studios of WTOP, Boston. At the close of the campaign, Eisenhower, on election eve, chose to give a radio address to the nation from WTOP to cap off his race for the presidency. On that blustery November night we went to the parking lot at the radio station and waited for him to emerge after his talk. Finally, the door opened and a couple guys came out followed by Eisenhower and Mamie and they headed for the waiting car. There was no jubilant crowd or press corps; just us. He returned my salute, waved, smiled and they departed.
I am haunted to this day by his appearance that night. It seemed that at the end of the run for the White House he had aged twenty years. He was haggard and slumped and until his return of my salute, he bore no resemblance to the man who had been so instrumental in the restoration of liberty to Europe. He soon recovered to his usual vibrant self and restored his beaming trade mark smile. No doubt he was encouraged by his victory overAdlai Stevenson by six-and-a-half million votes.
In consequence, my hat is off to all who would pursue this lofty office. Even those who I consider a threat to the republic are worthy of recognition for their efforts. It is strenuous work and definitely not for the faint of heart. They should be recognized on their merits and not some identity assigned by an all too eager press and each other. They at least deserve your prayerful consideration.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Monday Morning Rant 22
I am about to embark on dangerous territory here. We have a lot of inside jokes. Most successfully married (in Hollywood, that is defined by being in excess of six days) people find themselves able to anticipate their mate's reaction and even the words they are about to speak. They often finish each others' sentences and I see it as a testimony to the close relationship which so delights our God. We “join” in marriage and are counseled to become “one.”
Often, however, others have difficulty understanding a married couple who have achieved this closeness. What may seem amusing or clever to us as a married unit may not seem as understandable by others. One of the canards we hold as truth at our house is not always appreciated by some of our friends. It goes like this: “All women are crazy and all men are selfish.” Now doesn’t that sound like something a redneck husband with a feminist wife would come up with? Really, I’d like to think we are neither.
It is a useful device which we use to disarm impending conflict. In nearly every case we are able to extract some wisdom from it and find usable solutions. Sometimes, we proclaim the opposite: “Men are crazy and women are selfish.” A fraction of both descriptions is applicable in nearly every circumstance. As I discussed in a previous post (Selfishness) we are hardwired to follow our self interest so that part of the equation is inescapable. The history of “crazy” people among us really needs no example; the woods are full of them.
If you want to see a crazy woman, attack her children either verbally or physically. If you have a death wish, criticize her cooking. For absolute mania in its finest hour; find fault with your mother-in-law. You with experience in the marital arts have your own unique stories to tell.
A sample of the principle may be discerned by asking any man whether he would rather have a new bass boat or a remodeled kitchen. They cost roughly the same amount. Another test would be to see who has custody of the TV remote. If it’s anywhere close to “kick off,” we readily know the answer.
If you want to see both in one example, try the following. A man returns from town and reveals he remembered the dog food and forgot the kitty litter. Or better yet, he went to Wal-Mart and picked up the 9/16th socket and forgot her prescription. Is this starting to sound familiar? These are the faux pas which pick a marriage apart.
I would suggest that any device available to diffuse the impending disaster should be labeled “BREAK GLASS IN CASE OF . . .” At our house we willingly stand and accept the accusation of both crazy and selfish since we recognize it contributes to peace in our little paradise. Try it; you’ll come to appreciate it in time.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Many of my dear close friends among the Saints seem preoccupied with the current crop of doom and gloom predictions. Some heed the warnings about the close of the current Aztec (or is it Mayan?) calendar coming to a close in 2012. Others watch the History channel and reinforce their belief we will all be consumed by fire, earthquake, flood or natural disaster at any moment. Oops, so sorry, I left out the meteor. Every sect, cult, coven and congregation has a view of the end times. Some turn to the scriptures for confirmation of these upcoming events. There certainly is no shortage of prediction within those sacred tomes.
The canon leaves no doubt of the eventuality of these events. There is little question in my mind that God at some time or another will extract a terrible retribution upon those who continue to ignore His teachings. I’ll spare you endless quotes because you could probably do a better job of assembling them than I. Genesis to Revelation is replete with prediction and example of what to expect. I believe it.
What I don’t believe is that God is going to go about wasting the faithful in the process. Where is the scriptural precedent for that? He is very clear in projecting the outcome for the sinner and those who reject His word. How about those who embrace the gospel and do their level best to promulgate the message? Are they in danger as well? I’m sorry, I just don’t see it. Aside from collateral damage, I find it difficult to image that we (believers) will be intentionally targeted for destruction.
The New Testament makes the calamitous condition of Jerusalem at the time subsequent to the crucifixion very clear. I don’t remember reading of injuries or death on the part of those who believed the teachings of the Master as a result of that destruction. I’m certain that if I am wrong someone will point it out and I shall be grateful for the further education. The scripture presents a picture of “either, or” and allows us to choose one. If I choose to believe and love God, I am assured I have little to fear at His hand. If I choose not to, the “or” comes into play and it’s my own fault.
When I was a boy, my father took me to New York City. One of my most vivid memories was a nearly naked man walking on the street with a “sandwich board” draped over his front and back with the words: “REPENT NOW, THE END IS NEAR!” scrawled on both sides. That was in 1939. Now, sixty-nine years later, it is still good advice, but hardly predictive of imminent disaster.
It strikes me that the upshot of this is a clarion call to work for the Master, carry His message, love our neighbors be prepared to accept whatever He gives. I do not fear that which is predicted by men. I do fear that my actions are not constantly pleasing to God. Better we should all concentrate on perfecting our own lives and not pay so much attention to those who portray God as an instrument of destruction.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Often, however, others have difficulty understanding a married couple who have achieved this closeness. What may seem amusing or clever to us as a married unit may not seem as understandable by others. One of the canards we hold as truth at our house is not always appreciated by some of our friends. It goes like this: “All women are crazy and all men are selfish.” Now doesn’t that sound like something a redneck husband with a feminist wife would come up with? Really, I’d like to think we are neither.
It is a useful device which we use to disarm impending conflict. In nearly every case we are able to extract some wisdom from it and find usable solutions. Sometimes, we proclaim the opposite: “Men are crazy and women are selfish.” A fraction of both descriptions is applicable in nearly every circumstance. As I discussed in a previous post (Selfishness) we are hardwired to follow our self interest so that part of the equation is inescapable. The history of “crazy” people among us really needs no example; the woods are full of them.
If you want to see a crazy woman, attack her children either verbally or physically. If you have a death wish, criticize her cooking. For absolute mania in its finest hour; find fault with your mother-in-law. You with experience in the marital arts have your own unique stories to tell.
A sample of the principle may be discerned by asking any man whether he would rather have a new bass boat or a remodeled kitchen. They cost roughly the same amount. Another test would be to see who has custody of the TV remote. If it’s anywhere close to “kick off,” we readily know the answer.
If you want to see both in one example, try the following. A man returns from town and reveals he remembered the dog food and forgot the kitty litter. Or better yet, he went to Wal-Mart and picked up the 9/16th socket and forgot her prescription. Is this starting to sound familiar? These are the faux pas which pick a marriage apart.
I would suggest that any device available to diffuse the impending disaster should be labeled “BREAK GLASS IN CASE OF . . .” At our house we willingly stand and accept the accusation of both crazy and selfish since we recognize it contributes to peace in our little paradise. Try it; you’ll come to appreciate it in time.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Many of my dear close friends among the Saints seem preoccupied with the current crop of doom and gloom predictions. Some heed the warnings about the close of the current Aztec (or is it Mayan?) calendar coming to a close in 2012. Others watch the History channel and reinforce their belief we will all be consumed by fire, earthquake, flood or natural disaster at any moment. Oops, so sorry, I left out the meteor. Every sect, cult, coven and congregation has a view of the end times. Some turn to the scriptures for confirmation of these upcoming events. There certainly is no shortage of prediction within those sacred tomes.
The canon leaves no doubt of the eventuality of these events. There is little question in my mind that God at some time or another will extract a terrible retribution upon those who continue to ignore His teachings. I’ll spare you endless quotes because you could probably do a better job of assembling them than I. Genesis to Revelation is replete with prediction and example of what to expect. I believe it.
What I don’t believe is that God is going to go about wasting the faithful in the process. Where is the scriptural precedent for that? He is very clear in projecting the outcome for the sinner and those who reject His word. How about those who embrace the gospel and do their level best to promulgate the message? Are they in danger as well? I’m sorry, I just don’t see it. Aside from collateral damage, I find it difficult to image that we (believers) will be intentionally targeted for destruction.
The New Testament makes the calamitous condition of Jerusalem at the time subsequent to the crucifixion very clear. I don’t remember reading of injuries or death on the part of those who believed the teachings of the Master as a result of that destruction. I’m certain that if I am wrong someone will point it out and I shall be grateful for the further education. The scripture presents a picture of “either, or” and allows us to choose one. If I choose to believe and love God, I am assured I have little to fear at His hand. If I choose not to, the “or” comes into play and it’s my own fault.
When I was a boy, my father took me to New York City. One of my most vivid memories was a nearly naked man walking on the street with a “sandwich board” draped over his front and back with the words: “REPENT NOW, THE END IS NEAR!” scrawled on both sides. That was in 1939. Now, sixty-nine years later, it is still good advice, but hardly predictive of imminent disaster.
It strikes me that the upshot of this is a clarion call to work for the Master, carry His message, love our neighbors be prepared to accept whatever He gives. I do not fear that which is predicted by men. I do fear that my actions are not constantly pleasing to God. Better we should all concentrate on perfecting our own lives and not pay so much attention to those who portray God as an instrument of destruction.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The Puppy Bowl
As February 3rd nears, excitement has raised to a fever pitch for the upcoming bowl game. Who will emerge as the reigning champion? What spectacular action will become the long remembered memory of the occasion? Will there be another half time wardrobe malfunction? The answer to these and any other questions in anticipation of the event can be obtained by tuning in to the “Animal Planet” on February 3rd at 3 pm.
Animal Planet? You read it right. The fourth annual Puppy Bowl will air concurrent with the Super Bowl on Super Sunday, February 3rd. If your interest level in professional football is on the wane because your favorite team isn’t involved, this is a superb alternative. It is the second most watched TV show in that time slot. Viewership exceeds that of the State of the Union address. Originated in 2005 as an alternative to the big game, it has become increasingly popular. Yes, there are those who really don’t care about football.
The format is simple. Take a mock stadium, put in ten to twenty puppies (no more than three months old) of varying breeds from a local animal shelter. Cover it in green outdoor carpet with yardage markers. Provide a referee (human) to throw the flag to cover any inadvertent accident and let the fun begin. Don’t worry if you don’t see your favorite breed in action, substitution is frequent and you’ll probably spot it sometime.
At about one-and-a-half hours along, a half time show provides a dozen or so kittens with a scratching post for your entertainment. For your “water bowl’s eye view” of puppies drinking, a puppy cam is installed beneath a clear glass water bowl. While you may not see a long bomb into the end zone, there is enough rough and tumble to satisfy every taste.
Folks, this is television at its best. Exciting, wholesome, funny, clean, and immensely entertaining, it definitely ranks as a “must see.” Every participant is available for adoption so everyone's a winner. Remember, Sunday, February 3rd, 3 PM, join me and watch it and laugh.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Animal Planet? You read it right. The fourth annual Puppy Bowl will air concurrent with the Super Bowl on Super Sunday, February 3rd. If your interest level in professional football is on the wane because your favorite team isn’t involved, this is a superb alternative. It is the second most watched TV show in that time slot. Viewership exceeds that of the State of the Union address. Originated in 2005 as an alternative to the big game, it has become increasingly popular. Yes, there are those who really don’t care about football.
The format is simple. Take a mock stadium, put in ten to twenty puppies (no more than three months old) of varying breeds from a local animal shelter. Cover it in green outdoor carpet with yardage markers. Provide a referee (human) to throw the flag to cover any inadvertent accident and let the fun begin. Don’t worry if you don’t see your favorite breed in action, substitution is frequent and you’ll probably spot it sometime.
At about one-and-a-half hours along, a half time show provides a dozen or so kittens with a scratching post for your entertainment. For your “water bowl’s eye view” of puppies drinking, a puppy cam is installed beneath a clear glass water bowl. While you may not see a long bomb into the end zone, there is enough rough and tumble to satisfy every taste.
Folks, this is television at its best. Exciting, wholesome, funny, clean, and immensely entertaining, it definitely ranks as a “must see.” Every participant is available for adoption so everyone's a winner. Remember, Sunday, February 3rd, 3 PM, join me and watch it and laugh.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Thursday, January 24, 2008
A New Religion
With 6,000,000,000 people in the world, give or take a few, we definitely have a ready market for religions. Here in the United States, with only 225,000,000 people but with greater freedoms and opportunity to pursue individual faiths, we have far more than our share. All too often the reason is other countries often have a state imposed religion or at the least one which is tacitly endorsed by the government. In some theocracies, following a creed other than that which is state sponsored can be dangerous to the point of death. Often these involve interpretations of God or at the least, a higher power of some sort with a variety of names.
While the lexicographers list the “service or worship of God” as the first definition for religion, they also include: “set of beliefs or religious attitudes”, “scrupulous conformity”, and finally, “cause, principal, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith.” Even though God rates the number one spot, He is completely ignored in the remainder. Please note in the final definition the use of the word faith. “Belief in that for which there is no proof,” seems a convenient way to encapsulate its meaning. For those of us who relate words like faith and religion with the worship and adoration of Almighty God it may seem a corruption to attribute the usage to a more secular interest. Words have meaning and they are not always confined to our narrower usage.
The largest single contingent of fresh-faced “new” believers among us here and certainly world wide are those who adhere to the cult of Global Warming -- or climate change if you prefer. The prophet for the group, a necessary position, is none other than our very own Al Gore. His book, movie and endless computer models serve as a canon of scripture. The evidence of evangelical outreach is huge; not only by the “high priests” of the movement but with the complicit activity of the press and agenda driven governmental agencies. This theocracy is supported by individual governments and has gained international support from the United Nations. Watching the leadership of the group has its “Elmer Gantry” moments as they pollute the atmosphere with their jets and build mansions of energy guzzlers and go on to preach repentance over carbon offsets and cutting down trees. In their defense, few religions have ever been thoroughly cleansed of hypocrites.
In further parallel; dissenters are shunned in academia; attempts at silencing of contrary voices is near universal; and any effect of the sun as a causative factor is treated as lunacy. The propaganda mill for this entire fiasco is operational 24/7. No day passes without a reminder of their insidious campaign to inculcate one and all with their dire message. All disagreement is met with claims that “you” just don’t care about the earth. All ears are closed and the mouths run at a fever pitch. Pictures are painted of Philadelphia with suburban beach front property and vegetables being raised nine months a year in the Yukon Territory.
Ah, if only we would see the light and sign the Kyoto accords. Obviously if that industrial and economic giant, the United States would only abandon its industry and life style, the world would be a better place. Never mind that China, India and other titans of world production would be exempt. We are the villains. They choose to ignore the fact that without Kyoto we have an exemplary record of reducing carbon and improving air quality.
I am sorely pained when I observe otherwise thinking people buy into this scam. If you believe this tripe, better you should rush home and answer that email from Solicitor Benjy Matubo from Nigeria offering to share his 15 million dollar inheritance. Just because it’s on the network news at six and ten does not make it true. Repetition of identical falsehoods is no reason for their validation.
Although I have traveled extensively, I need do little more than look out my window to see superficial changes in the landscape. Our planet is alive! It is not a dead hunk of rock. It does indeed have a vulnerable surface layer which is highly susceptible to variance. To deny these changes would be foolish and ignore all geological and atmospheric evidence. This earth is in a constant state of flux.
To offer anecdotal evidence of either global warming or wage a denial is non-productive. By hand picking isolated circumstances to support either position serves only to serve the interests of the individual involved. The most embarrassing example of this is the attribution of climate change to Hurricane Katrina and the destruction of New Orleans. New Orleans was destroyed by government operatives engaged in poor pre-hurricane performance (see US Corps of Engineers and NO Levee Control Board) well in advance of the fact. The largest damage was not from the winds but from the water. This highly predictable outcome has been advertised for decades. As a former Louisiana resident, I have observed the state government and attained familiarity with the mind set of the people. In my view, there was absolutely nothing surprising about the disaster.
Personally, I love this earth. God has allowed me a paradise to call my home. I also recognize my responsibilities for the maintenance of our little rocky top property in the woods. It is not perfect, but then neither am I. When we chose the property, we realized that the summer would be hot and the winter could be cold. Like much of the Midwestern US, the last four years have found blistering summer days and, like this morning, days which start at seven degrees. This is weather – not, climate change. If you want a safe wager however, put your money on my being on my local golf course on Monday.
I trust the 10 day forecast from NOAA to be reasonably accurate. All too frequently even that changes within the ten day window but I understand. The only truly solid fact I have acquired over the years about weather forecasting is that it will be subject to change. The religion of global warming assures me that the same computer modeling which may well result in the cancellation of my golf plans can, with absolute accuracy, predict the level of the seas in a hundred years. It has to be true; the prophet (Al Gore) said so.
True believers hate dissension, controversy and examination of truth. For one to even suggest that global warming is a clumsy attempt to inhibit the economic growth of the United States and its friendly industrialized allies is to be characterized as one imbued with capitalist greed. I am amused to be counted among the successful capitalists who have acquired great wealth upon the backs of third world workers. That’s why we clip coupons and shop at Wal-Mart. Class envy, long an instrument of the leftists, is one of the prime movers of the faith. Stir up the masses to encourage the disruption of the economy by preaching gloom and doom and creating blame where it does not rightfully belong. I believe that snake handlers could mount a better defense of their faith. At least they believe that God will protect them.
If this post accomplishes nothing else, I hope it encourages you to not accept without thorough examination, all life changing propositions. Learn to recognize opinion versus fact. Dare to be the one who says, “Whoa!” If you read it here and think it is not accurate, tell us. We live in a world of lies clothed in slick presentation but lacking in supporting empirical evidence. If you have trouble sorting it out, accept the suggestion of following James: 1: Ask of God.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
While the lexicographers list the “service or worship of God” as the first definition for religion, they also include: “set of beliefs or religious attitudes”, “scrupulous conformity”, and finally, “cause, principal, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith.” Even though God rates the number one spot, He is completely ignored in the remainder. Please note in the final definition the use of the word faith. “Belief in that for which there is no proof,” seems a convenient way to encapsulate its meaning. For those of us who relate words like faith and religion with the worship and adoration of Almighty God it may seem a corruption to attribute the usage to a more secular interest. Words have meaning and they are not always confined to our narrower usage.
The largest single contingent of fresh-faced “new” believers among us here and certainly world wide are those who adhere to the cult of Global Warming -- or climate change if you prefer. The prophet for the group, a necessary position, is none other than our very own Al Gore. His book, movie and endless computer models serve as a canon of scripture. The evidence of evangelical outreach is huge; not only by the “high priests” of the movement but with the complicit activity of the press and agenda driven governmental agencies. This theocracy is supported by individual governments and has gained international support from the United Nations. Watching the leadership of the group has its “Elmer Gantry” moments as they pollute the atmosphere with their jets and build mansions of energy guzzlers and go on to preach repentance over carbon offsets and cutting down trees. In their defense, few religions have ever been thoroughly cleansed of hypocrites.
In further parallel; dissenters are shunned in academia; attempts at silencing of contrary voices is near universal; and any effect of the sun as a causative factor is treated as lunacy. The propaganda mill for this entire fiasco is operational 24/7. No day passes without a reminder of their insidious campaign to inculcate one and all with their dire message. All disagreement is met with claims that “you” just don’t care about the earth. All ears are closed and the mouths run at a fever pitch. Pictures are painted of Philadelphia with suburban beach front property and vegetables being raised nine months a year in the Yukon Territory.
Ah, if only we would see the light and sign the Kyoto accords. Obviously if that industrial and economic giant, the United States would only abandon its industry and life style, the world would be a better place. Never mind that China, India and other titans of world production would be exempt. We are the villains. They choose to ignore the fact that without Kyoto we have an exemplary record of reducing carbon and improving air quality.
I am sorely pained when I observe otherwise thinking people buy into this scam. If you believe this tripe, better you should rush home and answer that email from Solicitor Benjy Matubo from Nigeria offering to share his 15 million dollar inheritance. Just because it’s on the network news at six and ten does not make it true. Repetition of identical falsehoods is no reason for their validation.
Although I have traveled extensively, I need do little more than look out my window to see superficial changes in the landscape. Our planet is alive! It is not a dead hunk of rock. It does indeed have a vulnerable surface layer which is highly susceptible to variance. To deny these changes would be foolish and ignore all geological and atmospheric evidence. This earth is in a constant state of flux.
To offer anecdotal evidence of either global warming or wage a denial is non-productive. By hand picking isolated circumstances to support either position serves only to serve the interests of the individual involved. The most embarrassing example of this is the attribution of climate change to Hurricane Katrina and the destruction of New Orleans. New Orleans was destroyed by government operatives engaged in poor pre-hurricane performance (see US Corps of Engineers and NO Levee Control Board) well in advance of the fact. The largest damage was not from the winds but from the water. This highly predictable outcome has been advertised for decades. As a former Louisiana resident, I have observed the state government and attained familiarity with the mind set of the people. In my view, there was absolutely nothing surprising about the disaster.
Personally, I love this earth. God has allowed me a paradise to call my home. I also recognize my responsibilities for the maintenance of our little rocky top property in the woods. It is not perfect, but then neither am I. When we chose the property, we realized that the summer would be hot and the winter could be cold. Like much of the Midwestern US, the last four years have found blistering summer days and, like this morning, days which start at seven degrees. This is weather – not, climate change. If you want a safe wager however, put your money on my being on my local golf course on Monday.
I trust the 10 day forecast from NOAA to be reasonably accurate. All too frequently even that changes within the ten day window but I understand. The only truly solid fact I have acquired over the years about weather forecasting is that it will be subject to change. The religion of global warming assures me that the same computer modeling which may well result in the cancellation of my golf plans can, with absolute accuracy, predict the level of the seas in a hundred years. It has to be true; the prophet (Al Gore) said so.
True believers hate dissension, controversy and examination of truth. For one to even suggest that global warming is a clumsy attempt to inhibit the economic growth of the United States and its friendly industrialized allies is to be characterized as one imbued with capitalist greed. I am amused to be counted among the successful capitalists who have acquired great wealth upon the backs of third world workers. That’s why we clip coupons and shop at Wal-Mart. Class envy, long an instrument of the leftists, is one of the prime movers of the faith. Stir up the masses to encourage the disruption of the economy by preaching gloom and doom and creating blame where it does not rightfully belong. I believe that snake handlers could mount a better defense of their faith. At least they believe that God will protect them.
If this post accomplishes nothing else, I hope it encourages you to not accept without thorough examination, all life changing propositions. Learn to recognize opinion versus fact. Dare to be the one who says, “Whoa!” If you read it here and think it is not accurate, tell us. We live in a world of lies clothed in slick presentation but lacking in supporting empirical evidence. If you have trouble sorting it out, accept the suggestion of following James: 1: Ask of God.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
