Hitler and Beck…..
(From a paper I wrote in college in 1971)
“Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it” is a timeless truth attributed to such paragons of wisdom as George Santayana, Winston Churchill, Thomas Jefferson and Pogo. Regardless of who said it, it is a terrible judgment which we shall bring upon ourselves.
In 1971, I took a course called “The Psychology of Persuasion” in my major which was Interpersonal Communication. In that class, I wrote a detailed term paper on Joseph Goebbles, Adolf Hitler and their use of/perfecting of propaganda. In 1971, there was no evidence that any such efforts were afoot to utilize this evil art. Furthermore, few, if any could rationally conceive that Prototypical Nazi Propaganda could used in any Freed Democracy, much less an nation so “enlightened” as the United States.
Arise Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Mark Enyart, Sarah Palin, etc. Unlike the dictatorially controlled message from Adolf Hitler, through Joseph Goebbles, these independent entrepreneurs have each carved their own piece of the marketplace, while working the “same side of the street.” This Ultra-Right Wing, Politreligious movement, has mirrored the principles of these “Unprincipled Denizens of the Underworld” to the “T.” Masked behind free speech, political entertainment and patriotism, motivated by selfishness and fear they thrive.
Let me cite a few abridged points from my 1971 term paper and show the way they are frighteningly followed by the Rush Hannibecklins.
The Big Lie
The prime foundation of Goebbles/Hitler was the understanding that if one told a big enough lie, often enough, the masses would be persuaded. In the case of Goebbles/Hitler, the Big Lie was the selection of and perseveration on a Great Evil/Satan.
The Great Evil/Satan
For Goebbles/Hitler the Great Evil/Satan were the Jews. Every societal, national, economic, moral problem was caused by the Jews. The Jews had secretly caused Germany’s defeat and subsequent humiliation in and after World War I. Jewish bankers were the cause of Germany’s economic crash of the late 20’s/early 30’s. Infected Jews were spreading disease/mental illness among the pure Aryan/Germans. Jews were clandestinely causing the street violence and public unrest rampant in German cities.
Exploitation of civil/social/economic unrest
Civil/social/economic unrest which were rampant and greatly instigated by the Nazi’s themselves were used to cause fear, unrest and great angst of the populace. They require unrest to create a need, real and exaggerated, for stability. With the telling of the Great Lie, the masses could be convinced that the Great Evil/Satan was the cause.
Promise of return to Past Days of Glory
Goebbles/Hitler built dream castles in the minds of Germans to return to historical/mythological days of Wagnerian superhuman greatness and glory. From the 1936 Olympics to theatric and public parade/mass meeting pageantry Goebbles/Hitler were masters a staging events to achieve deep emotional mind-control.
The Aryan Myth
With a strange mixture of pseudo-science, revisionist history and religi-mythological propaganda, the German people were indoctrinated to believe that they had been “Chosen by God/the gods/Fate/Spirits of Dead Conquerors” to rule the Land of their birthright. Removal of any who were living there was a virtue/mission ordained by the gods to purify that which was now contaminated by lesser, mongrel people.
Religious Nationalism
Utilizing those leaders of the religious community who would cooperate, Goebbles/Hitler intertwined religion, the Occult, Wagnerian Mythology to create a new Religious Nationalism. Germans were indoctrinated to worship Nationalism. It was their new religion. Those who opposed Nazi Nationalism were not just political opponents, they were the enemies of the Devine and Devine Mandate. Religious leaders who opposed him were eliminated.
Tell the Masses What They Want to Hear.
By studying and careful analysis, Goebbles/Hitler knew all too well what the German public (or any public) wanted to hear. Shifting all blame to a satanic scapegoat, longing for a better life, justifying all means of acquiring that better life, the only morality which survived was the message of that which made them feel good, important, safe and powerful.
Elimination of non-productive
The “non-productive”, such as the terminally ill or mentally retarded were portrayed as a drain upon the energy and resources of Germany’s Nationalistic Devine Mandate. They were systematically euthanized.
Enter the Rush Hannibecklins
If we now look at what the Rush Hannibecklinsm are now doing, we can see that they fit lockstep or should I say goosestep every point of the way with their clearly studied and copied mentors, Hers Goebbles unt Hitler.
NOTE: I am not equating the Rush Hannibecklins with classic conservatism as so aptly and statesmanly vocalized by such great figures as Barry Goldwater, Paul Harvey or William F. Buckley Jr. As I have often stated, classic conservatism is a crucial thread which, when woven in balance with classic liberalism becomes the warp and weave of this great Republic.
The Big Lie
The prime foundation of Rush Hannibecklin is the understanding that if one tells a big enough lie, often enough, the masses will be persuaded. As in the case of Goebbles/Hitler, the Big Lie of the Rush Hannibecklins is the selection of and perseveration on a Great Evil/Satan.
The Great Evil/Satan
For Rush Hannibecklins the Great Evil/Satan are the liberals/progressives/non-whites. Every societal, national, economic, moral problem in the present day United States is caused by the liberals/progressives/non-whites. The liberals/progressives/non-whites. have caused the United States’ defeat and subsequent humiliation of Viet Nam. Liberal spending to finance social welfare programs for non-whites has been the cause of the United States’ budgetary deficits and every economic downturn since WWII. Non-white/homosexuals are spreading disease and illness which is bankrupting our healthcare capabilities. These same groups of blacks, Hispanics and homosexuals are the cause of the dissolution of the family unity, moral decay, teen pregnancy and civil unrest.
Exploitation of civil/social/economic unrest
Civil/social/economic unrest which have been greatly exacerbated government pandering to huge corporations are used by the Rush Hannibecklins to cause fear, unrest and great angst of the populace. They require this unrest to create a need, real and exaggerated, for stability. With the telling of the Great Lie, the masses could be convinced that the Great Evil/Satan was the cause. In addition, terrorist activities of radical Moslems, both real and instigated through Imperial Hubris is used to fan the flames of fear among the populace.
Promise of return to Past Days of Glory
Rush Hannibecklins build dream castles in the minds of Americans to return to historical/mythological days of stability, civil peace, family solidarity, military might, security and safety. The individual and militia mentality security is promoted as the only real safety and power that can be trusted. Taking advantage of such white-dominated movements as Promise Keepers and TEA Party the Rush Hannibecklins use inflamed mob psychology, if not mass pageantry to whip up public emotions. This facilitates deep levels of mind control for speakers who repeat the Big Lie, the myth that whites are down-trodden and in need of self –defense.
The ‘Aryan’ Myth
The Aryan Myth has been replaced by the American Myth, that the real estate from the Atlantic to the Pacific and between Canada and Mexico is a uniquely blessed property, a New Promised Land, New Jerusalem. Like the German people before them, Americans are easily indoctrinated to believe that they had been “Chosen by God to rule this Land of their birthright. Removal of any (Native Americans) who were living there was a virtue/mission ordained by God to purify that which was now contaminated by lesser, mongrel people. Furthermore, prevention of new migrations of brown, non-English-speaking people (of which there is great physical and economic fear) is not a selfish motivation but a sacred right/mandate.
Religious Nationalism
Utilizing those leaders of the religious community who have been all to eager to cooperate, the Rush Hannibecklins intertwine religion, and patriotism to create a new Religious Nationalism. Religious Right Wing Extremists have been indoctrinated to worship Nationalism. It is their new religion. Those who opposed this Nationalism are not just political opponents, they are the enemies of the Devine and Devine Mandate. Religious leaders who opposed them are socially/religiously excommunicated. (Mr. Beck’s calling progressive clergy/denominations communist or Nazi.)
Tell the Masses What They Want to Hear.
By studying and careful analysis, the Rush Hannibecklins know all too well what the American public (or any public) wanted to hear. Shifting all blame to a satanic/liberal scapegoat, longing for a better life, justifying all means of acquiring that better life, the only morality which survives is the message of that I have no responsibility to be my brother’s keeper. He is needy because he is not as deserving or hardworking as I am. Social welfare programs, which would take dollars from my pocket are wrong. Not because they are selfish, but because they are Un-American. There is no more effective feel-good message than that! I am important. I have the right to any means to be safe and to accomplish this, we must be powerful.
Elimination of non-productive
I am not my brother’s keeper. I have no responsibility to the “non-productive”. To care for them is a drain upon the energy and resources of the United States’ Nationalistic Devine Mandate.
In Conclusion……
As long as this has been, it is a radically abridged rendition of my thoughts. Most specific examples have left off or it might have gone 15-20 pages. I do stand firm in my conviction that the United States will be strong only as long as there is a moral partnership of liberal and conservative thought/legislative action. However the frightening trend of Ultra Right-Wing Hatred and Rush Hannibeclinism threatens this balance.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
DRILL-BABY-SPILL
BP is perhaps close to truly stopping one of the worst ecological rapes in recorded history. Anyone who believes that they will willingly pay for the COMPLETE payment and clean up believes that the Chicago Cubs will win the World Series……….in this lifetime.
Here are three simple facts:
One. BP drilled a well they could not plug before an ecological disaster.
Two. ‘Drill-Baby-Spillers’ admit (and everybody else knows) that as long as there are wells drilled, there WILL be spills/leaks.
Three. ‘Drill-Baby-Spillers’ want to continue to drill wells that cannot be plugged before ecological disasters occur (again).
The ONLY conclusion is this: The current disaster is acceptable to the DRILL-BABY-SPILLERS.
Here are three simple facts:
One. BP drilled a well they could not plug before an ecological disaster.
Two. ‘Drill-Baby-Spillers’ admit (and everybody else knows) that as long as there are wells drilled, there WILL be spills/leaks.
Three. ‘Drill-Baby-Spillers’ want to continue to drill wells that cannot be plugged before ecological disasters occur (again).
The ONLY conclusion is this: The current disaster is acceptable to the DRILL-BABY-SPILLERS.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Remarks at the Funeral of Denise Gandee
It is good to commemorate the life of our fellow teacher, our friend Denise. It is also good to celebrate the life of Denise. But we would do her the greatest disservice if we did not pause to consider a little of what we have learned from Denise. It seemed like it was just a few short days ago we gathered to tell her thank you and to recall with much laughter and gratitude all the hundreds of things for which we remembered her. Sadly, the time for thanking Denise face to face is gone, the time to stop and recall the things she had to teach us is not gone. And that is because those lessons are that part of Denise that lives on in all of us.
*
After growing up for 45 wonderful years as a Baptist, it has been my joy to have spent the last decade as an Episcopalian; sort’a Catholic-Lite if you will. And yes, it is true that where you have four Episcopalians you will also find a fifth. But one of the elements of our faith journey, which I love, is to offer thanksgiving prayers to God for those who have gone on before me. And every morning as I drive to school I am saying my morning prayers on the Broken Arrow Expressway. As a Baptist I prayed with my eyes closed, but when driving, I pray Episcopalian style with my eyes open. Still, I’m sure that between my praying and driving I prompt many other drivers to say their prayers, too. But as I pray, it is to offer God thanks that He allowed loved ones like Denise to have touched my life and in touching my life, have taught me to serve Him better AND how to be a better person. And walking with Denise, even these few years, has made me a better person.
*
In light of this as I thought of Denise while visiting with others who taught with, lived with, walked with and were touched by Denise, one descriptor that kept coming to the top was her dedicated, focused passion. As we all know, Denise was passionate…in whatever she did. But it wasn’t haphazard passion; it was a dedicated/focused passion.
*
You may not know this, or want to know this. I know you don’t want to picture this, but every morning at 5:30 I’m in the swimming pool at St. John’s Health Club. Yes, I jump in and someone yells, “Thar she blows!” Still I jump in that pool with passion. I kick with passion. I stir up a huge amount of froth and foam with passion. But in that passion I go nowhere, because I have yet to learn the focus and dedication to the correct method for effective forward motion. On the other hand, the skilled swimmers, jump in with just as much passion, but because it is dedicated and focused up the proper techniques they have learned, their passionate kicking causes them to slice through the water like motor boats.
*
Denise had passion, and it was focued and dedicated towards her goal. Furthermore she was able to focus on a goal that was, first) global and broad in spectrum and, second) she was also able to focus and dedicate her passion to the small details, necessary to make the broad, global goals possible. I like to say that Denise taught us to approach life like a comic book picture. She saw the big picture as well as the tiny little dots that make up that big picture. We all know gifted people who dream the big picture, but they require the detail people to work out the details that must be attended to before the big picture comes together. Likewise we know gifted people who are focused so passionately on the tiny details, the little spots of the picture, that they are not able to organize them into the big picture. Well Denise taught us that you could do both. Her big picture was teaching students to becoming thinking, educated adults. Her big picture was to make the workplace a better place for her fellow teachers. Her room was organized with just the right furniture, (which she had purchased with her own money) lessons were planned. Classroom order was kept and procedures were explained! Deadlines were met. The team functioned as a team.
*
But she also taught us that to accomplish the big picture, there were hundreds of little details that needed attention: name tags on the doors, candy, the right candy in the dishes, a microwave and salt shakers in the lounge, bus passes that were laminated, pictures and movie screens hung, doors painted and messages put on the marquee. And in all of this, her passion, focus, organization, attention to the big picture and detail she was teaching us that we are called to make this life better for our passing and touching. She wanted a better world and she dedicated her self passionately to making every footstep and life touched, better because she had walked that way.
*
To succeed in teaching us her lessons, she set the bar high, very high and she was dedicated in reaching that bar herself. First to arrive every morning, last to leave every afternoon she did not leave until everything was in order, so that after dedicating herself to an evening of preparation at home, tomorrow’s lesson plans were ready to deliver. She could, would, and did get upset if others did not accomplish at an expected level of competence. It was not a pleasant encounter when one experienced her well-articulated evaluation for poor production, but God help you if you failed because you had not given your best effort. Before the Army ever came up with the slogan “Be All You Can Be” Denise had been living it and teaching it for years. Yes, those of us who knew her, believed that Denise was indeed an Army of One. She gave nothing but her best and taught us to do the same. If it was going to be done, she taught us that it should be done right. If it was served, it was not served half baked, if it was turned in it wasn’t turned in half-done, if it was to be built it wasn’t built half-aaaaaaaa,……. in a half-way manner. No, with Denise, it was half-assed!
*
Yes, she could make mistakes, Denise was not perfect and she was the first to admit her imperfections, but as one of our most esteemed colleagues observed, “If Denise made a mistake, you know it was made for the right reasons.” Denise made Lewis and Clark a better school, because she taught us to be better teachers, better administrators, better students, better people.
*
Let us not allow this lesson to go unlearned. Denise taught us to see the big picture, she taught us to see the little details that had to be attended to, to succeed with the big picture. She taught us to set the highest goals and pursue them with passion, so that this world will be better for our passing and our touching.
*
Friends, Denise Gandy may have left the building, but her lesson is still on the board…..and yes, we will be tested on this!
*
After growing up for 45 wonderful years as a Baptist, it has been my joy to have spent the last decade as an Episcopalian; sort’a Catholic-Lite if you will. And yes, it is true that where you have four Episcopalians you will also find a fifth. But one of the elements of our faith journey, which I love, is to offer thanksgiving prayers to God for those who have gone on before me. And every morning as I drive to school I am saying my morning prayers on the Broken Arrow Expressway. As a Baptist I prayed with my eyes closed, but when driving, I pray Episcopalian style with my eyes open. Still, I’m sure that between my praying and driving I prompt many other drivers to say their prayers, too. But as I pray, it is to offer God thanks that He allowed loved ones like Denise to have touched my life and in touching my life, have taught me to serve Him better AND how to be a better person. And walking with Denise, even these few years, has made me a better person.
*
In light of this as I thought of Denise while visiting with others who taught with, lived with, walked with and were touched by Denise, one descriptor that kept coming to the top was her dedicated, focused passion. As we all know, Denise was passionate…in whatever she did. But it wasn’t haphazard passion; it was a dedicated/focused passion.
*
You may not know this, or want to know this. I know you don’t want to picture this, but every morning at 5:30 I’m in the swimming pool at St. John’s Health Club. Yes, I jump in and someone yells, “Thar she blows!” Still I jump in that pool with passion. I kick with passion. I stir up a huge amount of froth and foam with passion. But in that passion I go nowhere, because I have yet to learn the focus and dedication to the correct method for effective forward motion. On the other hand, the skilled swimmers, jump in with just as much passion, but because it is dedicated and focused up the proper techniques they have learned, their passionate kicking causes them to slice through the water like motor boats.
*
Denise had passion, and it was focued and dedicated towards her goal. Furthermore she was able to focus on a goal that was, first) global and broad in spectrum and, second) she was also able to focus and dedicate her passion to the small details, necessary to make the broad, global goals possible. I like to say that Denise taught us to approach life like a comic book picture. She saw the big picture as well as the tiny little dots that make up that big picture. We all know gifted people who dream the big picture, but they require the detail people to work out the details that must be attended to before the big picture comes together. Likewise we know gifted people who are focused so passionately on the tiny details, the little spots of the picture, that they are not able to organize them into the big picture. Well Denise taught us that you could do both. Her big picture was teaching students to becoming thinking, educated adults. Her big picture was to make the workplace a better place for her fellow teachers. Her room was organized with just the right furniture, (which she had purchased with her own money) lessons were planned. Classroom order was kept and procedures were explained! Deadlines were met. The team functioned as a team.
*
But she also taught us that to accomplish the big picture, there were hundreds of little details that needed attention: name tags on the doors, candy, the right candy in the dishes, a microwave and salt shakers in the lounge, bus passes that were laminated, pictures and movie screens hung, doors painted and messages put on the marquee. And in all of this, her passion, focus, organization, attention to the big picture and detail she was teaching us that we are called to make this life better for our passing and touching. She wanted a better world and she dedicated her self passionately to making every footstep and life touched, better because she had walked that way.
*
To succeed in teaching us her lessons, she set the bar high, very high and she was dedicated in reaching that bar herself. First to arrive every morning, last to leave every afternoon she did not leave until everything was in order, so that after dedicating herself to an evening of preparation at home, tomorrow’s lesson plans were ready to deliver. She could, would, and did get upset if others did not accomplish at an expected level of competence. It was not a pleasant encounter when one experienced her well-articulated evaluation for poor production, but God help you if you failed because you had not given your best effort. Before the Army ever came up with the slogan “Be All You Can Be” Denise had been living it and teaching it for years. Yes, those of us who knew her, believed that Denise was indeed an Army of One. She gave nothing but her best and taught us to do the same. If it was going to be done, she taught us that it should be done right. If it was served, it was not served half baked, if it was turned in it wasn’t turned in half-done, if it was to be built it wasn’t built half-aaaaaaaa,……. in a half-way manner. No, with Denise, it was half-assed!
*
Yes, she could make mistakes, Denise was not perfect and she was the first to admit her imperfections, but as one of our most esteemed colleagues observed, “If Denise made a mistake, you know it was made for the right reasons.” Denise made Lewis and Clark a better school, because she taught us to be better teachers, better administrators, better students, better people.
*
Let us not allow this lesson to go unlearned. Denise taught us to see the big picture, she taught us to see the little details that had to be attended to, to succeed with the big picture. She taught us to set the highest goals and pursue them with passion, so that this world will be better for our passing and our touching.
*
Friends, Denise Gandy may have left the building, but her lesson is still on the board…..and yes, we will be tested on this!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Stockley Family Christmas Letter, 2009 Edition
Nice to hear about your Grandkids. Please don’t take it wrong but ours really are cuter and smarter.
*
Yours did what? They did? Well, Mr. Laird’s 2nd grade football team won the West Monroe Tackle Football Super Bowl. Top that. And Emma Lou danced the Turkey Tango at her dance class and they said it was the best they’d EVER seen. Don’t feel bad.
*
You got a new grandbaby? We got one, too. Cutest one on Facebook. If you don’t think so we’ll put a picture of yours up next to Edie Hope’s (Edith Hope Christlieb, born March 29) and we’ll take a poll. She’ll spank your little possum like a redheaded stepchild.
*
Your kids? Yea, yea, yea. Well Josh is on radio, in the paper, getting papers published and is probably the greatest Poli-Sci professor ever at ULM. However, since opposing the Louisiana Baptist Minister’s encyclical suggesting that President Obama be called “Boy” rather than “Mr. President”, he’s been hated by every Rush Hannibeck disciple in Redneck Town. And April finally got him to put up a Christmas Tree and has got them all settled in to their fabulous new house with white pillars, two back doors and their own private forest preserve in the back yard. Oh, yea. We’ll I’ll bet our kids got more pillars than your kids.
*
Rachel and Dave are happy in their extremely luxurious condo, what with Dave being such a famous lawyer and semi-professional poker player and with Rachel being the best 3rd grade teacher and momma ever. Dave will probably be out in Vegas again kicking butt on Doyle Brunson, Scottie Nguyen and Phil Ivey. He’s also taught Edie to never bet a medium strength hand on the river.
*
And, oh, yea, about your trip to Australia, Lichtenstein and hiking the entire length of the Great Wall of China, well, WE went to the Quad Cities to see Lynn’s Mom and Joe and to Chicago to tear up Ashkenaz’ Kosher Deli and Flip’s Italian Beef. Steve committed gluttony in two Maid Rites, Whitey’s, Lagomarcino’s and three Vienna Red Hot joints. Oh, yea, we saw Rachel, Dave and Edie Hope.
*
Besides that, Steve went to Wheaton for his 40th High School Reunion. Every young lady fit into her senior prom dress, sported their high school hair tones untouched by Miss Clairol and escorted a young man in his senior athletic form. Steve of course fit right in. They voted on which literary figure classmates had grown to be most like. Steve was unanimously voted to be most like Moby Dick.
*
Our 37th Fall Pilgrimage to Eureka Springs found Two Dumb Dames still making the same great fudge and Steve and friend Lonnie still puffing fragrant billows of Cuban incense in the park with the fortune tellers, jewelry peddlers and blue-haired ladies in matching craft fair sweatshirts.
*
We’re both still accruing seniority with Tulsa Public Schools, having more fun than if we had paying jobs. Steve is 6th grade dean and has worked himself up to the office closest to the parking lot door. Lynn’s a high school counselor and finally enjoys working for a principal with principles. Steve’s principal has principles, she just wishes her 6th grade dean did also. In addition to all that we had the thrilling events of one birthday each and a 37th Anniversary. Our excitement just doesn’t end.
*
So comparing letters, I think we come away with the prize even without going into details such as cleaning the garage and pulling weeds in the back yard. Steve wears his literary honor proudly and is happy to report that the trainer yells out, ‘Thar she blows when Steve jumps into the pool. Lynn gets her exercise planting potatoes on her farm in Farmville and occasionally visiting the gym. She's discovered that visiting is much more fun than working out.
*
So we’d love to visit more but there are more Christmas letters to burn ah, er, read, potatoes to plant and garages to clean.
*
From our Uncle Mott to you, “Just remember who wins the Christmas Rat Race - the rat. So take a few quiet minutes to see if you can hear a mother in a stable singing quietly to her newborn baby. It might just bring back that feeling that got crushed in the line at the check-out counter. Then have a Blessed Christmas.”
*
Merry Christmas 2009
From Wee'uns to You'uns
*
Yours did what? They did? Well, Mr. Laird’s 2nd grade football team won the West Monroe Tackle Football Super Bowl. Top that. And Emma Lou danced the Turkey Tango at her dance class and they said it was the best they’d EVER seen. Don’t feel bad.
*
You got a new grandbaby? We got one, too. Cutest one on Facebook. If you don’t think so we’ll put a picture of yours up next to Edie Hope’s (Edith Hope Christlieb, born March 29) and we’ll take a poll. She’ll spank your little possum like a redheaded stepchild.
*
Your kids? Yea, yea, yea. Well Josh is on radio, in the paper, getting papers published and is probably the greatest Poli-Sci professor ever at ULM. However, since opposing the Louisiana Baptist Minister’s encyclical suggesting that President Obama be called “Boy” rather than “Mr. President”, he’s been hated by every Rush Hannibeck disciple in Redneck Town. And April finally got him to put up a Christmas Tree and has got them all settled in to their fabulous new house with white pillars, two back doors and their own private forest preserve in the back yard. Oh, yea. We’ll I’ll bet our kids got more pillars than your kids.
*
Rachel and Dave are happy in their extremely luxurious condo, what with Dave being such a famous lawyer and semi-professional poker player and with Rachel being the best 3rd grade teacher and momma ever. Dave will probably be out in Vegas again kicking butt on Doyle Brunson, Scottie Nguyen and Phil Ivey. He’s also taught Edie to never bet a medium strength hand on the river.
*
And, oh, yea, about your trip to Australia, Lichtenstein and hiking the entire length of the Great Wall of China, well, WE went to the Quad Cities to see Lynn’s Mom and Joe and to Chicago to tear up Ashkenaz’ Kosher Deli and Flip’s Italian Beef. Steve committed gluttony in two Maid Rites, Whitey’s, Lagomarcino’s and three Vienna Red Hot joints. Oh, yea, we saw Rachel, Dave and Edie Hope.
*
Besides that, Steve went to Wheaton for his 40th High School Reunion. Every young lady fit into her senior prom dress, sported their high school hair tones untouched by Miss Clairol and escorted a young man in his senior athletic form. Steve of course fit right in. They voted on which literary figure classmates had grown to be most like. Steve was unanimously voted to be most like Moby Dick.
*
Our 37th Fall Pilgrimage to Eureka Springs found Two Dumb Dames still making the same great fudge and Steve and friend Lonnie still puffing fragrant billows of Cuban incense in the park with the fortune tellers, jewelry peddlers and blue-haired ladies in matching craft fair sweatshirts.
*
We’re both still accruing seniority with Tulsa Public Schools, having more fun than if we had paying jobs. Steve is 6th grade dean and has worked himself up to the office closest to the parking lot door. Lynn’s a high school counselor and finally enjoys working for a principal with principles. Steve’s principal has principles, she just wishes her 6th grade dean did also. In addition to all that we had the thrilling events of one birthday each and a 37th Anniversary. Our excitement just doesn’t end.
*
So comparing letters, I think we come away with the prize even without going into details such as cleaning the garage and pulling weeds in the back yard. Steve wears his literary honor proudly and is happy to report that the trainer yells out, ‘Thar she blows when Steve jumps into the pool. Lynn gets her exercise planting potatoes on her farm in Farmville and occasionally visiting the gym. She's discovered that visiting is much more fun than working out.
*
So we’d love to visit more but there are more Christmas letters to burn ah, er, read, potatoes to plant and garages to clean.
*
From our Uncle Mott to you, “Just remember who wins the Christmas Rat Race - the rat. So take a few quiet minutes to see if you can hear a mother in a stable singing quietly to her newborn baby. It might just bring back that feeling that got crushed in the line at the check-out counter. Then have a Blessed Christmas.”
*
Merry Christmas 2009
From Wee'uns to You'uns
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Mr. Carter, Just One More Song
I’ll never forget the first time I heard him sing the notes of praise that gently and joyfully filled the hallway. I rounded the corner to discover the source of my concert coming from a slightly rotund man directing two special needs students to the bathroom. I stood and stared as the door closed. Still the words “Oh my Jesus...” wafted down the hall.
*
I had met Reggie Carter: Para-professional, servant of Jesus, companion, co-worker, teacher of special needs children, mentor to us all. Someone who I would call my friend. Every day, Mr. Carter and Larry would pick up the recycle paper. Larry has downs syndrome, is a full fledged character and loved nothing more than escaping Mr. Carter’s watchful eye and running to momentary freedom down the hall. Larry laughing in escape. Mr. Carter laughing in pursuit. Captured and returned, Larry and Mr. Carter singing, pushing a cart of recycle paper. Mr. Carter succeeded in potty-training Larry, and never lost his song.
*
Mornings, I’d see Mr. Carter sitting at a table with four students, helping one to eat, encouraging another to feed himself, singing a praise song in response to the temper tantrum of a third. Carrying trash for those who could not. Encouraging those who could not.
*
At lunch Mr. Carter walked backwards with outstretched hands to make sure Donnie did not spill his plate. Donnie is autistic. Mr. Carter was filling the cafeteria with a spontaneous song celebrating Donnie’s success in carrying his plate. And did they celebrate. Donnie carried his plate all the way from the lunch line to his seat. We were treated to a song and a dance! Hurrah! The next day, Donnie took two steps and the plate fell from his trembling hands to the floor. Mr. Carter cleaned it up with a smile and started a new song of encouragement all over. From the beginning. Because in another week or two weeks or month, Donnie would again carry his plate all by himself all the way to his table. And Mr. Carter would then sing and clap and dance and celebrate Donnie’s new success.
*
Some days I’d arrive at school to see Mr. Carter sitting on the steps, awaiting the bus, reading his Bible. I was greeted to another day with a smile, a laugh and maybe the last line of an old joke we had shared a hundred times before.
*
The writer of the Book of James said, you tell me of you faith by your words, I will show you my faith by my deeds. Had James the brother of our Lord met Mr. Carter, our Bibles might well have read, Mr. Religious stuffed shirt, you may tell me of your faith with your words, but Mr. Carter will show you real faith by his deeds.
*
He saw no color. He helped others see no color. Ready to use, refusing to abuse working relationships he made everyone seem like a special friend, and I think we were. He’d sing a song, say a prayer and then look at a coworker with a twinkle in his eye and they’d say together, “Super Twin Power Activate!”, no child, no tantrum, no crisis could withstand this united assault of super-power twin love. If Satan was autistic, Reggie Carter would have stormed the gates of Hell with a water pistol, firmly believing he could have brought him God’s love, a song and the expectation that Old Scratch would indeed clean up his act before the bus came.
*
Never a discouraging word, never a negative comment, the answer was always the same; “I’m just too blessed to be stressed.” And always a song.
*
If there is a tragedy in Mr. Carter’s life it is that the upper and middle management powers at the District Big House had time to make contradictory policy, in-effective rules and pointless programs, but they never had time to get to know God’s Ambassador in their own department. Had these anointed leaders watched this precious servant, they would have been reborn as true leaders. It never happened.
*
I could go on with a hundred more stories in the classroom and on the playground. A hundred more songs: playing in the gym and getting on the bus. But let’s just say Reggie Carter lived a life of ministry in every setting, in every circumstance and he always did it armed with a smile and a song. Suffice it to say, Mr. Reggie Carter preached as eloquent a sermon while pushing a recycle cart as the best paid minister has ever preached from the highest pulpit in a downtown church.
*
As soon as I am done writing these words I will return to the same school, the same halls. There will be Donnie. There will be Larry. There will be a cart of recycle paper. There will be students eating in the cafeteria. But there will not be a song or Mr. Carter.
*
I am glad Reggie Carter has gone to sing in the halls of Heaven. But I am sad that we have lost Para professional, servant of Jesus, companion, co-worker, teacher of special needs children, mentor to us all. I am sad I have lost my friend. I am sad, Mr. Carter, that I can’t hear you sing just one more song.
*
I had met Reggie Carter: Para-professional, servant of Jesus, companion, co-worker, teacher of special needs children, mentor to us all. Someone who I would call my friend. Every day, Mr. Carter and Larry would pick up the recycle paper. Larry has downs syndrome, is a full fledged character and loved nothing more than escaping Mr. Carter’s watchful eye and running to momentary freedom down the hall. Larry laughing in escape. Mr. Carter laughing in pursuit. Captured and returned, Larry and Mr. Carter singing, pushing a cart of recycle paper. Mr. Carter succeeded in potty-training Larry, and never lost his song.
*
Mornings, I’d see Mr. Carter sitting at a table with four students, helping one to eat, encouraging another to feed himself, singing a praise song in response to the temper tantrum of a third. Carrying trash for those who could not. Encouraging those who could not.
*
At lunch Mr. Carter walked backwards with outstretched hands to make sure Donnie did not spill his plate. Donnie is autistic. Mr. Carter was filling the cafeteria with a spontaneous song celebrating Donnie’s success in carrying his plate. And did they celebrate. Donnie carried his plate all the way from the lunch line to his seat. We were treated to a song and a dance! Hurrah! The next day, Donnie took two steps and the plate fell from his trembling hands to the floor. Mr. Carter cleaned it up with a smile and started a new song of encouragement all over. From the beginning. Because in another week or two weeks or month, Donnie would again carry his plate all by himself all the way to his table. And Mr. Carter would then sing and clap and dance and celebrate Donnie’s new success.
*
Some days I’d arrive at school to see Mr. Carter sitting on the steps, awaiting the bus, reading his Bible. I was greeted to another day with a smile, a laugh and maybe the last line of an old joke we had shared a hundred times before.
*
The writer of the Book of James said, you tell me of you faith by your words, I will show you my faith by my deeds. Had James the brother of our Lord met Mr. Carter, our Bibles might well have read, Mr. Religious stuffed shirt, you may tell me of your faith with your words, but Mr. Carter will show you real faith by his deeds.
*
He saw no color. He helped others see no color. Ready to use, refusing to abuse working relationships he made everyone seem like a special friend, and I think we were. He’d sing a song, say a prayer and then look at a coworker with a twinkle in his eye and they’d say together, “Super Twin Power Activate!”, no child, no tantrum, no crisis could withstand this united assault of super-power twin love. If Satan was autistic, Reggie Carter would have stormed the gates of Hell with a water pistol, firmly believing he could have brought him God’s love, a song and the expectation that Old Scratch would indeed clean up his act before the bus came.
*
Never a discouraging word, never a negative comment, the answer was always the same; “I’m just too blessed to be stressed.” And always a song.
*
If there is a tragedy in Mr. Carter’s life it is that the upper and middle management powers at the District Big House had time to make contradictory policy, in-effective rules and pointless programs, but they never had time to get to know God’s Ambassador in their own department. Had these anointed leaders watched this precious servant, they would have been reborn as true leaders. It never happened.
*
I could go on with a hundred more stories in the classroom and on the playground. A hundred more songs: playing in the gym and getting on the bus. But let’s just say Reggie Carter lived a life of ministry in every setting, in every circumstance and he always did it armed with a smile and a song. Suffice it to say, Mr. Reggie Carter preached as eloquent a sermon while pushing a recycle cart as the best paid minister has ever preached from the highest pulpit in a downtown church.
*
As soon as I am done writing these words I will return to the same school, the same halls. There will be Donnie. There will be Larry. There will be a cart of recycle paper. There will be students eating in the cafeteria. But there will not be a song or Mr. Carter.
*
I am glad Reggie Carter has gone to sing in the halls of Heaven. But I am sad that we have lost Para professional, servant of Jesus, companion, co-worker, teacher of special needs children, mentor to us all. I am sad I have lost my friend. I am sad, Mr. Carter, that I can’t hear you sing just one more song.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Are Right-Wing Christians Christian or Just Right-Wing?
One: The United States has enough money to blow Iraqis and Afghanistanis to Hell in little pieces. Two: The Rush Hannibekis say we don’t have the same amount of money to heal the poor and needy in the United States. Three: Why do we have the money to kill but do not have the money to heal?
*
One: The majority of right-wing conservatives claim to be Christians. Two: Jesus (the guy who held the original copyright on Christianity) healed multitudes and killed not a single Roman, Samaritan or Canaanite. Three: Upon what moral grounds does the majority of right-wing Christians support spending for war and oppose equal spending for healthcare?
*
One: Most Christians claim the entire Bible is the word of God. Two: From the prophets to Jesus Christ, God condemns the religious and self-righteous who refused help to the poor and needy. Three: Upon what moral or religious grounds does the religious right-wing damn health care?
*
One: Christians took the lead in the fight for free, government paid public education for all. Two: Although late in coming, Christians finally took the lead in the governmental eradication of slavery. Three: Upon what moral or religious grounds are right-wing Christians sitting on their wallet-protecting hands while opposing government healthcare for the poor and needy?
*
Are Right-Wing Christians Christian or Just Right-Wing?
*
One: The majority of right-wing conservatives claim to be Christians. Two: Jesus (the guy who held the original copyright on Christianity) healed multitudes and killed not a single Roman, Samaritan or Canaanite. Three: Upon what moral grounds does the majority of right-wing Christians support spending for war and oppose equal spending for healthcare?
*
One: Most Christians claim the entire Bible is the word of God. Two: From the prophets to Jesus Christ, God condemns the religious and self-righteous who refused help to the poor and needy. Three: Upon what moral or religious grounds does the religious right-wing damn health care?
*
One: Christians took the lead in the fight for free, government paid public education for all. Two: Although late in coming, Christians finally took the lead in the governmental eradication of slavery. Three: Upon what moral or religious grounds are right-wing Christians sitting on their wallet-protecting hands while opposing government healthcare for the poor and needy?
*
Are Right-Wing Christians Christian or Just Right-Wing?
Monday, October 5, 2009
Obama-Haters. Your Slip is Showing!
Rush Hannibecks and their hate-mongering ilk dropped all pretense of civility, principle and patriotic loyalty when the 2012 Olympics was awarded to Rio de Janeiro. Right-Wing think tanks erupted into applause. Rush Limbaugh jumped up and down in giddy joy as he chortled “The Ego Has Landed!”
*
These hypocritical vipers, who claim their opposition to Obama isn’t personal, but based on “Principle” were silent to the last one when George Bush voiced his support for Chicago’s Olympic bid.
*
Said Bush, “They say that the Olympics will come to Chicago if we are fortunate enough to be selected. It’s coming to America. I can’t think of a better city to represent the United States than Chicago. This country supports your bid strongly."
*
The Rush Hannibecks, who wrap themselves in the flag and self inflated patriotic pomposity, rejoice gleefully when the United States loses the Olympic bid. American looses and they give standing ovations. For this they have no defense. What kind of twisted gutter-dwellers claim patriotism, while laughing, applauding and cheering when the country their lips claim – loses? The people who justify themselves by listening to their broadcasts are little better.
*
They hid behind their lies, but their true nature burst out in such brilliant clarity, they can hide their true intent no longer.
*
These hypocritical vipers, who claim their opposition to Obama isn’t personal, but based on “Principle” were silent to the last one when George Bush voiced his support for Chicago’s Olympic bid.
*
Said Bush, “They say that the Olympics will come to Chicago if we are fortunate enough to be selected. It’s coming to America. I can’t think of a better city to represent the United States than Chicago. This country supports your bid strongly."
*
The Rush Hannibecks, who wrap themselves in the flag and self inflated patriotic pomposity, rejoice gleefully when the United States loses the Olympic bid. American looses and they give standing ovations. For this they have no defense. What kind of twisted gutter-dwellers claim patriotism, while laughing, applauding and cheering when the country their lips claim – loses? The people who justify themselves by listening to their broadcasts are little better.
*
They hid behind their lies, but their true nature burst out in such brilliant clarity, they can hide their true intent no longer.
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