I thought I was seeing a Frank Capra Inauguration:
Cheney being assisted into the events.
Hmm . . . where have I seen him before?????
O, now I remember:
Have a wonderful life!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
ONE MORE DAY!
Tomorrow Barack Obama will be sworn in as our new President.
For the eve of the election, a clever film was made based on the scene from Les Mis "One More Day".
Enjoy!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Missing Days
Where have I been?
The virus which took control of my vocal cords did not want to go quietly into that gentle night - and they exhausted me in the process. But, by Sunday morning, I had enough voice back to preach on Dr. King.
If you want to hear the sermon, you can go to my sermons on line, or even link into the podcast rss feed.
It is good to be back!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Mandatory Recycling - or canning the can in the can
Key West is currently in the midst of a Commission decision-making process about a mandatory recycling ordinance. It has passed the first reading 4-3, but faces some obstacles for the second reading. The main complaint is with the "mandatory" language, which would eventually lead to potential fines for those who do not recycle.
The arguments have been pure Libertarian in nature: don't make us do anything, use education instead of fines, and most of all, respect that there is a Key West way of doing things and that is not by making it mandatory.
In response, I helped our Social Concerns Committee write a letter to the Commission to be read in the public hearing before the second reading of the Ordinance. Here is what I said:
"As you continue to wrestle with the issue of recycling in Key West and approach your vote on the second reading of the proposed ordinance for mandatory recycling, we hope that these thoughts might help you vote “Yes.”
"Governments are created to serve the common good. That good includes not only the protection of individual rights but also the protection of the collective health and welfare.
"The great Magna Carta, cornerstone of western liberty, was initially signed in 1215. However, the version we know now was codified in 1297. It is significant that in 1297, this basis for so many of our rights was formally enacted AND a bill mandating collection of refuse was also enacted. In the Common Law tradition we have over 700 years of understanding that mandating action in the common good is not an infringement on people’s rights.
"In the City of Key West, where many cosmetic actions are mandated (the precise colors allowed for doors and trim in the historic area) and many petty actions are equally mandated (removal of holiday lights by January 10), it would seem the height of hypocrisy to conclude that making recycling mandatory would be contrary to the spirit of Key West. If anything, protecting the future of our island for generations to come by thoughtful and forceful action would seem imperative.
"Please, take recycling as seriously as you do parking regulations and electric car rental solicitations. Vote “Yes” at the second reading."
The arguments have been pure Libertarian in nature: don't make us do anything, use education instead of fines, and most of all, respect that there is a Key West way of doing things and that is not by making it mandatory.
In response, I helped our Social Concerns Committee write a letter to the Commission to be read in the public hearing before the second reading of the Ordinance. Here is what I said:
"As you continue to wrestle with the issue of recycling in Key West and approach your vote on the second reading of the proposed ordinance for mandatory recycling, we hope that these thoughts might help you vote “Yes.”
"Governments are created to serve the common good. That good includes not only the protection of individual rights but also the protection of the collective health and welfare.
"The great Magna Carta, cornerstone of western liberty, was initially signed in 1215. However, the version we know now was codified in 1297. It is significant that in 1297, this basis for so many of our rights was formally enacted AND a bill mandating collection of refuse was also enacted. In the Common Law tradition we have over 700 years of understanding that mandating action in the common good is not an infringement on people’s rights.
"In the City of Key West, where many cosmetic actions are mandated (the precise colors allowed for doors and trim in the historic area) and many petty actions are equally mandated (removal of holiday lights by January 10), it would seem the height of hypocrisy to conclude that making recycling mandatory would be contrary to the spirit of Key West. If anything, protecting the future of our island for generations to come by thoughtful and forceful action would seem imperative.
"Please, take recycling as seriously as you do parking regulations and electric car rental solicitations. Vote “Yes” at the second reading."
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Madoff, Justice, and Equity
Let me see if I have this right:
a person, especially of middle-eastern appearance, who is suspected of doing something, anything, or even nothing, is rounded up, not charged with anything, subjected to rendition to a country where torture is legal, and finally lands in Guantanamo.
a real terrorist, someone who has admittedly stolen billions from people great and small through massive lies and financial manipulation, is allowed to live in his luxury penthouse, with full staff, even though charged with multiple offenses that eclipse the annual crime rate of most small countries.
did someone say "with liberty and justice for all"? I surely know why I can't bring myself to say the Pledge of Allegiance.
a person, especially of middle-eastern appearance, who is suspected of doing something, anything, or even nothing, is rounded up, not charged with anything, subjected to rendition to a country where torture is legal, and finally lands in Guantanamo.
a real terrorist, someone who has admittedly stolen billions from people great and small through massive lies and financial manipulation, is allowed to live in his luxury penthouse, with full staff, even though charged with multiple offenses that eclipse the annual crime rate of most small countries.
did someone say "with liberty and justice for all"? I surely know why I can't bring myself to say the Pledge of Allegiance.
Monday, January 12, 2009
I couldn't have said it any better
My colleague, the Rev. Chris Buice, has a column in this week's Newsweek.
I could not say any better the message he shares about living in a world that can be filled with terror, hatred, and violence but which can also be filled with love, acceptance, and peace.
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