reluctant blogger

yep...that's dope

2012-01-20T11:04:00.001-08:00

new waterdeep

2012-01-20T10:59:00.000-08:00

the new waterdeep record just might be my favorite of their last few. definitely worth checking out. it's odd to follow a band for as many years as i've followed waterdeep. especially an independent band. sure, i long for the "old sound" like anyone who loves a band does at times, but the spirit of the music hasn't changed. there is still this great, earthy quality to it that will always speak to me.

waterdeep.com

this is pretty much amazing

2012-01-20T10:51:00.000-08:00

decency?

2011-03-25T09:24:00.001-07:00

I was recently turned on to an excellent op-ed piece by UW history professor Bill Cronon. His conclusion is that the current controversy in Wisconsin is "not only about bargaining rights or the pension payments of public employees. It is about transparency and openness. It is about neighborliness, decency and mutual respect."

I think Mr. Cronon nails it, I would highly encourage you to check out his piece. Find it here.

Rather interestingly his article has prompted a controversy of its own. How could it not? You can tell from this photo that Bill Cronon is a dangerous person. Wink. Apparently the Republican Party of Wisconsin has asked for all of Mr. Cronon's e-mail correspondence. Since Mr. Cronon is a public employee they're technically allowed to do this based on Wisconsin's open records law. Still, with this request coming from the chair of the Republican Party of Wisconsin it would seem they're doing this in an attempt to intimidate, perhaps even silence a dissenting voice. You can follow Mr. Cronon's thorough treatment of this issue on his blog, here. Fascinating stuff.

why do i care?

2011-03-07T15:14:00.000-08:00

I’ve been having trouble falling asleep for weeks now. Many nights I lay awake thinking about the current controversy in Wisconsin. Last night I started asking myself the question, “why do I care?”

I was at the Capitol again last weekend. I hope it doesn’t embarrass anyone to hear that I teared up a bit. It was a pretty moving scene. While driving home I pondered the same question keeping me up at night, “why do I care?”

So, why do I care? Something about this current controversy has stirred me. Amongst other things, these are a few of my biggest motivators.

Justice

I’ve always had what my friend John describes as “justice issues.” As with many things, the good comes with the bad. What can I say? I have a hard time remaining passive when something offends my sense of right and wrong. This bill (and much of the general budget) offends that sense. I don’t see the justice in taking away the opportunity for workers to have a voice at the bargaining table to discuss things like benefits and working conditions. I don’t see the justice in giving Governor Walker the power to circumvent law and the legislative process to do whatever he wants with Medicaid. I don’t see the justice in giving the Governor the power to sell public assets without so much as a bidding process. I don't see the justice in slashing programs that benefit our state's poorest and most vulnerable.

Education

I’m of the mind that strong public education is essential to the future of our country. If we’re going to remain competitive with the world’s emerging nations education will play a huge part. You’re going to have a hard time convincing me that our teachers are overpaid, under-worked, and too highly valued. Our schools are our future. It’s that simple to me. John F. Kennedy said, “Modern cynics and skeptics... see no harm in paying those to whom they entrust the minds of their children a smaller wage than is paid to those to whom they entrust the care of their plumbing.” I would happily change his plumber analogy to something like a doctor, lawyer or football player. Cutting over a billion dollars in education. Does that seem like a good idea to anyone? The saddest thing is that it will be our state's poorest and least privileged schools that will feel these cuts most acutely. There's that pesky sense of right and wrong again.

No Compromise

One of the most consistently disappointing things about this entire controversy has been Governor Walker’s willful disregard of compromise and negotiation. I know this style of leadership resonates with some, but it simply doesn’t with me. In my mind a good leader will give clear parameters and then work to build consensus within those parameters. When do you get everything you want without having to compromise? I’m not naive enough to think that everyone will agree, but compromise has to be a part of the equation.

Governor Walker has thrown our state into chaos and caused significant and lasting damage. He has created a needless rivalry between private and public sector workers, pitting worker against worker, friend against friend, even family member against family member. Sadly, this controversy has stirred up acrimony and conflict that could last decades.

anti teacher? really?

2011-02-25T15:11:00.000-08:00

Perhaps it’s only because I come from a family of professional educators, but I have never in my life imagined people could be so down on teachers. While at the Capitol on Saturday I was amazed to see dozens of Tea Party signs calling teachers “greedy” and “selfish,” and accusing them of having no “skin in the game.”

There was one particular Tea Party protestor that caught my eye and gave me pause. This guy was carrying a very large sign on which was drawn a crying baby and the words, “stop leaching, start teaching.” Apparently this didn’t get the message across clearly enough. There was a perimeter of police officers who were surrounding the Tea Party protestors, essentially forming a picket line. At one point I saw this guy run the length of the picket line behind the police officers carrying his sign and rubbing his eyes in a mock crying motion. In addition to it being surreally hilarious to see a grown man do such a thing, it was disturbing.

In the comments section of one conservative website I’ve been reading a commenter wrote. “Teachers do s--t, they work 180 days out of 365, and their students can't find America on a world map.” I heard Rush Limbaugh describe the Union workers of Wisconsin as “bottom feeding freeloaders,” and part of the “taking class.” Governor Walker described them as the "haves." Public servant or bottom feeder?

I want to believe there has been some sort of mistake and people don’t actually mean what they’re saying. I want to say, “wait, let me get this straight, you think teachers are overpaid, too highly valued, and underworked?”

I actually hesitate to write a blog defending public school teachers, because I don’t know where to start. To be sure there are problems with education in America. I don’t think anyone disputes that, teachers included. I also don’t think anyone would dispute the notion that there are lousy teachers, just as there are lousy lawyers, doctors, and football players. Still, I can’t for a second go along with the misguided notion that Wisconsin’s teachers are a bunch of greedy hacks, or are to blame for our current fiscal state. Anger at teachers is anger misplaced.

Anyone who believes that teachers don’t work hard and aren’t worthy of our support needs to befriend a teacher. I think you’ll find that most teachers carry a heavy weight on their shoulders. You’ll learn about the late night grading sessions and infuriating encounters with lazy students and even lazier parents. You’ll learn about their love and concern for their students, a passion that rivals any doctor, lawyer, or football player.

PS:

There is an especially large amount of anger directed towards teachers because they closed schools for days. I understand that people disagree on this issue. I think it’s important for us to understand that from the teacher’s perspective desperate times call for desperate measures. Again, anger at teachers is anger misplaced. Governor Walker could have ended this whole thing days ago with a willingness to compromise.

star power

2011-02-23T09:32:00.000-08:00

Meet the GOP's Newest Rising Star

While reading the above article describing Governor Walker as the new “rising star” in the GOP I couldn't help but wonder if this is exactly what Scott Walker wanted. Let’s be honest, every politician has a distinct desire for power and influence. Politicians are ambitious people. This isn’t altogether a bad thing, but it is what it is. We shouldn't be naive. What Scott Walker has done places him on the national stage, which is every politician’s dream. We’re talking name recognition, fundraising support, and encouragement from national media figures.

And then I listened to this…

In this recording Walker thinks he is talking to uber-wealthy oil tycoon David Koch. I hope every Wisconsinite will stop to ask, why, during this crisis, is Governor Walker taking phone calls from a New York oil tycoon who contributed to his campaign. During the conversation Walker admits they thought about planting "trouble makers" in the protest crowds. He also brags about the many national news programs he’s been on. Repeatedly he boasts that he’s not the type of guy who will negotiate or budge. To add insult to injury he stands by as the caller describes the opposition as "democrat bastards."

Toward the end of the second segment Walker talks about having dinner with his cabinet just before introducing his controversial bill. He held up a picture of Ronald Reagan and told his cabinet that this was their moment to make history, just like when Reagan fired the air traffic controllers. That's right, he actually held up a picture. I’m not surprised, but am a little bit scared to learn that our current Governor is privately casting a historical mold for himself. You have to wonder whose interest he has at heart, Wisconsin’s or his own.

I would encourage every Wisconsinite, especially those who are in support of Governor Walker, to listen to this recording and decide for yourself.

common ground in wisconsin?

2011-02-20T16:52:00.000-08:00

Saturday at the Capitol I saw a bunch of Tea Party folks waving flags that said, “Don’t Tread On Me.” You know the one. It’s the famous Gadsden flag that originated around the time of the Revolutionary War. It got me thinking. Are these union workers and the Tea Party folks/conservatives really so far apart on this issue? Is it possible to find some common ground?

The Tea Party waves the Gadsden flag because of its enshrined virtue “small government.” Glenn Beck says this: “The average person now sees the government is getting out of control and Americans don't like that …and so, what are they doing? The American thing and they're speaking out.”

It occurs to me that union folks could easily get behind this statement by Glenn Beck right now. When I see the “Don’t Tread On Me” flag I think, “exactly, that’s exactly what the union folks are saying.” As I walked around the Capitol Saturday the irony was almost palpable. This bill, “limits the right to collectively bargain for all employees.” That’s straight out of the bill.

“Limits the right,” there it is. Isn’t this what the Tea Party folks are fighting against? You’ve probably heard Tea Party folks say things like, “keep your hands off my health care.” Is it so unreasonable to say, “keep your hands off my union?”

What’s happening here really isn’t about pay or benefits; it’s not about the budget. That became abundantly clear when the largest union in Wisconsin offered concessions that Scott Walker refused to accept. This is about Scott Walker forcing public unions into retirement. Is it unreasonable to suggest that this is an example of government overreaching? Wouldn’t this bill ultimately increase the scope and reach of Wisconsin’s executive branch? I understand if Governor Walker wants to balance the budget and he needs public workers to make concessions. I have a hard time understanding the elimination of rights.

Here is the key: If the collective bargaining rights are gone, where do they go? That’s right, they’re given to the Governor. All that would have been negotiated is now decided by Governor Walker. That’s what people are upset about, and this seems like the kind of thing the Tea Party would be against.

There is no way everyone will agree on this issue. You will always have people on both sides not willing to give an inch. Still, is there any chance we can agree that the right to form a union and collectively bargain should not be taken away? Love or hate unions, they have a right to exist. Is there any common ground to be found? I sure hope so.

worker's rights in madison

2011-02-19T06:50:00.000-08:00

It’s not every day an international news story happens five minutes from my front door in. I’m one of those “real” Americans born and bred in flyover country. Wisconsinites aren’t used to being on the front page, until recently. First, our team wins the super bowl, and now we’re at the center of a major debate over worker’s rights. I decided today to head down to the capitol to check out the protest that has swelled to thousands. I’ve never been to a protest before, what do I wear?

I half expected to find a bunch of college students and a few political junkies foaming at the mouth. I heard one national radio personality (read Glenn Beck) describe the protests as riots. Instead of overturned cars and bonfires I found a bunch of pretty regular looking folks singing songs and holding signs (many of which were hilarious). I saw teachers, road workers, plow drivers, librarians, and lots of other union workers who showed up to express solidarity. The atmosphere was electric. There was a twinkle in the eyes of most, matching the chant, “this is what democracy looks like.” At one point I tried joining the chant, but I felt insecure, so I stopped.

All this started when our new Governor, Scott Walker, proposed a bill that, to quote the bill, “limits the right to collectively bargain for all employees…to the subject of base wages.” There is a lot in this bill upsetting people, but nothing more than the stripping of collective bargaining rights for state employees. This bill would essentially negate public unions in Wisconsin (except for police and fire). The tipping point in public outrage came when people realized this bill would affect our teachers. Many schools in Wisconsin have been closed for days now due to excessive teacher absences. Uh oh. I learned at a pretty young age not to mess with teachers.

I understand that people have different opinions about unions. As with anything that has a power structure, they can be corrupted. Still, it’s hard to believe public unions in Wisconsin are being forced into retirement. You’d think the right of workers to unionize is pretty agreeable. Love or hate unions, the government stepping in to negate them seems a clear overreach. Almost looks like the dreaded “big government” we hear so much about. F.D.R said it well in 1937, “The right to bargain collectively is at the bottom of social justice for the worker, as well as the sensible conduct of business affairs. The denial or observance of this right means the difference between despotism and democracy.”

Yesterday, the head of Wisconsin's largest public union said they would accept pay and benefit cuts if they were allowed to keep their collective bargaining rights. Walker responded by saying that he wouldn't negotiate. Kinda makes you wonder whether this thing is really about the budget. Actually, it doesn't make me wonder. I'm pretty sure this thing isn't about the budget. No compromise?

While taking in the protest I was struck with the realization that Governor Walker represents these people too. He’s not just Governor for the 52% of people who voted for him. He’s everybody’s governor.

Every week I work with, worship with, hang out with, and share the road with people I agree and disagree with. Why is this so hard for our politicians? For me this bill is yet another example of politicians who take their election as a mandate to do whatever they want. Governor Walker has stated unequivocally that he will not back down and will not negotiate with public employees. Maybe my Midwestern pragmatism betrays me, but that just doesn’t seem fair. He’s our governor and that comes with the burden of working for and with all the people of Wisconsin to take our state into the future.

grow up

2010-10-31T20:42:00.000-07:00

It's election time again. Things always get weird around this time. This quote from Father Manning sums up where I'm at this election season.

“Both church and society seem to limit us to polarized options. The anything goes morality of the religious and political left is matched by the sanctimonious moralism of the religious and political right. Uncritical acceptance of any party line is an idolatrous abdication of one’s core identity as Abba’s child. Neither liberal fairy dust nor conservative hard ball addresses human dignity, which is often dressed in rags. Abba’s children find a third option. They are guided by God’s word and it alone. All religious and political systems, right and left alike, are the work of human beings. Abba’s children will not sell their birth right for any mess of pottage, conservative or liberal. They hold fast their freedom in Christ to live the gospel, uncontaminated by cultural dreck, political flotsam, and the filigreed hypocrisies of bullying religion….We end up making such caricatures of each other that we treat each other like caricatures, even when we love each other. All this infantile nonsense and ugliness put it away, grow up to salvation. For Christ’s sake, grow up.”

-Brennan Manning, Abba's Child

urban theatre

2010-02-19T18:55:00.000-08:00

The old rock n' roll band is going to be on the Urban Theatre TV show this weekend. If you're in the Madison area you can see us on the following channels at the following times. If you're not in the Madison area stay tuned for the youtube versions.

MyMadison TV (local Cable Channel 14)
Friday Night @ 11pm
Sunday Night @ 9pm

WISC-TV (over the air Channel 3)
Saturday Morning @ 2am
Saturday Night @ Midnight (Sunday AM)

MyNetwork TV, LaCrosse WI (Local Cable Channel 10)
Saturday Morning @ 12:30am

mental energy

2010-02-15T10:06:00.000-08:00

"You forget what you want to remember, and you remember what you want to forget."

-Cormac McCarthy (The Road)

knowing

2010-01-24T19:45:00.000-08:00

"When I was in school I studied biology. I learned that in making their experiments scientists will take some group--bacteria, mice, people--and subject that group to certain conditions. They compare the results with a second group which has not been disturbed. This second group is called the control group. It is the control group which enables the scientist gauge the effect of his experiment. To judge the significance of what has occurred. In history there are no control groups. There is no one to tell us what might have been. We weep over the might have been, but there is no might have been. There never was. It is supposed to be true that those who do not know history are condemned to repeat it. I don't believe knowing can save us. What is constant in history is greed and foolishness and a love of blood and this is a thing that even God--who knows all that can be known--seems powerless to change."

-Cormac McCarthy (All the Pretty Horses)

amazing grace

2010-01-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

I only briefly got to interact with Ben but was nonetheless deeply moved to hear that he was killed in Haiti. By all accounts (including my own) Ben was a remarkable man with a sincere passion for the people and for spreading the love of Jesus. He died serving the poorest of the poor, faithfully doing what he had been called by God to do. Hear some of his music here. The song "Listen" is particularly beautiful and moving.

His mother (also a pastor) released this statement. Her words are beyond inspiring. They show a grace that is truly amazing. There is something other worldly about her perspective. Be sure to read the last paragraph...wow.

A statement from Reverend April Ulring Larson

As an infant Benjamin Judd Ulring Splichal Larson was wrapped in the arms of God in the waters of baptism, and from those waters, his life was an outpouring of love and joy, laughter and play, in response to God first loving Ben.

Ben's love of God, walking in accompaniment, passionately loving others, listening and learning from those who are poor across the globe, drove his serving.

We give thanks to God for the incredible joy of knowing Ben. His laughter, playfulness, passionate heart for those who are hurting was manifest in his daily life. He delighted in the privilege of serving and knowing God, laying out his life in joy.

We are blessed by still being able to hear Ben‘s music. His father Judd says, "If you want to know Ben, go to his music." In his tender music remains some of the treasure that is Ben: what he believes, what he cares about, his deepest soul.

Most of the people who died in this deadly earthquake in Haiti are the poorest of the poor in this hemisphere. Ben went to Haiti to teach theology and scripture in the new Lutheran Church of Haiti; but more deeply to learn from these people loved by God. In his young death his life joins the bodies of the poor. In the Haitian rubble Ben's life joins these dear beloved people of God: all those parents crying for their children; young widows calling out for their husbands; new orphans searching for their parents.

God have mercy on us.

sadness and anger - haiti and robertson

2010-01-14T09:46:00.000-08:00

Sadness. My heart breaks for the people of Haiti. Why God?

Anger. Once again Pat Robertson takes his place as one of atheism’s greatest advocates. He callously blamed the historical people of Haiti for the earthquake. After backlash, instead of apologizing, he has taken the ‘I didn’t really mean it like that’ road. Perhaps this is true. But does it really matter now? The damage is done. The headlines have been written.

Of course Pat Robertson has the right to say whatever he wants. Still, how long will we listen? How long before someone in his inner circle comes along side him and says, ‘it’s time for you to stop, enough is enough.’ Where is the accountability? I’m equally disappointed in everyone who stands around him, defends him and enables him to do such damage.

Not just damage to the name of Christ, but damage to the hearts of the people Robertson is so disconnected from. Imagine a young Haitian getting word of a rich and connected American televangelist blaming this tragedy on the people of Haiti. What does that do to someone already living with the harsh realities of Haitian poverty and trying to process this great tragedy? I am so sorry.

For me, the answer to bad faith isn’t no faith but better faith. Still, in light of Pat Robertson I can scarcely blame anyone for seeing it differently. I've already been moved by the response of many faithful people. I’m sure they will be instrumental in helping the people of Haiti rebuild. Check out this blog contrasting responses. All of us can stand united against Robertson’s brand of ignorance. We can stand together for the people of Haiti.

For an interesting discussion on the mentality behind comments like Robertson's check out this blog that discusses the "primitive brain dressed-up in Christian-drag."

story

2010-01-10T19:58:00.000-08:00

"This story like all stories has its beginnings in a question. And those stories which speak to us with the greatest resonance have a way of turning upon the teller and erasing him and his motives from all memory. So the question of who is telling the story is very consiguiente [consequent]...were all is known no narrative is possible."

-Cormac McCarthy (Cities of the Plain)

all the pretty horses

2010-01-07T17:52:00.000-08:00

I've been obsessed with the author Cormac McCarthy recently. I don't really want to read anything else. Here are some great quotes from his epic book All the Pretty Horses, the first book in his border trilogy.

// "It was good that God kept the truths of life from the young as they were starting out or else they'd have no heart to start at all."

// "In the end we all come to be cured of our sentiments. Those whom life does not cure death will."

// "The world is quite ruthless in selecting between the dream and the reality, even where we will not."

// "Between the wish and the thing the world lies waiting."

// "I can normally tell how intelligent a man is by how stupid he thinks I am."

// "That all courage was a form of constancy. That it is always himself that the coward abandoned first. After this all other betrayals come easily."

// "He saw very clearly how all his life led only to this moment and all after led to nowhere at all. He felt something cold and soulless enter him like another being and he imagined that it smiled malignly and he had no reason to believe that it would ever leave."

advent reflection

2009-12-23T18:16:00.000-08:00

"Do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion." -Philippians 2 (The Message Version)

Humility doesn’t come naturally. If anything it’s the opposite of natural. Pride is an undeniable part of the human condition. In many ways, it is the water we swim in every day. Pride is the sin from which all other sins flow. It is ground zero for humanity’s depravity. Exposing pride in our lives is an act of revolution. Rebellion.

C.S. Lewis once wrote that “If you want to find out how proud you are, the easiest way is to ask yourself, “How much do I dislike it when other people snub me, or refuse to take any notice of me, or shove their oar in, or patronize, or show off?” The point is that each person’s pride is in competition with everyone else’s’ pride.”

The innate downward draw of pride makes the example of Christ all that much more compelling. If anyone ever had the right to be proud certainly it would have been Christ, who, “in very nature” was God incarnate. If we allow ourselves the time to reflect on Christ’s example it speaks powerfully and deeply. His example has the affect of changing everything we think is possible. Imagine, the God of the universe becoming human, humbly born in poverty. What then is possible for us?

// Here is a prayer of confession I've been praying this Advent Season. Perhaps you'll find it as inspiring as well. //

Gracious and gentled and condescending God, God of peace, condescending Father of mercy, God of all comfort, I grieve before you over the evil of my heart. I acknowledge that I am too prone to anger, jealousy, and revenge, to ambition and pride, which often give rise to conflict and bitter feelings between me and others. Too often in this way I have offended and grieved you, my longsuffering Father, as well as my neighbors. Forgive me this sin, and allow me to share in the blessing which you have promised to the peacemakers, who shall be called children of God.

-Johann Arndt (1555-1621) German Lutheran Theologian

bobby mcferrin & michard bona

2009-12-22T21:36:00.000-08:00

One might be tempted to call this performance rad. Bobby McFerrin is one of the most amazing artists on the planet. His deal is entirely improvised vocal concerts. I know, how can you make that interesting for more than 10 minutes? He does it. Does it. These two videos capture a duet with bass/vocal awesome freak guy Richard Bona. Thanks Matt for passing this along.

hot new track

2009-09-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

Move over Soulja Boy, this is the newest song/dance to sweep across the nation (of Czechoslovakia). I feel like the bearded dancer has an agenda, but I can't decide what it is.

Thanks to JoJo and LG for introducing me.

i hope this guy has health insurance

2009-09-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

Check out this crazy little story about about a man who got his finger bitten at a health care rally. It was his pinky.

Man's Finger Bitten Off in Scuffle at Health Care Rally

Welcome to political discourse in America.

new album on itunes

2009-08-31T19:19:00.000-07:00

Shouldn't Be Said is now up on iTunes . Click below, or simply go to iTunes and search for Paul LeFeber. MP3s and hard copies remain available on my website, paullefeber.com. As is always the case with independent music, it dies without your support. Stay tuned for news about upcoming shows and some other fun projects.

Other places where you can get the new album:

amazon.com
napster.com
rhapsody.com
cdfreedom.com

fun-damentalism

2009-08-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

I’m in kind of a sour mood. I just had one of those Internet experiences that leaves me feeling about 3 notes short of a hopeful melody. I read two different news stories, totally unrelated, yet very similar. One story came from a liberal perspective the other conservative. The unifying force was their absolute religious devotion to a certain ideology. Not to say each perspective was traditionally religious, they weren’t. But they were both marked by the kind of blind religiosity that mares so much discourse in our country. They were similar in their fundamentalism.

I know we’re only used to talking about Christian fundamentalism, but the Christian fundamentalist has plenty of pals. Consider the fundamentalist liberal, conservative, atheist, Muslim, Jew, agnostic, environmentalist, materialist, relativist, post modern, Buddhist, Cubs fan. The list could go on…and on.

The dali Lama says the following about Buddhist fundamentalists, "fundamentalists are not even able to pick up the idea of a possible dialogue." The fundamentalist will often favor evidence that bolsters their cause and ignore evidence to the contrary. By this standard I suppose we all have a little bit of fundamentalist in us. We all gravitate toward evidence that suggests we're decent and that people like us; we look the other direction when there might be evidence to the contrary.

Fundamentalism in all its forms makes for dodgy lenses. It softens the mind and lowers discourse to shouting (literally or intellectually). All the while fundamentalism walks around with chest puffed up, absolutely certain. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that in the world of ideas all things are created equal. Still, there is a way to disagree with grace and humor that is so often lacking. Myself among the guilty.

In “The Crack-Up” F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote that, “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function." This has been a consistent challenge to me. Too often I allow opposing ideas to drift off to the dusty chambers of my mind only to be visited when I need to do laundry.

As I slowly get over my own certitude I become rather impatient with the certitude of others. Ah paradox. Give me charity. I think I might be turning into an anti-fundamentalist fundamentalist.

what matters more?

2009-08-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

This is a pretty hip tune with some provocative lyrics. Rather timely given the recent activity in one of America's largest denominations. What matters more to you?

the best things in life ARE free

2009-08-24T15:55:00.000-07:00

This was too good not to post. The king of pop. Yep. But seriously folks, it took the death of Michael Jackson for me to be reminded of his genius...and weirdness. Paradox.

cool doesn't cover it

2009-08-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

done and done

2009-04-21T18:16:00.000-07:00

It’s really strange to finally be done with this album. I’ve been working on it for almost two years. It’s been an interesting journey. This is the first time I’ve tried to do most everything myself: from producing, to tracking, to mixing. It has been really hard.

There was a time when the “success” of a project like this was everything to me. Something has changed. I was talking to a friend recently and she asked if I was going to be a rockstar. The answer was easy, no. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with rockstars, I’ve just become increasingly convinced that I’m not one. This time around I made a record just because it seemed natural. Well, sort of. It’s not exactly natural to spend hours sweating away in the studio. What I mean to say is that the songs are inside of me, and it’s a great joy to let them out. Is that pretentious (in a starving artist kind of way)? Oh well. Why does anybody do anything? We all have interests and passions. Most of us don’t have the delusion that we’ll become rich & famous doing what we like to do.

The creation part has been wonderful; the promotion and hype part is not exactly pleasurable. Aside from the hours spent doing administrative type stuff there is the greasy feeling you get when you’re trying to convince people to be interested in your music. But what are you gonna’ do? I would like for people to hear the music. It’s been a big personal investment. And after all, music is meant to be shared. So…enough apologizing.

I really hope you check out the album. It will be available for digital download on May 8th; you can also buy hard copies online. If you’re in the Madison area I hope you can make it to the CD release show at The Brink Lounge on May 8th at 8pm. My friends in Standing Mavis are also going to play that night. They’re three of the best musicians I know. They should be stellar.

Also, don't forget that you can download three tracks for FREE. Click here.

mastering the new album

2009-04-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

I just got back from mastering my new album in Omaha. Things went well. The project is officially done. Wow. It’s time to put it out there. It feels sort of like having a baby, and its time for me to show it to the world. I think it’s a good looking baby. I imagine that others will think it’s cute at least. Still, there is a part of me that worries people will secretly think I have an ugly baby. I hope they don’t notice that the head is way too big for the body and that it has three chins.

Mastering is the final phase in any recording project. It's basically one last round of eq, and compression (that's my limited understanding anyhow). During mastering the engineer works with the entire song as opposed to individual tracks. Lots of really cool gear.

Doing my part (Rolling Stone).

pink hummer

2009-04-05T21:52:00.001-07:00

I was thinking yesterday about Hummers. It occurred to me that I’ve never seen a pink Hummer. I started to wonder if anyone has a pink Hummer. I decided to consult google.

Apparently the world is full of pink Hummers. Who knew?

Nice looking interior. Pink.

Mixing Mohawk

2009-03-25T07:06:00.001-07:00

Sometimes
you need that extra
creative push.

New album...May 8.

2009-03-25T07:05:00.001-07:00

DJ Kutiman Mixes Youtube Videoes

2009-03-21T15:02:00.001-07:00

You have to check this out. You know all those random videos of people on youtube playing their instruments? DJ Kutiman has put a bunch of them together to create a new piece of music. Using the actual footage and actual music played by dozens of different people at different times DJ Kutiman samples them to create some pretty hip stuff. Wow.

I can't help but think there is something of spiritual significance here. Something about these different voices from different places playing different songs coming together without knowledge of each other to create a new song. Kind of like life at its best.

It makes me think of the birds in the trees, go with me here...I know that sounds cheesy. They have no idea the beauty of their song. They're not singing to anyone, or for the approval of others. They don't intentionally sing praises to their creator. Nevertheless their song rises. People can be the same way. Whether people do it on purpose or not, we all sing the praises of our creator...in one way or another.

Christians often act as if worship only happens in church on Sunday. That couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, sometimes worship is the last thing on the mind of good church going folk. Our world is exploding in worship. Every second of every day declares the breadth of our creator. Be it the bird's song, a dancing fish, a gentle laugh, a deep breath. I know it sounds sort of corny, but really. If one belives that God created everything, that has implications.

Plus, you gotta' love the Jim Belushi wanna' be dude who wonders in and starts throwing down.

Dear Hipster Record Store Clerk

2009-03-15T15:55:00.000-07:00

I mentioned “being Indie” in a post about Waterdeep last week. Check out this spot on dismantling of Indie culture. No offense to all my Indie friends. It’s all in good fun. Besides, you all stopped being Indie when it became cool to be Indie. Maybe the new Indie could be Dependie. Let’s start a movement.

Dear Hipster Record Store Clerk,

Thank you for judging me on the CD I bought yesterday. Our passive-aggressive altercation made me realize how conformist I am for buying an old Rage Against The Machine album. Your condescension was just the intellectual wake-up call I needed.

I discovered a new me yesterday, and my eyes were opened in a new way. Thanks to you, I realize now that the key to enlightenment is reading Pitchfork, watching High Fidelity, listening to Velvet Underground, having a tattoo of a star on the inside of my wrist, growing an ironic mustache, living in the Mission, and wearing a too-small sweater, multi-colored 70's ski-vest, chunky plastic-frame glasses, a high school sports T-shirt, air-tight black jeans, and Nixon-era Chuck Taylors.

I had it all wrong, man. You showed me that a skilled job and a comfortable living is just a lie. I need to go to art school, have my parents pay my rent, join a Joy Division-influenced band, and wait for a record deal, like you. I'm totally missing out in life.

So thanks again for mocking me. I mean, at first I thought you were just a pathetic, frustrated musician trying to feel better about yourself. But now I see you're an uncompromising visionary. No one will ever understand you. You're so different.

Signed,

Everyone Not Like You

The Khrusty Brothers aka Waterdeep

2009-03-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

Here is a video introducing you to the Waterdeep side project The Khrusty Brothers. Don Chaffer (of Waterdeep) created the alter ego Danderhauler Agamemnon Khrusty to write and release songs under. Think The Beatles' Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hears Club Band, or Garth Brooks' alter ego Chris Gaines. Somehow it was much less cool and much more creepy when Garth did it. I think it was the hair. Plus, what is Garth Brooks without a cowboy hat and a Takamine?

Word on the street says there is a Khrustry brothers musical in the works. Below is some footage from a Khrusty Brother’s show in KC. The live show features a dancing, opining character by the name of Cowboy Jesus. In this clip cowyboy Jesus is shaving a guy's hair on stage. The lyrics make reference to a Jewish custom of shaving one's head and burning the hair.

Change

2009-03-14T10:33:00.001-07:00

My wife, who is brilliant, wrote a great post on her blog about working with dance/movement therapy clients and change. Highlight:

"...people don't change until they want to. And for some people, this means they never will. "

She also wrote about "T he Great American Meatout" on Friday, March 20th. Hmmmm. Hard to believe this girl is from Nebraska. Even in all my carnivorous exuberance I must admit that there are some compelling reasons to go veggie.

More On Rush

2009-03-14T10:10:00.002-07:00

I wrote a post on Rush Limbaugh the other day. A friend told me that he's on the cover of Newsweek week right now. The article is written by a conservative who thinks Rush is out of control. You can find the article here. I'm sure Rush is loving all this attention. At one point the author says, "Rush knows what he is doing. The worse conservatives do, the more important Rush becomes as leader of the ardent remnant. The better conservatives succeed, the more we become a broad national governing coalition, the more Rush will be sidelined." He goes on to ask the question, "do the rest of us understand what we are doing to ourselves by accepting this leadership." What do you think?

Don Chaffer of Waterdeep Fame

2009-03-13T14:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a video I took at a recent live performance by Don Chaffer from Waterdeep. The Waterdeep camp has been busy as of late with three new albums (Heart Attack Time Machine, Pink and Blue, and the side project The Khrusty Brothers). I happen to think that Waterdeep (made up primarily of Don and Lori Chaffer) is totally brilliant.

The production is always rich with texture and authenticity, the songwriting is always evolving, and the musicianship lacks nothing. They’ve been quietly writing, recording, and releasing great songs for over 15 years. In a media that is obsessed with beauty and image Waterdeep finds beauty in the simplistic and image in their disinterest in image. I know is sounds like a cliche, but these guys were indie before it was cool to be indie.

What Rush Limbaugh Is Not

2009-03-10T21:58:00.001-07:00

There has been a lot of press about Rush recently. If you haven’t heard, Rahm Emanuel (the president’s chief of staff) basically called Rush Limbaugh the defacto leader of the Republican Party. Rush responded by challenging President Obama to a debate saying that if he was the head of the party then Obama should debate him. A brilliant move on Rush’s part, I must say.

The whole thing is really silly, and screams amateur move on the part of Emanuel (strange given that Rahm is no political novice). I can’t really figure out the strategy. I happen to think he’s right; Limbaugh has a bizarre amount of influence on Republican conservatives. There’s probably some truth to calling him the defacto head of the GOP. Still, I’m not sure publicly elevating Rush to that level is a very good move.

Invoking Rush in any reasonable political discussion is almost always a bad idea. Rush is an entertainer, his main concern is putting on a good show for his listeners. He isn’t so much interested in serious policy discussion as he is fireworks and sound bytes. Rush has made millions saying outrageous stuff that gets him attention. That’s what he does. He bolsters his own bottom line by being an incendiary, a megaphone. He’s a showman. The same can be said for Hannity, Beck, Coulter, Ingraham, and O’reilly.

Rush proved he is primarily concerned with himself when he said after the election that he hoped Barack Obama would fail. I know he was ultimately trying to communicate that his ideas are better and Obama must fail in order for the country to get back on track, but come on. What in the world? He hopes the president of the United States fails so that his political party can regain power. Apparently he’s forgotten that if the president fails America is along for the ride. How did we get here? The only way to win in American politics is to hope the other guy goes down in flames. Like I said, Rush is an entertainer. It’s all about Rush. Listen to his show; he makes no apology for his arrogance and narcissism. I’m not trying to name call; he openly relishes in his celebrity, power, and success.

Rush Limbaugh having such prominence in the body politic is stunning. He’s an intellectual force to be sure, but it’s hard to imagine him being the compass for an entire movement, especially one that is supposed to contain so many Christians. That’s what really scares me. There are Christians in this country who would sooner take their talking points from Rush Limbaugh than Jesus.

Christians! Is this REALLY the guy you want setting the course for your agenda? Rush claims to be a lot of things, spiritually insightful is not one of them. He doesn’t even pretend to be a Christian or to have any amount of reverence for the scriptures. I’m not saying he has to be a Christian. He can be a perfectly valid contributor to the conversation without being a Christian. I’m not advocating a club mentality. I’m simply saying that Christians should be careful whose philosophical, intellectual, and political musings they allow to be their guide. Watch whose intellectual bed you sleep in. You might wake up to find that you’re being cheated on.

Bringin' Bloggin' Back

2009-03-07T13:32:00.000-08:00

Well, I’m back. I have two reasons for the extended absence.

#1 – I’ve been hard at work on a new solo album. I’m hoping to start releasing tracks in April. Think David Bowie meets Tom Waits meets Public Enemy. Just kidding, more on the new album coming soon. I’m really excited about it and anxious to start sharing.

#2 – I took a little “fake vacation” from the Internet. That doesn’t mean I haven’t continued to be online with e-mail and other misc. things. In December Mariah and I decided to cancel the Internet in our home. “What? Why would anybody do that?” I’m so glad you asked, we had a few reasons. We got pretty obsessed with blogging, e-mailing, and facebooking around the election. We got to a point where we felt like the Internet owned us more than the other way around. Isn’t that the very definition of addiction? Now, please don’t misunderstand. We don’t think for a second that technology is bad and that everyone should drive cars with wooden wheels, or that everyone should cancel their Internet and throw away their televisions. Well, maybe throw away the television. Canceling our Internet was a personal choice. I think technology is GREAT, but like anything it can have sinister side. One of the challenges I find with the Internet is that with the massive amount of information available at my fingertips I get lost. It’s like a scream that’s so loud you can’t hear anything. It’s easy to get misplaced by the wall of sound that is the Internet. We needed some time to push the reset button and focus on other things. We also needed to re-evaluate our use of the tool. How do you prevent it from being an addiction? How do you manage the wall of sound?

Another reason had to do with something we were involved with this winter called The Advent Conspiracy. The idea is to restore the Advent (Christmas) Season to its original meaning and purpose. The belief is that Christmas can still change the world. Christmas has become so much about consumer America and not about grace, redemption, love, others, Jesus. As part of our personal efforts to rediscover Advent we decided to cancel our Internet and focus that time and energy on other stuff. We hand made most of our Christmas presents, and spent more time with each other in the process. It was a good experience and we learned a lot about each other and about our propensity for technological addiction. In the end it was a season. The Internet is back.

great video - changing the world through music

2008-11-22T07:53:00.000-08:00

This video just might be the coolest thing I've seen in a weeks (since say, 11-4-08). Playing For Change is an organization that seeks to bring the world together through music. They work to provide facilities, supplies, and educational programs to musicians and their communities. They create videos like this one and have apparently produced a feature length documentary that will soon be available. What a great organization.

I've always been a little cynical about the notion that music can the world. It seems a little too easy. Today I watched this 1985 video of Michael Jackson and his friends strutting and singing We Are the World. I'm amazed by the assemblage of singers, but I can't help but role my eyes. Really? Michael Jackson singing, "heal the world, make it a better place."

Even when I let my cynicism soften a bit I'm still convinced that people change the world, not music. However, music does have the power to change people. It can change a perspective, an attitude, a condition of the heart. I believe that music points us toward a deeper reality, a better understanding of the way God intended things to be. Check out these words from scholar/theologian N.T. Wright.

The world "should reawaken its hunger for beauty at every level. This is essential and urgent. It is central to that we celebrate the goodness of creation, ponder its present brokenness, and, insofar as we can, celebrate in advance the healing of the world, the new creation itself. Art, music, literature, dance, theater, and many other expressions of human delight and wisdom, can be explored in new ways. The point is this. The arts are not the pretty but irrelevant bits around the border of reality. They are highways into the center of a reality which cannot be glimpsed, let alone grasped, any other way. The present world is good, but broken and in any case incomplete; art of all kinds enables us to understand that paradox in its many dimensions.”

Think about those words while you watch this video.

living with regrets

2008-11-19T10:04:00.000-08:00

The other day I was chatting with a close friend; we’ve known each other since the 7^th grade. He asked me if my life looked the way I thought it would when I was young. The answer for each of us was an unequivocal no. Whose life actually resembles what they imagined it would? Our conversation reminded me of a Don Chaffer (Waterdeep) lyric. You can listen to the song here. The chorus goes like this:

Did we ever become who we thought we would be?
Is it ever the case when you run into me,
That you think to yourself spontaneously,
Yeah he’s just like he was he’s just what I thought he would be?

Somehow our conversation ended up on regret (the best conversations always surprise you with their course). Orthodox wisdom suggests that you’re not supposed to have any regrets. Regrets pin you down, keep you stuck in the past: c'est la vie, carpe diem…all that.

When I think about the idea of living without regrets I’m struck by its oddness. No regrets? How can you honestly say you don’t regret anything you’ve ever said or done? How low is your self awareness that you can’t think of a single thing to regret?

I have loads of regrets. I shudder to think how many people I’ve snubbed or otherwise hurt. I’ve made countless fool hearty choices that have cost me dearly. In fact, I don’t know if a single day goes by when I don’t regret something I’ve said or done. Who knows, maybe I’ll regret writing this blog post. Regret is necessary. It’s vital. It keeps us honest. I’m afraid of the day I stop regretting. I’m afraid I’ll become an unapologetic sore to my family and friends.

Don’t get me wrong, there is wisdom in not being benched by regret. Certainly we shouldn’t let our regrets own us, or keep us from forward motion. If we perseverate on our mistakes we’re doing ourselves a disservice. We should learn from the past and then move on. Not move on blindly though. We should have a healthy respect for the past, but not an undue obsession.

There is our course a fine line between stupid and clever. It’s easy to let our regrets play into our dysfunction. Still, it’s just as easy to be oblivious to our own missteps. Who was it that said, “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it?”

hilarious onion video

2008-11-11T07:42:00.000-08:00

Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To Realize How Empty Their Lives Are

minnesota in fall

2008-11-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken on our recent road trip West. Driving through Minnesota in Fall was great.

election wrap up

2008-11-08T19:10:00.000-08:00

Well, we have a new president. What a remarkable development; for the first time we’ve elected a black president. Civil rights leader John Lewis described Obama’s election as a non-violent revolution. That sounds about right to me. No less stunning was the fact that Virginia, once the center of the Confederacy, was carried by Barack Obama. Symbolic anyone? The peaceful transition of power is a wonder to behold. We shouldn’t take it for granted; it’s simply not this way everywhere. Tuesday was a great day in our history; it was a great day to be an American.

John McCain was a total class act, his concession speech was admirable. I wish I could say the same for the booing crowd. Watching him give his concession speech reminded me of why I’ve always kinda’ liked John McCain. Listening to the crowd boo reminded me of why the Republicans lost this election. They were better known for being against Barack Obama than being for anything John McCain represented.

I’m hopeful for our future. What reasonable American wouldn’t be? I hate to spout clichés, but it’s hard to deny that the winds of change are blowing. The exact direction does remain to be seen. None of us really know, beyond intuition, how effective Barack Obama will be as president. I understand some Americans are concerned. I hope their concern will not blind them to the potential, to our collective fate, and to potential common ground. I have a sneaking suspicion that there are some McCain voters out there who secretly share a desire to see cynicism fade and are energized by Obama’s hopeful vision for America. Obama has awakened our civic idealism, and I know some life long Republicans who are excited about that.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting that we throw blind support behind our next president and exempt him from thoughtful critique. We should all keep a watchful eye on Barack Obama and our other elected officials. If Barack Obama is doing things with your America that you find un-constitutional, or otherwise offensive, stand up in opposition. Let your voice be heard. It is our civic duty to keep government accountable. Obama is certain to make some mistakes. I don’t think he should get a pass.

I do hope that Christians will lead the way in the civility of our discourse. We should treat all people with respect and dignity, including our elected officials. We should be cautious not to cross this line of judging things that are best left to the Divine.

an election day prayer

2008-11-04T05:43:00.000-08:00

Prayer is weird thing. I would never pretend to understand it. Sometimes I pray spontaneously. Sometimes I say written prayers that have been passed down through generations. Sometimes I write out my prayers. Prayer is a weird thing. Does God really need it? I don’t know, probably not. Perhaps prayer is about what it does to us.

my election day prayer

God, I believe that your love stretches from everlasting to everlasting. I’m grateful that it reaches to me. Please forgive me my pride and arrogance at believing I have everything figured out. I confess to you a desire to have things my own way. Help me to see the surrounding diversity as an advantage, not an irritant. Forgive me for judging others and for elevating myself to a higher place. Thank you for the advantages I enjoy in this country. Please help me not to take them for granted. As I pray, grow in me a burden for those in this country and around the world who don’t have the same advantages. As always, help my mind move toward the least of these. Would you draw near to John McCain, Barack Obama, Sarah Palin, and Joe Biden? Would you also be near their families and campaign staffs? Regardless the outcome of today's election, would you give them each a sense of peace. I pray against a spirit of fear. Would you help us to remember your promise to cast out fear with love? Help me to think on Jesus, and all that he means. Would you help me build bridges with those who think differently? Help us all work together for the good of our communities, our nation, and the world we inhabit. I pray that you would bless all nations of the world with your goodness. In this country, would you help us to realize our potential? Help us to make the world a better place. As democracy works, may the opportunity to fulfill our country’s greatest possibilities be greatly enlarged.

a historic day, marking the moment

2008-11-03T21:44:00.000-08:00

I’m a big fan of marking the moment. Meaning, whenever something significant happens or is about to happen calling attention to it. I’m not talking big speeches or pithy observations. Simply saying out loud- “this is a big deal, let’s not forget this moment, let’s not take for granted being a part of this” Well, regardless of who wins tomorrow, it’s a big deal. Let’s not forget this moment. Let’s not take for granted being a part of this.

links for the undecided

2008-11-03T09:28:00.001-08:00

I hear that many American's are still undecided about who they want their new president to be. I know this is true for some of my friends. Here is a collection of links that you might find helpful.

non-partisan-

factcheck.org - breaks through the lies and half-truths
procon.org - candidate positions, often in their own words
ontheissues.org - issues side by side
the world - stats from Gallup on who the world wants

more partisan stuff-

So Long, Democrates - former Democrat voting McCain
Brian McLaren - Christian author voting Obama
James Dobson - James against Obama
Response to James - Jim Wallis responds to James' letter

the candidates on poverty

2008-11-03T09:16:00.000-08:00

Only 24 hours to go. Wow. An issue that has sadly received little attention this election is poverty (not to mention the related issues: disease, education, clean water, etc). There are people suffering right now, far beyond our frame of reference.

I help with a non-partisan organization called One. One stands for the relief of global poverty by empowering individuals, partnering with grassroots organizations, and encouraging politicians to pay attention to the issues. Through letter writing campaigns we’ve tried hard to get global poverty into the conversation. It never really happened in a significant way. How sad. One recently released a side by side comparison of the candidate’s positions on global poverty. You can explore that here. One's entire Vote 08 page is excellent. Check it out here.

If you’re interested in joining the One campaign to make poverty history you can do that here. Please consider signing on. I promise it is non-partisan. Pat Robertson and Al Shaprton are both supporters. What more proof do you need?

I’ve also linked to the two candidate’s position pages on poverty. Well, I tried to. John McCain doesn’t deal with the issue of poverty on his campaign website. I had to dig a little deeper. You can find some information on John McCain and poverty here. You can find Barack Obama’s position page here.

class warfare and socialism

2008-11-01T22:56:00.000-07:00

Is it possible that America is slowly replacing racism with classism? The danger of class warfare increases along with the gap between the rich and poor. I’m concerned this election is fanning the flames of class warfare; especially with the charge of socialist being levied against Barack Obama (as if we’re living in 1953, when calling someone a communist could end any conversation).

We’ve been hearing people talk about their hard earned money, not wanting it to be given to free loaders who rely on social services. After all, it’s their money. They worked hard for it, they deserve it. I’d like to point out that this is an entirely secular construct. The notion that anyone is entitled doesn’t easily align itself with Biblical teachings. We are blessed, not entitled. Our nation relies on a collective effort, something the founders referred to as the common good.

I realize this is a complicated thing. There are valid concerns over the role of government. People are right to point out personal responsibility; we shouldn’t rely on the government to solve all our problems. However, it’s not so simple as to say - more us, less government. The answer to bad (or too much) government is not no government. The answer is better and smarter government involvement. It simply won’t work, and would not be wise, for the government to have no involvement in the nation’s social ills.

Perhaps the biggest reason this wouldn’t work: people are greedy. Look at the current woes on Wall Street. When people have the chance to make a buck and leave others in their dust, they’ll go for it. Also, there are some social issues that require huge resources, far beyond the reach of private citizens. Others issues require systemic change. I am 100% on board with citizens doing everything they can to fight social ills: poverty, poor healthcare, teenage pregnancy, homelessness, etc. Yet, without some help from the government it’s possible we’re just putting a band-aid on a broken arm. We can help homeless folks until we’re blue in the face, but if we don’t give attention to some of the systemic issues creating homelessness we’re fighting a losing battle.

Imagine Martin Luther King Jr. saying, “it’s only about my own life and community. We should only work for change in our own churches and with out neighbors. We shouldn’t rely on the government to do anything.” He fought for change in his own community, as well as change in the government systems creating racism.

Personal responsibility doesn’t mean we abandon a public one.

an open letter to christians

2008-10-31T13:16:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say I’m surprised by the things we’re hearing from Christians this election season. I’ve been particularly disappointed by some of what’s coming from the right. Yesterday I was introduced to this, a few days ago this, and this. I am deeply troubled by the spirit reflected in this rhetoric. I decided to sit down today and write an open letter to any Christian who would have you believe that God is a Republican (or Democrat). I hope this doesn’t come off too pious. What can I say? I’m passionate about the topic...

Dear Christians,

Jesus taught us to bring healing into our world, not turn it into a battlefield. No politician or government will ever be able redeem this broken place. Redemption comes through the grace of Jesus. Our message for the world is one of amazing grace. Jesus first- not country, politician or legislation.

I hope that all of you will inform yourselves on the issues and vote accordingly, but please don’t assume that all our votes will be the same. No political party or candidate has God in their back pocket. It is entirely possible for a Christian to be a Democrat, Republican, Independent, Libertarian, or Green. Please don’t show disrespect for the thoughtful choices of other faithful people by suggesting that God is obviously on your side.

Hearing this, you might suggest I’m neglecting truths presented in scripture. In reality, I care deeply for what the Bible says about morality and justice. Still, in our broken world, political application often involves compromises and political trade offs that reasonable Christians can disagree on. A vote for one principle of morality often carries with it a vote against another. This is what it’s like for a Christian to engage in the political process.

You might say that we should stand by issues Jesus would stand by. This seems reasonable, and I totally agree. Yet, this means you can no longer claim that abortion and homosexuality are the only issues a Christian should care about. In fact, Jesus never talked about either. I’m certainly not suggesting that those issues are unimportant, not at all. I only mean to point out a certain disparity. Jesus never talks about either of those things but does talk about other issues repeatedly, poverty for example. If you truly care about the Bible, and desire to take Jesus seriously then you must care about more than just abortion and homosexuality. I don’t mean to be unfair, of course you care. But is that reflected in your rhetoric?

In that vein, please stop insinuating that a Republican vote is the only vote that respects the sanctity of life. I know many Democrats, Greens, and Libertarians who care deeply about the issue of abortion and the sanctity of life. I’d encourage you to remember that poverty and disease are also life issues. Over 25,000 children die every day from preventable diseases. Genocide is a life issue. Creation care is a life issue. Human rights are life issues. The death penalty is a life issue. Torture is a sanctity of life issue. War is a life issue. Please don’t misunderstand. I’m not suggesting we degrade any issues. I’m only suggesting we stand by all of the issues that scripture speaks to.

I believe that people are made in the image of God. It would be wise of us to remember this when engaging with others politically. We’re taught to love others, not treat them as the opposition. Please remember Jesus’ calling to love God and love others.

I appreciate that you care passionately about certain issues. I’m not asking you to compromise your passion. I’m not asking you to vote for any particular candidate. I’m not asking you to walk away from anything. I am asking you to please stop suggesting that a Christian should only vote Republican. I am asking you to recognize the compromises reflected in your own vote. I am asking you to look deeper into scripture to find the breadth of issues it addresses.

Let’s stand together on Biblical truth. Let’s show Grace to each other when we might, in good faith, differ on how to reasonably apply those truths to politics. When attaching ourselves to Jesus, unity should be practiced that amazing grace might be put on display (John 17:22-23).

Peace and Grace,

paul

a great post from mariah

2008-10-30T18:37:00.000-07:00

lMy wife wrote a heartfelt and passionate entry on her blog last night. She's a very smart woman. I think you might appreciate her insights. Look here.

article - conservatives voting obama

2008-10-29T08:18:00.000-07:00

The theme of old categories being shaken up has been consistent this election. Here is a fascinating piece along those lines. A conservative blogger giving his 10 reasons for going Obama. Look here.

healthcare

2008-10-28T06:37:00.000-07:00

It should come as no surprise that healthcare reform is en vogue this election season. Most seem to agree that healthcare in America needs, well a little health care. Costs have gotten way out of control and continue to climb. The Kaiser Family Foundation recently reported that average costs are more than double what they were 9 years ago. Healthcare costs eat up 16 cents of every dollar in the U.S. economy. Now imagine you’re a single parent, or living on minimum wage. It’s no wonder 25 million Americans are underinsured while around 46 million are without any insurance at all. Preventative healthcare is rarely part of the equation. For most Americans healthcare amounts to little more than sick care.

As I think about healthcare in America there is one thought I can’t seem to shake. How can one of the wealthiest nations in the world have some 13.9 million children without any healthcare? I realize that’s a complicated question, but the disparity is too great to ignore.

Surely we can all agree that providing healthcare for our country’s children is a good idea, even if their names are Jose and Juana. Is it way out of line to bring adults into that same conversation? The uninsured still get sick or injured; they’re only driving up costs for the insured. The truth is, I’d gladly pay more taxes or stand in a longer line at the doctor so that everyone has that same privilege. I realize that Jesus’ command to clothe the poor and look after the sick were not referring to health care systems, but surely there’s a principle that might be applied. Being told to care for people personally doesn’t mean we ignore the systemic. Is there any chance that to “promote the general welfare,” and “ensure life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” could be applied to healthcare?

Meanwhile a lot of sloppy accusations are buzzing around the body politic. Some say that John McCain only wants to pad the pockets of insurance companies. Others are adding Barack Obama’s plan to his list of “socialist” credentials. Who to believe? Maybe you should just decide for yourself.

John McCain is promoting his plan to give a tax credit of $2500 per person ($5000 per family) with the goal of encouraging Americans to opt out of employer run plans and buy their own private health insurance. McCain hopes to drive down costs by promoting competition amongst providers. Barack Obama wants to maintain an employer sponsored system. He suggests expanding the employer run system through subsidies and regulation. Under the Obama plan employers (small businesses would be exempt) must provide health care or contribute to a public plan.

Both McCain and Obama are promising to end discrimination against those with pre-existing conditions. That’s a happy point of agreement. Obama’s plan includes a massive expansion of SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance Program) and Medicad (for low-income families). Under the Obama plan children would be required to have insurance, and a large number of low-income families would have the chance to be covered. McCain makes no such allowance.

The healthcare consulting firm (whatever that is) The Lewin Group recently reported that by 2010 McCain’s plan would provide new insurance for around 21.1 million costing in the neighborhood of $2.05 trillion before 2019. Obama’s plan would insure around 26.6 million costing around $1.17 trillion.

a Snapshot:
McCain: 21.1 million $2.05 trillion
Obama: 26.6 million $1.17 trillion

the leadership qualities of a president

2008-10-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

A co-worker friend of mine recently gave a presentation on high capacity leaders (my workplace does a great job of equipping us with presentations like this). Part of his mini-seminar included a discussion on the qualities of a high capacity leader. “High capacity leader” is a slightly nauseating corporate term used to describe leaders who have the ability to lead other leaders. I’m normally not a huge fan of categories that create us and them paradigms, but the distinctives of a high capacity leader usually make good sense. Most people can see there are varied capacities when it comes to leadership. We’ve all witnessed the flame out of someone trying to lead outside their aptitude.

My friend quoted a guy named Max Dupree who wrote a book called “Leadership Is An Art.” He suggests that the following are consistent indicators of a strong leader:

-tells why rather than how
-communicates easily at all levels
-searched out competence
-is open to contrary opinion
-has consistent and dependable integrity
-cherishes diversity
-a gifted storyteller
-is a spokesperson and diplomat
-leads through serving
-understands the concept of equity and consistently advocates for it
-is vulnerable to the skills and talents of others
-able to see the broad picture (beyond his/her own area of focus)

Beyond noticing how Jesusy this list is I couldn’t help but think about our current presidential race. I wonder how the candidates stack up. This is of course an almost entirely subjective exercise, especially difficult without a personal relationship. I have, however, continued to reflect upon these qualities when watching debates or stump speeches, reading about positions on campaign websites, and observing the candidate’s in public. It’s really hard to discern; we’re left with not much more than intuition, and certainly our ideological leanings are bound to color everything. Still, I think it’s a worthy exercise to consider the leadership qualities of each candidate. Whether we like it or not, one of them will be leading our country for the next four years.

the race card

2008-10-22T21:22:00.000-07:00

Regardless of whom you vote for in November, there is one remarkable development we can all be thrilled with. For the first time we’re considering an African American for president. The implications are stunning. I don’t imagine we’re “over” race in America; bring to mind images post Katrina when the “great American melting pot” was kicked over to reveal the people drowning at the bottom. There remains a great deal of prejudice in our country, and we have a history or prejudice that may never be outlived. All of this makes Barack Obama’s accomplishment decidedly historical. We should all be pleased with such forward motion.

Beyond the historical, there is plenty more to be pleased with. I’ll tread lightly, being as white as the Bonneville Salt Flats in June. As many leaders in the African American community have noted, their youth suffer from a shortage of healthy role models. Many have been left to look toward guys like Snoop Dawg, P Diddy, Michael Vick, and Ludacris. I’m not trying to sound like a total square here; I realize it’s complicated. Still, when Snoop is coaching his son’s football team one day and shooting a porno the next, one might be tempted to suggest that there are mixed messages being sent.

Imagine a generation of young African Americans looking instead to a man like Barack Obama. What might happen inside the heart of a young boy when he sees Barack and learns that Barack’s dad wasn’t around either? What might a young girl think when she sees Michelle speaking passionately about issues that matter to her? Maybe it’s stupid and naive for a white dude from Nebraska to say something like this, but when I look into the eyes of the kids in my neighborhood I’m hopeful for them, not optimistic…hopeful.

“The categories of optimism and pessimism don’t exist for me. I’m a blues man. A blues man is a prisoner of hope, and hope is a qualitatively different category than optimism. Optimism is a secular construct, a calculation of probability. Black folk in America have never been optimistic about the future – what have we had to be optimistic about? But we are people of hope. Hope wrestles with despair, but it doesn’t generate optimism. It just generates this energy to be courageous, to bear witness, to see what the end is going to be. No guarantee, unfinished, open-ended. I am a prisoner of hope. I’m going to die full of hope. There’s no doubt about that, because that is a choice I make.”

-Cornell West, 2007

colin powell endorses

2008-10-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Colin Powell mixed things up by endorsing Barack Obama for president, wow. Powell is a retired Army General, lifetime Republican, and former Secretary of State from Bush’s first term.

There has been a theme emerging in the body politic recently; I’ve talked about it a bunch on this blog. Colin Powell’s endorsement illustrates, once again, that old political assumptions don’t mean what they used to. The categories of Democrat, Republican, Conservative, and Liberal aren’t as easily defined as they once were.

Some aren’t willing to acknowledge this development. Rush Limbaugh said today, "I am now researching his past endorsements to see if I can find all the inexperienced, very liberal, white candidates he has endorsed." Limbaugh’s cynical insinuation that Powell’s endorsement is about race demonstrates the reluctance of some to embrace change. It may be bad news for the likes of Limbaugh, but things aren’t as tidy as they once were…at least not this November.

בודפשט בית הכנסת הגדול של ‎

2008-10-16T11:10:00.000-07:00

This picture of stained glass was taken at the Dohany Street Synagogue in Budapest Hungary. The Dohany Street Synagogue is the second largest synagogue in the world. It rests in the Jewish Quarter of Budapest. During the second world war the Jewish Quarter of Budapest was turned into a ghetto by Nazi forces.

It's remarkable to stand in place where such unimaginable misery was once present. This stained glass overlooks a courtyard where over 1000 people are buried, those who died of hunger and cold between 1944 & 1945. Today the Synagogues is a place of remarkable hope.

baby hater

2008-10-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

I had hoped that with the current economic unrest the presidential campaign would take on a more serious tone. I thought that with such a tangible issue the silliness that normally characterizes political campaigns would dull. Nope.

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like this presidential campaign has taken on a decidedly negative tone. You can’t hardly watch a Simpsons re-run without being assaulted by a campaign ad trying to convince you that John McCain killed your grandmother and Barack Obama hates hamburgers…or something like that.

Both campaigns are slinging mud; you can hardly deny that. If you’re a numbers person you may be interested to know that last week the Wisconsin Advertising Project reported that nearly every TV ad McCain ran was negative, compared to 34 percent by Obama. With the debate looming tonight it will be interesting to see if any of the mud being slung will actually hit a face. At a McCain rally last week someone from the crowd deplored McCain to go after Obama at the debate, hold nothing back he shouted. When McCain responded saying that he would respect Barack Obama and that we all need to be respectful, the crowd booed. That’s right, booed.

The urgent question is whether or not we (the electorate) will allow ourselves to be distracted by all the nonsense. Do we want to have thoughtful discussions about issues, or would we prefer talking about whom we’d rather have a beer with? I’m more than willing to acknowledge that both McCain and Obama are decent individuals who care about this country and sincerely want to see it improve. They have different ideas about how to do that; those are the things we should be talking about.

partisan hackery

2008-10-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

This whole $700 billion bailout has got me thinking. It aptly illustrates how the old categories of “big government liberals” and “small government conservatives” don't mean what they used to. Our political assumptions need to be updated; it’s time to stop relying on played out sound bites and old-fashioned rhetoric. I won’t let my vote in November be affected by partisan hackery wanting to convince me that all Republicans hate poor people or that all Democrats want is to tax and spend. It’s not 1980; these types of categories simply aren’t as neat and tidy as they used to be. Both Obama and McCain have plans that could increase the federal budget in excess of $200 billion. Both candidates are talking about reducing the scope and influence of government in certain areas. The real question isn’t about big vs. small; it’s about what kind of big or small.

I was talking with a friend the other night about the upcoming and election and he kept using the word liberal as a negative way to describe Barack Obama. Look, both conservatism and liberalism (at their core) are respectable political philosophies that offer different approaches to the same problems. Can we please stop using the words liberal and conservative as pejoratives? What we need to be wary of are ideologues, people who see the world through an ideological haze. The problem with Bush's presidency isn’t necessarily his conservatism. The problem is his ideological certitude (as well as his bolstering government in all the wrong ways). I want a president who expresses a willingness to listen, learn and adjust as necessary.

An old friend of mind posted a question on the “betrayed” post saying, “I was told not so long ago that there isn't any way to reconcile being a Christian and being a liberal.” This is of course totally ridiculous. Conservatism is not the anointed politic of God? No where in the Bible does it say, “thou shalt have small government,” or “thou shalt vote Republican.” Jesus said things that today would have him dismissed as a “bleeding heart liberal.” In fairness, he also said things that some might dismiss as far too conservative. For a Christ Follower politics always involves tradeoffs and compromises, reasonable people can disagree about what this looks like. Anyone who claims a Christian can’t be a liberal displays a shallow understanding of both Christianity and the liberal political philosophy.

bailout this

2008-10-08T23:52:00.000-07:00

Last week the Senate passed a $700 billion bailout plan, you might have heard about it. Both presidential candidates voted in favor of the bill. It may be the “right” thing to do; I’m no economic expert. I understand the line of reasoning, and see the advantages of a robust economy. I can also appreciate that for many who are nearing retirement these are uncertain days. Still, I can’t shake the feeling that something with significance beyond Wall Street has happened.

We live in a world where over 25,000 children a day die from preventable/treatable illnesses (malnutrition causes around a third of the deaths). Today 1.8 billion people lack access to clean water; each year over 1.8 million die from water born illnesses. Almost half the world lives on less than $2.50 per day, more than 80% live on less than $10. At the dawn of the 21st century nearly a billion people were illiterate. Right now 121 million children are without any form of education.

In America roughly 37 million people live below the poverty line. It’s true that many still have a relatively high standard of living; however, 9.6 million people in the US, 3 million children, regularly experience hunger. Some 45.8 million lack basic health coverage, 13.9 million children. In fact, children make up over 39% of America’s poor. Poverty has been established as one of the most powerful factors affecting brain development. Today’s impoverished children are tomorrow’s drop outs, single parents, and unemployed.

It would take only $10 to provide one child with clean water for life. We could solve the clean water crisis entirely for about $10 billion. You could provide the world with education for $6 billion. The 25,000 children who die per day could be almost entirely saved with $30 billion.

$700 billion.

The reasons for poverty are extremely complex; I’m not about to suggest that you can solve anything with piles of cash. Still, you have to admit that something seems a little out of balance here. When long standing, wealthy American corporations need help our politicians are quick to respond. When 25,000 children die per day from preventable illnesses we get buried in bureaucracy, and stingy (dare I say greedy) with resources.

I’m not suggesting black and white; where we either help poor people or bail out Wall Street. I do hope the poor will benefit from a healthy American economy. Yet, call me a bleeding heart, when I reflect on Jesus’ words, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me,” something feels uneasy with 700 billion of taxpayer dollars flowing toward Wall Street. I feel especially uneasy when I hear about the CEOs of AIG being sent on a $450,000 retreat just weeks after they received $85 billion from the government. I’m talking spa treatments here. If America is going to become a socialist nation let's at least spread things around a little more evenly.

We live in what many have dubbed the gilded age, a time in history where there are unprecedented amounts of wealth. I wonder, will we go down in history as a generation of people who had the means to end extreme poverty but lacked the will to do so? I won’t just be thinking about my financial future in November, I’ll also be considering which candidate offers the most thoughtful and far-reaching plan to help the “least of these.”

Consider the words of Nelson Mandela talking about eradicating extreme poverty over the next 20 years:

"Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. You can be that generation. Let your greatness blossom. Of course the task will not be easy. But not to do this would be a crime against humanity. Against which I ask all humanity to rise up.”

For some ideas about how to get involved check out:

Food for the Hungry
Stop Child Poverty
Unicef
World Vision

One

factcheck.org

2008-10-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

I often hear people comment on how difficult it is to tell the difference between reality and political spin. To that I respond with a resounding, fo sho. Below is a stellar resources for anyone looking to bust through the rhetoric. Factcheck.org is a non-partisan website examining the truthfulness of claims made by political organizations. I hope you find it as helpful as I have.

factcheck.org

i feel betrayed

2008-10-03T10:31:00.000-07:00

Betrayed mp3 free download
This song talks about my recent political journey. Here’s what I mean:

I've always been registered as an Independent, carrying the conviction that no political party or politician accurately sums up my beliefs. Early in my voting life I tended to vote more conservatively (or at least what I thought was conservative). In 2004 I voted for George W. Bush. I realize this is terribly disappointing to some of you, I am sorry. I also realize that implying a vote for Bush could be disappointing is offensive to others of you, sorry. Uhm...moving on.

Since 2004 I've been left feeling betrayed by this administration and it’s many shortcomings: the national deficit, the erosion of habeas corpus rights, tax cuts for the wealthiest of Americans, the mishandling of Katrina, the Valerie Plame leak, the No Child Left Behind Act, poor treatment of veterans, a lack of follow through with AIDS relief, and so on. There is, however, one shortcoming that stands out from the pack.

With my vote I (perhaps naively) believed what this administration told the American people, that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction and there was an imminent threat. The case was still being made that we needed to invade Iraq and that a "smoking gun" would be forth coming. A “smoking gun” never materialized; we're now told we invaded Iraq to liberate Iraqis and fight Al Queda. Those aren’t necessarily bad things, but wait a minute; there are lots of places around the world that could use liberation. It simply wasn’t the primary narrative we were sold.

I'm not someone who insists that Bush is an evil monster who flagrantly lied to the American people. While it is possible that he lied, and many from his inner circle say he has, that's not the only reasonable explanation. He may also have relied upon faulty intelligence and then incompetently mismanaged the war. Lies or incompetence for 600 Alex.

There is a line in the ancient scriptures that I've grown to really love. Recently (please forgive my tardiness) I’ve reflected upon how it might apply to public policy: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." This and other passages suggest that the way of Jesus means practicing humility and love. Luke 1 offers some particularly relevant imagery: "He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble."

The scriptural mandate for humility has remarkable implications for politicians who claim to be people of faith and for how they might lead America. What would happen if we applied a sense of humility to our foreign policy? Ignoring the opposition of the world when preemptively invading Iraq hardly expressed humility. It did, in fact, express a certain arrogance and presumptuous pride. How might a little humility have affected our reaction to 9/11? How might a humble foreign policy affect our willingness to meet with world leaders? All this is of course extremely complicated, and I realize some would call what I'm saying naive. However, complexity doesn't mean it's a wash, and humility is always a little naive.

There's a lot of talk about the surge right now; I'm certainly not trying to disparage progress. Most agree that we need something to work over there, and I'm glad progress is being made. However, I would respectfully suggest that with over 4000 Americans dead and untold numbers of Iraqis (some conservatively estimate civilian deaths to top 96,000) I don't think the question is about the effectiveness of the surge.

I won't allow my sense of having been betrayed by the Bush administration to be the sole factor informing my vote this November. It has however caused me to reflect deeply upon what it means to be a voter who follows Jesus. Despite my "independence" I bought into the idea that good Christians vote Republican. The words "Democrat" and "Liberal" were pejoratives. I’m a little embarrassed to admit the kind of foolish controversies and half-truths I willingly took part in. I was what you might call a useful idiot.

It would be nearsighted of me to let the pendulum swing too far in the other direction. Instead, the pendulum is swinging somewhere in the middle these days, with a healthy skepticism for both parties. One thing is for sure, when I vote in November I’ll choose the candidate who suggests a more humble, cautious foreign policy.

talking politics is so tawdry

2008-09-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

I've always admired people who listen more than they talk. My mouth has gotten me into a lot of trouble over the years; to me the wisdom of "slow to speak" is plain. There are of course certain things that most people happily agree to avoid; religion and politics are often at the top of the list. Although, it's typically less about avoiding a topic more about avoiding people with whom we disagree. We all love to talk about talk God or a lack there of with a bunch of fellow believers or agnostics. Talking politics is fun when you know you're in the room with like minded folk.

I have this secret admiration for people who keep their politics so personal that you never really know where they stand. There seems wisdom there, self control. C.S. Lewis, a thinker I greatly admire, once said that he finds politics to be terribly boring. That too seems so metaphysically wise. Amongst many, particularly the faithful, there is a sense that politics simply distract us from the important work of doing life, or the really important matters of faith. Why read the news when you should be reading your Bible? Unfortunately religious people have a tattered history of distorting and dulling the voice of Jesus rather than illuminating and amplifying it.

I wish I were a person more like Lewis. I wish I were the quiet, respectable fellow in the corner politely listening and rarely speaking. I'm just not that guy. I love a rousing conversation and have never shied away from hard topics. I'm not advocating belligerence, but frankly I'm afraid that if I too often repress my thoughts and opinions I'll be creating a monster that might someday be larger than the more respectable person I've put in its place.

reluctant blogger

2008-09-29T22:28:00.000-07:00

I never really imagined myself starting a blog. The whole business of broadcasting your every thought with the presumption that people actually care seems a little…well, narcissistic. Over the last few years I’ve watched with amazement the rise of the “participation media.” In 2006 Time made a rather hilarious pick for its person of the year, “YOU.” The blogosphere, wikipedia, youtube, facebook, myspace, and others have created what looks like an intimately connected web of people. Still, I can’t seem to shake the conviction that we’re more fragmented now than ever. Sure, I might have a facebook friend from Romania, but do I know my neighbors name? Not to mention the looming consequences of a generation that believes it’s the person of the year every year (cue uncomfortable laugher).

My reasons for starting this little blog are many, but for now there is one reason that’s on my mind, November 4th 2008. There is so much political noise out there, particularly amongst people of faith, that I feel compelled to join the conversation. Not because my voice is of any particular significance but because the conversation matters so much. There is a lot at stake in the world right now: global poverty, the AIDS pandemic, peak oil, terrorism, clean water shortages, war, the orphan crisis, climate change, economic instability, the list goes on. The American response to these issues truly matters. I’m convinced that this particular election means a great deal at home and abroad. One clear allowance of the blogosphere is its ability to broaden the scope of those who participate in the conversation; this is a good thing. One might say the conversation is more important than ever.