Showing posts with label Health Care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health Care. Show all posts
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
COFFEE BREAK 338
+ updated at 12:52pm ESDT on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
+The Theological Wanderings of a Street Pastor offers "Religious Liberalism 101: A Book Review of Paul Rasor’s ‘Faith Without Certainty’"
+ I am taking a Spirituality and Practice ecourse on Practicing the Presence of God. Here is what I shared today in the Practice forum:
2 Corinthians 12 is one of the great peaks of the Bible. Read it all when you get a chance. I was required to preach a sermon to my Presbytery before ordination in 1975. This was my text and it has always been close to my heart.
I think it's all about TRUST ... trusting the process ... trusting the here and now at all times, at this time, all the time ... trusting everything to work out beautifully, wondrously, miraculously, naturally. The Heavenly Council is working for us night and day. Now is the time to surrender, to rest in the "peace which passes all understanding," the sufficient grace which is offered so freely "not as the world gives" but in the mysterious and marvelous way heaven gives ... unconditional Love ... unlimited Love... uniting Love ... amazing Grace.
Breathe deeply. Breathe fully. Be still. Be silent. Be centered. Be grounded. Lighten up. Loosen up. Let go. Let God. Celebrate. Enjoy. Be glad all over!
+ Not yet 90 BUT the high humidity makes it feel like its 96 already (12:12pm). You could see how high it goes today at http://www.wunderground.com/US/NY/Whitesboro.html?bannertypeclick=bigwx
+ Almost 90 out now at noon.
+ As I just said (below), Shuck and Jive is always fascinating and provocative. Read today's post.
+ I have to go inside now (11:44am ESDT). It has been nice to be outside but the heat is starting to get unbearable for a Norwegian-American like me!
+ A lot has been happening (of course) since I last blogged here. Among other things ...
+The Theological Wanderings of a Street Pastor offers "Religious Liberalism 101: A Book Review of Paul Rasor’s ‘Faith Without Certainty’"
+ I am taking a Spirituality and Practice ecourse on Practicing the Presence of God. Here is what I shared today in the Practice forum:
2 Corinthians 12 is one of the great peaks of the Bible. Read it all when you get a chance. I was required to preach a sermon to my Presbytery before ordination in 1975. This was my text and it has always been close to my heart.
I think it's all about TRUST ... trusting the process ... trusting the here and now at all times, at this time, all the time ... trusting everything to work out beautifully, wondrously, miraculously, naturally. The Heavenly Council is working for us night and day. Now is the time to surrender, to rest in the "peace which passes all understanding," the sufficient grace which is offered so freely "not as the world gives" but in the mysterious and marvelous way heaven gives ... unconditional Love ... unlimited Love... uniting Love ... amazing Grace.
Breathe deeply. Breathe fully. Be still. Be silent. Be centered. Be grounded. Lighten up. Loosen up. Let go. Let God. Celebrate. Enjoy. Be glad all over!
+ Not yet 90 BUT the high humidity makes it feel like its 96 already (12:12pm). You could see how high it goes today at http://www.wunderground.com/US/NY/Whitesboro.html?bannertypeclick=bigwx
+ Almost 90 out now at noon.
+ As I just said (below), Shuck and Jive is always fascinating and provocative. Read today's post.
+ I have to go inside now (11:44am ESDT). It has been nice to be outside but the heat is starting to get unbearable for a Norwegian-American like me!
+ A lot has been happening (of course) since I last blogged here. Among other things ...
- Family and friends gathered in Durham, Cary and Chapel Hill, North Carolina in late May for a memorial service for my dad who died in on March 27, 7 weeks before he would have turned 100. He was born on May 21, 1912.
- Mary, my wife, suffered a concussion during a short bus ride taking the University of Rochester Nursing School faculty to graduation at Eastman Hall on May 19. Recovery has been slow and frustrating. The symptoms seem to be lessening but she still has some bad days.
+ Spirituality and Practice offers "Are We Living in Sensory Overload or Sensory Poverty?" by Mary Ann and Frederic Brussat.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
COFFEE BREAK 280
+ Spirituality and Practice offers "Stop the Granny Bashing" by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat.
Excerpt 1: "Less than one-third of Americans know that low-income elders now pay 25 % of their incomes for health care out-of-pocket, despite having Medicare."
Excerpt 2: "Only one in five knew that nearly 6 million older Americans are at risk of going hungry."
Excerpt 3: "The way a society takes care of its oldest members is a sign of its moral worth. Right now, things are looking bad for both senior citizens and America."
Excerpt 1: "Less than one-third of Americans know that low-income elders now pay 25 % of their incomes for health care out-of-pocket, despite having Medicare."
Excerpt 2: "Only one in five knew that nearly 6 million older Americans are at risk of going hungry."
Excerpt 3: "The way a society takes care of its oldest members is a sign of its moral worth. Right now, things are looking bad for both senior citizens and America."
Monday, April 11, 2011
COFFEE BREAK 273
+ updated at 4:04pm ESDT on Monday, April 11, 2011
+ The New York Times offers "Religion Does Its Worst" by Roger Cohen. Excerpt: "I see why lots of people turn to religion — fear of death, ordering principle in a mysterious universe, refuge from pain, even revelation. But surely it’s meaningless without mercy and forgiveness, and surely its very antithesis must be hatred and murder. At least that’s how it appears to a nonbeliever." Read it all.
I put this link on my Facebook nwall with the following thought:
+ Must work on tax returns now!
+ Still delighted by the Red Sox victory last night: 4-0 over the Yankees at Fenway with Josh Beckett at the top of his game. Maybe the Sox are beginning to recover from their terrible start. They are 2-7 now.
+ TruthOut offers "Why the Right-Wing Bullies Will Hold The Nation Hostage Again and Again" by Robert Reich.
+ The New York Times offers "Religion Does Its Worst" by Roger Cohen. Excerpt: "I see why lots of people turn to religion — fear of death, ordering principle in a mysterious universe, refuge from pain, even revelation. But surely it’s meaningless without mercy and forgiveness, and surely its very antithesis must be hatred and murder. At least that’s how it appears to a nonbeliever." Read it all.
I put this link on my Facebook nwall with the following thought:
+ Must work on tax returns now!
+ Still delighted by the Red Sox victory last night: 4-0 over the Yankees at Fenway with Josh Beckett at the top of his game. Maybe the Sox are beginning to recover from their terrible start. They are 2-7 now.
+ TruthOut offers "Why the Right-Wing Bullies Will Hold The Nation Hostage Again and Again" by Robert Reich.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
COFFEE BREAK 203
+ updated at 12:10pm ESDT on Thursday, September 23, 2010
+ The Spirituality and Practice Spiritual Literacy Blog offers "New Census Figures Confirm Rising Poverty, Big Income Gaps." It is extremely important for Christians to expand their efforts on behalf of the poor. Here is the blog post in its entirety:
Writing in Change.org, Kathryn Baer reports that the latest Census Bureau figures show that the poverty rate has increased again — from 13.2 percent in 2008 to 14.3 percent last year. This means that the total number of officially poor people was the largest in the 51 years the government has been publishing figures. The report also contains other shocking statistics including:
• The poverty rate for children increased to 15.5 million
• About 44 percent of the individuals in poverty — somewhat over 19 million — had incomes below 50 percent of the poverty threshold. That's 6.3 percent of the total population.
• We still see a huge income gap between the richest and poorest households. Last year, the bottom fifth had 3.4 of the nation's total money income and the top fifth had about half. And the top five percent of this fortunate fifth had a whooping 21 percent.
Meanwhile, safety net programs are being cut by both the federal and state governments — programs such as health-care for low-income families and children and services for elderly and disabled and child care programs.Oscar Romero once said: "A church that does not join the poor, in order to speak out from the side of the poor against injustices committed against them, is not the true church of Jesus Christ."
It is time for not only churches but synagogues and mosques to take the side of the poor and their plight today in America.
-- Mary Ann and Frederic Brussat
+ The New York Times offers "For Many, Health Care Relief Begins Today" by Kevin Sack. Excerpt: "Sometimes lost in the partisan clamor about the new health care law is the profound relief it is expected to bring to hundreds of thousands of Americans who have been stricken first by disease and then by a Darwinian insurance system."
+ The Spirituality and Practice Spiritual Literacy Blog offers "New Census Figures Confirm Rising Poverty, Big Income Gaps." It is extremely important for Christians to expand their efforts on behalf of the poor. Here is the blog post in its entirety:
Writing in Change.org, Kathryn Baer reports that the latest Census Bureau figures show that the poverty rate has increased again — from 13.2 percent in 2008 to 14.3 percent last year. This means that the total number of officially poor people was the largest in the 51 years the government has been publishing figures. The report also contains other shocking statistics including:
• The poverty rate for children increased to 15.5 million
• About 44 percent of the individuals in poverty — somewhat over 19 million — had incomes below 50 percent of the poverty threshold. That's 6.3 percent of the total population.
• We still see a huge income gap between the richest and poorest households. Last year, the bottom fifth had 3.4 of the nation's total money income and the top fifth had about half. And the top five percent of this fortunate fifth had a whooping 21 percent.
Meanwhile, safety net programs are being cut by both the federal and state governments — programs such as health-care for low-income families and children and services for elderly and disabled and child care programs.Oscar Romero once said: "A church that does not join the poor, in order to speak out from the side of the poor against injustices committed against them, is not the true church of Jesus Christ."
It is time for not only churches but synagogues and mosques to take the side of the poor and their plight today in America.
-- Mary Ann and Frederic Brussat
+ The New York Times offers "For Many, Health Care Relief Begins Today" by Kevin Sack. Excerpt: "Sometimes lost in the partisan clamor about the new health care law is the profound relief it is expected to bring to hundreds of thousands of Americans who have been stricken first by disease and then by a Darwinian insurance system."
Friday, April 2, 2010
COFFEE BREAK 163
+ updated at 10:17am ESDT on Friday, April 2 + GOOD FRIDAY
+ The Network of Spiritual Progressives offers "Responses to the Health Care Debate" by various contributors.
Excerpt 1: "A new book, Wingnuts: How the Lunatic Fringe Is Hijacking America by John Avlon describes the large numbers of Americans who hold extreme views of President Obama. This Harris Poll seeks to measure how many people are involved. It finds that 40% of adults believe he is a socialist. More than 30% think he wants to take away Americans' right to own guns and that he is a Muslim. More than 25% believe he wants to turn over the sovereignty of the United States to a world government, has done many things that are unconstitutional, that he resents America's heritage, and that he does what Wall Street tells him to do."
Excerpt 2: "Now we are in this moment with a President who is Black and finally we are discussing the things that are vitally important to people of color and the poor and yet the same refrain is heard, 'We need to take our government and country back!' It is the Third Reconstruction and the question is: will we allow the clock to be turned back again?" -- Graylon Scott Hagler
+ The Network of Spiritual Progressives offers "Responses to the Health Care Debate" by various contributors.
Excerpt 1: "A new book, Wingnuts: How the Lunatic Fringe Is Hijacking America by John Avlon describes the large numbers of Americans who hold extreme views of President Obama. This Harris Poll seeks to measure how many people are involved. It finds that 40% of adults believe he is a socialist. More than 30% think he wants to take away Americans' right to own guns and that he is a Muslim. More than 25% believe he wants to turn over the sovereignty of the United States to a world government, has done many things that are unconstitutional, that he resents America's heritage, and that he does what Wall Street tells him to do."
Excerpt 2: "Now we are in this moment with a President who is Black and finally we are discussing the things that are vitally important to people of color and the poor and yet the same refrain is heard, 'We need to take our government and country back!' It is the Third Reconstruction and the question is: will we allow the clock to be turned back again?" -- Graylon Scott Hagler
Monday, March 29, 2010
COFFEE BREAK 161
+ updated at 12:56pm ESDT on Monday, March 29, 2010
+ The New York Times offers "Going to Extreme" by Paul Krugman. Excerpt: " ... if you care about America’s future, you can’t be happy as extremists take full control of one of our two great political parties."
+ Most Republicans continue to say that most Americans oppose the new Healthcare Reform laws BUT a Gallup Poll taken just after the vote shows that these Republicans are not correct.
+ The New York Times offers "Going to Extreme" by Paul Krugman. Excerpt: " ... if you care about America’s future, you can’t be happy as extremists take full control of one of our two great political parties."
+ Most Republicans continue to say that most Americans oppose the new Healthcare Reform laws BUT a Gallup Poll taken just after the vote shows that these Republicans are not correct.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
COFFEE BREAK 160
+ Updated at 3:30pm Tuesday, March 23, 2010
+ Shuck and Jive offers "A Church Without God" by John Shuck. Like usual, John is provocative. I just wrote two comments, numbers 6 and 7. Not surprisingly, John liked my comments, numbers 8 and 9.
+ I am crying tears of Joy like when Obama won and when he was inaugurated as the Healthcare signing takes place. It's a New Day! Elections matter.
Sadly, my Congressman, Mike Arcuri, who I once enthusiastically supported, is not part of the celebration and of history in the making.
+ Perspective is needed as we ponder the consequences of the new Healthcare laws. The Washington Post offers "How big is the bill, really?" by Ezra Klein. Excerpt: "The bill wouldn't really kick in until 2014. To get a more accurate annual figure, look at a year in which the bill is fully operational. In, say, 2016, the bill's spending will be about $160 billion (you can find these numbers on page 22 of the CBO report). According to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, total health-care spending that year will be about $3.7 trillion. In other words, the bill's spending is equivalent to about 4 percent of what we'll spend in health care in a year, and it will be covering 30 million people."
+ Shuck and Jive offers "A Church Without God" by John Shuck. Like usual, John is provocative. I just wrote two comments, numbers 6 and 7. Not surprisingly, John liked my comments, numbers 8 and 9.
+ I am crying tears of Joy like when Obama won and when he was inaugurated as the Healthcare signing takes place. It's a New Day! Elections matter.
Sadly, my Congressman, Mike Arcuri, who I once enthusiastically supported, is not part of the celebration and of history in the making.
+ Perspective is needed as we ponder the consequences of the new Healthcare laws. The Washington Post offers "How big is the bill, really?" by Ezra Klein. Excerpt: "The bill wouldn't really kick in until 2014. To get a more accurate annual figure, look at a year in which the bill is fully operational. In, say, 2016, the bill's spending will be about $160 billion (you can find these numbers on page 22 of the CBO report). According to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, total health-care spending that year will be about $3.7 trillion. In other words, the bill's spending is equivalent to about 4 percent of what we'll spend in health care in a year, and it will be covering 30 million people."
EUGENE ROBINSON SEES THE ARC OF HISTORY BENDING TOWARD FAIRNESS AND INCLUSION
+ TruthDig offers "Tea Party Bigotry Can’t Stop History" by Eugene Robinson.
Excerpt:
At the White House there was elation after the final vote. Obama’s much-criticized strategy of pushing forward on health care despite the economic crisis had been rewarded with a historic victory. His tactic of letting Congress shape the legislation had been vindicated. His promise of change had been given new substance.
Even with the “fixes” that now have to be approved by the Senate, the health care bill is something of a mess. But it’s a glorious mess, because it enshrines the principle that all Americans have the right to health care—an extraordinary achievement that will make this a better nation.
It may take years to get the details right. The newly minted reforms are going to need to be reformed or at least fine-tuned, and those will not be easy battles. But the social movements that allowed Obama to become president and Pelosi to become speaker proved that the arc of history bends toward fairness and inclusion.
Excerpt:
At the White House there was elation after the final vote. Obama’s much-criticized strategy of pushing forward on health care despite the economic crisis had been rewarded with a historic victory. His tactic of letting Congress shape the legislation had been vindicated. His promise of change had been given new substance.
Even with the “fixes” that now have to be approved by the Senate, the health care bill is something of a mess. But it’s a glorious mess, because it enshrines the principle that all Americans have the right to health care—an extraordinary achievement that will make this a better nation.
It may take years to get the details right. The newly minted reforms are going to need to be reformed or at least fine-tuned, and those will not be easy battles. But the social movements that allowed Obama to become president and Pelosi to become speaker proved that the arc of history bends toward fairness and inclusion.
E. J DIONNE SAYS THAT THEY MADE HISTORY
+ TruthDig offers "Yes, They Made History" by E.J. Dionne.
Excerpt:
To understand how large a victory this is, consider what defeat would have meant. In light of the president’s decision to gamble all of his standing to get this bill passed, its failure would have crippled his presidency. The Democratic Congress would have become a laughingstock, incapable of winning on an issue that has been central to its identity since the days of Harry Truman. This is why Republicans decided to put everything they had into an effort to defeat the measure. They said its passage would hurt the Democrats in November’s elections. They knew that its failure would have haunted Democrats for decades.
I have appreciated E.J. Dionne for a long time and this column makes me even more appreciative. He nailed it! He gets to the heart of why I feel so betrayed by the negative vote of my Representative in Congress, clearly now a Democrat in name only (DINO), Michael Arcuri. Sometimes you do have to be loyal to your political affiliation.
This was definitely a moment when all Democrats should have been aboard. Fortunately, there were enough loyal Democrats to get the job done and to make history and -- please note Mr. Arcuri -- to save the Obama Presidency and everything we Progressives have worked for in recent years. A failure to get Health Reform would definitely have, as E.J. Dionne says, "crippled (the Obama) Presidency."
Excerpt:
To understand how large a victory this is, consider what defeat would have meant. In light of the president’s decision to gamble all of his standing to get this bill passed, its failure would have crippled his presidency. The Democratic Congress would have become a laughingstock, incapable of winning on an issue that has been central to its identity since the days of Harry Truman. This is why Republicans decided to put everything they had into an effort to defeat the measure. They said its passage would hurt the Democrats in November’s elections. They knew that its failure would have haunted Democrats for decades.
I have appreciated E.J. Dionne for a long time and this column makes me even more appreciative. He nailed it! He gets to the heart of why I feel so betrayed by the negative vote of my Representative in Congress, clearly now a Democrat in name only (DINO), Michael Arcuri. Sometimes you do have to be loyal to your political affiliation.
This was definitely a moment when all Democrats should have been aboard. Fortunately, there were enough loyal Democrats to get the job done and to make history and -- please note Mr. Arcuri -- to save the Obama Presidency and everything we Progressives have worked for in recent years. A failure to get Health Reform would definitely have, as E.J. Dionne says, "crippled (the Obama) Presidency."
Friday, March 19, 2010
ARCURI'S BETRAYAL
MONDAY, MARCH 22 UPDATE:
+ DailyKos offers "Can New York's Working Families Party Impact the 2010 Elections?" by DavidNYC. He closes this informative article by focusing on Arcuri and how his vote (and he did vote NO despite my prayers and the prayers of many) may cost him the election because of the decision of the Working Families Party to refuse to endorse any one who voted against Healthcare Reform.
+++
FRIDAY'S POST:
I sent the following to many people in the 24th Congressional District of New York:
http://www.arcuri.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=939:arcuri-announces-stance-on-proposed-health-care-reform-package&catid=56:2010-press-releases&Itemid=117
I know the legislation is far from perfect but it is a step in the right direction and Arcuri's reasons for voting against it, just like when he voted against the Energy bill, are such a political dodge. He speaks as if he is a disappointed progressive to some of us and as a concerned fiscal conservative to others.
His seat is in danger no matter how he votes. He is clearly trying to win Republican and Independent votes. But I believe he will not have much of a Democratic Party base after these 2 votes for the Plutocrats and against the people.
This is NOT what I worked for and contributed money for in 2006 and 2008. I am really disappointed in this guy.
love, john + http://www.abundancetrek.com/ + "We can have a democracy or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of the few. We cannot have both." – Justice Louis Brandeis quoted by William Sloane Coffin in Credo
+++
I am in disbelief and shock that this man could actually decide to be on the wrong side of history. Has he ever read the Platform of the Democratic Party? Healthcare is a right. This bill will extend basic healthcare to millions of Americans and will save thousands of lives. I would be delighted with even more reform in the future but this is a GIANT step in the right direction and the man I worked for so hard in 2006 and 2008 has chosen to be on the wrong side of history.
+ DailyKos offers "Can New York's Working Families Party Impact the 2010 Elections?" by DavidNYC. He closes this informative article by focusing on Arcuri and how his vote (and he did vote NO despite my prayers and the prayers of many) may cost him the election because of the decision of the Working Families Party to refuse to endorse any one who voted against Healthcare Reform.
+++
FRIDAY'S POST:
I sent the following to many people in the 24th Congressional District of New York:
http://www.arcuri.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=939:arcuri-announces-stance-on-proposed-health-care-reform-package&catid=56:2010-press-releases&Itemid=117
I know the legislation is far from perfect but it is a step in the right direction and Arcuri's reasons for voting against it, just like when he voted against the Energy bill, are such a political dodge. He speaks as if he is a disappointed progressive to some of us and as a concerned fiscal conservative to others.
His seat is in danger no matter how he votes. He is clearly trying to win Republican and Independent votes. But I believe he will not have much of a Democratic Party base after these 2 votes for the Plutocrats and against the people.
This is NOT what I worked for and contributed money for in 2006 and 2008. I am really disappointed in this guy.
love, john + http://www.abundancetrek.com/ + "We can have a democracy or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of the few. We cannot have both." – Justice Louis Brandeis quoted by William Sloane Coffin in Credo
+++
I am in disbelief and shock that this man could actually decide to be on the wrong side of history. Has he ever read the Platform of the Democratic Party? Healthcare is a right. This bill will extend basic healthcare to millions of Americans and will save thousands of lives. I would be delighted with even more reform in the future but this is a GIANT step in the right direction and the man I worked for so hard in 2006 and 2008 has chosen to be on the wrong side of history.
Monday, March 1, 2010
COFFEE BREAK 150
+ updated at 5:16pm EST Monday, March 1, 2010
+ Chuck Currie offers "Time For Up Or Down Vote On Meaningful Health Care Reform In Congress". Excerpt: "The insurances companies and the special interests on K Street have spent millions to kill off health care reform and to protect their record profits but we sent the politicians to Washington to do the difficult work of governing."
+ Shuck and Jive offers "I Want To Be An Ancestor--A Sermon" by John Shuck. John deals with the report of the PCUSA Middle East Study Team which is the subject of my previous entry (below). Here's an excerpt from another great sermon by my favorite Presbyterian agitator:
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will be meeting in Minneapolis in a few months. Once every two years Presbyterians gather to celebrate, lament, and make decisions in a revelry of Roberts Rules of Order.
Among the many issues that divide us, the General Assembly will consider a report from the Special Committee to Prepare a Comprehensive Study Focused on Israel/Palestine. This committee was formed in 2008. It has not yet finished its report but has made some recommendations. According to the Presbyterian News Service:
The report affirms historic PC(USA) positions — an immediate cessation of violence by both sides, an immediate freeze on the construction and expansion of Israeli settlements on occupied territory, the relocation of Israel’s “separation barrier” to the internationally recognized 1967 border, a shared status for Jerusalem, equal rights for Palestinian citizens of Israel, and immediate resumption of negotiations toward a two-state solution.
The report also calls on the U.S. government to end its acquiescence in the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands, and to “employ the strategic use of influence and the withholding of financial and military aid in order to enforce Israel’s compliance with international law and peacemaking efforts.”
The Simon Wiesenthal Center issued a statement this past Monday saying that the "adoption of this poisonous document by the Presbyterian Church will be nothing short of a declaration of war on Israel and her supporters.”
The statement from the Wiesenthal Center got results. This past week during meetings in Louisville, Presbyterian leaders were flooded with over 2,700 emails protesting this committee and its report, even as the report has yet to be completed.
We are warming up for another thrilling General Assembly.
Meanwhile Jesus sits on the hill weeping over Jerusalem, like a mother hen who “longs to gather her brood under her wings.”
Sadly, as usual, no one is willing to be gathered.
+ Presbyterian News Service offers "Middle East study team nears release of its final report: 'Time for action is now,’ nine-member panel urges" by Jerry L. Van Marter. Excerpt:
With several sections of its massive final report still to be completed and edited, the committee approved with just one dissenting vote a package of 30+ recommendations calling for an immediate end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank; endorsement of the emphases on hope, love, non-violence, and reconciliation found in an ecumenical statement by Palestinian Christians called the Kairos Palestine Document; and urging the U.S. government to take swift action toward a just peace that guarantees secure states for both Israel and Palestine — the commonly called “two state solution.” Their first and key recommendation, committee members emphasized, is that the years 2010-2012 be declared by the upcoming 219th General Assembly “as a time of Presbyterian prayer and action for the Middle East,” including travel/study to the region, study of the Reformed theological and historical understandings of the area, itineration throughout the church by Middle Eastern Christian partners and local conversations between Christians, Jews and Muslims.
+ Chuck Currie offers "Time For Up Or Down Vote On Meaningful Health Care Reform In Congress". Excerpt: "The insurances companies and the special interests on K Street have spent millions to kill off health care reform and to protect their record profits but we sent the politicians to Washington to do the difficult work of governing."
+ Shuck and Jive offers "I Want To Be An Ancestor--A Sermon" by John Shuck. John deals with the report of the PCUSA Middle East Study Team which is the subject of my previous entry (below). Here's an excerpt from another great sermon by my favorite Presbyterian agitator:
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will be meeting in Minneapolis in a few months. Once every two years Presbyterians gather to celebrate, lament, and make decisions in a revelry of Roberts Rules of Order.
Among the many issues that divide us, the General Assembly will consider a report from the Special Committee to Prepare a Comprehensive Study Focused on Israel/Palestine. This committee was formed in 2008. It has not yet finished its report but has made some recommendations. According to the Presbyterian News Service:
The report affirms historic PC(USA) positions — an immediate cessation of violence by both sides, an immediate freeze on the construction and expansion of Israeli settlements on occupied territory, the relocation of Israel’s “separation barrier” to the internationally recognized 1967 border, a shared status for Jerusalem, equal rights for Palestinian citizens of Israel, and immediate resumption of negotiations toward a two-state solution.
The report also calls on the U.S. government to end its acquiescence in the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands, and to “employ the strategic use of influence and the withholding of financial and military aid in order to enforce Israel’s compliance with international law and peacemaking efforts.”
The Simon Wiesenthal Center issued a statement this past Monday saying that the "adoption of this poisonous document by the Presbyterian Church will be nothing short of a declaration of war on Israel and her supporters.”
The statement from the Wiesenthal Center got results. This past week during meetings in Louisville, Presbyterian leaders were flooded with over 2,700 emails protesting this committee and its report, even as the report has yet to be completed.
We are warming up for another thrilling General Assembly.
Meanwhile Jesus sits on the hill weeping over Jerusalem, like a mother hen who “longs to gather her brood under her wings.”
Sadly, as usual, no one is willing to be gathered.
+ Presbyterian News Service offers "Middle East study team nears release of its final report: 'Time for action is now,’ nine-member panel urges" by Jerry L. Van Marter. Excerpt:
With several sections of its massive final report still to be completed and edited, the committee approved with just one dissenting vote a package of 30+ recommendations calling for an immediate end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank; endorsement of the emphases on hope, love, non-violence, and reconciliation found in an ecumenical statement by Palestinian Christians called the Kairos Palestine Document; and urging the U.S. government to take swift action toward a just peace that guarantees secure states for both Israel and Palestine — the commonly called “two state solution.” Their first and key recommendation, committee members emphasized, is that the years 2010-2012 be declared by the upcoming 219th General Assembly “as a time of Presbyterian prayer and action for the Middle East,” including travel/study to the region, study of the Reformed theological and historical understandings of the area, itineration throughout the church by Middle Eastern Christian partners and local conversations between Christians, Jews and Muslims.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
COFFEE BREAK 134
+ updated at 4:33pm EST
+ HOPE: "Prayer is hope's breathing. When we stop praying, we stop hoping." — Dom Pedro Casaldaliga quoted in Lent by Megan McKenna < http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/practices/practices.php?id=12&g=1
+ HEALTH CARE REFORM: The California Senate has the right idea. TruthOut offers "California Senate Approves Single-Payer Health Care Bill" by Jason Leopold.
+ THE WEATHER: While much of the South gets hit with a lot of snow and ice, we are enduring another Big Chill here along the Erie Canal. The temperature dipped to Minus Eight F. last night and at 11:20am has only reached 5 degrees F.
+ HOPE: "Prayer is hope's breathing. When we stop praying, we stop hoping." — Dom Pedro Casaldaliga quoted in Lent by Megan McKenna < http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/practices/practices.php?id=12&g=1
+ HEALTH CARE REFORM: The California Senate has the right idea. TruthOut offers "California Senate Approves Single-Payer Health Care Bill" by Jason Leopold.
+ THE WEATHER: While much of the South gets hit with a lot of snow and ice, we are enduring another Big Chill here along the Erie Canal. The temperature dipped to Minus Eight F. last night and at 11:20am has only reached 5 degrees F.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
COFFEE BREAK 98
+ Updated at 3:17pm EST
+ It’s 3:16pm and I’m in the presence of angels + So are you!
+ The fascinating conversations in the Presbyterian blogosphere continue today at "The Universe and the Bible" and "Jesus, the coming King". I have added to the conversation at the former post.
+ 2:40pm Weather Update: The Lake Erie Snow Machine is dumping snow on Rochester again. I was going to go shopping but decided to stay in. I took Gracie the Poodle out for a walk and enjoyed it because I have a coat and gloves and boots. It is quite windy. I love snow. Gracie does too.
+ "Supporting the Palestians -- 7" at The Abundancetrek Blog is an invitation to participate in the third annual Bethlehem Prayer Service jointly conducted via satelite in Bethlehem and Washington DC. Here's an excerpt from the invitation:
In Bethlehem, behind the wall that separates neighbor from neighbor, patient from hospital, student from school and farmer from land, Palestinian Christians continue to bear witness to their faith this Christmas, as they have done for generations. Once again, let us join our voices with theirs in seeking and offering hope for a better future.
+ It's Advent. Here is the eleventh answer to the question Presbyterian Welcome has asked:
When the table is set, and one by one, or in twos or threes, they come in, the hungry, the lonely, the brokenhearted, the rich, the settled, the just-getting-by, the suburban mom, the single dad, the teen-aged boy, the toddler, the crazy old lady, the star soprano, the shy young man, the nerd, the preoccupied, the too-blessed-to-be-stressed, the neighborhood drunk, the wild-eyed mystic, the of-no-account, the beautiful newborn baby in the arms of her older brother, the tenderhearted, the junky, the old man with the parrot --- when they all come in, in such variety so as to defy describing -- each one carrying their burden of dreams and joy and sorrows -- and the table is round, and there is space for all of them, and more come, and there is laughter, and sobbing, and riotous communion, and time for each to say what is in their heart, and all of them together dwells in the assurance of the boundless goodness of God's grace -- I will know that the realm of God is near.
-- Lisa Larges, Minister Coordinator, That All May Freely Serve, San Francisco
+ The Lake Effect Snow machine is dumping snow in a couple of narrow bands East of Lake Ontario and East of Lake Erie. Here in Rochester, about 3 inches fell overnight. It covers up a lot of ice created by the slush which did not melt during yesterday's brief "heat wave." This can be dangerous for pedestrians and automobiles. I couldn't stop my car at a stop sign. I slid right through the intersection.
+ It's Advent. Wake up and be aware. Pay attention. Make changes. Participate joyfully in building God's realm of abundance, joy, wisdom, beauty, love, truth, peace, justice and freedom. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Liberate us from our captivity within the bounds of a too-limited faith.
+ I just discovered that my friend John Preston offers "Countdown to CO2PENHAGEN", a very informative article for the Presbyterian Global Eco(n)-Justice e-Newsletter. Excerpts:
+ There are some good things in the proposed Healthcare bill in the Senate such as extending Medicare to people between 55 nand 64; making Insurance companies Non-Profit; and ending the exclusion of people for pre-existing conditions. If Progressives want more (and I do!) we are going to have to get more Progressives elected to Congress.
+ It’s 3:16pm and I’m in the presence of angels + So are you!
+ The fascinating conversations in the Presbyterian blogosphere continue today at "The Universe and the Bible" and "Jesus, the coming King". I have added to the conversation at the former post.
+ 2:40pm Weather Update: The Lake Erie Snow Machine is dumping snow on Rochester again. I was going to go shopping but decided to stay in. I took Gracie the Poodle out for a walk and enjoyed it because I have a coat and gloves and boots. It is quite windy. I love snow. Gracie does too.
+ "Supporting the Palestians -- 7" at The Abundancetrek Blog is an invitation to participate in the third annual Bethlehem Prayer Service jointly conducted via satelite in Bethlehem and Washington DC. Here's an excerpt from the invitation:
In Bethlehem, behind the wall that separates neighbor from neighbor, patient from hospital, student from school and farmer from land, Palestinian Christians continue to bear witness to their faith this Christmas, as they have done for generations. Once again, let us join our voices with theirs in seeking and offering hope for a better future.
+ It's Advent. Here is the eleventh answer to the question Presbyterian Welcome has asked:
When the table is set, and one by one, or in twos or threes, they come in, the hungry, the lonely, the brokenhearted, the rich, the settled, the just-getting-by, the suburban mom, the single dad, the teen-aged boy, the toddler, the crazy old lady, the star soprano, the shy young man, the nerd, the preoccupied, the too-blessed-to-be-stressed, the neighborhood drunk, the wild-eyed mystic, the of-no-account, the beautiful newborn baby in the arms of her older brother, the tenderhearted, the junky, the old man with the parrot --- when they all come in, in such variety so as to defy describing -- each one carrying their burden of dreams and joy and sorrows -- and the table is round, and there is space for all of them, and more come, and there is laughter, and sobbing, and riotous communion, and time for each to say what is in their heart, and all of them together dwells in the assurance of the boundless goodness of God's grace -- I will know that the realm of God is near.
-- Lisa Larges, Minister Coordinator, That All May Freely Serve, San Francisco
+ The Lake Effect Snow machine is dumping snow in a couple of narrow bands East of Lake Ontario and East of Lake Erie. Here in Rochester, about 3 inches fell overnight. It covers up a lot of ice created by the slush which did not melt during yesterday's brief "heat wave." This can be dangerous for pedestrians and automobiles. I couldn't stop my car at a stop sign. I slid right through the intersection.
+ It's Advent. Wake up and be aware. Pay attention. Make changes. Participate joyfully in building God's realm of abundance, joy, wisdom, beauty, love, truth, peace, justice and freedom. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Liberate us from our captivity within the bounds of a too-limited faith.
+ I just discovered that my friend John Preston offers "Countdown to CO2PENHAGEN", a very informative article for the Presbyterian Global Eco(n)-Justice e-Newsletter. Excerpts:
- In the past, environment and social justice were too often separate tracks. Eco-justice acknowledges the inter-connections between environmental and social justice. Climate change exemplifies this as we see those already impoverished in the world encountering and suffering the impacts of global warming most severely, in the form of fatal droughts and floods. The developed world, as the major climate polluters in the world, is coming to recognize our responsibility for this suffering. More of us are accepting our moral obligation to support the current and future victims of climate change. The term for this cushioning is adaptation, which includes the social justice side of the equation.
- Wendell Berry in a recent essay entitled "Inverting the Economic Order" radically questions the basic paradigm of developed world economics. His agrarian perspective is a key to sustainability and the faithful stewardship of creation. Berry's way of looking at the economics of our earth is to understand that nature comes first, land use second, the manufacturing economy third, and the consumer and financial economy last. He charges that we of the developed world has exactly inverted this order, to our detriment.
+ There are some good things in the proposed Healthcare bill in the Senate such as extending Medicare to people between 55 nand 64; making Insurance companies Non-Profit; and ending the exclusion of people for pre-existing conditions. If Progressives want more (and I do!) we are going to have to get more Progressives elected to Congress.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
COFFEE BREAK 93
+ updated at 4:01pm EST
+ My latest Tweet: There are some great videos at http://www.youtube.com/breadfortheworld #hunger #justice #abundance #peace #compassion #joy #giving #politics
+ Move On says: "Senator Reid, don't let a few senators derail what the majority of Americans want and need. We're counting on you to use every tool at your disposal to make sure the Senate bill includes a public option." Sign the petition.
+ Abbey of the Arts offers "When I began to wake" by Christine Valters Paintner. Here's what I saw there:
+ My latest Tweet: There are some great videos at http://www.youtube.com/breadfortheworld #hunger #justice #abundance #peace #compassion #joy #giving #politics
+ Move On says: "Senator Reid, don't let a few senators derail what the majority of Americans want and need. We're counting on you to use every tool at your disposal to make sure the Senate bill includes a public option." Sign the petition.
+ Abbey of the Arts offers "When I began to wake" by Christine Valters Paintner. Here's what I saw there:
+ Bread for the World offers us an opportunity to "petition the White House for a Global Development Strategy." Excerpt:
Right now, President Obama and his senior advisors, led by National Security Advisor James Jones and National Economic Council Director Lawrence Summers, are preparing recommendations that will shape the future of U.S. efforts to alleviate poverty, fight disease, and create economic opportunity for the world’s poorest people.
The White House needs to hear your voice! Sign the first-ever development community petition asking the White House to send a strong signal about America’s commitment to development. We need 150,000 signatures by December 17. Add your name today!
+ Don't miss this! Shuck and Jive offers "The Great Turning" which is a poem about compassion and change by Christine Fry. It begins:
You've asked me to tell you of the Great Turning
Of how we saved the world from disaster.
The answer is both simple and complex.
Of how we saved the world from disaster.
The answer is both simple and complex.
We turned.
+ It's Advent: Wake Up!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
HOUSE PASSES HEALTHCARE REFORM BILL 220-215
I was hoping the House Healthcare bill would pass by a wider margin than 220-215 but a win is a win is a win. At the last minute, our bluedog Representative, Michael Arcuri, finally remembered he was a Democrat. It's a start. I hope he finds the courage someday to actually live up to his Campaign Slogan: A New Generation of Leadership.
Friday, November 6, 2009
COFFEE BREAK 79
+ updated at 11:30am EST
+ The Center for American Progress offers "Progressive People of Faith Call for Health Reform" by Marta Cook. Excerpt: "Communities of faith have been essential to the movement for health care reform. Faith groups have provided dramatic stories that illustrate the human pain and suffering that result from inadequate health care or lack of it. They have run clinics in poor and underserved neighborhoods, and they have cut through complex economic arguments to frame the moral heart of the matter."
Healthcare advocacy by members of The First Presbyterian Church of Binghamton is featured.
+ Many Liberals are unhappy with the Healthcare Reform bill which the House will pass tomorrow. Many Conservatives are unhappy with the Healthcare Reform bill which the House will pass tomorrow. I guess that's why it is going to pass!
+ Alternet offers Who's to Blame for All the Dithering on Climate Legislation? by Faiz Shakir, The Progress Report. "Yes, Inhofe is behind much of it, but he's only part of the problem."
+ The Center for American Progress offers "Progressive People of Faith Call for Health Reform" by Marta Cook. Excerpt: "Communities of faith have been essential to the movement for health care reform. Faith groups have provided dramatic stories that illustrate the human pain and suffering that result from inadequate health care or lack of it. They have run clinics in poor and underserved neighborhoods, and they have cut through complex economic arguments to frame the moral heart of the matter."
Healthcare advocacy by members of The First Presbyterian Church of Binghamton is featured.
+ Many Liberals are unhappy with the Healthcare Reform bill which the House will pass tomorrow. Many Conservatives are unhappy with the Healthcare Reform bill which the House will pass tomorrow. I guess that's why it is going to pass!
+ Alternet offers Who's to Blame for All the Dithering on Climate Legislation? by Faiz Shakir, The Progress Report. "Yes, Inhofe is behind much of it, but he's only part of the problem."
Thursday, November 5, 2009
COFFEE BREAK 78
+ updated at 2:26pm EST
+ It took me a while but I found what I was looking for: A statistical summary of the number of jobs added or subtracted in the USA year after year. This Bureau of Labor Statistics summary goes back to 1939. More than 22 million jobs were added during the 8 years Bill Clinton was President. Only 2 million jobs were added during the 8 years George W. Bush was President. 16 million jobs were added during the 8 years Ronald Reagan was President. 2.7 million jobs were added during the 4 years George H. W. Bush was President. We are not off to a good start under Obama. More than 3 million jobs have been lost since January. Let's hope we can begin adding jobs again soon.
Take a good look at these statistics and you will see that the fabulous fifties were not so fabulous. The years of Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, Johnson & Carter were better than the years under Eisenhower, Nixon and Ford.
+ I did watch most of the final World Series game last night but I did not stay tuned to watch the celebration. There are just too many Yankees' World Series wins compared to other teams. They have won 3 times as many as either of the next most successful teams. At least these Phillies didn't get swept like the Whiz Kids did when they played the powerful Yankees in 1950.
+ The House is getting close to an important vote on Health Reform. I called Representative Michael Arcuri's office (NY-24) and asked him to vote YES. I urge you to call your Represenative and ask for a YES vote.
+ I have added a couple of pages to abundancetrek.com listing links of interest in the Utica NY area and the Rochester NY area.
+ It took me a while but I found what I was looking for: A statistical summary of the number of jobs added or subtracted in the USA year after year. This Bureau of Labor Statistics summary goes back to 1939. More than 22 million jobs were added during the 8 years Bill Clinton was President. Only 2 million jobs were added during the 8 years George W. Bush was President. 16 million jobs were added during the 8 years Ronald Reagan was President. 2.7 million jobs were added during the 4 years George H. W. Bush was President. We are not off to a good start under Obama. More than 3 million jobs have been lost since January. Let's hope we can begin adding jobs again soon.
Take a good look at these statistics and you will see that the fabulous fifties were not so fabulous. The years of Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, Johnson & Carter were better than the years under Eisenhower, Nixon and Ford.
+ I did watch most of the final World Series game last night but I did not stay tuned to watch the celebration. There are just too many Yankees' World Series wins compared to other teams. They have won 3 times as many as either of the next most successful teams. At least these Phillies didn't get swept like the Whiz Kids did when they played the powerful Yankees in 1950.
+ The House is getting close to an important vote on Health Reform. I called Representative Michael Arcuri's office (NY-24) and asked him to vote YES. I urge you to call your Represenative and ask for a YES vote.
+ I have added a couple of pages to abundancetrek.com listing links of interest in the Utica NY area and the Rochester NY area.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
COFFEE BREAK 77
+ updated at 10:16am ESDT
+ In this video, Senator Bernie Sanders talks sensibly, clearly and informatively about Healthcare reform:
+ Alternet offers "10 Awesome Things That Would Happen If Health Reform Passes" by Joshua Holland, AlterNet. Posted August 14, 2009. "Forget the fearmongering scare tactics of the right, here's how your life will actually be better."
This article may be dated but it gets to the heart of what's at stake in Healthcare reform and is very informative. Actually, what has changed since August is that the prospects for most if not all of the reforms Holland is highlighting have improved dramatically.
+ Alternet offers "Is the End Near for the Right-Wing's Vice Grip on U.S. Israeli Policy?" by Joshua Holland, AlterNet. "Obama's national security adviser will keynote the inaugural conference of the moderate advocacy group J-Street, an alternative to Washington's hawkish Israel lobby."
+ Alternet offers "6 Signs That the American Empire Is Coming to an Early End" by Michael T. Klare, Tomdispatch.com: "The day of America's global pre-eminence is over. We must face the new global realities."
+ In this video, Senator Bernie Sanders talks sensibly, clearly and informatively about Healthcare reform:
+ Alternet offers "10 Awesome Things That Would Happen If Health Reform Passes" by Joshua Holland, AlterNet. Posted August 14, 2009. "Forget the fearmongering scare tactics of the right, here's how your life will actually be better."
This article may be dated but it gets to the heart of what's at stake in Healthcare reform and is very informative. Actually, what has changed since August is that the prospects for most if not all of the reforms Holland is highlighting have improved dramatically.
+ Alternet offers "Is the End Near for the Right-Wing's Vice Grip on U.S. Israeli Policy?" by Joshua Holland, AlterNet. "Obama's national security adviser will keynote the inaugural conference of the moderate advocacy group J-Street, an alternative to Washington's hawkish Israel lobby."
+ Alternet offers "6 Signs That the American Empire Is Coming to an Early End" by Michael T. Klare, Tomdispatch.com: "The day of America's global pre-eminence is over. We must face the new global realities."
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