My Friday Shuffle

Padre Mickey does it. Why can't I? The tunes below are from my popular music files. (El Padre didn't do the shuffle today. Sometimes he misses, but he's now in the process of purchasing and setting up his new Macmini)

My Love Is A Guarantee - Toussaint McCall

Work With Me Annie - Hank Ballard & the Midnighters

The Nightingale - Cyril Tawney

Day Dream - Allen Touissaint

Here I'll Stay - Karen Akers

Glow Worm - The Mills Brothers

You Win Again - Hank Williams

Bold Riley - Kate Rusby

Tell Her to Come Back Home - Crooked Still

I'll Fly Away - Alison Krauss & Gillian Welch

Blueberry Hill - Fats Domino

A Rose In April - Kate Rusby

Bright Mississippi - Allen Touissaint

Paper Doll - The Mills Brothers

S'Wonderful - Diana Krall

Obama's Words After Signing The Hate Crimes Act

Remarks by the President at Reception Commemorating the Enactment of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so much, everybody. Thank you so much, and welcome to the White House.

There are several people here that I want to just make mention of because they helped to make today possible. We've got Attorney General Eric Holder. A champion of this legislation, and a great Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. My dear friend, senior Senator from the great state of Illinois, Dick Durbin. The outstanding Chairman of Armed Services, Carl Levin. Senator Arlen Specter. Chairman of the Judiciary Committee in the House, Representative John Conyers. Representative Barney Frank. Representative Tammy Baldwin. Representative Jerry Nadler. Representative Jared Polis. All the members of Congress who are here today, we thank you.

Mr. David Bohnett and Mr. Tom Gregory and the David Bohnett Foundation -- they are partners for this reception. Thank you so much, guys, for helping to host this.

And finally, and most importantly, because these were really the spearheads of this effort -- Denis, Judy, and Logan Shepard. As well as Betty Byrd Boatner and Louvon Harris -- sisters of James Byrd, Jr.

To all the activists, all the organizers, all the people who helped make this day happen, thank you for your years of advocacy and activism, pushing and protesting that made this victory possible.

You know, as a nation we've come far on the journey towards a more perfect union. And today, we've taken another step forward. This afternoon, I signed into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

This is the culmination of a struggle that has lasted more than a decade. Time and again, we faced opposition. Time and again, the measure was defeated or delayed. Time and again we've been reminded of the difficulty of building a nation in which we're all free to live and love as we see fit. But the cause endured and the struggle continued, waged by the family of Matthew Shepard, by the family of James Byrd, by folks who held vigils and led marches, by those who rallied and organized and refused to give up, by the late Senator Ted Kennedy who fought so hard for this legislation -- and all who toiled for years to reach this day.

You understood that we must stand against crimes that are meant not only to break bones, but to break spirits -- not only to inflict harm, but to instill fear. You understand that the rights afforded every citizen under our Constitution mean nothing if we do not protect those rights -- both from unjust laws and violent acts. And you understand how necessary this law continues to be.

In the most recent year for which we have data, the FBI reported roughly 7,600 hate crimes in this country. Over the past 10 years, there were more than 12,000 reported hate crimes based on sexual orientation alone. And we will never know how many incidents were never reported at all.

And that's why, through this law, we will strengthen the protections against crimes based on the color of your skin, the faith in your heart, or the place of your birth. We will finally add federal protections against crimes based on gender, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. And prosecutors will have new tools to work with states in order to prosecute to the fullest those who would perpetrate such crimes. Because no one in America should ever be afraid to walk down the street holding the hands of the person they love. No one in America should be forced to look over their shoulder because of who they are or because they live with a disability.

At root, this isn't just about our laws; this is about who we are as a people. This is about whether we value one another -- whether we embrace our differences, rather than allowing them to become a source of animus. It's hard for any of us to imagine the mind-set of someone who would kidnap a young man and beat him to within an inch of his life, tie him to a fence, and leave him for dead. It's hard for any of us to imagine the twisted mentality of those who'd offer a neighbor a ride home, attack him, chain him to the back of a truck, and drag him for miles until he finally died.

But we sense where such cruelty begins: the moment we fail to see in another our common humanity -- the very moment when we fail to recognize in a person the same fears and hopes, the same passions and imperfections, the same dreams that we all share.

We have for centuries strived to live up to our founding ideal, of a nation where all are free and equal and able to pursue their own version of happiness. Through conflict and tumult, through the morass of hatred and prejudice, through periods of division and discord we have endured and grown stronger and fairer and freer. And at every turn, we've made progress not only by changing laws but by changing hearts, by our willingness to walk in another's shoes, by our capacity to love and accept even in the face of rage and bigotry.

In April of 1968, just one week after the assassination of Martin Luther King, as our nation mourned in grief and shuddered in anger, President Lyndon Johnson signed landmark civil rights legislation. This was the first time we enshrined into law federal protections against crimes motivated by religious or racial hatred -- the law on which we build today.

As he signed his name, at a difficult moment for our country, President Johnson said that through this law "the bells of freedom ring out a little louder." That is the promise of America. Over the sounds of hatred and chaos, over the din of grief and anger, we can still hear those ideals -- even when they are faint, even when some would try to drown them out. At our best we seek to make sure those ideals can be heard and felt by Americans everywhere. And that work did not end in 1968. It certainly does not end today. But because of the efforts of the folks in this room -- particularly those family members who are standing behind me -- we can be proud that that bell rings even louder now and each day grows louder still.

So thank you very much. God bless you and God bless the United States of America.

UPDATE: Watch the video at The Friends of Jake.

Latest Dispatch From Lindy In China

Just a quick note from your sniffly friend. I am feeling much better thanks to your care, a little rest, and some medications.

I still don't have an internet connection at home. But, a very nice man named Jackey is working on it. It is his duty. I do believe that eventually I will have a connection and that all will be well in my techonolgical life. But, in the meantime, China is teaching me patience.

I have to have a Chinese name to get my bank account and to sign up for cellular service so my new friend, Scott, wrote the name Lin Da for me in Chinese. It means beautiful and high achievement. Names are very important in China and he was honored that I asked him to help me with something so important.

We had one day of cooler weather but it's back to being hot in Wuxi. I've heard that I should enjoy it while I can because the winters are pretty harsh. That may, however, be relative...

I spent most of the morning trying not to give the true definition of "virgin bush" and cursing the Australian cultural bias of my text book. I do feel somewhat bad about sending the little darlings out into the world without knowing the full meaning of the term but it's not my job to teach them. Imagine the looks on their faces when they learn...

I am off now to the noodle shop for lunch. Best to all and love.

Lindy

Ann forwarded Lindy's email to me, and I asked of it would be all right to post the news. Lindy responded to Ann as follows:

ABSOLUTELY!

And you can tell her that I am on-line at home now so I have more leisure for this sort of thing.

I'm feeling more like myself now. I don't know what's in that Chinese medicine but it has gotten me up and going much faster than my colleagues who are still suffering through with their western medicine. I mean, sure, it tastes bad... But, I'm well again.

Best to you, Ann.
L.

I'm sorry that Lindy was ill, but pleased that she is now feeling better. Lindy's comments about "virgin bush" had me rolling on the floor. The story is so Lindy.

Pray For Roseann And Gary

From Roseann at Facebook:

Still in a lot of pain. My priest just came by with a ton of food for us. Gary will have surgery again on Monday. Raining and pouring, literally and figuratively.

Roseann is recovering from surgery for a vein graft.

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant Roseann the help of your power, that her sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God our heavenly Father, graciously comfort your servant Gary in his suffering, and bless the means made use of for his cure. Fill his heart with confidence that, though at times he may be afraid, he yet may put his trust in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Book of Common Prayer, pp. 458, 459)

Why [Heterosexual] Men Do Not Write Advice Columns

"ASK STEVE"

Dear Steve,

I hope you can help me here. The other day, I set off for work leaving my husband in the house watching the TV as usual. I hadn't driven more than a mile down the road when the engine conked out and the car shuddered to a halt. I walked back home to get my husband's help.

When I got home I couldn't believe my eyes. He was in our bedroom with the neighbors daughter. I am 32, my husband is 34, and the neighbor's daughter is 22. We have been married for ten years. When I confronted him, he broke down and admitted that they had been having an affair for the past six months. I told him to stop or I would leave him. He was let go from his job six months ago and he says he has been feeling increasingly depressed and worthless. I love him very much, but ever since I gave him the ultimatum he has become increasingly distant. He won't go to counseling and I'm afraid I can't get through to him anymore..

Can you please help?

Sincerely,

Sheila

--------

Dear Sheila:

A car stalling after being driven a short distance can be caused by a variety of faults with the engine. Start by checking that there is no debris in the fuel line. If it is clear, check the vacuum pipes and hoses on the intake manifold and also check all grounding wires. If none of these approaches solves the problem, it could be that the fuel pump itself is faulty, causing low delivery pressure to the injectors.

I hope this helps,
Steve

Padre Mickey sent the joke to me, passing it on from his aunt. The title, as received, did not contain the word "heterosexual", but El Padre suggested the fix.

Don't blame me. Blame El Padre.

On Bp. Lawrence's Address To The Special Convention in The Diocese Of South Carolina

On my first go at reading Bishop Mark Lawrence's address to the Special Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, I only made it to page 4 of the 9 pages, before I had to stop because the words disturbed me so. I thought to myself, "What a self-aggrandizing, self-pitying, self-justifying, disloyal load of bombast!" How could anyone listen for 40 minutes? Grandpère saw the print-out on the counter and read a bit of it and asked me, "What is this?" When I told him, he asked, "Do people listen to this?" Apparently so. The address received a standing ovation at the convention.

I took up the speech again and went through to the end, and I watched the video of the address. Nothing in the second reading or the video caused me to revise the words in my first paragraph.

"When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Ps 11:3)

After Bp. Lawrence quoted the verse for the fifth time, I got it. Truly, I did. Bp. Lawrence and his cohorts are "the righteous". He made his point. I understood. Oh, the humility! The rest of us are what? I can't say, but I gather that we are not the righteous.

Aside from kudzu, squirrels, wives who sleep in separate bedrooms from their husbands, trains, babies, and angels what is this address about?

Bp. Lawrence's charges against the Episcopal Church are grave, indeed.

Surely most of you know that I believe the foundations of The Episcopal Church and this Anglican way of being a Christian are being bit by bit destroyed.
....

This false teaching, that I have called the Gospel of Indiscriminate Inclusivity, has challenged the doctrine of the Trinity, the Uniqueness and Universality of Christ, the Authority of Scripture, our understanding of Baptism, and now that last refuge of order, our Constitutions and Canons. (This is the kudzu.)
....

The General Convention has become the problem. It has replace a balanced piety in this Church with the politics of one-dimensional activism.

The bishop mentions the loss of membership since 1968, "a 44% decline one generation" (a generation as the Bible defines it).

He compares the Episcopal Church to a train that "is moving fast toward a station where many of us in this diocese do not want to go. We fear the track this train is on - this train ain't bound for glory, this train." He wonders "how long the average Episcopalian will just sit there and let this trainload of radical activism roll them along to a dead end station".

Bp. Lawrence apparently did not notice that much of this was happening, because he was busy being faithful to his tasks, which he details, (They were many!) and plowing his fields.

And yet, and yet, in 2007, when he was asked to submit his name as a candidate for bishop on the "train that ain't bound for glory", the present Bishop Lawrence said, "Yes"! Was he still unaware of the sorry condition of the church in which he was possibly to be a bishop? What did he know, and when did he know it?

After a second round of voting in the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies diocesan Standing Committes, (the first round having resulted in a vote to withhold consent) consent was given to Bp. Lawrence, after he reaffirmed, with stronger emphasis than before the initial vote, his intention to remain loyal to TEC. He was ordained Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina on January 26, 2008.

From the Ordination Rite for a bishop in the Book of Common Prayer:

The Examination
All now sit, except the bishop-elect, who stands facing the bishops. The Presiding Bishop addresses the bishop-elect

My brother, the people have chosen you and have affirmed their trust in you by acclaiming your election. A bishop in God’s holy Church is called to be one with the apostles in proclaiming Christ’s resurrection and interpreting the Gospel, and to testify to Christ’s sovereignty as Lord of lords and King of kings.

You are called to guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the Church; to celebrate and to provide for the administration of the sacraments of the New Covenant; to ordain priests and deacons and to join in ordaining bishops; and to be in all things a faithful pastor and wholesome example for the entire flock of Christ.

With your fellow bishops you will share in the leadership of the Church throughout the world. Your heritage is the faith of patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and those of every generation who have looked to God in hope. Your joy will be to follow him who came, not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Are you persuaded that God has called you to the office of bishop?

Answer

I am so persuaded.

The following questions are then addressed to the bishop-elect by one or more of the other bishops

Bishop [Lawrence]

Will you accept this call and fulfill this trust in obedience to Christ?
Answer

I will obey Christ, and will serve in his name.

Bishop [Lawrence]

Will you be faithful in prayer, and in the study of Holy Scripture, that you may have the mind of Christ?
Answer

I will, for he is my help.

Bishop [Lawrence]

Will you boldly proclaim and interpret the Gospel of Christ, enlightening the minds and stirring up the conscience of your people?
Answer

I will, in the power of the Spirit.

Bishop [Lawrence]

As a chief priest and pastor, will you encourage and support all baptized people in their gifts and ministries, nourish them from the riches of God’s grace, pray for them without ceasing, and celebrate with them the sacraments of our redemption?
Answer

I will, in the name of Christ, the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.

Bishop [Lawrence]

Will you guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the Church of God?
Answer

I will, for the love of God.

Bishop [Lawrence]

Will you share with your fellow bishops in the government of the whole Church; will you sustain your fellow presbyters and take counsel with them; will you guide and strengthen the deacons and all others who minister in the Church?
Answer

I will, by the grace given me.

Bishop [Lawrence]

Will you be merciful to all, show compassion to the poor and strangers, and defend those who have no helper?
Answer

I will, for the sake of Christ Jesus.

All stand. The Presiding Bishop then says

[Mark], through these promises you have committed yourself to God, to serve his Church in the office of bishop. We therefore call upon you, chosen to be a guardian of the Church’s faith, to lead us in confessing that faith.

As you read on, keep in mind that Bp. Lawrence freely chose to answer, "I am so persuaded" and "I will" to the questions included in the Ordination Rite.

Bp. Lawrence says:

I put forward what I believe ought to be four unswerving principles to guide us: The Lordship of Christ and the Sufficiency of Scripture; Godly Boundaries; Domestic Engagement for Missional Relationships; and Emerging 21st Century Anglicanism.
....

Then there is the question often posed to me - if your intention bishop is to more thoroughly engage the "national" church and the culture and the culture, how does withdrawing from certain bodies of the Church enable us to more fully engage? To that question I say three things - first, remember there are four principles.... Secondly, most of us at some point in our lives have found ourselves in a dysfunctional system or relationship. We eventually recognized the need for appropriate boundaries. It is the only way to remain engaged with the family or system that embodies the dysfunction. Thirdly, it is the very withdrawing that facilitates the engagement.

As to Bp. Lawrence's four guiding principles, what is his difficulty with the Episcopal Church and his first principle? I don't see a problem. The Episcopal Church affirms the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the Sufficiency of Scripture. The remaining three of his principles are mushy in meaning, although those like-minded to him may understand more than I what he's getting at. Maybe he uses code language.

Did Bp. Lawrence have in mind, from the beginning, when he assented to be a candidate for bishop in the Episcopal Church and when he made his ordination vows to "guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the Church of God" and to "share with your fellow bishops in the government of the whole Church" to engage by disengagement with the church in which he made those vows?

I'm curious to know if the diocese will disengage with the pension plan. It's surely tainted, because partnered gay and lesbian clergy and bishops participate in the plan. I'm also curious as to whether Bp. Lawrence's stance in keeping a toe in the door of the Episcopal Church has to do with property settlements which, in overwhelming numbers, are being decided by the courts in favor of the national church.

To claim to remain in a church, all the while undermining that same church on every possible occasion with accusations of false teaching and destruction of the foundations of the church, is a strange sort of loyalty. Their decision to disengage with much of the governance and many of the programs of the Episcopal Church, leaves the leadership of the diocese skating on thin ice, indeed.

Story Of The Day - Legacy

I promise you not a moment will be lost
as long as I have heart & voice to speak
& we will walk again together with a
thousand others & a thousand more &
on & on until there is no one among us
who does not know the truth: there is
no future without love.


Ah, now this one is lovely, isn't it? One of their best.

From StoryPeople.

Got Stopped For Speeding

GOT STOPPED FOR SPEEDING
THE OTHER DAY.
I THOUGHT
I COULD TALK
MY WAY OUT OF IT
UNTIL THE COP LOOKED AT
MY DOG IN THE BACK SEAT

One Sign You're Driving Too Fast........






Thanks to Ann.

Story Of The Day - Theory

trying to remember when it stopped
being theory & turned into real life,
because theory was a whole lot easier


From StoryPeople.

At The Movies - The Venetian Bar

From the Daily Comet:

THIBODAUX — A local eatery traveled back in time Tuesday morning, acting as the setting for a post-World War II meeting between two French women married to American servicemen.

The Venetian Bar and Doughnut Shop, 401 Jackson St., was transformed into an Alabama diner circa 1946. Outside the shop, cars normally parked nearby were replaced by three sets of lights and two trucks hauling movie equipment. The street was silent, except for the words “rolling” and “quiet on the set.”

It was all part of local filmmaking couple Glen Pitre and Michelle Benoit’s latest project, “Chesterfield,” which depicts life for three American military men who marry French brides following D-Day. Pitre and Benoit are serving as executive producers.
....

Pitre’s cousin, Billy Pitre, recommended he and his wife check out the Venetian Bar as a potential set. Everybody who saw it marveled at how it resembles a World War II-era diner, Glen Pitre said.

Grandpère eats at the Venetian Bar. They make good po-boys, and he likes their crawfish stew, shrimp stew, and red beans and white beans and rice lunches. I've eaten there a few times, but it feels more like a man's eatery to me.

I know Glen Pitre, the film man. I haven't seen him in a while, and I'm not sure I've met his wife, Michelle, but I think I must have. Their film company is Côte Blanche Productions. He made a film at Sundance Institute, Robert Redford's production company, titled Belizaire the Cajun, his first English-language movie. We saw several of what Glen calls his Gumbo Westerns, La Fievre Jaune and Huit Piastres Et Demie!, for sure, and enjoyed them. We knew a good many of the actors in the movies, since most, if not all, were local people.