THE MIRACLES OF EMAIL

Via the miracle of email, I received a message from Casanova Donahue saying that he wants to meet me. At least, he's up front about his intentions.

Oh, and I won the British lottery again, so let the requests for money for good causes roll in.

AND SHE DID IT WEARING HIGH HEELS!

Rachel Morris in the Guardian gives credit where credit is due. She points out that before the vote on health care reform the US media were tripping over each other trying to get interviews with Rahm Emanuel, all the while missing the real hero in the struggle to pass health care reform legislation.

In the grim weeks after Martha Coakley lost her campaign for Ted Kennedy's US Senate seat, Democrats were the picture of discombobulation. They had passed their healthcare bill in both the House and the Senate, but each chamber still needed to vote on final legislation that merged their separate versions. Now, Democrats had lost their filibuster-proof Senate majority, and the winner of the special election, Republican Scott Brown, was vowing to torpedo the final procedural business required to make the bill law. It was obvious that Obama and his advisers had no Plan B in place for a Coakley loss. No one knew what the White House planned to do next.

The day after Brown's victory, in an interview with ABC News, Obama appeared to signal that he planned to pursue a scaled-back form of health care reform: "To coalesce around those elements in the package that people agree on," as he put it. In the following days, it became clear that this was the strategy being pushed by Emanuel. In fact, from the very beginning, Emanuel had advised the president to pursue more modest goals – doubtless burned by his experience as a White House staffer when the Clinton administration suffered the catastrophic defeat of its healthcare overhaul in the 1990s. Overridden by Obama, Emanuel had been a good soldier and fought aggressively for the president's policy. But now that it had hit the rocks, he advised him to settle for reining in the most egregious insurance company abuses and expanding coverage for low-income families. In the Senate, majority leader Harry Reid also appeared to favour putting healthcare on the backburner.

The one Democratic leader who never publicly wavered from comprehensive reform was Pelosi, who derisively referred to Emanuel's downgraded proposal as "Kiddie Care". Members of her own caucus entreated her to think small, but she made it clear she would opt for nothing less than a sweeping change to the healthcare system. "My biggest fight has been between those who wanted to do something incremental and those who wanted to do something comprehensive," she later told reporters.
....

Throughout it all, Pelosi remained adamant that healthcare reform would pass.
....

Reporters couldn't seem to get past the fact that she was a mother of five and a grandmother of seven, and perhaps that's why her impressive ability to get things done has garnered a fraction of the ink that Rahm's colourful browbeating has inspired. Now, however, Emanuel the tough guy's cautious, incrementalist remedy for America's healthcare problems has been proven insufficiently bold, and the House speaker's push for go-big-or-go-home reform has won out. Obama, of course, played a pivotal role in this battle, But he couldn't have done it without Pelosi.

Rachel Morris understands our politics better than most of the media in the US, who tend to get stuck in a familiar groove. Then too, the herd instinct runs strong amongst US news persons. It seems to me that they'd rather be with their peers in deciding about which news to cover than "out there" on their own. I wonder if we could have another reporting event like Woodward and Bernstein in the Washington Post during the Watergate scandal.

So who's the tough guy here? Not Rahm, surely. I still don't see a media stampede to interview Pelosi.

When Obama chose Emanuel as his chief of staff, I was quite disappointed. Rahm and Obama are more alike than different in taking the incremental approach, and, for that reason, Obama needed a staffer who would fire him up, someone bold as his chief of staff, not a DLC type. The DLC folks, with their timid approach to almost every issue, inspire in me only slightly less anger than the Blue Dog Democrats, most of whom would fit comfortably in the less extreme wing of the Republican Party.

Thanks to Roger for the link.

IS THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND SERIOUS ABOUT WOMAN BISHOPS?

From Thinking Anglicans

The answers to the questions asked at last month’s meeting of the church of England General Synod are now available.

Questions with Answers February 2010.

Our good friend Dennis points us to a gem, Question No. 53 (p. 34), and the answers by Archbishop John Sentamu.

53. Mrs Gill Ambrose (Ely) asked the Chairman of the House of Bishops:

In view of the slow progress towards the development of legislation to enable the consecration of women as bishops, would the House of Bishops consider inviting a number of female observers to its meetings so that the insights of women are not lost to the Church at this high level of leadership and policy development?

The Archbishop of York: The simple answer is No. Although I regret the length of our legislative processes, there are no short cuts. Granting some women – however they were chosen – observer status now would not grant them a full voice in the House and would risk being a diversion from the central task, namely how to find a way of admitting women to the episcopate which also enables as many people as possible to remain in the Church of England whatever their theological convictions on that issue. We must continue to hold on to the view held by the Synod and the rest of the Anglican Communion that those who are in favour and those who are opposed are both loyal Anglicans.

Mrs Gill Ambrose (Ely): Are we to assume then that the Church can still afford not to hear the voice of women at this level when issues on which women have important things to say come up for debate in the House of Bishops?

The Archbishop of York: Many women are, in any event, members of bishops’ staff in their dioceses. Members of the House will consequently have had the benefit of their insights in policy discussions within the diocese which will inform the thinking that they bring to the House of Bishops’ discussions.

The selection of women observers would itself be invidious, I think. Other interest groups, for example young people, could also argue for such representation. Women have been present at the House as supporting staff: currently the assistant secretary to the House is a woman in holy orders. Policy matters are regularly brought to the House on appointments matters, educational issues, HR and training matters by women in advisory roles.

Pursuing this further, it would be invidious to suggest, for example, that when the House of Laity is considering some rather difficult theological issue bishops should be there as observers.

Slow progress toward women bishops in the Church of England, or no progress? If you do not cry at the wrongheadedness exhibited by Archbishop Sentamu's answer, you will laugh. So. It is sufficient that the women underlings have every opportunity to speak plainly to their bosses, the men who have control over their lives. A greater voice would be "invidious", according to the archbishop.

And the folks who fear girl cooties must be given time for what? Does anyone think they will change their minds? Is the extra time necessary for for the powers to find a way that the women can be bishops but not quite real bishops?

For heaven's sake, guys, just do it already!


UPDATE: An Englishman explains it all for us:

themethatisme said...

It would be invidious were it not for the fact that the House of Bishops can veto anything that comes to the floor of synod from the House of Laity so having anyone there as observers would make bugger all difference.

Just keep on pissing in the tea girls.

R. I. P. MARVA WRIGHT

 

From the Times-Picayune:

Marva Wright, the powerhouse New Orleans blues and gospel belter who left her job as a school secretary to sing around the world, died Tuesday of complications from a pair of strokes she suffered in 2009. She was 62.

Ms. Wright died at the eastern New Orleans home of her eldest daughter, where she had been living since her health declined last year.

Enormously popular among fellow musicians, Ms. Wright moved easily between gospel spirituals and bawdy blues romps. In her late-blooming career, she released albums on local and international record labels, and performed across Europe, in Russia and Brazil, and at blues festivals around the United States. She drew large crowds at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival presented by Shell, and staged an annual Christmas concert at Tipitina’s.

“She truly was and will remain the Blues Queen of New Orleans,” said Adam Shipley, Ms. Wright’s manager. “She was one of the highlights to ever grace the stage at Tipitina’s.”
....

She nurtured her early career in such Bourbon Street clubs as the Old Absinthe Bar.

“I love Bourbon Street,” she said in 2008. “If it wasn’t for Bourbon Street, I wouldn’t be where I’m at now. You meet a lot of people from all over the world.”
....

Her tenth album, 2001’s “Marva,” was a typically eclectic affair, featuring such guests as Bo Dollis and Terrance Simien. She covered Bob Dylan’s “Serve Somebody” and “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door.”

“To me, those are gospel,” Ms. Wright said at the time. “It’s new wave gospel, but it’s gospel.”

Of “Marva,” she surmised, “You can’t say it’s a gospel CD, you can’t say it’s a blues CD, you can’t say it’s an R&B CD, you can’t say it’s a country CD. You can say it’s all of it.”

And I love this.

From January 2007 through March 2008, Ms. Wright sang most weekends in the Ritz-Carlton’s On Trois Lounge. After leaving the Ritz — she apparently sang too loudly for the lounge — she returned to Bourbon Street with her band, the BMWs, an acronym for “Band of Marva Wright.”

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Marva. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.

May her soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

FEAST OF OSCAR ROMERO

Peace is not the product of terror or fear. Peace is not the silence of cemeteries. Peace is not the silent result of violent repression. Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all. Peace is dynamism. Peace is generosity. It is right and it is a duty.  (Oscar Romero, January 7, 1978)

About Archbishop Romero

Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez (August 15, 1917 – March 24, 1980), commonly known as Monseñor Romero, was a priest of the Roman Catholic Church in El Salvador. He later became prelate archbishop of San Salvador.

As an archbishop, he witnessed numerous violations of human rights and began a ministry speaking out on behalf of the poor and victims of the country's civil war. His brand of political activism was denounced by the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church and the government of El Salvador. In 1980, he was assassinated by gunshot while consecrating the Eucharist during mass. His death finally provoked international outcry for human rights reform in El Salvador.

Prayer

Almighty God, you called your servant Oscar Romero to be a voice for the voiceless poor, and to give his life as a seed of freedom and a sign of hope: Grant that, inspired by his sacrifice and the example of the martyrs of El Salvador, we may without fear or favor witness to your Word who abides, your Word who is Life, even Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be praise and glory now and for ever. Amen.

Our friend Canon Lee Crawford (aka Caminante) is ¡Presente! in El Salvador to celebrate the feast. Let us pray for the safety of Episcopal Bishop Martín Barahona of El Salvador (pictured below) in light of the recent assassination attempt upon him and two of his close associates. Let us pray for safe travels for Lee.

 

Lee asks a Rhetorical Question:

Why does Mary Glasspool's receiving consents garner a comment from the Archbishop of Canterbury almost instantaneously (they must have had the text pre-written for either scenario) whereas when one of the 38 primates of the Anglican Communion nearly loses his life in an assassination attempt that results in his driver being gravely injured we hear nothing?

Why indeed?

Biographical notes and photo from Wikipedia.

UPDATE: Andrew Plus has a wonderful post in honor of the feast day.

LAS VEGAS CHURCHES ACCEPT GAMBLING CHIPS!

I TRULY DID NOT KNOW THIS!

THIS MAY COME AS A SURPRISE TO THOSE OF YOU NOT LIVING IN LAS VEGAS , BUT THERE ARE MORE CATHOLIC CHURCHES THAN CASINOS.

NOT SURPRISINGLY, SOME WORSHIPERS AT SUNDAY SERVICES WILL GIVE CASINO CHIPS RATHER THAN CASH WHEN THE BASKET IS PASSED.

SINCE THEY GET CHIPS FROM MANY DIFFERENT CASINOS, THE CHURCHES HAVE DEVISED A METHOD TO COLLECT THE OFFERINGS..

THE CHURCHES SEND ALL THEIR COLLECTED CHIPS TO A NEARBY FRANCISCAN MONASTERY FOR SORTING AND THEN THE CHIPS ARE TAKEN TO THE CASINOS OF ORIGIN AND CASHED IN.

THIS IS DONE BY THE CHIP MONKS.




YOU DIDN'T EVEN SEE IT COMING DID YOU?

No, Doug. I did not see this one coming.

PLEASE SIGN THE PURITY PLEDGE

Socialist-Free Purity Pledge

I, ________________________________, do solemnly swear to uphold the principles of a socialism-free society and heretofore pledge my word that I shall strictly adhere to the following: I pledge to eliminate all government intervention in my life. I will abstain from the use of and participation in any socialist goods and services including but not limited to the following:

Police, Fire, and Emergency Services
US Postal Service
Roads and Highways
Air Travel (regulated by the socialist FAA)
US Passport Service
The US Railway System
Rest Areas on Highways
Bridges
Sidewalks
National Parks
Public Water/Sewer Services (goodbye socialist toilet, shower, dishwasher, kitchen sink, outdoor hose!)
FDA Approved Food and Drugs
Publicly Funded Anti-Drug Use Education for Children
Treatment at Any Hospital/Clinic That Ever Received Funding From Local/State/Federal Government
Medical Services and Medications That Were Created/Derived From Any Government Grant/Research Funding
Services provided by USDA/APHIS/VS and other Government Agencies
Socialist Byproducts of Government Investment Such as Duct Tape and Velcro and Teflon non-stick surfaces. (NASA Inventions)
Use of the Internets, email, as the DoD's ARPANET was the basis for computer networking
Foodstuffs/Meats/Produce/Crops That Were Grown With/Fed With/Raised With/That Contain Inputs From Crops Grown With Government Subsidies
Public Education
Government grants/loans for higher education
Attending publicly funded or state colleges/universities

SWORN ON A BIBLE AND SIGNED THIS DAY OF ____IN THE YEAR ____.

_________________ _________________
Name/Town/State

Just print, disconnect your computer from the socialist internets, sign and hand deliver to the appropriate agencies. Don't forget to pass it along to all your anti-socialist friends so that they, too, can free themselves of the tyranny!

Thanks to Sue.

SARAH PALIN - "TAKE BACK THE 20"

 

Sarah Palin: Don’t Get Demoralized! Get Organized! Take Back the 20!

From Sarah's Facebook page.

Crosshairs? Of course, the images must be suggestive of the sights in a telescope or surveying instrument, don't you think?

UPDATE: On Sarah's Information Blog, she says,"Don’t Retreat. Reload!!!" above a picture of a person holding a rifle.

THE WORLD EXPLAINED BY GRAPHS - PART 1

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Ann.

I've been gone most of the day. Here's a little something to keep you busy and away from demon Facebook.

TEABAGGERS!

The Teabaggers tactics are crude,

and their protests decidedly rude.

Their ignorance flouted

and epithets shouted

show they wouldn't think if they could.


Thanks to Larry via Ann.