His speech pattern is “interrupted” owing to a long standing speech impediment. I have a friend who, over three years ago, spent four hours briefing Mr. Biden in advance of a foreign trip. He told me that Biden had already memorized most of the briefing book…
As someone who has had to deal with a severe speech impediment, I find such comments off putting… Just saying…
Has Trump mastered the understanding of Object Permanence, which people do by the time they are 2 years old? Object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, touched, smelled or sensed in any way.
The proof he doesn’t is when he says this in regards to coronavirus testing, “If we didn’t do any testing we would have very few cases.” IOW, he does not think that there cases if they are not tested (aka observed).
This is why Peek-A-Boo works on babies, and apparently Trump. Which is why others have said we have a 70 year old toddler in the White House.
“The proof he doesn’t is when he says this in regards to coronavirus testing, “If we didn’t do any testing we would have very few cases.” IOW, he does not think that there cases if they are not tested (aka observed).”
Did you ever even consider in all your knowledge and wisdom Trump actually understands the principle and is more than hinting at an underlying issue rather than the virus itself.
Leaders and popular media through out history have used story telling, drama, semi-accurate recording of actions and out right lies it to sell ideas and change cultures. What we perceive is far more important than what actually is.
Just look at religion and faith, while it is impossible to put a real percentage on it, most of what we believe really has no basis in fact.
The truth is without the instantaneous media and spin the COVID, while just as infectious and deadly, would not have had the world wide effect it is having. And without testing many, if not the majority, would have only known they had gotten sick again.
However, you and others have done well in demonstrating your vitriol hatred for the President of the United States. Like him or not, showing respect for the man in the position is a Godly trait.
I have to call an end to the back and forth on Trump.
It is completely without profit and will only end poorly.
Those who support him and those like myself who do not will not be persuaded otherwise.
I’m not interested in a daily competition to see who can deliver the most withering insults to opposing politicians.
If you read, which I believe you do, my posts I do not push for either support or criticism of our President’s policies, tweets or statements. What I continue to write about are the many comments by a few, including Duane, which demonstrate a need to bash and spread hatred for the President of our Country.
You have done an outstanding job of keeping comments within Christian and biblical construct. Faith in God and Jesus has survived thousands of years of political and social change and will do so into the future.
Will we be remembered for our love of God and His creation or our hatred, political biases and ideals?
Thanks Michael. I’m certainly no Trumpy, but the ongoing political vitriol displayed here has decreased my interest in PP. This is the only blog I read.
There are places where the faith and politics intersect and we are duty bound to address those.
I think Duane does an amazing job of doing that.
The motive isn’t spreading “hatred”, it’s to question how we interact with those intersections.
If I thought there was room for edifying debate I’d have no problem with political discussions.
There just isn’t that room right now.
Personally, I feel like what is really needful is for both sides of the divide to attempt to understand why the other is so passionately entrenched where they are, but that kind of dialog is seemingly impossible.
I believe the republic is in peril, but I’m just the crazy cat guy…
I deal in science and engineering. As any one who has done work in statistical quality control and acceptance sampling will tell you that Trump’s statement is at BEST misinformed or ignorant and at worst an outright lie. This is why I pulled what little hair had out with all push by Trump and his minions about hydroxychloroquine. And guess what happened? Turns out it was nothing like the magic bullet that was hyped. And the taxpayer is on the hook for tens of millions of doses that will never be used.
At what is worse, those skeptics with actual scientific background were villified as anti-Trumpers, Deep Staters and every other invective. When so-called conservatives and Evangelicals become anti-science, anti-scholarship, anti-intellectual and the like then you can see why both are dying in the US and why so many people with STEM backgrounds want NOTHING to do with Christianity.
“We must finally stop appealing to theology to justify our reserved silence about what the state is doing — for that is nothing but fear. ‘Open your mouth for the one who is voiceless’ — for who in the church today still remembers that that is the least of the Bible’s demands in times such as these?”
Yes the two always collide, however that is not what I am referring to.
If this is a website to uphold the faith, teach, encourage, support the weak, go after those within it who take advantage and abuse their constituents, then politics, particularly partisan should not be a major part of the discussions. Sadly in this COVID and BLM environment that has not been the case.
You do a very good job in your posts of keeping to the heart of the matter and challenge your readers in a walk of faith. You rarely if at all divide and keep an open mike for most.
But if you want to have a website that encourages people to join in the protests and take sides in the current debates that is what our Nation’s right to free speech currently is all about. But it always gets very ugly and there will be no peace, ever.
Thank you for letting me comment.
CM
I’m glad you’re an expert and the sole arbiter of what is accurate and correct. You have the right to say all you want about any of our political leaders. As chaotic as it seems these days it’s a blessing and something we currently have the ability to do in these United States.
IMO, the State is doing what the State always has done, which is why I think choosing sides is silly. It exists to grow and gather more power and control. If you can show me a non failed state that has ever grown smaller or given away control on it’s own accord, I’m all ears. You’re the historian, I’m just the crazy Golden Retriever guy.
Dr. Duane, i have never knowingly mocked a handicap, speech or other – i apologize for offending you – truly. 🙏
That said, i am not sure that, in our nation’s leadership, devotion to the Constitution doesn’t trump I.Q. score or ability to memorize.. .
Michael’s website does an amazing job of truth searching – and it does expose us more than we know… thank you for pointing out how my comment regarding Joe Biden sounded…. He still doesn’t seem up to the task of leading this nation, though and i have to ask who is “behind” him, possibly pulling his strings?
directambiguity, A year ago, at the time of the first Democratic debates, my thoughts about Biden were similar to yours. I’ve come to see him and his speaking in a different light. I am indebted to the writer of the article discussing in detail the history of Joe Biden’s stutter, and the way in which he does verbal redirects to compensate for it. Joe Biden’s Stutter, and Mine. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/01/joe-biden-stutter-profile/602401/
(Huh. I’m writing two comments today, one here and one in TGIF—where the topic is about heeding and hearing from a person whom we generally regard as handicapped. I’m grateful to John Hendrickson, the writer of the article linked above, who pointed out a thing based on his own experience. May we listen and listen and listen.)
All good. Having a speech impediment such as mine in the 50s and 60s meant being pulled out of your class for twice weekly speech therapy, at that time part of “special education”. So, children being children, I became used to being called “slow”, “retard”, etc., for years until surgery helped to correct the matter. I have a lot of sympathy for anyone who has struggled with this sort of problem…
I did not know Biden stuttered. I applaud his efforts and determination to overcome it and not shy from the public arena (reminds me of King George VI in the The King’s Speech). I fully expect Trump and his followers to continue to trash Biden on this even if they know about it, just like go after other handicapped people, POWs, and the like.
And yet some people on this blog have the temerity to suggest that I should respect this utter degenerate pagan and narcissist. I think what Elijah said in 1 Kings 18:27 as to why Baal can’t answer because he is busy taking a sh*t would be the better response to Trump.
You have a Ph.D., hung out with the right people, lived at the highest plateaus of the church community, and had the authority to speak from the pulpit to an eagerly waiting crowd. I also understand your desire to become a political activist in the inequalities of the current movements, but is this the calling of PP?
If you want to debate or present your views about the current culture, politics, and such, I am not personally opposed to such things. However, preparation for such a debate and the consequences of it is essential.
I have no problem discussing the pros, cons, and politics of the BLM movement, protests, the efficacy of masks and lockdowns, media influences, economic fallout, and whose “experts” and science are the most accurate. As we both know, there are many websites, media platforms, and people who will engage in such debates. But is that the purpose and calling of PP?
“And yet some people on this blog have the temerity to suggest that I should respect this utter degenerate pagan and narcissist.”
No some have the ” temerity” to point out this is not the place to bring your vitriol hate and disrespect for the President of the United States. There are many other places you can share your views about Trump.
There is only one person that decides the calling here.
Me.
I consider Duane a gift from God to this site and to me personally.
We cover a lot of ground here…not all of it will appeal to everyone.
If there are other topics you want to discuss, feel free to bring them to the fore.
They tore down the statue of U.S. Grant in SF last night…Grant who fought the Confederacy and became a vocal opponent of slavery as President…I’m not interested in any group that isn’t willing to participate in both societal change and personal redemption…and this culture seems more bent on revenge, than redemption.
That will not end well…
Sigh…Either they are total nihilists bent on destruction or have no idea who Grant is or both. Any sort of property damage is wrong, illegal, and those responsible should be criminally charged accordingly. PERIOD.
If the sleeping giant wakes up, which will be difficult because they work for a living, it will be horrific.
I’ve always rubbed shoulders with 3%er types, but keep my distance. Now my engineer/accountant type neighbors are gunning up. I had a long conversation this morning with a female nurse who is trying to decide between an AR and an AK. I live in a really nice area with very little crime.
In the spirit of living peaceably, I will tone down my rhetoric.
That being said, the Supreme Law of the land is the Constitution and if comes between defending and respecting the POTUS, or Congress, or whomever and the Constitution, I choose the latter any time. And Trump has shown his eagerness to shred the Constitution as much (if not more so) as any other statist POTUS.
I can amen what you wrote…I’ve heard the same from my own usually pacifistic inner circle and my friend who owns a gun store is gleefully working a lot of overtime…
I admit to being a bit old and slow, but what examples are there of Trump’s Constitution shredding?
History cycles, does repeat itself, but until Christ returns we won’t see a perfect government.. AND i do think that no one gains a position of authority contrary to the plan of God.
Satan may be calling the shots now, but can the serpent see what’s goin’ on above him? The crucifixion of Christ Jesus didn’t work out too well for the roaring lion….
Jim, a pastor who remains nameless here taught that without adherence to a fair rule of law such as our Constitution tries to be, a nation is doomed to failure… sigh
Em, it failed long ago to be what was intended. I love this country, and will still love it when we become a “social democracy”. There are worse things in life than a 70% tax rate.
One of my heroes said in 1867, “But whether the Constitution really be one thing, or another, this much is certain – that it has either authorized such a government as we have had, or has been powerless to prevent it.”
Seeing as I have not discussed most of the things in your list, I have to assume some other motive or agenda, but in that I do not know you, apart from what you write, it would be wrong to speculate on what that might be…
What a gift you have. Did I write or imply you had discussed those things? The answer is no, but the point is your writings have and do point directly to a political and ideological agenda.
According to reports, teen aged kids obtained thousands of tickets to the Trump rally.
Bad kids? No, not IMHO. if the reports are true, they probably saved lives, literally and physically, FOR those who would’ve contracted the Coronavirus at this super spreader event.
Trump spent more time defending his saga of the ramp and trying to prove he does not need a sippy cup than on Joe Biden. RAMP/WATER 2020.
To all the Trump fans and supporters:
Which part captivated you? The saga of the slippery ramp? Or the impressive demonstration that he could find his mouth one handed? I admit, it will be pretty tough to top that. Maybe he could tie his shoes at the next rally? Or strip down and show he can dress himself?
That book looks interesting, bob1. Yet I’m not sure how to raise my kids now.
Years ago, one of my then brothers-in-law asked me how I was going to talk to my then toddler son about race. He had once scoffed and denied that his grandmother was Filipina. Because they were puro Mexicano, I guess. His sister figured it out years before that. I almost correctly called it the first time I saw her across a room, thinking, “she’s very pretty, looks half Filipina and half Mexican.” She is 1/4 but has the eyes and looks Asian as does one of her three brothers. Our son inherited the epicanthial folds, he has his mother’s eyes.
Her grandmother was a Filipina born here, her family immigrants to California. She fell in love with a Mexican man in the fields. Her family disowned her. She went to Mexico to be with and marry her love and became a Mexican citizen, also covering her heritage. My ex put up with a lot of prejudice when she came to the USA at age 11. At one quiceñera, I heard a little brat call her a “chinita” disparagingly. She talked me out of going back to have a chat with that little brat.
The school my kids go to is almost 90% Mexican. There are a few Filipino families, one mixed Chinese and Caucasian, a single Sikh family, two black families, and a couple of “token” white families. This is our hood.
Many grandkids of my kids’ generation are mixed (Caucasian, Chinese, Afro-American, Indian, Native American), the inertia of Mexican culture is the common glue.
For the previous generation, maybe it’s like being white, after a fashion, as that book implies is the wrong thing to do: just telling your kids to be color blind isn’t helpful.
Personally, I feel compelled to reconnect and identify racially given the current climate and that bothers me. I’m one generation off The Rez, yet cut off by two closed adoptions. How I struggled was a direct result of the history of outsourcing the parenting of Native children to white folk back in the day. In the early 70s, the social worker resisted my mother wanting to adopt me because she was Dutch-Scot. My mom threatened to hire Melvin Belli. Thus my mom got her little brown Indian boy.
I liked my new Dutch relatives, but never felt comfortable with my mom trying to get me to identify. Nor did I embrace playing bagpipes and being Scottish (my birth dad was a Duncan). I just felt like me, without a nation.
Yet now I feel like I’m forced to identify and I resent it. I’ve done alright, despite the institutionalized whatever. Maybe I shouldn’t dismiss it? When I was a senior in high school at the statewide academic decathalon, i was part of a cohort of students pulled into a session with a former congressman. He went around the group asking us about our plans after high school. One of our group gushed about how she was accepted to Harvard. I shrunk in my seat. When he got to me, I told them that I was going to study electron microscopy at a local community college. I was embarrassed and I think got looks. We who made it to State were supposed to be future leaders. I was a 17 year old who had no clue and my white mother was going though a mental breakdown and was zero help. So much for “privilege.”
All I can tell my kids is that they have far more support and opportunity that both their mother and I had, and are growing up in a far more tolerant society even though both of their parents were products of institutional racism, and their mother also of bigotry in her culture.
I still don’t know really what to “say” to them other than embracing our community no matter whom. And I still feel tribeless.
It’s all yours today…
Given all the excrement being thrown around lately especially from Trump and his flying monkeys, I feel sometimes like Diogenes and his lantern…
Does anyone think Joe Biden has Dementia?
The reason I ask is some of the old clips of him are similar.
Biden? Alzheimer’s? Or…. Just old and slow? Dunno
Em
His speech pattern is “interrupted” owing to a long standing speech impediment. I have a friend who, over three years ago, spent four hours briefing Mr. Biden in advance of a foreign trip. He told me that Biden had already memorized most of the briefing book…
As someone who has had to deal with a severe speech impediment, I find such comments off putting… Just saying…
Has Trump mastered the understanding of Object Permanence, which people do by the time they are 2 years old? Object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, touched, smelled or sensed in any way.
The proof he doesn’t is when he says this in regards to coronavirus testing, “If we didn’t do any testing we would have very few cases.” IOW, he does not think that there cases if they are not tested (aka observed).
This is why Peek-A-Boo works on babies, and apparently Trump. Which is why others have said we have a 70 year old toddler in the White House.
CM
“The proof he doesn’t is when he says this in regards to coronavirus testing, “If we didn’t do any testing we would have very few cases.” IOW, he does not think that there cases if they are not tested (aka observed).”
Did you ever even consider in all your knowledge and wisdom Trump actually understands the principle and is more than hinting at an underlying issue rather than the virus itself.
Leaders and popular media through out history have used story telling, drama, semi-accurate recording of actions and out right lies it to sell ideas and change cultures. What we perceive is far more important than what actually is.
Just look at religion and faith, while it is impossible to put a real percentage on it, most of what we believe really has no basis in fact.
The truth is without the instantaneous media and spin the COVID, while just as infectious and deadly, would not have had the world wide effect it is having. And without testing many, if not the majority, would have only known they had gotten sick again.
However, you and others have done well in demonstrating your vitriol hatred for the President of the United States. Like him or not, showing respect for the man in the position is a Godly trait.
May we survive ourselves!
I have to call an end to the back and forth on Trump.
It is completely without profit and will only end poorly.
Those who support him and those like myself who do not will not be persuaded otherwise.
I’m not interested in a daily competition to see who can deliver the most withering insults to opposing politicians.
Michael
If you read, which I believe you do, my posts I do not push for either support or criticism of our President’s policies, tweets or statements. What I continue to write about are the many comments by a few, including Duane, which demonstrate a need to bash and spread hatred for the President of our Country.
You have done an outstanding job of keeping comments within Christian and biblical construct. Faith in God and Jesus has survived thousands of years of political and social change and will do so into the future.
Will we be remembered for our love of God and His creation or our hatred, political biases and ideals?
Thank you for your post.
Thanks Michael. I’m certainly no Trumpy, but the ongoing political vitriol displayed here has decreased my interest in PP. This is the only blog I read.
MM,
There are places where the faith and politics intersect and we are duty bound to address those.
I think Duane does an amazing job of doing that.
The motive isn’t spreading “hatred”, it’s to question how we interact with those intersections.
Jim,
If I thought there was room for edifying debate I’d have no problem with political discussions.
There just isn’t that room right now.
Personally, I feel like what is really needful is for both sides of the divide to attempt to understand why the other is so passionately entrenched where they are, but that kind of dialog is seemingly impossible.
I believe the republic is in peril, but I’m just the crazy cat guy…
MM,
I deal in science and engineering. As any one who has done work in statistical quality control and acceptance sampling will tell you that Trump’s statement is at BEST misinformed or ignorant and at worst an outright lie. This is why I pulled what little hair had out with all push by Trump and his minions about hydroxychloroquine. And guess what happened? Turns out it was nothing like the magic bullet that was hyped. And the taxpayer is on the hook for tens of millions of doses that will never be used.
At what is worse, those skeptics with actual scientific background were villified as anti-Trumpers, Deep Staters and every other invective. When so-called conservatives and Evangelicals become anti-science, anti-scholarship, anti-intellectual and the like then you can see why both are dying in the US and why so many people with STEM backgrounds want NOTHING to do with Christianity.
“We must finally stop appealing to theology to justify our reserved silence about what the state is doing — for that is nothing but fear. ‘Open your mouth for the one who is voiceless’ — for who in the church today still remembers that that is the least of the Bible’s demands in times such as these?”
Bonhoeffer
Michael
Yes the two always collide, however that is not what I am referring to.
If this is a website to uphold the faith, teach, encourage, support the weak, go after those within it who take advantage and abuse their constituents, then politics, particularly partisan should not be a major part of the discussions. Sadly in this COVID and BLM environment that has not been the case.
You do a very good job in your posts of keeping to the heart of the matter and challenge your readers in a walk of faith. You rarely if at all divide and keep an open mike for most.
But if you want to have a website that encourages people to join in the protests and take sides in the current debates that is what our Nation’s right to free speech currently is all about. But it always gets very ugly and there will be no peace, ever.
Thank you for letting me comment.
CM
I’m glad you’re an expert and the sole arbiter of what is accurate and correct. You have the right to say all you want about any of our political leaders. As chaotic as it seems these days it’s a blessing and something we currently have the ability to do in these United States.
May we do better at steering our ships.
Duane
You’ve made it clear where you stand. No need to quote Bonhoeffer when it is convenient to support your comments.
I’m teaching through the Beatitudes in Luke…trying to make my own application…very difficult to navigate our current culture with this sermon in mind…
Duane,
IMO, the State is doing what the State always has done, which is why I think choosing sides is silly. It exists to grow and gather more power and control. If you can show me a non failed state that has ever grown smaller or given away control on it’s own accord, I’m all ears. You’re the historian, I’m just the crazy Golden Retriever guy.
Dr. Duane, i have never knowingly mocked a handicap, speech or other – i apologize for offending you – truly. 🙏
That said, i am not sure that, in our nation’s leadership, devotion to the Constitution doesn’t trump I.Q. score or ability to memorize.. .
Michael’s website does an amazing job of truth searching – and it does expose us more than we know… thank you for pointing out how my comment regarding Joe Biden sounded…. He still doesn’t seem up to the task of leading this nation, though and i have to ask who is “behind” him, possibly pulling his strings?
I find quoting Bonhoeffer appropriate most of the time… and especially in times like these.
I think Bonhoeffer is a guiding light these days…
directambiguity, A year ago, at the time of the first Democratic debates, my thoughts about Biden were similar to yours. I’ve come to see him and his speaking in a different light. I am indebted to the writer of the article discussing in detail the history of Joe Biden’s stutter, and the way in which he does verbal redirects to compensate for it.
Joe Biden’s Stutter, and Mine. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/01/joe-biden-stutter-profile/602401/
(Huh. I’m writing two comments today, one here and one in TGIF—where the topic is about heeding and hearing from a person whom we generally regard as handicapped. I’m grateful to John Hendrickson, the writer of the article linked above, who pointed out a thing based on his own experience. May we listen and listen and listen.)
Em
All good. Having a speech impediment such as mine in the 50s and 60s meant being pulled out of your class for twice weekly speech therapy, at that time part of “special education”. So, children being children, I became used to being called “slow”, “retard”, etc., for years until surgery helped to correct the matter. I have a lot of sympathy for anyone who has struggled with this sort of problem…
I did not know Biden stuttered. I applaud his efforts and determination to overcome it and not shy from the public arena (reminds me of King George VI in the The King’s Speech). I fully expect Trump and his followers to continue to trash Biden on this even if they know about it, just like go after other handicapped people, POWs, and the like.
And yet some people on this blog have the temerity to suggest that I should respect this utter degenerate pagan and narcissist. I think what Elijah said in 1 Kings 18:27 as to why Baal can’t answer because he is busy taking a sh*t would be the better response to Trump.
Duane
You have a Ph.D., hung out with the right people, lived at the highest plateaus of the church community, and had the authority to speak from the pulpit to an eagerly waiting crowd. I also understand your desire to become a political activist in the inequalities of the current movements, but is this the calling of PP?
If you want to debate or present your views about the current culture, politics, and such, I am not personally opposed to such things. However, preparation for such a debate and the consequences of it is essential.
I have no problem discussing the pros, cons, and politics of the BLM movement, protests, the efficacy of masks and lockdowns, media influences, economic fallout, and whose “experts” and science are the most accurate. As we both know, there are many websites, media platforms, and people who will engage in such debates. But is that the purpose and calling of PP?
I didn’t think it was.
I guess I’m by far in the minority here.
CM
“And yet some people on this blog have the temerity to suggest that I should respect this utter degenerate pagan and narcissist.”
No some have the ” temerity” to point out this is not the place to bring your vitriol hate and disrespect for the President of the United States. There are many other places you can share your views about Trump.
MM,
There is only one person that decides the calling here.
Me.
I consider Duane a gift from God to this site and to me personally.
We cover a lot of ground here…not all of it will appeal to everyone.
If there are other topics you want to discuss, feel free to bring them to the fore.
They tore down the statue of U.S. Grant in SF last night…Grant who fought the Confederacy and became a vocal opponent of slavery as President…I’m not interested in any group that isn’t willing to participate in both societal change and personal redemption…and this culture seems more bent on revenge, than redemption.
That will not end well…
Wow. Looks like there’s confusion about whose blog this is, and who calls the shots.
Michael,
Sigh…Either they are total nihilists bent on destruction or have no idea who Grant is or both. Any sort of property damage is wrong, illegal, and those responsible should be criminally charged accordingly. PERIOD.
Michael,
If the sleeping giant wakes up, which will be difficult because they work for a living, it will be horrific.
I’ve always rubbed shoulders with 3%er types, but keep my distance. Now my engineer/accountant type neighbors are gunning up. I had a long conversation this morning with a female nurse who is trying to decide between an AR and an AK. I live in a really nice area with very little crime.
Michael,
In the spirit of living peaceably, I will tone down my rhetoric.
That being said, the Supreme Law of the land is the Constitution and if comes between defending and respecting the POTUS, or Congress, or whomever and the Constitution, I choose the latter any time. And Trump has shown his eagerness to shred the Constitution as much (if not more so) as any other statist POTUS.
Jim,
I can amen what you wrote…I’ve heard the same from my own usually pacifistic inner circle and my friend who owns a gun store is gleefully working a lot of overtime…
CM,
I understand the passion, but we have to find better ways to communicate. I’m not sure if I know what those are at the present time…
I admit to being a bit old and slow, but what examples are there of Trump’s Constitution shredding?
History cycles, does repeat itself, but until Christ returns we won’t see a perfect government.. AND i do think that no one gains a position of authority contrary to the plan of God.
Satan may be calling the shots now, but can the serpent see what’s goin’ on above him? The crucifixion of Christ Jesus didn’t work out too well for the roaring lion….
I’m trying to think of which president gave a rip about the constitution?
Jim, a pastor who remains nameless here taught that without adherence to a fair rule of law such as our Constitution tries to be, a nation is doomed to failure… sigh
Em, it failed long ago to be what was intended. I love this country, and will still love it when we become a “social democracy”. There are worse things in life than a 70% tax rate.
One of my heroes said in 1867, “But whether the Constitution really be one thing, or another, this much is certain – that it has either authorized such a government as we have had, or has been powerless to prevent it.”
MM
Seeing as I have not discussed most of the things in your list, I have to assume some other motive or agenda, but in that I do not know you, apart from what you write, it would be wrong to speculate on what that might be…
Jim
Spooner?
Duane
What a gift you have. Did I write or imply you had discussed those things? The answer is no, but the point is your writings have and do point directly to a political and ideological agenda.
But you’re you.
Duane, of course.
MM
I’m think that the agenda you speak of is yours…
Jim
His name (and that quote) came up in the Liberty Fund symposium that I participated in recently… Interesting man…
Duane
I don’t deny I do have an agenda.
It’s to support the weak and not take political sides as much as possible. Although eventually we all will choose one.
This book looks like it might be a good read for a parent, no matter your political beliefs. Written by a Baptist pastor.
https://www.amazon.com/Raising-White-Kids-Bringing-Children/product-reviews/1501878077/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_show_all_btm?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews
MM
I will take you at your word, even if I harbor doubts…
Jim @ 1:31… true words
Should have added that the “nameless pastor” made the same observation…. 🙆
According to reports, teen aged kids obtained thousands of tickets to the Trump rally.
Bad kids? No, not IMHO. if the reports are true, they probably saved lives, literally and physically, FOR those who would’ve contracted the Coronavirus at this super spreader event.
“The Emptysburg Address”
“Nevertheless, the ramp persisted”
bob1,
Trump spent more time defending his saga of the ramp and trying to prove he does not need a sippy cup than on Joe Biden. RAMP/WATER 2020.
To all the Trump fans and supporters:
Which part captivated you? The saga of the slippery ramp? Or the impressive demonstration that he could find his mouth one handed? I admit, it will be pretty tough to top that. Maybe he could tie his shoes at the next rally? Or strip down and show he can dress himself?
Well this might help:
https://twitter.com/NotAbouThatBase/status/1274663630139785216
But since Trump has a Sharpie, there was a yuge crowd in Tulsa:
https://twitter.com/reginaldedward3/status/1274532618353197056
I’m not going to ask for an end to this again. From here on, I’ll just end it.
That book looks interesting, bob1. Yet I’m not sure how to raise my kids now.
Years ago, one of my then brothers-in-law asked me how I was going to talk to my then toddler son about race. He had once scoffed and denied that his grandmother was Filipina. Because they were puro Mexicano, I guess. His sister figured it out years before that. I almost correctly called it the first time I saw her across a room, thinking, “she’s very pretty, looks half Filipina and half Mexican.” She is 1/4 but has the eyes and looks Asian as does one of her three brothers. Our son inherited the epicanthial folds, he has his mother’s eyes.
Her grandmother was a Filipina born here, her family immigrants to California. She fell in love with a Mexican man in the fields. Her family disowned her. She went to Mexico to be with and marry her love and became a Mexican citizen, also covering her heritage. My ex put up with a lot of prejudice when she came to the USA at age 11. At one quiceñera, I heard a little brat call her a “chinita” disparagingly. She talked me out of going back to have a chat with that little brat.
The school my kids go to is almost 90% Mexican. There are a few Filipino families, one mixed Chinese and Caucasian, a single Sikh family, two black families, and a couple of “token” white families. This is our hood.
Many grandkids of my kids’ generation are mixed (Caucasian, Chinese, Afro-American, Indian, Native American), the inertia of Mexican culture is the common glue.
For the previous generation, maybe it’s like being white, after a fashion, as that book implies is the wrong thing to do: just telling your kids to be color blind isn’t helpful.
Personally, I feel compelled to reconnect and identify racially given the current climate and that bothers me. I’m one generation off The Rez, yet cut off by two closed adoptions. How I struggled was a direct result of the history of outsourcing the parenting of Native children to white folk back in the day. In the early 70s, the social worker resisted my mother wanting to adopt me because she was Dutch-Scot. My mom threatened to hire Melvin Belli. Thus my mom got her little brown Indian boy.
I liked my new Dutch relatives, but never felt comfortable with my mom trying to get me to identify. Nor did I embrace playing bagpipes and being Scottish (my birth dad was a Duncan). I just felt like me, without a nation.
Yet now I feel like I’m forced to identify and I resent it. I’ve done alright, despite the institutionalized whatever. Maybe I shouldn’t dismiss it? When I was a senior in high school at the statewide academic decathalon, i was part of a cohort of students pulled into a session with a former congressman. He went around the group asking us about our plans after high school. One of our group gushed about how she was accepted to Harvard. I shrunk in my seat. When he got to me, I told them that I was going to study electron microscopy at a local community college. I was embarrassed and I think got looks. We who made it to State were supposed to be future leaders. I was a 17 year old who had no clue and my white mother was going though a mental breakdown and was zero help. So much for “privilege.”
All I can tell my kids is that they have far more support and opportunity that both their mother and I had, and are growing up in a far more tolerant society even though both of their parents were products of institutional racism, and their mother also of bigotry in her culture.
I still don’t know really what to “say” to them other than embracing our community no matter whom. And I still feel tribeless.