Thanksgiving is behind us now, and we can concentrate on the next big holiday- Christmas! There are very nice things about the Christmas season. This can be a time of family get-togethers, a time of gift giving to show our affection for those in our lives. For many in the western world, this is a time of religious significance. Christians celebrate the birth of their faith, Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah (festival of light) and Muslims this year will celebrate Ashura. Forgive my ignorance of eastern religions- but I'm sure they too have a significant celebration for this time of year. Our most ancient ancestors celebrated the winter solstice for thousands of years before the big religions even existed. This is also the time of year when charities, particularly religious charities, ramp up their requests for much needed donations. Just last week I, myself, participated in a candlelight march to help kick off Catholic Charities donation drive. All of us will see solicitations in our mailboxes, and be haled in person by volunteers standing outside stores. The plea will go out from pulpits everywhere to give generously at this "special time of year".
Requests for donations at this time of year are no accident. Religious groups count on the special feelings of the season to open our hearts to those less fortunate. In this time of giving to loved ones and giving to our selves, it's only natural to think we can be more persuaded to give to others too. And, it actually works! Charles Dickens even used Christmas as a vehicle to make his most effective statement about the treatment of the poor in "A Christmas Carrol". It's only right for those who are inclined to give to charities, to do so during the holiday season. Nothing wrong with that. And, if it makes feel us good or confirms religious values, then so be it. However, I suggest there is more we need to think about during these very trying times- particularly during this time of Christmas giving.
We are experiencing the worst economic conditions in the last seventy-five years. Unemployment is unacceptably high, and stuck there. The wealth gap between the rich and the rest of us is at an all time high. Homelessness is increasing- poverty rates are climbing. There are now more people living in poverty in American than at any other time in our history- nearly one in five of us. One in every four children in this country is poor. 60 million people have no health care. 45.8 million of us need food stamp assistance, that's15% of our country.
There are some in this country who will argue that charitable giving is the best way to address the enormous needs of our people. The conservatives will tell you that "in the good old days" the churches did it all and we need to return to those times-when people "took care of each other". If that were true, the numbers I cited in the paragraph above would not be true- and the churches themselves would be the first to tell you so. Tragically these numbers are real- and conditions continue to deteriorate for the poor in this country and around the world. So, whatever the level of our religious fervor and our charity- it is not enough! Not enough by a very, very long way. Charitable giving is only the kindling- it is not the fuel needed to meet the great needs of our people.
We have a source for the fuel needed to meet these needs. It is the source our founding fathers envisioned when they determined that our government had an obligation to "provide for the general welfare". The answer to the issues that plague our economy and have caused so much misery is to get people working again. There are proposals before Congress right now- but those proposals have been held up or stonewalled for political reasons. The President put a package before Congress many weeks ago. It included an infra-structure jobs program-extension of middle class tax cuts (payroll tax holiday)- jobs incentives to hire vets- increasing taxes on millionaires and billionaires, along with tax reform- and an extension of unemployment benefits till people can find work. It got no where because Republicans in Congress stopped it. Then the President offered to break it up and have it voted on in pieces. Again it stalled Congress, except for the veteran's piece (for obvious political reasons). The tax breaks for the middle class will likely go down to defeat this week, because Republicans will insist on more for the wealthy, before they do anything for the rest of us-even though it means more taxes on working people. They will also likely end the extension of unemployment benefits for up to 6 million more people.
So I ask, are we a people of conscience? If we are a people of conscience, whether our conscience is rooted in our sense of humanity or our core religious beliefs, then don't we have an obligation to speak out for those who are suffering? Is this not one of the core tenants of Christian doctrine? During this time of heightened religious belief, sensitivity, and giving could there not be a better time to act? I hope you"ll give to the charities that seek to assist the poor, but only if you realize the need exceeds any church's or organization's ability to solve the problem. If your belief system creates a moral/ethical obligation (religious or otherwise) then you must insist that our government leaders do what ONLY they can do to restore economic justice to the people. Just as you raise up your voices in church- raise your voice up to our leaders and tell them to put aside their pettiness and do what's best for the country. This is how we "take care of each other" now. If enough of us call or write to our congressional Representatives, our Senators and our President we will make a difference. Perhaps giving of ourselves to make this effort, becoming involved, may be the best kind of giving you can do this Christmas.
Thanks for looking in.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
A Note From Brigitte
Several years ago I had the great pleasure of meeting a woman named Brigitte when she came to our house for a holiday party. We hosted the party for the folks who worked at St. Anne's Child and Family Center. My wife Lee is the Director there, and Brigitte was one of the child care staff employed at the Center. Brigitte worked in the infant room, caring for the babies. I had seen her before at the Center, but hadn't had the opportunity to talk with her before that night. We had a nice conversation as we all shared the food, potluck style. I learned a little about her, and later, my wife filled in a few other details.
The party included a gift exchange where you draw names to select unmarked gifts and have the option to take a gift already opened by someone else. You know the game. Brigitte's contribution to the gift pool was a wooden sculpture of a female African figure carrying water. It was a very popular item once revealed and was "stolen" a couple of times. It was in my hands at one point, but only briefly. I didn't end up with it by the end of the game, but I told Brigitte how beautiful it was, and that I wished I'd been able to hold on to it. But it was all good natured fun and the eventual owner was well pleased too.
All of us knew this was kind of special because it was Brigitte who brought it. It was very much a symbol of her. Brigitte is not African American- she is African. She came to this country as a political refugee with the assistance of Catholic Charity's Refugee Program. She comes from one of those small countries in western Africa where governments change with the seasons and the worst sorts of human atrocities occur with regularity at the hands of outlaw regimes. Refugees from that part of the world come here, if they're fortunate, to escape imprisonment, torture, and death. Just having her here with us seemed a triumph.
Brigitte looked to be about my age. She has a tremendous smile and a very warm personal appeal. She was also somewhat reserved and it was apparent she came from a culture that valued politeness and respect of others, with no hint at all of brashness. She expressed sincere gratitude for everything, and laughed easily. But there was also a real sadness behind her eyes as one might expect from such a harrowing life. I learned later that she was working with the government and agencies to get her son out of her country and reunited with her. I don't know her son's age- but suspect he wasn't real young, making it even harder to get him out. I could not imagine what it must be like to be driven from your homeland- in fear for your life, transplanted half a world away- knowing no one, and being separated and out of touch from your own son. Yet this woman was in my house-grateful to be enjoying this night with us.
After that night, I would see Brigitte at the Center occasionally and she always greeted me very warmly. I would return her smile, inquire about her, and always get a positive report. She was always friendly and gracious. A couple of years went by since the holiday party at our house and the Center did different events for the holidays- none at our house after that first one. But Lee came home one night just before Christmas, a couple of years after the house party, with a package for me, saying it was from Brigitte. I couldn't imagine what this was. I opened it to find a small brass sculpture of an African female figure carrying water. There was a handwritten note to me inside that read:
I was so struck by this gesture. That this woman, who had virtually nothing, took the time to remember me with this kindness, is an act I will never forget. The note is framed and hangs on the wall above my desk at home, with the brass figure right beside it. Each time I feel as if I don't have enough- of anything- I read this note to remember that in some parts of the world, and for too many people, the simple act of finding and drawing water brings such joy and happiness.
As we approach this Thanksgiving Holiday, with all the traditional excesses, the note from Brigitte serves as a reminder to be thankful for the simple, basic things in life. I think many of us, in this country, don't take the time to realize how difficult life can be for others. In America we are facing very difficult times and, even here in the richest country in the world, more of our people are falling into poverty every day. But around the world, many people face more extreme conditions and challenges than we can even conceive of. So this year I'm going to read Brigitte's note, focus my thankfulness on family, friends and basic comforts- and take a drink of water with gratitude to Brigitte.
Have a good Thanksgiving - and thanks for looking in.
The party included a gift exchange where you draw names to select unmarked gifts and have the option to take a gift already opened by someone else. You know the game. Brigitte's contribution to the gift pool was a wooden sculpture of a female African figure carrying water. It was a very popular item once revealed and was "stolen" a couple of times. It was in my hands at one point, but only briefly. I didn't end up with it by the end of the game, but I told Brigitte how beautiful it was, and that I wished I'd been able to hold on to it. But it was all good natured fun and the eventual owner was well pleased too.
All of us knew this was kind of special because it was Brigitte who brought it. It was very much a symbol of her. Brigitte is not African American- she is African. She came to this country as a political refugee with the assistance of Catholic Charity's Refugee Program. She comes from one of those small countries in western Africa where governments change with the seasons and the worst sorts of human atrocities occur with regularity at the hands of outlaw regimes. Refugees from that part of the world come here, if they're fortunate, to escape imprisonment, torture, and death. Just having her here with us seemed a triumph.
Brigitte looked to be about my age. She has a tremendous smile and a very warm personal appeal. She was also somewhat reserved and it was apparent she came from a culture that valued politeness and respect of others, with no hint at all of brashness. She expressed sincere gratitude for everything, and laughed easily. But there was also a real sadness behind her eyes as one might expect from such a harrowing life. I learned later that she was working with the government and agencies to get her son out of her country and reunited with her. I don't know her son's age- but suspect he wasn't real young, making it even harder to get him out. I could not imagine what it must be like to be driven from your homeland- in fear for your life, transplanted half a world away- knowing no one, and being separated and out of touch from your own son. Yet this woman was in my house-grateful to be enjoying this night with us.
After that night, I would see Brigitte at the Center occasionally and she always greeted me very warmly. I would return her smile, inquire about her, and always get a positive report. She was always friendly and gracious. A couple of years went by since the holiday party at our house and the Center did different events for the holidays- none at our house after that first one. But Lee came home one night just before Christmas, a couple of years after the house party, with a package for me, saying it was from Brigitte. I couldn't imagine what this was. I opened it to find a small brass sculpture of an African female figure carrying water. There was a handwritten note to me inside that read:
In the countries of Jahel close to the desert,
people go far to draw some water.
Can you imagine their happiness
when they find water and can draw it.
Have a wonderful holiday season.
Brigitte
I was so struck by this gesture. That this woman, who had virtually nothing, took the time to remember me with this kindness, is an act I will never forget. The note is framed and hangs on the wall above my desk at home, with the brass figure right beside it. Each time I feel as if I don't have enough- of anything- I read this note to remember that in some parts of the world, and for too many people, the simple act of finding and drawing water brings such joy and happiness.
As we approach this Thanksgiving Holiday, with all the traditional excesses, the note from Brigitte serves as a reminder to be thankful for the simple, basic things in life. I think many of us, in this country, don't take the time to realize how difficult life can be for others. In America we are facing very difficult times and, even here in the richest country in the world, more of our people are falling into poverty every day. But around the world, many people face more extreme conditions and challenges than we can even conceive of. So this year I'm going to read Brigitte's note, focus my thankfulness on family, friends and basic comforts- and take a drink of water with gratitude to Brigitte.
Have a good Thanksgiving - and thanks for looking in.
Friday, November 18, 2011
A Really Super Tuesday for Us
Lately the news people on television have gotten in the habit of calling every election, anywhere in the country, a "Super Tuesday" kind of election. One of the problems with having several networks broadcasting news 24 hours a day is that nearly everything is subject to outrageous hyperbole. Oh well, they have to do something to keep us coming back for more; and exaggeration is a time-tested method that works pretty well. But, Tuesday November 8th, 2011 ranks as a really Super Tuesday election.
By all measures this year's election was an off, off year election. There were no Congressional races- no Senate races- no big offices up for grabs to capture our attention. But several races and ballot initiatives around the country made this last election one to remember. This election is the beginning of the tide turning in favor of the people. In my view this wasn't an election about political parties (though one party in particular got a pretty good comeuppances)- it was about people finally standing up and saying what kind of country this should be. Let me give you a rundown of the people's election.
The big story was the Ohio vote that sought to repeal a law enacted this year by the Ohio legislature, which was proposed and supported by Republican Governor Kasich. Kasich is a very conservative, new in office, governor who campaigned on jobs but immediately set out to eliminate public employee's jobs by removing their collective bargaining rights. The new law included teachers, police officers and firefighters. (you know, the real villians of our society!) Ohioans collected twice the number of signatures needed for the referendum to repeal this law- and on election day voted to restore collective bargaining rights by over a 2-to-1 margin. This was an incredibly significant vote! This was Kasich's signature issue and it was soundly rejected. In a recent poll, Ohioans would not vote to re-elect him if they had the chance, again by a 2-to-1 margin. This is a case of major "buyer's regret".
In Maine, citizens there collected well over the required number of signatures to put a ballot measure up for a vote that would repeal a 2011 law disallowing same-day voter registration. Ultra conservative Governor Paul LaPage pushed through a bill that would have significantly suppressed access to voting. The bill narrowly passed the legislature's vote and became law in June. Mainers said NO! The vote overwhelmingly repealed the law and returned more voter access to Maine citizens. Mainers rightly rejected this phony issue of voter fraud influencing elections. This issue is coming up in a number of states- all, curiously, controlled by Republicans. They claim that voter fraud is a huge issue, but can't seem to cite a single election effected by this "rash of voter fraud". The new measures we're seeing always target young voters, students, minorities and the elderly.(i.e. traditionally Democratic voters) Also curious is that all recently enacted laws on this subject seek to limit access to voting, instead of promoting more participation in our democracy. I predict this issue will become a major point of discussion in the coming year
In Mississippi voters soundly rejected an Initiative that would have granted legal "person-hood" to a fertilized human ovum. The vote was basically 60/40 against this Initiative in what is the most socially conservative state in the union. Why? Mostly because voters there realized a vote for the Initiative would not only outlaw legal abortion, it would outlaw almost all forms of artificial birth control. This would have nearly entirely removed every woman's right to control her own reproductive life. Some very radical religious folks wanted this very thing- but even in Mississippi the people rejected this measure as going way too far. I always find it interesting the conservatives will argue to the death for smaller government- and at the same time want government totally involved in policing our sex lives and reproductive decisions. Imagine how big the government would have to be for that ambitious mission.
And, finally in Arizona there was a recall election of Republican State Senate Leader Russell Pearce. Among other things Pearce was seen as the face of the legislation that created Arizona's horrible immigration law. This law allows police racial stereotyping and undo seizure practices. It is being struck down piece by piece in the court system. Voters said, we want you out. Pearce had other problems too, but his authorship of the immigration law was the focus of his defeat, even at the hands of another conservative Republican.
Let's not forget what started it all. Wisconsin! Another beginner, right-wing Republican Governor teamed up with the Koch brothers and decided to abolish collective bargaining rights for teachers. In March, the Capital building was taken over by the citizens for weeks. Democratic legislators boycotted the capital, left the state, and the nation finally saw the real conservative agenda at work. And we didn't like it. The law did go into effect but in August enough Republican legislators were recalled over this issue that Gov. Scott Walker no longer has his Republican majority in the State Senate. Now there is a very robust effort to recall Walker himself. His approval rating is now around 35% and things look bad for him. The new state Senate will obviously rectify this law during the next session.
It seems the entire conservative platform was rejected by the people, all over the country, in one fell swoop. Think about this- these votes took place in northeastern state, Maine- southern state, Mississippi- midwestern state, Ohio- and western state, Arizona. That's every section of the country. It's interesting that in each case the losing side outspent the winning side. This begins to restore my faith in the people to overcome the rich and the powerful. People said no to destroying the working people who make up the middle class- by supporting hard-won rights of workers. They said no to suppressing the right of the people to heard at the ballot box. They said no to ultra-religious right-wing politicians who would reach into our lives to control the most intimate parts of our being. They said no to those who would strip the humanity anyway from people based in the color of their skin.
I really believe we are at a crossroads in this country. When I look at the really Super Tuesday we had, I see hope that we are turning into a better country. When I see people march in the Occupy Movement to stand for the 99% of us, then I'm heartened. When I see our President finally taking his message to the people and away from the dysfunction of Congress, I believe things might just improve. I believe it because the people are standing up against the power of money and greed- and its starting to work.
Thanks for looking in.
By all measures this year's election was an off, off year election. There were no Congressional races- no Senate races- no big offices up for grabs to capture our attention. But several races and ballot initiatives around the country made this last election one to remember. This election is the beginning of the tide turning in favor of the people. In my view this wasn't an election about political parties (though one party in particular got a pretty good comeuppances)- it was about people finally standing up and saying what kind of country this should be. Let me give you a rundown of the people's election.
The big story was the Ohio vote that sought to repeal a law enacted this year by the Ohio legislature, which was proposed and supported by Republican Governor Kasich. Kasich is a very conservative, new in office, governor who campaigned on jobs but immediately set out to eliminate public employee's jobs by removing their collective bargaining rights. The new law included teachers, police officers and firefighters. (you know, the real villians of our society!) Ohioans collected twice the number of signatures needed for the referendum to repeal this law- and on election day voted to restore collective bargaining rights by over a 2-to-1 margin. This was an incredibly significant vote! This was Kasich's signature issue and it was soundly rejected. In a recent poll, Ohioans would not vote to re-elect him if they had the chance, again by a 2-to-1 margin. This is a case of major "buyer's regret".
In Maine, citizens there collected well over the required number of signatures to put a ballot measure up for a vote that would repeal a 2011 law disallowing same-day voter registration. Ultra conservative Governor Paul LaPage pushed through a bill that would have significantly suppressed access to voting. The bill narrowly passed the legislature's vote and became law in June. Mainers said NO! The vote overwhelmingly repealed the law and returned more voter access to Maine citizens. Mainers rightly rejected this phony issue of voter fraud influencing elections. This issue is coming up in a number of states- all, curiously, controlled by Republicans. They claim that voter fraud is a huge issue, but can't seem to cite a single election effected by this "rash of voter fraud". The new measures we're seeing always target young voters, students, minorities and the elderly.(i.e. traditionally Democratic voters) Also curious is that all recently enacted laws on this subject seek to limit access to voting, instead of promoting more participation in our democracy. I predict this issue will become a major point of discussion in the coming year
In Mississippi voters soundly rejected an Initiative that would have granted legal "person-hood" to a fertilized human ovum. The vote was basically 60/40 against this Initiative in what is the most socially conservative state in the union. Why? Mostly because voters there realized a vote for the Initiative would not only outlaw legal abortion, it would outlaw almost all forms of artificial birth control. This would have nearly entirely removed every woman's right to control her own reproductive life. Some very radical religious folks wanted this very thing- but even in Mississippi the people rejected this measure as going way too far. I always find it interesting the conservatives will argue to the death for smaller government- and at the same time want government totally involved in policing our sex lives and reproductive decisions. Imagine how big the government would have to be for that ambitious mission.
And, finally in Arizona there was a recall election of Republican State Senate Leader Russell Pearce. Among other things Pearce was seen as the face of the legislation that created Arizona's horrible immigration law. This law allows police racial stereotyping and undo seizure practices. It is being struck down piece by piece in the court system. Voters said, we want you out. Pearce had other problems too, but his authorship of the immigration law was the focus of his defeat, even at the hands of another conservative Republican.
Let's not forget what started it all. Wisconsin! Another beginner, right-wing Republican Governor teamed up with the Koch brothers and decided to abolish collective bargaining rights for teachers. In March, the Capital building was taken over by the citizens for weeks. Democratic legislators boycotted the capital, left the state, and the nation finally saw the real conservative agenda at work. And we didn't like it. The law did go into effect but in August enough Republican legislators were recalled over this issue that Gov. Scott Walker no longer has his Republican majority in the State Senate. Now there is a very robust effort to recall Walker himself. His approval rating is now around 35% and things look bad for him. The new state Senate will obviously rectify this law during the next session.
It seems the entire conservative platform was rejected by the people, all over the country, in one fell swoop. Think about this- these votes took place in northeastern state, Maine- southern state, Mississippi- midwestern state, Ohio- and western state, Arizona. That's every section of the country. It's interesting that in each case the losing side outspent the winning side. This begins to restore my faith in the people to overcome the rich and the powerful. People said no to destroying the working people who make up the middle class- by supporting hard-won rights of workers. They said no to suppressing the right of the people to heard at the ballot box. They said no to ultra-religious right-wing politicians who would reach into our lives to control the most intimate parts of our being. They said no to those who would strip the humanity anyway from people based in the color of their skin.
I really believe we are at a crossroads in this country. When I look at the really Super Tuesday we had, I see hope that we are turning into a better country. When I see people march in the Occupy Movement to stand for the 99% of us, then I'm heartened. When I see our President finally taking his message to the people and away from the dysfunction of Congress, I believe things might just improve. I believe it because the people are standing up against the power of money and greed- and its starting to work.
Thanks for looking in.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
High Priests and Football Coaches
We've been saturated in the coverage of the Penn State football scandal that broke a little over a week ago. In short it goes like this: Long time assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky was arrested for multiple counts of sexually abusing young boys. It appears from the charges that Sandusky is a predatory offender who has been doing this for years. That was the crime. The scandal is that many people in the football program and the athletic administration knew it and did not take proper action. In this case there was even a (rare) eye witness to the abuse who failed to either stop the incident, or call any legal authorities. This witness was, himself, an assistant football coach.
As the facts emerged it became clear that the venerable head coach Joe Paterno knew this and did precious little about it. For that Paterno was fired, which set off an immediate campus riot in support of the beloved JoePa. Paterno is the dean of college football- the winning-est coach in the history of the game and an institution in and of himself. He occupies a god-like status. Others were fired too, but at Penn State they are minor people compared to Joe Paterno- even if you're a university President. Make no mistake, Penn State football is the master of College Station, Pennsylvania, and Joe Paterno its lord.
The fact of this happening should not surprise us. We have all just witnessed this happening in the Catholic Church Sex Abuse scandal. It is virtually identical, and for all the same reasons. In the Catholic Church we discovered that young children were being abused over a period of many, many years by some Priests. That was the crime. The scandal was that many Bishops and other high church officials knew it and did not take proper action to stop it. In almost every case the Bishops moved the offenders to other communities, hushed up and covered up the offenses and went on about the Church's business, as if to suggest that was the Church's policy. But just like the deplorable inaction at Penn State, this behavior only led to more victims.
Why does this happen? The actual offenders are defective people. They exist all around us, more than you may know. They often place themselves in positions of trust to victimize children because their deviant desires overwhelm their lives. Unfortunately, no one has discovered an effective way to stop them or treat them. These offenders must be locked up. But, the true villains are the institutions that find these deviants in their midst, and decide it is more important to protect the institution than to protect the victims.
I cannot think of any institution more protective of itself than the Catholic Church. The Church has existed longer than any current government on earth. Though it is not the oldest religion, it is the dominant religion of the western world, and for several centuries it was the strongest political power in the western world. All of that adds up to power and wealth, well beyond the tenant's of the religious faith it was built on. Therefore the Church has a tremendous stake in maintaining its position in the world. As we saw, the Church would abandon its own values to protect itself from threats to its power and prestige. So the very institution whose founder and deity said "suffer the little children on to me" served them up in sacrifice to protect itself. That's an undeniable example of the ultimate seduction of institutional power.
What do we see in football? Actually many of the same attributes. We worship sports and our sports heroes. We have built up institutions around these new god-like figures and programs. Witness that even in the middle of the bible-belt (Alabama), the late Bear Bryant is more popular than God himself. Our culture has elevated this game of football to ridiculous heights. If you don't believe that, look at the salaries we pay athletes compared to the salaries we pay the President of the United States (for example). This includes college football too. To my way of thinking college football is even worse because the big programs pretend to be something they are not. That is, institutions that promote the values of higher education, when clearly football is king. At Penn State the revenues from football are near $80 million a year.The football program has a $58 million PROFIT. So, is it any wonder that normally good men would easily toss aside their values to protect this institution? If, as Marx said, "religion is the opiate of the masses", then surely football is the crack cocaine of the masses in our culture. It hypes us up and causes us to crave nothing more than a game- nothing more than a form of entertainment. It induces us to spend our money on their "licenced products" and in some extreme cases becomes the passion in our lives-blurring our values along the way. I admit entertainment is a good thing. I too, enjoy the game, and played it in high school with some modest success. But, for too many, this institution of football has become a compulsion, far beyond the simple enjoyment of a game. Witness now that our new cathedrals are the massive stadiums, mainly built on the backs of tax payers.
I'm certain in coming weeks more grisly details about Sandusky and the staff at Penn State will come out, just as they did with the Church. Once the dam breaks, the flood comes. And we can't count on anyone to regulate these matters. The Catholic Church has no over-seers, except its own High Priests. In college football the NCAA has proven itself to be as corrupt as the institutions it regulates- because they all have the same stake in the outcome. Take note that NCAA football has a major scandal every year. Last year it was Ohio State players selling off their school, and the shameless bidding for Cam Newton between Miss. State and Auburn. It all disappeared with a wink and a nod, and a dad taking the rap so he can get the big payoff the next year. Auburn got a National Championship and Newton is in the NFL. And all's right in the football world.
There is another common thread to these institutions, now so crippled by the same scandal. They are both controlled entirely by men. The Catholic Church simply doesn't allow women any say in the workings of the church. Yes, there are religious orders of nuns and sisters in the Church- but they are entirely subservient to the Church establishment. Women can be members- women can devote themselves to the church- but women can never minister in the church or achieve positions of leadership or influence in the church. It is nearly identical in the football world. Men control all of it. They play the game- they coach the game- they own the game- and they control every aspect of football. Every icon and every "legend" is a man. This is a critical point in understanding these two scandals. It is well established in human behavioral science that cultures (and sub-cultures) where women have equal or near equal standing with men are less likely to victimize both women and children. So, in these exclusive male institutions we can almost predict that the need to preserve the power structure becomes the overwhelming priority. Women and children beware.
As we look back on the many victims of both scandals, we should take stock of our priorities. We should always be wary of institutions built on power, money, and control. If there is a lesson to be learned, it is that when the needs of institutions to insulate and protect themselves conflicts with the needs of innocent victims- the innocents will likely be sacrificed. It is so clear now that many of these high priests and football coaches are not to be trusted as our guides in moral leadership or character building-they too are seduced by the very thing they built. We have to ask just how important these institutions are in our culture, and if it isn't time to re-think what is really important. I believe that time has come.
Thanks for looking in.
As the facts emerged it became clear that the venerable head coach Joe Paterno knew this and did precious little about it. For that Paterno was fired, which set off an immediate campus riot in support of the beloved JoePa. Paterno is the dean of college football- the winning-est coach in the history of the game and an institution in and of himself. He occupies a god-like status. Others were fired too, but at Penn State they are minor people compared to Joe Paterno- even if you're a university President. Make no mistake, Penn State football is the master of College Station, Pennsylvania, and Joe Paterno its lord.
The fact of this happening should not surprise us. We have all just witnessed this happening in the Catholic Church Sex Abuse scandal. It is virtually identical, and for all the same reasons. In the Catholic Church we discovered that young children were being abused over a period of many, many years by some Priests. That was the crime. The scandal was that many Bishops and other high church officials knew it and did not take proper action to stop it. In almost every case the Bishops moved the offenders to other communities, hushed up and covered up the offenses and went on about the Church's business, as if to suggest that was the Church's policy. But just like the deplorable inaction at Penn State, this behavior only led to more victims.
Why does this happen? The actual offenders are defective people. They exist all around us, more than you may know. They often place themselves in positions of trust to victimize children because their deviant desires overwhelm their lives. Unfortunately, no one has discovered an effective way to stop them or treat them. These offenders must be locked up. But, the true villains are the institutions that find these deviants in their midst, and decide it is more important to protect the institution than to protect the victims.
I cannot think of any institution more protective of itself than the Catholic Church. The Church has existed longer than any current government on earth. Though it is not the oldest religion, it is the dominant religion of the western world, and for several centuries it was the strongest political power in the western world. All of that adds up to power and wealth, well beyond the tenant's of the religious faith it was built on. Therefore the Church has a tremendous stake in maintaining its position in the world. As we saw, the Church would abandon its own values to protect itself from threats to its power and prestige. So the very institution whose founder and deity said "suffer the little children on to me" served them up in sacrifice to protect itself. That's an undeniable example of the ultimate seduction of institutional power.
What do we see in football? Actually many of the same attributes. We worship sports and our sports heroes. We have built up institutions around these new god-like figures and programs. Witness that even in the middle of the bible-belt (Alabama), the late Bear Bryant is more popular than God himself. Our culture has elevated this game of football to ridiculous heights. If you don't believe that, look at the salaries we pay athletes compared to the salaries we pay the President of the United States (for example). This includes college football too. To my way of thinking college football is even worse because the big programs pretend to be something they are not. That is, institutions that promote the values of higher education, when clearly football is king. At Penn State the revenues from football are near $80 million a year.The football program has a $58 million PROFIT. So, is it any wonder that normally good men would easily toss aside their values to protect this institution? If, as Marx said, "religion is the opiate of the masses", then surely football is the crack cocaine of the masses in our culture. It hypes us up and causes us to crave nothing more than a game- nothing more than a form of entertainment. It induces us to spend our money on their "licenced products" and in some extreme cases becomes the passion in our lives-blurring our values along the way. I admit entertainment is a good thing. I too, enjoy the game, and played it in high school with some modest success. But, for too many, this institution of football has become a compulsion, far beyond the simple enjoyment of a game. Witness now that our new cathedrals are the massive stadiums, mainly built on the backs of tax payers.
I'm certain in coming weeks more grisly details about Sandusky and the staff at Penn State will come out, just as they did with the Church. Once the dam breaks, the flood comes. And we can't count on anyone to regulate these matters. The Catholic Church has no over-seers, except its own High Priests. In college football the NCAA has proven itself to be as corrupt as the institutions it regulates- because they all have the same stake in the outcome. Take note that NCAA football has a major scandal every year. Last year it was Ohio State players selling off their school, and the shameless bidding for Cam Newton between Miss. State and Auburn. It all disappeared with a wink and a nod, and a dad taking the rap so he can get the big payoff the next year. Auburn got a National Championship and Newton is in the NFL. And all's right in the football world.
There is another common thread to these institutions, now so crippled by the same scandal. They are both controlled entirely by men. The Catholic Church simply doesn't allow women any say in the workings of the church. Yes, there are religious orders of nuns and sisters in the Church- but they are entirely subservient to the Church establishment. Women can be members- women can devote themselves to the church- but women can never minister in the church or achieve positions of leadership or influence in the church. It is nearly identical in the football world. Men control all of it. They play the game- they coach the game- they own the game- and they control every aspect of football. Every icon and every "legend" is a man. This is a critical point in understanding these two scandals. It is well established in human behavioral science that cultures (and sub-cultures) where women have equal or near equal standing with men are less likely to victimize both women and children. So, in these exclusive male institutions we can almost predict that the need to preserve the power structure becomes the overwhelming priority. Women and children beware.
As we look back on the many victims of both scandals, we should take stock of our priorities. We should always be wary of institutions built on power, money, and control. If there is a lesson to be learned, it is that when the needs of institutions to insulate and protect themselves conflicts with the needs of innocent victims- the innocents will likely be sacrificed. It is so clear now that many of these high priests and football coaches are not to be trusted as our guides in moral leadership or character building-they too are seduced by the very thing they built. We have to ask just how important these institutions are in our culture, and if it isn't time to re-think what is really important. I believe that time has come.
Thanks for looking in.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
The Witch of November
The wind in the wires made a tattle-tale sound,
as the waves broke over the railing.
And, ev'ry man knew, as the Captain did too,
'Twas the witch of November come stealing.
Gordon Lightfoot
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Gordon Lightfoot wrote these lyrics to describe the events leading up to the sinking of the iron ore freighter Edmund Fitzgerald in November 1975 on Lake Superior. Lightfoot has always been a favorite of mine because he is such an expressive musician- and particularly because of the way he uses words to create unforgetable images. If you aren't familiar with his work, I hope you will spend some time learning about this legend in folk music. He is considered a national treasure in his beloved homeland, Canada. I hope you will pay great attention to the language he uses in describing feelings and events through his music.
In this verse, I was very drawn to his apt description of the month of November-as a Witch. This depiction is so very perfect. November is a Witch. November is the season when we first feel the damp, cold of winter swirl around us. Lighter fare gives way to our winter armour of heavy coats, our collars turned up to protect us from lashing winds. November is the time when the colors of autumn turn into gray landscapes, blending with gray skies. The trees become barren, and their branches form the pointed, bony fingers of the Witch herself. The Witch of November steals our light, little by little, until the daytime is only a brief interruption of long,cold, dark nights. Lightfoot has named this month so well. At this time of year you can almost hear the Witch cackling in the twilight of a November sky at dusk.
If this sounds a bit dark and foreboding, then that is what I intend. This November I am struck with how the darkness of this month is enveloping people I know. Last month I wrote about two people in my life who are facing very difficult medical challenges. (Two Illnesses) It is during this month when they will both deal with the most critical aspects of those conditions. Both they, and their families, will come face-to-face with agonizing and uncertain times. So, during these long cold nights of November, they will face many nights sleepless with worry. They are being visited by the Witch of November. Aside from my own small sense of helplessness, can only offer my best thoughts and whatever support I can give.
It is also during this month that I had occasion to give advise to two different families I know concerning child welfare matters. I was approached by these friends because of my professional experience with "the system". The situations were very different. In one instance, the family is dealing with a teenager who is in open, destructive rebellion against her own family. In the other matter a young single mom is trying to protect her young child from sexual abuse, while the child is with the other parent. They came to me in hopes I could give them a prediction of how our great system of child welfare would help them achieve some justice for themselves and their children. My predictions were a failure. In both situations the system reacted badly and left both families feeling the pain and frustration of injustice. I feel badly for them both, and I'm left doubting my own profession and the institutions I have always believed in. The Witch of November is stealing a bit of our spirit too.
I believe the only way to endure this awful time of losing our light, bracing against the advancing cold of winter, and the gloom that falls over us, is to remember that near the end of next month, the season will begin to change again. Nature always has a way to right herself, and us with her. Winter solstice will come and the days will begin to lengthen. The light begins to return and the Witch of November retreats to wait until next year. From the time before history was written, our ancient ancestors knew the light would return and that our lives would experience renewal. They counted on it, as I do now. My best hope for those who are feeling pain right now, is to have faith that renewal always comes, just like the changing of the seasons. Even though I'm saddened now by your challenges and pain, I remain grateful to know each of you, and have you be a part of my life. That is my renewal. Perhaps it would proper to end with another set of more hopeful lyrics-
Rainy day people always seem to know when its time to call
Rainy day people don't talk, they just listen till they've heard it all
Rainy day lovers don't lie when they tell you they've been down like you
Rainy day people don't mind if you you're cryin' a tear or two
If you get lonely all you really need is that rainy day love
Rainy day people all know there's no sorrow they can't rise above
Gordon Lightfoot
Rainy Day People
Thanks for looking in.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
275% Redux
For the last couple of days I've been working on this week's essay, here and there, when I had a few minutes to devote to it. The original title was "275%". I wrote my usual length offering but, after re-reading it, I just couldn't subject you or me to many of the same things I've been writing about since last March. So I decided to make this a short one. A redux, if you will. My original piece had some detailed arguments on how the economic and political fortunes of this country started changing under the Reagan administration and have continued up to this day. I attempted to eloquently explain how changes in government tax policy, labor policy, and corporate business policies have led us directly to this state in our country. I explained how "the rich" influence lawmakers to rig the system in their favor at the expense of the middle class. It's not a complicated thing to understand if you just examine the facts. But you've heard all that from me before. So this time it's just the facts- and I'm sure you'll get the point!
According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, in a report released last week, after tax income/wealth distribution increased as follows over the last thirty years.
- Top 1% increased income/wealth by 275%
- Top 20% (averaging in the top 1%) increased income/wealth 65%
- Bottom 80% saw virtually no change in income/wealth
- income/wealth disparity is at the highest level in our history
So there you have it- no fancy analysis needed. This is a perfect picture of economic and social injustice. This is a perfect prescription for the economic disaster we're living with now. This is the perfect explanation of why we need to get the money out of politics. This is the perfect reason to stand with the 99% Movement/Occupy Wall Street movement. It's really all you need to know.
Thanks for looking in.
-
According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, in a report released last week, after tax income/wealth distribution increased as follows over the last thirty years.
- Top 1% increased income/wealth by 275%
- Top 20% (averaging in the top 1%) increased income/wealth 65%
- Bottom 80% saw virtually no change in income/wealth
- income/wealth disparity is at the highest level in our history
So there you have it- no fancy analysis needed. This is a perfect picture of economic and social injustice. This is a perfect prescription for the economic disaster we're living with now. This is the perfect explanation of why we need to get the money out of politics. This is the perfect reason to stand with the 99% Movement/Occupy Wall Street movement. It's really all you need to know.
Thanks for looking in.
-
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