Which Dogs Are You Feeding?

Yesterday was very difficult, 1) because of memories of the circumstances of two six-year-olds being snatched from their homes five years ago (and thank God they were), and that those who abused them rather than cared for them even now stoop so low as to claim them for tax purposes; and 2) then the willful, intentional maiming and killing of people who were just going about the business of their day.  

Every moment is so precious, and we waste so many, going at-after each other for what sets us apart rather than for what brings us together.  (At this point, I am tempted to name names, but my other judgment vetoed the idea.)   You, yes you – you know who you are.  We all attach labels in ways that are inciting and divisive.   Many claim to be followers of The One who came to love, heal and forgive.  Many even attach Him to their transparent attempts to divide:  Christians For _____, Christians Against _______.  Just fill in the blank; you will find labels for both sides of any issue.  That in itself negates the authenticity of the use of His label.  And let’s not forget the Conservatives.  I always wonder what it is they’re trying to conserve.  Is it a way of life where they are always on top at the expense, and by the sweat and efforts of all others who do not look, act, believe or live as they do?  And what about those liberals – you know – the ones that think we need to redefine sin for the twenty-first century, who think discipline of children is an archaic method of torture rather than an act of love, who believe no one and no thing should have any bounds of decorum – in short, who think anything/everything goes.

Why does it take a tragedy of unusual scope for us to just come together, to work together, for the good of the many.  Why must we spend so much time feeding the dogs of jealousy, hatred, lust, exclusivity, carelessness and complacency?  What will it take for the many to see that together everyone achieves more.  What will it take for us to be a team – more often than not?  When will we decide to feed the dogs of compassion, caring, community, and peace?  How much more time must we waste fanning the flames of fires that consume – and destroy – our relationships and our peace?

Which dogs are you feeding?

Progressive Think????

Today I received an e-mail, via Twitter, from someone inviting me to be a "guest blogger" at "progressivethink"  Since this is not the run-of-the-mill junk/spam, I went to the blogsite to explore.

Like most folks who use labels to define themselves and other folks, it appears from a cursory inspection that Progressive Think is yet another six-sided confinement, a/k/a a box, in which one must fit in order to comport with that blogsite's standards.  Taken aback, I trotted over to m-w.com to reassure myself of the meaning of the word "progressive."   "Of, relating to, or characterized by progress" is one thing.  And "thinking like our founding fathers" is not necessarily a bad thing.  But considering that holding slaves was not beneath many of our founding fathers, this particular descendant of slaves cannot help but wonder, which part of "thinking like our founding fathers" do the good folks at progressivethink have in mind?  And while I do not agree with President Obama's positions on all matters (as I have never agreed with any President, regardless of political label, on all matters), it appears that if I am an Obama supporter, my writing would not be appropriate for progressivethink.  In other words, I am free to express myself on that site as long as my thoughts align with theirs.   And they dare to invoke belief in the Constitution.  Perhaps an exception is made as to the First Amendment.  And what about those other good old Amendments?  If the first is excepted, are the 13th et seq. excepted as well?  In other words, is this writer of the Darker Nation considered slave or free?  Fractionally or wholly human?

I am reminded of a recent sermon or Bible study (I forget which, and I guess it really doesn't matter), Pastor Steve Wells reminded us that centuries ago the word "awful" had a meaning distinctly different from how that word is used today.  With that thought in mind, I am trying to conjure up what the good folks at progressivethink intend for the words "progressive," "conservative," and "libertarian" to mean as used in the context of that blogsite.  Perhaps they are akin to what some folks call the "good old days."  Now those days are different, depending on whom you query.

Like it or not, this is one nation under God, for God is over everything.  Unfortunately, the "indivisible, with liberty and justice for all" part is under serious attack.  Think about the struggles and strife which dominate today's media.  Rather than pulling together, there are tugs of war.  Rather than pulling together, one group is saying "no" to everything that is productive and doable, and another is saying "yes" to everything that is ridiculous and damaging.   No one seems to be thinking about the good of the whole.  We are plagued by the party of everything goes and the party of no.  This writer longs for the party of reason and common sense.

And before my super-liberal acquaintances start their victory lap over this little blog, please take a look in the nearest mirror.  The bottom line is this: regardless of the label to which the reader subscribes, there is something radically wrong with whomever thinks that everyone who does not think and believe exactly one's way all wrong, and one is all right.

Get a grip, folks, we're all messed up in so many ways.  Why not stop the finger-pointing and start looking in the mirror?  I dare you to take a look.  See that?  That little zit on the tip of your nose?  You might be able to do something about that before you mention mine.  Now that would be progress indeed.