Owner: the mindful mission URL:http://www.mindfulmission.com Join Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2006 14:34:02 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: One white, middle-class male's attempt to reconcile the deep inequalities of the world. the mindful mission looks at the intersection between faith, politics, culture, and justice. Site statistics:Click here
Differences 2006-11-17 21:06:57 Take a look at Protestants for the Common Good. They are an organization that self identifies like this:Protestants for the Common Good educates and mobilizes people of faith to participate in political democracy for the sake of social justice and the beloved community.But most of all, check out their statement on the Religious Right. It is a strong yet charitable statement on the differences between themselves and the Religious Right, and in turn, why it matters.
Random Question 2006-11-17 21:00:51 Would you rather have life-time appointments for judges (for all levels) or should the be elected officials who need to seek reelection after a certain time? Read more:Random
, Question
Questions on Community 2006-11-18 17:15:05 Nathan Colquhoun, a member of The Daily Scribe, has some thoughts/questions on community:The idea and the word community has become sort of a buzz word in my life in the past year or two lately. Everything is about building community and I want to have meaningful community; not just a place to show up on Sunday. In fact the best way to evangelism is in community and the church’s mission should exist within a community. It’s been used so much I reacted against it, like I always do to that which is overused in my life. Now there are a few ideas of community that I’m struggling with.Go read his thoughts and questions. They are very valid and very important.
Flickr Fun 2006-11-18 17:11:59 These are some pretty cool photos on Flickr
.
Take a look at the realities of the lives of the homeless. Some may make you smile, some may make you hurt.
Quick Hits 2006-11-18 20:48:02 I have a lot to say, and not a lot of time. So here are some links on stories that I wish I had time to write about...
A UCLA student was tasered in the school library, not for causing a disturbance or even resisting arrest. It was because he refused to show his ID. Glad they have their priorities straight.
Ezra has some interesting musings on abortion.
Guess what...Jim Webb is not conservative. And even better? He has some great ideas.
Glen Beck wants all Muslims could be thrown into concentration camps. Well...maybe not quite, but something like that
New Senate Minority Leader Threatens Filibusters if Controversial Judicial Nominees Not Confirmed. Remember when Republicans pretended that a filibuster was evil and the worst possible thing to do?
Read more:Quick
Sunday Worship - The Wood Song 2006-11-19 15:43:44 The Wood Song, from the Indigo Girls:The thin horizon of a plan is almost clear
My friends and I have had a tough time
Bruising our brains hard up against change
All the old dogs and the magician
Now I see were in the boat in two by twos
Only the heart that we have for a tool we could use
And the very close quarters are hard to get used to
Love weighs the hull down with its weight
But the wood is tired and the wood is old
And well make it fine if the weather holds
But if the weather holds well have missed the point
Thats where I need to go
No way construction of this tricky plan
Was built by other than a greater hand
With a love that passes all out understanding
Watching closely over the journey
Yeah but what it takes to cross the great divide
Seems more than all the courage I can muster up inside
Although we get to have some answers when we reach the other side
The prize is always worth the rocky ride
But the wood is tired and the wood is old
And well make it fine if the weather hold Read more:Sunday
Wow... 2006-11-20 17:43:30 Wow...I just watched the video of the UCLA student being tasered. It is incredibly disturbing.
You can watch it here, but beware that it is disturbing.
Ezra sums up some of my thoughts:And if this is what it looks like committed against affluent kids on a college campus packed with eyewitnesses, imagine what happens to those lacking such institutional, economic, and situational protections.Amazingly...as TPM points out, the offices have not been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. And while I do not necessarily buy the argument that this was a racial issue, I do think that something needs to be done to address the situation and its relation to both race and civil rights. This kind of an abuse of power is unacceptable.
Wow...again 2006-11-20 20:41:49 This is incredible. UCLA campus policy authorizes taser use for passive resistance.
In UCLA's book, non-violent resistance is grounds for being tasered.
Did you catch that? Passive, non-violent resistance. Rosa Parks would have been tasered if she refused to move to the back of the bus at UCLA.
That is unacceptable.
Immigration, Nationalism, and Freedom 2006-11-21 20:52:40 Farmers Branch is another community that believes that foreign immigrants are the downfall of America:Despite loud protests from scores of pro-immigrant demonstrators, the City Council adopted ordinances Monday night to crack down on illegal immigration and to make English the city’s official language.
Opponents of illegal immigration cheered when the council voted unanimously to pass ordinances that will.That is kind of them, isn't it?
Larry James has some great thoughts on the issue:It makes me wonder if they are reading the Bibles they likely will carry with them into their houses of worship this Sunday. After all, the message of this book is really fairly clear on the subject of how to treat immigrants.The sad thing is that more and more cities are going to be taking these steps, regardless of the consequences behind it. And it is driven by an ignorant, and probably racist, understanding of immigration and the impact that non-resident aliens have on a community and the na Read more:Nationalism
, Freedom
Christians Only 2006-11-21 20:39:01 Kirkogitation takes a look at a ridiculous health care plan that a groups of Christians
are putting together [hat tip Boy in the Bands].
The plan is essentially a medi-share account where the group pools their resources in order to cover necessary medical bills. Sounds great, right?
But here is the problem:You have to be a Christian to qualify.What? Did you all catch that? And make sure you read that Bible verse where it says Christians should only help Christians.
But it gets worse...take a look at what they don't cover:* Routine mammograms
* Routine pap smears
* Routine screening tests and procedures without medical reasons (e.g., colonoscopy without specific symptoms)
* Sterilization or reversals (vasectomy and tubal ligation)
* Surgery (elective) during the first three months of membership
* Veteran Administration care and treatment
* Weight control and management
* Well patient care, for example, annual physicals, routine lab studies, mammography, pap smears and well-ba
Love the Little Guy 2006-11-21 22:29:42 You have to love a 5' 9" guy going up and blocking a 7' 5" guy. That is impressive:
Houston Janitors 2006-11-21 21:34:05 I have been meaning to write about this, but haven't had the chance. But now that the Houston
janitors have won, I better catch up! Labor successes in recent years have become rare, which is what makes this so much more encouraging. And the fact that they effectively used non-violent civil disobedience is wonderful.
Congratulations to the Houston janitors!
Houston Striking Janitors Win Contract With Civil Disobedience:Striking janitors in Houston, the fourth-largest U.S. city, negotiated a preliminary settlement with employers to end a four-week strike that saw the use of Civil Rights-era tactics and led to the arrests of more than 75 protestors.
The Washington-based Service Employees International Union, or SEIU, said it won concessions today after talks resumed on Nov. 18. The group, which argued for a 60 percent wage increase, health benefits and more hours, will disclose details after a vote by members this evening, spokeswoman Lynda Tran said. Members typically worked 20
Anger 2006-11-22 15:11:16 This makes me incredibly angry [hat tip Roxanne].
American troops, sitting in a truck, taunting little children with a bottle of clean water. It must be nice to have access to all the water bottles you could need, while all of those around you have little of the same.
I know, or at least I hope, that is not representative of the troops that are in Iraq. But in a war that has already been shown to be unnecessary, and in a place where the troops are already not wanted, this type of thing just angers me.
It make me wonder the mindset that is created among those troops in a time/place of war. A war experience has to mess with the way you think and in turn the way you act. And it is exacerbated by the fact that you have an enemy. And you want to kill the enemy. There has to be a hatred towards those who are the enemy. Is that what drives this type of thing? Or is it just a bunch of young, immature soldiers who don't have anything better to do? War obviously has a dehumanizi
Court Says No 2006-11-22 15:34:59 I wrote about the Las Vegas ban on feeding the homeless a couple of months ago. I was horrified about the ban then, and still am.
But the good news is that a judge has thrown the ban out:A federal judge ruled Monday that the city cannot make it illegal to feed poor people in city parks.
U.S. District Court
Judge Robert Jones issued an injunction prohibiting enforcement of a City Council ordinance passed in July that prohibits "providing food or meals to the indigent for free or for a nominal fee" in a city park and defines indigent as a person whom a reasonable ordinary person would believe to be entitled to public assistance.The sad things is that the city wants to continue to press forward with the bill, making slight changes in a hope to clear the judicial hurdles. But at least the ban has been stopped for now.
Happy Thanksgiving 2006-11-23 15:36:41 Happy Thanksgiving
!!!
I know...I posted that picture last year, but I couldn't resist posting it again.
Hmmm...it has been an interesting year to look at what I am thankful for.
I am thankful for my amazing, beautiful, talented wife who challenges me daily.
I am thankful that while I hate my job, I at least have one.
I am thankful that it hasn't been too cold yet in Chicago.
I am thankful that I have access to clean water while others do not.
I am thankful that I do not have to worry daily about a bomb going off near my home.
I am thankful that I can go out to eat and not really worry about the cost.
I am thankful that I can choose to wear ratty clothes instead of being forced to do so.
I am thankful that in my job search, I have access to a computer and the internet, while others may not either of them.
I am thankful for this blog and the relationships that I have made through it (this is dangerous...I may forget someone!) - Roland, Danny, Brendan, He Read more:Happy
Heading Out... 2006-11-24 19:51:15 I am heading out later today, as my wife and I are heading to California for a few days.
I am not sure how often I will be updating things around here while I am away, so just be patient for a little while!
I will be back into the swing of things by Wednesday. Read more:Heading
Musings 2006-11-26 19:23:52 California has been good. It is great to see "old" friends. I don't necessarily miss the place, but I do miss the people. But it is also nice to see mountains and palm trees.
Anathallo is a great band.
Surfjan Stevens is a great artist.
Notre Dame? Not so good yesterday. That sucks.
I'll be back to normal blogging soon... Read more:Musings
feeling good... 2006-11-27 22:49:25 Today was a good day.
I finished up all of the paper work and jumped through all of the hoops that I needed to jump through in order to get my thesis officially approved. That feels really good.
So I then rewarded myself with a new computer - a Mac Book Pro. The Fullerton bookstore was offering a closeout deal at a great price that I could not turn down. So my Christmas/birthday/business investment/every other present for the next couple of years came a little early.
And that feels good too.
I know...I am a consumer whore. But sometimes it is worth it, even through the guilt! :) Read more:feeling good
Collecting 2006-11-29 18:23:54 I am back in Chicago, but I have a lot of catching up to do. I am also getting used to my new computer (which I love!).
So while I am waiting, here is a fun little meme that Kevin brought to my attention:
The question is what you would collect if money was no option.
Here is what I would collect:
CDs - this is a no-brainer. I already do collect them, I am just limited in my ability due to that thing called money. I love music, and don't think that I will ever have enough.
Books - another no-brainer. Again, I already collect books. Books are information. Information is education. Education is enlightenment. I could spend hours in a bookstore just browsing. I could spend weeks just reading.
Concert tickets - this is obviously related to number one, but slightly different. I love music, but I love live music even more. There is nothing like seeing a phenomenal band put on a phenomenal show. If money (and limited not an issue) was no option, I could be a several concerts a Read more:Collecting
Obama/Wallis 2006-11-29 20:56:02 I have a feeling that Barack Obama
and Jim Wallis are going to be loosely connected to each other over the next several years. So with that said, I will present you some recent media on the two:
The Gospel According to Jim Wallis
Obama lifted by the hand of God
Turn the Clock Forward 2006-11-30 01:20:36 Everyone must go and bookmark/add to your RSS reader Jen R's new blog: Turn the ClockForward
.
Jen R has been a commenter around here for a while, and always has something worthwhile to say. While we disagree on issues related to God, Jen adheres to a consistent life ethic and brings a great amount of knowledge to the topic. She also writes quite well.
So take a visit - it will be worth it.
Dorothy Day 2006-11-30 21:14:30
The greatest challenge of the day is: how to bring about a revolution of the heart, a revolution which has to start with each one of us?Today is the 26th anniversary of the death of Dorothy Day.
Up until a few years ago, I had no clue who she was. I believe I had heard the name, but could not have told you a thing about her.
But in recent years I have had the opportunity to read her books and other materials written about her.
Dorothy Day was an amazing woman who, as the founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, created a a unique opportunity for people to embrace the teachings of Jesus by living simply and welcoming the stranger. Of course, this was in an era where women had little freedom to do much at all. But Dorothy Day did her own thing. Even at an old age she was willing to be arrested for civil disobedience. She was an ardent radical - she fought for peace based on her intense pacifism, she critiqued society based her socialist roots, and she did everything that she co
World AIDS Day 2006-12-01 17:21:44
Today is WorldAIDS
Day, a day that is to bring attention to the AIDS crisis around the world.
I will start by directing you over to Waving or Drowning? Mike Todd is one of the best bloggers out there writing about AIDS and specifically Africa. He is passionate and knowledgeable, and is a must read if you are interested in these topics. I am continually amazed at his resolve and motivation to continue to push the issue.
There is no question that AIDS is a major problem in this world. Yet it is something that can be dealt with and addressed if people are willing. While I do not think that money solves everything, it can have a major impact on solving the AIDS crisis. A relatively minimal investment could lead to significant change.
Of course, there are many ways to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS. Money for vaccinations, education about the disease, access to condoms, etc. Some people are unwilling to do some of these things. Some people let their feelings of moral sup Read more:World AIDS
, World AIDS Day
Dreaming of a White December 1st 2006-12-01 17:06:40 Its snowing. A lot.
I don't have any pictures right now. But we will end up having 6-8 inches of snow.
Doesn't that sound fun?
The pathetic thing is that I still trekked out of the house through the snow in order to use the internet. Oh well... Read more:White
, December
, Dreaming
Friday Random Ten 2006-12-01 17:59:06 Here is a pretty random Random
Ten:We are all Lepers Here, from Sya A Ku, by Read more:Friday
Great News 2006-12-01 17:40:25 Great news from Pakistan:President Pervez Musharraf has signed the Women Protection Bill (WPB) on Friday, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Sher Afgan here said.This bill will give significantly more rights to women in that country.
You can read more about the bill here. Read more:Great
Impose Nothing on Anyone 2006-12-01 17:31:22 Pope Benedict XVIYou know well that the church wishes to impose nothing on anyone, and that she merely asks to live in freedomHmmm...so you think that the Catholic church will now left their ban on condoms? Read more:Nothing
, Anyone
LSAT 2006-12-02 14:43:43 I am taking the LSAT today.
That should be fun...
Sunday Worship - My Enemies Are Men Like Me 2006-12-03 14:34:16 Speaking of Derek Webb, how about some Sunday
Worship?
My Enemies
Are Men Like Me, by Derek Webb:i have come to give you life
and to show you how to live it
i have come to make things right
to heal their ears and show you how to forgive them
(pre-chorus)
because i would rather die
i would rather die
i would rather die
than to take your life
(chorus)
how can i kill the ones i’m supposed to love
my enemies are men like me
i will protest the sword if it’s not wielded well
my enemies are men like me
(vs. 2)
peace by way of war is like purity by way of fornication
it’s like telling someone murder is wrong
and then showing them by way of execution
(pre-chorus)
(chorus)
(bridge)
when justice is bought and sold just like weapons of war
the ones who always pay are the poorest of the poor
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