Says, "I've always wanted to be in the witness protection program. Fresh start-no debts, no baggage. I've already got my name picked out. Lord Rupert Everton. I'm a shipping merchant who raises fancy dogs. Thats the life."
I love that show.
I have not had a computer since last Thursday and I missed it :( and I am sick today with sore throat and fever.... :(
I've been stuck on the history channel all week watching all this stuff about past president's and I was very interested in the magnitude and gravitas of it all. But part of me also thinks that we raise men up too much. I wonder what George Washington or Woodrow Wilson were like as children. Maybe they were big bullies...maybe they were amazing, I don't know. I do know that they did great things with their lives and served our country. And I learned a lot about the League of Nations that that I didn't know. Which leads me to believe I slept through Sr. Margaretta's history classes more than I thought I had. Anyway i was learning all these things about president's from historians and they were talking about these MEN like they were gods that they had a personal relationship with. Which in itself was interesting, but I only have that kind of complete fascination when it comes to God himself, and the saints a little too, I confess. But when they would talk about these presidents, I sometimes wanted to shout, "He's just a guy!". I guess I just don't like to think anyone is too wonderful, because then you look up to them...and then you find out that the best of them, who weren't even corrupt...they had syphilis, cheated at poker, and spat a lot. FDR was a great president, and a shady husband. He was inspirational and beloved by many and he was also a power monger elected to FOUR terms...who maybe knew about Pearl Harbor and let it happen...
I don't know, I'm no great political scientist, I just think about things. And I think that what is happening in our country now is said by so many to not be "what the founders would have wanted" Really? Were you having dinner with Adams, Washington and Jefferson and they told you so? Because they were great minds, but who are we to know if they were great people or not? They wanted us to be self reliant with the power to change government, that is the way they set it up. And I feel that the problems that exist within the government are due to the fact that over the last 50 years specifically, as a people lazy of mind and action, we have systematically voted ourselves out of power. The corporations and dirty politicians have taken over, but we are complicit to a point. People believe what they want to believe or become too disheartened to care anymore. Social inertia...Obama may make a difference, who knows, but nothing about that man has stirred any great emotion in me (other than anger about FOCA). He knew how to play up his gifts, say not too much, fly below the radar for long enough, and strike at an ignorant and angry populace. Well plotted...executed extremely well...better than McCain's plan...But is that what we want and need, the cleverest to get elected is the one who leads? I guess its what we have become...
I watched all the pomp on Tuesday and I wasn't too impressed. A million people gathered. (It was falsely reported that this was the largest gathering of people ever...it was later corrected to say, in America. I myself have been part of a crowd of 2.5 million in Toronto for WYD, and WYD always hosts the largest recorded crowds in the history of mankind, there were over 3 million for closing mass in Cologne, Germany and 5 million plus attend the closing mass in Sydney last summer.{* amended-In January 2007, more than 70 million Hindu pilgrims from around the world gathered at Hindu holy city of Prayaga (also known as Allahabad) in India for the Ardh Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious festival and also the world's largest gathering up until that point the Catholic World Youth Day celebrations held every 2-3 years since the 1970s, had recorded the largest gatherings of people* }) I'd never watched an inaugural live before, I probably won't again...he's just a man...with a lot of power because he is very popular. When I saw Pope JPII in Toronto, he also was just a man, but he represented Jesus Christ and celebrated mass for the people...I guess I'm comparing these events because that is the way people are striking me in their devotion and love for Obama. It reminds me of how I feel about the Pope and my faith, and the energy of both crowds are similar. But the reasons for it are very different. If people are putting all of that energy and faith into a mere man, if that is true I find it a little scary. No man should be your god. That whole Messiah thing, well, I hope that theory is wrong. Because if people are expecting that its delusional and bad for everyone. I just pray he doesn't do any damage. That is usually what I pray for for all politicians. I prayed for George Bush everyday, that he end the war and that he not do damage. And for Obama I will pray everyday, for conversion of heart to respect the unborn and to not do damage. Political rant done.
I think because I'm learning so much about St. Paul lately that I've become very idealistic and absolute about things in my mind. His letters are very implicit, loving, reprimanding and powerful. And the more I read and learn and understand him and his letters, the more I realize that the areas of gray in regards to fundamental moral teachings and guidelines, to a Christian, are not up for debate. Living in the socio-economic and moral climate in which we do, its' refreshing to be able to see things through Paul's eyes. Everyday I want to be who God wants me to be, and to do as much good as possible.
That being said, I have a staff retreat tomorrow from 9:30-12:00 preceded by mass at 9:00am and followed by a birthday luncheon for our sexton Girma and our bookkeeper Marcia...and I know I'm not as kind of heart as I should be....and have VERY far to go...because all i can think is...Friday is supposed to be my day off...
I do things things I do not want to do and do not do the things I should...
ah well, I will just go and choose to be happy and 'do it'...because I must do or do not, there is no try...
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