Saturday, May 31, 2008

What would Jesus do?

I see that Barack Obama has quit his church. Apparenrtly, because the preachers are a bit too controversial. That's probably a wise move. But my guess is that Obama will remain a Christian. I'd encourage him to become a free-thinker. That's what I did. I used to be a Christian. I was even a member of the board of deacons. In a church of the same denomination as Obama. Maybe I was even more controversial than the minister. Though I have to admit that he was way out, too. Turns out that Christianity isn't liberal enough for me. And besides, I don't want to be told what to think about religion. I'm what some might call a freelance monotheist. That means I believe in god. But I define god -- the way I want to define god. And I'm pretty tolerant when it comes to religion. I like that fellow Jesus. I'd like to sit down with him some day. Maybe over a beer. And almost every day now, I kind of talk to him. And I ask him, what would he do? And he tells me that he's really a free-thinker. And that many Christians have a rather distorted conception of his message. --Jim Broede

...a happy religion.

I've attended many church services. In all kinds of churches. And I returned to the ones that had clergymen who delivered interesting sermons. Stimulating sermons. Most of these pastors were more like poets than traditional ministers and priests. They talked in laymen's terms. And often, they used humor. They made their congregations laugh. And they talked about love. Also, most of these churches had good music. Often, they brought in talented musicians. The other day I watched a video clip of a Catholic priest on the pulpit of an interracial Protestant church in Chicago. And I saw the congregation hooting and hollering with laughter. Almost rolling in the aisles. And I thought to myself, "Now there's a church I'd like to attend. These folks believe in a happy religion." --Jim Broede

Friday, May 30, 2008

...the goodness of most Americans.

I have a new hero. He's the Rev. Michael Pfleger, a Catholic priest. In Chicago. I'd attend his church any day. He's my kind of guy. A straight shooter. With a biting sense of humor. And he's a liberal. And a staunch friend of black people. And a supporter of Barack Obama. Pfleger, who is white, joked about Hillary Clinton being upset over Obama's strong showing, saying in a mock version of her voice: "I'm white. I'm entitled. There's a black man stealing my show."

Yep. That's right. Obama is stealing from Clinton what she has long coveted. The Democratic nomination for president. By winning it fair and square. But Clinton maintains she'd be the stronger candidate. Because she can corral more white votes. Especially from white blue collar workers. Many of whom say they won't vote for a black man. Just because he's black. Hillary Clinton likes to think that a white woman has an advantage over a black man when it comes to a presidential race. Maybe it's Clinton's way of saying we still have a racist society in America.

But I'm still betting on Obama and the goodness of most Americans. --Jim Broede

Thursday, May 29, 2008

I've learned to appreciate...

It's a dark and dreary day here in Minnesota. But still, it's a nice day. An opportunity to sit down and write. To reflect. To think about life. And how nice it is. Oh, I just happen to be in love. With someone. With life. And so every day is wonderful. Yes, even on a cloudy day, I get my share of sunshine. From within. That's a benefit of being in love. Makes one happy. An optimist. I find so many things to enjoy. To savor. I get completely absorbed in today. In the moment. Makes me feel more alive than ever. I've even learned to appreciate a dark and dreary day. --Jim Broede

They do it nicely.

I'm really liking what I'm seeing on the Alzheimer's message boards. Civility. Care-givers are acting nice to each other. Even when they disagree. Wasn't always that way. There used to be a lot of bickering. Derogatory remarks. But new ground rules have been adopted. We're supposed to be nice to each other. And that's very refreshing. I can post now without being berated. For having a point of view that might be different from the majority. There's a greater level of tolerance. And when folks disagree, they do it nicely. Or not at all. --Jim Broede

Wouldn't that be wonderful?

I'll tell you what I like about Barack Obama's campaign for the Democratic nomination for president. He's attracting young people. Lots of 'em. The under 35 crowd. And first-time voters. I'm an older voter. Been around for 72 years. I've seen lots of elections. And I'm gonna vote for Obama, too. As a way of getting out of our national nightmare. The George Bush Era. McCain is really McBush. Just a wee bit little different version of our horrid nightmare. I want to be able to dream again. Of a nice America. Where we work for the common good. For an end to preemptive war. For universal health care. For education benefits for our young people and our veterans. For more spending on our nation's infrastructure. And for far less spending on national defense. And the narrowing of the gap between the rich and poor. Yes, when it comes to our national politics, I see a ray of hope. Maybe for the first time since the John F. Kennedy Admnistration. Maybe I'll live long enough to see the turn-around. Wouldn't that be wonderful? --Jim Broede

Monday, May 26, 2008

...a shameful blemish on America.

I think we Americans have lost interest in the war in Iraq. That is, if we ever had a keen interest. Because it's a war being waged by volunteers. Rather than draftees. That's too bad. That we no longer have conscription. Because if we did, the protest to the war would have ended it by now. George Bush and his political cronies wouldn't get away with waging such a preemptive and obscene and senseless war. We're letting the hired hands fight the war. The volunteers. Plus the contractors hired by the U.S. government. Like the Hessians in the old days. Soldiers for hire. The saddest part of all is that not enough Americans are raising a moral outrage to the war. Oh, a few are. But only in relatively token ways. We really need a protest that takes to the streets. In the cities. In the towns. Even in the countryside. Of course, when George Bush leaves the White House, there'll likely be a return to sanity. And the war will be gradually phased down. But it's taken far too long. That war will go down as a shameful blemish on America. --Jim Broede

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Hagel for vice president.

If I'm Barack Obama, I'd give serious consideration to picking a Republican as my running mate. And I think Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska would be the right choice. Because Hagel has dared to challenge George Bush on the Iraq war. He says the war was a folly. A serious mistake. And that we should be withdrawing troops post haste. Anyway, I think it would show that Obama wants to unite Americans. And not to continually carry on partisan politics. Republicans and Democrats should be working together as a team to correct the many errors and costly blunders of the Bush administration. When Bush took office, he declared that he would be a uniter. He lied about that. He became the divider. He missed an opportunity to pull us Americans together. With his deeply partisan style of politics. Obama, I think, genuinely wants to bring us together. He's willing to work with all sides to devise policies that fix problems. In our economy. In the health care system. And in that grand debacle, the costly and obscene and immoral war in Iraq. --Jim Broede

...corrupted by politics.

I am, indeed, perplexed by the actions of Hillary Clinton. Her inability to admit defeat. And to accept it, gracefully. She continues to make a fool of herself. By fighting on and on. As if she's the salvation of the Democratic party. That only she can defeat Republican John McCain for the presidency. Therefore, she'll continue to tear down fellow Democrat Barack Obama. Well, I don't see Clinton as a dogged fighter, a woman who refuses to give up. She's a sore loser. She allows her giant ego to dictate her decision. She covets the White House. She wants to return as president. Having spent 8 years as the First lady wasn't good enough to salve her ego. And to get there, she's willing to malign Obama, who basically agrees with her on virtually all key domestic and foreign policy issues. It almost seems as if Clinton wants some stroke of bad luck to befall Obama. Such as a scandal or an illness that would ruin his bid for the nomination. Or even, assassination. My gawd, Clinton has hit a new low. It causes me to lose respect for Clinton. Now I don't even know if I'd want her as vice president. If I were Obama, I'd feel uncomfortable with Clinton. After what she has done. Oh, she'll ultimately fall in line and support Obama if he gets the nomination. But deep down, underneath, it will be a begrudging endorsement. Because she really wanted the presidency. She was even willing to sell her soul for the grand prize. And she'll always know that deep down. It's a shame that she has become corrupted by politics...by the quest for power. --Jim Broede

Saturday, May 24, 2008

...made her a loser.

The more I think about it, the more I think that Hillary Clinton has an insatiable desire for power. She'd sell her soul to become president. She's driven. She'd kill to be president. She'd even wish the demise of her rival to clear the path to the presidency. I didn't use to think of Clinton this way. I really admired her. And still do in some ways. But I think in her quest for the Democratic nomination, she's gone wrong. She's lost her humanity. She's too focused on winning at any cost. And that is what has made her a loser. --Jim Broede

Friday, May 23, 2008

Does she know no bounds?

Now Hillary Clinton tells us another reason why she should stay in the race for Democratic nominee for president. Because, hey, Barack Obama could be assassinated prior to the nominating convention. After all, she has reminded us, Robert Kennedy was assassinated in June 1968 when he was campaigning for the nomination. I gather her inference was that the same thing could happen to Obama. Sounded to me like wishful thinking. Then she could still become the nominee. Man oh man, and here I was pulling for Obama to choose Hillary Clinton for his vice presidential running mate. I'm not sure about that any more. Maybe Clinton would put a "hit" on Obama some day so she could achieve her ambition of becoming president. I wonder. Does her ambition know no bounds? --Jim Broede

Thursday, May 22, 2008

...I'd be highly disappointed.

I don't quite understand Hillary Clinton's reasoning. She says she'll be a stronger candidate for president than Barack Obama because she is more popular with blue collar whites. That's why, she said, that she was able to easily defeat Obama in states such as West Virginia and Kentucky and Pennsylvania. But what Clinton seems to ignore is that nationally, she's come up short. Obama has outpolled Clinton, and he's corralled a majority of the pledged delegates and he's followed the rules established by the Democrats. Fair and square. And Obama has more or less come out of nowhere after Clinton was the early-on favorite to be the Democrat's nominee. Fact of the matter is that she didn't run a campaign as effective as Obama's. Well, I can't completely blame Clinton for grasping at straws, and still wanting to be the chosen candidate. She's ambitious and she's a fighter and she's a hardened and tested politician. But I'm gonna assume that an overwhelming majority of Clinton's backers will, in the fall elections, support Obama. Rather than John McCain. Oh, a few of 'em, those that tend to be racists, will cast their lot with McCain. Which is sad. But that's reality. Meanwhile, I think it would be good for Clinton to reflect on the fact that she's been weak with well-educated voters and with young people (those below 35) and the affluent and most of the Democrat's big-wigs. Yes, Clinton has her strengths. But weaknesses as well. If Obama doesn't get the nomination, I'd vote for Clinton. She'd still be a much better choice than McCain. After all, Obama and Clinton aren't that far apart on the important issues. I just happen to like Obama more than Clinton. But really, I find both of them acceptable...despite any flaws. If we Americans chose either one of 'em for president, I'd be optimistic about the future. If George Bush or his proxy McCain made it to the White House for another 4 years, I'd be highly disappointed. --Jim Broede

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

...to be fair to all sides.

I don't like politics. I'd make a bad politician. Because one generally has to play dirty. And put on an act. Yes, one must play games. And be a good liar. I'd prefer to be a stateman. One who tries to bring opposing sides together. And deals with issues honestly. I also think a stateman admits that he could be wrong. He has self-doubts. But he truly tries to do the right thing and to be fair to all sides. --Jim Broede

Some are more equal than others.

The American concept of right and wrong keeps changing. And often in a very gradual way. Takes years and years. Generation after generation. For the change to occur. Like when our American nation was founded. It was based on a slave economy. Our founders declared that everyone was created equal. But that was bogus. We didn't practice equality. We didn't even come close. And even though we have come closer today than we were 200 years ago to practicing equality, we are still far from having it. We've decided to grant ethnic and racial minorities something close to equal rights. At least in theory. And we've granted women something closer to equal rights. Again, in theory, but not necessarily in practice. The power elites still tend to wield more equality for themselves than for others. The rich are more equal than the poor. Whites more equal than blacks. Men more equal than women. Yes, some are more equal than others. --Jim Broede

Monday, May 19, 2008

I'm really quite happy...

I'm happy. And I wish everyone were happy, too. Happiness is a state of mind. An attitude. A choice. Happiness is achieved in the moment. Not every moment is a happy moment. But to savor a happy moment -- well, maybe that's sufficient. It allows one to know that one can be happy. Too many of us want happiness around the clock. I've had many, many happy moments in my life. I expect to have more. And I'm really quite happy at the moment. --Jim Broede

Strange, isn't it?

I find that some people are happy being unhappy. Strange, isn't it? --Jim Broede

Sunday, May 18, 2008

...the decent thing to do.

Heard a news report today about 100,000 Iraqis in fear of their lives. Because they've worked for the American occupiers of their country. So some of their compatriots consider them traitors, of sorts. Many have asked the Americans for protection. But so many are told to tough it out. And put their lives at great risk. America so far has allowed about 5,000 Iraqis to immigrate to the U.S. But I marvel at the fact that Sweden -- a much smaller country that has not participated in this obscene and senseless war -- has accepted 40,000 Iraqis. That's wonderful and decent of the Swedes. Too bad that the U.S. doesn't match that effort. It would be the decent thing to do for a nation that started the war in the first place. --Jim Broede

...a change for the better.

I like the new tone on the Alzheimer's message boards. It's much more civil than it used to be. Maybe because the folks at the Alzheimer's Association who monitor the boards have more or less cleaned house. They don't allow derogatory remarks any more. Apparently, people who stir up trouble are suspended, or even banned. It's a requirement to be polite. To follow the rules of decorum. To be helpful and reasonably positive. More and more, I like what I'm seeing and reading there. I'm not reluctant or afraid to post any more. Because I've been well-received. Treated kindly. And with respect. Another indication that -- given time -- things often change for the better. --Jim Broede

Thursday, May 15, 2008

...the better idea.

George Bush is critical of those of us who would talk to our enemies. Well, the problem with Bush is that he often doesn't even bother to talk to our friends. Our allies. If I had my way, we Americans would talk to everyone. Our enemies. Even 'terrorists.' Friends and foes. Because that's how issues get resolved. Without going to war. Sure beats killing each other.

Bush said on his trip to Israel that there should be no appeasing with Israel's perceived enemies. Maybe he should try to grasp the concept that talking doesn't necessarily imply appeasing. Dialogue often leads to a better understanding of each other. Which I think generally is a good thing. And that's essentially what former president Jimmy Carter has been doing, and what Democratic presidential aspirant Barack Obama advocates. In an effort to bring about peace in the Middle East.

I prefer that to the Bush way of settling matters. Such as starting a preemptive war with Iraq. An obscene and senseless war that has lasted longer than World War II. With a horrendous loss of lives on both sides, massive destruction to the infrastrucure and economy in Iraq and a huge debt in the U.S. And it's creating a breeding ground for terrorists.

Seems to me that diplomacy and a unified approach with our allies -- and yes, talks with our enemies -- would have been the better idea. --Jim Broede

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Sad, isn't it?

One in 5 white West Virginia voters said that race was an important factor in their vote in the Democratic primary election. Little wonder that white Hillary Clinton won handily over black Barack Obama. Yes, we still have pockets of racism in this country. The color of one's skin makes a difference. Sad, isn't it? --Jim Broede

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

...the stronger candidate..

Imagine that. Hillary Clinton portraying herself as the great white hope candidate. Suggesting that Barack Obama can't corral enough white working class votes to win the presidency. But apparently Obama can win the Democratic nomination by winning most of the primary elections by getting more votes than Clinton. In head-to-head competition with Obama, she's the loser...even with the white votes. Shows me that Obama is the stronger candidate. --Jim Broede

Love is unforgettable.

I'm thinking today about how I've learned to live the day. Each day. Wasn't always that way.

Used to be that I was thinking too much about the future. It was a way of diverting my thought from today. But then I gradually focused more and more on today. To find a way to make the most of it. To find a happy pursuit. A happy thought. A pleasant thought. A soothing thought. Maybe I learned this in caring for Jeanne. Not only caring, but loving. Genuinely loving. In an unconditional manner. For almost 40 years. Right up to the day Jeanne died.

And now I'm in love again. Yes, I've learned to keep loving. With Jeanne's help. Yes, Jeanne taught me to love. For as long as I am alive. And to do it one day at a time. Fully. Totally. I don't take love matter-of-factly. I am truly focused. On loving. On falling in love. Deeper and deeper every day.

Maybe for much of my life I didn't know where I was going. Unaware of what was happening to me. Unaware of the so many, many daily opportunities to salvage something meaningful from every day life. Either I was blind, or I chose not to see. Maybe I was too focused on the past or on the future. Rather than living now. Maybe I was scared to live. Or maybe I was too dumb to live.

But I am trying to live today. Trying to understand what is going on inside me. And around me. Acknowledging that I am in love. And that is what counts. That is the main source of my happiness. My awareness. My today. Yes, I am cognizant of what is happening. To me. Around me. In the world. In my immediate environs. With people. And creatures. Everything. I'm aware of nature. Of the weather. And I like to do things. Impulsively. Pleasant things. Loving things. Things that bring happiness and joy. To me. And to others. Just a good feeling. I look at the note on my refrigerator door. It reminds me that I am alive and conscious. And in love. With someone. With life. In love even with myself. I am happy to be me. No desire to be anybody else. I am enjoying this moment. Because I am in love. So wonderful. I'm not sure when it was that I understood that I was in love. With life. It just happened. Somewhere along the line. Maybe in one sense I was in love before I even became aware of it. I suspect I was born to love. But it took me a long time to become aware of it.

I was born to write, too. Yes, to brood. In writing. To ponder. In writing. To flow. In writing. Maybe haphazardly at times. Just another way to think. About love. Another way to learn to be myself. Another way to capture the moment. So many precious moments.

Lately, I have been writing love letters. Every night. One does that in love. Love is deeply engrained in my soul, my spirit, my mind. Love permeates me. Love is unforgettable. --Jim Broede

Monday, May 12, 2008

...as friends.

Maybe I'm an unsual patriot. An unusual American. In that America's so-called enemies aren't necessarily my enemies. I've always liked Fidel Castro, for instance. I think Castro has been good for Cuba. For the Cuban people. Oh, he hasn't done the bidding of American politicos. But I think he's done far more good for Cuba than his predecessor, Bautista. And I've sort of taken to Venezuela president Hugo Chavez. I think he's probably doing what's best for Venezuela, albeit it may not be what some of us deem best for the USA. And years ago, I was happy when leftist Allende came to power in Chile. And I was unhappy when the US worked for his overthrow. Yes, I think that in many parts of the world there are good people who are perceived to be enemies of America. When really, I'd personally accept them as friends. --Jim Broede

Saturday, May 10, 2008

She decided to be macho man.

I get the feeling that Hillary Clinton has become an actress. She's playing roles. The kind of roles geared to get her the Democratic nomination for president. Only things is, Clinton miscalculated. And she didn't initially expect strong competition from Barack Obama. Maybe Clinton thought it'd be a cakewalk. But I think this time around, Clinton was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Her time has passed. Because she's still immersed in the old politics. The rough-and-tumble politics of Washington. On the other hand, Obama has a gentle soul. He's tender, really. Kinder. Just what one might have expected from the first woman president. Yes, if Hillary Clinton had acted more like this new kind of man, she might have secured the nomination. Instead, she decided to be macho man...and it cost her dearly. --Jim Broede

Friday, May 9, 2008

...to help people in need.

Seems to me we Americans aren't called on to do enough. For our country. For the common good. I think our live-and-let-live philosophy has been geared to allow the few to exploit the many. We seem to believe in the opportunity to get rich, monetarily speaking. Filthy rich. Billionaires. Millionaires. Won't surprise me if some day we have an American trillionaire. At the same time that we have poor people. Wretchedly poor. Starving people. Just think of the wide gap between the rich and the poor. Doesn't seem right to me. I think the rich should be taxed far more than they are. Far, far more. For the sake of the many. For the common good. I suppose I'm really a socialist at heart. I want everyone guaranteed the basics. Such as health care. Good health care. Which means universal health care. Some might call it socialized medicine. Doesn't matter what we call it. As long as everybody has it. Regardless of income. As for people like me, a member of the so-called middle class, maybe I should pay more taxes, too. Not as much as the rich folks. But I'm willing to pay more. And I'm also willing to do volunteer service. To be drafted, for instance, to work in a nursing home or a hospital or as a laborer on a public works project. The idea is to help people in need...one way or another. --Jim Broede

Thursday, May 8, 2008

...makes our nation the big loser.

I'm opposed to winner-take-all politics. When winner takes all, we get the likes of a George Bush for president. Because Bush initially won the presidency by the slimmest of margins. He didn't even have a majority of the popular vote. He held the edge in the complicated electoral vote. So, in one sense, Bush won by sort of a fluke. In a nation more or less evenly divided over political philosophies. But since Bush decided that he was the decider, he decided against uniting the country and against steering a moderate course. Instead, he went full speed ahead with his flaky conservative agenda and war-mongering. Entering us into an ungodly and obscene pre-emptive war and into a spending spree and tax-cuts-for-the-rich that have left the nation with the biggest budget deficit ever. Yes, the winner-takes-all approach makes our nation the big loser. --Jim Broede

...the support of crazy people.

I have reason to be optimistic again. Because it looks like Barack Obama will be the Democrat's nominee for president. I think this guy has what it takes. And I'm especially impressed that he seems to be attracting much support from young people. First time voters. And generally people under 35. That augers well. And hey, he's getting 90 percent of the black vote, too. And the support of crazy people like me. In other words, the backing of a romantic idealist, a free-thinker, a liberal and a lover. --Jim Broede

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

...a step in the right direction.

It's time for Hillary Clinton to admit she ain't gonna get the Democratic nomination for president. And to bow out gracefully. And if she's a good loser, she'll support Barack Obama. And actively campaign for him. Yes, it's time for Clinton to stop trying to be a spoiler. Just to salve her political ego. It's time for Clinton to do what's good for the Democratic party and for the country. Really, Clinton and Obama don't differ much on the basic issues pertaining to the economy, health care and the war in Iraq. So, let's just get on with electing Democrats this time around so we can get this nation on the road to recovery. To being fixed. We don't need 4 more years of George Bush. And that's essentially what we'd get if John McCain became president. Oh, nobody would be as bad as Bush. But McCain is a little too Bush-like for America to survive. It's been a long time since I've been optimistic about America's future. But I can feel optimism coming on if we elect Obama. It's certainly a step in the right direction. --Jim Broede

Sunday, May 4, 2008

...chickens coming home to roost.

Please, dear white folks, don't get mad over what I am about to say. I don't think some of you know what it's like to be black. Maybe I don't either. But I'm trying to imagine it, despite my whiteness. And it ain't nice. You are judged differently. Just because you are black. If you're my age, you've been given the shaft. Repeatedly. You've been treated rudely. With no respect. Very often. You've been treated as inferior, too. You've been denied the kind of education that you would have received if you were white. Rev. Jeremiah Wright, a black man, happens to be a few years older than me. I'm sure he's got ample reason to be pissed. Because of the unfair ways he's been treated. Not only him, but so very many others of his race. Yes, it ain't fair. If he said some of the things he said in his sermons, and he were white, he'd be judged differently. He'd more than likely get away with it. So many white preachers do. There's a double standard. I think if I were black, you might very well look at me in quite a different way. Wouldn't matter if I were the same guy, except for skin color. Anyway, I wouldn't be the same guy. Because my life experience would have been vastly different. Only because of my skin color. Little wonder that Rev. Wright may be a little bitter about his American experience. I'm surprised that he isn't even more bitter. I think he's got a remarkably good attitude. Considering everything. I think he's been forgiving to a significant degree. I imagine that many, many times in his life he has turned the other cheek. Just like his Jesus would have him do. But I think there were times when even Jesus got pissed. Turning over the tables of the money changers in the temple, for instance. So I think Jesus would forgive Rev. Wright for some of his harangues. For not always turning the other cheek. Really, I'm surprised that it took so long after our Civil War for blacks to get really pissed. After all, after the war and before the end of the 19th century, some 3,000 of 'em were lynched. Yes, right here in the good old USA. That's as many as were killed in the 9/11 terrorist attack on America. Those terrorists should be ashamed. But so should the Ku Klux Klan and so many other racists who call themselves Americans. Yes, America's chickens have come home to roost, as Rev. Wright proclaimed in a sermon. --Jim Broede

Saturday, May 3, 2008

It happens in our racist society.

"Behold the double standard," journalist Bill Moyers declared in his news magazine show on PBS on May 2.

"John McCain," Moyers said, "sought out the endorsement of John Hagee, the war-mongering Catholic-bashing Texas preacher who said the people of New Orleans got what they deserved for their sins. But no one suggests McCain shares Hagee's delusions, or thinks AIDS is God's punishment for homosexuality. Pat Robertson called for the assassination of a foreign head of state and asked God to remove Supreme Court justices, yet he remains a force in the Republican religious right. After 9/11 Jerry Falwell said the attack was God's judgment on America for having been driven out of our schools and the public square, but when McCain goes after the endorsement of the preacher he once condemned as an agent of intolerance, the press gives him a pass."

Yes, folks, these are outlandish ideas. Outlandish opinions from white preachers. Not any less outlandish than the opinions expressed by the black Rev. Jeremiah Wright in sermons in his Christian church in Chicago. The same church of which black presidential candidate Barack Obama is a member. The news media has made a big deal of Rev. Wright's comments. Let's wonder why. Is it because Wright and Obama are black? Meanwhile, the press gives McCain and his favored gaggle of preachers a break. Maybe it's because these players are white. So, yes, they get a pass. Ain't fair. But it happens in our racist society. --Jim Broede

I think it's terror-ible.

It’s been said that one man’s ‘terrorist’ is another man’s freedom fighter. Take the 9/11 attack on America. Yes, by terrorists. Despicable. No doubt about it. The loss of about 3,000 lives of innocent people. But when America launches a preemptive war on Iraq – well, we’re freedom fighters. Liberating a nation. Doesn’t matter that tens of thousands of innocent women and children and other non-combatants are killed in the process. We just write it off as a casualty of war. Collateral damage. But I wonder if war itself is basically an act of terrorism. The idea is to bomb the hell out of a country. Punish our so-called enemy. Which we may well deem terrorists. And if we more or less destroy the country’s infrastructure and leave the economy reeling, it’s just one of those things. The price to be paid for ‘liberating’ people. Doesn’t matter, either, if we end a war with Japan, for instance, by dropping two atomic bombs. Setting an all-time record for a single day massacre of innocents in a war. But that ain’t terrorism because the victors are never terrorists. Yes, they are freedom fighters. Odd thing is that so many, many of the modern-day ‘terrorists’ think that the real terrorists are Americans – the American government, that is. So they retaliate. And we retaliate. And they retaliate. And we retaliate. On and on and on. I think it’s terror-ible. –Jim Broede

Thursday, May 1, 2008

...a better answer than bombers.

Maybe we need more rebellious people to right the wrongs perpetrated by racist societies. Maybe the subjugated and repressed peoples should become terrorists. Think about it. Maybe the Jews in Nazi Germany should have become terrorists right from the beginning. Even launched suicide attacks on the Nazis. Think of the havoc that could have been caused by 2,000 or 3,000 suicide bombers in the Deutchland. Better that than being herded off to concentration camps. Of course, I'm speaking with the benefit of hindsight. But I think the Jews have learned their lesson. They've got their own country now. And they really believe in defending themselves. Astutely. Effectively. Of course, what's needed is a two-state solution. The Jews and Palestinians living peacefully. Side by side. Maybe it'll happen some day. I'd like to think that's a better answer than suicide bombers. --Jim Broede