Energy Solution

Lately, I've been obsessed with politics. I usually am, but recent events have had me transfixed on all things political. Debt ceilings, budget concerns, spending...the full gamut of today's issues. I've pontificated with friends on Facebook and Twitter, winning approval from many and offending others. 

But today, I want to do something different. It occurs to me that I can't actually change any of those scenarios with my rhetoric. And, since I am a man of action, I want to spend my time on something that will have a cumulative positive effect on my fellow man. I think I've stumbled upon the PERFECT alternative:  I believe I have solved our nation's energy concerns!  

I know. I should have been on this months ago, but inspiration is a fickle muse and must be courted carefully. Allow me to share my masterpiece, won't you?

I intend to consult my Congressional representative for the purposes of introducing a bill to change how we collect our fossil fuel resources. I call it the Geological Auxiliary Systems Bill, or G.A.S. For short. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) will be personally responsible for introducing G.A.S. in the hallowed House Chambers. After an intense debate, I fully expect the House to heartily pass G.A.S. by a wide bi-partisan margin. Paul Ryan will play an especially pivotal role in this, as his propensity for passing G.A.S. will become legendary.

Once this is done, G.A.S. will waft over to the Senate. Now, this aspect is critical, because here's where we let it rip with our new method of accessing our natural energy resources. We will institute a nuanced system of safe collection, known as Fossilized Aggressive Refinery Targeting, or "F.A.R.T.ing" for short. We will make F.A.R.T.ing the only acceptable process for tapping in ground energy sources. Because of how safe it is, F.A.R.T.ing in national parks will be permitted. This means we can F.A.R.T. all over Alaska and F.A.R.T. all up in our Florida wildlife preserves.

Institution of a regulatory board will be a key component, since the cost effective nature of F.A.R.T.ing will attract big business. We can't have them F.A.R.T.ing all over the place and F.A.R.T.ing uncontrollably. Overseeing this  board will be a  new cabinet level position: the Office of Prioritized Oil Oversight Tactics. The P.O.O.T. Secretary will make certain that, once G.A.S. is passed, F.A.R.Ting levels are maintained in a way that responsibly decreases our foreign oil dependence. 

There you have it!  We can pass G.A.S., cut loose with F.A.R.T.ing and make certain the P.O.O.T Secretary knows who F.A.R.T.ed, when they F.A.R.T.ed and where the F.A.R.T.ing took place!  

Whew..... I'm kinda winded!!

Grow Where You're Planted (How ministry manipulates people through guilt)

I've often heard the phrase, "Grow where you're planted" used by pastors in an attempt to convince a parishioner to remain faithful to a particular church. It seems logical, at first blush. If this was the place where one received their spiritual nourishment, the environ where one achieved a modicum of maturation in Christ, then perhaps one owes it to the congregation to reciprocate. Pay it back, as it were. 

Well, let us view this foliage analogy from a different perspective, shall we?

Often, more fragile plants are placed in pots. These pots are usually filled with rich, nutrient laden soil. The Gardener tends them, makes certain they are watered regularly.  Over time, the fragile plant of old begins to flourish. Where dry, withered leaves once rustled tentatively in the breeze, plush greenery now resides. A healthy, thriving plant emerges from the pot. Why, the very roots are even stretching forth to...

Ah, yes....the roots. How soon we forget the parameters of our position. As is often the case, plants may very well outgrow the pot in which they reside. There is no shortcoming on the part of the pot. In fact, the receptacle has not diminished one whit in it's nurturing efficacy. It has simply come to the end of its usefulness for THIS particular plant. With roots struggling to find new purchase, the growth potential of the plant is stifled. The only solution?  The Gardener (who has been watching the plant with particular interest) prepares a new location for further growth. A place where the roots can advance, secure itself and allow itself to blossom and bear fruit. To not allow this process would be incredibly callous and shallow of the Gardener. 

Too often, we stay connected to church organizations for the wrong reasons. "This is where my family has worshipped for years". "My children were baptized here".  Are those really solid reasons to stay put?  Especially when there is a call to experience another aspect of growth that can't be found there?  Hmmmmm...

I, for one, believe we should be passionately faithful to the move of God, no matter where the journey takes us. "Grow where you're planted"?  Sure. But be open to the MOVE of God.

So...what do YOU think?

Be Well... 

Is Marcus Bachmann The New Ted Haggard?

"We have to understand: barbarians need to be educated. They need to be disciplined. And just because someone feels it or thinks it, doesn't mean we're supposed to go down that road. That's what's called the sinful nature."                          --Dr. Marcus Bachmann "Point Of View" Radio talk show 2010

First off, do you even know who this person is?  Well, for those of you who aren't yet paying attention to the GOP candidates for the 2012 presidential election, allow me to introduce you to candidate Michelle Bachmann's husband Marcus. He of the aforementioned comment. He was opining on homosexuality, thus the "barbarian" reference. Now, I shall save my opinions on THAT subject for a later post. For now, I'd like to analyze (I'm gonna ignore the easy pun here..) the essence of Dr. Bachmann's statement, as it relates to his wife's campaign AND certain allegations.

Recently, a Vermont-based advocacy group called Truth Wins Out sent a gay man to the clinic (undercover) to seek guidance from one of Dr. Bachmann's associates. The man, John Becker, told the therapist that he was struggling with attraction to the same sex, and that the attraction was exclusively homosexual. Becker said he was told the objective of the treatment was to end his urges completely.  This type of "counseling"  is known as reparative therapy, and is a process that has been repudiated by The American Psychological Association.  Dr. Bachmann has previously denied that Bachmann & Associates utilize the controversial therapy, but clearly the undercover session tells a different story.

Two things here: first, this entire scenario portends bad things for Michelle Bachmann, who has said the bulk of her family's income stems from this clinic. Now, no matter what you think of the social issue, bear this in mind... A recent Gallup Poll shows that 53% of Americans support legal gay marriage.  Surprisingly, 28% of Republicans support legal gay marriage, as well. Politically, Rep. Bachmann's stance could be quite problematic in the general election, should she make it that far. To say nothing of the fact that this clinic has received funding from the government (Medicare, Medicaid), so there's also a legal conflict.

Second, (and here's MY point) there seems to be something quite telling about Dr. Bachmann's homophobic obsession. Methinks he doth protest TOO MUCH!  Seriously, in my experience, anytime a person spouts constant vitriol on any subject, it tends to be a form of projection. In other words, they are attacking a characteristic that they loathe in themselves. Could it be possible that Marcus is hiding a sexual struggle of his own?  Read that quote again.  It seems rather PERSONAL, don't it?  I think Dr. Marcus is hiding something behind his wife, five children and 23 foster kids (all teenage girls, by the way).

Listen:  FAR be it from me to call someone out for possibly being a closeted homosexual. Lord knows I have had my sexuality questioned MANY times (I think it's the high cheekbones and the flowery language, but I digress...). But I DARE you to watch clips of the Bachmann's dancing on stage at various campaign stops and not raise an eyebrow (or clutch a pearl, depending on your comfort level!).

Listening to these incessant homophobic rants from the Bachmanns, I can't help but be reminded of Ted Haggard and Eddie Long. How they used to spit venom on the gay community. And we all remember how those stories both ferreted out (OK...I did that one on purpose...I can only be serious for so long!!). Only time will tell. What do YOU think?

Be Well...

I HATE To Chime In, But...

I think people underestimate the concept of "beyond a reasonable doubt".  

Think about it: a life weighs in the balance and YOU are the one responsible. Is the person a liar? Yes. Is she dysfunctional?  Yes. Can you extrapolate a guilty verdict from that information ?  Perhaps not. 

I don't think anyone believes Casey Anthony will ever win a Mother or Daughter of the Year award, but the shock behind the verdict only speaks to the gullibility of Americans.  In our society,  the onus for conviction is on the prosecution.   It's called BURDEN of proof for a reason. And if you followed the trial from the beginning, they (the prosecution) dug a HUGE hole early, all but promising the jury a "smoking gun" of guilt. They were woefully inept in making good on that promise. 

So, for all you folks out there who were shocked, apoplectic, and otherwise disgusted with the outcome....here's the solution:  do NOT buy any book, watch any reality show or support ANY business/entertainment endeavor that Casey Anthony is a part of.  

The court of public opinion, it would seem, is still in session....

I want to hear YOUR opinions.

Be Well...