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A P O C A L Y P S E !!
by David Zahrt 13 Feb '13

13 Feb '13

This goes along with, or supplements, the need for the Carbon Fast. I have some 'friends' back in Iowa. This is what I got the other day. *I THINK YOU CAN SEE I'M FORWARDING THIS TO YOU. IT SEEMS TO BE WELL PUT AND ON TARGET* *David* From: Mark Edward*s* Sent: 10 Feb 2013 18:30:44 GMT To: IOWA-NATIVE-PLANTS(a)LIST.UIOWA.EDU Subject: [IOWA-NATIVE-PLANTS] Food for Thought Rationally Speaking, We Are All Apocalyptic Now <http://mail.yahoo.com/> ** >From Robert Jensen Updates<http://us-mg6.mail.yahoo.com/neo/launch?.rand=eis30cjomtfqb> *http://truth-out.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=14322&Itemid=228* Rationally Speaking, We Are All Apocalyptic Now Friday, 08 February 2013 By Robert Jensen, Truthout | Op-Ed ---------- If we are rational and consider objective scientific evidence of environmental collapse including groundwater depletion, topsoil loss, chemical contamination, ocean dead zones, species extinction, bio-diversity reduction and climate disruption, we need to be apocalypticists, argues Robert Jensen, the author of We Are All Apocalyptic Now: On the Responsibilities of Teaching, Preaching, Reporting, Writing, and Speaking Out. ---------- We are all apocalyptic now, or at least we should be, if we are rational. Because "apocalyptic" is typically associated with religious fanaticism and death cults -- things that rational people tend not to take literally or seriously -- this claim requires some explanation. First, a definition: The term is most commonly used in reference to the Book of Revelation, also known as The Apocalypse of John, the final book of the Christian New Testament. The two terms are synonymous in their original meaning - "revelation" from Latin and "apocalypse" from Greek both mean a lifting of the veil, a disclosure of something that had been hidden. Second, the formulation "we are all (fill in the blank) now" has long been a way to assert that certain ideas have become the norm: "We are all Keynesians now," said Milton Friedman in 1965, for instance, or to express solidarity: "We are all New Yorkers now," said many non-New Yorkers after 9/11. Rather than claiming divine inspiration, we can come to greater clarity about the desperate state of the ecosphere and its human inhabitants through evidence and reason. It is time for a calm, measured apocalypticism that recognizes that the ecosphere sets norms, which we have ignored for too long, and that we need to develop a new sense of solidarity among humans and with the larger living world. So, speaking apocalyptically need not leave us stuck in a corner with the folks predicting lakes of fire, rivers of blood or bodies lifted up to the heavens. Instead, it can focus our attention on ecological realities and on the unjust and unsustainable human systems that have brought us to this point. This "revelation" is simple: We've built a world based on the assumption that we will have endless energy to subsidize endless economic expansion, which was supposed to magically produce justice. That world is over, both in reality and in dreams. Either we begin to build a different world, or there will be no world capable of sustaining a large-scale human presence. If that's not clear: When we take seriously what physics, chemistry and biology tell us about the health of the living world on which we depend, we all should be thinking apocalyptically. Look at any crucial measure of the ecosphere -- groundwater depletion, topsoil loss, chemical contamination, increased toxicity in our own bodies, the number and size of "dead zones" in the oceans, accelerating extinction of species and reduction of biodiversity, and the ultimate game-changer of climate disruption -- and ask a simple question: Where we are heading? Scientists these days are talking about tipping points and planetary boundaries, about how human activity is pushing the planet beyond its limits. If we look honestly at the state of the world, it is difficult not to conclude that we are in end times of sorts -- not the end of the physical world, but the end of the First-World way of living and the end of the systems on which that life is based. I know that invoking the terms "apocalypse" and "end times" triggers many people's experiences with arrogant religious people who preach about deliverance fantasies. My message is not about a rapture that can be predicted, but about ruptures in the ecological and social fabrics that are underway and accelerating. No matter how carefully I craft these statements -- no matter how often I deny a claim to special gifts of prognostication, no matter now clearly I reject supernatural explanations or solutions -- many people refuse to take this analysis seriously. Some people joke about "Mr. Doom and Gloom." Others suggest that such talk is no different than conspiracy theorists' ramblings about how international bankers, secret cells of communists, or crypto-fascists are using the United Nations to create a one-world government. Even the most measured and careful talk of the coming dramatic change in the place of humans on Earth leads to accusations that one is unnecessarily alarmist, probably paranoid and certainly irrelevant in serious discussions about social and ecological issues. In the United States, people expect talk of the future to be upbeat, based on those assumptions of endless expansion and perpetual progress, or at least maintenance of our "way of life." Even those who realize the danger of such fanciful thinking are hesitant to speak too bluntly, out of fear of seeming crazy. A calm apocalypticism is not crazy, but rather can help us confront honestly the crises of our time and strategize constructively about possible responses. We can struggle to understand -- to the best of our ability, without succumbing to magical thinking -- the state of the ecosphere and the impediments to sensible action in our societies. This struggle to understand led me to write a short polemic, We Are All Apocalyptic Now: On the Responsibilities of Teaching, Preaching, Reporting, Writing, and Speaking Out (in print at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/148195847X/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&p… and on Kindle athttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BAWQO84) The book's message is simple: The big systems that structure our world, especially capitalism and the extractive economy, are incompatible with social justice and ecological sustainability.**** **** Those who have opportunities to write and speak out have a responsibility to articulate the radical analysis necessary to understand the problems and begin to identify solutions. To think apocalyptically is not to give up on ourselves, but only to give up on the arrogant stories -- religious and secular -- that we modern humans have been telling about ourselves. Our hope for a decent future -- indeed, any hope for even the idea of a future -- depends on our ability to tell stories not of how humans have ruled the world, but how we can live in the world. We are all apocalyptic now, whether we like it or not. --------------- Robert Jensen is a professor in the School of Journalism at the University of Texas at Austin and board member of the Third Coast Activist Resource Center in Austin. We Are All Apocalyptic Now: On the Responsibilities of Teaching, Preaching, Reporting, Writing, and Speaking Out is online in print at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/148195847X/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&p… and on Kindle athttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BAWQO84. Jensen is also the author of Arguing for Our Lives: A User’s Guide to Constructive Dialogue (City Lights, coming in April 2013); All My Bones Shake: Seeking a Progressive Path to the Prophetic Voice, (Soft Skull Press, 2009); Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity (South End Press, 2007); The Heart of Whiteness: Confronting Race, Racism and White Privilege (City Lights, 2005); Citizens of the Empire: The Struggle to Claim Our Humanity (City Lights, 2004); and Writing Dissent: Taking Radical Ideas from the Margins to the Mainstream (Peter Lang, 2002). Jensen is also co-producer of the documentary film “Abe Osheroff: One Foot in the Grave, the Other Still Dancing” (Media Education Foundation, 2009), which chronicles the life and philosophy of the longtime radical activist.**** **** An extended interview Jensen conducted with Osheroff is online at http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~rjensen/freelance/abeosheroffinterview.htm. Jensen can be reached at rjensen(a)austin.utexas.edu and his articles can be found online athttp://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~rjensen/index.html.**** To join an email list to receive articles by Jensen, go to http://www.thirdcoastactivist.org/jensenupdates-info.html. Twitter: @jensenrobertw.-- “Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty." -- Albert Einstein ------------------------------ Iowa Native Plants mailing list Iowa-Native-Plants(a)uiowa.edu <Iowa-Native-Plants(a)uiowa.edu> http://atmos.cgrer.uiowa.edu/herbarium/MailingList.htm The Iowa Native Plants Mailing List provides a forum for those interested in Iowa's natural vegetation and in general conservation issues. Another objective is to promote the Iowa Native Plant Society. This list is owned and managed by Diana Horton, and sponsored by the University of Iowa Department of Biology. For assistance, contact Diana Horton, diana-horton(a)uiowa.edu <diana-horton(a)uiowa.edu>

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Fwd: Eco-Justice Ministries: 90 Days of Earth Care
by Karenbueno 13 Feb '13

13 Feb '13

Doris Hahn, and others, These action alerts on "Green Team" ministries are worth our taking part. Karen Bueno 40 + 50 = 90 days of active Earth care Dear Becky , In the coming months, two excellent programs are available to guide you and your congregation in faithful and effective action for Earth care. Eco-Justice Ministries strongly encourages you to take part in one or both of them. During the 40 days of Lent, you can participate in the Ecumenical Carbon Fast. Through the 50 days of Eastertide, congregations (especially in the United Church of Christ) will join in a shared initiative of Mission 4/1 Earth. 40 days -- 50 days -- together a consecutive 90 days of faithful Earth care. Sign up now. Shalom! Rev. Peter Sawtell, Executive Director Eco-Justice Ministries ECUMENICAL CARBON FAST for the 40 days of Lent (bonus: plus Sundays!) an initiative of New England Regional Environmental Ministries The Lenten disciplines of repentance, fasting, prayer, study and works of love are guides for returning to the steadfast love of God. During Lent we confess our mortality, our limits and our vulnerability so that we might be transformed and become the new life God calls us to be. We invite you to join us as we commit to fasting from carbon during Lent. Beginning Ash Wednesday and throughout Lent, participants will receive a daily email with the day's suggested carbon-reducing activity. When possible, this will include a quantitative measure of the carbon reduction resulting from the activity. Each daily email will also have a section suggesting a weekly focus for the congregation. The activities range from the very simple: eliminate “vampire” electrical use; to the moderately challenging: take “military showers;” reduce your driving speed; to more long term: buy local produce and consider getting involved in a community garden. We don't expect everyone to be able to do everything suggested; but serious consideration of each day's activity can raise your awareness, inviting you to think more carefully about how your day to day living impacts the environment and make the changes you can. In addition to the activity for the day you will find information about the carbon impact of the activity, along with links to more information related to that activity. In addition to your personal participation, encourage your congregation to make the Ecumenical Lenten Carbon Fast your congregation's Lenten discipline. Congregations that participate are encouraged to gather weekly to share their experiences, support one another, compare notes, share resources and pray. Our hope is that Christians the world over from every denomination might participate in this carbon fast. Daily email messages will begin on Ash Wednesday, February 13, and continue through Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013. Click here to sign up for the daily emails. For more information about the 2013 carbon fast, see macucc.org/carbonfast MISSION 4/1 EARTH for the 50 days of Eastertide -- Easter to Pentecost an initiative of the United Church of Christ a shared resurrection witness for Planet Earth during 50 great days of greening up, powering down, and shouting out. Mission 4/1 Earth is a project of the national United Church of Christ. Congregations from other denominations are certainly welcome to use the program outline and materials, and to engage in a similar initiative on thier own. Mission 4/1 Earth has three goals: Collectively offer more than one million hours of engaged earth care, including clean up, advocacy, education, and behavioral changes that will impact the environment. Collectively plant more than 100,000 trees locally and globally in partnership with the National Arbor Day Foundation and the UCC's denominational partners around the world. Collectively write/send more than 100,000 advocacy letters on environmental concerns to elected officials and local and national newspapers. This denominational initiative is a wonderful way for UCC congregations to join with other churches in a range of powerful and effective activities. Strong goals, great supporting materials, and the encouragement of other churches make this a great way to get your church involved -- or more involved -- in eco-justice action. The extensive website for the project is at www.ucc.org/earth/. To be ready for these Eastertide activities, be sure to start planning now! This email was sent to rlasswell(a)comcast.net by ministry(a)eco-justice.org | Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Eco-Justice Ministries | 400 S Williams St | Denver | CO | 80209

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Ash Wednesday
by Jaime R Vergara 12 Feb '13

12 Feb '13

The following is in today's ST opinion page. Ash Wednesday Many of our friends and colleagues among the faithful in Christendom today shall be sporting a symbol of the cross on their foreheads made with ashes. The Torah line was an objective statement to Remember that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return in the familiar King James rendition. Christian Churches then added the admonition to Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel. It is Ash Wednesday in the Christian liturgy, forty-six days before Easter, starting a forty-day fast culminating on Palm Sunday morning that remembers the triumphal entry into Jerusalem during Holy Week. The palm fronds to welcome the donkey-riding messiah are kept and burnt into ashes to be used for the next Ash Wednesday to mark the crosses on the faithful’s foreheads, they who understand the life journey from baptism, confirmation, covenant, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. Fast, to the unfamiliar, is a period of reflection, meditation, contemplation, (prayer in Christian liturgy) understood by my secular friends as moments of profound silence, of detachment and distancing from the immediate, an assumption of the cloak of transcendence in perspective, and intense quiet engagement of full consciousness, the elan of the immanent human spirit that clears the cobwebs of the soul! We may want to skip the poetry, but Saipan is abuzz with the House’s impeachment proceedings. We are reminded of T. S. Elliot’s much-quoted Hollow Men that begins: We are the hollow men We are the stuffed men Leaning together Headpiece filled with straw. Alas! Devoid of moralism, we are in accord with the acts of the Legislature. The mandate of voters in the last election was instructive, and Uncle Ben did look like a stuffed man (my judgment) but there is a feel of shallowness about his indictment from men and women of a sector that has shown itself through the years to be too self-serving to merit serious consideration. The Senate hearing might just end with our paraphrased T.S. Elliott: This is the way the proceedings end Not with a bang but a whimper. We tend to be sympathetic to Benigno Aquino, not only for his critical place in the Chamoru/Carolinian divide, but also personally for his cervical stenosis since we also suffer from cervical spondylosis! Not to forget the wisdom of marrying Pinay Josie! We are, however, on record of being on the other end of thepolitical spectrum. T.S. Elliot, after he joined the Anglican Church, penned his Ash Wednesday poemending: Because I know that time is always time And place is always and only place And what is actual is actual only for one time And only for one place I rejoice that things are as they are and I renounce the blessed face And renounce the voice Because I cannot hope to turn again Consequently I rejoice, having to construct something Upon which to rejoice. It is, perhaps, appropriate that this hiatus from productive legislation is happening in the season of Lent. The Legislature and the CNMI are busy constructing something upon which to rejoice! Rejoice is a Shrove/Fat Tuesday state of being, the day before Ash Wednesday to be picked up again on Palm Sunday. The Mardigras in New Orleans and the Carnival in Rio are bangs before the whimper! Our rejoicing this week came from the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI had not been one of our favorite Pontiffs. Erstwhile Cardinal Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, longtime Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith (1981-2005) before his election to the papacy, in our Methodist and reformation view, had been a reactionary cleric who negated Vatican II advances. But he redeems himself in our eyes in acknowledging his inability to function to meet the demands of his office by virtue of health and age, and decided to do something about it. He resigned effective the end of the month. We rejoice. No longer a practicing communicant even in universal Christendom, with a foot long ago in the scientific, urban, and secular world of eco-democracy, I have no claim on relevance nor integrity to speak for or even within the Christian communion, though we were once ordained in its priesthood. However, the universality of its gospel, neither Jew nor gentile, allows us in freedom and responsibility to engage in the continuing conversation over the efficacy of its powerful symbols like Ash Wednesday. >From dust we came and to dust we shall return, indeed! S/he who is without sin cast the first stone. Mt. Carmel High School’s distinguished alumnus and alleged Catholic faithful Ben Fitial might consider the discourse in this season of Lent, might heed the season’s dramaturgical pronouncement, and act accordingly. j'aime la vie Yesterday, appreciate; tomorrow, anticipate; today, participate. In all, Celebrate!

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Al Gore | We're in Trouble--New Book: The Future: Six Indicators of Global Change
by Ellie Stock 12 Feb '13

12 Feb '13

Thought some might be interested... A segment on Al Gore speaking about his new book: The Future: Six Indicators of Global Change. We heard him speak in St. Louis Saturday night and are now reading his book. Ellie Reader Supported News | 10 February 13 PM It's Live on the HomePage Now: Reader Supported News Al Gore | We're in Trouble Al Gore, Salon Gore writes: "Our first priority should be to restore our ability to communicate clearly and candidly with one another in a broadly accessible forum about the difficult choices we have to make." READ MORE

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Fwd: Mom/Helen's final days
by Carol Crow 11 Feb '13

11 Feb '13

Dear Friends, I am sending this on behalf of the Newkirk family. The memorial service for Helen was originally thought to be on Thursday afternoon, but is now scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. If you would like to be a part of the service electronically, please contact Linda or Patricia (Patricia(a)songaia.com) and they will give you instructions. In caring community, Carol > >> >> >> >> On Feb 10, 2013, at 8:36 AM, ljknutsen(a)gmail.com wrote: >> >>> Hello everyone, >>> >>> As most of you are aware, Mom died early Saturday morning, and it >>> was peaceful and quick. She was surrounded by all of us here, >>> helping her make the leap. If you did not know, Mom has fought >>> breast cancer since 1999, and was in remission until 2006. She >>> again fought it successfully for another 5 years, but in 2011 it >>> metastasized to the bones. She had a good run for about a year, >>> and then last fall the pain began to increase significantly. She >>> underwent radiation in November and found the recovery extremely >>> difficult. In early January she enrolled in Hospice, and decided >>> against any further tests or treatments. >>> >>> Early last week it became very clear she was declining rapidly, so >>> we called in many family to her surprise and delight. We had 5 >>> days of chaos and joy with so many people here, including cousins, >>> grandkids, great-grandkids, and her oldest and dearest friend, >>> Electa. Though Jim couldn't make it from Serbia, he was with us on >>> Skype at least once a day, as was Janie, Mom's sister. Most people >>> left on Tuesday, except for Patricia and Lisa - Dave had to go >>> back to San Diego. >>> >>> So she had said her goodbyes, and even before people left on >>> Tuesday her decline became more rapid. Except for a few periods of >>> discomfort, she seemed not to be in pain. The whole Hospice team >>> came to meet with us on Thursday, and the nurse again Friday night >>> to assist us with her pain meds; she helped us through her final >>> passing. Our house has again been filled with loved ones all day >>> since Saturday, and will be again today. >>> >>> We are planning for a memorial on Wednesday afternoon at her >>> church, and we are working on a way for her far-flung friends and >>> loved ones to attend the memorial via your computers. We will send >>> more info later. >>> >>> She has a Facebook page we are continuing to update - please go >>> check it out (Helen E. Newkirk) - you will recognize her photo. >>> Thank you to all of you who have so generously shared memories and >>> stories...please keep them coming and feel free to put them on >>> Facebook. We will continue to accept her Facebook Friend requests. >>> >>> Much love, >>> Linda, Patricia, Jim, Dave, & Lisa >>> >>> >>> >>> >> >

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2/07/13, Spong: Gun Control, Immigration and Senator Hagel: The Manifestations of Cultural Paranoia in our Current Political Debate
by Ellie Stock 07 Feb '13

07 Feb '13

HOMEPAGE MY PROFILE ESSAY ARCHIVE MESSAGE BOARDS CALENDAR Gun Control, Immigration and Senator Hagel: The Manifestations of Cultural Paranoia in our Current Political Debate There are times when listening to the political debate in this country that I am absolutely astonished. Many of the participants in the current struggles regarding the proposed limitation on assault weapons, or making background checks for gun ownership universal, appear to be responding to a world that I do not believe exists. The debate on a proposed immigration bill seems to me to reveal little more than massive xenophobia. The Senate hearings on the confirmation of Chuck Hagel to be Secretary of Defense seem to want to rewrite the history of the second Iraq war. Am I the only one who is out of touch with reality or is something else operating in this nation, but below the level of consciousness? Do people, for example, really believe that they need military assault guns that will fire 100 bullets without reloading to protect themselves from the Federal Government? Did the framers of the second amendment really believe that the constitution guarantees to individuals the right to possess a military arsenal sufficient to defend our homes against a frontal assault by a battalion of armed criminals? Can a nation made up of immigrants really close its doors to others of the world’s “huddled masses, who yearn to be free” and who otherwise qualify? In the Hagel debate have our leaders, including Senator John McCain, forgotten that the reason we were told the Iraq war was necessary did not exist or that the “surge” was required not to win that war, but to pacify a country that was about to fall into a religious civil war between the Sunnis and the Shia? Political debate is certainly a legitimate and a vital part of our democracy, but does it not have to be connected with reality to be effective? Let me examine briefly the evidence that disturbs me. The United States is a far more violent society than any of the developed nations of the Western world. Our murder rate is off the charts when compared with Great Britain, France, the Netherlands, Scandinavia or Germany. From where in our national character does this killing violence emerge? The mass killings that have occurred recently in schools, theaters, worshiping communities and even at public political rallies, have become so regular that, while we are still horrified, the fact is that no one is any longer surprised. Many of these episodes appear time after time to be the work of a mentally disturbed person, but we still debate whether background checks should be required for all gun owners and whether mentally ill people or those with criminal records can be ruled out as gun owners. The Newtown, Connecticut slaughter was directed against defenseless women and children. The bodies of the youngest victims in that tragedy were not just killed; they were riddled with as many as eleven bullets each. We are faced as a society with increasing levels of fear. We cannot go to our places of worship, take our children to an elementary school, venture out to a theater, or meet with our congresswoman in a public place without facing the threat of being murdered and yet these realities are not judged to be of sufficient importance to cause us to temper by law the passions of our gun culture. The representatives of the National Rifle Association want to counter these sources of fear by posting armed guards in public places and by having our children taught by “pistol-packing” teachers in our public schools. They are opposed to universal background checks, because “they won’t work,” that is, no criminal, they say, will submit to a background check. That argument makes as much sense to me as suggesting that since bank robbers will not obey the law we ought to have no laws against robbing banks. Am I missing something? Are assault weapons with magazines that fire 100 bullets needed for any purpose other than mass murder? If we as a nation can ban the civilian possession of napalm, machine guns, bazookas, missile launchers, tanks and nuclear weapons without violating the 2nd Amendment, why can we not ban military assault weapons from individual ownership without that measure constituting “an assault on our second amendment rights?” If one child in one school can be saved by such legislation, is it not worth it? Because in a free society no one will ever be 100% safe, should we do nothing to make some of us safer? Because this argument seems so strange to me I begin to suspect that there must be other agendas operating in this debate, agendas that are hidden from view, perhaps even hidden from those who offer these out of touch arguments. The immigration debate has similar irrationalities connected with it. First please note that this debate focuses primarily on immigration coming from the nations of our Southern hemisphere. I have heard of no one who wants to build a protective wall along the thousands of miles of common boundary that we share with Canada to stop illegal entry. Is our perception of the skin colors of Canadians and Mexicans a factor in our fear? Is this an expression of our unrecognized racism at work? Who are Mexicans? They are the descendants of those we once called “Indians,” the first settlers in the Western hemisphere who appear to have migrated from Siberia some 15,000 to 25,000 years ago. In 1846 we went to war against Mexico and in our victory annexed about half of what was then the nation of Mexico. Our present states of Texas, Nevada, California and Utah, as well as significant parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming were once areas claimed by Mexico. Are we afraid that those we once conquered might through “illegal” migration reclaim their former homeland? We close our eyes to the fact that American businesses and American citizens regularly hire those we call “illegal immigrants” to harvest our crops, to work in our hotels and restaurants, to tend our yards and homes, and always at a pay scale below that required by law in the United States and with no concerns for either the health care of these workers or for their retirement savings. These employers also do not report these worker’s wages for tax purposes. Are we cognizant of the fact that without this source of cheap labor, the price of our food among other things would skyrocket? Is not the real reason that immigration reform cannot get through the Congress of the United States is that powerful vested interests do not want it to pass? So these vested interests fan the xenophobia of the masses and it is this fear that is mined by our politicians to build the political pressure that makes a legal attempt to put an end to this chaotic and illegal system all but impossible. The charges against Senator Hagel, fueled as they are by massive amounts of money from right wing sources, fit into the same picture. When Chuck Hagel was the Republican senator from Nebraska, a conservative mid-western state, he did not “buy” the propaganda campaigns of the war hawks in his party as they attempted to legitimize the war of choice that this nation unleashed against Iraq. These war hawks, most of whom had never served in this nation’s armed forces, justified this war after the fact by asserting that Saddam Hussein was evil and the world was better off without him. That may well be true, but the fact is that this nation has refused to go to war to unseat other evil regimes in North Korea, Syria, Serbia, Cambodia and a variety of countries in Africa. There has to be more to the anti-Hagel campaign than this. Senator Hagel’s apparent “sin” was that he saw through the war hawks’ propaganda and opposed that war even as he exposed the darker side of that chapter in our history and that he was right. Do we need to be reminded yet again that the weapons of mass destruction that were used to justify this war were not there and that the “surge” was required to prevent an Iraqi civil war that none of those who planned this war saw coming? To demand a “yes” or “no” answer to the “success” of “the surge” outside the context in which it was ordered is very revealing. Let me suggest that the real reason for the incredible hostility that marks each of these debates is that they all reflect a change in consciousness that threatens the power of the established order that has held political power in this land from the very beginning of our history. The world is changing. Power is shifting. America is no longer the unchallenged preserve of white males of European ancestry. That fact has raised fears in this nation to new historic levels. That is why the gun debate, the immigration debate and the Senate hearings on Senator Hagel are so irrational. That is also why in the last election the attempt was made to suppress minority votes in those states where a Republican governor and Republican legislators had the power to do so. That is why the discussion of manipulating the Electoral College by changing it from states to congressional districts is being entertained. That is why a campaign to delegitimize the first African-American President to be elected in this country has been systematically conducted, giving rise to such bizarre things as the legitimacy of his birth certificate, the claims that he is really a Muslim, a communist, a fascist, or at least that he is not “one of us.” The fact that he has won twice by significant majorities has only heightened the paranoia. That is why demographic shifts in this nation create such fears. That is why we have witnessed a systematic attack on women, including attempts not only to roll back Roe v. Wade, but also to challenge a woman’s right to comprehensive health care, including contraception. The controlling power of the white males of European background is receding. Women, young people, black voters, Hispanic voters and Asian voters are growing in political power. The gridlock that has tied up the Congress since 2010 grows out of that fact. These efforts will ultimately fail, but they are capable of doing massive harm to this nation and to its economy before that failure is fully recognized. One step forward is to raise these underlying fears to consciousness. That is what this column seeks to do. America needs two functioning political parties. Those parties, however, need to be grounded in reality. At this moment that is not true of both of them. ~John Shelby Spong Read the essay online here. Question & Answer John Riingen, from San Diego, California, writes: Question: I write to request your comment on the words of Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard to the Muslim immigrants in Australia, as the latter want “to live under Islamic Sharia law…” In a more – it seems – conciliatory, but firm assertion, the Prime Minister said, “Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles founded this nation and this is clearly documented…..We will accept your beliefs and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us. This is our country, our land, and our lifestyle, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining and griping about our Flag, our Pledge, our Christian beliefs, our way of life, I highly encourage you to take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, “The Right to Leave.” If you aren’t happy here then LEAVE. We didn’t force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country you accepted.” Answer: Dear John, I have been to Australia some nine times and find it a very exciting, young and vibrant nation. I have also studied its politics and watched the Liberal Party (which strangely enough is the Conservative party of Australia) under former Prime Minister John Howard who ruled that country for many years. He was replaced by Kevin Rudd as the first Labor (read Liberal) Party Prime Minister, who then faced a revolt within his party that brought Ms. Gillard to power. One of the issues in all of these governments was immigration, complicated by the relationship of the predominantly European background Australians to the Aborigine population. There is great anxiety in Australia about being “overrun by Asians.” The land mass of Australia is slightly bigger than that of the United States, but the land capable of supporting a large population is limited to the coastal areas. The cities around the coast of Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns and Darwin make up about 90% of the Australian population. Canberra, its capital city was, like Washington, built from the ground up to be the center of the government and Alice Springs, a beautiful oasis literally in the middle of nowhere, are the best known cities that are not on the coast. Australia’s population is about 25 million people. The primary immigrants to Australia today are Pacific Island people, Chinese and South East Asians. The European Australians appear to be worried that as a European island in an Asian sea, they might be overrun and become strangers in their own land. I believe that fear is what motivated Ms. Gillard’s words. Her words, however, make little rational sense since historically the Europeans immigrated to Australia and destroyed the culture of the original inhabitants. Now they want to protect themselves from having someone else do to them what they did to the Aboriginal people. Xenophobia, the fear of those who are different, is a common human trait. Xenophobic fears are expressed in the immigration anxieties that infect all nations. The fact is that nation states are all blending around the edges. In the United States Miami is a majority Hispanic city. The border with Mexico is so porous that the Mexican population in the United States is rising from California to Florida and is rapidly spreading into the nation’s heartland. Asian settlers have changed the face of such west coast cities as San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland and Seattle. The north east of the United States is a veritable United Nations. People will always be drawn to the countries that have a higher standard of living. Resisting immigration on the part of those already settled is both inevitable as well as being doomed to failure. Ms. Gillard’s appeal to the Christian religion and her acknowledgement of the Christian nature of Australia is of note. My sense is that Ms. Gillard is known as a totally non-religious woman. She is, however, appealing to some of human beings deepest fears and politicians who mine human fears are dangerous. All of us are immigrants if one goes back far enough in human history. No one should, however, move to another country with the ambition of changing that country to suit the immigrant’s standards. That makes about as much sense as marrying your spouse because you hope to change him or her. A better way forward is to recognize our common humanity and then look at every person’s individual gifts. Ms. Gillard’s comments lead me to believe that she does not quite understand how to do that. ~John Shelby Spong Announcements Join the Global Network of Progressive Christians around the world and connect with other Believer's in Exile! Visit our Global Network page for more information and to add Your Voice! Any questions or concerns, please contact us at support(a)johnshelbyspong.com or 503-236-3545. Copyright © 2013 ProgressiveChristianity.org, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have a membership at our website. Our mailing address is: ProgressiveChristianity.org 3530 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Unit 1 Portland, OR 97214 Add us to your address book

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YouTube Downloader
by Sunny Walker 06 Feb '13

06 Feb '13

I attached the file Jaime requested, but OE list aborted it. So use YTD Video Downloader. If you need me to send you a file (since it can't go to the list), let me know. I've already sent one to Jaime. Sunny Sunny Walker SunWalker Enterprises 303-671-0704 Cell: 303-587-3017 sunwalker(a)comcast.net for ToP facilitation training information: registrar(a)icadenver.org www.icadenver.org <http://www.icadenver.org/> "I love my life!"

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FW: [Dialogue] I just found a fascinating new book, The Shift Age by David Houle
by Marilyn Crocker 05 Feb '13

05 Feb '13

Hi Paula, Jeanette, Joyce and others, Yes, David's Shift Age is well worth reading! He was a co-presenter several years ago with me and others at an Ed. Forum and opened our eyes, indeed! I received a signed copy of his book, which Joe immediately (yet gently) claimed and enthusiastically devoured. Enjoy! Marilyn Marilyn R. Crocker, Ed.D 123 Sanborn Rd West Newfield, ME 04095 From: dialogue-bounces(a)lists.wedgeblade.net [mailto:dialogue-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net] On Behalf Of Joyce Sloan Sent: Monday, February 04, 2013 8:51 PM To: Colleague Dialogue Subject: Re: [Dialogue] I just found a fascinating new book, The Shift Age by David Houle So on target! Thanks Paula! Joyce On Sat, Feb 2, 2013 at 5:03 PM, Mary D'Souza <marykdsouza(a)gmail.com> wrote: Thank you Paula. Really interesting. Mary On Sat, Feb 2, 2013 at 6:30 AM, Paula Philbrook <paula.philbrook(a)gmail.com> wrote: One article said he was the "most important futurist the 21st century. Has any one else run into his thinking or writing? This is a link to his presenting memes-where he thinks we are headed- http://www.memebox.com/futureblogger/show/609-david-houle-s-three-forces-of- the-shift-age You might have to copoy and paste. Paula Sent from my iPad _______________________________________________ Dialogue mailing list Dialogue(a)lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/dialogue-wedgeblade.net _______________________________________________ Dialogue mailing list Dialogue(a)lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/dialogue-wedgeblade.net

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Helen Newkirk
by Carol Crow 05 Feb '13

05 Feb '13

Dear Friends, I have been asked by Patricia to forward this letter from her sister, Linda Knutsen. Helen lives with Linda and Lester in Virginia, (DC area) and is nearing the end of her life. They would love to hear stories from any of you who have lived with Helen and Bill - please send them to ljknutsen(a)gmail.com. The family will read them to Helen and share with each other. Patricia leaves this afternoon to share these last days with the family. By evening Lisa will also have arrived. Dave and girls are already there and Jim will not be able to come from Serbia but was here last summer. Other extended family are there and arriving. Attached is a letter Linda sent out earlier this week. > Subject: Update on Mom/Helen - Feb 1, 2013 > Reply-To: ljknutsen(a)gmail.com > > Hello everyone, > > I am sorry that I haven't kept you all in the loop more frequently > on how Mom is doing...it has been a good, but challenging month. > > As anticipated, Hospice has been just simply wonderful, and has made > this last few weeks so much more manageable than I could have > imagined. While Mom continued for most of January to make her way, > usually on her own, out into the living room into her recliner to > watch her favorite shows, record her life stories, read, or just > hang out, her strength steadily declined. Thankfully, we have gotten > her pain well under control, and she claims to have little to none. > Starting last Saturday for 4 nights she 'traveled' all night long, > talking constantly for most of 7 hours (!) with family members and > some strangers in all corners of the globe. These episodes were > mostly typical, illogical dreams with memories woven in, and were > often quite funny! I have many quotes from those nights that I have > shared with my siblings, and we have laughed and laughed! My > favorites are: > > "Oh, this is just terrible...my tacos are FREEZING!" ...and... > "LINDA, JUST TELL ME WHAT THE PLAN IS!" (yes, very loudly!) > > We have lots of family help here now to be with her. She has slept > well for the past two nights with little dream-talking, and her > spirits are excellent. Her humor and her intellect are most > definitely intact! But she can no longer bear any weight, and sleeps > most of the time. She slept nearly 15 hours yesterday after her 4 > days of 'traveling' and even then was still quite tired. But today > she was quite responsive and interactive, though for very short > periods between naps. > > She is ready to 'go home' and quite at peace with the most > **amazing** life she has had, and she has SO enjoyed hearing from > all of you, her ***MOST*** amazing hoard of much-loved, far-flung, > wild and wonderful friends and family. > > Many of these I mention are gathering here as I type to wish her yet > another blessed journey, and she will definitely be thinking of all > of you, near and far. (As I write this I realize that neither she > nor I have checked her email for maybe a week or more, so I will do > that now and share with her all your loving communications.) > > Love and peace, > Linda > > Thank you for sharing in this special time in the Newkirk family.In caring community, Carol Crow Patricia's Housemate in Bothell, WA

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Great Television speech -- seems neither business or political leaders
by James Wiegel 05 Feb '13

05 Feb '13

in "real life" can talk like this. hmmmm https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=550154135009477 Jim Wiegel ". . . In this whole world i don't know a more sly, more cunning, useful virtue than sheer dizzy pluck!" The Odyssey A Modern Sequel. Nikos Kazantzakis 401 North Beverly Way, Tolleson, Arizona 85353-2401 +1 623-363-3277 skype: jfredwiegel jfwiegel(a)yahoo.com www.partnersinparticipation.com Upcoming public course opportunities: ToP Facilitation Methods, Feb 12-13, May 14-15, Sept 17-18, 2013 ToP Strategic Planning, Nov 5-6, 2013 Facilitation Graphics, March 19, 2013 The AZ Community of Practice meets the 1st Friday of each month 1-4 pm Facilitation Mastery : Our Mastering the Technology of Participation program is available in Phoenix in 2012-3. Current program began on Nov 14-16, 2012 See short video http://partnersinparticipation.com/?page_id=55 and website for further details. AICP Planners: 14.5 CM for all ToP courses

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