Winter
March 19, 2008
2nd amendment
The right to bear Glock handguns
V-TECH/NIU.
The Supreme Court is weighing in on the most recent interpretation of the 2nd Amendment. When the Founding Fathers enshrined the right to bear arms were they referring to standing militias or individuals? Were they referring to single shot muskets or rapid fire machine guns? Given the tragedies of Columbine, V-TECH, and NIU the issue of the intent of the 2nd Amendment needs to revisited. Perhaps the focus should be less on the opinion of a small group of dead patriots, and more on the multitude of living citizens who exist in fear of the next Glock sponsored act of homeland terrorism. To contact or send a message to the website that sold the weapons behind the rampage at V-TECH and NIU contact: http://www.thegunsource.com/store/
March 18, 2008
Blind man with vision,
(Who can see the right from wrong?),
In the driver seat.
David Paterson is the governor of N.Y. Not bad from a blind black man from Harlem. Once again, the term handicapped needs to be redefined. Actually, he is not the first person who happened to be blind to be a governor. That distinction belongs to Bob Cowley Riley (1924-1994), who was governor of Arkansas. Maybe now we can all learn the lesson that it is not what you see, but what you do with what you see that makes all the difference.
March 17. 2008 ~ St. Patrick’s Day
3/4 Irish
1/4 Bohemian
Corned beef kolachki
I’m from the Southside of Chicago, just across the suburban line in Oak Lawn. More specifically, I am from St. Catherine of Alexandria. She was the only person of African heritage in my neighborhood. Most of my friends were Irish, all of them Catholic.
When I was young my friends were overtly racist. Many of them learned this behavior from their parents and siblings. I escaped this type of indoctrination. I credit grace. The older I became, the less I acknowledged being from the old sod. Much to my mother’s chagrin, I would always identify myself as a Bohemian. She always claimed we were Austrian, from Prague, Austria-Hungary.
It took a long time for me to identify with my Irish roots. It wasn’t really until I spent three days there that I fell in love with and rediscovered my smiling eyes. When I landed in Dublin I experienced an unfamiliar familiarity. A moment of Celtic ken overcame me.
I’ve learned that there is big difference between being Irish and Southside Irish. For example, the Irish, at least the Catholic ones, hate the Protestants, and the Southside Irish hate blacks, or at least they used to. I’ve come to a peace with my way back when. We are all products of and subject to the contents of the past. If we can learn from both the good and bad our lot offers we will be better off, and perhaps, better.
So, Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Keep in mind that Patrick wasn’t even Irish. He was a former slave taken to Ireland against his will who escaped, only to return to transform the very people who imprisoned him. In honor of Patrick, himself, escape from whatever imprisons you.
March 16, 2008 ~ Sacred Sunday
Untether your ass
Gallop toward Jerusalem
Giddyup gospel!
Revise, revise, the time is at hand. Revise your faith and your haikus! My original haiku for today was,
In Gethsemane,
Midst doubt and uncertainty,
He became human.
Palm Sunday is a lot to squeeze into three lines, but I wanted to write about the Jesus who has touched my heart and changed my life. The God man who walked on water and turned it into wine is not much of a role model for me. The stories of multiplying loaves and fishes, and tossing demons into pigs are awe inspiring, but they provide little assistance in my effort to become a more loving person. The stories of how Jesus reached out to outcastes, welcomed women, confronted abusive religious authority, welcomed strangers, exposed hypocrisy, sacrificed himself for others, etc. ~ these stories qualify him as my “Savior.”
March 15, 2008 ~ Sports Saturday
Baseball dreams come true
Billy becomes a Yankee
Scott is a Titan.
Two happy boys!
March 14, 2008
Dogs do not have souls.
Who would say something like that?
Well, not Pope John Paul.
David Rehak Suma
My son’s 7th grade class has one question they ask again and again, “Do you think animals have souls?” They first asked their religion teacher. She said, “No.” Next, they asked the parish priest. He said, “No.” A visiting priest came to their class. They asked the question, he said, “No.” The kids are outraged. They have dogs and cats and guinea pigs as pets. As a follow-up to the visiting priest’s response, my son asked, “Do you think the animals we evolved from have souls?”
The 7th grade class remains adamant in their belief that animals have souls. The refuse to give in. They have recently discovered some support for their view. While surfing the internet my son and I found the following headline:
The Pope Has Said:, “Animals Too Have Souls, just Like Men.”
Bingo! The 7th graders are elated and patiently await the next opportunity to ask the question. Another visiting priest, an unsuspecting catechist, perhaps the bishop himself. Whomever or whenever, this time they’ve got papal backing. The hounds of Christ are howling!
March 13, 2008
Fallon has fallen
The “Commander Guy” in charge,
Time to bomb Tehran ?
Admiral William Fallon has left his post as commander of the U.S. Central Command. He was in charge of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. For some reason he thought it was ill advised to consider expanding the war by attacking Iran. He let his opinion be known, and now he is gone. Perhaps the wrong commander vacated his office. Bush has repeatedly said that the decisions about the war should be left to the military, not the politicians in Washington. In this case, the Commander Guy should have taken his own advice. Admiral Fallon waged war for a living. It is reported that he was against the surge and for moving troops out of Iraq and into Afghanistan. Many people feel the idea of war with Iran is just saber rattling and it won’t happen. The problem is the war in Iraq and Afghanistan are unpopular. We have wandered back into a quagmire and the president wants to shift focus from a failing and frustrating war effort to end his eight years of incompetence on a high note. His willingness to lead our country into debt and death in order to pursue obscure and unattainable goals overseas is already well documented. Another war seems well within his reach.
March 12, 2008
For food, and flowers
Women workers united
They came marching and singing.
Today is the anniversary of the settlement of the 1912 Lawrence Textile Strike, known as the Bread and Roses strike. It was an extremely important strike in the history of the U.S. labor movement. It was even more significant for the involvement of women in the union movement. The strike was galvanized by the participation and leadership of women textile workers. Among the union organizers, Elizabeth Gurley Flynn organized assistance to the workers and their families and leadership during the strike.
During the strike women were imprisoned and one was murdered. Anna LoPizzo was shot by a policeman. The women, and men, involved in the strike suffered greatly. The police and hired goons brutalized the workers, but in the end the strike was settled with favorable results for the workers. For more information go to: http://www.lucyparsonsproject.org/iww/kornbluh_bread_roses.html
March 11, 2008
Spitzer spits it out
Emperor takes off his clothes
Client 9 goes down.
How can someone so smart act so stupid? How does someone who is a public crusader against corruptness and crime end up so personally licentious? History is replete with ancient and recent examples: King David, President Clinton, Rev. Jimmy Swaggart to name a few. There are too many examples of powerful men who had everything and still wanted a little something on the side.
Infidelity is a malady. Infidelity with a prostitute in a time of AIDS is Russian roulette. Aiding and abetting in prostitution is also human exploitation. The (former?) governor’s actions put his wife in potential danger. See, Mr. Governor, in the long run, sexuality is not only about individuals, its about the public good.
March 10, 2008
10,000 B.C.
Worst film since time began,
My sons loved it.
I couldn’t bring myself to tell them what I really thought about the movie. Sometimes the best thing a dad can do is shut up and buy more popcorn. My boys had a good time at the theater. The opportunity to apprise my two boys of my skills at film criticism was tempting. I just nodded. It was an afternoon of bonding over a bad screenplay with pathetic dialogue. I was hoping that one of them might inquire as to whether or not Woolly Mammoths were really used in the construction of pyramids. They just got lost in the movie, like the producer. The cinematography was superb, but I swear I saw a few orcs running around as extras.
March 9, 2008 ~ Sacred Sunday
Infected by GIRM
Body of Christ malignant
St. Stephen’s martyred.
In Minneapolis, the Parish of St. Stephen is one of those unique faith communities which both welcomes in and reaches out to the poor, needy, and marginalized. The parish is a sign of the Reign of God. The people of this faith community are a light unto the darkness and cold.
The Archdiocese doesn’t like the way the parishioners of St. Stephen’s celebrate one of their liturgies because it doesn’t conform to the General Instructions of the Roman Missal ( GIRM). Unable to tolerate diversity and an enhanced role for women and laity in liturgy, the local authorities are shutting down the service.
This is too bad, but it proves there isn’t anything new under the sun. The Pharisees and Sadducees had similar problems with Jesus. His contempt for rules, rituals, and laws that oppressed people and stifled the Spirit are well documented throughout the gospels. Even the prophets exposed the vacuity of such religious behavior. Amos said it best when he took aim at the GIRM of his day,
“I hate, I despise your feasts, and take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and cereal offerings, I will not accept them, and the peace offerings of your fatted beast I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everlasting stream.”
How many parishes throughout the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis are being reprimanded and shut down because they lack outreach to the poor and needy? If the Archdiocese ever decides to peruse this they can turn to St. Stephen’s parishioners for inspiration, that is, if they can find them.
March 8, 2008 ~ Sports Saturday
Father in Heaven
Intervene to make the team
Baseball tryouts Hell.
No, I have not lost my theological mind, nor is my spirituality in the dugout. The “Father” I am referring to is not the male image of the Godhead. If God intervenes in sporting events we are all in the ninth with two outs and no one on. The “Father” I am referring to is my dad. He died two years ago. If anyone can impact our world from beyond the grave, it’s him.
My father died in September. The same year the White Sox won the World Series. Coincidence? Not too long ago he appeared in my sister’s dream and told her that he wasn’t even dead. He claimed he was in the witness protection program.
So, having used up all my fingernails, I now turn to my dad to intervene. I’m not asking for preferential treatment, just a fair shake. Without a doubt, my son is one helluva baseball player. If these things were decided based on skill alone he would be a shoo-in. But life is not that fair. My dad played baseball until he was too old to run the bases. He spent his youth playing 16 inch in Chicago. He played for the Dwarfs, a team that was sponsored by the Chicago Tribune. He sold pop at Comiskey on the days the Negro League teams came to town. He spent his time as a soldier in WWII playing second base up and down the coast of California for Ft. Ord’s team. He got an offer to try out for a spot on the San Francisco Seals. After the war, he settled into suburbia and coached his sons. He loved the game and passed that love on to us.
Dad, whether he makes it or not, be there with him. Get close enough and whisper something in his ear. Pat him on the butt when it’s his turn to bat. Remind him to “count the bounces”, do his best and play fair. Cheer him on. Help him to keep his eye on the ball and to use two hands when he catches it. Your presence lives on in him. He’s got your talent and love of the game. See you in the stands!
March 7, 2008 ~ Guest Haiku
Gall bladder inflamed
Take it out on Friday please
You can keep the stones.
Robert Rehak
When my brother-in-law is not having minor organs removed, he is quite the writer. Bob has an engaging blog. One of his latest is http://joboja.blogspot.com/2008/02/date-to-remember.html. He is one of those quiet, competent, and very funny people that make the world a better place to live in. If you ever need a car, call Bob for advice. He doesn’t sell them, but he can tell you how to save money when you buy one. Actually, if you ever need anything, Bob is someone to turn to for help.
March 6, 2008
In a prison camp
Staying sane with crazy thoughts,
“I’ll be President.”
It doesn’t matter if you are for or against him. It doesn’t matter if you are a republican, democrat, or a third party. McCain’s journey from POW to presidential nominee is an amazing human journey.
March 5, 2008
Emotion climber
Tamer of anxiety
My courageous son
My eldest son feels more acutely than most. He has always been more sensitive to sound, touch, taste, and emotion. As he has grown, he has learned how to deal with his enhanced receptiveness. Like a surfer, he now rides the waves that used to flip him over.
Today is his birthday. He has grown into such a fine young man. He is moral, intelligent, kind, thoughtful, responsible, funny, and an amazing athlete. I am so fortunate to be his father.
March 4, 2008
Prime time for Putin
Puppet president, perhaps
Dick Cheney chuckles.
Putin hand picks Medveded for president and announces that he, Putin, will become prime minister. Putin adds that the prime minister will henceforth be more powerful than the president. Most of Russia is o.k. with it because the czarist democracy of Putin has created a more stable economy and a renewed sense of political prestige abroad. As different as our two countries may be, we both now have presidents controlled by more powerful and intelligent men. Putin and Cheney may have different styles, but both are in control.
March 3, 2008
Snitches, Woos agree
Even Things, Jibboos, and Zooks
Miss Quibble screams, “READ!”
Today is Read Across America Day. There must be someone you can read to, or something you can read. Perhaps this day could be celebrated by giving someone a book. There are kids all around our country, and the world, who are bookless. Wouldn’t it be great to send ship loads of books to needy children on every continent? This would be a great day to call an armistice. Instead of missiles reigning down from the sky, we could drop copies of Green Eggs and Ham over Iraq and Afghanistan.
March 2, 2008
Buddha’s eyes opened
Jesus gave sight to the blind
How is your vision?
Perhaps it would be helpful to view God more as an ophthalmologist than as a judge.
March 1, 2008
Women cannot fly
According to the IOC,
“Look, up in the sky…”
The IOC is denying women ski jumpers the opportunity to compete in the 2010 Winter Olympics. The head of the IOC, Jacque Rogge, claims that women are not being denied based on gender, but rather on technical grounds. What is the basic technical issue, that women are not men? The IOC claims that letting women participate would dilute the value of the medals because there are only 80 or so female ski jumpers competing in the world. In my opinion, anyone, regardless if they are male or female, who is willing to fly a hundred yards in the air deserves a medal.
February 29, 2008
It’s never too late
To start over; there’s still time.
But none for regrets.
Susan Rehak
This from a woman who went to law school at 50. Sue Rehak is an inspiration.
February 28, 2008
I dreamt of the beach
Tired of the long cold winter,
Sand in the shower.
February 27, 2008
Fred Rogers’ gospel,
Be nice in the neighborhood
You’re one of a kind!
I wasn’t the kind of kid who watched Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. But, I turned into the kind of adult who did. I only caught passing glances of the program, but each time I saw him I was impressed. He was truly a spiritual guide for children. He was a model for adults everywhere. Whatever neighborhood he resides in now is surely a better place due to his presence. Take off your shoes, zipper up your sweater and be a good neighbor!
February 26, 2008
Ralph Nader is back
What is he planning to do?
Bush can’t run again.
Ralph Nader is an American hero. He is a consumer advocate, corporate watchdog, environmental and political activist. I am in awe of his life’s work. But like some people, I feel that his prolonged presence in the 2000 election was one of the reasons why George Bush ascended to the presidency. Subsequently, we have lost over 3000 brave Americans in Iraq, the economy is almost in recession, New Orleans remains in ruins, democracy is evaporating, our reputation abroad is terrible and the educational system is turning into a tutoring service for standardized testing. Ralph isn’t responsible for any of these things; President Bush is. Ralph just couldn’t read the writing on the wall, or better, the decision of the Supreme Court.
I will always respect Nader’s sense of citizenship, his character and his unrelenting doggedness. He has done more for most Americans than the majority of politicians. He has achieved so very much, but one thing he will never achieve is the presidency. Running for president is different than becoming one. His candidacy provided a forum to address the nation and the world. Issues were raised and the hypocrisy of his opponents were revealed. He could serve once again in an important role challenging the politics of the status quo. But, I would hope that this time he will make the hard decision that all Americans must make before the finals day of the election ~ to choose which of the flawed candidates are the best available, and most electable.
February 25, 2008
God of Creation
Thank you for my existence
cc: my mother.
I am overwhelmingly blessed. Today I turned fifty. My body was supposed to give out at twenty-two, but due to medical intervention I am still wandering around. I had a birthday party today. Family and friends showed up with haikus. O fortunate me.
February 24, 2008
Woman at the well
A woman in the White House
Why not woman priest?
I am a Roman Catholic. I love the people of my church, but I despise some of our prejudicial policies. I take personal offense when church members turn Jesus, the liberator of humankind, into a sexist pig. Jesus treated woman with dignity. He did not treat women as second class citizens in the Kingdom of God. Shame on my church and the men who have dominated its leadership for centuries.
As Jesus shows us in today’s gospel ~ women are human beings, children of God, made in God’s image. Jesus broke barriers. He spoke to women, he befriended them, he loved them. He did not treat them as property or slaves. He entrusted them with his message. His encounters with them have been recorded in scripture and have served to enlighten humankind throughout history.
The idea that a woman cannot be a priest, in my opinion, is demonic. It is not an idea that came from Jesus. Jesus did not ordain any one. Jesus did call people to ministry, Mary Magdalene for example. The early church had many leaders, some of whom were woman. Women have been church leaders, theologians, mystics, teachers, care givers, servants, benefactors, and mothers. The only position they haven’t held is “priest”. To deny women to be priests is un-Jesus. It also seems a little un-American as well.
February 23, 2008 – Sports Saturday
America’s game
Kids all around the country
Crushed by their coaches.
Last year my brother-in-law and I planned on starting a web site called “Bad Coach.com”. It was our intention to provide a site parents could contact to report on bad coaches. As a baseball coach, I am appalled every season at the behavior of grown men who berate and intimidate little kids and young adults. I am equally as appalled by parents who tolerate such behavior.
Sports in America are becoming increasingly dysfunctional. The “professionalization” of childhood sports activities should raise deep concerns. Young athletes in order to succeed are willing to take steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. Other kids engage in so much training that they damage their bodies. Too often, the pursuit of a winning record ends up with kids on the losing side.
Most coaches are good people and kids end up having fun and learning how to play the game. It is a minority of bad coaches that ruin the game for lots of young athletes. There are no laws that prevent bad coaches from taking the field. What can and should happen is that officials and parents need to get abusive coaches removed in order to protect the kids and to keep the game fun.
February 22, 2008 – Guest Haiku
Frozen Rock River
Winter refuses to yield,
A trickle of spring.
William Suma
Guest Commentary: So much of life is inevitable. As we grow older there exist a certain comfort in certainty. Consistency, as long as it does not become monotony, can create a welcome expectation, like the blooming of perennials. The changing of the seasons is one such familiarity available to those who live in northern Illinois. We have well defined seasons, four of them. Winter may wail, spring linger, summer prolong, autumn saunter, but they all move on. Then they come back again. The longer I live, the more the seasons impress upon me. Its bitter cold out, but it won’t be for long.
February 21, 2008
A lunar eclipse,
People watching and staring
at HDTV .
What will get better Nielsen ratings, the eclipse or American Idol? The celestial event which sent tremors through the psyches of ancient people barely moves us moderns. In honor of our ancestors, and as a repudiation of a good part of our digital culture, I am going back outside to grunt.
February 20, 2008
Adios Fidel
End of your dictatorship
Nepotism next?
Dear Mr. Castro,
Your little revolution will not last very long! Your days are numbered.
Sincerely,
President Dwight D. Eisenhower
President John F. Kennedy
President Lyndon B. Johnson
President Richard M. Nixon
President Gerald R. Ford
President Jimmy Carter
President Ronald Reagan
President George H. W. Bush
President William Jefferson Clinton
President George W. Bush
February 19, 2008
Caged chrysanthemums
Transplanted from their garden
Red, white, blue ~ yellow!
Another day of infamy. On this date in 1942, FDR signed executive order 9066 which allowed the United States government to forcibly place Japanese-Americans in internment camps. Once relocated many of these families lost their homes, businesses, and possessions. Based on racial profiling, Japanese-Americans were singled out as security risks. No such mass relocation happened to American citizens of German or Italian heritage. During WWII, Japanese – American soldiers made up the segregated 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Infantry Battalion. This unit had the highest casualty rate in the Army’s history. It also was the most highly decorated unit in all of U.S. history.
February 18, 2008
Basile the barber
Cut my hair and shaped my soul,
Jesus with scissors.
When I was in 6th grade I had to choose someone to be my confirmation sponsor, a type of spiritual guide. Most boys picked an older brother or uncle. I knew right away who I wanted. I asked my parents if I could ask Basile, my barber. They knew him as the nice Italian man who cut all the kids’ hair. I knew him as someone who transformed the ordinary into opera. While cutting hair he would break out in song. He would do impersonations of presidents and movie stars. The front door of his barbershop was a secret passage into a world of laughter and joy. When he spoke he encouraged us to pursue dreams. He was the kindest man I ever met. He taught me to love life and to embrace it each and every moment to the full. He would often say that he was “just a barber”. His humility and love of life inspire me to this day. I love you, John Basile.
February 17, 2008 ~ Sacred Sunday
All religions same
Every one has grain of truth
Size of mustard seed.
There is an old African folk tale about the Great Diamond of Truth. God sent an angel to earth with the diamond so people could learn from it. On the way down, the angel noticed how big the planet was and thought it was a bad idea to put the diamond in any one place. The angel thought it would be too far for people to travel to get to it. So, the angel decided to smash it into a thousand pieces and spread it all over the earth. It was a good idea, except that when people found a small shard, they though they had the whole thing.
February 16, 2008 ~ Sports Saturday
Half-staff flags flying
Cheer of college crowd silenced
Heartsick Huskies howl.
All the NIU related sporting events have been cancelled. There is nothing to cheer about, just sorrow and disbelief. Sport sometimes serves as a welcome diversion from the monotony of the daily routine. On the campus of Northern Illinois University, and in the hearts of the students, staff, and their families, there is no place to hide from the horror of what has happened. Why this happened and how to prevent it from happening again is unknown. My friend, Jim Doss, sent these words,
Pissed off at the world
All kids of any age group
Should talk to someone.
I share Jim’s sentiments. We need to get in the path of the person in need before the bullets fly. Perhaps we need to get in the face of the people who sell the weapons and ammunition as well. The killings at NIU may abhor us, but they have become too common to totally shock us. Let us pray for the friends and families who have lost loved ones and keep our eyes open to see what troubled person may need our help.
February 15, 2008 ~ Guest Haiku
He brings me coffee
Ev’ry day is Valentine’s
Daily in my bed
Kathleen Rehak
Guest Commentary: Everyone knows I’m married to the best man in the world.
February 14, 2008
Clemens on the hill
Throwing curve balls to Congress
Truth hit by a pitch.
It is one thing to throw a game, but a whole career? With Pettitte on deck and Neblock in the hole, it looks like the 9th with two outs and the pitcher up to bat. Steroids might strengthen the body, but they seem to weaken a person’s judgment. Baseball has been beaned and the players who suffer the most are the young athletes who emulate the bad behavior of the drug enhanced superstars. Someone should throw the bums out and make the game safe again for kids to play.
February 13, 2008
Australia’s shame
The Stolen Generation
Unforgivable.
Today in Australia, Prime Minister Rudd will make a formal apology to the Aborigines people for the mistreatment of the “Stolen Generation”. Between 1910 – 1970, approximately 100,000 Aboriginal children, mostly of mixed race, were forcibly taken from their families. They were placed in group homes, many run by church organizations, and systematically denied their religion, language, culture, and any connection with family. Many of these children never saw their families again. These children were trained and educated to be domestic servants and farm hands. Many survivors of this policy are alive today. To get a better idea of what happened view the movie, Rabbit Proof Fence.
February 12, 2008
People of color
Dreaming of red, white, and blue
Waving the black flag.
The NAACP was founded on February 12, 1909. For over a century the organization has fought for equality and justice for all Americans. Throughout its history it has used legislation and litigation as its primary means for achieving social change One of its greatest successes was the Brown vs. The Board of Education decision. Its members have been bombed, beaten, and imprisoned, but their resolve was never defeated. The dream of America was awakened in their lives as they walked the middle path to equality, freedom, and economic justice for all. The black flag they waved was a reminder of the terrible reality of lynching that took place in their midst. The NAACP still continues its work today.
February 11, 2008
Mandela set free
From prison to president,
Troubles not over.
Eighteen years ago, today, Nelson Mandela was released from prison. He had been incarcerated for twenty-seven years. Upon his release, South Africa was reborn, but is still faces severe growing pains. People from all around the world united to fight against apartheid. Some within South Africa were tortured, others lost their lives in the battle against racial injustice. People across the globe joined in protest and pressured South Africa to change its policies. People who try to change the status quo often end up behind bars. Somewhere in a cell a future leader awaits release.
February 10, 2008 – Sacred Sunday
Jesus just said no,
Hierarchy takes offer
Power and prestige.
Gospel reading: Matthew 4: 1-11
The Temptation is a story which offers specific moral and spiritual advice ~ seek to serve instead of planning to become powerful, embrace humility instead of pursuing prestige, and don’t sell your soul for stuff. All good advice which many religious leaders and hierarchies throughout history have refused to heed. A lesson for everyone ~ be careful it’s a desert out there.
February 9, 2008 – Sports Saturday
Winners with few wins
7 7th grade scrappers
Hardwood happiness.
Three wins in two seasons. For some kids it would be disheartening and miserable. Not for the Bruins. Despite being undersized and out coached, they keep coming back for more. Their numbers are low, but their spirits are high. Max, Joel, Ryan, Dominic, Anthony, Justin, and David ~ thank you for showing this coach how fun sports can be if we give it our best, play as a team, and keep in mind that it is only a game.
February 8, 2008 – Guest Haiku
Politicians run
Citizens’ votes cast counted
Power to us all.
When not extolling the virtues of democracy (especially when it works), Susan Salidor fills the world with creative and meaningful music for children. My own children have hummed her tunes from early on and they have grown to be wonderful human beings. There is something in her music you need to hear. She makes the world a better place to live and hear. To find out for yourself go to: http://www.susansalidor.com/
February 7, 2008
A blinding snow storm
Shoveling neighbor’s driveway
Path to paradise.
Today my sons shoveled the neighbor’s driveway. They took nothing for their work. It was no big deal, but it was important. Random acts of kindness, charitable acts, and working for justice are all on a continuum. As a parent, my greatest hope for my sons is that they shall be kind and generous at all stages of their lives. Helping others in need creates good karma, and it is also the best way to enter into the Lenten season.
February 6, 2008
Arthur Ashe Wednesday
Champion on and off court
Grand slammed injustice.
So often the term ” hero” is mistakenly applied to atheletes. A more appropriate term is “star”. As for Arthur Ashe, both are apropos. Even though he died on this day in 1993, his work continues through his foundation, service awards, and educational and athletic scholarships. He fought against Apartheid and AIDS. He worked for improving the lives of young people and promoting health and wellness. He was a model citizen and human being. He also played tennis. To learn more about him go to: http://www.arthurashe.org/lifestory/
February 5, 2008
Both fat and fasting
are necessary for faith
Paradox parade.
What better way to enter into Lent than with a pocket full of doubloons, a neck ornamented with purple, green and gold beads, a belly full of King Cake, and a hangover. There is something very Catholic about partying before you pray, and after. The Gospel invites people to live life to the fullest, and at the same time, calls followers not to give into temptation. The juxtaposition of Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday creates a paradox, and something to think about for 40 days.
February 4, 2008
Tired of injustice
She stood up by sitting down
Everybody moved.
Happy birthday Rosa Parks. Mrs. Parks was deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement by the time of her civil disobedience on the bus. Twelve years earlier she had been the secretary of the Montgomery chapter of the NAACP. Her direct action on bus #2857 changed the country, and even the world. A true American hero, she was a woman of quiet strength and dignity. Her legacy lives on in every citizen who confronts laws, ordinances, and behavior that perpetuate inequality.
February 3, 2008 – Sacred Sunday
It’s time to REPENT
To return home to our hearts
Rediscover love.
When I worked for the Archdiocese of Newark, I would pass out Hersey bars at the beginning of Lent to my fellow workers and tell them Jesus didn’t die for them to cut down on chocolate. The minor traditions of my faith are important, but an overemphasis of their significance can easily distort what is most essential. Fasting, refraining from eating meat, saying the Stations of the Cross, and ashes on the forehead are all means to achive an end, they are not the end. The forty days of Lent are a journey. The question remains, “Where are we going” ? According to the Gospels, we have already arrived. The journey is our destination. Whether it is Advent, Christmas, Lent, or Easter, each season is meant to lead us to greater love. Not some distant love awaiting us in Heaven, but the real love we bring to those around us, especially the many manifestations of the poor. Before you start your next fast, look up Isaiah 58 ~ it has a great recipe in it.
February 2, 2008 – Sports Saturday
High priest quarterback
Leading team to Promised Land
Kingdom of Disney.
Football is a religious experience in America (this goes for both continents). It is so very appropriate for the Super Bowl to be played on a Sunday. It is an event that individuals venerate, and our culture worships. Whatever it is that draws mankind, and a growing number of womankind, to the HDTV to watch the big game, the revenue keeps increasing. This game has morphed into galactical gridiron gala with rock stars galore to light the night sky for the universe to behold. From the beat of College bands to the breast of Janet Jackson, half time has become as significant as the second half. Having said all this, I can’t wait for the kickoff.
February 1, 2008
Insect-like students
Circadian snooze abuse
Coffee or night school?
Ryan Schrock
Guest Commentary: As a teacher of young adolescents, I experience the research-proven stats everyday. Middle school kids come in looking like zombies. They mope into my classroom looking to feed on any excitement I have to offer. Despite my own coffee-hidden tiredness, I spend a lot of energy trying to stimulate some kind of thought process in them. Am I wasting my energy (or coffee)? Maybe we should learn a lesson from the cockroach – brilliant in the evening, but a pudden-head by morning. Our biology certainly doesn’t always match the daylight-savings lifestyle that our schools embrace. Then again, who wants to teach night school? We’d miss American Idol! Check out this great 60-second podcast about the research behind the circadian clocks and learning:
http://www.sciam.com/podcast/podcast.mp3?e_id=5D316001-E7F2-99DF-374288C8F797372A
Suma commentary: Ryan and I team taught together. His energy, creativity, and competence inspired me. We taught one course in which we covered four billion years in nine weeks. When teaching entomology we enticed throngs of 7th graders to eat insects for extra credit. Ryan is the kind of teacher who motivates students to learn. He makes education an adventure. If you have middle schooler, and don’t mind the commute (he teaches in northern Michigan) , I strongly suggest you get your child in one his classes.
January 31, 2008
He wrote of rivers
Negro life, democracy
Dreams, and crystal stairs.
February is Black History Month. What better way to start it off than with a birthday celebration for Langston Hughes (2/1), the great wordsmith who pleaded,
Let America be America again.
Let it be the dream it used to be …
America was never America to me,
And yet I swear this oath-
America will be.
The contributions African Americans have made, and are making, to our culture would take every month of the year to adequately celebrate. Our country has been gifted by the poetry, music, dance, athleticism, political leadership, intellectual scholarship, courage, strength, and moral vision of African Americans. Take time this month to learn something new about African American culture. Read a poem or two, listen to some jazz, eat some soul food, do something to help America be America again!
January 30, 2008
Haiku hangover
Poems are more than politics
Giuliani quits.
I don’t think Basho was political. His poetry focused on the drama of nature, the peculiarities of daily life, Zen insight and the depths of the present moment. I’ve never read a haiku of his that criticized the Shogun for waging a war based on bogus information. If he ever would have turned his brush on the war lords of his day, his long journey would have been cut short. Politics provides lots of fodder for writers. Though traditional haiku doesn’t address the topic, I choose to do so. Call it “Channel 575″.
January 29, 2008
State of the Union
Illusion of politics
Empire in decline.
Like the Romans before us, our days are numbered. Make room for the Chinese. Egg rolls for everyone. When a country undermines the values it is based upon, the foundation starts to crack. Losing our role as the world’s economic leader will give us less bang for our buck, but the real recession is the retreat from our democratic values. We would have fewer enemies to allude to in speeches if our actions reflected the tenets of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. To halt the decline our country faces we need more than just a change in political leadership, we need to rediscover who we are as a nation, what we believe, and how we should act as U.S. Americans.
The power the U.S. possesses to create a better world resides in the people, not in a few politicians. Is our demise inevitable? Yes, history’s relationship with dominant states is always a short term love affair, just ask the British, French, Egyptians, Greeks, or Babylonians. Perhaps there is more to our identity than being #1. Despite the possibility that our dominant days are doomed, our best days might be ahead.
January 28, 2008
Border Wall blown up
Exodus into Egypt
Gazans go shopping.
Is it me, or does it seem ironic for Israel to have created a walled in ghetto out of Gaza? Perhaps the words of Moses should be heeded, “Let my people go.”
January 27, 2008 – Sacred Sunday
Ku Klux religions
That condemn people to Hell
Don’t deserve tax breaks.
Despite the goodness of the average church, temple, or mosque goer, certain religions embrace beliefs that radiate a type of spiritual terrorism. Seemingly well adjusted people who believe in a loving God accept the notion that people with different beliefs will end up in the eternal slammer. The “Us against Them” ecclesiology of religious denominations has led to mayhem, murder, and massacre throughout history. Diversity of beliefs is a virtue of our species. It makes us wiser.
January 26, 2008 – Sports Saturday
Without fibula
Oscar runs with the cheetahs
Equal and able.
Oscar Pistorius deserves a gold medal for his courage. Perhaps he should be provided the opportunity to get one in Beijing. The South African runner, referred to as “Blade Runner” or “The fastest man on no legs”, has created controversy by wanting to compete in the “able-bodied” Olympics. Does not having legs give him an advantage? His carbon fiber prosthetic limbs are not the edge. Pistorius’ upper hand comes from his determination to break both records and barriers. If the IAAF is afraid that Oscar has a technological leg up on other athletes, why not make him run with a paraplegic on his back. He already carries the hopes and dreams of thousands of paralympians in his heart; the extra weight might level the playing field.
January 25, 2008 – Guest Haiku
Step confidently
Find the balance in yourself
Key to inner peace.
Art Suma
My older brother, Art, is a kind, generous wonderful human being. He is a provider, a security blanket. Art is an honest and trustworthy salesman. He is also a survivor. He has had his chest cracked open more times than we want to remember. He has had a valve made out of some space shuttle material, a borrowed part of another person’s heart, and a chunk of titanium plopped in his ticker to keep it pumping.
Despite the number of times he’s gone under, he keeps coming back for more. He is fearless and fun loving. He has faced death and in response he takes his family on amazing vacations. He lives life to the fullest. He is the kind of big brother everyone should have. He is one of my heroes. I thank him for the haiku, but mostly for his inspiring presence in my life.
January 24, 2008
Fred Thompson bows out
Undecided candidate
Never really in.
Running for president takes major league energy. It is truly a “run” for the office. Fred seemed to saunter, meander, mosey, even dawdle. He had a bit of a dilatory gait. I wouldn’t go as far as to say he was dilly-dallying, but he just seemed a bit half-hearted, even diffident. Perhaps he’s not this way at all in real life, just when he has to play a big role in a major production.
January 23, 2008
FTSE. CAC, and DAX
Sensex, Hang Seng, and Nikkei
Dow Jones leads the way.
World economic markets are teetering. To the average person, like me, the FTSE, DAX, and Nikkei are enigmas. How bad things are or will be is relative. For people living in poverty, every week has a Black Tuesday in it.
The factors that will influence the stability of world economic markets are beyond the reach of most people. What is within our grasp is how we respond in difficult times. The Dow doesn’t regulate generosity and it can’t trade our capacity to work for the common good. Regardless of how much the value of stocks may decline, we should never lose our values, or our willingness to share with others in need.
January 22, 2008
Dems in a dog fight
Obama and Clinton bite
Edwards licks his chops.
Bickering is not presidential. Adolescent squabbling demeans the democratic process.Who will rise above the fray and address the intricacies of potential solutions to the complex issues that face our country?
January 21, 2008
If he were alive
There would be no holiday
Perhaps a protest.
Dr. King knew when not to stop. As the beloved leader of the Civil Rights Movement he could have concluded his work with the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He could have been satisfied with having changed the laws to include all Americans at the lunch counter of democracy. But he knew that the long journey of justice was never complete. When he spoke out against the Vietnam war, he isolated himself from some of those who had supported him in the past. It was a risk he was impelled to take.
If he was alive today his voice would not be silent. He would employ his philosophy of non-violence and his strategy of civil disobedience in the effort to end the war in Iraq. He would still be trying to end poverty, racism, and violence. He would be busy today.
January 20, 2008 – Sacred Sunday
A woman stood up
She interrupted the priest
and preached the Gospel.
Within Christianity there exists the tradition of the prophet. Throughout history courageous individuals of deep faith proclaim the Gospel message by confronting the religious authority of the day. Sometimes this is done by addressing gross idolatry or seemingly insignificant indiscretions of judgment. Regardless of the issue, those who assume the role of the prophet place themselves at risk. Sometimes they end up in the bottom of a cistern, other times they are subjected to unkind criticism from the masses in the Masses. Without the prophet, institutional religion rots from within, the institution abuses its power and ultimately confuses itself with the object of its worship.
Within the Roman Catholic tradition, Sunday Mass is obligatory. There also exists the expectation that the liturgy flows unimpeded and that the laity assume a participatory role following the strict predetermined rubrics of tradition. So, it was a bit out of the unusual when, at a recent Mass, a woman stood up during the homily, and assumed the role of the prophet. She respectfully requested that the priest reflect on the richness of the Scripture readings.
He had been going on for a good 15 minutes about the minute details of natural family planning and how artificial birth control was the ruination of marital relationships. People were leaving, mothers were covering their young daughters’ ears, when suddenly the woman stood up. Like most prophets before her, she spoke from her heart and her words echoed the sentiments of the faithful. She chose her words carefully and with the utmost respect. She simply asked the priest to preach on the Scripture readings. He told her to sit down but she persisted. He refused her request.
It took a tremendous amount of courage for her to stand up at Mass. Her actions that day are part of an ancient tradition of our faith. She did not stand and speak alone. As she rose, Amos, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Micah, and Jesus stood beside her. The Gospel was preached that day.
January 19, 2008 – Sports Saturday
African Iceman
Willie O’Ree’s history
Black and one eye blind.
Mr. O’Ree broke the race barrier by being the first black player in the NHL. On January 18th, 1958 he took the ice for the Boston Bruins. Tonight he will take it again in a ceremony to honor his accomplishments. It wasn’t easy for him. He had to tolerate prejudice and discrimination. Despite the abuse, he laced up and pushed the puck forward. Besides everything else, he played with sight in only one eye. Some sport stars are heroes.
January 18, 2008 – Guest Haiku
Second chance at life
His heart beats uncertainly
Lives in the moment.
Jay Rehak
Written for a great man who inspires me every day to make every day count. His apprecation for the moment comes, in part, from his understanding of the fragility of life. As a young man, he had an emergency heart operation; now almost 50, he recognizes that each day is a gift from the divine.
Suma: Jay Rehak creates small universes. He calls creativity into existence in the form of songs, plays, newspaper articles, and products. Jay is an actualizer, one of those prolific thinkers who transforms thought into substance. If you had to be stuck on a small island in the middle of nowhere, Jay is the person you would want with you. A gentle giant of a man, a kind soul living life to the fullest.
January 17, 2008
Romney drives away
Heads south to Carolina
Jesus traffic jam.
Will America elect a Mormon? Will America elect a Republican who happens to be a Mormon? Will America elect a Republican, regardless of his faith? Michigan is not South Carolina. Evangelicals are raising their tents for Huckabee, Carolina is military country. Mitt has money, but when it comes to knowing the Lord, Baptists trump Latter Day Saints in America.
January 16, 2008
Saudis get smart bombs
Dumb U.S. diplomacy
Armed mysogynists.
Women in Saudi Arabia cannot vote. Wives need written permission from their husbands to travel. Women are not allowed to drive. Women are second class citizens. Gender apartheid exists and we not only look the other way, we sell the Saudis millions of dollars worth of weapons. U. S. foreign policy so easiy criticizes places like Cuba yet turns a blind eye to Saudi Arabia. There must be oil in our eyes.
January 15, 2008
Guantanamo Bay
American vacation
from Constitution.
The chief of the U.S. military, Admiral Mike Mullen, favors the closing of the prison. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has expressed a similar opinion. The prison is an affront to the rule of law. The activity associated with the prison has severely damaged the reputation of the United States in the international community. In the name of defending our democracy, we have violated it.
January 14, 2008
Another Monday
Tens of thousands will be born
Tens of thousands will die.
I read the obituaries everyday, and look for some small piece of information about the dearly beloved. I wonder what will be written about me one day ( hopefully around 2040)? A haiku would be appropriate. Perhaps this one,
No longer Suma
Now he will have a new name
Mr. Cadaver.
It is humbling to reflect upon the mystery of life and death. There is only one way to be born and there is only one way off the earth ( except for astronauts ). A celestial river passes through our planet. We all wander the shore for a time. The river keeps flowing, giving us up and taking us back. The precious time we spend together on the shore is sacred. Hopefully we will use it wisely and with tremendous compassion.
January 13, 2008 Sacred Sunday
Sitting in a pew
The priest gives his homily
”Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
Jesus didn’t say much. His longest sermon takes about 5 minutes to read. I once gave a homily that was written out on six pages – typed! I still pray for the forgiveness of those parishioners. Ministers should be charged per word when writing their sermons. People who preach the “Words” need to be aware that what ever inspiration or insight they wish to provide is regulated by the law of diminishing returns. It also helps if what they are saying makes sense. Amen.
January 12
He touched the Goddess
And built schools for her children
Mountain of a man.
Sir Edmund Hillary is known for climbing to the top of the world. This heroic man needs to be remembered more for what he did after he climbed down. He built hospitals, clinics, and schools for the Sherpa people. Perhaps atop Chomolongma he encountered the Goddess and she sent him on a mission. Perhaps it was through his friendship with Tenzing Norgay that he was led to reach out to the people of Nepal. Or, perhaps it was just the goodness in the heart of this bee keeper that moved him to embrace the children who live in the shadow of Everest. Regardless of why he did it, his life of generosity and compassion is the real climb.
January 11, 2008
A murder of crows
High above the prison roof
Jail birds take flight.
West Nile virus has decimated the crow population in Illinois and in other places in the U.S. Crows are a highly social bird that exhibit communal behavior that some people could learn from. This winter I have seen a tremendous number of crows. Teetering on the brink, these birds have bounced back. Hopefully the occupants of Rockford’s new and improved jail can bounce back as well.
January 10, 2008
White woman, black man
Both ways America wins
No longer a dream.
Growing up on the south suburban side of Chicago provided a limited exposure to racial diversity. Most of our mothers worked out of the kitchen and African Americans who crossed Western Ave. were risking personal safety. America has changed since my childhood. The land of opportunity that once limited its privileges to the sons and daughters of European descendants is melting like the polar caps. It is a new day in the U.S.A., change has come, much more is needed.
January 9, 2008
Indian Winter
Weather is on the warpath
A global warning.
A warm day in winter is not a sign of global warming. January tornadoes are a different issue. When it reached 65 degrees I went out and told the jonquils to go back to bed. The present ice age is coming to a rapid end, so are polar bears, Inuit culture and Santa’s crib.
January 8, 2008
New New Hampshire fare
Barbeque y burritos
And Huckaburgers.
I know, what about Hillary? You can only squeeze so much food on a seventeen syllable platter. So, to go with a little crow, here is a bonus haiku,
A choke, but no choke
Yes he can, and yes she did
Clinton serves dessert.
January 7, 2008
Video torture
A CIA production
George Bush, Director.
Our democracy has been scarred and damaged because the Bush administration has chosen to use torture to extract information. By doing this we become the enemy we deplore. Whatever moral status we may have possessed has been drown.
January 6th, 2008
Riding with Basho
On seventeen syllables
Three lines of highway.
January 5th
Chuck Norris kicks butt
Oprah brings home the bacon
Streisand sings the blues.
Is Chuck Norris Huckabee’s personal bodyguard? Can Hillary sing? A duet with Streisand might boost numbers. Has Oprah dumped Dr. Phil for Barack?
January 4th, 2008
Mary of the Mall
Our Bodhisvatta mama
Turns 80 today!
She has lived her life bringing joy and comfort to her friends and family. My father requested that his ashes be spread among three local malls so she could visit him everyday. She has consumed more Fannie Mae than any other human being. Despite failing health, she puts her make up on everyday, walks out to the living room and watches T.V. We love you Mary Kirby.
January 3, 2003
Iowa Caucus
200,000 decide
Voters of the corn.
Iowa is over. All the pitchfork wielding farmers can go back into the stalks until they are needed to scare the hell out of the candidates in the 2012 election.
January 2, 2008
Party at Bob’s house
Dead poet’s abode gets bashed
Beer, pot, fire, and ice.
A farmhouse once occupied by Robert Frost was vandalized by a group of 50 beer drinking, pot smoking teenagers having a New Year’s party.