Occasionally when I read the news I come across something which reminds me that principles in politics are rarely to be taken seriously: governance is more often about accumulating power than ensuring the rule of law. Rarely is this more blatant than this story from the New York Times.
Normally I would shrug this kind of thing off as the usual partisan bickering and conservatives complaining that they haven't yet become Masters of the Universe. But is there no one who can remember as far back as 2004?! Because as usual, Republicans are either too stupid or simply don't care. Let's reminisce together...
It's post-election, 2004. The right wing is on a serious power trip after re-electing Bush, expanding their majority in the legislative branch, and seeming on the brink of swaying the judicial. All that remains is for the emboldened commander-in-chief to appoint lots of conservative justices, and the ever-present dream of a single-party country will finally become reality.
But wait! The democratic minority in the Senate just won't die! Instead, they begin blocking Bush's judicial appointments with the power of the filibuster, which requires a larger majority to override. A principled politician might concede that political opposition is healthy in the long run and that the use of the filibuster has been respected and valued for 200 years. On the other hand, what will the GOP's response be? Of course: just change the Constitution!
So out came all the headlines about forcing "up-or-down votes" and "the nuclear option," remember those? If you really weren't paying attention, here's an article to prove I'm not lying, and that Republicans really did try to force their agenda by taking the Constitution hostage, putting a gun to its head, and demanding the confirmation of justices as ransom. I honestly don't remember how many of the nominees eventually were confirmed, but at least we were spared a nuclear attack on the Constitution (does that count as negotiating with terrorists?).
And now, here we are in late 2007 and, well, things have changed. Actually, the only thing that has changed is that Republicans no longer control the Senate. One might hope that Republicans would allow Democrats the same leverage that they enforced when they were in the majority, or at least disguise their actions to avoid exposing their double-standard, but that would only be necessary in the rare case of voter intelligence. Where have the up-or-down votes gone? How did the filibuster magically rise from disgrace to be used a record levels? Frankly, if I was the filibuster, I'd be pretty pissed off.
In 2004, the Democrats used the filibuster to put the brakes on a radical agenda and were demonised for it. In 2007, because they have the backing of the President, Republicans are quite literally ruling from the minority. Whether voters will call them on this in 2008 is anyone's guess.
I am always on the lookout for real, substantial differences between political parties, beyond the caricatures (Republicans are cold-hearted bastards, Democrats are wimps). In this case I don't think the contrast could be more clear: both parties whine when they don't get their way, but only one is prepared to sacrifice the common good and the rule of law for the sake of eliminating opposition. I certainly hope that people of conscience in both parties recommit to abiding by the principles of the Constitution and moral behaviour in general; but until Republicans show some glimmer of revival, I can say with confidence where my votes are going...
12 December, 2007
03 December, 2007
Can you taste it?
I mentioned that there were several reasons I've been blogging less frequently (excuses, really!) Here's another:
Mmm, home-brewed beer. I have to say, it's one of my more successful experiments, winning over even the harshest of critics (Melissa!). And there's plenty to go around...
Brewing is a lot of fun. Besides the satisfaction of drinking it, it's great to hear it blurbling in the fermenter, knowing that billions of yeast are at work... kind of like having an art farm, but tastier.
This one is a mild ale, crisp and clean but still flavourful, low-alcohol and medium hoppy-ness. Next up will hopefully be a honey ale and/or a Belgian-style trippel. It's safe to say I'm hooked...
Mmm, home-brewed beer. I have to say, it's one of my more successful experiments, winning over even the harshest of critics (Melissa!). And there's plenty to go around...
Brewing is a lot of fun. Besides the satisfaction of drinking it, it's great to hear it blurbling in the fermenter, knowing that billions of yeast are at work... kind of like having an art farm, but tastier.
This one is a mild ale, crisp and clean but still flavourful, low-alcohol and medium hoppy-ness. Next up will hopefully be a honey ale and/or a Belgian-style trippel. It's safe to say I'm hooked...
20 November, 2007
Baby Attack!
Several things have been going on which have kept me from blogging. This is only one of them!
08 October, 2007
Let the hair-pulling begin...
Well, it's 97 days and counting until the good people of Iowa single-handedly decide which presidential candidates will get the chance to (mis)lead the US for the next few years. On the other side of the pond, Gordon Brown has officially wimped out of calling an election, so it will be a little while before we see his slug-fest with David Cameron.
But hey, everyone knows US politics are so much more exciting anyway ;)
This is the first time, by the way, that I've bothered to follow primary race campaigns. Even in '04 I was still recovering from Democratophobia (yes, it's a real condition) to pay attention until Kerry had already won... *sigh*
And now, though I attempt to discern the real differences between Obama and Hillary, and try to find any signs of intelligent life from the GOP (ok, I actually gave up on that months ago), what interests me most is not the minutiae, but the larger picture: the relationship between the US and Europe, between them and the Middle East, and again with Russia, India, and China.
I don't have anything worthwhile to say about these things, except this: the United States had better realize that it no longer owns the world; and it had better realize that fast, because everyone else already has. The government and its people need to understand that civil liberty and justice are not "Made in America," but a universal standard to which all people have an equal obligation to submit and enforce.
This means that US interests must take a back seat to human interests. If the government feels it necessary to take an active role in the welfare of other nations, then it must do so under the authority of the international community: to do otherwise is not just unwise, it's immoral.
It also means that whatever standards the government holds other nations to, it must also apply to itself. Forbidding Iran to build nuclear weapons, while sitting on your own stockpile of Hiroshima-dwarfing bombs, is morally unacceptable. So is justifying your own regime-changing in practice while condemning others in principle.
In summary, the rest of the world has already rejected the tired line that the US is authorized to dictate global politics. It's only a matter of time (and maybe not that much of it) that the US will no longer be able to reach its arms that long. What then? If America ignores that reality it could lead to destruction, and the rise of another superpower. But if it works now to establish the international authority that will outlast it, we could see the establishment of the rule of law and of justice, which allows for peace.
If time permitted I would write a (lengthy) post titled "Why I'm not a Republican." It's something I feel the need to justify, because the Democratic position on abortion grieves me, and is not something to be put aside lightly. However, to vote Republican because of that one issue would be to neglect the larger issues at that I mentioned above. Abortion represents one life destroying another for its own supposed benefit. What Bush and his potential sucessors describe as "security" is the equivalent on a global scale. And, like many women who have abortions testify, when immoral means are justified to acheive desired ends, much is lost, and very little is gained.
But hey, everyone knows US politics are so much more exciting anyway ;)
This is the first time, by the way, that I've bothered to follow primary race campaigns. Even in '04 I was still recovering from Democratophobia (yes, it's a real condition) to pay attention until Kerry had already won... *sigh*
And now, though I attempt to discern the real differences between Obama and Hillary, and try to find any signs of intelligent life from the GOP (ok, I actually gave up on that months ago), what interests me most is not the minutiae, but the larger picture: the relationship between the US and Europe, between them and the Middle East, and again with Russia, India, and China.
I don't have anything worthwhile to say about these things, except this: the United States had better realize that it no longer owns the world; and it had better realize that fast, because everyone else already has. The government and its people need to understand that civil liberty and justice are not "Made in America," but a universal standard to which all people have an equal obligation to submit and enforce.
This means that US interests must take a back seat to human interests. If the government feels it necessary to take an active role in the welfare of other nations, then it must do so under the authority of the international community: to do otherwise is not just unwise, it's immoral.
It also means that whatever standards the government holds other nations to, it must also apply to itself. Forbidding Iran to build nuclear weapons, while sitting on your own stockpile of Hiroshima-dwarfing bombs, is morally unacceptable. So is justifying your own regime-changing in practice while condemning others in principle.
In summary, the rest of the world has already rejected the tired line that the US is authorized to dictate global politics. It's only a matter of time (and maybe not that much of it) that the US will no longer be able to reach its arms that long. What then? If America ignores that reality it could lead to destruction, and the rise of another superpower. But if it works now to establish the international authority that will outlast it, we could see the establishment of the rule of law and of justice, which allows for peace.
If time permitted I would write a (lengthy) post titled "Why I'm not a Republican." It's something I feel the need to justify, because the Democratic position on abortion grieves me, and is not something to be put aside lightly. However, to vote Republican because of that one issue would be to neglect the larger issues at that I mentioned above. Abortion represents one life destroying another for its own supposed benefit. What Bush and his potential sucessors describe as "security" is the equivalent on a global scale. And, like many women who have abortions testify, when immoral means are justified to acheive desired ends, much is lost, and very little is gained.
25 September, 2007
21 September, 2007
End of week 1
Well, Melissa has almost finished her first week of work, and Livi and I our time at home together. Both have been pretty successful, I think! Being stuck in the house during the rain is no fun, though :-P
[15 min. delay]
Cool, rain seems to have stopped!
We'll keep you posted with pictures and videos! But right now we're all settling into thisnew schedule.
Chris
[15 min. delay]
Cool, rain seems to have stopped!
We'll keep you posted with pictures and videos! But right now we're all settling into thisnew schedule.
Chris
11 September, 2007
It's important to me that this blog contains a little more than just pictures (especially of you-know-who!), though it's difficult to find time and thought energy. In this case, I just want to highlight something that I discovered today that immediately went into my "everybody should see/hear/read this!" file. But first, some personal background.
I think that my ongoing fascination with art, faith, and politics is that they help me to understand, or at least come to grips with, the world that I live in. For me, artistic endeavour and political arguments take a step back from the daily business of living to address the "whats" and "whys" of existence: I can place myself within a broader narrative, and begin to categorise, explain, and critique the things going on around me.
Faith provides a great precedent for this in the form of the prophets. Unlike fortune-tellers, the role of the prophet is to provide a narrative for her followers: One that tells the story of the past, the condition of the present (along with God's judgement of that condition), and the possible futures which will result from choices made now. In short, prophets give us a kind of divine social commentary that is at the same time political, historical, moral, and, well, prophetic. I don't believe I have an extraordinary gift in this regard, but I desperately search for these narratives, woven by others, that I can trust and live by, whether it comes from Isaiah, Jesus, or Tom Wright.
Politics are, for me, about providing the raw material with which to apply prophetic judgement. Whereas I will become 100% captivated by a prophetic narrative (say, about the relational community of Jesus growing into the Kingdom of God), I tend to stay detached from political parties, or even philosophies, sifting each alternative according my principles, and ending up with a continually morphing patchwork of ideas with inevitable contradictions and ambiguities. The real purpose I have with politics is to be aware of what's going on: of movements and philosophies, trends and taboos. In short, politics provide the questions, but not the answers.
I mentioned art as well, but it's not quite so relevant here and more difficult to nail down, so I'll leave it :)
All this has led to an interesting path for me over the last few years. Starting as a born-and-raised conservative Christian, in the build-up to the Iraq invasion I began to question the compatibility of a Biblical faith on the one hand, and a patriotic, good guy / bad guy, us vs. them attitude on the other. This led to a serious rethink of both my faith (is it really about religious affiliation leading to an all-important afterlife, or rather about the working of God within history towards the complete redemption of this life?) and politics (is the United States really a global force for peace, freedom, and human rights? or is it an empire securing it's own interests under a guise of self-deception?)
If you've stayed with me this far, we're almost there :) After coming to the UK I discovered a book called "No Logo" by Naomi Klein. A praise on the cover described here as a sexy Noam Chomsky, so I was intrigued. The subject of the book had to do with the history of product branding, leading to today's attempts by companies like Apple, Starbucks, and Nike to brand attitudes, ideas, lifestyles, and entire cultures.
What gripped me about that book wasn't that it was meticulously researched and argued (though it was and more); it was that it created a narrative that made sense of something. Now, when I walk through a shopping mall or watch the latest iPod commercial, I have a lens through which I can understand, explain, and critique what I'm seeing. Could a political writer transcend the category I outlined above? Is it possible for me to believe in a secular prophet, who, like the spiritual kind, weave authoritative narratives to explain life as I know it?
At this point, my answer is yes. Which is why I was excited today to hear about her new book, "The Shock Doctrine." I haven't read it yet, but my understanding of her basic premise is that the spread of free-market capitalism depends upon nations experiencing the same "shocks" that torturers (in this case, the CIA) have discovered are useful in breaking down a subject's defenses. As any good prophet would, she retells the past in order to throw light on the present; and whether or not she states it openly, there are always implications for the future.
I hope to find time to read the book, as well as follow the website. I hope I can pique some others' interest to do the same... I know at least a few libertarian-leaning friends with whom I might have some dialogue! In the meantime, below is a short film: please comment on it, her website, my summary of her work, or my personal thoughts and life-approach.
Always pondering,
Chris
I think that my ongoing fascination with art, faith, and politics is that they help me to understand, or at least come to grips with, the world that I live in. For me, artistic endeavour and political arguments take a step back from the daily business of living to address the "whats" and "whys" of existence: I can place myself within a broader narrative, and begin to categorise, explain, and critique the things going on around me.
Faith provides a great precedent for this in the form of the prophets. Unlike fortune-tellers, the role of the prophet is to provide a narrative for her followers: One that tells the story of the past, the condition of the present (along with God's judgement of that condition), and the possible futures which will result from choices made now. In short, prophets give us a kind of divine social commentary that is at the same time political, historical, moral, and, well, prophetic. I don't believe I have an extraordinary gift in this regard, but I desperately search for these narratives, woven by others, that I can trust and live by, whether it comes from Isaiah, Jesus, or Tom Wright.
Politics are, for me, about providing the raw material with which to apply prophetic judgement. Whereas I will become 100% captivated by a prophetic narrative (say, about the relational community of Jesus growing into the Kingdom of God), I tend to stay detached from political parties, or even philosophies, sifting each alternative according my principles, and ending up with a continually morphing patchwork of ideas with inevitable contradictions and ambiguities. The real purpose I have with politics is to be aware of what's going on: of movements and philosophies, trends and taboos. In short, politics provide the questions, but not the answers.
I mentioned art as well, but it's not quite so relevant here and more difficult to nail down, so I'll leave it :)
All this has led to an interesting path for me over the last few years. Starting as a born-and-raised conservative Christian, in the build-up to the Iraq invasion I began to question the compatibility of a Biblical faith on the one hand, and a patriotic, good guy / bad guy, us vs. them attitude on the other. This led to a serious rethink of both my faith (is it really about religious affiliation leading to an all-important afterlife, or rather about the working of God within history towards the complete redemption of this life?) and politics (is the United States really a global force for peace, freedom, and human rights? or is it an empire securing it's own interests under a guise of self-deception?)
If you've stayed with me this far, we're almost there :) After coming to the UK I discovered a book called "No Logo" by Naomi Klein. A praise on the cover described here as a sexy Noam Chomsky, so I was intrigued. The subject of the book had to do with the history of product branding, leading to today's attempts by companies like Apple, Starbucks, and Nike to brand attitudes, ideas, lifestyles, and entire cultures.
What gripped me about that book wasn't that it was meticulously researched and argued (though it was and more); it was that it created a narrative that made sense of something. Now, when I walk through a shopping mall or watch the latest iPod commercial, I have a lens through which I can understand, explain, and critique what I'm seeing. Could a political writer transcend the category I outlined above? Is it possible for me to believe in a secular prophet, who, like the spiritual kind, weave authoritative narratives to explain life as I know it?
At this point, my answer is yes. Which is why I was excited today to hear about her new book, "The Shock Doctrine." I haven't read it yet, but my understanding of her basic premise is that the spread of free-market capitalism depends upon nations experiencing the same "shocks" that torturers (in this case, the CIA) have discovered are useful in breaking down a subject's defenses. As any good prophet would, she retells the past in order to throw light on the present; and whether or not she states it openly, there are always implications for the future.
I hope to find time to read the book, as well as follow the website. I hope I can pique some others' interest to do the same... I know at least a few libertarian-leaning friends with whom I might have some dialogue! In the meantime, below is a short film: please comment on it, her website, my summary of her work, or my personal thoughts and life-approach.
Always pondering,
Chris
30 August, 2007
24 August, 2007
Safely home...
It's been a great holiday, but we're both glad to be back in York. However, jet lag sucks.
The fun hasn't stopped, and we just tried expanding Livi's diet with some baby cereal! Thanks to video blogging, you too can get a piece of the action! ;)
Tired...
Chris
The fun hasn't stopped, and we just tried expanding Livi's diet with some baby cereal! Thanks to video blogging, you too can get a piece of the action! ;)
Tired...
Chris
15 August, 2007
more pictures
Time is flying, only a week left in the States!
Rough 'n' tumble with the boys:
Acting cool:
Bath time!
Pinky the monkey, our new friend:
Blue eyes:
Also, my cactus, George, decided to bloom for us:
Signing off for now.
Chris
Rough 'n' tumble with the boys:
Acting cool:
Bath time!
Pinky the monkey, our new friend:
Blue eyes:
Also, my cactus, George, decided to bloom for us:
Signing off for now.
Chris
03 August, 2007
Back in the USA
Home sweet home!
Meeting new people...
Swimming in the pool...
themed dinner...
and takin' a break...
Meeting new people...
Swimming in the pool...
themed dinner...
and takin' a break...
19 July, 2007
Daughter
This one is just too good to not post :)
We'll be home to visit in less than two weeks!
-Chris
20 June, 2007
Summer sojourn
That's right! Most of you probably know already, but here it is anyway: mark your calendars, we'll be back in good ol' Chester County from the 30th of July to the 22nd of August. It's about time...
We are having a shindig at the home of Mike & Sandy Bryan, 8 Dogwood Dell Dr, Coatesville, PA 19320 on Saturday 4th August from 12pm until 9pm. It is an open-house style, so come whenever you want and say hello. It should be good fun and good food so stop by and join us.
If you think you are coming could you RSVP by email to sandybryan-at-gmail.com or ethanandgail-at-gmail.com. (The @s have been removed to prevent torrential floods of spam) My wonderful sister-in-law is organising it, so it would be great to know how many people will be around.
See you soon!
We are having a shindig at the home of Mike & Sandy Bryan, 8 Dogwood Dell Dr, Coatesville, PA 19320 on Saturday 4th August from 12pm until 9pm. It is an open-house style, so come whenever you want and say hello. It should be good fun and good food so stop by and join us.
If you think you are coming could you RSVP by email to sandybryan-at-gmail.com or ethanandgail-at-gmail.com. (The @s have been removed to prevent torrential floods of spam) My wonderful sister-in-law is organising it, so it would be great to know how many people will be around.
See you soon!
15 June, 2007
Apple bread
I've come close to perfecting the art of apple bread (or cake, depending on your point of view).
mmm...
I'm waiting for Olivia to fall asleep so we can watch a dvd, so here's the recipe for a small loaf.
1 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
cinnamon and nutmeg to taste
1/4 cup oil
1 egg
2 apples
Beat the oil and eggs. Stir in the sugar. Mix the remaining dry ingredients. Cut the apples into 1/4" pieces, and preheat the oven to 185c. Combine the wet mixture and the dry ingredients; the consistency should be like sticky play-doh. Fold in the apples. Scoop into a greased tin and bake until golden brown and firm.
To recapitulate:
mmm...
mmm...
I'm waiting for Olivia to fall asleep so we can watch a dvd, so here's the recipe for a small loaf.
1 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
cinnamon and nutmeg to taste
1/4 cup oil
1 egg
2 apples
Beat the oil and eggs. Stir in the sugar. Mix the remaining dry ingredients. Cut the apples into 1/4" pieces, and preheat the oven to 185c. Combine the wet mixture and the dry ingredients; the consistency should be like sticky play-doh. Fold in the apples. Scoop into a greased tin and bake until golden brown and firm.
To recapitulate:
mmm...
11 June, 2007
27 May, 2007
Health care, continued
I know you're all probably more interested in seeing how Olivia's doing more than anything I have to say. My teaching job has finished now, and I will find time to get some pictures up this week!
I just received a very interesting comment on my post regarding the possibility of a national health care system, an issue that has already been raised by the democratic presidential candidates. I don't think I know who the commenter is, so I'll assume it's a well-spoken Christian on the web who has time for these discussions with strangers :) I want to respond quickly, in case (s)he (but I'm guessing he) checks back.
I encourage you to read his response here, but I think I can summarise it by saying that he believes question is not about the desirability of a national health care system, or even whether or not it is possible in general (since it works in other places), but that it is not possible at this time in the US because of impending fiscal thunderclouds approaching. In his words, "we have some real economic problems coming at us." A partial list includes: the national deficit, already high taxes, the baby boomer retirement, increased cost-of-living, and general public apathy.
I find this quite interesting. My original post was aimed at conservative Christians who do not believe that social services should extend beyond private, charitable giving (while simultaneously believing that the US is somehow a "Christian nation.") The mystery commenter's thoughts, however, imply that, given a balanced budget, (remember those days??) universal health care could be both morally appropriate and financially feasible. As he says, "Providing quality health care at an affordable price can only benefit a government, a country and its people." Somehow I doubt that this point is as self-evident as we both would wish! I still believe that the main debate among Christians is about the moral value of such a system, rather than the specific applicability within the US in the next decade or so.
Nevertheless, his comments touch on a broad range of subjects that I think are interesting to pursue. Here we go...
Add to this the burden of private insurance!
Now imagine that burden of insurance replaced by a system in public control, with those who are more able picking up the slack for those with less. There's no guarantee that it would be more financially efficient; but it couldn't do much worse! It's weighted to benefit those who need it most, and law-makers are held accountable by the taxpayer for every dollar spent.
This is, of course, distressing. By the way, I wish there were references for these numbers, especially about personal savings. It's never good to throw unqualified numbers around.
One would think that this would cause those in government, especially in a "conservative" administration, to a) carefully prioritise national spending, and b) encourage self-restraint among the public. How strange then, that one of Bush's most consistent messages in the past 6 years is for people to spend more, shop more, buy more (one example here here). And national spending? The war in Iraq alone has cost $500 billion so far (reference here, and you can check their sources). Let me repeat that: 500. billion. That's not the "War on Terror," just Iraq. So frankly, I don't want to hear people whining that it's just not possible to give every American access to a doctor.
I told you it was a broad range of subjects :)
This is an interesting trend, and hard to deny. Perhaps we have progressed from the deification of the state to the deification of the self. If so, what are the possible future implications of that? How might those in power manipulate the worship of self to further a social agenda?
Is the Church providing an alternative to the idols of state and of self... or has it already capitulated to both? What might a truly Gospel alternative actually look like? Would it confront society head-on, or simply bear witness as an alternative community?
What does any of this have to do with health care?
These things will continue to turn over in my head in the coming year. I am torn between being a concerned (though absent) citizen and leaving the faith-informed politics scene altogether. When democrats say that their Lord "is very important" to them (Edwards), and republicans that faith informs some, but not all, of their decisions (so what, like 80%?) (I forget who said that), what's the use? How can I expect a secular nation to think humanely about health care or foreign policy, or be surprised at the current inhumanity of both?
Life goes on, and we wait (wisely or foolishly?) for Resurrection.
-Chris
I just received a very interesting comment on my post regarding the possibility of a national health care system, an issue that has already been raised by the democratic presidential candidates. I don't think I know who the commenter is, so I'll assume it's a well-spoken Christian on the web who has time for these discussions with strangers :) I want to respond quickly, in case (s)he (but I'm guessing he) checks back.
I encourage you to read his response here, but I think I can summarise it by saying that he believes question is not about the desirability of a national health care system, or even whether or not it is possible in general (since it works in other places), but that it is not possible at this time in the US because of impending fiscal thunderclouds approaching. In his words, "we have some real economic problems coming at us." A partial list includes: the national deficit, already high taxes, the baby boomer retirement, increased cost-of-living, and general public apathy.
I find this quite interesting. My original post was aimed at conservative Christians who do not believe that social services should extend beyond private, charitable giving (while simultaneously believing that the US is somehow a "Christian nation.") The mystery commenter's thoughts, however, imply that, given a balanced budget, (remember those days??) universal health care could be both morally appropriate and financially feasible. As he says, "Providing quality health care at an affordable price can only benefit a government, a country and its people." Somehow I doubt that this point is as self-evident as we both would wish! I still believe that the main debate among Christians is about the moral value of such a system, rather than the specific applicability within the US in the next decade or so.
Nevertheless, his comments touch on a broad range of subjects that I think are interesting to pursue. Here we go...
Most working Americans are already paying a fortune in state, federal, local and property taxes, Unemployment tax, Social Security and Medicare taxes, nuisance taxes, sewer taxes, school taxes, etc., etc., etc.
Add to this the burden of private insurance!
Now imagine that burden of insurance replaced by a system in public control, with those who are more able picking up the slack for those with less. There's no guarantee that it would be more financially efficient; but it couldn't do much worse! It's weighted to benefit those who need it most, and law-makers are held accountable by the taxpayer for every dollar spent.
The United States currently has a MASSIVE deficit and a negative balance of trade. The personal savings rate of the average American is also a negative number. In other words, not only are we not saving, we are going further and further into debt individually.
This is, of course, distressing. By the way, I wish there were references for these numbers, especially about personal savings. It's never good to throw unqualified numbers around.
One would think that this would cause those in government, especially in a "conservative" administration, to a) carefully prioritise national spending, and b) encourage self-restraint among the public. How strange then, that one of Bush's most consistent messages in the past 6 years is for people to spend more, shop more, buy more (one example here here). And national spending? The war in Iraq alone has cost $500 billion so far (reference here, and you can check their sources). Let me repeat that: 500. billion. That's not the "War on Terror," just Iraq. So frankly, I don't want to hear people whining that it's just not possible to give every American access to a doctor.
I told you it was a broad range of subjects :)
You might think that all of the above items would cause Americans to become more involved in "the system" to straighten things out. That's the way democracy works. But, just the reverse is currently the case. Less and less people vote in every election. Less and less people understand civics, history, or how the democratic system is supposed to work. They are apathetic, hopeless, or simply not interested. People are greatly distracted by their techno toys in the USA today. They care more about American Idol than about the American Future.
This is an interesting trend, and hard to deny. Perhaps we have progressed from the deification of the state to the deification of the self. If so, what are the possible future implications of that? How might those in power manipulate the worship of self to further a social agenda?
Is the Church providing an alternative to the idols of state and of self... or has it already capitulated to both? What might a truly Gospel alternative actually look like? Would it confront society head-on, or simply bear witness as an alternative community?
What does any of this have to do with health care?
These things will continue to turn over in my head in the coming year. I am torn between being a concerned (though absent) citizen and leaving the faith-informed politics scene altogether. When democrats say that their Lord "is very important" to them (Edwards), and republicans that faith informs some, but not all, of their decisions (so what, like 80%?) (I forget who said that), what's the use? How can I expect a secular nation to think humanely about health care or foreign policy, or be surprised at the current inhumanity of both?
Life goes on, and we wait (wisely or foolishly?) for Resurrection.
-Chris
10 May, 2007
Smiles all 'round
Coming up on Olivia's 2-month birthday next week, and enjoying the company of Melissa's mum. Melissa's Aunt and Uncle also visited on Tuesday.
We're both a little crazy, but trying to have fun as well. I'm in between starting one job and finishing another, so I'm doing twice as much work as usual... not to mention composing and my other job... so there probably won't be any blog dissertations for a bit. Maybe that's a good thing?
Anyway, enjoy the pictures.
03 May, 2007
6 week check
Hello Everyone
As promised there are more pictures to post. Olivia is now 6 weeks and 4 days old. I can't believe how much she has changed. She is holding her head up off the floor and smiling and we even heard a laugh once. There is always some new cry or gurgle. My mom is here to enjoy her and experience all those things with us.
I have been at my wit's end with feeding though. Olivia just feeds all day long and I felt like I couldn't get a break. The health visitor who comes to the house was worried about her weight gain as she was only gaining 2-3 ounces a week. We have been getting differing opinions from different health visitors and were very frustrated. Olivia was constantly fussy when not feeding and it was a struggle to get her to sleep. The health visitor suggested to "top her up" with formula and we all thought it was a good idea. We went to her 6 week check at the doctor's yesterday and Olivia had gained 1 whole pound in a week. She now weighs 9 pounds. She also gained an inch in height, I guess this was her 3 week growth spurt 3 weeks late. I was very shocked that just topping her up with formula would pack on that much weight. I have to say she looks healthier and is less fussy and has more happy alert times, so it was worth it. It also gives me a chance to have a break and have Chris feed her. Last night she slept from 9pm until 5am and then again until 8am!!! We all felt better this morning. Right now it is 8pm and my mom is feeding her and we are hoping for the same tonight. Below are some pictures.
p.s. Chris is making doughnuts from scratch and they are freakin' awesome! see you soon
Love Melissa
As promised there are more pictures to post. Olivia is now 6 weeks and 4 days old. I can't believe how much she has changed. She is holding her head up off the floor and smiling and we even heard a laugh once. There is always some new cry or gurgle. My mom is here to enjoy her and experience all those things with us.
I have been at my wit's end with feeding though. Olivia just feeds all day long and I felt like I couldn't get a break. The health visitor who comes to the house was worried about her weight gain as she was only gaining 2-3 ounces a week. We have been getting differing opinions from different health visitors and were very frustrated. Olivia was constantly fussy when not feeding and it was a struggle to get her to sleep. The health visitor suggested to "top her up" with formula and we all thought it was a good idea. We went to her 6 week check at the doctor's yesterday and Olivia had gained 1 whole pound in a week. She now weighs 9 pounds. She also gained an inch in height, I guess this was her 3 week growth spurt 3 weeks late. I was very shocked that just topping her up with formula would pack on that much weight. I have to say she looks healthier and is less fussy and has more happy alert times, so it was worth it. It also gives me a chance to have a break and have Chris feed her. Last night she slept from 9pm until 5am and then again until 8am!!! We all felt better this morning. Right now it is 8pm and my mom is feeding her and we are hoping for the same tonight. Below are some pictures.
p.s. Chris is making doughnuts from scratch and they are freakin' awesome! see you soon
Love Melissa
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