HALLOWEEN

SOME PEOPLE WORRY ABOUT HALLOWEEN. MANY OF OUR RIGHT-WINGS THINK HALLOWEEN IS THE DAY OF THE DEVIL. GOBLINS. GHOULS. VAMPIRES. ZOMBIES. FRANKLY, I WORRY MORE ABOUT WASHINGTON. GOBLINS. GHOULS. VAMPIRES. RICH, BLOOD SUCKING REPUBLICANS. WORSE THAN ANY MAKE-BELIEVE CHARACTER I CAN THINK OF. I PERSONALLY LIKE HALLOWEEN. A CHANCE TO BE SOMEONE ELSE. SOMEONE SCARY. SOMEONE OTHER-WORLDLY. SOMEONE UGLY, WHO THINKS ONLY STUPID THOUGHTS. BUT ALL THE TRUMP MASKS WERE GONE. I HAD TO SETTLE FOR A PENCE MASK. A WHITE, MALE, CHRISTIAN WITH NO BRAIN. SORT OF ZOMBIE LIKE. IT WILL BE POPULAR IN THE VILLAGE.

SUNDAY MORNING HYMN: Amos Lee w The Roots Jesus

SUNDAY MORNING SERMON

I MET AN ANGEL. SHE WAS A WAITRESS AT THE WAFFLE HOUSE. THOSE BRIGHT EYES AND THAT INFECTIOUS SMILE. SHE MUST HAVE BEEN ABOUT 23 OR SO. I HEARD HER TELL ANOTHER CUSTOMER THAT SHE HAD ONE CHILD AND HAD RECENTLY KICKED HER HUSBAND OUT FOR CHEATING ON HER. SHE SAID SHE WANTS TO GO BACK TO COLLEGE. PRE-MED. I THINK SHE CAN DO IT. AN ANGEL CAN DO ANYTHING.

SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER

VIOLENCE RESIDES IN ALL OF US. WE ALL CARRY A DARK SIDE. WHEN WE AS A NATION ENGAGE IN WAR, IT IS ALL OF US THAT ARE RESPONSIBLE, NOT JUST THE FEW. WITH EACH DEATH, HUMANITY BECOMES LESS THAN WHAT IT COULD HAVE BEEN. WHEN WE TAKE AN EYE FOR AN EYE, WE BECOME NO BETTER THAN OUR ENEMY. WE MOVE AWAY FROM THE COMMON GOOD TOWARD THE COMMON BAD. BEFORE LONG, WE ACCEPT THE COMMON BAD AS OKAY, OR SOMETHING WE CAN LIVE WITH. THIS IS THE LAW OF DIMINISHING HUMANITY. WE ALL TAKE PART IN IT. WE ARE ALL RESPONSIBLE FOR IT. WE SIT BACK AND WATCH. FORGIVE US.
AMEN

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO THE PEEVER

• IN THE BEGINNING, THERE WERE NO HUMANS. AND IT WAS GOOD. THE EARTH FLOURISHED. THEN GOD DECIDED TO RUIN EVERYTHING.
• THE TEN COMMANDMENTS ARE NOT NEAR ENOUGH. I WOULD HAVE 2,354, MOST HAVING TO DO WITH THE RICH SCREWING THE POOR. MORE THAN A FEW ABOUT POLITICIANS. AND SEVERAL ABOUT SEX. 
• PEOPLE MISTAKE THE GARDEN OF EDEN AS THE CREATION STORY. THAT WAS THE WRITERS FANTASY. THE REAL CREATION STORY IS EVOLUTION.
• THOU SHALL NOT KILL. HOW MUCH SIMPLER CAN IT BE?
• DO NOT BELIEVE ANYONE YOU HEAR CLAIMING TO KNOW "THE TRUTH." EXCEPT, OF COURSE, IF IT HAPPENS TO BE ME.
• IF GOD HAD KNOWN PEOPLE WERE GOING TO GET INTO WARS OVER RELIGION, HE OR SHE WOULD NEVER HAVE THOUGHT THIS STUFF UP.
• I HAVE NOTICED MOST PEOPLE ARE NOT PRAYING, THEY ARE ASKING FOR FAVORS. SORRY.
• IN THE END, THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT PUT TRUMP AND HIS MERRY BAND OF MISFITS. AND GOD SAID, "PEEVER, THIS IS BAD. WHY DON'T YOU TAKE OVER." AND A DEEP HUSH FELL OVER THE LAND, AND A VOICE COULD BE HEARD CRYING FROM THE WHITE HOUSE, "OH SHIT."

PEEVER LAW #11

CAPITALISM HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH DEMOCRACY AND EVERYTHING TO DO WITH PROFIT AND EXPLOITATION.

ELEVATING CUSSING TO AN ART FORM

• Never use a cuss word unless you mean it.
• Never cuss in front of older women. It's a waste of time. Drunken sailors got nothing on older women.
• Try to make up new cuss words. The old one's get overused.
• Time your cuss words in such a way that they keep the listener off guard. Like in church or at a funeral.
• Never let a young kid out-cuss you.
• I've heard tell cussing is using the name of God in vain. I don't quite get that, but what the hell.

Warnings of 'Disaster Capitalism' and Privatization Emerge in Puerto Rico

Warnings of 'Disaster Capitalism' and Privatization Emerge in Puerto Rico



CAPITALISM AT WORK. READ "THE SHOCK DOCTRINE" BY NAOMI KLEIN. PUERTO RICO IS A PRIME EXAMPLE.

SITTING ON THE DOCK BY THE BAY

Sitting at a dockside bar on the gulf in Navarre Beach, FL. One of my favorite spots. Temp around 75. Having a beer and shrimp taco. Life is good. Going to do a little writing, although feel more lazy than inspired.

WAYS TO TELL iF YOU ARE ALIVE

• If you are sure Trump is about the biggest jackass alive, you are still breathing.
• If you are sure Trump is mentally ill, don't bother taking your blood-pressure.
• If you are sure Trump doesn't know the truth from fiction, no need to go to the doctor.
• If you are sure Trump doesn't wear underwear, you're doing just fine.
• If you are sure Trump is from another planet, you're thinking is good.

51 GOP Senators Just Voted To Cut $1.5 Trillion from Medicare and Medicaid To Give Super-Rich and Corporations a Tax Cut

51 GOP Senators Just Voted To Cut $1.5 Trillion from Medicare and Medicaid To Give Super-Rich and Corporations a Tax Cut



Y9U JUST BEEN SCREWED AGAIN. HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT.

HERE'S THE THING:

• IT'S EASY TO GOVERN WHEN ALL YOU DO IS PLAY GOLF. AND I BET HE CHEATS. HE BEING OUR DULY NON-ELECTED PRESIDENT.
• IN THE SCHEME OF THINGS, THERE IS NOT ANYTHING BETTER THAN A RHUBARB CUSTARD PIE.
• I'D LIKE TO THINK OF MYSELF AS A PATIENT PERSON, BUT MY PATIENCE IS RUNNING OUT WITH OUR GOVERNMENT. I CAN'T BELIEVE THE MESS WE'VE GOT OURSELVES INTO. IT'S SO MUCH OF A MESS I'M THINKING ABOUT REVOLUTION. THE SECOND AMERICAN REVOLUTION. I'M GOING TO CUBA IN MAY TO SPEAK WITH RAUL CASTRO. I'M GOING TO TRUMP HIM. I'M SURE HE WILL HAVE SOME SOUND ADVICE.
• IN A WORLD FULL OF CRAZIES, LET'S HAND OUT GUNS TO EVERYONE. THAT WILL MAKE THINGS BETTER. THE NRA IS OUR WORST ENEMY. THEY ARE WORSE THAN ISIS, OR IS, OR WHATEVER THE HELL WE ARE CALLING THE ENEMY NOWADAYS. 
• MOST OF WALL STREET NEEDS TO BE PUT IN PRISON. I'LL DESIGN IT. IT WILL BE A VERY SPECIAL PLACE. ALL THE MODERN CONVENIENCES. I'M THINKING ALL THE GUARDS SHOULD BE BILLIONAIRES. THEY CAN CONTINUE TO ONE ANOTHER FAVORS. WE COULD FILM IT AND PUT IT ON TV. IT COULD REPLACE ALL THE MILITARIZED PROGRAMS. AND FOX'S FAKE NEWS. THIS WOULD BE "REAL" ENTERTAINMENT.
• HERE'S THE THING; WE SHOULD HAVE UNIVERSAL HEALTH-CARE FOR EVERYONE RATHER THAN SPONSOR 3-4 WARS AROUND THE WORLD, 5 DICTATORSHIPS, 20 OR SO USELESS AIR BASES, AND 2 OR 3 COUPS PER YEAR. WITH ALL OF THE MONEY WASTED ON THE ABOVE, WE WOULD HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH FOR UNIVERSAL HEALTH-CARE, AND FREE COLLEGE FOR THOSE THAT QUALIFY. AND MAYBE A GOOD STIPENT FOR ME THINKING ALL THIS UP.

ARE YOU PART OF THE CURE OR PART OF THE DISEASE?

• DO YOU PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH, OR PREACH AND PREACH AND PREACH?
• DO YOU TEACH RACISM TO YOUR CHILDREN?
• DO YOU PROMOTE AND DEMONSTRATE VIOLENCE OVER NEGOTIATION, COMPROMISE, AND NON-VIOLENCE?
• DO YOU TAKE AND NEVER GIVE?
• IS YOUR MOUTH CONSTANTLY MOVING AND THE WORDS GENERALLY USELESS?
• DOES YOUR LIFE MEAN MORE TO YOU THAN THE NEXT PERSONS? ARE YOU THE TYPE THAT PUTS A BATTERING RAM IN FRONT OF YOUR TRUCK TO MAKE SURE THE OTHER GUY GETS THE WORST END OF THE DEAL?
• IF YOU KNOW ANOTHER PERSON IS STRUGGLING, DO YOU OFFER TO HELP?
• DO YOU THINK ANY LESS OF A PERSON LIVING ON THE STREET? DO YOU SEE THEM AS FAILURES? DO YOU BLURT OUT, "ALL THEY NEED TO DO IS GET A JOB?" 
• DO YOU THINK YOU CAN MEND A BROKEN HEART WITH REVENGE?
• IS YOUR WAY THE ONLY WAY?

IT'S YOUR CHOICE. ARE YOU PART OF THE CURE, OR PART OF THE DISEASE?

40 DAYS OF RAIN

One in four children go to bed hungry at night in Arkansas. We're looking for some grace here, to nullify the disgrace. We are all guilty of allowing this. Every politician who turns his or her back on  this problem is guilty of turning away from the future. We don't need leaders who allow this kind of thing to happen. If they can't solve it, we will have to turn to God. Let your grace pour down. Flood our rivers and lakes with the Holy. Let the dam break and flood our land with unending favors. Favors for the children. Fruit. Cereal. Milk. Hamburgers.Vegetables. Pizza. Cookies. Chicken. Ham. And candy. Lots of candy. Oh, the beauty of it.

COMPREHENSIVE SPENDING

How about spending $500,000 for a plan that we could develop here in the Village with about 5-7 of our own residents? Out of a population of about 14,000, I’m betting we have ten’s of people familiar with and able to produce a comprehensive plan for our future. But the directors never ask for our help. They prefer to pay money to strangers for their opinions. Read Frank Leeming’s letter to the editor in the September 19 edition. He sums up the purchasing of a comprehensive plan and asks some valuable questions. As an ex- politician, I am familiar with comprehensive plans, although I have never voted in favor of one. They are generally boiler-plate documents with approximately 20% specific information. It will mainly point out generalities that we are already aware of. Here’s my suggestion: Send me the $500,000 and I will tell you the outcome. In 5-10 years, someone will ask about the plan that was done in 2018. After a thorough search, someone will find a copy on the bookshelf of one of the department directors that are still here. The new POA directors at the time will laugh and state: They paid $500,000 for this? Comprehensive plans are mainly a way for people who are lacking creativity and the common sense to ask those they are directing for their opinions. The whole thing seems well planned out and contrived. Once again, after the fact, they want us to comment.  A disappointing effort from a group of people who seem content on producing mediocre results. My answer: We should start our own citizens oversite committee to review and comment formally on decisions made by the POA that do not favor the membership.

On Being Unable to Discharge the Powers and Duties of His Office

On Being Unable to Discharge the Powers and Duties of His Office



STILL A LOT OF TALK AS HE DESTROYS THE UNITED STATES.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Sometimes people hold a core belief that is very strong. When they are
presented with evidence that works against that belief, the new
evidence cannot be accepted. It would create a feeling that is
extremely uncomfortable, called cognitive dissonance. And because it
is so important to protect the core belief, they will rationalize,
ignore and even deny anything that doesn't fit in with the core belief.”

Frantz Fanon, Black Skin, White Masks

To Halt 'Drift Toward War,' Sanders Urges Congress to Defend Iran Nuke Deal

To Halt 'Drift Toward War,' Sanders Urges Congress to Defend Iran Nuke Deal



AND STILL THEY DON'T DO A DAMN THING. THEY SHOULD BE READING ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT ON A DAILY BASIS IN THE SENATE AND HOUSE. THE DEMOCRATS SIT THERE AND WONDER WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON.  SOME SHOOT OFF THEIR MOUTHS, WHICH ACCOMPLISHES NOTHING. ALL AS WE GET CLOSER TO DISASTER.

MARCH OF DESTINY-LET FREEDOM RING

I THINK I FIGURED IT OUT. A MASSIVE MARCH ON/IN PHILADELPHIA. A SYMBOLIC TAKING BACK OF THE LIBERTY BELL BY THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. JULY 4, 2018. NO SPEECHES BY POLITICIANS. ONLY EVERYDAY PEOPLE. MAYBE ONE KEYNOTE SPEECH. (I WOULD CURRENTLY LEAN TOWARDS REV. WILLIAM BARBER). WE SHOULD ASK TO BE ALLOWED TO TAP THE BELL IN RECOGNITION OF THE OCCASION. IT WILL SYMBOLICALLY BE "THE TAKING BACK OF LIBERTY BY THE AMERICAN PEOPLE." WE WOULD ANNOUNCE A DATE FOR TRUMP, PENCE, AND RYAN TO BE RELIEVED OF THEIR DUTIES.
ANYWAY, I'M SENDING OUT THE IDEA. FEEL FREE TO TAKE IT AND RUN WITH IT. NEEDS SOMEONE BETTER THAN MYSELF AT ORGANIZING.BUT I'LL BE THERE.

'Determined to Make America as Dumb as Him,' Trump Ditches UNESCO

'Determined to Make America as Dumb as Him,' Trump Ditches UNESCO



TRUMP IQ: SOMEWHERE IN THE 50 RANGE. 

SOCIAL SKILLS:  INADEQUATE.

MEASUREMENT OF HUMAN CAPACITY FOR FEELINGS, COMPASSION, EMPATHY,

CARING: 0

TEST TO DETERMINE GENETIC LINK TO HUMANS: ORIGIN UNKNOWN. MOST LIKELY FROM ANOTHER PLANET. 

TEN THINGS I'D LIKE TO SEE IN MY TIME REMAINING

1. A PERIOD OF TIME WHERE THERE IS NO WAR. PREFERABLY LONGER THAN ONE DAY.
2. A GOVERNMENT THAT WOULD BE EFFECTIVE AND REPRESENT EVERYONE. NOT JUST THE RICH. POLITICIANS WHO ARE PUBLIC SERVANTS. WHO WORK FOR US, NOT THEIR RICH BUDDIES.
3. A MILITARY THAT WAS NO LONGER NEEDED. 20% OF THE BUDGET. THAT WOULD LEAVE PLENTY FOR HEALTHCARE FOR EVERYONE, AND FREE COLLEGE.
4. I'D LIKE TO SEE EVERYONE WITH ENOUGH TO EAT. HUNGER IS MAN-MADE.
5. PEOPLE SHOULD BE PAID A LIVING WAGE. THAT EVERYTHING IS SO EXPENSIVE IS NOT THE WORKING PERSONS FAULT. WORKERS REQUIRE DECENT PAY. THAT WOULD CURRENTLY HAVE TO BE AROUND $20 PER HOUR.
6. EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A PLACE TO LIVE. THERE ARE A LOT OF ABANDONED HOMES. PARTICULARLY IN ARKANSAS. I SUPPOSE EVERYWHERE. WE WOULD HAVE TO RUN THE METH MAKERS OUT. WE COULD BAIT THEM WITH LEGAL MARIJUANA.
7. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE ALL THE BILLIONAIRES HAVE TO BEG IN THE STREET. THIS WOULD BE JUST FOR OUR SATISFACTION.
8. I'D LIKE TO SEE EVERYONE BECOME CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS.
9. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE ALIENS COME BACK AND GET TRUMP, BUT I'M GUESSING THEY DON'T WANT HIM. IN LEW OF THAT, I'D LIKE TO SEE ALL GUNS DISAPPEAR.
10. FINALLY, I'M HOPING TO SEE THE LIGHT. SO FAR ALL I'VE GOT IS THE NEIGHBORS FLOOD LIGHT SHINING IN MY BEDROOM.

PEEVER LAW #56

POWER IS A VERY GENTLE THING

In 'Disgusting' Attack, Trump Blames Puerto Rico; Says FEMA Can't Stay 'Forever'

In 'Disgusting' Attack, Trump Blames Puerto Rico; Says FEMA Can't Stay 'Forever'



THIS GUY IS A BIGGER ASSHOLE THAN I THOUGHT HE WAS. AND I THOUGHT HE WAS A PRETTY BIG ASSHOLE. I'M TELLING YOU, WE HAVE TO GET HIM OUT. AND I WOULDN'T WAIT FOR THE POLITICIANS OR THE COURT.

BOMBS

THEY GO OFF EVERY NOW AND THEN, THOSE BOMBS IN THE MIND.
                            THEY SHAKE YOU.
GET YOU TO WONDERING. REMINISCING. WHAT IS LIFE ALL ABOUT? HAVE I MADE A DIFFERENCE? AM I ACCOMPLISHING WHAT I SET OUT TO DO?

THESE BOMBS HAVE THEIR OWN SCHEDULE. THERE'S NOT MUCH YOU CAN DO. YOU   NEED TO RESPOND.
MAYBE SLEEP A LOT. TAKE MEDICATION. OLDER MEN LOOK FOR YOUNGER WOMEN.  
OLDER WOMEN TRY TO LOOK YOUNGER.

FACE LIFTS, HAIR TRANSPLANTS, TUCKS, SUCTIONS, SPORTS CARS, SWIM SUITS WAY TOO SMALL. CAREER CHANGES, MOVES, TRIPS, NEW CLOTHES AND THAT LAST FULL-COURT BASKETBALL GAME.

RUNNING AWAY. ARRIVING. THERE ARE ALWAYS OPTIONS. VARYING RESPONSES.          COUNTLESS POSSIBILITIES.
HOPES. DESIRES. DREAMS. AND NEEDS. SOME OF OUR RESPONSES ARE FRIVOLOUS BY THEIR VERY NATURE. WE CANNOT PUT OFF THE INEVITABLE.
OTHER RESPONSES ARE NEW BEGINNINGS, NEW PATHS, NEW ADVENTURES, PAVED WITH HOPE AND ENERGY AND DETERMINATION. WHO EVER KNOWS?

 BOMBS GO OFF AND WE ARE MOVED.

SOME WEDNESDAY MORNING THOUGHTS

• SOME DAYS YOU HAVE TO WONDER. WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE WORLD? OUR COUNTRY? THE STATES? MY NEIGHBORHOOD? SO FAR, I HAVEN'T FIGURED ANY OF IT OUT.
• TUESDAY AND THURSDAY I VOLUNTEER AT THE FOOD BANK IN HOT SPRINGS. I CAN TELL YOU WITH A LEVEL OF CERTAINTY, A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HUNGRY. IN ARKANSAS, ONE IN FOUR CHILDREN GO TO BED HUNGRY. ONE IN THREE SENIORS EXPERIENCE FOOD SHORTAGE. I FOR THE LIFE OF ME CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHY. THIS OCCURS IN A COUNTRY FILLED WITH PLENTY. THIS IN A COUNTRY WHICH WE PROUDLY, BUT MISTAKENLY, CALL THE GREATEST IN THE WORLD.
• YOU HAND OUT GUNS INDISCRIMINATELY, YOU GET TROUBLE. A SECOND GRADER CAN FIGURE THAT OUT. BUT SOMEHOW, ADULT DECISION MAKERS CAN'T. SO I LOOK FOR WHAT'S WRONG. MAINLY PAYOFFS TO POLITICIANS, AND A FEARFUL PUBLIC.
• THERE ARE A LOT OF GOD PEOPLE. I BELIEVE GOOD ALWAYS OVERCOMES BAD. BUT IT OFTEN IS A LONG AND PAINFUL PROCESS. IT GETS DISCOURAGING, BUT WE HAVE TO KEEP OUR HEADS UP AND KEEP ON KEEPING ON. LITTLE ACTS OF KINDNESS ADD UP. ASK QUESTIONS. AS AN NRA MEMBER WHAT HE OR SHE THINKS IF ALL THE GUNS WILL HELP MAKE US A BETTER PEOPLE? ASK POLITICIANS WHERE THEY GET THEIR MONEY? ASK RIGHT-WING REPUBLICANS WHAT THEIR AGENDA IS? DON'T ACCEPT BULLSHIT ANSWERS IN RETURN. DEMAND FACTS. DON'T LET THEM OFF THE HOOK.
• EVERYTHING HAS BECOME MILITARIZED. SPORTS, HOLIDAYS, TV SHOWS. WE ARE A MILITARIZED NATION, WITH THE LARGEST MILITARY IN THE WORLD. WE SPEND ABOUT 55% OF OUR BUDGET ON THE MILITARY. (PROBABLY MORE, IF THE TRUTH WERE KNOWN). THESE ARE OUR TAX DOLLARS. I DON'T WANT MY TAX DOLLARS TO PAY FOR THE MILITARY. I THINK WE ARE SPENDING WAY TOO MUCH. WHAT DO I DO? HOW DO I FIGHT BACK? 
• THE OLDER YOU GET, THE MORE YOU THINK ABOUT DYING. I SUPPOSE A NATURAL PROCESS. SOMETIMES THE THOUGHTS BLANKET YOU WITH ANXIETY AND DESPAIR. YOU WONDER HOW MUCH LONGER YOU HAVE? THE QUALITY OF LIFE YOU WILL HAVE?  HAVING ALMOST DIED 17 YRS. AGO, I FEEL LUCKY. I DIDN'T THINK I WOULD MAKE IT THIS FAR. NOW I'M SHOOTING FOR AT LEAST 75. SOME DAYS THAT SEEMS PRETTY OPTIMISTIC.
• WHO WOULD HAVE EVER THOUGHT WE WOULD HAVE GOVERNMENT BY TWITTER? I BET TWITTER DIDN'T EVEN THINK THAT WOULD HAPPEN. 
• EVERY DAY I PRAY IT'S NOT OUR LAST. THAT'S NO WAY TO LIVE. REVOLUTION IS DOMINATING MY THOUGHTS. IN MAY I'M GOING TO SEE CASTRO. GET SOME POINTERS. I HOPE IT'S NOT TOO LATE.

Obama: Too Cool for Trump’s Crises

Obama: Too Cool for Trump’s Crises



WHERE ARE ALL THE EX-PRESIDENTS? THEY FOR THE MOST PART REMAIN SILENT, AS TRUMP DESTROYS THE OVAL OFFICE AND THE PRESIDENCY. CARTER HAS BEEN THE LOUDEST. OBAMA SQUEAKS OCCASIONALLY.  CLINTON MUST BE STILL LICKING HIS WOUNDS. AND THE BUSHES, WELL, ARE THE BUSHES. BUSY HIDING.

Corker: Trump Recklessness Threatens War World III (And Most GOP Know It)

Corker: Trump Recklessness Threatens War World III (And Most GOP Know It)



ONE SANE REPUBLICAN AMONG THE LITTER

Pence Departure From NFL Game Slammed as 'PR Stunt' Orchestrated by Trump

Pence Departure From NFL Game Slammed as 'PR Stunt' Orchestrated by Trump



WHO THE HELL CARES WHAT HE DOES?

SUNDAY MORNING SERMON

Right-winged ideology is everywhere. From the Arkansas House to the outhouse, right-winged, Christian, Republican ideology is spreading its garbage over the whole state. And way too many Arkansas people are lapping it up. It cloaks itself in Christianity and patriotism, making a mockery out of both. In the absence of thinking, it is much easier to spew out a line of "God Bless America", never thinking for a moment that God might bless all of His creation, not just Americans. People wave flags, not understanding in the slightest that democracy calls for justice, citizen participation, compromise, compassion, and unwavering loyalty to human life, not painted cloth or religious preference. The flag now seems to stand for domination, militarism, capitalism, Christianity, and a world order featuring right-winged fascist ideology. It is a tragic time in America's history, but a hopeful one. All of this will soon end. Not all American's are morons. At least that's what I'd like to think. This is certainly not the best of times, and very close to the worst. May God lead us out of this primordial ooze for the second time.

SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER-VICTIMS....and PERPETRATORS

Mighty God, giver of Peace, slogan for war,
   We watch while cities burn and
                             children cry and
                             women weep.
    We listen while tanks roll and
                              missiles zizzle, and
                              mobs assemble.
    We smell while
                        flesh burns and
                        old tires smoke and
                        oil wells flame
                            out of control.

We dare say,
we dare imagine,
we dare confess, that yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the
   Glory.
                           We come to you as victims of terror and
                                 mass death.
                           We come as perpetrators of death and massacre.
                           We come as citizens and patriots and taxpayers
                                  and parents and children.
                            We come bewildered, angry, sorry.

You, you beyond the smell and the din and the smoke.
You, beyond our hopes and our hates.
You, our beginning before time.
Be present in ways we cannot imagine.
Be present--save us from our power
                    save us from our violence,
                    save us from our fear and hatred,
                    save us as only you can do.
                    Save us as you have before saved us...
in love and power
in compassion and justice
in miracle and in waiting.
                    Save us  because we are your people
                         and because this is your world.

Walter Brueggemann-Prayers for a Privileged People
    

SOME SATURDAY THOUGHTS

I WAS THINKING ABOUT MY WORK DAYS. I HAD THE GOOD FORTUNE OF DIRECTING A SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM WITH A STAFF SECOND TO NONE. IT WAS A PERIOD OF ABOUT TEN YEARS OUT OF A 25 YR. CAREER. THERE WAS A TOTAL OF ABOUT 13 OF US. FOUR WERE IN PREVENTION, MAINLY WORKING IN THE SCHOOLS. COUNSELORS WERE A MIXTURE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE CERTIFICATES TO BACHELOR'S AND MASTERS DEGREES. IT WAS A GROUP THAT YOU COULD ALWAYS COUNT ON. HIGHLY DEDICATED. EASY TO MANAGE. ALL I HAD TO DO WAS STAY OUT OF THE WAY. ONE OF MY FIRST HIRES WAS CAROLYN. SHE DID MOST OF OUR PROGRAMS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR WOMEN. THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH CAROLYN WAS GETTING HER TO NOT WORK SO MUCH. A HORRIBLE DILEMMA FOR A MANAGER. SHE IS ONE OF THE FINEST PERSONS THAT I HAVE EVER KNOWN. SHE EVENTUALLY EARNED HER MASTERS DEGREE.TERRY AND I WORKED TOGETHER ON A MENTAL HEALTH UNIT THAT THE AGENCY OPERATED. I EVENTUALLY HIRED TERRY FOR AN ADOLESCENT PROGRAM WE STARTED. WE WORKED TOGETHER FOR PROBABLY 12 YRS OR SO. TERRY WOULD GIVE IT HIS ALL. I DON'T RECALL EVER HAVING ANY ISSUES WITH TERRY. WE BECAME FRIENDS AND REMAIN SO. I TRAINED 3 WOMEN TO TAKE THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE TEST TO BECOME COUNSELORS. VICKI, CONNIE, AND PAT. ALL BECAME EXCELLENT COUNSELORS. DEDICATED, RELIABLE, AND CARING BEYOND WORDS. I AM PROUD OF THE FACT THAT THEY WERE ABLE TO PASS THE TEST. IT WAS A GOOD THING FOR THEM. I WAS GLAD I TOOK THE TIME. PHIL WAS A DEDICATED, HARD WORKING, EXCELLENT ADDITION TO THE STAFF. PHIL CAME ON PRETTY EARLY. PHIL TOOK MY PLACE WHEN I LEFT. LAST I KNEW, HE WAS WORKING FOR THE BURLINGTON NORTHERN EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. AND, IF THE TRUTH WERE KNOWN, KEEPING THE PROGRAM TOGETHER WAS THE OFFICE MANAGER, MARION. SHE WAS THE GLUE THAT KEEP IT TOGETHER. COULDN'T ASK FOR BETTER HELP. EFFICIENT AND GOOD WITH THE PUBLIC. AND A TRULY NICE PERSON. ANYWAY, THAT WAS THE GROUP. I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL. MADE BEING A BOSS EASY.

John Martyn with Eddi Reader - He Got All The Whiskey

THE OLD MAN SAID:

• When you think you understand the "truth," start over.
• Don't let everyday problems take you down. That's what tomorrow is for.
• Listen. Look around. You're talking way too much and doing way too little.
• God is a good idea. But if it's a crutch you want, go to the hospital.
• Human beings are all the same. Forget color, language, disability, faith, clothes, ethnic origin, sexual orientation. We all have to sit on the pot when nature calls. We all have to figure out what kind of toilet paper to use.
• Make sure the treasure you seek is the treasure you need.
• If you waste a lot of time, eventually you'll run out of it.
• On the other hand, the old man said, "Don't get too excited. What happens happens. Don't make it personal. You're not that important."

HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE SONGS, MOST A BIT MORE RECENT

Boomers love music. I am no exception. My son is a musician, so I keep up with the new stuff. Here are some of my favorites, in no particular order:

1. "Little Lion Man," Mumford and Sons
2. "Holy Water," Big and Rich
3. "Murder in the City," Avett Brothers
4. "Whoa Mule," Black Crows
5. "The Dreaming Tree," Dave Matthews
6. "The General,"  Dispatch
7. "Old Enough,"  The Raconteurs
8. "The Stone," Phillip Phillips
9. "The Boy Who Couldn't Hoe Corn,"  Alison Krauss and Union Station
10. "He Got All The Whiskey," John Martyn and Eddi Reader (only on YouTube)

There you have it. Add some of your own. As the wise sage Bob Marley said, "One good thing about music,when it hits you, you feel no pain." Good advice for those of us who are getting older.

A PRAYER FOR SANITY

I HAVE TO ADMIT, GOD, I'M PLEADING, BEGGING. THE SHOOTINGS ARE BECOMING OVERWHELMINGLY DEPRESSING. YOU CANNOT HAND OUT UNLIMITED GUNS TO EVERY TOM, DICK, AND HARRY, AND NOT EXPECT TRAGEDY. OUR LEADERSHIP HAS FAILED US IN NOT CONTROLLING THE DISTRIBUTION OF GUNS. IN MY EYES, AND I SHOULD THINK IN YOURS, THE NRA, THE GUN MANUFACTURERS, AND THE POLITICIANS WHO HAVE BEEN BOUGHT BY THEM, ARE THE LARGEST TERRORIST GROUP THAT WE NEED TO BE WORRIED ABOUT. THEY CANNOT BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE TO WRONGLY EVOKE THE SECOND AMENDMENT AS A WAY TO ARM THEMSELVES BEYOND REASON. FEAR HAS DONE A NUMBER ON US. WE ARE LISTENING TO MADMEN, MAKING FORTUNES ON ARMING THE PUBLIC. AND THAT PUBLIC CANNOT HANDLE THE ARMS THEY ARE BEING HANDED. PERHAPS YOU, GOD, UNDERSTAND WHY MASS SHOOTINGS OCCUR? I FOR THE LIFE OF ME CANNOT UNDERSTAND IT. I SUPPOSE THERE ARE TEN'S OF REASONS. BUT ONE THING THEY ALL HAVE IN COMMON: EVERY SHOOTER HAS TO HAVE A GUN. NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT TAKING AWAY REASONABLE HUNTING WEAPONS. WE ARE ASKING TO LIMIT THE NUMBER OF GUNS OWNED, SEMI-AUTOMATIC WEAPONS THAT CAN BE CHANGED TO AUTOMATIC WEAPONS WITH A $50 LEGALLY PURCHASED KIT, MILITARY GRADE WEAPONS THAT THE PUBLIC HAS NO BUSINESS OWNING, ACTUALLY THAT NOBODY HAS ANY BUSINESS POSSESSING, AND HANDGUNS. NONE OF THOSE WEAPONS ARE MADE FOR HUNTING. THEY ARE MADE EXCLUSIVELY TO KILL HUMANS. THE MAKERS OF THESE WEAPONS ARE ALL MONEY HUNGRY BUSINESSMEN WHO TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MISERY THEIR PRODUCTS PRODUCE. GOD, IT IS TIME FOR ALL THIS TO END. YOUR INTERVENTION WOULD BE HELPFUL, BUT I DOUBT FORTHCOMING. I'M GUESSING YOU ARE LEAVING IT UP TO US. SO GIVE US THE COURAGE TO END THIS MADNESS. HELP US TO BE BRAVE AND PERSISTENT IN OUR PURSUIT OF THE SWORD MAKERS. GIVE US THE STRENGTH AND FORTITUDE TO BANG THESE WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION INTO PLOW-SHEARS.

AMEN