I received an email from a blog reader about my earlier post: Church to Burn the Koran.
Suffice it to say--we see the issue differently, which is really great. That is why I am an American because I love diversity and I love being able to have differing opinions without someone winding up dead.
The comments were as follows, with the identity of the sender protected:
Good morning Bob. Was reading your blog this morning, a couple of thoughts occurred to me. If all of these Muslims are so peace loving, then why are we there? If the general is so bothered by the burning of a few books and even now our President chimes in, and is so concerned of the safety of our troops I have a great idea. BRING THEM HOME !!!!!!! Why can't these "peace " loving Muslims govern themselves? Why don't we go into China, Russia, Somalia, Venezuela, or Cuba for that matter??? Bob, What does 2Pe. 2:10 say about despising government say! Didn't PRESIDENT HUSSEIN have his government? Why didn't we respect him, or at least respect his government? Shouldn't we as Americans have respect for our government! When we want a change of government, we don't go to any other country for their military help!!! Just a few thoughts. I know I am not in the KNOW, But I have a question. How many people were killed by drunk drivers in our own country, without one book burned?
I admit--I don't like it when people disagree with me, after all, who does? And I love a good battle of thoughts and opinions--so I responded. And I wrote the following (I have removed one phrase where the writer of the original piece could have been identified).
I responded:
Really?
You don't see the difference between drunk driving and intentionally doing something which endangers your fellow citizens around the world? I think you are being really cavalier about other peoples lives.
What kind of statement is this church really trying to make? If they really want to live free and be brave in the face of Islamic extremists, they should join the military and go to the front lines and fight Al Qaida and the radical Islamic terrorists face to face. It is real easy to stand tall and be brave from Gainesville--knowing that millions of US soldiers and the entire Homeland Security apparatus of the U.S. is protecting you.
This church represents everything that can be wrong with "Christians" in America today. And it is radicals such as these which are potentially going to cause the rest of us problems.
In some circles, burning a Koran could be considered a hate crime--the same as burning a cross or painting a swastika on a synagogue. (Happy New Year by the way)
And the threat to Americans this causes is not just in Afghanistan--but unless you haven't noticed there is a lot of the world that is Muslim. It endangers every American everywhere!
And you are also not really asking me about Hussein are you? He used chemical and biological weapons on his own people and killed thousands--if not millions of his people. In the annals of history--he is not far from being the Stalin or Hitler of our time. Using your logic, we should not have invaded Europe in 1944. Hitler had established his government there.
You misapplied 2 Pe 2:10 while you were at it. And you know that too. Return to Romans 13:8. And the entire first part of Romans 13 for that matter. We as Christians should be supporting our government and praying for it.
When you boil it all down, Paul said it best in 1 Cor 10:23--which basically says that even though things may be lawful, some things are not wise to do because they don't build others up (edify).
So in the end, this church will likely burn about 200 Korans--good for them. But, they are not going to be paying the consequences for their actions. Others are. It's their right, but is it a right that really needs to be taken?
This is the end of what I responded to the email with.
I know this is a hot button issue for many of us. I think discussing it openly and rationally is good. So, I look forward to more comments.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Church to Burn the Koran?
I read with interest the article in The Wall Street Journal titled: Petraeus Condemns U.S. Church's Plan to Burn Qurans.
Why?
Why would a church want to make a statement like that--burning a Koran?
The leader of the group, Pastor Terry Jones, is quoted as saying the following in the article:
Mr. Jones, head of the 50-member Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Fla., said in a statement that "We understand the General's concerns. We are sure that his concerns are legitimate." Nonetheless, he added, "We must send a clear message to the radical element of Islam. We will no longer be controlled and dominated by their fears and threats."
Really? That is how you are going to become and live as free people?
By burning a book? Get real.
These "Christian" zealots need to understand that they are putting a lot of Americans at risk by intentionally offending another group of people.
They have the right to burn the Koran--you bet they do. But it is ignorant (my view).
This is a 50-member church that is looking for its 15 minutes of fame. OK--they've had their fame, now they need to wise up and accept accountability for their actions.
I'm having a hard time reconciling what Paul says in Romans 13:8 with what this church wants to do. Paul wrote, "Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law." NET Bible.
It appears to me that what they want to do is really torque-off (insert your own stronger word here if desired) a specific group of people which will potentially cause loss of life to Americans, when they should be praying for the very people they are trying to make a statement to.
We Americans are kind of numb and dumb to these kinds of statements. When someone burns an American Flag or hangs a public official in effigy, we just tend to brush it off and respect the emotion and rights of the demonstrators to be obnoxious.
Others in the world do not have this same view--and so we need to understand their reactions may/will be different than ours and consider our actions in view of the probable response.
So when the Commander of US Forces in the region says the following, quoted from the article:
"It could endanger troops and it could endanger the overall effort," Gen. Petraeus said in an interview. "It is precisely the kind of action the Taliban uses and could cause significant problems. Not just here, but everywhere in the world we are engaged with the Islamic community."
This church needs to ask itself--do they really want all of that blood on their hands and is it what they should be doing? Starting wars that other people will have to fight.
It is pretty easy to stand tall and be brave in sunny Gainesville, Florida.
I wonder how brave they would be standing on the front lines in Kabul?
Why?
Why would a church want to make a statement like that--burning a Koran?
The leader of the group, Pastor Terry Jones, is quoted as saying the following in the article:
Mr. Jones, head of the 50-member Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Fla., said in a statement that "We understand the General's concerns. We are sure that his concerns are legitimate." Nonetheless, he added, "We must send a clear message to the radical element of Islam. We will no longer be controlled and dominated by their fears and threats."
Really? That is how you are going to become and live as free people?
By burning a book? Get real.
These "Christian" zealots need to understand that they are putting a lot of Americans at risk by intentionally offending another group of people.
They have the right to burn the Koran--you bet they do. But it is ignorant (my view).
This is a 50-member church that is looking for its 15 minutes of fame. OK--they've had their fame, now they need to wise up and accept accountability for their actions.
I'm having a hard time reconciling what Paul says in Romans 13:8 with what this church wants to do. Paul wrote, "Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law." NET Bible.
It appears to me that what they want to do is really torque-off (insert your own stronger word here if desired) a specific group of people which will potentially cause loss of life to Americans, when they should be praying for the very people they are trying to make a statement to.
We Americans are kind of numb and dumb to these kinds of statements. When someone burns an American Flag or hangs a public official in effigy, we just tend to brush it off and respect the emotion and rights of the demonstrators to be obnoxious.
Others in the world do not have this same view--and so we need to understand their reactions may/will be different than ours and consider our actions in view of the probable response.
So when the Commander of US Forces in the region says the following, quoted from the article:
"It could endanger troops and it could endanger the overall effort," Gen. Petraeus said in an interview. "It is precisely the kind of action the Taliban uses and could cause significant problems. Not just here, but everywhere in the world we are engaged with the Islamic community."
This church needs to ask itself--do they really want all of that blood on their hands and is it what they should be doing? Starting wars that other people will have to fight.
It is pretty easy to stand tall and be brave in sunny Gainesville, Florida.
I wonder how brave they would be standing on the front lines in Kabul?
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Sunny September Afternoons
We made our annual trek to the State Fair on Saturday as a big, complete family.
It is something we do almost every year and believe it or not, it is something I look forward to doing.
Of course, I love the cows--but this year was really special. The weather was idyllic. The grandchildren are not only increasing in number, but their increasing ages make them more fun to be with at the fair.
Since I got to play with the camera a bit more this year, I do have a favorite action shot from the fair. It is Nicole and Jax coming down the slide together. Maybe just a bit out of control, but 
having fun together.
having fun together.I enjoyed playing with the camera--because the sky was so blue and the colors so vivid.
We are able to expose the kids to so many different things at the fair--like baby chickens (chicks), or piglets, or lambs--all of the animals they read stories about and are finally able to see for real.
And of course we are all able to be together--which is also a treat.
The fair is fun and only a short drive from home. We assembled at 1000 and had a fabulous morning and early afternoon.
I hope next year is as much fun.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Monday Musings - September 6, 2010 (on Tuesday Morning)
Yes, it is a day late--but it was a holiday yesterday so I was busy.
1. Labor Day celebrations and family gatherings to celebrate together are really where it's at. I hesitate to call it the end of summer, but it surely is the last holiday of summer. Of course, there is only one other holiday during summer anyway.
2. Busy days and busy nights lead to wanting to go back to work after a holiday.
3. I get exhausted during holidays making sure I see everyone and do everything that I need to. Too bad I didn't get the things done I wanted to do like wash Cat, comb the dog, and mow the lawn among others.
4. Jax and I found a dinosaur nest on our walk yesterday morning. We were very quiet and departed the area to ensure they were not disturbed. I think we did OK because they didn't chase us!
5. Makayla was so tired from the weekend, she didn't want to get out of bed this morning. She's a dog, so she doesn't have to go to work. Lucky her!
6. I played racquetball this morning after the three day weekend--ugh! It was really hard to get moving.
7. Sunny, clear, and mild. Who could complain? Actually I did hear complaints about lack of rain. Someone please record those for later use as evidence against those complaining about the rain when it finally comes.
8. BP is still in the news playing with the oil well.
9. Hurricane? What hurricane? Gaston fizzled. Earl missed. Fiona exhausted herself. Sounds like a bad "whodunit" novel.
10. Well--now it is full ahead into primary season, autumn, and Columbus Day. Remember Columbus Day? It is still a national holiday, amazingly enough!
1. Labor Day celebrations and family gatherings to celebrate together are really where it's at. I hesitate to call it the end of summer, but it surely is the last holiday of summer. Of course, there is only one other holiday during summer anyway.
2. Busy days and busy nights lead to wanting to go back to work after a holiday.
3. I get exhausted during holidays making sure I see everyone and do everything that I need to. Too bad I didn't get the things done I wanted to do like wash Cat, comb the dog, and mow the lawn among others.
4. Jax and I found a dinosaur nest on our walk yesterday morning. We were very quiet and departed the area to ensure they were not disturbed. I think we did OK because they didn't chase us!
5. Makayla was so tired from the weekend, she didn't want to get out of bed this morning. She's a dog, so she doesn't have to go to work. Lucky her!
6. I played racquetball this morning after the three day weekend--ugh! It was really hard to get moving.
7. Sunny, clear, and mild. Who could complain? Actually I did hear complaints about lack of rain. Someone please record those for later use as evidence against those complaining about the rain when it finally comes.
8. BP is still in the news playing with the oil well.
9. Hurricane? What hurricane? Gaston fizzled. Earl missed. Fiona exhausted herself. Sounds like a bad "whodunit" novel.
10. Well--now it is full ahead into primary season, autumn, and Columbus Day. Remember Columbus Day? It is still a national holiday, amazingly enough!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Labor Day walk after breakfast
What happens after a huge breakfast? What could be better?
Maybe a nap?
But the dogs enjoyed the long-ish walk to the playground.
On the way back Jax and I looked for acorns. And we found a lot.
I finally had to convince Jax to leave some for the squirrels.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Standing at the Door--Please Don't Knock, It's Open for a Reason
I work with some people who just cannot get used to informality.
They insist on knocking on my open office door before entering or even then wait to be invited to enter.
It really bugs me--because I do not like separating myself from my team with such trappings of either authority or power.
My boss does not require such from me--why should I retain psychological power holdovers from a previous era?
I want to be a member of the "team" and not just the coach/manager/leader.
That I am "management" should not be reinforced by holding on to the trappings of percieved power that separate us--but one of the strengths of a well functioning team is seeing that everyone has a job or position, they do it and they do it together.
I know when I hear some of the team some talk about "management" (or "them") they are referring to me and the office area I sit in, but still--I want them to know that when they say these things I understand that they feel disenfranchised and not part of the solution to the problem they are complaining about.
Teams are about shared responsibility and effort.
Some need to have the authority and responsibility to make decisions--but all should be invested in the outcome--personally.
Teams really work best when the team members care. One way everyone cares is if the barriers that separate team members are reduced.
If the leadership provides the general guidance and support that the team needs then there is a good chance the team will be efficient and adaptable to the changing stress of the moment.
If the door is open--come on in! We are all in this together.
They insist on knocking on my open office door before entering or even then wait to be invited to enter.
It really bugs me--because I do not like separating myself from my team with such trappings of either authority or power.
My boss does not require such from me--why should I retain psychological power holdovers from a previous era?
I want to be a member of the "team" and not just the coach/manager/leader.
That I am "management" should not be reinforced by holding on to the trappings of percieved power that separate us--but one of the strengths of a well functioning team is seeing that everyone has a job or position, they do it and they do it together.
I know when I hear some of the team some talk about "management" (or "them") they are referring to me and the office area I sit in, but still--I want them to know that when they say these things I understand that they feel disenfranchised and not part of the solution to the problem they are complaining about.
Teams are about shared responsibility and effort.
Some need to have the authority and responsibility to make decisions--but all should be invested in the outcome--personally.
Teams really work best when the team members care. One way everyone cares is if the barriers that separate team members are reduced.
If the leadership provides the general guidance and support that the team needs then there is a good chance the team will be efficient and adaptable to the changing stress of the moment.
If the door is open--come on in! We are all in this together.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Seeing the Fair
Ask Lucas.
The Hunter Returns
There he was the other morning. Right there in the 5AM sky for me to see.
My old friend Orion has returned to guide me through another winter season and then to hopefully let me loose to enjoy another summer.
I have written before about my love-hate affair with the winter sky.
But it is Orion that is my guide in the stars.
He starts out in the early morning sky in the autumn, and during the winter becomes prominent in the evening and nighttime sky.
Low now on the morning horizon, but soon he will fill the evening sky.
Another of those signs that summer is passing into autumn and all that goes with the season.
Harvest, pumpkins, feasts, trees adorning themselves in colorful robes, and frost are but a few of the signs of the trasition.
It is good and useful that we have signposts to guide us across the seasons. As well, to guide us through life. Inanimate friends who make the big places familiar and comfort us--even in the night.
My old friend Orion has returned to guide me through another winter season and then to hopefully let me loose to enjoy another summer.I have written before about my love-hate affair with the winter sky.
But it is Orion that is my guide in the stars.
He starts out in the early morning sky in the autumn, and during the winter becomes prominent in the evening and nighttime sky.
Low now on the morning horizon, but soon he will fill the evening sky.
Another of those signs that summer is passing into autumn and all that goes with the season.
Harvest, pumpkins, feasts, trees adorning themselves in colorful robes, and frost are but a few of the signs of the trasition.
It is good and useful that we have signposts to guide us across the seasons. As well, to guide us through life. Inanimate friends who make the big places familiar and comfort us--even in the night.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Hurricanes and Labor Day
I've spent most of the week watching Hurricane Earl and trying to determine if the weekend is going to be a wash out or not.
It appears as if we are going to be OK for the weekend.
Funny, how I was concerned about such mundane things as going with the entire "fam" to the Maryland State Fair--which is fast becoming an annual tradition.
Now with three grandsons it promises to be an interesting event to attend. I still love the cows!
I probably should've been a farmer, although I'm sure I'd have been bankrupt and out of business by now. I have no business sense and I do love my toys--the latest tractor or manure spreader probably would have broken the bank.
But at least I do get up early in the morning. I love seeing the dawn break. When we were driving to and from Florida this year I was reminded of how I love to see the first signs of the dawning day on the horizon. It lifts my spirits.
For me still--new days dawn full of hope and promise.
Opportunities to succeed, things to do and people to meet and be with.
They remain full of promise.
I know some don't look at new days that way, and it is sad. Depressing even and I truly hope that I do not become one of those people for whom all hope seems lost.
I want each new day to be full of hope and adventure. The joy of discovering something new or looking at something old and familiar in a new way.
Like Hurricane Earl. Could have provided rain on my parade--but I still would have smiled. Why? Ask Chris. She knows that the reason I don't carry or use an umbrella is because I love to walk in the rain! So even in the midst of the rains from a hurricane, I can find something to enjoy.
Enjoy your Labor Day weekend. Don't drive too far and remember: even in a traffic jam, fun things happen!
It appears as if we are going to be OK for the weekend.
Funny, how I was concerned about such mundane things as going with the entire "fam" to the Maryland State Fair--which is fast becoming an annual tradition.
Now with three grandsons it promises to be an interesting event to attend. I still love the cows!
I probably should've been a farmer, although I'm sure I'd have been bankrupt and out of business by now. I have no business sense and I do love my toys--the latest tractor or manure spreader probably would have broken the bank.
But at least I do get up early in the morning. I love seeing the dawn break. When we were driving to and from Florida this year I was reminded of how I love to see the first signs of the dawning day on the horizon. It lifts my spirits.
For me still--new days dawn full of hope and promise.
Opportunities to succeed, things to do and people to meet and be with.
They remain full of promise.
I know some don't look at new days that way, and it is sad. Depressing even and I truly hope that I do not become one of those people for whom all hope seems lost.
I want each new day to be full of hope and adventure. The joy of discovering something new or looking at something old and familiar in a new way.
Like Hurricane Earl. Could have provided rain on my parade--but I still would have smiled. Why? Ask Chris. She knows that the reason I don't carry or use an umbrella is because I love to walk in the rain! So even in the midst of the rains from a hurricane, I can find something to enjoy.
Enjoy your Labor Day weekend. Don't drive too far and remember: even in a traffic jam, fun things happen!
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