The Power of Prayer

Do you believe in the power of prayer? I tend to have my own relationship with God and his many followers, and of course Jesus Christ. I don't wear it on my sleeve. We have our own personal thing gong on. But when friends and loved ones get into some kind of trouble I always find myself having a personal conversation with some folks in the form of a prayer.

I pray to my mom who died in 1992, my dad who died in 2003, and my grandparents on both sides that passed decades ago. I fully believe that there is a heaven, I fully believe that that is where I too some day will go, and I fully believe that family always watches over you. Ergo, they hear my little prayers for people I love on the radar. I like to think of it as my angels network. Sometimes I have them on speed dial and keep calling them when someone is really in trouble. It's what I do privately to myself.

Many a night years ago, when one of my little girls was sick, I would stay up holding them or watching them closely. As I paced in nervousness that a worried dad will do I prayed for my babies to get well to anyone and all that would listen. Did it work? I have no clue. But I still have five daughters to be thankful for on this earth.

Faith is a funny thing. You can wear it like a shield to insult the masses or you can use it for what it was intended for. Love of another person on this earth. Give faith a chance and you might just be surprised.

Some people may never understand this concept of the power of prayer. I'm not one to argue with them. It's my personal faith. And that is never going to change. I wear that part of my life like a blanket that keeps me warm and I like it.

Papamoka

President Obama's Speech Should Inspire All Mankind

Good Morning Papamoka Bloggers! I thought President Barack Hussein Obama's speech this morning in Cairo was one of the most inspirational and impressive that I've ever heard, and that includes great speeches throughout history. I realize it may sound hyperbolic, but it's my opinion. I was moved to tears.

So, going with that premise, how do we discuss a speech of such magnitude? It would be redundant - and 24/7 news-channel-like - of me to simply reiterate point for point and discuss the policy potential ad nausea like every other pleb unworthy of the brilliance that is Barack Obama.

No, I would rather respond to the cacophony of Republican critics already out there shouting down the president's aspirations by taking a look at the historical impact of similar inspirational speeches. What impact did they have had on human history - or lack of impact. I realize we're not academics and cannot possibly cover the issue very well, but I say let's take a stab at it. It is a very interesting question.

As part and parcel we need analyze the critics of those great speeches. Who were they? That should help us understand motive when it comes to the critics of Obama's speech today. First, what were the great speeches? Second, who were the critics? That's our mission here. It will hopefully paint a clear picture about what shapes our history. Do inspirational speeches work? What, if any, is the impact? Are there themes of "negativity and opposition" that pollute human social evolution throughout time. They are all fascinating questions.

So, let's find out by exploring a few examples. Let's first look back at one of our more recent inspirational speeches, delivered by President Ronald Reagan standing before the Berlin Wall dividing East and West Berlin on June 27th 1987. I hate to admit it, but I remember it fondly.

He took it upon himself to describe an undivided East and West. He made the now famous appeal to the leader of the then Soviet Union (inspired by John Kennedy's original appeal) "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall." So, who was opposed to that speech? Was anybody? Not surprisingly, it was the far right. It's true, the Democrats supported President's Reagan's call for more openness. The GOP was suspicious at the time.

It's all part of the now famous "Reagan Myth." Republicans like to think they were the progressives at that time, and today they suckle on the idea they supported him in his efforts to remake history. That's incorrect. Some moderates did, but the far right was highly suspicious of the changes promoted by the president. Most historians give credit to the Democrats for supporting Reagan's inspiration at that time.

The far right Republicans back then saw Reagan as too weak when it came to Gorbachev. Their fears climaxed during the Reykjavik, Iceland Summit when the far right saw Reagan promising to give away their precious nuclear arsenal to the Soviets. The far rights's fears were articulated at that time by Reagan's buddy Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the UK. Despite their close relationship, she criticized Reagan harshly for going off half-cocked when it came to relations with the soviets.

Most Democrats of the time believed Reagan's sincerity and inspiration, and were hoping and praying for his vision of a nuclear arms-free world. Many of us today see that as a reason why he was a great Republican president.

Another great inspirational speech is obvious to most of us with a brain, and it wasn't delivered by a politician. It is the I Have a Dream speech delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on August 28th, 1963 in front of the Lincoln Memorial. So, who opposed the Civil Rights's Movement? That answer is somewhat complicated. Let's simplify by saying that right-wing Democrats of the time, based mostly in the South, opposed the movement. They were supported by right-wing Republicans at the time. Again, regressives show their true stripes, despite their party affiliation.

Left-wing Democrats and Republicans supported it. Lyndon Johnson's success ultimately fractured the Democratic Party in the South, leading to Nixon's Southern Strategy (divide and conquer conservative southern Democrats), and the birth of the modern Democratic and Republican parties. It is a fascinating time in American political science/history.

A final example of another great inspirational speech was heard just before Dr. Kings and was given by another Republican. It was the Farewell Address delivered by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on January 17th 1961, and it was all about mutual respect and the need to alter the dangerous trends of the Cold War. He was fearful of an out-of-control arms race, and the "military-industrial complex." Once more, the far right, embodied by his VP Richard Nixon, opposed Eisenhower's aspirations and quietly undermined any progress.

Kennedy later embraced Eisenhower's approach, but his assassination and LBJ's expansion of our commitment in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia ultimately ended those American dreams. Still, the speech is a personal favorite, and relevant today.

So, my examples, among many other possible ones that I reviewed, support my theory. The political forces that inevitably rear their ugly head to oppose great transformative, aspirational and inspirational thinking throughout history seem to be the far right, or the regressives. They always seem to oppose proposed change. They always seem to oppose what is possible, choosing instead for the status quo. I welcome a real debate on this issue, but my cursory analysis seems to support my theory so far.

Ask yourself why do Democrats elect to use the term "progressive?" It wasn't all about the GOP trashing of the word "liberal." It had a lot to do with promoting our core governing philosophy, which is about change and focusing on the future and mankind's potential. While the GOP focuses only on what individuals can achieve, we progressives enhance our individualism by combining it with a trust in social institutions - like government - to help us achieve.

Why do I mention this? It's because I believe that - based on historical evidence - psychologically far right Republicans lack the genetics necessary to be inspired by their fellow man, especially if those men are in government. They do like strong leaders, but only if those leaders are focused on delivering one thing in various forms - personal security, financial security and tribal security. Their entire modus operandi seems to be based on FEAR and SUSPICION of others.

They are the proverbial Deaf or Tin Ear, Echo Chamber, and/or Paranoid Pete. They like to call themselves conservatives, but that's just a pretty way to describe what is in reality a human psychological disorder reacting to fear in all its forms. Let's admit it, it's more appropriate to call them by what they really are: paranoid regressives, or political/social cowards.

They are instinctively - or genetically - suspicious of everyone and everything. They are genetically UNINSPIRED and UNINSPIRING, and will fight to keep whatever control they can to make sure that nobody can hurt them, their family or their tribe.

At this point, please don't get mad at me for leaving your favorite speech out of this discussion. There are simply too many. If you want to identify your own inspirational speech, and discuss the opposition to make your own case, feel free to visit American Rhetoric to find their Top 100 speeches. You can read them, and even play the audio for some. It's very interesting.

My conclusion is that great speeches do affect change and effect history. The great men and women who deliver them don't always see the progress, especially since it's slowed by the foot-draggers of history I call regressives, but it does slowly happen. Great men like Barack Obama seem to be put on this Earth as triggers for progress. I believe that President Obama's vision in his speech today will come to pass. I just don't know how long it will take. Let's hope it doesn't take too long, so that we can all enjoy a better world.

President Barack Hussein Obama's speech was amazing. I hope the majority of Americans take the time to listen. If you didn't catch it, please take the 45 minutes or so to listen now - click here. It's time to push back against the regressives who have fought the progressive tides of history. It's time to stand up for positive change. Let us hope that most Americans aspire to live in a better world, and join together to do whatever they/we can to make this man's vision a reality.

Michael Boh
Papamoka's Left Coast Contributor
from Our Rants & Raves Blog

Michael's Personal Christmas Wish

Merry Christmas Eve Papamoka Bloggers - There are many things to talk about when it comes to the celebration of Christmas, or the birth of God on earth, and one of them, in my humble opinion, is to celebrate our blessings. Count them if you will. That is my Christmas wish.

Let's see, I have people I love and a life that I love to enjoy. You all know who you are out there, especially my family and friends. I would like to extend that joy to my fellow bloggers. I enjoy our blogging, and you guys make life more interesting. I hope each and every one of you enjoys a wonderful Christmas celebration.

So, since I have a blog, I thought I might share a few thoughts about what Christmas means to me at this stage of my life. It's from me to you, or for anyone who cares to eavesdrop. I don't want to talk about abstracts, however, I want to focus on the blessings we can can smell, see and hear.

For example, I live in a very beautiful place - the hills of Southern California. I feel blessed for the fact that I walk around each morning appreciating everything. I'm one of those fortunate enough to smell the flowers, pick the fruit, and grow a garden.

In December, I often enjoy an extraordinary view of the ocean and high snow capped mountains in the distance. I don't take them for granted. I always look at them. I always appreciate them. I guess you could say that I count my blessings daily.

The Native Americans had it right; they took the time. We should all take time, each day, to fill ourselves with the spirit and the beauty of everything around us. It doesn't matter where you live; there is usually something beautiful in the most common places.

That's my point this Christmas. I think some Christians lose sight of the world Jesus came to appreciate, and focus too much on an unfortunate desire to see the next. Buddhists are better at it. They talk about the next life, but they also talk about appreciating this one. They meditate and try to become part of both. It's pretty cool if you ask me. I appreciate their teachings too

You see, in my opinion, Jesus came here to say that we have plenty to love and enjoy here on Earth, and that if we live decent, charitable lives, that life here will be a blessing for all of us. We all have something good or special in our lives, and it's up to each of us to take the time to find it, and to appreciate it.

So, let's celebrate the birthday of a man - of God - who taught us all how to be appreciate one another, and how to appreciate our many gifts and blessings. So, my Christmas wish is that WE COUNT OUR BLESSINGS, and be charitable and giving to one another. I know I will do my best.

Merry Christmas!
Michael Boh
Papamoka's Left Coast Contributor
from Our Rants & Raves Blog

American Catholics and the Pope

In my life, my Catholic faith is a foundation to live by. It isn’t by any means binding in the full teachings of the church as an American. More or less it is a standard of faith in God and Jesus Christ and how I should proceed or act in my life. It isn’t an easy faith to follow when everyone else is playing by different rules or no moral rules at all. That by no means states that I’m a jerk and the confessional gives me a pass on forgiveness. What it means to me is that I treat people with respect no matter their lot and life and when I can I offer help to all in any way that I can, I do.

From my personal perspective, I look at any kindness I show as a pay it forward sort of event. When shown kindness and compassion it is hoped that the person receiving it pays it forward to another person in their life. I don’t see the results of my actions but then again I do. Many people have touched my life when I needed it most and it isn’t important to give names because the act of caring for someone else is self rewarding. You know when you are helping someone and that warm feeling in your belly is all that you need to know that you are doing good. That is the goal that Jesus would have wanted for me as a person to follow.

As a Catholic somewhat involved in the faith I know the many good deeds that the church does for the many in need. It isn’t broadcast on the news or spoken of in the halls of government. They just do what they do and many that have been helped have come back to give help to the poor and down and out. Doing something that helps another person no matter who they are is something that is addictive and it begets more action by those helped. Helping out someone that is down and out no matter what action you take is addictive. That is something that you never need to go to meeting for to overcome this particular addiction. That is somewhat the foundation of the Catholic faith when you really think about it.

In America, the Catholic faith has been under strong attack for many misgivings and rightfully so. Pedophile Priests are not something we as Catholic’s want in our flock. It is a shame on our church and something we as members bare on our shoulders every day. When the church does not correct it with undoubtedly sound results then it is a cross the members of the faithful have to face and carry.

It is pretty clear that the years of child molestation by very mentally sick Priest’s will carry forward for many years to come. I have no sympathy for the animals and bastards that harmed children and yet as a Catholic I am supposed to forgive. Forgiveness comes far more easily when the monster disguised as Priest’s are behind bars. That is what an American Catholic thinks in the nutshell. A crime against children is a crime against the future of families. How can you raise your family as Catholic if the crimes are passed over or ignored by the people that are the leaders of the church?

I wish Pope Benedict a fruitful trip to his flock in America but he should think deep into his heart and soul and ask for the forgiveness of his lost flock. The issue of pedophile priest’s will not go away over night or for a generation or two. Shame of his flock and our church goes deep into the American spirit and festers with the neglect of the church policing itself. Where they saw a wrong doing they looked the other way and that was wrong no matter how you look at it.

In the mean time, the faithful of the church will still give and give again and again. The work of serving the poor never ends and in that respect I am proud to be a Catholic. In the numerous cases of child abuse I am somewhat ashamed to be a Catholic and that is a dilemma that many American Catholic’s face.

Pope Benedict in his visit to America can change that ideology of American Catholic’s if he has the courage to do so.

Papamoka

Cross posted at To the Center

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St. Patrick's Day Thoughts

(Photo courtesy of http://www.rootsweb.com/)

BY MICHAEL LINN JONES

In a department store the other day I was confronted with one of those appeals to commercialization. It was a display filled with all the items someone needs to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. It included green felt hats with buckles on them (for leprechauns I presume), green beads adorned with shamrocks and beer mugs (of course), and so on. I'm proud to say that American marketers and Chinese factories have gone all-out this year to portray the Irish (and their descendants across the globe) as carefree, mindless drunks.

This is not to rain on anyone's parade, but rather to give a little perspective of what St. Patrick's Day is about. Or, at least to me. Like many, I won't let facts get in the way of a good story, but in this case I'll do my best.

The photo above is of the Rock of Cashel, in County Tipperary. It was here, as legend has it, that St. Patrick gathered a crowd and used a shamrock to teach the listeners of the Holy Trinity, each petal of the shamrock (since there's three) stood for The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. St. Patrick spread Christianity across the entire island. He did it not with a sword, nor with threats. The pagan religion that prevailed at that time in Ireland gave way to Christianity, or adapted well to it in some aspects.

The people of Ireland were Celts. The Celts were a mysterious people who thrived in the British Isles for several eons. Also in what is now England the Angles mixed with the Saxons (Germans if you will). The Celts were widespread. To this day they are the Irish, the Scots, the Welsh, and small areas of Cornwall in England and a slice of Brittany in France, if you can believe it.

Zip forward in history to the 18th and 19th century to see the result of colonial empire. Ireland was a vassal colony of the English. There were "penal laws" in existence that prohibited Catholics from practicing their faith, owning land, and a myriad of other things. The most offensive was the law that required Catholics to pay tithe to the Church of England. What is little known is the fact that in the north of Ireland, Presbyterians were just as ruthlessly persecuted as the Catholics.

By the early years of the 19th century the "penal laws" were repealed; mostly through the efforts of one Daneil O'Connel. O'Connel was a member of Parliament (as well as a Protestant). He was given the name "the great liberator."

Despite that, economic freedoms were not extended. A native of Peru (the potato) became the staple diet for the vast majority of the Irish. When a blight of potatos arrived (from America I'm sad to say) the food people ate simply ceased to exist. It was known as the Great Famine, roughly lasting between 1844 and 1870. But a famine it was not, for that word implies no food at all was available. However, Irish farmers literally died from starvation while watching ships loaded with grain bound for England.

It was a horrible time. So many people were dying that coffins were made with a false bottom; the coffin would be lowered into the ground, the deceased would be released and the coffin would be re-used over and over. The dead were put on ships ("coffin ships") that would be sunk offshore. One man told me that if you could walk underwater, you could walk from the Dingle Peninsula to Boston Harbor without leaving the decks of the coffin ships.

Today we might call it ethnic cleansing. Ireland's population shrunk from 12 million to just over 3 million. About two million died of starvation and disease. The rest just left. They went to New York, Boston, San Francisco, Britain, Australia, and many other places. There were no leprechauns and no pots of gold at any rainbows for them. At least not in Ireland.

Here's something to think about on St. Patrick's Day: during the mass exodus of the Irish, cholera became one of the biggest killers. One man and his wife, from Cork, emigrated to Canada. Cholera had become so rampant that immigration authorities had all ships arrive at an island in the St. Lawrence river. Those who were healthy moved on. Those who were sick were detained on the island until they either recovered or died. This man's wife came down with cholera shortly before their ship arrived. He stayed on the island with her, but she quickly succumbed to the disease. Heartbroken, he moved on, eventually re-marrying and settling in Detroit. His son was Henry Ford

Many years later, Henry Ford established the first Ford factory outside the U.S. in Cork. Cork is a very hilly city (a little San Francisco some call it). One area is known as Fair Hill.. There is a street there named after an Irish revolutionary, Wolfe Tone. But long before that it was named Fair Lane. So those of you old enough to remember have learned how the Ford Fairlane got its name.

I was taught in college sociology that those who are oppressed learn well how to oppress. This was to explain the proliferation of dictatorships that evolved in so many former English colonies. Ireland is one that defintely did not. The Irish are a kind, intelligent, and welcoming people. Their national psyche will always carry the echos of past sufferings and loss, though.

They are irrepressible and have, I must confess, the most beautiful application of the English language in the world. I don't know about this "wearin' of the green" stuff. You don't know what green is until you've been there. I hope you go someday.

Just don't go with anticipation of seeing the "pig in the parlor" Irish, as they refer to it over there. Their outlook is modern yet much different than an American's. Culturally we owe them much.....at the very least the respect they deserve. For of all nations, Ireland has earned it as much as any other, if not more.

One thing Americans and the Irish have in common: being one or the other is a state of mind. If you want to celebrate anything on March 17th, celebrate that. Ireland is not the only nation to have suffered; as many people around the world are living a nightmare as bad as the Irish ever did.

But they are, if you will, a testimony to the resilience of the human spirit, and what it can accomplish.

Now THAT's something worth lifting a toast to.
**********************************
Cross-posted at Michaellinnjones.com

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Catholic’s, McCain & Hagee

Us Catholic’s are a tough lot. Hell we have to deal with the shame of the child molesting priest issue that went underground for decades but we all own that shame together as Catholic’s. It is a shame that should never be forgotten by every single Catholic.

Mind you as church organizations go the Catholic faith is very strict with its teachings but very liberal with its actions. Caring for the poor, feeding the homeless, clothing people, offering assistance in many areas of life without care as to whether you are a Catholic or not. There are no flares fired off to make notice of our churches response to people in need, its just done.

With that being said, there is a religious Christian war going on in American politics that is based in hate. Christian, and hate are two words that should never go together when talking about the American Christian experience of faith. Love thy brother does not have the word “except” in it. Down at the bottom of the page there is no italicized notes with a list of who is not to be loved. If you think this war is happening in both political parties then you would be dead wrong. This issue is totally owned by the “My God is better than your God” Republican Party and Reverend John Hagee is heading up the battle with his endorsement of John McCain. Over at the Washington Post they have this great read on it…

Hagee Endorsement of McCain Has Risks

By LIBBY QUAID
The Associated Press
Monday, March 3, 2008; 6:23 PM

SEDONA, Ariz. -- Endorsed by an influential Texas televangelist, Republican John McCain endeared himself to one group of voters but risked alienating another with the pastor's anti-Catholic views.

The controversy has been mild so far, but still, every vote counts in a presidential election that is expected to be closely contested.

Evangelical or born-again Christian voters were key to George W. Bush's victories, but so were Roman Catholics, who chose Bush over their fellow Catholic John Kerry in 2004 and over Al Gore in 2000.

The televangelist, San Antonio megachurch leader John Hagee, has referred to the Roman Catholic Church as "the great whore" and called it a "false cult system" and "the apostate church"; the word "apostate" means someone who has forsaken his religion.

He also has linked Adolf Hitler to the Catholic church, suggesting it helped shape his anti-Semitism.

McCain said he does not agree with some of Hagee's past comments. "It's simply not accurate to say that because someone endorses me that I therefore embrace their views," McCain told reporters at a news conference Monday in Phoenix. - Washington Post

Just checking facts and we have this video from YouTube…



John McCain needs to look in the rear view mirror of his campaign and think about this endorsement more clearly. No matter how McCain spins this in the desire to hold on to the Bush Evangelical right vote he will loose the Catholic vote in large blocks. That is where the weakness of the McCain campaign will be in the general election. Pitting one Christian based religion against another Christian based religion offers no hope or change from the Bush full speed ahead of separation of the people. Good luck with that one Johnny! Here is your cross, you earned it, wear it well.

My family was from the old school, marry an Irish girl and marry a Catholic girl. I got one out of two right but one thing is true of both my wife and I is that our Catholic faith is one issue we never argue over. Our faith is our rock and we stand on it many times to keep our heads above the tides of life. To have someone call our faith a bastardization of religion or a whore just bothers me.

As for John Hagee, from this die hard Catholic, you sir are a money grabbing hypocrite. You call my church a group of “Whores”? You call my faith a “False Cult”. Then you call us a “Nazi” shaping tool of Adolf Hitler! I’ll turn the other cheek. Hit me again as you drive away from your multi million dollar church and studios in your luxury car to go to your personal mansion paid for by believers only looking for any beacon of hope that is the beginning of their faith.

Two words for the most self righteous Reverend John Hagee, “False Prophet”. Somewhere in the bible is a story about being very aware of men preaching God’s word and directing hate towards our fellow man. Again, God and Hate are two words that should not be used together if you are a minister, priest or a Reverend. In politics this endorsement is tantamount to forsaking an entire people for the favor of one.

In the battle for Christian voters John McCain is selling out his own self respect for votes from just one religious political group. What would he do as President? In acceptance of this endorsement he has basically endorsed the same words of Reverend John Hagee and called all of us in the Catholic faith “Whores”! As a practicing Catholic I resent it. If this is what the Republican Party is all about then I would suggest Catholic Republican’s jump ship in the general election simply for this endorsement.

There is no back peddling on this very central Catholic issue and Senator McCain will not back off or denounce John Hagee’s endorsement. That is the issue to stand and fight for as Catholics come November. Our faith is not a whore!

I have to run, as a Catholic I have to say a couple dozen Hail Mary’s and a ton of Our Father’s for this post…

Papamoka

Cross posted at MichaelLinnJones.com

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Pope Benedict’s Shoes

Picture courtesy of the Vatican

One of the things that I love about the Catholic faith is the work that the church does for not just the poor and homeless in America but around the world. Pick a city in America and many of the charitable organizations that are providing many of the basic services to be a human being are provided through churches. Not just the Catholic church but many others as well.

Here in Worcester the Catholic church subsidizes many programs for families from day care so a single mother can work, to providing meals for the homeless and the elderly. There isn’t a sign bragging about it, they just do it. Not for just a day or a week, they provide free services to the poorest amongst us year round.

What it costs the Catholic church to do this amazing work for their fellow man will never be known. When they serve a hot meal to someone that his homeless they do not need or ask for payment. When they deliver a meal to a shut in elderly person and spend the time it takes to eat the meal with the shut in they do not need or ask for payment. Caring for our fellow man is the path that the faithful follow and the many volunteers that provide many of the services of the church do it not for a paycheck but for their faith.

Over at the Washington Post they have this uplifting story on just another Catholic following his faith…

Homeless Get to Walk in the Pope's Shoes
The Associated Press
Monday, September 24, 2007; 6:05 PM

MINNEAPOLIS -- Some homeless Minneapolis residents are walking in the pope's shoes. That's after two big boxes from Rome arrived at Sharing and Caring Hands, a homeless mission in downtown Minneapolis. Recently, the Rev. Joseph Johnson, the rector of the Cathedral of St. Paul gave some friends from the Vatican a tour of the facility while they were visiting the Twin Cities.

Sharing and Caring Hands has an on-site shoe room, but director Mary Jo Copeland didn't know what was in the big boxes when they arrived.

"Father (Johnson) says, 'That's from the Pope.' I said, `What do you mean? The Pope,'" said Copeland.

She opened them to find several dozen pairs of handmade Italian shoes to give to the poor. - Washington Post

If you read the whole piece then you would have to sit back and say to yourself…Wow! My first thought was that he is no longer walking in the shadows of the footsteps of John Paul II. He is walking in the footsteps of Peter and in doing so on the same path as Jesus Christ. When is the last time you heard of some President, King, or Queen doing something like that? Auctioned off for charity does not count.

Thank you Benedict XVI for bringing the humility of Catholicism back to this faithful son of the church. While it is easy to scream about the evils of the church in the past, nobody in the Catholic church is screaming at the top of their lungs what good the church does day in and day out. The mission of the church continues as it should and the simple act of boxing up some shoes and shipping them to America from Rome for the homeless speaks volumes.

Papamoka

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