fyi: it's night time

In my April 15th blog I wrote about the stupidest fashion mistake I have ever seen. I honestly did not think I would see anything stupider until the other night while driving. It was night time probably around 10:00 pm. So, it was apparent to me that it was dark and that the sun had definitely set and that it was long gone until 5:30 am the next day.
As I am driving, in the dark, a man begins to walk across the street with sunglasses on. At first I just thought he had just trumped the sunglasses fashion inside as the worst fashion trend to ever become “cool”. He was also crossing the street in front of me and just enough for me to not have to slam on my brakes, but not enough for a person to cross the street when it is safe. It was concluded that he was blind (or very stupid).

Time for sunglasses
NOT time for sunglasses

midwest love: gateway to freedom

Many people see the United States as the gateway to freedom. Canada was freedom for many African Americans during pre-Civil war times, to which Detroit was a gateway. Today in Detroit along the Detroit River there is a statue to commemorate the people who gained freedom to Canada. (For more information on the sculpture’s history and meaning click here.)

It wasn’t enough for a runaway slave to be in a free state. The north was not a stopping point, but the first on a long journey to Canada where runaway slaves would not be bound by US law. The fugitive Slave Act (1850) passed by U.S. Congress basically enforced the southern law of slavery in the north, therefore making a runaway slave in free-soil anything but free.


It’s an amazing story of thousands of people who sought freedom. In Michigan many home are preserved in such cities as Kalamazoo, Jackson, Ann Arbor, and Saline, my hometown. Michigan routes vary (as seen on this map), but evidence shows that many routes were north of Jackson and Detroit. Historical writings and houses are along routes three and four of the map along Old Sauk Trail and Old Territory Road Trail. These same trails that brought slaves to freedom were first created by area Michigan tribes that were pushed out of the territory a generation earlier.


There is a lot of history about the underground railroad. I would encourage you to go beyond the typically reading of Harriet Tubman and check out your local library. There you can look into the history on the underground railroad such as journals of first-hand accounts of people who made the journey, or writings of people who had stations along the route.

conflicting freaking views

In a June 25th article in the NYT James Dobson, the famous evangelical Christian, smears Obama for his religious views comparing Obama to Al Sharpton as an example of religious leaders with conflicting views. The article later goes on to quote Dobson “They [Obama and McCain] don’t give a hoot about the family.” I’m not quite sure where to start with the disgust and hypocritical statements of Dobson.

Let’s start with Obama. Dobson smears Obama for supporting abortion rights. Dobson amidst all the positives has focused on the one negative. I don’t agree with the stance and am pro-life, but where does Dobson have any right to talk? Dobson has supported the war with Iraq calling it even a “noble war” and has even supported war and more killing in Iran. While Dobson slanders a presidential candidate for an unethical stance of murder he himself supports another unethical stance of murder.

Moreover, Obama who is a candidate for supporting the poor, fighting genocide, universal healthcare, and the environment - all issues that are at the core of Christian beliefs. Dobson has so carefully neglected to show that maybe indeed he does not care for the poor, the sick, and God’s creation. Maybe Dobson has been so blinded by one view that he has neglected some of the core beliefs in the Gospel of Matthew: “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.”1


As for McCain, Dobson’s only hope for pro-life stances in government, he has also attacked. Dobson ridicules McCain as well because he did not speak out energetically enough against same-sex marriage in a proposal in Arizona legislature2.

A hoot for the family? Are gay people, whom are created by God, not allowed to have a family? Do the families who cannot afford health care not deserve it? Does the environment continue to be destroyed for the sake of humans? Obama and McCain are just two others excluded in Dobson’s church of saints. Are we not a people of sin rooted in love, grace, hope, and the truth of God?

Iraq by the numbers.
Civilians killed in the war against Iraq



1 Matthew 11:5
2 Larry Rother, “Evangelical Leader Attacks Obama on Religious Views,” New York Times, June 25, 2008.

the church of the dropouts

There have been many studies, books, reports, speeches, and sermons on why non-Christians do not go to church. On Sunday at church a minor point during the sermon was made about why non-Christians do not go to church. I don’t remember the person who was referenced for saying the quote, but the quote was along the lines of “non-Christians do not come to church not because of the worship style or the time, but because ‘church’ and ‘Christianity’ have become easy”. It’s an interesting idea. I don’t think the person is saying that its the only reason why people are not flocking into churches, but one of the main reasons.

I find it an interesting idea, because I have always thought that one of the main reasons people don’t come to church is in fact because it is too hard (and too time consuming). Sunday morning has become the time to sleep in and go to brunch. It is not the time to wake up early and go to church. In an all-consuming world where time is precious and more and more people are doing more and more, a Sunday morning on the weekend is the last thing people want to give up. In fact if it was as easy as just saying “Yeah there is a God” and be done with it, I think a lot more people would be Christian. It is not that easy however.

For the people who do have time though, maybe it is too easy. In the States churches have become the kick-back and relax, come here and be prosperous, have fun and stay kind of place. From rural to urban, and accentuated in the ‘burbs, church has just become fluffy, seeker-sensitive, watered-downed, happy-faced people on a Sunday morning that take in their one-hour a week at church and then go back to their lives.

There is no substance, no truth, and no life-changing difference that is God in church. I don’t think this is entirely true. There is a point to be made though. The church of the dropouts, the losers, the sinners, the failures, and the fools are not attending church on Sunday morning. Possibly too hard or too easy is an excuse like worship style and preaching style. Maybe church isn’t welcoming for the dropouts, the losers, the sinners, the failures, and the fools? Maybe too hard or too easy. We just don’t know.

uniquely normal

As I rode the el last night home from the Grant Park Music Festival, I began to people watch. It was probably the only thing keeping me sane while riding a crowded train back home. I began to look at all the young people who were wearing all the latest fashions. Everyone was trying to out cool each other. Men and women alike were fashioned-up to the max with the latest style of haircuts, clothing, shoes, and accessories. What trumped it all even more was this tool of a man, who while yapping on his cell phone pulls out his Mac laptop.

In the midst of all this overwhelming coolness was an older gentleman, a Richard Dreyfus look-a-like, who wasn’t trying to be hip or be noticed, but was just normal. As I began to ponder on that I began to realize that not all these young cool people were really cool, but in fact the older gentleman on the train was the coolest person among us.

Sometimes being trendy and cool is not about the latest and greatest, but about being yourself. It’s hard to come by today as everyone is trying to out-do each other and have the latest greatest thing. In the midst of it all though not being hung-up on the latest and greatest makes you more unique, trendy, and cool.

smc: 6/15/08

this is not the hand of justice

tragedy to travel

As Lake Delton drained out into the Wisconsin River our hearts filled up with sympathy for the people that lost their homes, their possessions, and their lives. Over the past couple of weeks now, storms and tornadoes have been ripping up the Midwest. The storms have been damaging homes, flooding whole cities, and taking innocent lives. It truly is a tragedy.

Here in Chicago, Illinois, I am just far enough away to not be personally impacted by the massive flash floods and tornadoes that have even gone through the southern part of Chicago and into Indiana. Moving here from Michigan though has brought me closer to Iowa and Wisconsin which has allowed me to appreciate Iowa and Wisconsin for what they are. In addition, I have gained good friendships in Iowa and Wisconsin and look in apprehension as weather ravages the people and the land there.

So, as I watched the news the other night to learn more about what was happening I was awestruck at some of the destruction in the Dells area in Wisconsin. To see whole houses be wiped away is saddening. The news anchor began with an interview with the mayor of the town that Lake Delton is in. He began to explain why the lake drained out and of all the destruction that had happened. And then things began to change. The news anchor asked the mayor if the lake was to be re-filled and restored to how it was originally and if it could be done this year. The lake was a man-made lake. The mayor started out a little apprehensively, saying that there was a lot of destruction, but the town has been through a lot and they wanted to restore it. Then it was like I was watching one of those cheesy commercials about the Wisconsin Dells area talking about how great it is for the kids and how there is so much to do. The mayor had turned the tragedy into a tourism advertisement. There was no more about what had happened, but about what a great place it was to visit and how everyone should come to the Dells.

Tourism is so important to cities and states in the US. In many states it is the first or second top revue in the state. I am sure in Wisconsin it is the same. I’m just not sure that it was the right time for the mayor to turn such a tragedy into travel.

behind closed doors: reflections on matthew 6: 5-6a

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to God, who is unseen.” ~Matthew 6: 5-6a

In chapter six in the book of Matthew, Jesus begins to talk about giving to the poor and how to pray. Jesus even gives an example of prayer in verse nine- the Lord’s Prayer. In verses five and six Jesus says to not show off while praying, but instead to pray in your room with the door closed.

I’ve recently seen two movies, Wag the Dog and National Treasure 2. In both movies a character wanted credit for their accomplishments. In Wag the Dog, the Dustin Hoffman character wanted credit for fooling the public with his great production of a war. In National Treasure 2, the bad guy wanted credit for finding the treasure. Both were depicted as bad in the movie and both ended up being killed. This isn’t the best parallel to the book of Matthew. But, in both circumstances the characters wanted to be the person praying, standing in the synagogue being seen by all the people.

In the real world I don’t think we are far off from the hypocrite on the street corner or the characters in the movies. I’m not speaking to everyone here, but I think quite a majority. In each of us there is a little bit that likes to be noticed, seen, and even admired. I think this is what the hypocrites in verse five wanted. They wanted to be noticed, seen, and even admired. Are there places that you see this? At church? Work? On the street corner?

Jesus is calling us to be radically different. It is a radical that should make us step back and look at ourselves and to see the motives for our thoughts and actions. “Am I doing this to be seen or because I love God and love others?”

Interesting graphics at the NYT

Now that the Democratic Presidential Primaries are over the NY Times has created a graphic on different demographics from the primaries for Obama and Clinton. Since the candidates were not the status-quo white male it created some interesting statistics. It is worth looking at.

NY Times Democratic Presidential Primary graphic

washington’s crossing review

I’ve recently read Washington’s Crossing by David Hackett Fischer. The book won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 2005. After reading the book, it would be no surprise to me if it has won other awards. Fischer is also known for his book Albion’s Seed: Four British Folkways in America (1989) and Paul Revere’s Ride (1994) among others.

The book covers a moment and a man. The moment is when a small, defeated continental army in the winter of 1776 crossed the Delaware on Christmas night to defeat and change the momentum of the war and eventually history itself. The person is non-other than George Washington. The book itself is not a light read, but Fischer’s style of writing keeps you interested in every moment. Fischer begins the book by comparing and contrasting the British and Hessian regulars with the diverse farmers and pheasants of the continental army. The book itself encompasses the winter of 1776-77. Fischer not only goes into great detail about the historical battles, but other pivotal moments, people, and events that changed history during that cold winter.

The myth of George Washington comes alive in Fischer’s book. This can be seen in many aspects. Washington leads and defeats a ragamuffin army against the biggest and best army in the world. Washington demonstrates strong, egalitarian, smart leadership with his officers, army, and ordinary people. Lastly, Fischer inspires the reader with the inspiring leadership of Washington on the battlefield.

The book is thrilling and I would recommend it to anyone interested in the Revolutionary War or George Washington.

smc: 6/8/08

From Cox & forkum

It's not easy being green.

friday (at work)

It’s been kind of a lame week for the blog. A totally of three blogs, but really about 1 ½ if you take out the smc on Sunday. I had a couple of works in progress that ended up being a bust. I am working on two others right now. My editor had a short week too. Yes, that’s right an editor. I can’t pull off good grammar on my own. I promise more for next week including a reflection on Matthew 6 and a song-lyric parody by the end of the week.

On another note: sports. The Chicago Cubs are still in first place and it is June. They have a record of 39-22. They are even in a good division with St. Louis (36-26) and Milwaukee (32-28). I would really like to go up to Milwaukee and see a Brewers game. The Tigers on the other hand cannot seem to put anything together and may be doomed for the season with a dismal 24-35 record. On the bright side, the Red Wings beat the Pittsburgh Penguins to win the Stanley Cup. I once used to be a huge Red Wings fan. Now living in a place that does not televise Detroit sporting events it has been harder to keep up with the teams I love.

In any event, I think June should be a good month. The weather has already been 100% better than anything in May minus the continual wave of tornado watches and thunderstorms. Plus, all the festivals in Chicago are starting up.

obama: change is occuring

Obama won the democratic nomination yesterday. In a time in the United States where people are calling for change, change has already happened. In the midst of a democratic race for president - a woman and a black male were competing to be president. In a society that is upheld by racism and sexism this is a positive sign for change and equality. If Obama becomes president it doesn’t mean it is the means to the end, but a continued struggle for the equality for all people.

may roundup

June has begun and summer is starting to come around after a cold May. Although May was cold it was a great month. I went up to Wisconsin (I wrote about this on May 28) over Memorial Day weekend. I also went to see the musical Wicked, along with a Cubs game at the end of the month against the Rockies. Wicked was great and I would recommend it to anyone. It leaves Chicago in January of 2009. The Cubs game was great too! It was the first warm sunny day of the year. It was great to be at such a historical ball park for a great game.

In the blog on May 12 I set some goals for May. Some I accomplished. Others I did not. I didn’t manage to finish the book I was on. (Although I have read 200+ pages since then.) I also did not go out for a meal with a friend I don’t usually eat with. I did get to go out to a Cuban restaurant (blogged on May 19) which was great. I also had a great conversation with my brother on the phone.

Over the past couple of months I have been trying to be more ‘present’ with God. In a world that cannot stop moving (i.e. work, hobbies, music, tv, etc) it is no wonder that I find it hard to converse with God. It’s been a challenge but a good challenge for me and I will continue to be more present with God each day.

Lastly, in the month of May I have really appreciated the few friends in my life and the generous, gracious, and loving manner that they each bestow. In a world that is not always welcoming, it is gratifying to have good friends that stand by me through thick and thin.

smc: 6/1/08

The Far Side by Gary Larson

"Mama said there would be days like this..."