Buon Natale!

From Desert Farne go wishes to old friends and new, to all visitors here: May peace and joy and hope touch your hearts this season of the Incarnation.

I have not been posting much. My life updates and rantlets have mostly been on Facebook (that evil device which serves those with little time and helps waste what time we have). I'll be offline later today and tomorrow, for the most part.

Yes, the teddy bear angel on top of the tree appears a bit tipsy this year. I told him to stay out of the egg nog, but who am I to give orders to angels?

Now off to do some baking.

--the BB

Heart thread - 12/21/2010

A request from David:

Beloved Giants of prayer & practice
It turns out my cherished cousin Frank is not to see Christmas at home.
They discovered a serious growth on one of his lungs, and he's been hospitalized, with the doctors unable to give any idea [how] long the treatments will take- especially with holiday scheduling.
They're going to be removing the mass and giving him treatment. The news comes via my Mam who received the call who was quite shaked by this news of her Godson, so she doesn't remember all that Frank shared with her, but she reports that his morale was good- as always- but he specificially asked that I share this news with you, the Giants and ask for your prayers for himself and for Carol.

thank-you

love-always-always Love

David.

Friday morning in Albuquerque

Two blocks from my house, looking toward the southeast (yes, I am waiting at a light, not driving while taking pictures).


The sidewalk at work: enough snow to be beautiful without making life too difficult. Well, I suppose that depends on perspective. There were many accidents this morning and I-40 was closed entirely at Edgewood.

--the BB

Heart thread - 12/16/2010

David offers many for us to remember in prayer.

Just a quick note to let you know that dear Rosemary entered eternal life last evening.
As tiny as she was physically, dear Rosemary was a giant in her passionate determination to beat her cancer so as to see her two sons make it to adulthood.
I ask your prayers for Rosemary's husband David, their two sons, Rosemary's mother, two brothers and her sister.
I would also ask your prayers for my baby sister Jenny, who for close to two years was Rosemary's chief ally in keeping things as normal as possible and getting her to treatments and appointments.
The last time I saw Rosemary we spoke of the prayers which were accompanying her, and she asked about each of you- it was important to know each of you by name,

Jacques continues to be palliative, though there has been some slight rallying, just in time for my neice Marion and her daughter to make it back from the Gaspe

the latest from our Margaret is that Joel has been allowed home from hospital, though he is having real issues breathing

dear, dear Paul needs prayers for operable health challenges on two fronts please

and I'd ask your prayers this evening for a young girl of only six years old, flown down south after being gravely attacked by four sled dog in her settlement- the dear child is litterally fighting for her life

Frank & Carol send their thanks and love- and he wants you all to know he is very much aware of the role you all played with your love and the support of your prayers in the fact that he will be here again this Chirstmas

Thank-you my cherished giants

love always-always Love

David

I ask your prayers for David who holds so many in his heart before God.


I also ask your prayers for my sister Shirley, pictured above in an earlier era, who battles infections and celebrates her 79th birthday tomorrow. Also for her husband Jack.

I give thanks that my nephew Jay has managed to get off diabetes meds.

O merciful Father, who hast taught us in thy holy Word that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve thy children: Look with pity upon the sorrows of thy servants for whom our prayers are offered. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their soul with patience, comfort them with a sense of thy goodness, lift up thy countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

--the BB

Heart thread - 12/12/2010

I ask your prayers for Jake, grandfather of my friends Nick and Alex.

For my friend Ryan's grandfather.

For Aileen and her husband Mike.

For Mark in his long journey of healing.

For the repose of Alice's mother and for Alice who has lost both her parents within a few months.

For all who mourn.

For David and David, for very different reasons.

For Doug's mother. For Doug and James and all my friends who are under the weather these days.

For all who seek work and are having trouble finding it.

For the people of Haiti.

For myself as I get a CT scan this morning to help diagnose and treat my persistent sinus infection.

For all who lack shelter, food, and loving words.


--the BB

Rest in peace, Elizabeth Edwards

Thank you for all you did. Thank you for all you are. Rest in peace and rise in glory.

h/t to Watertiger for the photo

--the BB

My letter to the White House

Dear Mr. President:

I urge you, I beg you not to water down your original, reasonable position on taxes, namely: extend cuts for the working class and let the cuts for income above $250,000 expire. This is the overwhelmingly popular position with the American People. It makes sense.

Compromising with the Republicans, however, will not entice them to compromise with you. It will not encourage them to work with you. It will not foster bipartisanship. It will only encourage their endless threats to hold their breaths until they get their way and to treat you like a pushover. You will gain zero respect from Republicans and zero respect from Democrats. I doubt you will win many moderates either.

Please, please, please stand up to the GOP. Don't damage our economy for the benefit of the very few, who do not need such a benefit.

I cannot express this more strongly and remain civil. Your standing with the Democratic base is already shaky and my hope in change wanes with every unreasonable compromise.

Please step out of the bubble and hear what the American People are saying.

Thank you.

[I requested a response and will add it in an update.]

--the BB

Heart thread - 12/05/2010 - updated

My friend Steve's niece Katie is scheduled for very delicate brain surgery to remove a bone spur on Wednesday morning at the Mayo Clinics. This is critical for her future health. Please keep her in your prayers.

Prayers for Aileen, a young mother who suffered a heart attack and numerous strokes. You may read about her chez Mimi, here and here.

UPDATE ON AILEEN (via Mimi):

Tis' the season for miracles, tonight after not being awake and not responding for four days Aileen squeezed my hand with BOTH of hers and was able to move her right hand from the pillow next to her over to her tummy. Then she was able to track me with her eyes. Thats my fighter!!---Mike

It is the season of the tooth (in a bad way). Mad Priest and I have had tooth problems and now David (Dah-veed) has an impacted molar and abscess. My friend Kathy has had multiple tooth problems. I have my root canal (second in three months) tomorrow. Mercifully the swelling has gone down over the last week and the endodontist's recommendation of ibuprofen and acetaminophen has kept me out of pain so well I have felt wonderfully alive for several days now. I will probably be rather tender for the next few days though. Prayers for all of us to have happy, healthy mouths again.

There are many prayer requests over at OCICBW and I urge you to add your prayers for all mentioned there.

The woes of the world are many and the temptation to despair is great (certainly for those of us following national politics in the US). Let us not forget the larger struggles.

O merciful Father, who hast taught us in thy holy Word that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve thy children: Look with pity upon the sorrows of thy servants for whom our prayers are offered. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their soul with patience, comfort them with a sense of thy goodness, lift up thy countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.
Lord, keep this nation under your care.

To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.



To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name. For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen.

--the BB

Heart thread - 12/04/2010

Susan S. asks for our prayers:

For David who just died at 45 years of age in Oregon, his mother Hildred, a member of our choir and a dear friend, and his "good brother" Carl.

I remember Hildred from the choir at St Mark's, Berkeley, when I was a member there in the early 80s.

For Tim, husband of Vicar Rhonda, who had a double knee replacement on Tuesday and now struggles through pain management and physical therapy so he can heal and begin enjoying new knees.

For Doug's mother.

Some days, she seems to be aware of her surroundings and to know who people are. Other days, she seems not to recognize anyone or anything. We don't know yet if this is temporary or permanent.

Jack M. Lynn, 2001

For the repose of the soul of Jack McGregor Lynn, my father-in-law. For my in-laws as they work through their grief.

For the unemployed, about whom the Republicans in Congress do not give a damn.

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.

--the BB

Economic policy

I don't remember who wrote this or where I got it but, amid the current discussions of our baleful economy, I thought it needed to be put out there again.

Obama Promised

Looking back

From November 2004:

Halliburton has lost 1/3 of government property in Iraq
by Plutonium Page
Sat Nov 27th, 2004 at 00:31:10 PST

Halliburton says they're doing a great job tracking their inventory in Iraq.
However, an external audit shows that they're embellishing on the truth... big time.
What the audit showed:

A third or more of the government property Halliburton Co. was paid to manage for the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq could not be located by auditors, investigative reports to Congress show.
Halliburton's KBR subsidiary ''did not effectively manage government property'' and auditors could not locate hundreds of CPA items worth millions of dollars in Iraq and Kuwait this summer and fall, Inspector General Stuart W. Bowen reported to Congress in two reports.
Not good news for Cheney's former company.

To see what Halliburton says, look below the fold. [Click link above.]


Laurence Lewis reports today:

Earlier this month, it was reported that one of the largest U.S. government contractors in Afghanistan was being fined nearly $70 million for having "knowingly and systematically overcharged the U.S. government." But just two months after a whistleblower revealed the Louis Berger Group's deliberate and systematic overcharging, the U.S. Agency for International Development awarded the company a new joint contract worth $1.4 billion. That seemingly large fine turned out to be but a minor business expense.

Once again we must ask:

What would "victory" in Afghanistan look like?

Is that even remotely achievable?

What the fuck are we doing there?

I know, we're enriching the military-industrial complex that Eisenhower warned us about in his farewell speech. But other than that?

--the BB

Family Research Council a hate group?

You betcha.

Well, the Southern Poverty Law Center declared them to be such and they took umbrage. Must have hurt their little feelings to think all they do for Jay-zuz could ever be characterized as hate speech. As one link at TMC says: "FRC's Tony Perkins Rips SPLC ... For 'Slanderous Attack And Attempted Character Assassination'."

Clutch the pearls, Tony. (And I would not be surprised if Mr. Perkins has some pearls to clutch.)

John Aravosis has a lengthy list of comments from them over the years that pretty well demonstrates what I consider hate speech against gays. If all you knew of homosexual persons came from the FRC you'd assume we all hate children (when we're not molesting them), family, and Jesus and are bent on destroying society. You would be convinced, despite all logic, that equal rights are "special rights."

Of course, if gays disappeared from the planet tomorrow FRC would go broke, losing the bogeyman they use to raise money. They need us like lung cancer needs a lung.

If you're one of the folks being talked about by the Family Research Council, you know hate when you hear it. Mr. Perkins can shove his indignation and his pearls somewhere quivering with guilty desire. And yes, that's hate speech. I am not about to play nice with those vile people.

--the BB

The aftermath

So, for the first time in my life I hosted Thanksgiving dinner. It was collaborative. Guests brought the turkey and the pumpkin pie. I provided all the side dishes: mashed potatoes, stuffing, creamed spinach, apples and yams in butter and brown sugar, cranberry sauce, cranberry-orange relish, gravy, and whipped cream for the pie. Huge thanks to Bill for helping me cook and generally get ready.

I kept a little for myself (all I really wanted) and sent guests home with lots of leftovers. Between tryptophan, wine, and the painkiller I'm taking for trauma after drilling and filling a huge cavity in a tooth two days before Thanksgiving I almost went to bed at 6:30. Two hours later I am still something less than alert.

Many thanks for all who have held the family in prayer during my father-in-law's final illness and death and through yesterday's memorial service. You are all appreciated.

Anticipating a slow day at work tomorrow and a matinee at the cinema with Kathy on Saturday. Time to chill.

--the BB

The REAL Thanksgiving Story!

"It Gets Better" — Love, Pixar

Fauré Requiem In Paradisum

For those whose time has come to enter larger life....

The bulbs are in

I worked in the yard last Sunday, bought more materials on Thursday, and worked off an on most of yesterday. I have planted something in the neighborhood (I lost count) of 600-700 bulbs, about 20 bearded iris, eight small mums, and over fifty pansies and violas. Four bags of detritus has been sent to the trash, filled with dead annuals, tree and rose prunings, and empty bulb bags. Numerous bags of compost, planting soil, and mulch have been added to the yard.

I still have lots of yanking and pruning to do but it is a goodly start.



There is a honeysuckle on the left. The green plants are snapdragons that has perdured until now. You can see bearded iris plantings sticking their little noses up. This is the south border.


You have seen the low retaining wall on the north half of the yard. All kinds of bulbs are planted beneath the pansies and chrysanthemums.


There is now a second retaining wall on the south side. Here are pansies planted over more bulbs, all in the neighborhood of the Methley plum tree (which put out a few blooms the week before last; go figure). The mulched area between the plum tree and the French lavender is planted with daffodils and freesias.


The north border has some new bearded iris and white and pink daffodils. Also ranunculus. The area circling the rose bush has pastel tulips.

And that's the excitement on the gardening front.

I treated myself to a massage on Thursday. I could have used it more yesterday or today but I'm still glad I did it. It relaxed me so much I went to bed that night at 8 and slept until 6 the next morning.

--the BB

Republicans win office, kill jobs immediately

Republicans win office, kill jobs immediately

Yo! If you voted Republican you should have anticipated this because there is a demonstrable track record that the GOP does not give a shit about American workers. If you thought they would help the jobs situation you have paid no attention to our history or their track record. Wake up and start paying attention now because those who put them in power are culpable not for what they surprisingly do but for what they predictably do.

--the BB

Impunity

R. Jeffrey Smith writes in the Washington Post:

Human rights experts have long pressed the administration of former president George W. Bush for details of who bore ultimate responsibility for approving the simulated drownings of CIA detainees, a practice that many international legal experts say was illicit torture.

In a memoir due out Tuesday, Bush makes clear that he personally approved the use of that coercive technique against alleged Sept. 11 plotter Khalid Sheik Mohammed, an admission the human rights experts say could one day have legal consequences for him.

...

Georgetown University law professor David Cole, a long-standing critic of Bush's interrogation and detention policies, called prosecution unlikely. "The fact that he did admit it suggests he believes he is politically immune from being held accountable. . . . But politics can change."

What Mr. Smith does not say, and should have been said, is that the United States declared waterboarding to be torture in WWII and prosecuted enemies for doing it.

That war criminals like George W. Bush and Richard B. Cheney can make admissions like this with no apparent fear of consequences speaks volumes about the lawlessness of their regime and of this nation.

--the BB

End douchebaggery

h/t to watertiger

--the BB

No Anglican Covenant

On this feast of Richard Hooker I offer the following news release:

No Anglican Covenant Coalition
Anglicans for Comprehensive Unity
noanglicancovenant.org


NEWS RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN SEEKS TO STOP ANGLICAN COVENANT

LONDON – An international coalition of Anglicans has been created to campaign against the proposed Anglican Covenant. Campaigners believe the proposed Covenant constitutes unwarranted interference in the internal life of the member churches of the Anglican Communion, would narrow the acceptable range of belief and practice within Anglicanism, and would prevent further development of Anglican thought. The Coalition’s website (noanglicancovenant.org) will provide resources for Anglicans around the world to learn about the potential risks of the proposed Anglican Covenant.

“We believe that the majority of the clergy and laity in the Anglican Communion would not wish to endorse this document,” according to the Coalition’s Moderator, the Revd. Dr. Lesley Fellows, who is also the Coalition’s Convenor for the Church of England. “Apart from church insiders, very few people are aware of the Covenant. We want to encourage a wider discussion and to highlight the problems the Covenant will cause.”

The idea of an Anglican Covenant was first proposed in 2004 as a means to address divisions among the member churches of the Anglican Communion on matters ranging from human sexuality to the role of women. The current draft of the Covenant, which has been unilaterally designated as the “final” draft, has been referred to the member churches of the Communion. The proposed Covenant establishes mechanisms which would have the effect of forcing member churches to conform to the demands and expectations of other churches or risk exclusion from the Communion.

Critics of the proposed Anglican Covenant, including members of the new Coalition, believe that it will fundamentally alter the nature of historic Anglicanism in several ways, including the narrowing of theological views deemed acceptable, the erosion of the freedom of the member churches to govern themselves, and the concentration of authority in the hands of a small number of bishops. Two English groups, Inclusive Church and Modern Church, ran anti-Covenant advertisements in last week’s Church Times and the Church of England Newspaper aiming to make more members of the Church of England aware of the dangers of the proposed Anglican Covenant.

"If the Anglican Communion has a problem, this is not the solution,” according to former Bishop of Worcester Peter Selby. “Whether those who originated the Covenant intended it or not, it is already, and will become even more, a basis for a litigious Communion from which some will seek to exclude others."

The launch of the No Anglican Covenant Coalition website coincides with the commemoration of the sixteenth-century theologian Richard Hooker. “Hooker taught us that God’s gifts of scripture, tradition, and reason will guide us to new insights in every age,” according to the Canadian priest and canon law expert, the Revd. Canon Alan Perry. “The proposed Anglican Covenant would freeze Anglican theology and Anglican polity at a particular moment. Anglican polity rejected control by foreign bishops nearly 500 years ago. The proposed Anglican Covenant reinstates it.”

The No Anglican Covenant Coalition began in late October with a series of informal email conversations among several international Anglican bloggers concerned that the Covenant was being rushed through the approval process before most Anglicans had any opportunity to learn how the proposed new structures would affect them.

noanglicancovenant.org

Revd. Dr Lesley Fellows (England) +44 1844 239268
Dr. Lionel Deimel (USA) +1-412-512-9087
Revd. Malcolm French (Canada) +1-306-550-2277
Revd. Lawrence Kimberley (New Zealand) +64 3 981 7384

The Collect for Hooker's feast, November 3:

O God of truth and peace,

you raised up your servant Richard Hooker

in a day of bitter controversy

to defend with sound reasoning and great charity

the catholic and reformed religion:

Grant that we may maintain the middle way,

not as a compromise for the sake of peace,

but as a comprehension for the sake of truth;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

--the BB

Go Giants!

Bay Area folks and former Bay Area folks are pretty excited about the San Francisco Giants winning the World Series (and beating the boys from W's team to boot).

As unlikely as it seems, I was in a bar when they won the pennant and we knew they were going to the Series. Whole lotta shouting going on and I, a total non-sports-fan, was pretty stoked about it too.

I trust this celebratory post will not be deemed trademark infringement. We're just so damned proud of the boys from Baghdad by the Bay (as Herb Caen used to call it).

Yes, I miss Herb and his column.

All right, San Francisco, first we vote. And Wednesday we party!

--the BB

Heart thread - 11/01/2010

We remember Kirstin in our prayers daily, yes? She has offered some focus for our prayers and I ask you to read her latest post here.

She needs folks to travel with her for treatments and we're trying to get the word out in case someone who can do this will read and say "Yes."

If you can come with me, come with me. If you can’t, pray and let me know that you’re praying. Thank you.

and

Honestly, when you don’t see me is when I most need you. If you think of it, e-mail and say hi.

There was a time when she was in seminary and she and I traded e-mails endlessly. I have failed of late. May God help me to do better. God knows I have not forgotten her but I have not told her often enough.

--the BB

Heart thread - 10/31/2010

My father-in-law, Jack, is declining rapidly. I ask your continued prayers that he may be delivered from anxiety and pain in his last days. Thanks to all who have prayed for him and the family.

My cousin Michael and his wife Danielle are grandparents. Aria Evans has entered the world on October 29, her mother's birthday.

So many of my friends and their families need prayer that I cannot begin to list them (and in some cases it is confidential), so I offer them to God and to your prayers.

I also offer thanksgiving for the SF Giant's victory tonight because I can't help myself.

--the BB

You should be afraid

Paul Krugman points out the destructive path we are on if the fecking Republicans gain power. They only have a very few goals: destroy the President and serve the wealthy and corporate power. That is their entire agenda. They don't give a shit about the common welfare, the health of the economy, true national security, their red herring "values" issues, the working class, the Constitution and the rule of law, or anyone but their cronies. It's sad but true.

The Democrats are flawed humans and I try to hold them accountable but the Republican corporate structure is outright evil. Oppose it at every possible opportunity. And do your best not to be silent when lies or stupidity are uttered.


--the BB

I Remember

Televangelist Oral Roberts' gay grandson says "it gets better"

It Gets Better: Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles "True Colors"

The sad truth, bluntly put.

I do love Watertiger, bless her!

And it's the sad truth. The whole Tea Party movement is astroturf, not grassroots, funded and planned by powerful people who are out for their own interests, not the interests of the crowds they foment, stirring up fear and anger.

It's a graphic graphic and I can just imagine the shitstorm if I put it here, so you can click over to it.

--the BB

Whitman: "Why I came to California"

It Gets Better

"Secret Plan"

Heart thread - 10/20/2010 Updated

I ask your prayers for Marsha's brother Scott.

"His heart procedure (cardial ablation where dr. freezes one chamber of his heart to hopefully get it back into rhythm) is tomorrow in Salt Lake. It is about a 5 hour procedure and, as you might imagine, not without risk, plus he has been in arrhythmia intermittently for 5+ years so he is not going into this in the best of health. Our father died of this condition at age 57 so Scott is understandably anxious about it, as are all of us."

UPDATE:
Today (Friday 10/22) I received this e-mail that I pass on to all who have joined in prayer. Thank you so much.

Fthr Paul,

I spoke with my brother last night.....he is recovering very well. His physician was most optimistic that the procedure was successful. While there is no doubt that man is highly skilled, I stand convinced that all the prayers were the primary contributor to this all coming to pass.

Thank you so very much for passing the need onto others.

Marsha

--the BB

Secretary Clinton: "Tomorrow Will Be Better"

Thank you, Madame Secretary.

--the BB

"It Gets Better" (Broadway sings for the Trevor Project)

If you are young (or not so young) and feel alone or are bullied, please hang in there. And no matter who you are, enjoy this song from young folks on Broadway sharing their own experience in song. It gets better.








Broadway stars rock out in a celebration of life, in the wake of LGBT suicides across the nation. Please SHARE this original song and video to help send a message of hope and support. Available October 19th on iTunes, with all download proceeds benefiting The Trevor Project. www.thetrevorprojec.org (c) 2010 Jay Kuo & Blair Shepard. Inquiries: jay@singoutlouiseproductions.com.

h/t to Jon


--the BB

Early Voting Rally on the West Side of Albuquerque

Today the Martin Heinrich for Congress team sponsored a rally for getting out the early vote. It was held at Twisters on Coors here on the West Side of Albuquerque, about ten minutes from my house.

Early voting began about a week ago but only at the County Office; today the polls opened up around town. So about one hour after the polls opened, I went to my nearest one and voted with great joy. This afternoon I headed to the rally. What fun to meet so many people that I had voted for just hours earlier!

Martin Heinrich addressing the crowd

Alex Russell, candidate for NM House, District 29

NM State Treasurer, James B. Lewis

Bernalillo County Assessor, Karen Montoya

NM House Rep. Rick Miera, District 11

Brian Colón, candidate for Lt. Governor of NM
Current Lt. Governor and candidate for Governor
Diane Denish's husband Herb behind Brian

Bernalillo County Sheriff Manuel Gonzales III and
Ray Powell, former Land Commissioner and candidate to return to the post

Ken Sanchez, President of the ABQ City Council

Antonio "Moe" Maestas, NM House Rep., District 16 (on the right)

NM Attorney General, Gary King

NM Secretary of State, Mary Herrera

Michelle Lujan Grisham, candidate for Bernalillo
County Commissioner, District 1

United States Senator Tom Udall, NM

U. S. Representative Martin Heinrich, NM-01

Willow Misty Parks for Probate Judge

Our Team in Washington DC
Senator Tom Udall and Rep. Martin Heinrich

As Congressman Ben Ray Lujan's office reminds us:

Martin is the first Democrat in history to represent the critical swing-district in Central New Mexico and we need to keep him there. But special interests from Iowa, Tennessee and Washington, D.C are spending over $2 million to replace him with someone that will toe their line. We can’t let them win!

You can see the kinds of issues Martin Heinrich fights for here.

--the BB

IOKIYAR

From the Midday Open Thread at Daily Kos:

New Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan has recused herself from 25 of the 51 cases the Court will hear, this term. She is doing so because of potential conflicts from the work she did in her previous role as Solicitor General. Her recusals speak to her sense of honor and integrity.

Justice Clarence Thomas did not recuse himself from the Citizens United ruling, which directly affected his wife's work at the politically active non-profit she founded. Justice Thomas also didn't recuse himself from the Bush v. Gore ruling, which also directly affected his wife's work. His refusals to recuse himself speak to his sense of honor and integrity.

Indeed.

--the BB

The Real Republican Pledge To America

Voters should know what the GOP candidates actually propose. Forget the "Plague" on America; what are the candidates saying?

The Real Republican Pledge To America
If voters knew this, would they vote any differently?

They will never get the truth listening to Faux News, of course. Sigh.

h/t to Shel at FB

--the BB

Heart thread - 10/14/2010

I hope you all are joining in prayers at Mimi's and MP's and other gatherings in the blogosphere.

Tonight I ask your prayers for the repose of the soul of Jeff's mother, for my friend Jeff and his partner and his family. The memorial service is this Saturday.

May she rest in peace and rise in glory. May Jeff and his family be surrounded with love in their sorrow.

Continued prayers for my father-in-law Jack as he approaches the star path and for my sister Shirley.

--the BB

Joel Burns tells gay teens "it gets better"

The Blessing of Our Relatives

Me, rejoicing in Chica and Tuxedo, my friend Jan's horses, at San Gabriel, Corrales.

May your abundant ✠ blessing rest upon these creatures who are our companions in the journey of life. Amen.

Let us also remember the less fortunate creatures of this world.

Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals, especially for those animals that are suffering; for all that are overworked and underfed and cruelly treated; for all wistful creatures in captivity that beat against the bars; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened; for all that are in pain or dying; for all that must be put to death. We entreat for those who deal with them a heart of compassion, gentle hands, and kind words; that they may share thus the blessing of the merciful. For you, O lord, will save both human and beast, and great is your loving-kindness. Amen.

--the BB

I need more practice

Here is a slice of apple pie I made yesterday. Filling tasty and crust flaky but, er, "rustic" in appearance. I did not put enough ice water in that crust mixture but I'm learning. It has been at least forty years since I made pies, so I have to learn the skills all over. I know the principles and I've watched lots of pies made. (Honestly, I was better at cakes and cookies and breads, but my pies weren't bad way back when.) So, more practice. And what a nice thing to practice.

I have also watched the first five episodes of Glee: season one this weekend. Fun. I'd seen scenes online but never watched the series. I'm definitely enjoying it.

Dogs, cats, birds, and horses were blessed at San Gabriel today.

For those following my tooth adventures, the area of the root canal (through a crown) finally quieted down. Now I have a sinus infection so though I feel better I don't feel well yet. What's especially sucky is that I have been on antibiotics since 24 September. My sinuses should be free, clear, and happy.

Onward. Have a great week, y'all.



--the BB

Speak the truth in justice

Because "speaking the truth in love" is usually neither truth nor love.

Dan Savage responds to a christianist who concluded, in a letter to Dan, "Please consider your viewpoint and please be more careful with your words in the future."

I'm sorry your feelings were hurt by my comments.

No, wait. I'm not. Gay kids are dying. So let's try to keep things in perspective: fuck your feelings.

Preach it, Dan! When people shame and condemn others for who they are, should I give a shit about their feelings? We really need to stop playing nice.

Go read Dan's comments.

--the BB

Just sayin'

Mary Landrieu is a corporate douchenozzle.

Godde knows I sent money to her primary opponent. I want every last Blue Dog OUT of Congress.

--the BB

It gets better

As we hear heartbreaking stories about bullying and teen suicide, we wonder what we can do about it. I'm sharing this video.



I was not bullied and count my blessings, though I cannot think of a single place or moment in my childhood or youth where it was safe to be myself. I am now 100% out and continuously marvel at how well almost everyone deals with it. I enjoy life. I have known and still know love. So if you are a youth wondering if it ever gets better, if there is any hope, if life is worth living, I want to assure you....

It can get better and even be wonderful if you stick around for it. Please do. You can know so much joy and fulfillment.

Never believe the lies the bullies and bigots feed you. They are ignorant, hateful, and just plain wrong.

Folks, The Trevor Project has resources.

--the BB

Stop being afraid

Thanks to Al via Eileen.

--the BB

My message to the Vice President

At a fundraiser in Manchester, NH, today, Vice President Biden urged Democrats to "remind our base constituency to stop whining and get out there and look at the alternatives. This President has done an incredible job. He’s kept his promises." [Source]

Joe, I've got a message for you and I'm going to keep it really simple: Fuck you!

What you just did was whine at people who worked their butts of to put you and Obama in office. We expect better of you. We demand better of you.

We're not whining. We're trying to hold your feet to the fire and get you to stand up for the principles of the Democratic Party, to stop playing nicey nice with bad-faith Republicans and conservative Democrats so that we give away most of the game before play even begins.

And you have not listened.

You have brushed off both us and our concerns repeatedly.

By the way, not all promises have been kept.

If that's the best you have to fire up the base before elections, you had better be thankful you are not running this November.

I support progressive Democrats from around the country, with encouragement, spreading the word about them in this little corner, and sending them money. But unless I see a real turn-around in the behavior of the White House you can bet I will not send a red cent to the 2012 presidential campaign, just as I will not now send any money to the national Democratic congressional or senate campaign committees. I do not want my hard-earned money going to Blue Dogs, compromisers, party traitors, and spineless wimps.

I will work hard for more and better Democrats in the House and Senate. The White House has accomplished a lot but absolutely may not assume my respect or support.

In short, Joe: Fuck you!

--the BB