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