"Solemn Duty"

Today I was picked to sit on a jury duty in a criminal trial in Detroit. It is expected to be over by Thanksgiving. The judge stated that sitting on a jury is the "most solemn duty of a citizen." After having heard 1/2 day's testimony, I tend to agree with the judge. This caused me to reflect on our other duties as citizens in a modern democracy. It is too bad people most people don't treat voting and community involvement as solemn duties. If more did, this would be a stronger country.

In writing the following, Cal Trask was inspired by the recent Haggard scandal to write his own "pastor's perspective" on the actions of people such as Haggard and Foley and Lay, and share his views of what these stories can teach us. He also writes his own three step approach for being true to oneself.

I find his words idealistic, if somewhat judgmental, yet hopeful. Today this point of view is too often viewed as unrealistic and nieve. These words give us an ideal to strive towards. And some people do. Some people work for the common good. Some people work for their own good at the expense of others. Far too many can go either way. This is as true for nations, as it is for people.

"Watch Your Life

In today's climate of scandal after public scandal it is easy to feel betrayed by our leaders and public officials. From loose financial practices to perverted sexual advances this proves that these people who we have put our trust in are all too human. In our 21st century of immediate gratification, we are able to indulge our desires and ourselves nearly instantly...and many times without the knowledge of the people around us. This brings me to my point. I have recently read an article by C.J. Mahoney entitled The Pastor's Priorities. I thought I'd read it in light of the recent Scandal involving Ted Haggard. C.J.'s point was that even though we may be able to see another's sin very well...we may not be able to see our own as clearly.

Today the media gives us many examples of men who are the lowest of the low in most everyone's mind...But did they begin this way? Men like Haggard and Foley and Lay were men of high stature with good reputations to boot. Men of Character...Men who people looked up to. What happened? How could men of this caliber fall into this kind of thing? Think about this...Your mind is a funny thing. I heard someone say once that we spend too much time listening to ourselves and not enough time talking to ourselves." In short we talk ourselves into believing our own lies! All of these men at one time were NOT robbing their employees or engaging in adultery but they were listening to what their mind was telling them..."it's ok...no one will find out"..." It's only a little money and besides you are taking care of your family"...Unfortunately these men ignored the warning lights of their consciences and continued to engage in immoral activity. What can we learn from this? How do we not become these men? It's not as easy as it seems.

1. Watch yourself. Don'’t put yourself in situations where you might be tempted. If you have a tendency towards greed, don't handle money. If your eyes wander, don't be alone with your secretary. Keep your nose clean.

2. Know what you believe. Have some standards. Go to church. Keep others in mind before you make decisions that will affect them. Think about your family. Think about what you'’re about to do.

3. Ask your friends and your family what your character flaws are. Do something about them. Be nice.

And finally, if none of this has prevented you from your immoral act, and you get caught.

TELL THE TRUTH!!!!

Don't lie. Most people aren't idiots.

You'll feel better and it gives others a chance to forgive you."

- Cal Trask

Cal delivers good old fashioned advice, but far too many people in positions of power have poor self-control all up and down the food-chain.

I also don't agree that Haggard was a man of 'good moral character' to begin with. Not at least as Cal seems to define it. Haggard is gay. I'm sure this was not Haggard's first gay encounters. What happened has not only happened recently. Gay is as gay does. Haggard is gay. He has always been that way. By acting on his gayness, he was being true to himself. Haggard's attempts to wiggle out of his truth with weak lies once he was caught were sadly pathetic.

Acts of perversion and pervesions of power are not a new "21st Century" phenomenon. Backtabbing, robbing, murdering, raping, pillaging, plundering, getting high, and getting laid are as old as human society. People will sin. It is the duty of the sinner's peers and officials to demand accountability when the sinner's behavior jeoporadizes the common good. Short of that it is time for 'We the People' to call for oversight. Maybe we have only just begun.

Will America Lead?


Cross-posted at: Bring It On! - Politics

Not Your Daddy's Democrats

Too many young voters have known nothing but Republican control, beginning with Reagan in 1980. These voters are also personally feeling the pain of our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Too many people they know have been permanently changed by these wars. Too many have died. Far too many have been wounded and injured.

Clinton never had the power of George W. Bush, yet he was attacked viciously at every turn by a power hungry Republican congress that took out a contract on America and released the dogs of greed and war.

This Tuesday , voters of all ages, of all shapes and sizes, from all over the country voted for responsible government. Now it is the Democrats turn to try to leave the world better than they found it. For the sake of America and the world they must succeed this time. We can no longer afford to wait.

May God Truly Bless America!

QuestionItNow - Will America Lead?

Drug Dealers Lose in Connecticut

In Connecticut, 33 year old Chris Murphy defeated 12-term Republican Nancy Johnson. It was not hard for Murphy to link Johnson with the repub culture of corruption. Rep. Johnson was the author of Bush & drug lobby approved Medicaid Drug Policy. This plan has turned out to be ridiculously expensive and complicated.

Murphy's assist in this payoff to America's largest drug dealers is costing Americans so much that OhioDem1 subtitled his Medicaid Drug Policy, Why is America Subsidizing the Entire World by Buying Pharmaceuticals Far above the World Price? The facts bear this out. Drug companies are sucking America's wealth. "The estimated cost of this plan that no one likes has already more than doubled and is now projected at more than $1 trillion over the next decade." [more]

In an era of increasingly venomous negative campaigns, it is refreshing to see a someone win an election by focusing on solving the healthcare crisis in America. Chris Murphy did not win by simply slamming Nancy Johnson (although that would have been very easy). He won because he offered fresh ideas about real problems that most people will face.

He also has experience. "Murphy was first elected to the state Senate in 2003 and was co-chairman of the Public Health Committee. He has worked on issues such as the state's smoking ban in bars, restaurants and work places, and expanded low-cost prescription drug coverage for the uninsured." [more]

Well Done Representative Murphy!

QuestionItNow - Will America Lead?

Cross posted at: Bring It On!

Tony Trupiano & Michigan's 11th District

Tony Trupiano is running as a change agent in Michigan's 11th Congressional District.

"Tony believes the Congressional race in Michigan’s 11th District is not just about this District, but about a bigger battle: the battle for America. As Tony prepares for his battle, it is important you understand that this is your battle, too."

Feel free to contact Tony with your ideas and issues at tony@tony4congress2006.com.

He is getting plenty of attention in progressive blogs.
Huffington Post Daily Kos 1 Daily Kos 2 Michigan Liberal QuestionItNow Blogs

Vote for Change. Give him your support.