I heard an interview with President Carter a few weeks ago. The conversation touched on many topics, but much of it was about how the politics of today differ or resemble those of his era. He made a point of talking about code words that were used in the South, words that covered the truth. A person can’t say out loud that they are racist, so they say something much more innocuous, but anyone listening knows what is meant. For example, Carter talked about the code in his day was still states’ rights. Anybody who has ever studied the Civil War is aware that it was fought to preserve slavery. No one can actually say that and still say anything nice about the Confederacy, so they say to this day that the war was about states’ rights. That same code was in existence into the 70s.

Of course President Carter also said that he is thrilled to be around for the candidacy of Barack Obama, and that in itself speaks to the kinds of change we have seen. That’s a common refrain. I was saying it myself a couple of months ago. I’ve said and written to anyone and everyone that I never thought I would live long enough to see an African-American at the head of one of the parties.   

Then I started really listening.

During the primaries I never got the feeling that there was a real race issue in this election. Everybody said the right things and Sen. Obama won primary after primary on the way to Denver. Once the nomination became secure, however, people opened up and got more real.

Let me just state here that I’ve been alive a long time, and I’ve lived much of that time in this area. I am lucky enough to have had many friends for decades, some for up to 50 years. I can’t tell you how disappointed I became by hearing old time hatred and fear coming out of the hearts and minds of a few friends, students and even a relative. Some said they voted for Hillary but won’t vote for a black man. Some got pretty nasty about it. I hadn’t heard the N word used so much in years. It was as though it was time now to come out of hiding and use the password. I usually got the feeling that I was of course supposed to be in agreement with them. When I made it clear that I am not of like mind, the discussion became a referendum on inexperience. Time after time. "Black...N word...Race...ummm...I mean...inexperience. I can't vote for someone as inexperienced as he is." It’s our newest code word.

Those have been my thoughts for a couple of months now, and I’ve been more than a little depressed about it. Just when I successfully started to convince myself that people are too good to use race as the primary voting variable, I read an article regarding Dick Armey’s point of view of this election. This is a real conservative guy, a former House majority leader.

"The Bubba vote is there, and it's very real, and it is everywhere," Armey told USA TODAY and Gannett News Service. "There's an awful lot of people in America, bless their heart, who simply are not emotionally prepared to vote for a black man.”It's deplorable, but it is real," said Armey, adding that he believes "Republicans would not encourage" such prejudices. He said the "Bubba vote" is "invisible" in pre-election opinion polls, because voters do not admit they would oppose a candidate because of race.

Well, thanks. The Bubba vote, huh? Don’t ever tell me I won’t agree with a Republican, I do it all the time and this is just the most recent. On Meet the Press, NBC’s Chuck Todd said that he believes this is the best explanation for why people everywhere are voting Democratic in most local and congressional races but say about Obama, “ I just don’t know him yet, he’s so inexperienced.” This is why it is so important to so many to split hairs about Gov. Palin’s similar level of inexperience, saying that hers is executive experience. Oh please! It’s just that it is better than giving up a perfectly good code word.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008 5:11:46 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [1] | 

I have read with great interest the comments that have been offered after a recent post that I made. I will respond to questions about what I was advocating. Sarah Palin, like any other politician, regardless of party affiliation, should not be sheltered and should be asked tough questions about the positions that she takes. Further, any inconsistencies in the positions taken and the ideologies that she espouses should be probed. The personal views of the questioners should be irrelevant. A liberal media person should be tough and demanding in questioning a liberal politician. A liberal politician who rants about pollution should be challenged if he/she seeks a lessening of regulations on car companies because he/she is from Detroit.

My personal views on the subject at hand are irrelevant and one should not presume to know how I feel on any particular subject. Those who have had me for classes know that I take the role of the teacher as one who asks challenging questions very seriously. The questions that one asks are even more important than the knowledge that one displays. Further, the ability to think critically (and that does not mean to be unnecessarily negative or demeaning) is a vital skill that we, as educators, should be seeking to develop.

My views on many subjects are fluid. However, my view that politicians not be allowed to easily avoid answering tough questions does not change and does not depend on the party affiliation of the individual. What I am advocating, once again, is that a politician, in this case Sarah Palin, be challenged just as any student in my classes would be. It is time to stop sheltering her and let her convince the public that she has a command of the issues and is being true to the ideology that she promotes. If she is not, then let her explain to me why. It is quite possible that she can convince me that she has good reason for believing as she does. Let her do it. And, let us hold all politicians to the same standard!

Monday, September 15, 2008 9:13:09 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [2] | 

Attention Students:

Company Description:  St. Michael’s in the Hills Episcopal Church

     Would you like to work with some really great teens, in a growing program?  Are you wondering about a future in ministry, or working with kids? Come test the waters with us!

     This is a part-time position, 7 hour/ week position, designed to provide training and experience in Christian ministry with junior high and high school youth.

Job Title:  Youth Ministry Intern    2008 - 2009

Job Description:

• Being present each Sunday morning during the school year, except as agreed with supervising Rector.
• Planning two lesson plans a month, based on the Journey to Adulthood curriculum.
• Helping to plan and supervise one Sunday evening or weekend youth event a month.
• Regular conferences with supervising Rector.

Monthly meeting with other youth leaders

Qualifications:

• A desire to seek and serve Christ in all people.
• Respect for young people, and an understanding of the needs and tasks of adolescence.
• A desire to help them grow in their relationships with God and one another.
• Willingness to be a team player; openness to working with other adults.
• Sense of humor, and play.
• Completion of “Safeguarding God’s Children” training, or its equivalent.

Application Method:

Application Deadline:

Contact Person Information:

Email or mail resume and letter of interest to

The Rev. Margaret Sammons

St. Michael’s in the Hills Episcopal Church

4718 Brittany Rd.

Toledo, OH 43615

peg@saintmichaelsepiscopal.org

Monday, September 15, 2008 1:28:25 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

The weather has started its change. I encourage everyone to take the time to walk the campus of Lourdes. Everywhere that you walk, you will find soul enriching artwork. The Grottos' that have our Lady's statues are great places to take a quiet momment to regroup before or after classes. You'll find one behind Assisi Hall and the other next to the library.

After visiting the Grotto by the library, stop in and visit Our Eucharistic Lord in the tabernacle located in the Portinucula Chapel. It is the small building within view of the Grotto. This peaceful spot is a replica of the chapel that St. Francis of Assisi recieved his stigmata in Italy. It also contains many 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree relics of a variety of saints. Flip on the lights and the collection of sanctuary lights will leave you awe struck.

Attached to the Chapel is a room for prayer and collection. In the winter I found it to be a wonderful place to recharge myself after some tough classes.

A larger than life crucifix, made by the sisters from local trees can be found behind the Queen of Peace Chapel. Take a moment to sit on a nearby bench a look into the face of the crucified Christ. If it does not move your heart, you may need a heart transplant.

In the little valley below this crucifix, you will find a reflection pond, a nativity scene, an outdoor alter, and the stations of the cross. Perhaps walking with our Lord while comtemplating His passion could be beneficial.

I also suggest that on your next visit to the Duns Scotus (do you know who he was?) Library, take the time to look at the beautiful artwork contained there. I find something new with each visit. Don't forget to look up from your studies and see the hand-painted tiles on the ceiling. You'll also find these same tiles in the ceiling of Queen of Peace Chapel.

Monday, September 15, 2008 11:51:57 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [2] | 

I love politics - sometimes. Not today. I am teaching an American Government class this semester for the History Department. Like most students that I have had in the past in PLS 122, many this semester are not terribly excited about the subject. My initial reaction to their disinterest is to be horrified. Why do they not have the same passion that I do for government, public policy and politics? I just can't figure it out. Then I get home last night to discover "lipstick gate" has swept the nation. Okay, I am reminded effectively of why many turn off to any mention of politics.

I have been involved in politics for years. In my past life, I actually was active in running political campaigns. I thought that I had seen everything. Guess not. Now, a "major issue" about lipstick and pigs! I saw the clip in which Obama uttered the phrase, "you can put lipstick on a pig but it is still a pig" and , of course, I was outraged (yeah, right!). He had been talking for several minutes about Bush policies and how McCain was running from them even though he had supoprted them. In characterizing McCain's "change" argument, he used the "lipstick' line. Now, naturally he was talking about Palin who used the word lipstick in a speech. What the HECK? Are you kidding me? Oh, the anguish from the McCain camp. The "slur" had hurt some feelings. What slur you ask. I have no idea. But McCain certainly saw one, or at least his campaign strategists had told him, probably on a teleprompter, that a "slur" had occurred. Oh, the unfairness of it all! Leave Sarah alone you pigs!

I have my differences with Obama. His willingness to move from one quagmire in Iran to another unwinnable fiasco in Afghanistan (please place call to Russian leaders) is distressing. His willingness to reconsider eliminating tax cuts for the rich at this time is unfortunate and his support for charter schools, which serve to cost public schools needed money, is disheartening. But, at least he is talking about policy issues. Come on John, say something meaningful, if your knowledge of economic issues goes beyond that which can be written on a napkin. Say something about your foreign policy views. Do you believe in Nation building as part of our international role? How many more billions will you spend to spread democracy worldwide? Would a traditional conservative support such efforts? Come on John, say something. And, while you are at it, let Sarah say something. Let her tell us about her desire, as a conservative who supposedly believes in limited government, why the government should be involved in a woman's decision making process. Let her tell us if she believes in "equal pay for equal work" for women.

On second thought John, keep quiet about such things. Continue to discuss "lipstick" and other pressing issues such as who Obama hung around with years ago. That may well get you elected. Then we can spend four more years complaining about all the things that have disturbed us for the past eight years. Joy to the World!

Dale

Thursday, September 11, 2008 10:18:51 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [10] | 

Is Obama sounding more like McCain (i.e tax cuts for rich, charter schools) because he is slipping in the polls and trying to appeal to independents or is he slipping in the polls because he is sounding more like McCain?

When is James Carville going to take over Obama's campaign?

Both McCain and Obama are claiming to represent change. What kind of real fundamental "change" can we expect from them? Federal aid to expand charter schools? Oh Boy! That is "change" that we can retreat from.  Movement from the quagmire in Iraq to one in Afghanistan? Oh Boy! How about a few billion to rebuild Georgia (not the U.S. state)? Oh Boy!

McCain has rallied his base. Has Obama rallied his? Is Obama taking me and my vote for granted?

Can Obama win with his base being solidified, new voters, and good turnout? Does he need to run to the "middle" and does he risk alienating his base in doing so?

Dale

Wednesday, September 10, 2008 4:49:12 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [1] | 

It looks as if the right to carry a concealed handgun by a permit holder in Ohio has been enlarged. The ability to carry a handgun in a holster while in a car, and being allowed to have it locked within a car trunk while a campus/school property has finally passed. Common sense prevails! Hopefully, soon a CC permit holder will actually be allowed to carry in the classrooms of Ohio.

I am the not attached in any way to Lourdes College, except as a student. I am the contact person for the Students for Concealed Carry on Campus at Lourdes. If you are interested in furthering the right to concealed carry on campus you can contact me either at school or via the "campus leader" tab at:

http://www.concealedcampus.org/

Students for Concealed carry on campus is a national, non-partisan, grassroots organization comprised of over 30,000 college students, college faculty members, parents of college students and concerned citizens (about 90% US college students and 10% faculty, parents and concerned citizens) who support the right of concealed handgun license holders to carry handguns on campuses. SCCC has members in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and several foreign countries.

SCCC has two main objectives. The first objective is to educate the public about the facts of concealed carry and dispel the many myths about concealed carry. The second objective is to push state legislatures and administrations to grant concealed handgun license holders the same right - the right to carry concealed handguns - on college campuses that these license holders currently enjoy in other places (office buildings, movie theaters, grocery stores, shopping malls, restraurants, churches, banks, etc). Because, SCCC fully supports states' rights, it is our policy to push for change at the state level, rather than at the federal level. The first step is to see "colleges" removed from the list of places listed as "off limits" by concealed carry laws inmany states. The next step is to see other states follow Utah's lead in prohibiting state (tax subsidized) college from enacting their own bans on concealed carry.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008 4:19:18 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [9] | 

Dale Lanigan is a new Lourdesworld blogger for 2008.  Welcome, Dale!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008 2:02:32 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

Since making her solo debut in 2002, Mieka Pauley’s list of accomplishments is greater than most musicians dream about. Already, Mieka has performed her mix of blues, soul and acoustic rock with music giants Eric Clapton, the Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, Wyclef Jean, Blues Traveler, Martin Sexton, Jason Mraz and Citizen Cope.

She received the first ever Starbucks Emerging Artist Award, won the BMI/Rock Boat Song Contest and took top three honors at the famed Telluride Bluegrass Festival's Troubadour Competition. A Harvard graduate and Boston native, Mieka has played at three of the country’s top music festivals – The Newport Folk Festival, On The Bricks in Atlanta and Dancin' In The District in Nashville. Learn more about Mieka Pauley at http://www.mieka.com/.

The Mieka Pauley concert, part of the College’s ongoing Performing Artist Series, will be held in the Ebeid Student Center in Delp Hall on Friday, September 26 at 8:30 p.m.  

Lourdes College students, faculty, staff and alumni can receive two FREE tickets with a valid Lourdes College ID card.  Tickets for the general public are only $10 each.  For concert tickets, contact the Franciscan Center Box Office at 419-824-3999

Wednesday, September 10, 2008 10:07:52 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

If you are an Education Department student, you know that the Praxis tests are essential to getting through all the steps to eventual graduation and licensure as a teacher. What you may NOT know is that the WIN Center offers sessions in PRAXIS I PREPARATION, to help you get ready to take the Praxis I tests. Don't miss out on this great support opportunity!

The facts:

Sessions are held  

• Friday, 9/26/08        10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
• Monday, 9/29/08       9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
• Thursday, 10/2/08     3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, 10/4/08    12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m.
• Thursday, 10/30/08    3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Friday, 10/31/08        2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

No, you don't have to take all the sessions - just one! The sessions are FREE to registered students, faculty and staff, and are held in the WIN Center. Call the Center at 419-824-3748 to reserve your spot. Seating is limited, but walk-ins will be accepted if there is space.

Get in there and get some practice with the Praxis!

Tuesday, September 09, 2008 9:50:44 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] |