Last Saturday afternoon I was teaching a class in SFH when I saw a man, woman and small child walk by the classroom. Nobody seems to be here on Saturday afternoons unless they are lost, so I expected to see them again soon. I had a speaker in my classroom at the time, so when a student working in the Center for Professional Studies came to my room to tell me that there was a family here and they don’t know where they need to be, I could easily leave.

I found out quickly that they were Martin and Maria with their son Jesus. The parents were here to find in advance where the ceremony that will make them American citizens will take place. They didn’t want to get lost Wednesday morning and then be late for this.

I pointed out the Franciscan Center to them. (thanks to whomever sent all the emails leading up to this.) They looked at that building and the rest of the campus from that spot in front of SFH on a really nice day and you would have thought they were seeing heaven. They tried to explain to Jesus what was going to happen in a few days, but the boy seemed just as happy to look at something on the ground. They were so pleased to hear that Sisters lived and taught here, and Martin told me that he thought Lourdes was a very large campus, certainly bigger than BGSU. They are from near Defiance and had some familiarity with Bowling Green I guess. I was sorry to dispel that thought for him, but it didn’t seem to diminish anything much. I wish I could describe their mood and spirit at that time of anticipation, but I could never do it justice. It was a great encounter for me, I am grateful to have met them.

I decided then to attend the Naturalization myself on Wednesday. If this is such a huge deal to people, I should be there. I didn’t foresee that it would be a huge deal to me as well.

As almost all of you business students know, my parents were born in the old country. Both are gone now, and I am embarrassed to admit that I don’t know anything about their naturalization. That hole in my background really hit me hard as I saw the 78 people about to take their oath. How could I not know every detail? I should be able to recall stories. What was it like? How did they feel? Where was it? Did it happen this same way? I got a little panicky and I feared them slipping further away from me.

I thought “You dope! Why did you come here today? Was it just to make yourself feel rotten?”

A pretty great thing happened to me then. As the soon-to-be-citizens walked into the theater two by two, I caught sight of Martin. He was wearing a nice suit and a red tie, and he and Maria were beaming. He saw me at the same time and waved from across a small distance. Then he got out of line to come and shake my hand and I got to wish them well before he had to reassume his position next to his wife. We went into the theater and just about the time one of our students read the Emma Lazarus poem “The New Colossus” which is on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty I realized that I actually felt closer to my mom and dad then. It was as if I was able to see them in Martin and the rest of these excellent people. Just like my folks did, they want a better life and they want it here. I guess it didn’t matter anymore when and where it happened for my parents. It matters why it happened. Those stories I know all about and I know I won’t forget them.

Friday, September 19, 2008 3:57:35 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

I will write a non-traditional blog. This my dear readers is where i wish i was...............................................................................

It is a place of calm, relaxing air. When at the beach all the cares of the world seem to be lifted. Even the most important matters almost vanish as the wind rushes around. There is no place as beautiful as the beach. It is therapy enough to heal any quandary of a weary soul.

            Stepping onto the sun-warmed sand is like walking through a door to a much more magical place, with the grains of sand becoming one between every toe. Every step is greeted by the warm embrace of a caring gentle friend. Bending over to sift the sand through your fingers it is apparent all that exists is right here and right now.

            As each and every speck falls, the cool ocean breeze sweeps it away. The palm trees rustle with glee in the mid-afternoon's sun. The gulls all around seem to just float merrily as if not for the current of air they would be lost. It whistles through your hair as though to gently massage every woe away. The sea smells of salty air, so strong the taste is over whelming.  

            In the distance is a cabana, a little wooden paradise. The thatched roof made of old palm leaves glows in the sun light. It is so close on the horizon that it seems easily attainable while still so far off. Finally, reaching the cabana, sweat dripping from the brow; it is imaginable that there is no other place on earth with so much allure.

Underneath the make-shift roof is a cold refreshing beverage. The glass has condensation on every side. The drink hits your lips with a splash of sour lemonade, with the sweet after taste of mint. It is instantaneously refreshing like a cool mountain stream.

Gazing out from the hut there are two noticeably strong coconut trees standing with pure satisfaction. In their grasp sways a cloth held tightly on both sides, trusting these gentle trees. Languidly inside the hammock, the wind sways it to and fro. Images shoot through the mind as it wanders idly from this nonsense to that.

The noises all around ensure your security from all civilization. The waves rolling up onto the beach come to a calming rumble. The birds sing a gay tune in the air above. The rustling and bustling of the trees float in and out of idle ears. In the distance there is a thunderous roar from the waves smashing against mammoth cliffs. A soft Caribbean tune comes from the cabana down the beach where others enjoy their own personal heaven.

The healing powers of a private beach, on the soul, can be matched by no other. Whether it is here or there, the sights, the smells, and the atmosphere as a whole, stand alone. When troubles weigh heavy, there is only one way to go and that my friend is to the beach.

I just thought it might be nice to get away from all the crap politics. Have a drink, kick your feet up and having a good weekend. Come Monday Wallstreet will have opened back up and one can only wait to see what life will have in store.

                                                               Tell Me A Story I Love You?

Friday, September 19, 2008 3:05:19 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [1] | 

The Students for Concealed Carry on Campus is a national organization that works primarily for CCW issues on College campuses. SCCC applaudes another victory for Ohio CCW permit holders that has come down from the Ohio Supreme Court:

Today’s ruling by the Ohio Supreme Court that strikes down a ban on legal concealed carry in public parks was “a proper decision that upholds the state’s concealed carry preemption statute,” the Second Amendment Foundation said.

Ohio’s current concealed carry statute, adopted by the State Legislature in 2006, prohibits local governments from adopting more stringent gun control regulations than the state. The City of Clyde passed an ordinance banning legal concealed carry in city parks. The law was challenged by Ohioans for Concealed Carry.

“Anti-gun municipalities across the country have been cooking up ways to challenge state preemption statutes,” noted SAF founder Alan Gottlieb, “as a means of harassing legally-armed, law-abiding citizens. Today’s ruling by the Ohio Supreme Court struck a necessary blow in the Buckeye State for civil rights and the rule of law.”

The court ruled 4-3 against Clyde in a case that was being closely watched by both sides in the gun rights debate. It was a SAF-supported lawsuit against the City of Cincinnati that was the catalyst for concealed carry legislation in Ohio.

“The right of self-defense does not end on the sidewalk at the entrance of a public park,” Gottlieb observed. “The rights of law-abiding gun owners are not subject to the whims of anti-gun municipal governments that think they have the authority to ignore state statute. It’s because of city officials like those responsible for the Clyde ordinance that the State Legislature acted correctly two years ago and stripped them of the power to adopt such harassment laws.

“Ohio gun rights activists, and especially Ohioans for Concealed Carry, have every right to be proud,” Gottlieb concluded. “Ohio’s concealed carry statute is both sensible and responsible, and municipal governments have no business interfering with the lawful exercise of a constitutionally-protected civil right.”

Thursday, September 18, 2008 7:28:26 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

Lourdes College has received accreditation for its Bachelor of Science degree programs in business through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE).

Upon notifying Lourdes of its accreditation approval, the IACBE noted the strength, innovation and commitment of Lourdes’ business faculty, the College’s Business Alumni Advisory Council and other business resources that are a testament to the program.

The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) is the professional accreditor for business programs in student-centered colleges and universities. The IACBE exists to promote, develop and recognize excellence in business education.

For the accreditation, Lourdes was required to complete a self-study and provide documentation supporting the implementation and success of initiatives set forth by the College’s Department of Business. “This accomplishment and acknowledgement from the IACBE reinforces the academic excellence of our Business Department,” says Dr. Janet H. Robinson, Vice President for Academic Affairs. "Lourdes is known for its dedicated faculty and strong academic programs."

Students may receive a Bachelor of Science degree in a variety of business majors including accounting, accounting & finance, business administration, health care management, human resource management, management and marketing. For more information, contact Laura Ott, Director of Academic Advising for the Department of Business at 419-824-3712 or email lott@lourdes.edu.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008 10:14:50 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

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] |