"God," or something like It...

an email recap: the Crème de la Crème of Ernie Pyle Hall...

It would be a pleasure...if my week straightens out any, God, or something like It (watch out! tangent coming!), I, again like Asimov, am more realist than atheist, and am not really atheist, at least I don't believe I am...

Yet, I've such reservation regarding direct association with the all-to-common blasphemy spewed by scores of contemporary "Christians," that I prefer to dissassociate with even the term "God," these days, much less the culture of right wing fascism "He" seems to have spawned lately...why zealots have to ruin something as spectacular and notable as Divinity I'll never understand...it's a damn good thing I'm a nondenominational evangelist or else, because if I had to choose one religion over the other these days it would be very hard to convince myself that Christianity is viable in light of what I've seen from too many "Christians" lately...and those that do not feel they belong in my category, but believe themselves to be Christian, ought step up and do something about the rest of "their" people out there who are likely to damn the entire world if left unchecked.

I recently said, in a discussion of foreign policy, that, at this point, I'm not so worried about the fascists overseas (Iran, notably) that might build Nuclear weapons, as I am with the fascists that already have Nuclear weapons (the USA under a right wing zealot, notably). Listen, I'm fine with a strong military and protection from invasion and the use of force if absolutely necessary-I'm just not fine with the measure of absolute currently in use, and I can hardly imagine the absolute sense that would justify the global damage to my home, and my children's home, that is a Nuclear blast, not to mention the ethical and moral ramifications of the...fallout...of the use of Nuclear weaponry.

Anyway, "God" willing I'd love a chance to partake of coffee or tea and chat-always a pleasure to converse and discourse with a peer. If time does permit I'll email again...I've always regarded you with great admiration as you have shown an honorable sense of commitment to education...and journalism...By the way, what ever became of the striking "other AI" from Evans' class...she was remarkable on many levels...haven't seen her around lately...just musing, it's of little consequence, really...but yes, her company was always a pleasure...and why am I so bad with names? Sheez.

And I don't mean to barrage you with banter (careful! soapbox warning!), but I do want to quickly recommend to you Donald T. Philips' book, Martin Luther King, Jr. On Leadership for relevance in association with the Katrina aftermath, today's "challenging times," and Dr. Mackie-an intersection exists to the political and social challenges facing the country in this time, a time of a most important election...vote, and vote Obama, being the final thought. You see, Katrina underscores the need for quality leadership like hardly anything else I can think of...unless of course, the economy, foreign policy and human rights come into the mix...geez...it's grotesque what this administration has done to our world...sigh.

Anyway, as always, bestest wishes in these trying times my friend,
~!jesatiu