Best Pride Month Ever:

• Prayer protected
• Filibuster protected
• Gun rights protected
• Federalism protected
• Unborn lives protected

These are familiar conservative talking points, not that there’s anything wrong with that. I thought I’d calmly reflect on these issues, point by point. On the other hand, maybe I’ll start a fire. We’ll see.

Prayer protected

Well, yes, maybe. But it might depend on who you’re praying to. Or more precisely, who you are praying in front of. The Supreme Court ruled it’s judiciously cool for a white conservative Christian coach to kneel ostentatiously in prayer in the middle of a football field after a game on school grounds, gathering as many like souls together as he, and they, wish.

Do you think non-Christian players feel any peer pressure to conform to this religious ritual, especially in a majority Christian community? Could there be anything coercive about this?

I wonder how the Justices would have ruled if the coach was a Muslim who chose to engage in Islamic prayer on the field with his players, prayer rugs and all, bowing to Mecca? Is that particular prayer on public school property protected by the Court ruling? Do I want my Christian son exposed to this? And oy vey, shall we protect a Jewish coach who conducts a prayer of gratitude to God for his blessings, on the field, along with his players? Maybe a Buddhist meditation, all in the lotus position, quietly chanting on the sidelines? (Buddhists aren’t especially demonstrative, after all.)

Does the Supreme Court ruling really protect “prayer” in America? I wonder…

Filibuster protected

Again, yes, but… The filibuster? Seriously? No one likes the filibuster. It’s not mentioned in the constitution and it wasn’t part of the Founding Fathers’ vision of the U.S. Senate. It is, in fact, according to most congressional experts, the single worst feature of Senate procedure. It came into being as a result of an unfortunate accident of history due to an obscure Senate rule based on an 18th Century English law regarding parliamentary discourse. It allowed a member to speak on the floor without limitations, and it is now used exclusively to delay or block a vote by the opposite party.

There is nothing sacred, traditional, or “American” about the filibuster. If you’re a democrat or republican in the majority in the Senate, you hate the filibuster. It messes with your ability to pass legislation, to perform the will of the people. If you’re in the minority, and you want to assert powers far beyond any granted to you by the constitution, you cling to it like a life raft on the Titanic! Our system is based on “majority rule,” not “Super majority rule.”

I would think we’ve all had enough of folks obstructing a legislative assembly, whether they accomplish it through the filibuster, or by insurrection.

Gun rights protected

Yes indeed, the more protection the better! Right? But oh my goodness! Be careful what you wish for, America. White nationalists and mentally unstable teenagers open-carrying handguns and military grade assault weapons where you shop, eat and play? How lovely, and how very Second Amendment-y. Most folks fighting hard for unrestricted gun rights did not anticipate that these very rights would apply equally to the teeming mobs of unruly minorities and unwelcome immigrants that they are so afraid of and believe they need to protect themselves from! Moreover, what about the public health and safety of all of us, our First Amendment rights and freedoms to peacefully assemble and to speak without fear of violence? I’m sure the Founding Fathers would be delighted to see children today slinging assault weapons over their shoulders as they head to the mall.

This isn’t exactly what James Madison intended when he proposed “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” There was no standing American army at that time so State militias were essentially the national defense. Hence, the Second Amendment. Tell me, who needs this well-regulated militia now?

A significant majority of American gun owners across the political spectrum, from the Left to the Right, are very much in favor of the “well-regulated” part, and support extensive background checks on gun purchasers, raising the age for gun purchases to 21, and enforcing red flag laws.

Shouldn’t we all?

Federalism protected

Federalism? OK, I hear you. Big HUH? What the hell is federalism? And who cares? Good point. Well, I care. That’s all I’ve got. Here’s one definition:

Federalism is a mixed or compound mode of government that combines a general government (the central or “federal” government) with regional governments (provincial, state, territorial, etc.) in a single political system, dividing the powers between the two.

This is essentially our American government. So I have a question. Who is protecting federalism, and from what? Is federalism under siege? Are federalists being attacked in the streets like racial minorities, or in their workplaces, like Congress people? Maybe it’s the Federalist Society, as usual, feeling victimized?

The Federalist Society makes its case for an originalist interpretation of the constitution, and there is, in fact, disagreement with that idea. This means adhering to the constitution precisely as the federalists believe our Founders intended exactly at the time they wrote the document. There is opposition to that idea inasmuch as many others in fact believe it goes against the Founding Fathers intention that in order to survive and remain relevant the constitution must grow and evolve and change with the times. There is healthy debate between originalism and living constitutionalism, but that argument has almost nothing to do with federalism, particularly as it was originally articulated.

Federalism simply maintains that the “middle ground”, as James Madison conceived it, provide equal power and responsibilities to the central, or “federal” government, and to the states, or the “people.” From the outset theory and practice frequently collided. There has always been robust conflict between federal and state government legal jurisdiction and we have plenty of lawyers available to keep those battles going on forever. There’s money in them thar bills! More importantly, we live in a democratic republic and it’s a messy business. Our challenge, as citizens and voters, is not to let our country slide into authoritarianism.

Our fragile republic has teetered on the edge many times throughout history, as it does now. The protections enshrined in our constitution might find challenges in the arms of federalists, but they would flail hopelessly under authoritarian rule, and they would not survive totalitarianism. Let’s not go down this path.

Unborn lives protected

OK. Watch out here. Yes, the Supreme Court tossed out the constitutionally protected rights of women to make their own reproductive choices. This is a deeply sensitive issue, controversial, even violently so, and with little apparent opportunity for compromise. I always supported the position that abortion should be safe, legal, and rare. But I am only prepared to make that argument medically, and morally, not religiously. I believe a woman has a right to choose what she does with and to her own body, especially a pregnant 10-year old rape victim.

Of course, for many people, this is not the point.

We come to the issue of “unborn lives.” This is a very charged phrase, and it is a powerfully effective way to frame the issue from the religious standpoint. I do not question the genuine beliefs and passions of those who righteously choose the religious argument, those who actually know and care what they’re talking about when they invoke the “sanctity of life.” No one on either side of the issue will ever win the argument over whether or not a fetus at any particular stage of development is an actual life possessing equal, or even more rights, than the woman carrying it.

My simple, and not particularly original thought, is to suggest we all follow our own beliefs, our own consciences, our own adherence to religion or science on this issue. That we pray with compassion for the moral outcomes of each and every decision a woman and her family make about terminating a pregnancy. And let’s not bully anyone, by laws or coercion, into making a life-altering decision, for better or worse, a decision whether or not to have that baby.

The post Right vs Left: Is Civil Discourse Possible? appeared first on Traveling Archive.

The Two Boys

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA  for sharing this joke.

Video: Dog Apology

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood, CA
The cutest apology between siblings.

Video: The Practical Man

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.
 Follow the logic.

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who sent this pun.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Mel of Washington D.C.

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC

Thanks to Mel of Washington D.C.

The post Indian Bank Loan appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Angry America

(I’m in a spiritual mood so please skip if you aren’t into these kinds of things.)

Like most of you, I have been troubled by the murder of an unarmed man and the anarchy that followed in the streets across America. Hard to believe that there is so much evil in the hearts of men: The systemic abuse of power exemplified in broad daylight and goons paid to create havoc. These shameless animals on both sides of the fence! Above it all I saw an evil puppeteer pulling the strings …. pressing all the sensitive buttons. Everybody shouting. Nobody listening. Shattered glasses. Stolen merchandise. Teargas. Bullets. Anger. Pain. Fear.

Last night I wanted to pray but I didn’t know how. I grabbed my Bible and I was led to Romans 8:21:

“For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.“

These words were written as if today, but actually written by the apostle Paul in the first century amidst the tribulations of his time. Paul reminded me that prayer sometimes cannot be spoken in logical coherent words but in (what is called) “praying in the spirit” (Praying in the Spirit is prayer with divine help. It’s trusting in faith and relying on God to hear, understand, and act. Praying in the Spirit is a gift to be received through faith in Jesus.)

So I closed my eyes, allowed myself to just make utterances … no words … just groanings of sadness … and allowed the Spirit to take over. No. It wasn’t speaking in tongues (no language was invoked). It was ecstatic prayer. And you know what? It felt good …real good. A burden was lifted. In its place was a reminder that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28

No definitive answers but a clear acceptance of what God is allowing to happen. Imagine that! God scolded Israel (His beloved chosen people) when he declared:

“All day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and contrary people.” — Romans 10:21

God has been stretching out His hands, bending backwards patiently to an America that has been going in the wrong direction for so long. The events of today were/are inevitable. (When you go to the edge of a cliff, don’t blame anyone if you fall off). We may not like it but be at peace that this is part of God’s plan to bring the nation back to Him or to force it to its knees.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  — John 16:33

I’m sorry for the heavy stuff. (Hey, I told you to skip this.) Of course, this is just me.

Stay safe, keep healthy and vent your frustration peacefully. TGIF people!

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. for sharing this joke.

Video: The Rotary Phone

Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Video: Thank You Teachers

Thanks to Mike of New York for this video.

Video: Adorable Drill Instructor

Thanks to Vanessa of Hacienda Heights, CA.

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.who loves puns.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood, CA. Nothing else kneads to be said.

Finally, here are two from Don of Kelowna, B.C.

The post Cockroach Sighting appeared first on Traveling Archive.

A Boring Life

Lee said “I live a boring life.”

Lee is a student at a Christian college. He has a PHD, has a masters degree and is a few months shy of his second PHD. He was a dean of a college in Taiwan before moving here to California 2 years ago. His Taiwanese friends thought he was foolish to leave his lofty position just to continue his studies but he felt that God was calling him here. His wife also has a PHD and is going for another Masters degree. In Taiwan the two held several chairmanships. They have one teenage daughter who is very involved in church. Sometimes she is the only one her age in an event but that doesn’t faze her. She’s very well rounded. In fact, academically, she is 3rd in a student population of 400.

My wife and I were one of the first to befriend them the Sunday they stepped in our church. We’ve been friends ever since but it was only this week when I learned about his secret: Lee prays, prays, prays.

He gets up around 5:00 in the morning, half an hour after his wife who is already praying. He joins his wife and they pray. Then his daughter gets up and they all pray. They pray and read several chapters of the Bible every single day. This habit may last 3 hours or more. Then Lee buries his head in his studies. Taking a break only to cook for the family. When night falls, guess what? He prays again! He is a modern-day Daniel of the Bible.

Last year he had a toothache and he didn’t have insurance. So they prayed. A few days later, he was fine. His wife got very sick from (I believe a viral infection). They prayed and a few days later she was fine. Just before Christmas, he asked me if I knew where he could buy a $2,500 car for his daughter who was learning to drive. I thought it was even silly to ask but I did try to find him a car within his budget. All I got from my inquiries was laughter because $2.5K alone was the cost of a car repair. Any car that cheap would be junk. By January he said he found the car — a 20 year old sedan that only had 4,500 miles to it because it belonged to his neighbor, a senior citizen, who only drove it to and from the grocery store.

How would you like to be so close to God that your life is one miracle after the other? I can learn a lot from him. And I beg to disagree. His life is NOT boring. His life is blessed and joyfully unpredictable.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” — 1 John 5:14

TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S. Pasadena, CA  for sharing this joke.

Don’s Puns

Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

FUNNY VIDEO: Mr. Know-It-All

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC for sharing this quick video

Assuring Video: God Will Take Care of You

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre for sharing this video. He recently had surgery and said this was the video that helped him through his ordeal.

Parting Shot

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena who sent this joke.

The post Marriage in Heaven appeared first on Traveling Archive.

I need your help to solve a mystery. This email is being sent a little late because I’ve had too many things going on.

For the past couple of days I have been trying to find a leak in an underground pipe. I’ve compared prices of several plumbers and narrowed my choice down to the premiere leak detection experts who charge a pretty hefty sum of about $3,000. The plumbers came and pumped helium on the pipes and brought out their top-of-the-line listening and smelling devices so they could pinpoint within a foot where the leak was, I was quite impressed.

Then I remembered reading about a primitive method called “DOWSING.” Jokingly, I asked them if they ever tried it.

“Strangely enough, it works!” said the 2 plumbers; “In fact, we have one inside the truck.” So they pulled out 2 L-shaped copper rods and showed me how it was done. I couldn’t believe my eyes because the 2 rods crossed right on top of the spot their expensive contraptions said the water leak was. I kid you not! It really worked!

Below is a link to a quick video I took of the plumber demonstrating how the dowsing rods worked:
DOWSING DEMO

Do you have any explanation for this? I don’t. I really don’t.

“However, there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will take place in the latter days This was your dream and the visions in your mind while on your bed.”

— Daniel 2:28

TGIF people!

Wise Advice

Shared by Mike of New York

Don’t Avoid Vegetables. Save the Children
Sent by Richard of La Mirada, CA

I’m sure you parents can relate to this Kid drama that performs every time a child is told to eat his/her vegetables.

WATCH VIDEO

The First Filipinos in America
Sent by Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Not sure how accurate this guy is and where he based his research on but it seems correct. And in case you didn’t know, Filipinos (not Philipinos) come from the Philippines. Why? I’m guessing it’s because Filipinos spell words as they sound.

WATCH VIDEO

The Daniel Prayer
Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

If you aren’t into spiritual stuff, please move on. This video isn’t for you.
I didn’t know Billy Graham had a daughter. And I was pleasantly surprised that she is a solid believer just like her Dad. Interesting talk about the spiritual world mentioned in the book of Daniel in the Old Testament.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Parting Shot

Thanks to Rodney of Manitoba, B.C. who shared this photo

The post Eternity appeared first on Traveling Archive.