New Blog Site

I've migrated my blog to a new site. It has some neat new features - but mainly it was just time for a change. Check it out: http://puba.wordpress.com/

Politics of Civility

I watched and listened as President Bush entered (and left) the House floor before and after his State-of-the-Union address last Tuesday. Mircophones captured the respectful greetings and well-wishes of Republican and Democratic congresspersons lining the isles. Many even asked the President to autograph their programs while making small talk about their families or mutual aquaintances.

The next day, on his midday radio talk show, the poster boy for political division whined and complained about the Democrats civility to President Bush that evening. To him, this was a two-faced show for the cameras that had to be exposed. How dare the Democrats treat the President kindly and properly to his face, when otherwise they do everything possible to shame and disgrace him!

This radio talk show host has made a name for himself, furthered the agenda of the far right, and earned alot of money by dividing the political landscape into "us vs. them". Civility in politics threatens him and his agenda and he uses his "bully pulpit" to charge that it is wrong. In his world, Democrats would never speak to President Bush as a friend, shake his hand as a collegue, or ask for his autograph for posterity. Politics of inclusion undermines "us vs. them". It disarms those who wish to concentrate power rather than share it.

Democrats (and a growing number of Republicans) understand the difference between criticism of a President's policies and personal criticism. They learned from the Clinton impeachment mess that personal attacks are counter-productive to serving the needs of their constituents and only divide their ranks. However, don't expect to see that reasoning from our radio talk show host - he knows it would cost him his job.

Legacy of President Gerald R. Ford

President Ford spoke these words upon taking the oath of office to succeed the disgraced Richard Nixon as president:

"I believe that truth is the glue that holds government together, not only our Government but civilization itself. In all my public and private acts as your President, I expect to follow my instincts of openness and candor with full confidence that honesty is always the best policy in the end."

Today, we were deceived into going to a war with no end in sight, our president denies the truth, and our country is divided. President Ford left an important legacy in those words. Sadly, they are given little regard by today's politicians - and we all pay the price. Rest in peace Mr. President.

Brewer's Owner Gives Fans Christmas Present

Just before Christmas, Milwaukee Brewer's owner, Mark Antanasio, met with St. Louis Cardinals free agent pitcher Jeff Suppan and his agent - at Antansio's home in Los Angeles. The dinner meeting provided an opportunity to get aquainted and talk business. The "wine-n-dine" approach worked - resulting in Suppan signing a 4-year, $42 million contract to become a Brewer. Thank you, Mr. Antanasio, for a Christmas present that Brewer fans have been eagerly awaiting - the signing of a big-name free agent (and a pitcher to boot) !! Check out the likely starting rotation for 2007. If Ben Sheets can stay healthy - this group may be the most formidable in the majors.

Brewers Starters' 2006 Statistics

Pitcher Starts IP W-L ERA
Chris Capuano 34 221.1 11-12 4.03
Dave Bush 32 210 12-11 4.41
Jeff Suppan 32 190 12-7 4.12
Claudio Vargas 30 167.2 12-10 4.83
Ben Sheets 17 106 6-7 3.82

Sojourners Leader & God's Politics

A while back, a friend gave me a copy of the book, "God's Politics" by Jim Wallis. Wallis is the leader of Sojourners, an organization founded in 1971, whose mission is

"to articulate the biblical call to social justice, inspiring hope and building a movement to transform individuals, communities, the church, and the world."

While reading the book and following the Sojourners web site, I soon discovered that Mr. Wallis' views on faith, politics, and culture were nearly identical to mine. On Saturday, Mr. Wallis was asked to deliver a weekly radio address that would be heard across the county. I encourage you to read a transcript of what he said. My opinion is that Mr. Wallis speaks about what most of us really believe in our hearts. Most of the time, we simply fail to express it on our own. You decide.

Election Reform - Positive Signs

WI State Senator Fred Risser plans to introduce legislation to allow state elections to be entirely funded with public money. Perhaps a bit utopian, but well worth the effort. Elections are now mostly paid for by corporations that cannot vote, yet who put candidates in office to serve their needs - not the needs of those of us who actually cast the ballots.

Democracy for America is urging the new Congress to pass legislation requiring paper ballots at the polls. It defys reason that local governments have approved and installed electronic voting machines that have no paper trail for re-counts. Since we know that the majority of these machines are designed and manufactured by companies run by people with specific political agendas - and since we know that these machines can be hacked - common sense tells one that paper ballots are the only deterrent to potential fraud. At least I'm relieved that when my local government upgraded to electronic machines last year, they chose the ones that use paper ballots that each voter marks and sends through a scanner. Sign a petition to encourage Congress to do the right thing.

Sasquatch In The Neighborhood?

By now, you've probably heard about the Bigfoot (aka. Sasquatch) sightings in SE Wisconsin over the last few weeks: a road-kill deer stolen out of the back of a highway worker's pickup near Holy Hill, a couple of boys from Merton who saw the creature at the edge of the woods in their backyard, and a sighting near Farmington.

As most of us, I don't believe in the existence of these animals. There has never been any supporting physical evidence such as a body or hair/fur samples. Yet people in this area have seen something - and it feeds the imagination.

Yesterday was garbage pick-up day at my house. As I left for work, I found one of my plastic garbage bags had been carried from the curb to a bench next to my house, ripped open, and foodstuffs partially eaten and strewn about. It was likely a raccoon or the like - yet my wife and I joked that Bigfoot had visited and even found the bench convenient to sit on while scavenging.

Today, at the office, a co-worker got a call from her husband. It seems that a number of their chickens had been killed and others maimed overnight. We all agreed that it was probably a fox or other small predator - yet no one could stop thinking about Sasquatch grabbing a little chicken dinner.

Cue the "Twilight Zone" music.

Hurray For Our Young Voters!

An article in today's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel highlighted some Wisconsin and US voting statistics from this year's mid-term elections - with an emphasis on voters in the 18-29 age group. Here are some of the more interesting findings:

• 17% of those who voted in Wisconsin on Nov. 7th were age 18-29; the highest in the nation (12-13% was the national average).

• Democratic Governor Jim Doyle carried 18-29 age voters 57% to 40%.

• Nationally, the 18-29 age group voted for Democrats in US House races by a whopping 60% to 38% for Republicans.

Statistics aside, isn't it ironic that one of the "hot-button" issues that Wisconsin's Republican-controlled legislature put on the ballot to get their conservative base to the polls - the gay marriage amendment - actually backfired in the college districts. Students turned out in large numbers to overwhelmingly reject this hostile, discriminatory legislation - and while in the voting booth, chose Democratic candidates to represent them. The Republicans lost every seat in these Wisconsin college districts.

Perhaps, ignoring students on this issue was a trade-off that the conservatives were willing to make to get the amendment passed by the rest of the state's electorate. However, I choose to revel in the fact the a number of Democrats will be in office - thanks to the right's insistence on "gay-bashing".

A "Pro-Life" Paradox

Wisconsin's last execution occurred in 1851. In Tuesday's election, 56% of voters approved an advisory referendum to re-instate the death penalty in Wisconsin. In Washington County, where most residents consider themselves to be politically and religiously conservative, the referendum passed by 65% to 35%.

My question is this: How can those who say they are "pro-life" as it applies to abortion, vote to bring back the death penalty? They will tell you that, "Abortion is murder". I am asking, "Isn't the death penalty murder?". Murder is murder and dead is dead, no matter the technicalities used to justify one's position.

Pastors, as the spiritual leaders of our local congregations bear some of the blame for this disconnect. Too often, they stake out the middle-ground on social and moral issues - afraid of offending one or another faction within their congregation.

Jesus came into our world to overturn many long-held beliefs. He told us that we should "turn the other cheek" in favor of the retribution of the Old Testament's "an eye for an eye". And as the Romans were putting Jesus to death on the cross, He prayed to God, "Forgive them, for they know not what they do". Jesus knew that he had to become the most visible victim of state-sponsored killing in order for us to understand its immorality.

Our synods have intelligent leaders who have spoken eloquently on these issues. I, for one, will continue to encourage my pastor to challenge our members to follow Jesus' humble example - regardless of the consequences.

Vote for "my boy"

On the eve of the election - here is an email conversation I had with a neo-con ex-co-worker this morning:

ex-co-worker: "I saw Sean Hannity at the Pabst Theatre on Friday - What a great American. I should have given you a call to see if you wanted to go. I hope you have come to your senses finally and will vote for my boy on Tuesday." puba: "Never. You and all your "angry white men" buddies will continue to vote for politicians whose policies benefit only you (i.e. a surging stock market - for the few who have money to invest, lower taxes - for the few who own enough in the corporate sector, and going to war to consolidate and concentrate Presidental power while blasting any and all criticism). Your "boys" continue to orchestrate issues that are designed to divide us rather than unite us - over fringe issues such as the death penalty, gay rights, and concealed carry. As for me, I'll continue to vote for politicians whose policies reflect what most people believe is important in America (finding a way out of an immoral war, making health care and prescription drugs affordable, and raising the minimum wage) - policies that will unite us in working for the common good. Have a wonderful election day." ex-co-worker: "blah blah blah"

He summed up his position quite well, I think :) Don't forget to vote tomorrow!

Malapropisms - symptoms of what?

The American Heritage Dictionary definition:

mal•a•prop•ism - n. - A ludicrous misuse of a word. (After Mrs. Malaprop, a character in The Rivals, a play by Richard B. Sheridan (1751-1816).

This past weekend, one of my friends regaled me with two of best ones I'd heard in awhile: 1) She was jokingly talking about taking revenge on someone. She said that she would make a "mazel tov" cocktail to throw at them. 2) She knows that I have a special type of bicycle. She asked whether I had ridden my "incumbent" bike to my destination.

I don't recall hearing malapropisms from her before - so naturally, I'm a bit worried that they might be a symptom of an as-yet-undiagnosed health condition. I certainly hope not - I'm rather enjoying the laughs - and can't wait to hear the next one!

Afraid of dogs

For most of my life, I had been afraid of dogs. It likely started with my father's German Shorthair - an over-active hunter in need of much more exercise and training than his pen and my father allowed. As a young boy, it was my job to feed and water the dog. I would approach his pen silently and hope that he was sleeping or distracted. Then I would quickly grab the empty dishes, fill them, and wait for just the right moment to drop the new fare at the edge of his enclosure. I now know that I mistook his exuberant behavior as aggression – which reinforced my fear of interaction with him.

As I’ve grown older, I am able to see a dog’s playful exuberance as a trait that shows he wants to please and be accepted. I find that I am able to reach out and pet these dogs – because I have learned to understand them – and therefore I’m no longer afraid.

So it is with the immigrants, illegals, refugees, and minorities among us. We are afraid of them because we don’t understand their behavior. With dogs, it’s mistaken for aggression. With people we mistakenly use their appearance, their customs, their languages, to pretend we are afraid of them and as justification to discriminate against them.

People new to our country have an exuberance for work, family, education, homeownership, - American dreams we all share. Take the time to reach out to them, to understand them, to accept them - and you’ll no longer be afraid.

Home School

Remember a few months ago when a Colorado high school teacher was suspended for comparing the Bush administration to Hitler's regime? In an article in the latest issue of "In These Times", Joel Bleifuss tells us that the Bush administration continues to promote its agenda to the American public via the "lie". Mr. Bleifuss reminds us of how the Hitler regime and the Bush administration view "lying" as a tool to remain in power. He offered the following quotes:

Adolf Hitler’s propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels, once said: "If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State." Bush himself said much the same thing, though less eloquently, on May 24, 2005, in Rochester, N.Y., when out on the road trying to sell his Social Security scam. He told the crowd gathered at the Athena Performing Arts Center: "See in my line of work you got to keep repeating things over and over again for the truth to sink in, to kind of catapult the propaganda."

It's heartening to read that the Colorado high school teacher has been re-instated. The student, who recorded the teacher's comments during class and played back the recording to his father (who then demanded the teacher be fired), has now decided not to return to this school. It seems that a majority of students and parents agreed with the teacher's right to express his opinion. Perhaps this student and his father would be more comfortable in a different educational setting. I suggest a place where Fox News, talk radio, and neo-con websites would be available 24-7. Home school.

What are we afraid of?

As we know so well, the right has an inclination to "hate" those who are not like themselves - be it in politics or religion. The list goes on: • Women • Immigrants • Gays • The Poor • The Media • Muslims • The Clintons

For many years in this country, people in powerful positions have used "fear" to make us hate. White politicians and white clergy promoted the "fear" of black boys having sex with white girls in the South - that led to years of hate and racial segregation. Our president and his administration told us to "be afraid" of Sadaam's imaginary WMD's in order to fight an immoral war. The poorest residents of New Orleans are "bashed" for merely asking for help in the aftermath of Katrina. What are we afraid of?

Jesus' life was the humble example for all of us to follow. I pray that we will not "be afraid" to "love" rather than "hate".

Peace ><>

Stick it in your ear

Have you noticed people out in public lately, who seem to be talking to themselves? I find myself looking around for the other person in the conversation or wondering if they forgot to take their medication. My children would chuckle at my surprise. Hands-free cell phone conversations are out in the open - I'll just have to get used to them.

The "Y's" Have It

I heartily commend Brewers manager Ned Yost and his bench (assistant) coach Robin Yount for taking a stand against the San Francisco Giants attempt to change the rules just for Barry Bonds.

Prior to yesterday's first exhibition game, the Giants asked the Brewers if they could use Bonds as the "designated hitter" because Bonds was not fit to play the field - but could bat. Nevermind that the National League does not use designated hitters. Yost and Yount rightly refused this outright trashing of the rules - not to punish Bonds - but because they wanted their pitchers to bat. They argued that their pitchers must bat in spring training games to prepare them for the same situations during the regular season.

My kind of guys in charge of my team! Life is good.

Connecting the Dots

Recent Congressional legislation will slash the budgets of many social programs that help the less-fortunate - while increasing military spending for the war in Iraq and providing the affluent with even more tax cuts. It will now be more difficult for low-income students to secure federal student loans. Their chance to go to college, earn a degree, find a good job, and live where they choose, (choices most of us take for granted) - has been dealt a serious blow.

A few days ago, an "Air America" telephone caller theorized that this legislation serves the "Bush Crime Family's" (BCF) need for a steady supply of soldiers to fight in their wars. The caller said that by making it more difficult for high school graduates to get the money they need for college - they would likely see the military as their best option, and join up. If the caller has connected the dots correctly - the BCF has succeeded in a despicable, back-handed maneuver that will ensure that their wars are fought with soldiers of the lowest social and economic status.

Some day, we'll all have to answer to a higher power. We may be judged by the words of a young teacher from Bethlehem: "What you do to the least of these, you also do to me".

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There is a lot of skepticism surrounding Vice President Cheney's answers to questions regarding why it took 18 hours before anyone was notified that he had shot his friend, Harry Whittington, while quail hunting in Texas. Cheney was later interviewed on Fox News a few days later. While accepting full responsibility for his actions, Cheney made a couple of remarks that raise some concerns:

Cheney admitted to having a drink earlier that day, although he said it was only a single beer at lunch. This was only a few hours before the shooting occured. Has your wife ever asked how many drinks you consumed during an evening out with the boys? Your answer is likely half of what you really drank - in an effort to minimize the harassment you are about to receive. Do you really think that Cheney and his hunting buds had only one drink? And is it possible that the vehicles contained refreshments for pre- or post-hunt thirst quenching?

Then Cheney made an even more damaging admission, remarking that he “didn’t know until Sunday morning that Harry was going to be all right.” This throws a different light on the decision not to make public any information about the shooting for nearly a full day. During that period, when Cheney and his aides could not be sure whether the vice president might be facing involuntary manslaughter charges, there were undoubtedly discussions about how to handle the story—perhaps even consideration of whether someone else might have to take the fall for the shooting. Only after Whittington was out of immediate danger was the press contacted with the news that Cheney had been the shooter.

It is no wonder that law enforcement officers were kept away. If they had been allowed to "connect the dots" - perhaps a very crooked line would have emerged.

St. Paddy's Day - Sheepshead & Guinness

In the midst of a 3 to 6 inch evening snowfall, the boys and I sat down to the monthly card game - five-handed, call-ace, dealer sits out. The Irish Stout, shamrock-shaped cookies, jokes about hapless Irishmen, and the odd Bush-bashing, offset the lack of trump and the loss of a few chips. Guinness in bottles is smooth and flavorful. I may have to lay in a supply of my own :)

DeWalt - More Power - Hoo Hoo

I had thought about replacing my Black and Decker cordless driver for a couple of years now. It is underpowered, has a keyed chuck, and the battery doesn't hold a charge very well. So, I finally broke down and spent the money on a DeWalt for $130. When it comes to power tools, the old adage seems to apply, "You get what you pay for." This baby has plenty of power, a keyless chuck (of course), a battery charger, and 2 batteries - all neatly packaged in a durable carrying case. After only 1 hour to fully charge the battery, I was wielding my new "bad boy" - drilling a hole in the floor to re-route my computer cable and fastening clips to hold a drywall patch. Now, the challenge will be to find enough projects to allow me to open the case. For now, I'm satisfied in knowing that I have a tool that will perform as required - whenever that next project comes around. Hoo Hoo

Milwaukee Area - Recent Handgun "Twilight Zone"

The Incidents

Friday - A West Allis (Milwaukee suburb) policeman noticed a minivan, with Illinois license plates and a driver behind the wheel, parked in a school parking lot. When the policeman came around a second time, the minivan drove off. The officer noticed that his brakelights were not working and pulled him over. When the officer came near the minivan, a shot came through the window - the driver had shot himself. A suicide note in the minivan provided proof that this man had killed a Chicago judge's husband and mother earlier in the week. He was suspected of being in the Milwaukee area to find and harm two more judges or their families - all because he had been unsuccessful in numerous medical malpractice lawsuits.

Saturday - at about 12:50pm CST, a 44-year-old man from New Berlin (Milwaukee suburb) walked into a church service at the Sheraton Hotel in Brookfield (MIlwaukee suburb) and fired 22 rounds at members a Living Word of God congregation. He killed 7 people before taking his own life.



Too Close For Comfort

My friend and I had attended a Saturday morning meeting in New Berlin that ended at 2pm. We decided to head back home by going north on Mooreland Road, then west on I-94. About a mile from the Mooreland Road - I-94 intersection, we heard on the radio that someone had shot numerous people at the Sheraton Hotel - located at the very intersection we were headed towards! I thought we ought to turn around or head in another direction - as the radio report gave no information as to whether or not the gunman was at large. However, we kept moving, I guess, half assuming that the police would be re-routing traffic and half curious about what we might see. We turned on to the I-94 entrance ramp and looked down to see the hotel parking lot ringed with police tape and numerous squad cars in the vacinity. It was only later on our drive home, that we found out that the crime scene had been on the opposite side of the hotel and heard of the gunman's suicide.



Atlanta, Chicago, Milwaukee

So much handgun violence - in just the last few days. I think about the mantra that many of my "gun-owning" friends, co-workers, and NRA members recite: "Guns don't kill, people do." and "You can't stop every wacko...etc". Yet the friends and neighbors of these gunmen all tell us that they did not consider them to be "wacko" or capable of such acts. My immediate response is that: "Handguns are made to kill." (You cannot convince me that they are made for hunting or target shooting.) We must make it more difficult to obtain and use handguns. These victims and their families deserve nothing less.

Common Sense in our Courtrooms - Please

Today's courtroom shootings in Atlanta beg the obvious questions:

Why do security personnel continue to carry loaded weapons into our courtrooms? Loaded weapons invite tragedies. An accused criminal intent on escape from a courtroom might be able to punch or kick a few people, and possibly even escape. But to where, and for how long? Could he hijack a car or take someone hostage without a weapon? Chances are he would hole up in hiding somewhere, and be caught rather quickly - without bloodshed.

If security personnel think they "must" have loaded weapons in a courtroom - why are defendants not handcuffed? It is standard police practice to handcuff (and often shackle the the legs of) accused criminals when transporting them. Once the accused arrives in the courtroom, it is usually up to the presiding judge as to whether or not he/she will allow the removal of restraints. Removal of such restraining devices in the courtroom is considered humane and less degrading to the accused. This is all well and good if there are no loaded weapons in close proximity to the accused. Otherwise it's a "no-brainer".

It is naive in the extreme to shrug our shoulders and proclaim that we can't protect ourselves from individuals bent on criminal behavior. Metal detectors are found at entrances to nearly every courthouse in the land - to prevent just such a tragedy. Maybe it's time for "all" weapons to be checked at the door. Simple common sense would have saved three lives today.

A Liberal in Conservative Hell

Living and working in one of the most conservatively Republican areas of the country - is taking its toll on my sanity! The immediate 4-county area has no Democrats in public office - indeed I have never seen any on an election ballot. I cannot understand why seemingly intelligent citizens and politicians continue to support the politics of war-mongering, religion, and exclusion.

Three bills in our State Legislature that Republicans are wasting time and money promoting: (1) A concealed weapons bill (They rant: "It will make criminals think twice - as they don't know who might be packing.") (2) A marriage bill (Defines marriage as only between a man and woman.) (A moot point - except in the narrow minds of vote-craving idealogues.) (3) A library disclosure bill (Would require all libraries to give parents the lists of books that their children check-out.) (My rant: "Pay more attention to your children - they'll trust you and you'll trust them.")

We just seem to be constantly trying to "legislate morality" around here.

A few friends and I have circled our political wagons - in defense of ideals that are considered mainstream in other areas of our country. Please send reinforcements - I'm running low on ammo. BLOGGER