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!