Random thoughts and sarcastic intuition about local politics and community events

So technically this was suppose to be Wednesdays post; but with the constant heat and humidity (as previously explained), plus everything else going on, I have not been able to sit down at length to write til last night and today. Today I would also like to wish a joy filled Sabbath of Lammas to all of my Pagan/Wicca readers out there. May we all one day learn to break bread together.

A lot of interesting things have unfolded in the local political foray the last month or so, almost to numerous for any one person to keep track off let alone write summaries and commentaries over on a regular basis.

The bulk intent of this post is to continue following up on stories previously covered on F6 and then catch everyone up on some newer stories that just compound the overall ignorance of government (H/t Spaulding Brothers @ WGD,T? ) to manage things successfully. Tax abatement should never be offered as an incentive for development, we cant afford anymore!

So first lets go on a tour of the local blogoshpere just to get caught up. I have primary blogs that I use (lower center and right columns) as resource for local perspectives across the political and cultural landscape along our three rivers.

LOCAL POLITICS AND PANDERING

F6 previously has covered the Harrison Square continuing debacle (newest to oldest) here and here, primarily along with other posts and some posts in regards to our Mayor's promises during the election (3rd-5th ip) and actions while in office. According to local blogosphere (FWOB & FWP) coverage, a month ago my concerns regarding the campaign promise of "Safe Houses" have been validated almost entirely.

However, the main story for this post, is in direct reference to a previous story by Indiana News Center that was covered on F6 in mid March and at the time actually garnered an anonymous comment in opposition to some of my analysis and commentary.

In a more recent political news update, reported by Benjamin Lanka of the Journal Gazette, on Monday, Mayor Tom Henry, finally ups the anty on Harrison Square by putting a down payment on a one bedroom with den condominium for ten percent of the total price which will face the new ball field.

It is also reported as a rumor on Fort Wayne Politics that some one went ahead and purchased/put a down payment on a block of thirty condominiums at a seriously reduced rate, which screams of "save our corporate asses from this deadline, pretty please" as a typical reaction from a third party private investor who doesn't want to loose his shirt and pants (If he is cute though, I would pay to watch it happen) over the deal.

Now it'll be really hard to tell whether the foul balls from City Hall are coming or going.

I will continue this post on Wednesday the 6th, the Solemn Feast of the Transfiguration (2nd Peter 1:16) which is a universal major celebration in all the Anglican, Orthodox, Catholic Churches and Independent Sacramental Movement Communities. The Transfiguration of Lord Joshua~Emmanuel of Nazareth on Mt.Tabor this year also marks the tenth anniversary of Fr. James Koons death. May his soul, through Divine Mercy, always find eternal peace and happiness, may his prayers merit our true intercession with one another! He is truly a Saint.

Let the sun shine in; Happy Duelling Holy Days

I am still in the process of writing Wednesdays post regarding the controversy over at BILERICO it will be up as soon as I am done with it probably on Saturday.

For today though besides being the vernal equinox 1:48 a.m. it is also the NeoPagan Low Sabbath of Ostara, which is a celebration of the Goddess's strong reunion with her child who (depending on the tradition) either was born in Yule (Christmas) or spent the Winter months in death and rebirth. Either way a historic time of renewed life. One of the common Pagan and Christian practices is known as Easter clothes that were made new and with vibrant colours to welcome the victory over death and evil. Bet that gives you a whole new meaning for 'don we now our gay apparel'!

One would also find them self at the end of the Liturgical Season of Lent and all that fasting and other stuff that people do to mortify themselves in front of each other to improve their on going relationship with The Divine. Can I encourage everyone to just take a nice long bubble bath and eat several Reese's Cups, ... yumm, chocolate and peanut butter...., please.

Today we also celebrate the Commemoration of the Last Supper of Joshua Emmanuel where he washes the Disciples feet right before he gets betrayed, abused, whipped, and scorned, and left hanging on a tree to die based on false accusations and rumors. Good grief, is it any wonder good Christian gay and frat bois develop a hankering for BDSM fetishes or at least mutual paddle play for fun?

All humor, sarcasm, and sacrilege aside, this is an awesome time of year to be in as a spiritual being on this human experience of living amongst each other. I invite you all no matter what your understanding of divinity is to take a moment and thank your friends and enemies for the adventures you have shared together. Just because Jesus was betrayed with a kiss by a friend doesn't mean you can still give a blind eye to old grudges and even some of the newer wounds.

The message of the season is simple and yet so profound that even two thousand some odd years later we still have not gotten it down correctly. The wounds of sin do heal and the scars are a sign of victory over evil, which is anything contrary to living, and the strength we each possess is meant to be of service to our fellow man. Quit licking the wounds open and let them heal. As far as your enemies are concerned, when was the last time you offered to wash their feet? Never? Well then, do as the Master has said and done, be assured that that you will never be forsaken and forgive them even more.

Bona Pascha, Blessed Be, Namaste, Asalamalikum, Shalom, and Peace Be With You!

Pictures Source: Brenton @ Aussielicious

Oh to Hell With Holloween:

The 'Kind' Christian Woman Wrote:

Did you ever wonder why Halloween seems to primarily feed off of a market of 3-13 year olds? This is a Satanic ploy for our children. I don’t think that Christian children should completely abstain from the festivities of costumes and candy, because they can be a light through their alternative behavior. [I personally plan on dressing my children up in Biblical and God-honoring characters that will draw people to ask questions.]

I’m talking to those of you who will be opening up your door to children of whom you do not know the state of their soul. Consider the gift that you offer them at your doorstep.

Consider your options. There are many message-driven alternatives to offer, other than a bowl full of candy. For instance, there are Gospel tracts designed for trick-or-treaters that can be purchased online or at your Christian bookstore. You might also want to consider designing your own tracts or attaching scripture messages to the treats.

My Response:

That is about as annoying as those people who leave tracts instead of tips at a dinner or restaurant and personally I am offended and would not want my children or youthful relatives exposed to 'the woman's' proselytizing.

Mr. Morris, this is not directed at you but the woman, sir:

The point is simply this if 'you' want to have the option of opting 'your' child out of state mandated sex education than I am using my option to not have 'your' religious beliefs shoved down my kids throat. That is my job. Please post a disclaimer on your side walk (not in the right of way though) informing me of the impending proselytizing so that I may avoid my children from coming into contact with your plague. St Francis of Assisi said to preach the gospel but only if necessary use words.

Now what is also my job is to say "get the facts right before you assume and make your self appear as ignorant as you are, please."

The Sabbath of Samhain (or Halloween) is not Satanic. It is the Pagan New Year Festival, and Pagans are not Satanist. Satanism is a Christian Cultus and is the worship of self. What you are referring to by name and intent are two different things.

The original Christian New Year also fell on the same day as an issue of INCULTURATION (look it up) because both Christians and Pagans follow the Lunar Calendar. We call it the Solemnity of All Saints (or All Hollow Eve/Day) and celebrate sundown to sundown the day before and Pagans celebrate sundown to sundown the day of (so add and subtract than adjust for a moon burst followed by an equinox) and The Sabbath of Samhain falls in approximately the same twenty four hour period as the Solemnity of All Saints.

In original Christianity we actually paid attention to the Seasons and Nature or did you forget about the value of just offering a cold glass of water in His name? What is the harm in a little chocolate? My preference is butterscotch candy.

Respectfully,

MRev. Kenneth White, Jnr.
Reformed Catholic Bishop
Our Lady Rejoice Ministries
Fort Anthony Wayne, Indiana

For further details please visit Leo Morris's The Opening Arguments: http://openingarguments.wordpress.com/2007/10/04/trick-or-tract/