ferguson

There will be no indictment in Ferguson, Missouri. The grand jury did not find there was ample evidence to indict police officer Darren Wilson in the fatal shooting of unarmed, 18-year-old Michael Brown. Remember that Wilson is white; Brown was black. Also be aware that the 12 person jury is the only group of people that has heard all the collected evidence. They had a “monumental responsibility.” Their job was to separate fact from fiction. Their job was not to be pressured by the public nor seduced by subjectivity. Their job was to search for truth.  I pray they did their job well.  I do not claim to know.

I also wholeheartedly believe there is no reason for looting, riots, destruction nor any celebration. There is grief that a young man died far too early. There is heartache for his surviving, hurting family. And as is typical of our Intramuralist dialogue, there are questions. I will offer only a few, written in the immediate aftermath, witnessing the response:

How many of us made up our minds ahead of time what the verdict should be?  — what was that based upon?

For some, was an indictment more important than truth?

Is a non-indictment an absolution of guilt?

Why do we feel empowered to discern right from wrong in absence of all the evidence?

How does the media affect the process?

Are we getting an accurate perspective?

Does our emotion ever obstruct us from truth?

Does social media help or hurt?

Does  public pressure ever trump actual evidence?

Do we feel capable of dictating justice?

Do we ever become demanding?

Where are we unwilling to allow justice to play itself out?

Do we feel warranted in taking justice into our own hands?

And…

…do we believe that God is just — that justice will eventually be served through him?  Is that enough for us?

I have few answers — mostly just questions, as it’s a sad time in Ferguson, Missouri. A young man died far too young, and a lack of unity and trust exists amid the community.

That lack of unity was evident last night. When I witnessed a sign by one in the crowd, saying “black lives matter,” my heart hurt. The protestor is right; black lives do matter;  all lives matter.  Therein lies the challenge; we are inconsistent in the valuing of life or the life of another.  Sometimes we see differently in regard to only one “kind of life,” when yes, all lives matter… black, white, Asian, Hispanic, male, female, born, unborn, gay, straight, religious, non-religious, old, young, Republican, Democrat, special needs, you name it… Sometimes, for some reason, we passionately seek justice only for some.  Perhaps we should instead trust God for justice for all.

Prayers for peace… prayers for the Brown family… prayers, too, that wisdom, truth, and love would always reign most important.

Respectfully…

AR

ordering immigration

mexican-flag-300x225Years ago I shared an apartment with a man name “Pepe.” “Shared” is a relevant term. More accurately, my friend — for whom “Pepe” served as a colloquial cognomen for a far longer name (necessitating significantly more advanced pronunciation skills) — gave me 100 bucks each month to camp on my couch.

Pepe was a Mexican citizen. His wife was expecting their first child. You should have seen his face in anticipation of that child… a quiet, gentle man — a man who looked only a known friend in the eye — his countenance shone unprecedentedly brightly when thinking of his future son.  Amazing… just amazing.  I was so touched by his hope… by his joy.

Pepe lived with me for those few months, away from his wife, as he worked two full-time jobs in South Florida in hopes of making enough money to pay for the baby’s birth. I have thought of him often as the immigration debate swirls — how he would have been affected. It helps me to think of Pepe. It helps me to think of that quiet, gentle man… a man who was unquestionably humble, never feeling entitled, a man who embraced hard work and never ceased to count his many blessings.

Last Thursday Pres. Obama announced that he was taking executive action in order to reform the nation’s immigration system. He will make law without congressional input. Here is a brief snapshot of the relevant facts:

  • There is bipartisan support for immigration reform.
  • A Senate-passed bill was never voted upon in the House.
  • Many House-passed bills have never been voted on in the Senate.
  • Partisans in both the House and Senate frequently blame the congressional body refusing to hold votes (… ahem… forgetting anytime one points a finger, four fingers point back at self…).
  • Obama’s Executive Order halts deportations to undocumented parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents who’ve resided in the country for at least five years. This affects four to five million people.
  • Many could now receive work permits.  It’s uncertain how many will attain Social Security cards and thus qualify for other benefits.
  • How it affects the economy is uncertain.
  • Obama’s legal authority is uncertain.
  • Obama previously said he does not have the authority to ”suspend deportations through Executive Order.”
  • Obama denies any political motivation.
  • The White House waited to announce their plan until after the midterm elections but before the new Republican majority in Congress convenes.
  • The administration began planning this move nine months ago.

As posted previously, the Intramuralist believes our current immigration system is challenged by laws and an enforcement process which seem inefficient and inconsistent. This is a tough issue. Yet precisely because the issue is tough, I do not wish for any president to make unilateral decisions; I want the President to use Congress. I want them to work together. There is bipartisan support to do this well.

Pres. Obama’s unwillingness to wait until the new Congress convenes in a little more than a month tells me that there is some aspect in which Obama is not being transparent. He is utilizing Executive Order as a substitute for the hard work of governing. Executive Orders are the “easy way out” — easier because by bypassing Congress, an Executive Order also bypasses the time, respect, and humility necessary to listen, consider, roll up the sleeves and work with someone other than the likeminded… someone other than self. My concern is again the manifestation of an unprecedented, arrogant approach.

When thinking of immigration reform, it helps me to instead think of Pepe… a quiet, gentle, and undoubtedly humble man…

Respectfully…

AR

what we don’t know

icebergThe wise man is not afraid of bad news. His heart is firm. He is steady. He is not afraid.

We continue to watch what’s happening in Ferguson, Missouri.

In anticipation of the grand jury’s decision — whether or not to indict the police officer who shot the unarmed teen — so many have their minds made up… so many who haven’t been privy to all the facts… who haven’t sat in on the grand jury testimony… who weren’t there.

That’s the bottom line, is it not?  So many of us have made up our minds in regard to what we want to believe, even though we weren’t there. And because we weren’t there, there could be aspects of the situation, we don’t know. If there’s something we don’t know, then we could be wrong.

Where else does this happen?

Where else do we disregard prudence in the name of passion?

Where must we humbly acknowledge it’s possible we don’t have all the facts?

And where exist persons poised to benefit personally or professionally who provoke us to impatience — as opposed, yes, to what’s harder… to waiting…. being still… humility… and that coveted respect.

That does not delegitimize the time for a peaceful protest — albeit I said “peaceful.” There is no place for the looting or destruction that many seem self-justified in engaging in when an unfortunate civil situation occurs. But too many who call for protest are ok with the omission of the peaceful. Too many lead poorly. Too many incite. And too many forget that even in leadership, there may be something they don’t know.

In Ferguson, local gun dealers report significantly increased sales, especially for first time buyers. The Governor has called in the National Guard, and he has already declared a state of emergency — all in anticipation of the decision.

On August 9th, Officer Darren Wilson shot and killed Michael Brown, an 18 year old, who was unarmed. According to leaked accounts, the incident occurred at close range, in or near Wilson’s car; it lasted less than 90 seconds; Brown died; Wilson had some bodily injuries. Wilson is white; Brown was black.

Some have made up their minds one way or the other because one was an officer and one was not. Some have made up their minds one way or the other because one was armed and one was not. Some still, have made up their minds one way or the other because one was white and one was not.

None of those aspects change the fact that we weren’t there.

The wise man is not afraid of bad news. He not afraid of news nor perspective he seemingly disagrees with. The wise man recognizes there are things this side of heaven he will never know for certain, regardless of how he feels.

Oh, for more wisdom in this world.

Respectfully…

AR

actions vs. words

pic_giant2_111114_SM_Jonathan-Gruber_0Certain truths will always stand the test of time. I, for one, also find it fascinating when the truths are biblical. So much of current culture seems wired to remove any acknowledgement or accreditation to God. I can’t believe that’s good.

Here for one is a truth I think we each at least act like we embrace: actions speak louder than words. We are called not to love each other “with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” Actions will always speak louder; speech can be hollow; our actions back up what we believe. For example…

  • If we preach to our teens how substance abuse is a dangerous thing, then we can’t be putting all sorts of impurities into our own bodies.
  • If we proclaim to be voices of tolerance, then we can’t spew at those who share different opinions on Facebook and Twitter.
  • And if we advocate supporting the candidates of greatest integrity, then we can’t turn a blind eye to one of the parties.

Perhaps the place that the actions/words axiom is most visible this week is in the whole healthcare law presentation. Yes, I know many of us are fatigued of this frequent topic; some may say they’re sick of it. I agree. I would add that as has been referenced here since its inception, the Intramuralist is equally sick of the means in which the law was passed, and in the past week, my figurative nausea has only increased.

As now carried by an array of news sources (and referenced in Sunday’s post), Jonathan Gruber, a key architect of Obamacare, acknowledged that the only way the Affordable Care Act was passed was to play on “the stupidity of the American voter.” After the story transgressed from solely conservative sites and then into mainstream media, the White House finally paid attention to the claim. Pres. Obama responded Sunday while on his overseas trip: “I just heard about this… The fact that some adviser who never worked on our staff expressed an opinion that I completely disagree with, in terms of the voters, is no reflection on the actual process that was run.” Yet actions speak louder than words…

  • Gruber was hired in 2009 as a consultant by the administration and was paid $392,000 for one year of work.
  • Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, Oregon, West Virginia, and Vermont all paid Gruber for his services. (Wisconsin originally paid Gruber $400,000 for the same material, requested by then-Gov. Jim Doyle (D).  Gov. Scott Walker (R) later declined Gruber’s presence.)
  • Democrat leaders of both the Senate and House praised Gruber publicly at the time (note: Rep. Nancy Pelosi now denies knowing Gruber… note: actions… words…).
  • The notably liberal Daily Kos cited Gruber’s involvement in 2010 as a “key requirement for… legislative proposals to be put forth for Congressional consideration.” They represented Gruber having deep ties to the White House.
  • Gruber visited the White House multiple times, including in the Oval Office with Obama, other experts, and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office. Gruber has said they had to manipulate the CBO.
  • Gruber also talked multiple times about intentionally misleading the public, even adding in one video: “Barack Obama’s not a stupid man, okay?”
  • In 2006, then Sen. Obama acknowledged a professional relationship, saying he had “stolen ideas liberally” from Gruber.
  • We know other mistruths were presented regarding healthcare (ie. “If you like your plan, you can keep your plan”… “if you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor”).

Jonathan Gruber is a credibility problem for the administration and this law. It’s not that Gruber was the sole architect of Obamacare, but he was certainly instrumental — a fact that Pres. Obama does not seem willing to currently, oratorically admit. For the President to instead suggest that he “just heard about this” and that this is simply “some adviser,” shows that Obama is attempting to drown out the ethical piercing currently plaguing his perceived signature, legislative accomplishment.

Such tells me two more things: one, the integrity of the law and people knowingly involved are in question. And two, actions will always speak louder than words.

Respectfully…

AR

who thinks we’re stupid?

images-1I wrestled this morn with which of the week’s most significant stories to write about… do we discuss how a man who assisted in writing the Affordable Care Act admitted that to pass the legislation, they had to play on the “stupidity of the American voter”? … or do we wrestle with the wisdom in the President’s approach, with his intent to bypass all others, creating legislation on his own? Bear with me, friends. I have a feeling the two stories will easily, semi-profoundly merge together.

Meet Jonathan Gruber: story #1. He’s an MIT Econ professor, teaching there for the past 22 years. He was heavily involved in crafting Obamacare. Wikipedia refers to him as a “key architect.”

As now reported by multiple sources, Gruber has said the following about the Affordable Care Act (also, please take note of the intelligence necessary to become a professor at MIT):

  • The legislation “would not have passed” had the administration been honest about the income-redistribution policies embedded in its insurance regulations.
  • The “lack of transparency is a huge political advantage.”
  • “This bill was written in a tortured way to make sure CBO did not score the mandate as taxes. If CBO scored the mandate as taxes, the bill dies.”
  • “Call it the stupidity of the American voter or whatever, but basically that was really, really critical to getting the thing to pass.”

Gruber visited the White House five times in 2009. Pres. Obama’s campaign featured Gruber in a re-election video. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said last week she didn’t “know who he is,” but a video quickly surfaced showing Pelosi directly referring to and supportive of Gruber’s work. Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) once referred to Gruber on the Senate floor as “one of the most respected economists in the world.”

On to story #2….

Near two weeks ago, America sent a message to Washington via the election. As discussed, the Intramuralist believes the primary message was “one, you’re acting arrogantly,” and “two, we don’t like the way you’re acting.” That includes Congress and arguably, especially the President.

Pres. Obama announced the next day that he will take action on immigration reform on his own before the year’s end. Granted, a new Congress was just elected, but Obama intends to bypass them before they are ever sworn in.

Now the Intramuralist believes that reform should be taken on immigration; the influx of illegals in this country has posed some incredibly challenging economic, social, and national security issues. We need to manage this is a more effective, reasonable way. Yet by bypassing the legislative branch in its entirety — even though the purpose of the legislative branch is create the law and the purpose of the executive branch is to enforce the law — the President has decided to create.

It is true that immigration reform has yet to pass both houses of Congress. It is also true that when Obama had super majorities in the House and Senate, he did not prioritize any immigration measures. For Obama to proceed now via Executive Order — completely avoiding Congress — is to this current events observer, an obviously arrogant approach. It does not adhere to the message of the most recent election.

It also makes me wonder how frequently people perceive the American voter as “stupid.”

Respectfully…

AR

dignity

lauren-hill-gray-shirt-10312014Last week we chronicled the life of Britney Maynard, the 29-year-old Oregon woman dying of brain cancer, who chose the time her life would end. Contrast that with the life of Lauren Hill, a 19-year-old Ohio athlete, also dying from brain cancer. Lauren has chosen to instead maximize her believed last few days, however long that may be. Both stories have garnered significant, national news.

The day after Britney died, Lauren played her first and only college basketball game for Mt. St. Joseph University, despite her rapidly declining health. As observed by Xavier University men’s head basketball coach, Chris Mack, in a USA Today editorial: “She did it in front of 10,250 watery-eyed locals, with a few celebrities to boot. She scored a layup on the first possession of the game, and scored another basket just before the final buzzer. The game was held at Xavier’s Cintas Center, and MSJ beat Hiram 66-55. It very well could have been held at Paul Brown Stadium if not for the Jaguars/Bengals game — the only difference would have been that there would have been more tears.”

Lauren feels called to spend this time amidst her suffering encouraging other people. She has said: “One January night, I was having a meltdown. I asked God if I could do anything. I didn’t know what He sent me here for. I wanted to know what He sent me here for. Whatever you sent me here for, I’m ready to do… What keeps me going is remembering why I’m here… I told (God) I’d take every opportunity to speak for the kids who can’t speak… I’m spreading awareness on a level that’s never been spread before. I really hope it’s going to bring a change to the world. Being able to have this opportunity is all I’ve wanted and prayed for.”

Neither Britney nor Lauren should be judged for their different approaches to life’s end. Each of us has to figure out our path, wrestling with the God of the universe in how our thinking aligns with him. Britney and Lauren, no less, prompt the Intramuralist to ask multiple, major questions… like…

What does dying with dignity actually mean?

Does suffering equate to no dignity?

Is there any value in suffering?

Where are we “playing God” — in the ending, extending, or sustaining of life?

Is “playing God” wrong?

And a last pair of questions, that always cause me to loop through some transparently tough, emotional gymnastics: what does “quality of life” mean? … and who is capable of defining such?

Being the parent of a special needs child has strongly challenged my thinking. It’s not that I know best nor that my experience translates into truth for all people. Yet what is true about the experience manifest in my household is that I care for a son who many — especially in academia — assume to have a lesser quality of life. He’s got a cognitive disability; his fine and gross motor skills are a little off. Yesterday, by the way, he accidentally, almost (thanks, God!) made an $80,000 purchase on my laptop precisely because of his impairment. But is his quality of life any lesser? I would challenge any to get to know my Josh… get to know how he loves people… get to know how he loves and encourages others arguably better than you and me… get to know how he reads people and how he loves life. Then let’s talk about “quality of life.” My simple point is I’m not sure all our measurements are all that accurate.

This end of life bit is a curious thing. It’s an easy place where judgment, arrogance, and lack of Godly submission creeps in. It’s hard. I pray we learn from the examples of Britney Maynard and Lauren Hill. There is much to learn and the answers are not neat, simple, nor easy.

Said by a local reporter covering Lauren’s thought to be final days… “Lauren will shine brightly until her light is extinguished. Even then, she hopes she’ll be remembered for the good she did. This is how to script the most perfect ending to this most imperfect story. It’s spectacular how the imminence of death can prompt so much living. That’s Lauren’s gift. To us all.”

What a gift indeed. P.S. I think Lauren’s light will shine even longer than that.

Respectfully…

AR

message to washington

arrogantWith a week gone by and most partisan musings out of the way, I’ve decided to take a respectful stab at the reasons for last week’s election results. Let me alert you early: if you’re here hoping to find either excuses or emboldening, please visit a more slanted site. There are no talking points embedded in my posts. I simply have a perspective to share — albeit a limited one at that — that I feel is significant. It will satisfy no one desiring to remain entrenched in any man-created, partisan division.

In the 2014 midterm elections, the Republicans gained a minimum of 7 Senate seats, 12 seats in the House of Representatives, and 3 Governorships. While the party not “possessing” the White House often picks ups seats in non-presidential election years, the surprising extent of Republican gains was identified by many as a “wave.” A wave election is one in which one political party wins substantially more races than the other.

As alluded to, my vantage point is limited — as is each of yours. That comment is not said to degrade nor dismiss; it is merely an admission that should keep us humble, recognizing that there may be vital aspects we cannot see, and if we cannot fully see a scenario, we very well may be wrong. Given that prudent backdrop, allow me to suggest the reason for the Republican wave…

It’s not that the nation is gleefully fond of the Republican Party; it’s not that we embrace their every policy or approach… It’s not that the nation is finally done with the Democrat Party; it’s not that we wish to repudiate their every policy or approach… It’s also not that as a nation, we now detest Democrat Pres. Barack Obama, even though Obama certainly played a significant role in the evident change of tides.

The Intramuralist wholeheartedly believes that the primary reason behind the resulting wave is that the majority of the public finds arrogance within power completely unattractive. The leadership of our country has seemed astoundingly arrogant. They seem too impressed and persuaded by their own righteousness.

Now lest anyone immediately jump from an entrenched stance to dismiss my perspective, please note that the Intramuralist did not make the above supposition party-specific. I believe that when our leaders act arrogantly, people notice and it is unattractive. The party they hail from and the ideas the exude often mean less than how they actually exude their ideas.

I believe when policy is passed via manipulated tactics — as was done with Obamacare — it appears arrogant. I believe when policy is withheld from legislative floor votes — as both the Rep. and Dem. House and Senate leaders do — it appears arrogant. I believe when Executive Orders become a primary means of accomplishing party initiatives, it appears arrogant. I also believe the refusal to term limit oneself, the negative campaigning, shameless self promotions, and declarations of power or perceived mandates each aid and abet the idea that arrogance has incorrigibly permeated our elect. It’s not attractive.

The message sent to Washington last Tuesday is we aren’t impressed; arrogance is not a virtue, and thinly veiled arrogance cannot pass as a necessary confidence. Each of us has known great leaders; there is a distinct difference between confidence and arrogance — only one of which is attractive to the masses.

Note that in his press conference the next day, Obama did not admit any public dissatisfaction with his approach. That still seems arrogant to me, and without a change in approach, I believe Obama will have trouble moving forward. Also, if Republicans gloat instead of roll up their sleeves and work, they, too, will have trouble. Arrogance will not sustain any wave.

As one leader said after his recent “shellacking,” “We’re not… very good… right now. We’ve descended over the last three weeks and didn’t make any changes or any positives… that all starts with me.” While I have never been accused of being his loyal fan, there’s something within his humility that’s attractive — something about his humble handling of the truth that appeals to my desire to give him another chance.

Granted, that was Marc Trestman, head coach of the Chicago Bears, who also lost big time over the weekend.

Respectfully…

AR

getting in the way

images-1So in the midst of persons attempting to neatly tie up all the loose end explanations of last week’s elections (and find creative ways to either absolve self, gloat, or legitimize the dismissing of reality), I found a story that resonated a little closer to my heart (… thank you, beat reporters, those of you who send newsworthy items my respectful, editorial way). As told by a CNN affiliate this week in Fort Lauderdale…

It did not take long for officials to make good on the promise to criminally charge those who violate a new ordinance that effectively outlaws groups from feeding the homeless in public. On Sunday, the city charged three people, including two ministers and a 90-year-old homeless advocate. They could face up to 60 days in jail for the violation.

“I fully believe that I am my brother’s keeper. Love they neighbor as thy self,” Arnold Abbott said. Abbott, 90, prepares hundreds of meals each week for the homeless in the kitchen of the Sanctuary Church.

“We serve two entrees at every feeding,” he said.

He faces possible jail time and a $500 fine for feeding the homeless after he was charged with violating the ordinance.

“One of police officers came over and said, ‘Drop that plate right now,’ as if I was carrying a weapon,” Abbott said.

Authorities also charged a minister from Coral Springs and Sanctuary Church’s pastor, Wayne Black.

“We believe very strongly that Jesus taught us that we are to feed his sheep,” Black said.

Mayor Jack Seiler had warned arrests were coming, but it was not the first time Abbott has fought city hall. In 1999, Abbott sued the city for banning him from feeding homeless on beach — a lawsuit he won.

Abbott said he plans to be fire up the stoves again Wednesday, when he has another food sharing plan for the beach. He said he does not want to be arrested, but he is prepared for the possibility.

“I’m going to have to go to court again to sue the city of Fort Lauderdale, the beautiful city,” he said. “These are the poorest of the poor. They have nothing. Don’t have a roof over their head, and who could turn them away?”

So let the Intramuralist acknowledge a few, brief perspectives. First, there’s most likely a valid reason the Lauderdale law was created. They are obviously attempting to limit the number of homeless persons on the street. No one wants the homeless to be homeless.

Also, in the Intramuralist’s opinion, no less — and potentially consistent with the message Tuesday’s voters sent Washington — I believe sometimes government goes too far. Recognizing a solid message or motive, government often attempts to control us via law. They justify too many rules and regulations to control our behavior. More often than not, as long as our behavior is not detrimental to the health of another, government should stay out of the way. Let the divine spirit be the convictor of our hearts — not the federal government.

Here’s a 90-year-old man who feels called to feed the hungry. Isn’t there a better way to handle all angles of this issue than the government getting in the way?

Respectfully…

AR

midterm notes

sticky-notes-1024x768This week I found a few extra sticky notes stuck around the edges of my computer desk. Seems they were prompted by Tuesday’s election…

I’ve heard rumblings of bipartisanship. Where were those calls before the election?

CNN, FOX, MSNBC… interesting watching them all.

Wasserman Schultz calls Obama Democrats’ “best asset.” If he was their best asset he would have been seen campaigning with vulnerable candidates. Please don’t lie for rhetorical sakes. Please don’t think we’re ignorant.

Obama calls election the “worst possible group of states for Democrats since Dwight Eisenhower.” Noticing a trend… the “worst”… “worst economy.” Wonder if he’ll ask how he’s contributed to the public’s discontent.

Wish this would finish soon. I’m getting sleepy. Need to go to bed.

Crist/Scott or Scott/Crist… geepers… can they decide which party they actually wish to be from? Charlie Crist has officially represented 3 different parties now. Geeesh.

Scott Brown is challenging the New Hampshire results. Ok, I get it. Close election. Congratulations. But accept the outcome.

Ed Gillespie… where’d you come from? No one seemed to think your race would even be close. And now… what… a recount in Virginia?

All these graphics. Much improved. Could use one of those big interactive computer screens in my family room.

How do they call these races with only 7% of the vote in? Oh, my. Doesn’t always make a lot of sense.

Obama calling leaders from both parties to the White House on Friday. Could this be a little more regular and all be more considerate?

Still need sleep by the way.

Pelosi calls the potential results a “catastrophe.” Get some perspective, please. Go to Africa; see spread of Ebola. Then let’s talk catastrophe.

How to win and lose graciously. Seems like we could all learn something there.

Facebook. Twitter. (See winning and losing graciously again.)

Too much money. Yep. No doubt they could all be better stewards. Why don’t we use all that to pay down the debt?

Anti-incumbent? No. More anti-Washington. 

This election is over. Well sort of. Still a run-off. Sorry, Louisiana.

Alaska… where are you?

No more commercials or robo-calls. Thanks, God.

Hope and change. Again.

Elections have consequences.

Now quit campaigning, quit the disrespect, and get to work. P.S. Some of us also still need sleep now, too.

Respectfully…

AR

sundays & tuesdays

10532136_10204417077048664_2802010865682159839_oFor 17 Sundays most of the nation joins with the likeminded, typically sitting on the family room sofa, sometimes in our favored garb, cheering on our favorite team. Like this past weekend… some rooted for Denver instead of New England, Pittsburgh instead of Baltimore, and St. Louis instead of San Francisco. We enthusiastically and loyally cheer for our team. “Who dey” and “Go Bengals,” for example, were heard multiple times, echoing loudly amid our household (… yes, some days it’s hard to be a Bengals’ fan). But let’s face it: not only are we zealously rooting for our team, we are also actively rooting against the other.

Today, however, is Tuesday; it’s not Sunday. Yet with today’s midterm elections, it seems many have the two days confused.

Many highly intelligent people are rooting zealously for their team — and — actively rooting against the other. Many of the elect are encouraging us to do exactly that. From Pres. Barack Obama to congress to our local municipalities, many are encouraging us to choose sides — to choose a single side — choosing only one team. It’s as if only one team can win.

[Sigh.]

It’s not that I don’t believe certain candidates are better. It’s not that I don’t believe certain policies are wiser. Wisdom and foolishness exists across all parties.

I will add that no party’s candidates have cornered the market on integrity, and the Intramuralist will always support a man or woman of integrity before a candidate who shares a preferred party (note:  I don’t have a preferred gender or ethnicity). That’s one of the most significant, gaping, moral loopholes that seemingly intelligent people seem to miss. They fight for their party. They don the favored garb. But they forget that not all people of all parties are good — they aren’t all men and women of integrity;  they also forget that both Pittsburgh and Baltimore have good people on their team; hence, it’s understandable that some would favor the plays of the Steelers to the Ravens or the Ravens to the Steelers. It’s not so understandable to  rhetorically vilify an entire team in order to propel oneself or one’s party; such seems a silly exercise for the otherwise intelligent to embrace.

This past weekend Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) joined in a conference call with progressive activists, attempting to help a Democrat keep hold of Iowa’s currently open Senate seat. He said of his desired candidate, “Bruce Braley is a fine man. He has a good record of public service.” Of his opponent, Joni Ernst, Reid said, “She’s so out of line with mainstream Iowans… she has spent the entire campaign talking about what she did as a young girl, castrating animals.”

Friends, please vote for the person of your choice, but don’t be influenced by Reid’s words; they aren’t accurate. They are part of an inflated rhetoric designed to prompt us to put on our partisan garb and root actively against the other team. Democrats and Republicans alike join in this exercise; it’s as if they are attempting to get us to hate the other team — to turn a blind eye to the fact that there may exist candidates of integrity on both sides of the ballot.

This past Sunday the Jacksonville Jaguars visited Cincinnati’s “Jungle” on week 9 of the NFL’s regular season. We were (obviously) rooting for the Bengals, but we no longer cheered actively against the team from North Florida. We were changed by this past summer, when my family had the opportunity to visit extensively with several of the Jaguar players, including blossoming rookie, star quarterback, Blake Bortles. Blake was very intentional with my sons; he was especially good with my child with special needs. While the Jaguars lost the game Sunday, thanks to Blake, we had no doubt there were people of integrity on both sides.

Maybe all those talking about today’s ballots should recognize that, too.

Respectfully…

AR