Category: Current Event

With the billions across the globe beginning to celebrate Holy Week, the commemoration of Jesus’ final days on Earth, leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection, it got me to asking: do we really need God? Does America need God? What happens if we don’t have Him?

Please hear my respect. One of my ultra core beliefs is we are no one’s Holy Spirit — meaning none of us are another’s convicter of truth, especially concerning righteousness and sin. It’s one of the reasons I oft chuckle at group chats on social media. Many seem to have unknowingly misidentified their role. My goal today, therefore, as it is most days, is not to convince anyone of what they must believe. I see it rather as each learning to walk life’s journey, learning and growing at the pace that best suits us.

So what is it about God? Maybe we should start with what is it that He actually gives us, if we’re going to discern our need for Him.

Some would say His provision… and a path to eternal life… 

What is also said is that God gives us ongoing guidance. Another way to say that is how a  relationship with Him provides us with a moral compass, a code of ethics, so-to-speak, or set of standards and principles by which to live our lives. Not that we 100% always follow that compass; it would be unrealistic to suggest said adherence; humanity is synonymous with imperfection.

Broadly speaking, no less, the moral compass that God prescribes is one of love, obedience, humility and truth. There is honor and honesty. Kindness, charity and generosity are included. So are justice and gentleness. There is more… patience, selflessness and self control. There is still more.

The reality is that everyone has a moral compass. Everyone has a code of ethics they follow, whether it’s spoken or unspoken, whether they know it or not. There is a way we think, a way we behave, a way we live our lives.

So if God is not the One who dictates the standards and principles by which we live our lives, something else must fill that role. It is impossible to be vacant.

Hence, what do we fill it with? What becomes our moral code?

Maybe empathy — a response to people around us.

Maybe experience — a reaction to circumstances we see.

Maybe politics or an ideology.

Each of the above is of significant worth. I’m certain there is more that establishes our code. But when I look at what I perceive as a digression of values in this country — most notably in how poorly we treat one another and how we even go to great lengths to justify the maltreatment — I wonder if we’ve allowed the standards and principles by which we live to be set by something less comprehensively worthy…

Or better said…

By something that doesn’t include love, obedience, humility and truth.

By something that doesn’t consistently encourage honor and honesty.

And/or by something in which kindness and all of the above are not offered to all.

I wonder…

What are we missing because we’ve allowed something to establish our moral compass that was never intended to be so? … and not capable of its current role in our lives?

Just thinking… wondering… seeking what’s better and more.

Respectfully…

AR

This past week we witnessed the madness of March again succumb to the auspiciousness of April, with college basketball coming to the end of its annual season. Congrats, Florida Gators! Chomp, chomp. You are indeed a deserving champion. Houston, we’re sorry; no doubt you were an accomplished runner up. (And before any of the rest of us hoot or holler or lead with individual let downs) Let us remember that we’re primarily talking about a competition featuring an average age of 21 year old boys.

This was an especially excellent tournament. While sorry to miss many of the Cinderellas, the games in the Final Four were notably competitive, with no halftime-ahead-team eventually winning the game. But there was one game in particular that seemed to transcend the sports world; it would end up being the final game for the Duke Blue Devils.

It is true that the Intramuralist rarely articulates any adoration for those identified by the Mephistophelian moniker. (Sorry, too, to Central Connecticut, Dickinson, Arizona State, etal. I simply attempt to be a hair bit holier than thou.)

Allow us, no less, a concise summary of what actually happened…

Duke was considered one of the best teams ever entering they tournament; they were a 4.5 point favorite. They were playing the University of Houston. The two teams sported the best defensive efforts seen on the hardcourt all season. Duke, though, was ranked first at season’s end, and featured a young freshman — 18 year old Cooper Flagg — who is perceived by many to be the most talented player we saw on the court this year. Not only was Duke favored to win this game, but once the ball was tipped and the game began, they were dominant. For the 40 minute game, they were dominant for approximately 37 minutes. Those final few minutes would end up being a significant problem.

With 8:03 left, Duke was ahead by 14 points.

At 2:15, the lead was 9.

At 1:26, the lead was 7.

And with only 33 seconds left, Duke led by 6.

The bottom line is that they call this “madness” for a reason. After repeated mistakes — an errant pass, inability to throw in, a missed block out, free throw and foul, Duke would lose by 3 in regulation. ESPN’s characterization of “stunned silence” in the Duke locker room thereafter seemed indeed apropos.

Herein, no less, is where this becomes something other than a sports post — and more a lesson in hardship and adversity.

Follow me here…

Duke sported an impressive record of 35-4 this season. They had an early loss to Kentucky and some random losses to Kansas and Clemson tucked in. But the majority of their season was marked by easy wins; they led the nation in average margin of victory, winning games by typically 21.1 points per game.

Let me say this another way…

For the most of the season, Duke wasn’t tested. They had very few moments when the chips were down, so-to-speak, their backs were against the wall, and they had to lean in and fight with everything they had. There were very few moments when the Blue Devils believed they were actually in danger of losing. They didn’t know what adversity felt like. They thus didn’t learn the lessons hardship profoundly provides.

There’s something meaningful within that. When vulnerabilities are unveiled and adversity becomes a reality, we learn how to respond…

… how to build strength, resilience, and composure…

… how to face reality in the midst of fear…

… how to not be rattled nor turn to nonsensical nor snide behavior…

… so hard but beautiful at the exact same time …

Not being rattled is one of the greatest learnings in life. When we are rattled — set off by another or shaken, if you will — we respond more erratically — emotionally, physically and verbally. We say things and do things that make less sense than when we are sound. Our errancy and inabilities are magnified.

With absolutely all due respect, my sense is the primary reason Duke lost a game they could of and probably should have won is because they never mastered how to respond to adversity… a practice so good for us all.

Respectfully…

AR

Just want to catch up a bit, taking a brief, respectful look at the current events of the week that was. Let’s face it; it’s hard to watch the news these days; there’s too much bias, too much sensationalism and too much disrespect. Hence, we’ll take a look, tee it up and keep it brief…

The tariffs… For decades, Donald Trump has supported tariffs as a means of boosting the U.S. economy. Now that he’s President, this week he announced their widespread implementation. It’s a risky economic strategy — including a 10% universal tariff across all imports in addition to targeted, retaliatory tariffs — but risky in that other countries have a say in what happens next. Do they respond with higher tariffs making all goods more expensive? Or do the tariffs create increased leverage for the U.S. in trade negotiations going forward?

There’s more to this than trade deficits. As Forbes headlined, “There’s more to it than most understand.” Forbes acknowledges that the national debt has expanded “as the trade deficit expands to a near-record level.” Also relevant is that in the year ahead, the U.S. will face a significant challenge with our debt, with approximately $9.2 trillion in debt maturing. While the Intramuralist concedes to being a part of Forbes’ “most,” there is thought that the leverage may be helpful in negotiating the refinancing necessary in early 2025.

Will this work? Respected economists disagree; it matters how other countries respond and how long the tariffs are in place. It’s too simplistic to craft either a pro/anti perspective based on how we feel about Trump. If the strategy sets off a trade war, that will hurt everyone. The reality is that we will have to wait until after the immediate to assess the long term impact.

The track meet… Memorial High School junior Austin Metcalf and Centennial High School junior Karmelo Anthony were competing in a morning track meet in Frisco, Texas. It was raining, and Anthony had thus taken cover under the other team’s canopy. A witness told police that Metcalf told Anthony to move. They argued. Anthony reportedly said, “Touch me and see what happens.” Metcalf touched him. The argument rapidly escalated. Metcalf touched him again, presumably more aggressively, and Anthony pulled a knife out of his bag, fatally stabbing Metcalf in the chest. Anthony has been charged with first-degree murder, with bond set at $1 million. According to an arrest report, he said, “I was protecting myself.”

In the days since, there has been much conversation, noting too, that they were students of varied race … How does this happen? … Can it be self-defense? … Can we please not politicize it? … 

We politicize way too many things. The bottom line is this is sad. Two young men have had their lives forever altered in awful ways. God be with them and their families.

And lastly today… 

Those who are talking now… Promotions began for three soon-to-be-released books by journalists, detailing the Biden presidency. As Politico’s Playbook opined, “The race to shape Joe Biden’s legacy is on.” The books include:

• “Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House” by NBC’s Jonathan Allen and The Hill’s Amie Parnes, respectively a Democrat and non-partisan analyst

• “Uncharted: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History” by Chris Whipple of the New York Times

• And “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again” by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson from Axios [According to Politico, this is “the book Biden allies fear the most.”]

Insights and excerpts were released last week, with Biden’s mental decline a paramount part of the story.

Key, though, is when these journalists knew what… Have they held this perspective before now? … Were they transparent about it on air, in their interviews and editorials? … Did they withhold information from us previously because it didn’t fit a desired narrative or outcome?… We want our reporters to be credible; we want to be able to believe what they say. No matter the station. No matter the circumstance.

All for now. Just being brief. And respectful always, too, of course.

Respectfully…

AR

While I neither agree nor disagree with all included, this Presidential address makes me pause, especially when compared to what parties advocate for today via some of their more extreme policies and personalities… [Note: all emphasis mine.]

… Our country is still the strongest force for peace and freedom on Earth. On issues that once before tore us apart, we have changed the old politics of Washington. For too long, leaders in Washington asked who’s to blame. But we asked, what are we going to do?

On crime, we’re putting 100,000 police on the streets… We supported tougher punishment and prevention programs to keep our children from drugs and gangs and violence… The Federal work force is the smallest it has been since John Kennedy. And the deficit has come down for 4 years in a row for the first time since before the Civil War, down 60 percent on the way to zero. We will do it. We are on the right track to the 21st century. We are on the right track, but our work is not finished. What should we do? First, let us consider how to proceed. Again I say, the question is no longer who’s to blame but what to do.

I believe that [my political opponents] love our country, and they have worked hard to serve it. It is legitimate, even necessary, to compare our record with theirs, our proposals for the future with theirs. And I expect them to make a vigorous effort to do the same. But I will not attack. I will not attack them personally or permit others to do it in this party if I can prevent it… My fellow Americans, this must be—this must be—a campaign of ideas, not a campaign of insults. The American people deserve it.

Now, here’s the main idea… let us resolve to build that bridge to the 21st century, to meet our challenges and protect our values. Let us build a bridge to help our parents raise their children, to help young people and adults to get the education and training they need, to make our streets safer, to help Americans succeed at home and at work, to break the cycle of poverty and dependence, to protect our environment for generations to come, and to maintain our world leadership for peace and freedom. Let us resolve to build that bridge…

… we must demand excellence at every level of education… Let me say to our parents: You have to lead the way… We must give parents, all parents, the right to choose which public school their children will attend and to let teachers form new charter schools with a charter they can keep only if they do a good job. We must keep our schools open late so that young people have someplace to go and something to say yes to and stay off the street. We must require that our students pass tough tests to keep moving up in school. A diploma has to mean something when they get out. We should reward teachers that are doing a good job, remove those who don’t measure up, but in every case, never forget that none of us would be here tonight if it weren’t for our teachers…

I want to build a bridge to the 21st century in which we create a strong and growing economy to preserve the legacy of opportunity for the next generation, by balancing our budget in a way that protects our values and ensuring that every family will be able to own and protect the value of their most important asset, their home. Tonight let us proclaim to the American people, we will balance the budget… I want to balance the budget with real cuts in Government, in waste… We have an obligation, you and I, to leave our children a legacy of opportunity, not a legacy of debt… But the Government can only do so much. The private sector has to provide most of these jobs…

I want to build a bridge to the 21st century where our children are not killing other children anymore, where children’s lives are not shattered by violence at home or in the schoolyard, where a generation of young people are not left to raise themselves on the streets. With more police and punishment and prevention, the crime rate has dropped for 4 years in a row now. But we cannot rest, because we know it’s still too high…

We respect the individual conscience of every American on the painful issue of abortion but believe as a matter of law that this decision should be left to a woman, her conscience, her doctor, and her God. But abortion should not only be safe and legal, it should be rare…

My fellow Americans, I want to build a bridge to the 21st century that makes sure we are still the nation with the world’s strongest defense, that our foreign policy still advances the values of our American community in the community of nations. Our bridge to the future must include bridges to other nations, because we remain the world’s indispensable nation to advance prosperity, peace, and freedom and to keep our own children safe from the dangers of terror and weapons of mass destruction… Nothing in our lifetime has been more heartening than when people of the former Soviet Union and Central Europe broke the grip of communism. We have aided their progress, and I am proud of it. And I will continue our strong partnership with a democratic Russia…

We are fighting terrorism on all fronts with a three-pronged strategy… we are working to rally a world coalition with zero tolerance for terrorism… we must give law enforcement the tools they need to take the fight to terrorists… Terrorists are as big a threat to our future, perhaps bigger, than organized crime…

Look around this hall tonight—and to our fellow Americans watching on television, you look around this hall tonight—there is every conceivable difference here among the people who are gathered. If we want to build that bridge to the 21st century we have to be willing to say loud and clear: If you believe in the values of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, if you’re willing to work hard and play by the rules, you are part of our family and we’re proud to be with you… We still have too many Americans who give in to their fears of those who are different from them… So look around here, look around here: Old or young, healthy as a horse or a person with a disability that hasn’t kept you down, man or woman, Native American, native born, immigrant, straight or gay, whatever, the test ought to be, I believe in the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence; I believe in religious liberty; I believe in freedom of speech; I believe in working hard and playing by the rules; I’m showing up for work tomorrow; I’m building that bridge to the 21st century. That ought to be the test…

From Pres. Bill Clinton, accepting the Democratic nomination for President in 1996, less than 30 years ago.

Respectfully…

AR

As we continue to navigate the murky waters of fact, opinion and perspective — and yes, murky because we oft confuse the three — some subjects become more challenging to discuss. In fact, I saw a meme this week that prompted me pause; it metaphorically suggested that the weatherman’s job isn’t to present the options of both rain and shine; it’s to look out the window and see which one is true. Granted, the poster didn’t acknowledge that if you look out a different window in another direction, one might see something that’s different but also true at the exact same time.

Allow us, therefore, a brief review of the above three factors, almost always in play…

fact | fak(t) | – noun — a thing that is known or proved to be true: he ignores some historical and economic facts | a body of fact.

opinion | əˈpiny(ə)n | – noun — a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge: I’m writing to voice my opinion on an issue of great importance | that, in my opinion, is dead right.

perspective | pərˈspektiv | – noun — a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view: most guidebook history is written from the editor’s perspective.

Preference and conviction also play a role in the visibility of our murky waters, but for purposes of brevity in this conversation we will rely on fact (what is true), opinion (what we think is true), and perspective (the direction we look in for truth, shaped by our individual experience).

In our blogging existence, we’ve addressed this issue multiple times from multiple angles, and yet, we still mess with the murky; we still each fall prey to mixing up each of the above. And because we feel deeply, passionately, emphatically, we convince ourselves that we are ever discerning of which is which… when we’re not.

Hence, to address once more, we decided to employ a new, creative, original angle… 

How and why we mistake the above…

… including an admission of our blind spot and why that’s a problem…

“Fact, Opinion and Perspective,” all courtesy of the one and only ChatGPT…

We mix them up because it’s easy to do,
When we talk about truths, it’s all blurred through.
Sometimes we say “I think” and then we get loud,
And people start thinking that we’re speaking proud.

When we mistake a fact for an opinion’s claim,
It can lead to confusion, and no one’s to blame.
But if we confuse perspective with solid proof,
It can lead to arguments that don’t have a roof.

The blind spot appears when we don’t see the twist,
When we confuse what’s real with what’s on our list.
If we call opinions facts, we’re sure to mislead,
And forget that perspectives are not a creed.

Not realizing we’re mixing them up—oh, that’s the trap!
It leaves us in loops, caught in a gap.
So, next time you speak, be sure to define,
Is it a fact, an opinion, or perspective you’re trying to shine?

Here’s to unmurkying the waters… and also making difficult subjects easier to discuss.

Respectfully…

AR

In recent weeks there has been renewed conversation about the U.S. Dept. of Education in regard to its purpose, efficiency and even existence. Pres. Donald Trump signed an Executive Order directing the Sec. of Education to facilitate the closure of the Department and return education authority to the states, while continuing to ensure the effective and uninterrupted delivery of services, programs, and benefits on which Americans rely. In order to discuss this issue intelligently, know that today’s post will serve neither as advocacy of nor opposition to elimination; call it more of a fact-finding mission, attempting to actually be better educated, as opposed to being swayed by fervent rhetoricians. 

The Dept. of Education was created in 1867 by Pres. Andrew Johnson for the purpose of collecting information and statistics about the nation’s schools. One year later, due to concerns about the potential for excessive federal control over local schools, the Department was demoted to an Office of Education, operating under the Dept. of the Interior. 

Fast forward a century plus, when Pres. Jimmy Carter established the modern U.S. Dept. of Education as a cabinet-level agency. It became operational the next year with the stated mission to supplement state education efforts, coordinate federal education activities, ensure equal access to educational opportunities, and improve the management and efficiency of federal education activities. According to Carter, the goal was not to control schools and universities but rather to advise and assist them.

Interestingly, the calls to eliminate the Department came immediately after Carter’s tenure, with Pres. Ronald Reagan calling for the elimination of the agency in his 1982 State of the Union address. His primary goal was to reduce the growth of federal spending, believing the nation was in an economic “slump” and in need of strategic recovery. So why the back-and-forth that has continued through multiple administrations and generations? 

Let’s acknowledge the complicating pieces. First, in the U.S., education is primarily the responsibility of states and local districts. The Constitution does not mention any role for the federal government in education, and according to the Tenth Amendment, anything not mentioned in the Constitution is left to the states to decide. 

Let us next examine what the Department does, discerning what’s unique/what’s not. In accordance with the Department’s stated above purpose…

• They routinely collect data on education facilities across the nation.
• They manage federal special ed programs, including oversight of IEPs and 504 plans, as established through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• They offer programs like the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast program, offering meals to students.
• They provide free preschool for children from low income families.
• They employ their own civil rights office.
• They enforce Title VI (which prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin) and Title IX (which prohibits sex discrimination in education programs or activities). 
• They work to reduce perceived education inequalities between states.
• They attempt to ensure education in areas of extreme poverty are not neglected.
• They manage federal student loans under FSA (Federal Student Aid), including Pell Grants and work-study programs, currently managing a portfolio of approximately $1.5 trillion; they are the largest source of loans for college students.

Let us next acknowledge the cost. With the smallest staff of the 15 federal Cabinet agencies, the Department has the third largest discretionary budget. Their budget for 2024 was $268 billion — $254 billion more than when it was established. One metric often examined is how much this equates to on a per student basis.

Summarily, the agency has spent over $3 trillion in its existence. The back-and-forth elimination question thus seems to stem from two primary questions: (1) does it take this much money? … and (2) is this something most efficient at a federal level? Would the states do a better job at being effective?

After much research and speaking to a few career education experts (of varied political persuasion) this debate seems not necessarily a case of right/wrong or solely one correct answer. There is far more to ask and discern. I especially appreciate the experts’ respectful admonition to learn more about actual outcomes tied to expenditures.

I appreciate the experts’ excellent questions… how do we ensure education in areas of extreme poverty is not neglected? How do we ensure our kids with special needs are not forsaken? How do we continue to invest in all of our kids? What do the states need to do differently? What if some states don’t do education well? What happens if local districts lose current, relied-upon funding? Can we truly discern the educational outcomes tied to federal expenditures?

Hence… is an option to minimize as opposed to eliminate? Is there a way to be more efficient with the dollars we spend? And who is best to do what? The state, local or federal government?

There’s a reason this debate has persisted for decades; there are lots of questions. Sounds like time to sincerely ask, sedulously examine, and shrewdly answer.

Respectfully…

AR

Years ago I had a friend who was hosting a frolicking trip south for a limited number of couple friends. The weekend was to be epic — full of all sorts of fun, intentional festivity, flowing food and drink. Something about the allure of South Beach made it extra enticing. It was indeed going to be wonderful.

I showed up at her house when she was packing the day before, wanting to add some extras to her bag, adding to the weekend festivities. I was so excited to celebrate with her. Let me also be clear: my spouse and I were not invited.

Such was a really good lesson for me…

Did I wish to go on the trip, too?

Indeed!

Could I have made all the logistics work?

Totally.

But was it ok to not be invited?

Absolutely.

Hear me out here…

One of the things I think our culture is not especially good at is celebrating other people and other people’s good fortune. Too often we look at the success, blessing, and/or prosperousness of another and think that’s not fair… they don’t deserve it… or… some of that should be mine…

And if we’re not included in the good fortune of the other, we lead with judgment, jealousy or our own self-entitlement. That clearly is so not so good and right and true. It’s not healthy nor virtuous either.

One of the healthiest things adulthood has taught me is to celebrate the wins of other people.

Hear, no less, the words of Jerry Hayden, a professional team builder and problem solver, who echoed my learnings on LinkedIn this past winter:

“As leaders, professionals, and individuals striving to reach our own goals, we often get caught up in the hustle of our personal achievements. The next milestone, the next deal, the next promotion – these are the things that keep us focused, moving forward, and striving for success. But if we step back for a moment and think about what true success looks like, one of the most powerful markers isn’t just about what we accomplish ourselves. It’s about how we celebrate and support the wins of others.

In a world that often emphasizes competition, it can feel challenging to genuinely cheer for others’ victories. We may worry that someone else’s success diminishes our own, or that we’ll somehow be left behind. But this mindset is not only limiting – it’s also counterproductive. The ability to celebrate other people’s success isn’t a sign of weakness or insecurity; it’s a sign of strength, wisdom, and emotional intelligence. It’s also a mark of true leadership.” (Emphasis mine.)

As we continue to tiptoe through a culture in which equity and equality are routinely confused for one another, it would indeed seem wise if we could first learn to pause and genuinely celebrate the good fortune of another for what it actually is: theirs. It is no less good fortune even though it is not mine.

As Hayden concludes, “In the end, life isn’t just about individual triumphs – it’s about the collective growth we experience when we celebrate each other’s wins.”

Cheers, friends. Here’s to one another.

Respectfully…

AR

One of the things I most love about this time of year is that the madness isn’t really madness. While it’s oft crazy amid the rampant upsets and improbable three point shots, it also happens to be one of the best, authentic celebrations of difference and diversity.

We root for all sorts of teams, regardless of what we have in common…

We cheer for the good story, regardless of who they represent…

And we openly admire ability, even when it’s on the other team.

Oh, how fun is March Madness!

In this year’s field of 68, with 4 having to “play their way in,” we see all sorts of people groups, animal representations and creative monikers. Some stand out more than others…

We start with the Aztecs and both of the Aggies. I do always wonder what an Aggie is exactly.

Then come the Ursidae, otherwise known as the bear family via the Bears, Bruins and Grizzlies. Be sure not to confuse them with the feline family portal that the Panthers, pair of Wildcats, all 3 Cougar teams and 4 Tiger teams represent. 

If you’re wondering (as I was), the Wolverines are members of the family Mustelidae; interestingly, a most minor Google search will reveal that their scientific animal name is Gulo gulo, meaning “glutton.” This, too, includes the Badgers, meaning Michigan and Wisconsin have more in common than they may like.

While we’re on the animals, let’s add a few more… there are 2 Rams; both they and the Bisons hail from the family Bovidae.

And the reptiles… the Gators seem dominant this year, but in their bracket are also the far-more-than-amphibious Terrapins. For the record (mostly because I simply find it entertaining), a Terrapin is “a small edible turtle.” Hoping no one actually eats them on the court.

Let’s not, however, forget the fowl… the Bluejays, Cardinals and Jayhawks… not to be outdone by the Ducks, Eagles and Golden Eagles. And Seahawks? What’s a Seahawk? It’s not a real bird, friends.

Other animals in this year’s tournament? Dogs bark via the Huskies, Terriers and 6 sets of Bulldogs. There are horses and cows and Longhorns and Sooners. Still we find the Hornets and Razorbacks… can’t say I’m a fan of either.

Then come the weather fronts, which always delight me — this year represented by the Cyclones and Red Storm. Colorful monikers follow — the Crimson Tide, Red Flash, Red Raiders and Blue Devils. Sorry, I can’t root for the devil no matter what color he shows up as.

The regal reps are also interesting, from the Colonials and Commodores to the Tritons and Trojans… in addition to the ethnically-identified Illini, Gaels, and 2 sets of Spartans.

Bravery, too, abounds in the tournament — or at least it’s projected in the Mavericks and Musketeers. I have a place in my heart for the Rebels, as well… as long as they know when to fight and when to congratulate the other team.

Also interesting are the Tarheels and (my beloved) Boilermakers. Did you know that each of their names were originally designed to be derogatory? Seems like their success on the court has long surpassed any sustaining insult.

Somewhere in here should be the Cowboys, Mountaineers and Volunteers; each seems both respectful and respected.

But our final shout out for this year’s tourney goes to the small but mighty Lobos, Lopes and Zips; it’s just fun to say their names. (Did you know that the Zips hail from the “Rubber Capital of the World”?)

Love the diversity, underdogs and healthy competition. Love, too, when we can all celebrate the same thing. Indeed… let the madness begin!

Respectfully…

AR

And then there was this… allow us to share as factually as possible…

A little less than 2 weeks ago, at the Virginia State High School League indoor track and field state championships, in the girls’ 4 x 200m relay final, Brookfield High junior Kaelen Tucker was rounding a corner during the second leg. The competition was close.

She is originally behind I.C. Norcom High School senior Alaila Everett. When Tucker passes Everett, the stereotypical, by-your-side rhythmic swinging motion of the baton changes, wherein Everett instead pulls the baton behind her back, lifts it, and proceeds to strike Tucker on the head in the lane next to her. (See entire video HERE.) Tucker would fall to the ground, soon to be diagnosed with a concussion and possible skull fracture. Everett’s team was quickly disqualified.

As the video went viral last week, Alaila Everett was charged with one count of assault and battery, in the City of Lynchburg’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.   

There are multiple angles with which to approach the incident; let us begin with the range of reaction…

… shock, dismay, speechlessness. Granted, some have not been speechless, using their words to demean, saying some awful, terrible things. 

Note, also, Everett insists it was an accident. 

She said that their proximity prompted her to lose her balance, turn her body, pump her arms, and inadvertently hit Tucker. Interviewing with multiple news sources, Everett expounds upon why it was an unfortunate accident:

”My community knows my character… they know I’m not like that… I can admit from the video it does look purposeful, but I know my intentions, and I would never hit somebody on purpose because of jealousy… I would never harm anybody. I’m not a fighter. I’m not even confrontational. I wouldn’t even do that on purpose.”

Some, therefore, have used to their words to defend…

Said Everett’s mother, “My baby didn’t do it. I know who I raised…”

Said the local NAACP President, “She is not an attacker. Alaila is an honor student at Norcom High School. We are not going to sit back and allow the criminal justice system to define her.”

After being served with the assault charge, a public rally was held late last week to reiterate Everett’s innocence.

What a terrible situation.  

Allow us, no less, to share two more angles that we believe to be significant.

First, sometimes it seems we craft this insulated idea that either we or another is incapable of doing something really wrong or bad… “There is no way they could do that… that’s not possible… I know them..”

Friends, with sincere, all due respect, that makes no sense to me. We may have the most wonderful credentials, full of honors and accolades, but given the wrong circumstances at the right time in an unhealthy, emotional headspace — something we are indeed each capable of — bad things could happen. Are they likely? No. Could they happen? Yes. Are we each capable of doing the shocking and unspeakable? Absolutely.

Secondly, the question here is intent. None of us know what was inside the head of Alaila Everett at that moment; none of us know what her emotional headspace was like. Not her parents, not her opponent, not the head of the local NAACP. I understand the decision to believe her. After watching the video multiple times, I also understand the decision not to. The reality is, whatever we each decide, we cannot know with certainty.

A trusted friend encouraged me years ago to resist the urge to make the uncertain certain. That’s not always easy. It’s also not very convenient. Still it’s oft the wisest thing to do.

Respectfully…

AR

We each have opportunity to learn from all things, from likely and unlikely sources. It depends most on if we are open to learning.

There’s a long repeated biblical story, that whether I believed in the word or not, challenges me to the core. I pray there’s never a day that I go unchallenged by the account; if so, my strong sense is it is me who is impervious to the learning.

The story goes something like this…

Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.

“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”

They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.

When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”

“No, Lord,” she said.

And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

Allow us to briefly acknowledge the significant components of the story…

A woman had done something wrong; there was no debate that adultery was wrong.

A crowd had gathered; that means everyone’s actions would be seen by someone else… perhaps a tribe in some ways that all thought alike. No doubt crowds tend to egg each other on, often ramping up emotion and activity.

The crowd attempted to egg on the perceived arbiter of truth in this situation… But what she did was wrong! There is no dispute! How will she be punished?!

In wise judgment, there was calm.

And then it was said… if you have done no wrong, go ahead… punish her… be loud… make it a public spectacle… It’s insightful how once again it’s poignantly clear we are loudest when we believe ourselves clean from the crime. We point fast fingers at those who have done wrong in areas we feel we are absolved, ignoring the places where we have been foolish, fallacious or illicit…

… actually forgetting those places exist.

And here’s the thing. Sometimes that’s been me. I have said some things I’d like to take back — even this week. The errors of my ways, so-to-speak, are not just nice neat, cleaned up stories from my youth. The errors of my ways occur even now.

So allow me to close with two outstanding truths — and why this account is so challenging whether we are Jesus followers or not…

There was no question the woman was wrong; there was no debate. The crowd was right; she was wrong. Note, too, that as the crowd dispersed, she was compassionately called to change her behavior and inherent line of thinking.

But what’s also true based on the wisdom revealed, is that I will never be capable of throwing that first stone, that rock of condemnation, if you will, whether physically or verbally. I can’t do so unless I ignore the equally existent, imperfect parts of me.

That’s the reality we must grapple with now, if we are willing to learn.

Respectfully…

AR