Month: April 2013

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what’s wrong with this law?

What’s wrong with “Obamacare”?

 

Please.  Pause.  As always, the Intramuralist attempts to stand as a beacon of respect.  You, my friends, have done an excellent job at modeling your diversity of opinion without succumbing to the temptation of disrespect.  Far too many intelligent people continue to justify disrespectful articulation when the moment serves them well.  As best as possible, we strive not to fall so infamously far.

 

It is no secret that the Intramuralist is no fan of the Patient Affordable Care Act.  Having read the entire legislation prior to its passage, we found multiple enactments, which were are not only prone to government overreach but also social concern.  When healthcare is proposed as a “one size fits all model,” the underlying reality is that as the model evolves and impure motive sets in, perceived economic drains on the system will be extracted.  If we can ensure continued care for 100 at the same price as the one-time surgery of 1, why would we choose the 1?  Funds are not limitless.  Hence, economically, it makes more sense to care for the 100.  It’s the survival of the fittest.  It’s natural selection.  Is it moral?  Of course not.  But when a person actually reads the legislation, the embedded motive of moral behavior is ambiguous.

 

Do not allow me to suggest that I believe the creators of this law were motivated by impure motive.  I do believe, however, that as the law evolves, the exponentially increased potential for impurity exists, as money and power never fail to pollute policy.  At some point in time — with the wrong people in charge — I believe Obamacare will be a dire, iniquitous law.

 

Allow me, no less, to return to my original question:  what’s wrong with this law?  Perhaps you even question the basis for my question.  Here is the reason for my current pondering:

 

According to Politico and The Wall Street Journal, congressional leaders have been holding closed-door discussions regarding how to exempt themselves from the law.  When Politico broke the story last week, the conversations collapsed — obviously because of the complete lack of positive publicity.

 

Reports are that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) initiated the discussions, although he denies such an account; he says he simply wants the law to be “workable for everyone.”  The loophole in Reid’s claim is that when the law was being crafted in 2009, Democrats repeatedly attempted to exempt themselves and/or their key aides.

 

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) had authored an amendment approved by the Senate Finance Committee that compelled Congress to partake, but yet, when brought to the floor by Sen. Reid, the bill’s language had been altered, exempting congressional aides and party leaders.

 

If this law is good, why are those who know what’s in it wanting to avoid it?

 

Oh, wait… I return to my original concerns about the bill…

 

Never mind the broken promises.  Never mind the poor P.R.  Never mind that when the town hall meetings got too tough, the town hall meetings were shut down.

 

Never mind that some Republicans seemed simply obstructionists.  Never mind that the legislation only passed through a partisan measure designed for the budget reconciliation process.  Never mind that premiums are now increasing and options for keeping existent care are decreasing.

 

This original, approximate 2000 page legislation was approved and opposed by those who never read it.  They never read it, yet they want to be exempt.

 

Hence, I ask again:  what’s wrong with “Obamacare”?

 

Respectfully…

AR

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hmmm..

In all actuality, there are days the Intramuralist wonders the wisdom of what to publish.  We scan a sampling of the week’s headlines and editorials, yet quickly, we come across a slew of spewing that seems to make you go “hmmm”…

 

What do we write about?

 

Do we consider the nonpartisan Rasmussen Reports, and how…

 

“Confidence that the United States and its allies are winning the War on Terror has fallen to its lowest level in roughly two years.”

 

Or do we pay any attention to a presidential photo op, as detailed by Politico…

 

“Tuesday morning, a peculiar announcement trickled out of the White House press office: President Barack Obama would be holding a moment of silence for the victims of the Boston bombings.  At the White House.  By himself.  No press or other intruders allowed.  Except the White House photographer.

 

That Obama assumed Americans would want an iconic photo of him privately mourning the victims of the bombings was emblematic of a kind of hubris that has enveloped the president and his White House as the president commences his second term.”

 

No, those aspects aren’t that important to articulate.

 

How about the news as reported by Salon…

 

“So I’ve found it a sad commentary on GOP rebuilding that there’s been so much talk this week about the likelihood and desirability of a Jeb Bush candidacy.  And apparently one influential Republican, his mother, Barbara, agrees with me.

 

‘He’s by far the best-qualified man, but no,’ the former first lady told NBC’s Matt Lauer when he asked if she wanted her son, the former Florida governor, to run for president. ‘I really don’t.  I think it’s a great country.  There are a lot of great families, and it’s not just four families, or whatever.  There are other people out there that are very qualified.  We’ve had enough Bushes.’”

 

Am I the only one who thinks we need no more family ties to the Executive Branch?  No more Bushes and Clintons or Kennedys and Obamas or anyone else who has already occupied the oval space…  Nope.  Love that Barbara Bush… love how agree with her or not, she never seems to hide how she feels.

 

What about the news from Fox News’ Neil Cavuto and his notion that the media enacts a double standard for Obama and Bush actions in regard to the situation in Syria…

 

“What’s the difference between weapons of mass destruction and weapons of chemical destruction?  One gives you an excuse to bash a Republican president.  The other an excuse not to bash a Democratic president.  Nevermind this president drew the line in the sand on mass destruction weapons.  Democrats were all over that former president for getting wrong what most of they themselves were convinced George Bush had right.  And now they aren’t saying boo to this president that his worst fears are right.  So now repeating, that president is bad for pushing us into a war most Democrats supported because it sure looked like Saddam had bad stuff.  In fact, they used bad stuff.  This president is not bad for ignoring his own threats of consequences.  Now that we know Bashar Assad definitely has bad stuff.  I’m not saying one is right and one is wrong.  What I am saying is the double-standard in the coverage of each is very wrong.”

 

Does there exist a double standard?  I can’t answer that question.  Just the pondering is confusing.

 

So what can I answer?  2 things this day…

 

One, I can see why many persons intentionally choose to pay no attention to the news; it could drive a person crazy (… just sayin’).

And two, some things will always seem to make you go ‘hmmm.’

 

Respectfully… always…

AR

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the enemy among us

Extending the conversation from a wise friend in cyberspace, we were discussing the nation’s response to the tragedy in Boston.  We discussed Tuesday’s concept of whether or not we would simply forget the learnings after the “music fades,” so-to-speak, and return to our unfortunate, engrained, far-too-often divisive and defensive standing.

 

My wise friend made an excellent observation and then asked an even better question…

 

I am reminded, ‘A house divided against itself cannot stand.’  As long as we cannot come to some workable agreements on important issues among ourselves, it seems we leave ourselves vulnerable to destruction.   

 

My question is, without that tangible adversary, can we agree on what the ‘enemy’ to rally against is?  Is there a common goal that we can rally around without a tangible face of violence?  And even better than a common enemy, is there a unified love to rally for…?  Is there a common respect for the sanctity of life…?  Or is it ‘every man for himself’?  … each out for his own right to his own idea of liberty… her own idea of happiness.  Is there a higher standard we can agree upon?

 

Friends, just as a common enemy united us in Boston — going forward — what is it that propels us?  In other words, if a common enemy unites us like nothing else, who is that enemy as we continue forward?

 

I think we have two authentic, current challenges in this area:  we either deny the existence of an enemy — or we identify the enemy as someone who it’s not.  Allow me to respectfully share with you who it’s not…

 

It’s not the Democrats.

It’s not Pres. Obama.

It’s not the Republicans on Capitol Hill.

It’s not those who oppose gay marriage.

It’s not those for or against gun control.

It’s not the NRA, the ACLU, or any passionate, partisan advocacy group.

It’s not the teachers’ union nor Gov. Scott Walker in Wisconsin nor any other governor.

It’s not the academic elite.

It’s not even the uneducated.

And it’s certainly not any rhetorical 1, 2, or 17%.

 

No, it’s none of the above.  And until we recognize that, as a nation, we may forever be both polarized and paralyzed.

 

Who is our enemy?

 

It’s no longer the Soviets.  We no longer face a Cold War.  But we have to quit insinuating or proclaiming that the enemy is something or someone it is not.  Such may serve to net votes and drum up passion, but such is not wise; and such is not a process nor practice dripping of integrity.

 

In reality, the “enemy” can only be equated with one thing…

 

That one thing is not partisan…

That one thing is not an opinion…

 

That one thing is only one thing; it is evil.

 

The men who blew up the streets of Boston were motivated by evil.  Evil is prominent in more ways than we can ever know.  Evil is real.  Evil is the complete absence of God.  Evil is deep.  It dwells deep within the heart of far too many.  There is, no less, no such thing as any “lesser” of two evils.

 

That’s hard; it’s hard to specifically quantify.  But evil — yes, evil — as we are calling it what it is — is prominent in more ways than we know; we have to be willing to see it and say it, for that is our common enemy.  That is the enemy which unites us.  And that is what we must combat and God-willing, attempt to extinguish.

 

Respectfully,

AR

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unchanged?

After the music fades, what do we do?  Where do we go?  How do we act?  How do we now converse with one another?

 

Do we simply go on with life as normal?  Do we forget the music even ever played?  Do we deny the song’s existence?  … even though we were changed by the content of the song?  What do we do?  … after the music fades?

 

I love the lyrics from Shaun Groves’ popular song…
Much more than just a melody.
Please take me and break me;
Right now God, I don’t want to leave Unchanged;

I never wanna be the same.

 

The key A-ha?  “I don’t want to leave unchanged.  I never wanna be the same.”

 

If we walk away from the week in Boston forgetting the murderous marathon… forgetting the fatalities… forgetting the horror… forgetting once again how a radical Islamic devotee desired to wreak havoc on American innocence…

 

If we walk away from the week in Boston forgetting not only the tragedy but the unity in the hours that followed… forgetting how so much of the piddly, weekly, stereotypical stories were put away for real news… forgetting how, as the President reminded us, we are Americans first… forgetting the common purpose… forgetting the common goal… forgetting the patriotism and shots heard ‘round the nation… forgetting the spontaneous celebration when the second suspect was apprehended… forgetting our resounding, obvious, corporate strength…

 

If we walk away from the week in Boston and forget, we will have failed to maximize the moment and learn from the tragedy.

 

It reminds me of one of my “Bible nerd moments.”  Yes, it’s true; I am affectionately what some may call — or at least, I call — a “Bible nerd.”  I recognize there’s tons of wisdom in that book — and there’s tons I don’t even come close to comprehending.  Hence, I am intentional in trying to understand.

 

If this lovable nerd was asked to sum up the Old Testament in only a few poignant words, I would simply suggest:  “Don’t forget.  Don’t forget about me and what I’ve done for you.”  We should never forget the reality of God.

 

If we forget what happened last week — meaning we go right back to our passionate, partisan, and often stubborn and selfish ways — we go right back to judging our brothers (even though we like to say we don’t) — we go right back to chastising and blaming as opposed to listening and learning — we go right back to the divisive crud so many espouse, proclaim, or defiantly repost — we go right back to carelessly handling all words of truth — then, I’m afraid, we will have far too soon forgotten.  Yes, we will have forgotten.  And dare I also conclude, radical, violent Islam will have once again won.

 

More of Groves’ song…

 

I wanna sing.  I wanna fly.
I wanna see from Your side of the sky.
I wanna love.  I wanna stay,
Wanna be close to You
Long after the music fades.

Lord, I come To give You
Much more than just a melody.
Please take me and break me;
Right now God, I don’t want to leave Unchanged;

I never wanna be the same.

 

Yes, “unchanged”…  that’s the word.  After last week in Boston, as a nation, I don’t ‘wanna be’ unchanged.

 

Respectfully,

AR

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collective parenting

Prior to Boston’s bombing garnering most of the nation’s attention, the week previous cable news host Melissa Harris-Perry received more attention than usual for the news she made as opposed to the news she reported.  In only a 30 second promotional ad for her network, the television host and Tulane professor said the following:

 

“We have never invested as much in public education as we should have, because we’ve always had kind of a private notion of children.  ‘Your kid is yours and totally your responsibility.’  We haven’t had a very collective notion of ‘these are our children.’  So part of it is we have to breakthrough our kind of private idea that kids belong to their parents or kids belong to their families, and recognize that kids belong to whole communities.  Once it’s everybody’s responsibility and not just the household’s, then we start making better investments.”   [Emphasis was Harris-Perry’s.]

 

While the Intramuralist previously paid little attention to the rhetorical flap that has since transpired on all sides of the equation, my desire today is to briefly analyze what the TV host said and why my internal alarms are unfortunately now sounding…

 

In attempts to either squelch the firestorm (or gain increased publicity — you decide), Harris-Perry acknowledged that while she can comprehend how many are “genuinely upset” by what she said, she still stands by her statement.  She reiterated that the ad “isn’t about me wanting to take your kids, and this isn’t even about whether children are property.  This is about whether we as a society, expressing our collective will through our public institutions, including our government, have a right to impinge on individual freedoms in order to advance a common good.”  

 

That emphasis is mine.  That’s where my alarm begins to sound…

 

Let’s be clear.  People sometimes make bad choices.  We sometimes make bad choices.  I still make bad choices.  I’ve previously allowed my kids to sleep ‘til noon and eat ice cream for breakfast.  I also have zero doubt that at times I’ve allowed them to believe some things that were not true — even completely, totally ignorantly on my part; yes, I have at times taught them wrongly… maybe even “allowing” my kids to believe something that didn’t advance the desired “common good” that one of the country’s presumed intellectuals passionately believes in.

 

But a free, democratic republic, that teaching is no one’s right nor responsibility other than my household’s.  Perhaps even more significantly — and why this intelligent professor’s comments strike me as a contradiction of wisdom — is because it is no one else’s responsibility to teach my kids rightly.  It is no one else’s right nor responsibility to discern what is right or wrong for my children… that applies whether the topic be worldly or weighty, no matter if even about ice cream.

 

For me, that’s what bothers me about this ad.  With all due respect to Melissa Harris-Perry, I do not think of my children as my property; that’s not the issue.

 

Each of us has been endowed with inalienable rights.  Note:  the Declaration of Independence credits our Creator for those rights — not any desiring overreach of government.  One of those rights — and responsibilities — is to raise our children well.  That is not our community’s right nor the government’s responsibility.  That job is notably, divinely ours.

 

So if in my responsibility I make errors in judgment — which will happen sometimes — and if I make errors that cause partisans on one side or another (or both) to cringe at my teaching — it is no one’s right to play the moral compass or perceived human Holy Spirit and convict my kid; it is not their right to straighten my kid out.  Alarmingly, that argument is far more compatible with a socialist state than with a democratic republic that long ago acknowledged the individual endowment by our Creator.

 

Pass the ice cream, please.  For the record, we’ll be serving it for breakfast.

 

Respectfully,

AR

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distinction

At times like this when we witness the wounded lives and hearts of those among us, there is no distinction between…

 

A Bay Stater and an American.

Black and white.

Man and woman.

Democrat and Republican.

Legal and illegal alien.

Red Sox and Yankees fans.

Young and old.

A Harvard and Yale grad.

A feminist and stay-at-home mom.

Conservative and liberal.

A Duke and North Carolina fan.

Cops and robbers.

Cowboys and Indians.

 

There is no distinction.  We are Americans… persons each created equally, endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable Rights.  Those rights were tragically infringed upon on Monday.

 

Yet while there exists no division in the distinction between who we are, there is a distinction in how we behave…

 

There are those who weep… and those who can’t.

There are those who trust God… and those who won’t.

There are those who shake their fists at Him… and those who quietly mutter “help me understand.”

There are those who want immediate revenge… and those who recognize that prudence is most effective.

There are those who wish to enact legislation to ensure something like this never happens again… and those who acknowledge that no legislation completely curbs the heart of an evil man.

There are those who passionately articulate… and those whose passion is silently spoken through streaming tears.

There are those who speak foolishly in the aftermath… and those who intentionally encourage those around them.

There are those who seek to numb the pain… and those who know that numbing is never effective for the long term.

There are those who ache… and those who walk alongside them.

And there are those for whom we have abundant compassion… and those for whom we find great reason to withhold.

 

The reality is that over the course of our lifetime, we have each most likely behaved as each of those above.  Hence, it may be wise to give a little more mercy and grace to them all.

 

Respectfully… as a still sober nation…

AR

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what do we know for certain?

As the answers come in but the shock ceases to subside, it is time for each of us to initially pause, recognize we don’t have all the answers, and refrain from rushing to judgment.  Hence…

 

What do we know for certain?

 

That bad things still happen.  Last I looked, planet Earth could not be equated with heaven, paradise, nor even any Garden of Eden.  This isn’t it, folks.  And until heaven is reality, we shouldn’t mistake Earth for something it’s not.

 

What do we know for certain?

 

That suffering continues to occur.  This may be the hardest thing we ever have to wrestle with, friends, and this post won’t begin to do the topic justice.  I don’t like it; none of us like it.  A wise man would wish suffering upon no one; that said, few life circumstances teach us more.  We are a stubborn people.  I admit it:  the Intramuralist can be stubborn.  Yet the painful paradox exists in that suffering often manifests itself as life’s most effective teacher.

 

What do we know for certain?

 

That so much on this planet obstructs the truth.  Perhaps most bluntly put, humans often get in the way.  For example, too many utilize their 15 minutes of fame or moments before the mic to rush to incomplete (and thus typically inaccurate) judgment.  Note MSNBC’s Chris Matthews, only a few hours after Boston’s bombing, saying, “Normally, domestic terrorists, people tend to be on the far right.”  Mr. Matthews, your response is not helpful nor wise.  You are thus potentially impeding truth.  Please listen to Pres. Obama, who wisely reminded us all yesterday to not “jump to conclusions before we have all the facts.”

 

What do we know for certain?

 

That evil exists on this planet.  Yes, again, this is no happy, oh-so-joyful analysis; as I believe you are aware, we will never intentionally circumvent truth amidst this blog’s dialogue.  Evil is real.  Immorality, sin, and depravity are not merely themes embedded within Aesop’s Fables; they are bona fide motivations on this planet.  They are hard to acknowledge, and they are motivations that will also not be extinguished simply by crafting new legislation or enacting creative government controls.  We are not capable of extinguishing all evil.  Hence, let me add a related tangent…  the Intramuralist does not care if the existence of evil stems from foreign or domestic sources.  We don’t distinguish whether the wickedness manifests itself within an Islamic Jihad, the Klu Klux Klan, or the hatred so often selfishly spewed, masked as a justifiable, passionate response.  Evil is evil.  It is the complete absence of God; it also then equates to the complete absence of good.

 

What do we know for certain?

 

That life should never be taken for granted.  What happened in Boston yesterday was awful.  Tears again flow when I think of the 8 year old boy, killed in the Boston Back Bay section’s blast.  Was he there to witness a parent or friend finally complete the grueling race?  God grant unprecedented peace to his family.  I cannot imagine the level of grief now lingering in the absolute pit of their hearts…

I think, too, of my dear friend, Leesh, who had just finished the race, picked up her medal, and was turning to walk back toward her husband when she witnessed the bombs’ blast in her spouse’s direction…  no doubt she is hugging him tightly this night…

 

What do we know for certain?

 

That there are more important things on this planet than politics, games, and division among good people.  God be with us.  My sense is we need him.  Daily.  Desperately.  I also deeply, totally, respectfully desire that we all know that for certain.

 

Respectfully… always…

AR

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how do you solve a problem like Korea?

(With all due respect to “Sound of Music” lovers…)

 

How do you solve a problem like Korea?

How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?

How do you find a word that means Korea?

A flibbertijibbet! A will-o’-the wisp! A clown!

 

Many a thing you know you’d like to tell her

Many a thing she ought to understand

But how do you make her stay

And listen to all you say

How do you keep a wave upon the sand

 

Oh, how do you solve a problem like Korea?

How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?

 

How do you solve a problem like North Korea?  How do we hold this hostile ‘moonbeam’ in our hand?  … The rhetoric is rising.  The probability of a military conflict is increasing.  Allow me to first share facts (much of which was outlined by USA Today this weekend)…

 

  • First president Kim Il Sung established the country’s self-described Juche (“self-reliant”) state, which has essentially cut off North Korea economically and diplomatically from the rest of the world.
  • According to South Korean government estimates and Human Rights Watch, between 150,000-200,000 North Koreans live in prison camps.  A 2011 Amnesty International report reveals that as many as 40% of camp prisoners die from malnutrition while doing mining, logging and agricultural work with rudimentary tools in harsh conditions.
  • The World Food Programme estimates that 6 million of North Korea’s 25 million people are in need of food aid and one-third of children are chronically malnourished or stunted.
  • Only military and government officials can own a motor vehicle.
  • Citizens are allowed 1 of 28 government approved haircuts.
  • All legal televisions are tuned to state-controlled domestic programming; the Internet offers only a closed domestic network.  Observers believe that few citizens receive news from any source other than North Korean propaganda.
  • Nearly all property belongs to the state.
  • A modern independent judicial system does not exist.
  • Religious freedom does not exist.
  • The death of the leader Kim Jong-il in Dec. of 2011, prompted great, global uncertainty as to how the country will interact with foreign nations in the future.
  • 2 weeks ago, new leader Kim Jong-un (youngest son of Kim Jong-iI) declared it was in ‘a state of war’ with South Korea, promising “stern physical actions” against “any provocative act.”  He also announced that rockets were ready to be fired at American bases.

 

While many remain on edge because of the nuclear capability possessed by North Korea, many others dismiss the problem because the totalitarian country is a fairly small, singular state.  The challenge, however, lies in the fact that global conflicts are usually sparked by singular, sometimes isolated acts…  After multiple diplomatic clashes between nations, for example, World War I started after the assassination of the Archduke of Austria Hungary and his wife… World War II, with unresolved tensions from war #1, is generally understood to have been prompted by the German/Russian invasion of Poland and the Japanese invasion of China…  singular countries… isolated acts.

 

So how do we solve a problem like Korea?  While many among us promote peace at all costs, that position will likely not serve effective in halting the hostility of such a “flibbertijibbet” country [“flibbertijibbet” chosen for self, diplomatic purposes].  Unfortunate or not, there exists a time for everything… a season for every activity under heaven… a time to be born and a time to die, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time for war and a time for peace.

 

Let’s pray this isn’t a time for war.  But until the problem of North Korea is firmly and effectively extinguished, the possibility solemnly remains.

 

Respectfully…

AR

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I feel good (?)

“WHOAH!  I feel good!”

(Insert saxophone solo here and also perhaps, a memorable James Brown wiggle…)

 

This week Pres. Obama received a letter endorsed by over 100 celebrities.  Included were:  Harry Belafonte, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Roseanne Barr, Russell Brand, Jim Carrey, Deepak Chopra, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx, Ice-T, Scarlett Johannson, seemingly all the Kardashians, LL Cool J, Eva Longoria, Ludacris, Nicki Minaj, Demi Moore, Michael Moore, Chris Rock, Susan Sarandon, Russell Simmons, Will & Jada Pinkett Smith, Mike Tyson, Lil Wayne, and more.

 

The 100 plus actors, rappers,and notable other celebrities asked to meet with the President to discuss reforming the criminal justice system and alter federal drug policy, pursuing less prison and more rehab.  They wrote:  “we are a coalition of concerned advocates that is ready to support you in more innovative criminal justice reform and implementing more alternatives to incarceration…  you now have the opportunity to leave a legacy by transforming our criminal justice system to an intervention and rehabilitation based model.  Many of those impacted by the prison industrial complex are among your most loyal constituents…”

 

While several of the advocates have been noted for questionable ethical behavior, I still appreciate much of what they espouse — especially the aspect of how the children of offenders are affected; that’s tough.  And yes, the Intramuralist is a strong supporter of mercy, forgiveness, and of second, third, even fourth chances.  But there exists another aspect the Intramuralist supports — and it’s the omission of that aspect from the celebrities’ printed passion that prompts this observer to pause…

 

Where is the acknowledgement of the value of consequence?

 

Hear me out on this, friends.  It’s not that I believe we are apt avengers of justice nor that people always need to be rebuked and punished; mercy triumphs over judgment.  However, I do not believe that punishment and judgment can be equated with consequence.  The reality is that negative consequences are often life’s most effective teacher.  We don’t like them; they don’t “feel good.”  My challenge, therefore, with the letter from those with louder voices is in their blatant omission that consequences — in this case, synonymous with incarceration — deter bad behavior.  The possibility of going to prison serves as a behavioral deterrent.

 

Too often persons base beliefs on process, policy, and behavior because of what makes them “feel good.”  Allow me to suggest that “feeling good” and acting wisely are two totally different things.

 

I’m reminded of one particularly poignant example from years ago.  Remember Karla Faye Tucker…

Attempting to steal a motorcycle after a weekend of rampant drug use, at age 23 Karla Faye Tucker utilized a pickaxe in the murder of 2 persons.  There was no immediate remorse, and Tucker’s own account was unspeakably gruesome.  While incarcerated, no less, Tucker became involved with a prison ministry program in which she began to diligently study the Bible.  In pursuit then of a loving, holy, and just God,Tucker’s repentance and need for redemption became increasingly clear.  “Before I knew it, I was in the middle of my cell floor on my knees. I was just asking God to forgive me.”

 

Tucker’s life changed.  In fact, her warden testified that she had been a model prisoner, and after 14 years on death row, he believed she had been reformed.  There was only one problem:  she remained inmate #777 on Texas’s Death Row.

 

Even though few doubted her changed heart, a consequence remained in effect for Tucker’s previous behavior.  Was that appropriate?  Should the consequence have remained in effect?  Do consequences have purpose?  Great questions.  Tough questions.  And questions that must be asked regardless of how difficult to answer…. even if the omission “feels good.”

 

Respectfully,

AR

 

(Editorial note:  while Tucker legally appealed her death sentence, she also told CNN’s Larry King that “I deserved a big punishment.”  She did not believe in capital punishment, abortion, nor euthanasia.  She did agree that “a very serious sentence” was necessary.  After her final appeals for clemency were either ignored or denied, Karla Faye Tucker was executed by lethal injection on February 3, 1998.)

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iron lady

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher passed away Monday at the age of 87.  The iconic conservative led her country by embracing free markets and individual liberties.  She held office for 11 years — longer than any other British leader in the 20th century; in the opinion of a strong and vocal many, Margaret Thatcher undoubtedly led her country well.

 

As I pondered her passing this day, part of me wondered about her potential, initial heavenly encounter with the most likeminded leader of her time.  Imagine greeting Ronald Reagan at the gates.  I have little doubt it would be uniquely warm and reflective…

 

“The race is over, Maggie.  We’re done down there.  So welcome!  It’s absolutely great here,” says the former president with that squinted-eyed smile.

“But Ronnie, there is so much more to do.”

“The question is not whether or not there’s more to do, Margaret; the question is whether or not you used your time well.  Have you used your time on Earth well?  It’s limited, you know.”

 

At that point perhaps Reagan would remind his British counterpart of her many wise words and her impact beyond liberty in London…

 

“Being powerful is like being a lady.  If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.”

 

“Pennies don’t fall from heaven — they have to be earned here on Earth.”

 

The two would undoubtedly pause and mutually ‘amen,’ as they then methodically recollect Thatcher’s comments on socialism — especially noting how more and more persons in the 21st century are naively dismissive of socialism’s persistent, lasting perils.  Why has socialism become so attractive to some?

 

Said Thatcher…

“To cure the British disease with socialism was like trying to cure leukemia with leeches.”

… or…

“The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people’s money.”

 

Ronnie and the infamous Iron Lady would then acknowledge some of Thatcher’s comments which were funnier for what they didn’t say, as opposed to what they did…

 

“You and I come by road or rail, but economists travel on infrastructure.”

 

“To wear your heart on your sleeve isn’t a very good plan; you should wear it inside, where it functions best.”

 

“Any woman who understands the problems of running a home will be nearer to understanding the problems of running a country.”

 

Most of all, no less, my sense is that Ronnie and Maggie would note Thatcher’s poignant sharing of truth…

 

“Where there is discord, may we bring harmony.  Where there is error, may we bring truth.  Where there is doubt, may we bring faith.  And where there is despair, may we bring hope.”

 

“My policies are based not on some economics theory, but on things I and millions like me were brought up with:  an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay, live within your means, put by a nest egg for a rainy day, pay your bills on time, support the police.”

 

And yet, my sense is that their focus on any Earthly efforts would very quickly fade…

 

“You know, Maggie, people just don’t get it down there.  They’re so focused on self… what they can accomplish… how they are significant… how they must pursue their own path to happiness.  They just don’t get it.  Here, we don’t focus on self so much.  And it’s amazing how freeing it is… how peaceful… how incredibly, incredibly beautiful.”

“Speak it, Ronnie.  Speak it.”

“Love your faith, Margaret.  Welcome.  I’m so glad you’re here.”

 

Respectfully… always…

AR