No Creative Juices Flowing

I realized that I had not posted anything in a long while.  While I am still concerned about many things and interested by many more, I just have not found the time or desire to write.  I am trying to stimulate the brain with some reading.

Worth A Try

I thought I would send an Op-Ed piece to the NY Times.  I guess they were too busy rejecting McCain’s response to Obama to grant my article any print space.  Here is what I sent for your reading pleasure.

Snakes on a Plane:  Can “Planepooling” Save American Politics?

As I write this the two main political parties are trying to “change” America for the better.  They promise to “reach across the aisle” and support all Americans, yet both parties make it darn near impossible to let any other viewpoint or candidate even have their name on the ballot.  Both main parties are trying to be environmentally friendly and spout off about America’s need for alternative fuels, climate change and energy independence.   They “sympathize” with the American putting $4 plus gasoline in their cars, but they both drive a Boeing 737.  The Elephants and the Jackasses are trying to out spend, out-fly and out mileage each other and the other candidates to try and be the prettiest girl at the ball.  What this country really needs is open and unrehearsed political debate between all of the candidates.
 
There are five “major” presidential nominees (in case you watch any of the major network or cable news shows Bob Barr, Cynthia McKinney and Ralph Nader are the other three candidates) .  All five of these candidates will need to have a rigorous campaign schedule that eats up a lot of time and fuel if they realistically want to meet the people and get their message out.  The Boeing 737, which both Obama and McCain use for some of their campaign trips, costs roughly $30,100.00 per fill up (full disclosure: this is more than my annual salary as a teacher, I can really tell these two candidates “feel” my pain at the pump).  I think supporter’s money, the environment, and most importantly the American Republic would be better served by having all of the candidates “planepool” on one plane.

Imagine what this could do for American politics.  All the major candidates on one plane in one state on one day.  All of the candidates might, heaven forbid, actually have to engage each other on actual issues and policy unrehearsed.  We may get more than just sound-bite politics and finally have some real discussions about real issues.

Lets say all the candidates make a stop in Anyplace, USA.  In the morning they could go make speeches, kiss the babies, smile at a Wal-Mart, and go out and “embrace” the local populace.  Then at night each news organization, they are also on the plane, could take turns moderating a local town-hall meeting with the candidates.  These would not be the normal invitation only powderpuff town-hall meetings.  Each campaign would choose two or three local supporters to ask questions.  The catch, the supporters can only ask questions to a candidate whom they do not support.  This would keep the debates actually somewhat relevant to the current locale and the current news.  Candidates would have to use some critical thinking and actual debate skills to articulate and make their points. There are just over 100 days left until November 4th.  That is enough time to hit every state, territory and even a few military bases overseas and give the people a choice.

Will planepooling save America?  Maybe, maybe not.  Will it save thousands of gallons of gas and copious amounts of money, yes.  When was the last time a politician saved fuel and money?  And what would be better than seeing a YouTube video of Barack, Bob, Ralph and Cynthia waiting in line for John to turn the little sign on the lavatory door from “Occupied” to “Vacant?”

A Refreshing Change

I know everyone who reads this will think I am just being a “homer” type fan.

I was quite impressed by Art Monk’s Football Hall of Fame acceptance speech. It was refreshing to see someone be completely unashamed of the Gospel yet not be off putting. I really thought it was quite an impressive speech given the circumstances and setting. He showed respect to his peers and the NFL yet reserved his highest praise for his Savior.

Sometimes you watch Christians who have the spotlight make you cringe with their public actions and words. Not because what they say is necessarily bad or wrong, they just come off as unpolished or simpleminded. The fact that Monk’s speech had none of these components is what made it so refreshing.

A Humble Beginning

It could be the blog that changes the blog-o-sphere (can I even change it, if I am part of it?). It could also be the blog that digitally rides off into the sunset.