Monday 12 November 2007

On Soldier Saints and Patriot Pacifists - Reflection for Veterans' Day

Today I read an excellent reflection piece that appeared Thursday on the "God's Politics" blog. It was authored by Logan Laituri, a six-year Army veteran with combatant service in Iraq during OIF II and experience with Christian Peacemaker Teams in Israel and the West Bank. He is an active member of Iraq Veterans Against the War and currently resides in Camden, New Jersey, in an intentional Christian community called Camden House, where he continues to seek ways to wage peace wherever he goes. Logan blogs at Courageous Coward and his latest entry is another facinating read in itself.

Here now, are a couple of paragraphs excerpted from Logan's essay in God's Politics:

This Sunday (Nov. 11) the Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of St. Martin of Tours, one of the first saints not to be martyred. In fact, St. Martin was one of many to be beatified who, by today's standards, would be identified as a conscientious objector - an individual verifiably opposed to "war in any form." At one time a Roman centurion, Martin came to a "crystallization" of conscience, laying down his sword and declaring, "I am a soldier of Christ, it is not permissible for me to fight."

It has been speculated that in 1918, Nov. 11 was chosen as Armistice Day in part due to St. Martin, who is especially the patron of soldiers and chaplains. It is curious to consider that this Christian soldier in fact thought it more Christlike to return to the front lines unarmed than with the sword the empire placed in his hands.

David Thoreau, an inspiration to another saintly Martin who believed that a creative, nonviolent minority could serve the state by resisting it with the intention of improving it. Could this in fact be the embodiment of service to the state Paul speaks of in Romans 13? After all, he and St. Martin both were imprisoned for their beliefs…

Read Logan's entire piece here.

Clair

Sunday 11 November 2007

SiCKO being shown/discussed in Goshen, Wednesday, Nov.14 at 7 pm

Michael Moore's lastest documentary, SiCKO, is being shown this next Wednesday evening at 7 pm in Goshen, at an event co-sponsored by the local DFA (Democracy For America) -- and by both the Film and Pax clubs of Goshen College. This "house party" will be held in the Administration Building second floor, Room 28, because higher levels of interest in attending are outgrowing what any one house can handle.

This group was one of the first 200 "house parties" in the nation to have at least 10 registrants confirmed to come, so yesterday I received a free copy of SiCKO on DVD, which was released to the public only recently. There will be no cost to attend, but donations to the DFA will be welcome.

Go here for more information or to sign up to attend (although the later is not mandatory.)

A Conference Call with Michael Moore (and Jim Dean of the DFA) will commence at 9:30 pm after the movie, to discuss action plans for moving the agenda forward to get some serious reform going -- to ensure adequate health care coverage for all citizens in our country. There will be plenty of motivation after seeing this movie, because some of the real stories shared by people Moore interviews and several other situations he highlights, including what he learns from people in other countries, are quite moving indeed!

Watch Bill Maher's interview of Moore last June regarding the impact this movie was having then on viewers from all across the political spectrum watching initial screenings at film festivals and the like.

Last Tuesday Michael Moore attended a press conference with Reps. Conyers and Kucinich in Washington D.C. accompanied by a group of nurses and doctors who delivered a copy of this movie on DVD to every member of Congress that day, in support of HR 676 (co-sponsored by Conyers.)

If you plan to attend, consider bringing a friend to enrich your discussion after the movie and on your way home!

Clair Hochstetler

Updates and Resources: Considering Impeachment

A Communications "Tool Kit": (Videos & Articles)

Kucinich is Wrecking the Dem 2008 Strategy (From the Daily Kos)

Kucinich: I have a 3-inch binder documenting Cheney’s crimes

Naomi Wolf: Impeach, Prosecute and Save America! (video)

Impeachment: National Resource Center (AfterDowningStreet.org)

They took it off the table, so we put it on the stage! (CultureProject)


Good Books:

"Cowboy Republic: Six Ways the Bush Gang Has Defied the Law," by Marjorie Cohn, documents the laws and the violations, and reminds us why Jefferson warned against elected despotism.

"United States v. George W. Bush et al.," by Elizabeth de la Vega, an indictment, a presentation to a grand jury charging Bush and gang with fraud -- very well argued and documented, even entertaining.

"The Genius of Impeachment: The Founders' Cure for Royalism," by John Nichols, a masterpiece that should be required reading in every high school and college in the United States, a history and portrait of the practice of impeachment.

"Articles of Impeachment Against George W. Bush," by the Center for Constitutional Rights, a short book that lists and explains four (multi-part) articles of impeachment.

"The Impeachment of George W. Bush: A Practical Guide for Concerned Citizens," by Elizabeth Holtzman (former Con- gresswoman and member of the Nixon impeachment panel) and Cynthia L. Cooper, an excellent and readable book laying out five major grounds for impeachment of Bush, plus an extra section on Dick Cheney.

"The Case for Impeachment," by Dave Lindorff and Barbara Olshansky, an amazingly popular and extremely readable book that explains the context while also setting forth six articles of impeachment against Bush, plus an extra section on Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Condoleezza Rice, and Alberto Gonzales.

"Impeach the President: The Case Against Bush and Cheney," edited by Dennis Loo and Peter Phillips, with an introduction by Howard Zinn, a wonderfully well written collection of essays organized around a list of 12 grounds for impeachment of Bush and Cheney.

"George W. Bush versus the U.S. Constitution: The Downing Street Memos and Deception, Manipulation, Torture, Retribution, and Cover-ups in the Iraq War and Illegal Domestic Spying," by the U.S. House Judiciary Committee Democratic Staff, a book that not only collects the evidence but also tells us what Congressman John Conyers, the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, is thinking (the full text, minus a new introduction by Joseph Wilson, is available here.)

"Verdict and Findings of Fact," by the International Commission of Inquiry on Crimes Against Humanity Committed by the Bush Administration of the United States, a report that looks at five major international crimes and overlaps significantly with most lists of impeachable offenses (the full text is available at the link and can also be purchased for $10)

"Pretensions to Empire: Notes on the Criminal Folly of the Bush Administration," by Lewis Lapham, a collection of essays from Harper's magazine, concluding with one called "The Case for Impeachment," which focuses on Rep. Conyers' report.

"The Twilight of Democracy: The Bush Plan for America," by Jennifer Van Bergen. Find out what the Bush Plan is and how it diverges from what the law and Constitution say.

Saturday 10 November 2007

Read, once again, Thomas Jefferson's text of the Declaration of Independence (from King George!)

…when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security…

…The history of the present King ….. is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world…

…He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good…

…He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries…

…He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures…

…He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power…

…He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws…

…For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury…

…For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments…

…He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation…

******

Does all this sound eerily familiar?

Recount George Bush’s & Dick Cheney’s usurpation of power from Congress:


Excessive use of 750 executive signing statements, executive privilege, and executive orders, violating Congress’s laws over 1200 times,


Refusal to abide by congressional inquiries by fraudulently claiming to be outside “executive branch,”


Denial of our basic civil rights (warrantless wiretapping before 9/11 -> 4th Amendment), indefinite imprisonment of citizens without trial, a lawyer, or charge -> 6th Amendment, and suspension of habeas corpus -> Article One, Section 9, kidnapping and use of torture (extremely cruel and unusual punishments! -> 8th Amendment),


Use of Blackwater standing armies (brutal and accountable to no one),


Misleading the Congress to transfer authority to wage an illegal pre-emptive war under false pretenses (long in the making & the folly of which was well known to them -> Article One Section 8),


Outing an undercover agent, whose mission was to protect us from weapons of mass destruction, placing her colleagues in grave danger and undermining our national security -> Article 3, Section 3,


Halliburton no-bid contracts (out of control war profiteering)


and more…indeed, a history of repeated injuries and usurpations fit for a King!






Here are some questions I'm quite sure Thomas Jefferson would be posing to fellow members of Congress were he alive today:

It is a matter of public record as published in the Congressional Record that the rationale for the resolution purporting to authorize the military occupation of Iraq was based on false and misleading statements by executive branch officials, acting with the full knowledge and acquiescence of the president. Isn’t lying to Congress a felony under federal law?

It is a matter of public record supported by unrebutted sworn testimony that executive branch officials are holding prisoners without access to legal process, with the full knowledge and acquiescence of the president. Isn’t this kidnapping?

It is a matter of public record supported by unrebutted sworn testimony that executive branch officials conducted warrantless wiretapping of Americans, with the full knowledge and acquiescence of the president. Isn’t this a felony under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act?

It is a matter of public record supported by unrebutted sworn testimony that federal prosecutors were removed for political reasons and that the former attorney general committed perjury when he claimed not to remember critical facts relevant to their removal. Is there any doubt that the attorney general’s perjury, a felony, was committed at the direction of and with the full knowledge and acquiescence of the president?

It is a matter of public record supported by unrebutted sworn testimony that the federal prosecutorial function was corrupted in at least nine jurisdictions by political interference, with the full knowledge and acquiescence of the president. Doesn’t this constitute felonious conduct under the laws prohibiting obstruction of justice?

It is a matter of public record and an incontrovertible fact that the president has defied subpoenas duly issued by Congress. Isn’t it the duty of Congress to enforce its subpoenas with a contempt citation and to enforce that citation by appropriate legal means?

It is a matter of public record as published in the Federal Register that the president has issued “signing statements” instructing federal employees to violate selected provisions of duly enacted laws. Isn’t this contrary to his constitutional oath to see that the laws are faithfully executed?

It is a matter of public record supported by unrebutted sworn testimony that officials of the executive branch maintain contracts with armed civilians that purport to authorize the killing of other civilians, with the full knowledge and acquiescence of the president. Isn’t this a violation of the laws prohibiting homicide?

Aren’t the members of the House of Representatives the only people in America who can hold the president accountable for these crimes and isn’t it your responsibility to do that, regardless of the political consequences?

If you fail to hold the president accountable, aren’t you setting a precedent for future presidents and future congresses not to hold the executive accountable for high crimes?

Aren’t you concerned that your failure to act will be seen as a deliberate step in the creation of a presidency that is no longer subject to the rule of law?

Sunday 4 November 2007

Kucinich about to shake things up with move to impeach Cheney on Nov. 6: HR 333

Here are three things people should know right now about Dennis Kucinich and what's really going on:

1) Regardless of which political party and Presidential candidate one personally favors, this will be worth watching and participating in, because it represents Congress "putting a finger to the wind." Though his resolution, HR 333, will most likely fail, its purpose is to test the strength of public sentiment for impeachment -- to assist in the planning of any further impeachment actions. This page explains the purpose, the strategy and the rationale for this move, so check that out.

How Dennis' motion to bring H.R. 333 to the floor will work: Dennis will rise and ask that the bill on the impeachment of Cheney be brought to the floor on a point of "privilege," which is every congressman's right on important matters. Someone will rise and motion for a vote that the bill be "tabled" (killed.) THIS IS THE VOTE. If enough congressmen vote against the motion to "table" it, Dennis will speak and it must go forward for debate. NOW is the time to tell your congressman you want him to vote against "tabling" the bill, so it can go forward. Here's a great page for finding the correct email and contact numbers for any Senator or Representative.

Regardless of whether or not you think it has a "snowball's chance..." of succeeding politically, if in your heart of hearts you would really like to see Dick Cheney get impeached, then contact your Representative now. Toll-free numbers are available at both links above, along with specific suggestions on what to say if you've never done something like this before.

2) As part of this effort Kucinich is calling for Town Hall meetings in each community across the country on Monday, November 5 at 7 pm ET, 6 pm CT, 5 pm MT, 4 pm PT.

You are being encouraged to invite others in your community to gather in your town hall, your library, your place of worship, your community center, or the comfort of your own home - to insist that your own Congressman upholds his/her oath of office and ask that they support the Kucinich Resolution -- as a strategy to show Congress the courage and backbone of American people who feel they have been betrayed by the actions of our current administration.

Dennis will be available by an audio link -- so this will be an opportunity to listen to his message regarding actions which can be taken to salvage the direction our country is taking -- headlong into more war: Learn more.

3) This clip on You Tube also provides a feel for the momentum finally building for Kucinich, and will give you a sense of the skills and persona of his wife Elizabeth, as well. To my way of thinking, Dennis Kuchinich is the only Democratic Party candidate who is not "for sale", who is consistent against the war and exerts the courage of his convictions, and who really represents a clear choice among all of the Democratic candidates. (Though certain other political values are very different, Ron Paul represents similar convictions on the Republican side.) So please set aside 15 minutes to absorb this.

Thursday 1 November 2007

Cookies...Cookies...Cookies!



Here are a gazillion cookie recipes. Even if you have no particular personal interest, you'll make the bakers in your life really happy if you pass the link of this website on to them. Or, just click on the name of the cookie below and 'bam" -- the recipe is there! This will be good to keep handy...

1-2-3 Cookies 7 Layer Cookies Allie Nelson's Famous Snickerdoodle Cookies Almond Crescent Shortbread Amish Sugar Cookies Andies Candies Cookies Angel Crisps Angenets Applesauce Cookies Apricot Fold-Overs Aunt Edy's Molasses Crinkles Auntie Linda's Ginger Gems Bakeless Dream Cookies Banana Drop Cookies Best Chocolate Chip Cookies in the World Biscotti Biscotti Blueberry Cookies Boiled Chocolate Oatmeal Drop Cookies Bronwnies Brown Sugar Shortbread Brownie Cookies Brownie Delight Brownies Buccaneer Snowballs Buried Cherry Cookies Butter Cookies Butter Nut Balls Butterballs Butterscotch Haystacks C.O.P. Cookies Candy Cane Cookies Candy Cookies Caramel Shortbread Cheesecake Brownies Cherry Buns Cherry Crowns Cherry Winks Chewies Chewy Noels Chinese Chews/Haystacks Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Chocolate Chip Cookies Chocolate Chip Meltaways Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies Chocolate Christmas Trees Chocolate Cream Cheese Squares Chocolate Crinkles Chocolate Mint Snow-Top Cookies Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies (no bake) Chocolate Snowball Cookies Chocolate Streusel Bars Chocolate Sundae Cookies Chocolate Walnut Crumb Bars Choco-Scotch Crunchies Choose A Cookie Dough Recipe Christmas Crackers Christmas Crunch Bars Christmas Ginger Snaps Christmas Macaroons Christmas Mice Cookies Christmas Shaped Cookies Church Window Cookies Coconut Cookies Congo Squares Cookie in a Jar Corn Flakes Cookies Cornflake Christmas Wreaths Cowboy Cookies (oatmeal) Cream Cheese Cookies with Apricot Filling Crème De Menthe Chocolate Squares Crème Wafers Crescent Cookies Crispy Crunchies Date Nut Balls Date-nut Pinwheel Cookies Diabetic Peanut Butter Cookies Disgustingly Rich Brownies Doodles Double chocolate chip cookies Double-Chocolate Crinkles Eatmore Cookies Eggnog Cookies Elizabeth's Sugar Cookies Elves Quick Fudge Brownies Emily Dickinson's Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Emily's Best Brownies Famous Oatmeal Cookies Firemen Cookies Fluffy Shortbread Cookies Forgotten Cookies Frosted Peanut Butter Brownies Fruit Cake Cookies Fruitcake Squares Fry Pan Cookies Gems Ginger Cookies Ginger Crinkles Gingerbread Baby Gingerbread Cookies with Butter Cream Icing Gingerbread Men Gingerbread Men Ginny's Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Glory's Golden Graham Squares Glory's Sugar Cookies Gramma Chapman's chocolate coconut drops Grandma Elsie's Zimt (cinnamon) Cookies Grandma J's Butter Cookies Grandma Olson's Parkay Cookies Great Grandmothers Sugar Cookies Gum Drop Cookies Gumdrop Gems Haystack Cookies Ho-Ho Bars Holiday Cereal Snaps Holiday Chocolate Butter Cookies Holiday Raisin Walnut Bars Holly Cookies Hungarian Cookies (Little Nut Rolls) Ice Box Cookies Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookies Italian Cookies Jacob's Peppermint Snowballs Jam Bars Jessica's Famous Brownies Jessie's Chocolate Chip Cookies Jubilee Jumbles Juliet's Peanut Butter Blossoms Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies Kentucky Colonels Kiefle (cream cheese cookies with jam filling) Kifflings Kiss Cookies Lacy Swedish Almond Wafers Lemon Angel Bar Cookies Lemon Bars Lemon Cake Cookies Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Lemon Squares Linzer Tarts Log Cabin Cookies Luscious Lemon Squares M&M Cookies Magic Cookie Bars Melt in Your Mouth Cutout Sugar Cookies Melting Shortbread Meme's Cream Cheese Cookies Milk Chocolate Florentine Cookies Mincemeat Cookies Mincemeat Goodies Molasses Cookies Molasses Forest Cookies Molasses Sugar Cookies Mom Mom's Crescent Cookies Mom-Mom's Ginger Cookies Mom's Nutmeg Sugar Cookies Mom's Old Fashion "Puffy" Sugar Cookies Monster Cookies Moravian Christmas Cookies Nana's Famous Soft Southern Cookies Nitey Nite Cookies No Bake Chocolate Cookies No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies No Bake Cookies No Bake Cookies No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies No-Bake Cookies Norwegian Sugar Cookies Nut Balls Oatmeal Bars Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Nut Cookies Oatmeal Coconut Crisps Oatmeal Cookies Oatmeal Scotchies Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies Ooey Gooey Caramel Chocolate Dunk Ooey Gooey Squares Orange Slice Cookies Parking Lot Cookies Peanut Blossoms Peanut Butter Bars Peanut Butter Blossoms Peanut Butter Cereal Cookies Peanut Butter Chewies Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Peanut Butter Cookies Peanut Butter Cookies Peanut butter fingers Peanut Butter Reindeer Peanut Butter Surprises Peanut Marshmallow Cookies Pecan Puff Cookies Peppermint Snowballs Peppernuts Persimmon Cookies Persimmon Cookies Petey's Yummy Spicy Almond Thins Pfeffernuesse Pffefferneuse Cookies Pineapple Filled Cookies Pizzelles Potato Chip Cookies Potato Flake Cookies Praline Cookies Praline Strips Pterodactyl Nests Pumpkin Bars Pumpkin Bars Pumpkin Chip Cookies Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Pumpkin Cookies Queen Biscuits Quick Cookies Raised Sugar Cookies Raisin Filled Oatmeal Bars Raspberry Meringue Bars Really Peanutty Butter Cookies Reese`s Brownies Reese's Peanut Butter Bars Rich Flavor Christmas Cookies Rich Lemon Bars Ricotta Cheese Cookies Royal Almond Christmas Bars Rudolph Cinnamon Cookies Russian Tea Cookies Russian Teacakes Samantha & Kelsey's Chocolate Chip Cookies Sand Art Brownies Santa Claus Cookie Pops Santa Claus Cookies Santa's Butterscotch Melts Santa's Shorts Santa's Special Squares Scotch Cakes Scotch Shortbread Scotcharoos Scotcheroos Seven Layer Cookies Short Bread Cookies Shortbread Skor Squares Snicker Doodle Cookies Snickerdoodles Snickerdoodles Snow Balls Sour Cream Apple Squares Sour Cream Christmas Cookies Special K Cookies Spice Cookies Spicy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Spritz Cookies Stained Glass Window Cookies Stir & Drop Sugar Cookies Sugar Cookies Sugar Cookies Sugar Cookies Swedish Pepparkakor (Pepper Cake) Cookies Swedish Sugar Cookies Sweet Marie's Swiss Treats Taralle (Italian Cookies) Tea Time Tassies Texas Brownies The Best Shortbread in The World Thumbprint Cookies Thumbprint Cookies Toffee Squares Traditional Christmas Sugar Cookies Traditional Gingerbread Men Cookies Triple-Chocolate Chip Cookies Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Vanilla Waffer Balls Walnut Butter Cookies Walnut Crumb Bars White Chip Chocolate Cookies Wild Oatmeal Cookies Will's Famous Apple Jack Cookies Yummy Yummy Peanut Butter Blossoms
...

Wednesday 31 October 2007

IT'S TIME FOR A DIVORCE!

"One of the most important - and controversial- aspects of being the church in the twenty first century is the relationship between the church and the military. I want to suggest that the time has come for the centuries-old marriage between the church and the military to end in divorce."

These words by Michael J. Gorman, Dean of Ecumenical Institute of Theology and Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, voice what an increasing number of committed disciples of Jesus, are gaining courage to say.

In his fine article, "Irreconcilable Differences" printed in Christianity Today, Gorman also points out that the "powers, great and small, have subtly seduced the church into marriage with the military." It's time the church declares that the military's "false gospel" is totally incompatible with the church's calling and the true Gospel of Christ. We cannot reconcile Jesus and the military. We cannot seek and save while we search and destroy. We cannot obey Jesus' command to "love your enemies" and obey the nations' command to kill.

Since the creation of the "just war theory", following Emperor Constantine's claim to having become a Christian in the fourth century, the church, at large, has assumed the marriage of the church and the military. Prior to the fourth century, the Christan church was uniform that a Christian cannot be a soldier. As one looks at this theory, it is absolutely amazing that the church has, for centuries, claimed to use this as a guide rather than the Scripture.

Why is it so amazing? Because it is only a theory, without a Scriptural base, which has never limited or deterred any war. It has never been put into practice. Rather it has been used to justify every war that has come along. Even a casual look at this attempt to formulate a moral justification for war by Christians, reveals not only its own inadequacy to provide a Christian answer, but its inadequacy to stop blood shed.

What does this theory say? It says that under certain, very restricted conditions, a particular war may be an exception to the Gospel and a Christian might be able to participate. However, to participate certain things must be true.

For example, all other peace efforts must have failed. The intention of the war must be for good and not for economic or exploitative advantage. There dare not be the killing of innocent victims. That is, no civilian may be killed, or the Christian must get out. And, war dare not destroy more than what is gained. According to this theory, the Christian must bring these and other tests to bear on each war and, if any of these conditions are not met, the Christian must refuse to serve in the military.

First, we need to remember that this is the only theory ever devised, which says a Christian might be able to participate in certain, select wars.

Second, we need to realize that the theory has never been used. No body of Christian leaders, since the theory was developed in the fourth century, has ever declared one war unjustified or has forbidden members to fight.

Third, we must ask how it is possible that those, who claim to be followers of Christ, can at the same time follow that which is diametrically opposed to all Christ was, and taught, and demonstrated.

Recently a group of Catholic leaders declared the just war theory invalid, if indeed, it ever was defensible. Harvey Cox wrote, "A church that is not able to take a firm stand against war is not a church which deserves to be believed."

In 1895, the English preacher Robert Eyton wrote: "Nothing seems to show the absolute departure of the Spirit of the church from the Spirit of Christ in so glowing a light as the history of Christianity in reference to wars. "When one takes war to bits, thinks of what it involves-the fierce and brutal passions that it stimulates, the hatred which it inspires, the deadly ingenuity about the means of killing and maiming, what it produces, the helpless crowd of people it sweeps off in the prime of their lives, the odious ambition of which success so often casts over the general idea: when one strips off the fine phrases about dying for one's country, and honestly looks the facts in the face that so often people have been butchered like sheep - their homes made desolate for some tyrant's whim or some noble's envy, it is hard to see how the whole history of the church's attitude on the subject of war has been anything better than a great evasion."

It is the great betrayal of Christ, the Prince of Peace. Yes, there are many irreconcilable differences between the church and the military, between what Jesus teaches and what the military teaches. Few, if any, areas test our Biblicism, honesty and obedience more than the Christian's relationship to war.

"It is time" as Michael J. Gorman writes, "for the centuries-old marriage between the church and the military to end in divorce."

-Reprinted from Reunion newsletter, Vol.12, Issue 1- An article by John Drescher, author, writer, and preacher (and good friend of my now deceased parents) living in Quakertown, PA

=============

A rebuttal/response to the Gorman article referred to by Drescher and entitled "The Just-Chaplain Theory" was published a few months later by Christianity Today (in July 2000) written by Douglas K. Stewart who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for seven years followed by 16 years as a Navy chaplain. Useful for discussion!

If you liked the Drescher article (or even if you didn't but want to better understand some current "practical theology" demonstrating the application of these ideas) I invite you to read the lead article in the Winter 2007 issue of the "Reunion" newsletter, written by my neighbor Keith Graber-Miller who teaches theology and bible courses at Goshen College:
"Faithfulness and Patriotism in a Time of War."

-Clair

Saturday 27 October 2007

Tornado Devastation and Miracle in Nappanee, Indiana - October 18, 2007



The devastation we experienced in southern Elkhart County the night of October 18, 2007 was the worst we have experienced in this entire region in over 40 years when I was twelve years old (the F3 and F4 Palm Sunday Tornados of 1965.) And the very worst damage of this one happened this time in and around the community I grew up in, Nappanee, Indiana, with the tornado weaving in and around several homes of families I've known for years and went to church with as a kid. This tornado finally lifted just blocks away from the home my parents lived in prior to their deaths last year.

The incredible MIRACLE in all this, is that though a huge number (an estimated 250) dwellings and business were damaged, with many simply wiped away, in a 2-mile swath along the countryside and in the town, NOT ONE LIFE WAS LOST, with only 5 persons injured, though the tornado came by at 10:30 pm and many did not hear any warning! This is virtually unheard of -- with this kind of twister and the damage it created.

EMS, police and fire crews from several other communities showed up quickly, anticipating that a great number of casualties would be found in the rubble. More than 3,000 people from miles around came voluntarily on the third day to participate in an organized town "clean-up" on Sunday, Oct. 21 -- some churches in the area simply cancelled their services so people could go. What a fantastic response from a very caring community!

I spent last evening (Thursday) with the Nappanee's EMS crew conducting a Critical Incident Stress debriefing for them. Another trained colleague of mine worked with the local police crew and another worked with the fireman the same evening. I heard some incredible stories from these local heroes, but, of course, am not at liberty to share any of that here.

These photos were taken by an RN friend, Evie Tobias, who lives in Nappanee. Five or six pics at the end of this collection I obtained show evidence of the Amish already having organized to rebuild their neighbors' destroyed houses and barns within the week. No waiting around for an insurance adjuster for them! (When you go to this website where I posted them for public observation you can click on the "Slideshow" option at the top - they load and cycle fairly quickly there, while online.)

And this is another collection of stunning photos taken last Sunday, with some commentary interspersed throughout, by a local professional photographer.

Last, but certainly not least, this National Weather Service (actually NOAA's) website has a lot of information about the path of the 10-18-07 Nappanee tornado -- about 20 miles long altogether. It points out where damage was recorded, highlighted with a number of detail photos. If you click on any of them it will provide a close-up, complete with people surveying the damage to their homes, etc. It is a very compelling site if for nothing more than the detail of the destruction involved and reinforcing the miracle that no one was even seriously injured. Plus it provides insight into NOAA and weather data.

-Clair