You never know what we'll churn up in cleaning a stall
Understanding that we don’t see light itself but rather what light illuminates opens a fresh way of envisioning the divine Spirit of life.
As I examine the writings of the early Quaker movement (Society of Friends), I find a remarkable wisdom emerging within their application of the metaphor of Light and through that, an alternative Christianity itself.
Consider the argument and then its applications.
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When I see this …
… I think of this.
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Is it true that Donald Trump’s hairstylist is among his finalists for vice president?
Makes as much sense as anyone, so far. Would anyone else dare get that close?
Donald Trump’s refusal to release his income-tax filings naturally spurs suspicions. What’s he trying to hide? What’s he afraid they’ll show?
What, you think he’s squeaky clean? Please! The fact-checkers have found little in his outrageous claims that’s really true. We don’t need a liar-in-chief, we need someone we can trust.
So Trump’s financial dealings are bound to be fair game as the campaign spirals on.
For one thing, they give us a clearer view of how a candidate handles money. The Obamas, as we discovered, are really quite frugal, even conservative. Trump, on the other hand, seems to employ a lot of sleight-of-hand, as his loans-to-donations-to-himself demonstrate. (How many times can you count the same dollar, anyway?)
Well, we can assume the accountant-types will have a feast with whatever is there, as will the tax experts and financial gurus and businessmen large and small.
In the meantime, it’s fodder for the pundits.
Among the possible reasons Trump won’t release his income-tax filings? Are there clues to indicate:
Well, right or wrong, it’s a start. The facts will either support his claims or knock them flat.
Any other wags want to weigh in?
He claims to be a skilled negotiator, someone who can finesse a deal, but that’s not what we’re seeing. It’s all bluster and bullying. In a business deal, the other party cries “Enough!” and leaves the table. No deal, forget it, we’ll do business elsewhere. Or the workers strike or quit en masse or simply but effectively undermine the whole operation. (Anyone want to cite case studies? By the way, this guy’s refusing to open his books to potential suitors. Where are those tax returns, anyway?)
One possibility, as some power brokers seem to be sensing, he’s way out of his league. Are they sniffing weakness behind all his bravado? The way a wolf pack smells blood? Or the way an investor or market quickly turns in a flash to depose of a loser? Write off a bad investment or risk? Is there enough in his political portfolio for as much as a fire sale? Can he even keep his shirt, if his act falls apart?
Besides, in this game he should know, the house always wins, at least over time. Remember, he’s not playing in Trump Casino anymore. This is the Republican tent, where the owners are getting antsy and wonder about calling in security to escort a player from the premises.
Besides, the joker’s not the only wild card in this deck, and it’s dwindling.
Now, whose turn is it to deal?
You never know what you’ll find when you start rummaging around in an old barn. That’s how they found the 1776 grandfather clock made in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, decades later covered in grime in Montgomery County, Ohio. The one that fascinated me as a child, climbing to the top of the farmhouse stairs. The one, as Cousin Wilma later demonstrated, with such sparkling, ethereal chimes.
So here we are, in my own barn. Not nearly as big or as old. The rafters themselves far less sturdy.
For those who set out to shut down government in Washington, the next step should be fascinating. Are they prepared to shut down their own political party?
A line emerging in the sand (is that quicksand?) would separate those determined to stand on their stated values from those putting their faith in continuing the organization at all costs, regardless of its position. It’s looking more and more like they can’t have both.
This is shaping up as a definitive history-making moment. An earthquake, perchance? In Cleveland? Woodpecker will be watching closely, sensing it looks a lot like climatic instability, an issue many of them have long denied.
But then, sometimes reality hits. This time, a mega-storm seems to be brewing.
When I see this …
… I think of this.
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For those who claim to be defenders of the Second Amendment, let’s insist they embrace the entire provision, the part that mentions a well-regulated militia.
There’s nothing well-regulated in what we’re seeing in the cancer of mass murders resulting from assault rifles. A particular model, at that.
Note, please, that regulated means regulations, first, and their efficient enforcement, second. The Congress that adopted this amendment knew what it was doing, unlike more recent politicians beholden to the gun lobby. As the amendment insists, it’s the militia that shall not be infringed. The well-regulated militia.
By the way, having lived in rural areas, I’ve come to appreciate the place of hunting and knowledgeable hunters in the wild. Some are deeply devoted naturalists, aware and alert in the nuances of their surroundings. Natives have much to teach about the rhythms of their game. I’ve seen how a local hunting and fishing club regulated much of a rural county, keeping irresponsible “sportsmen” away. In Washington state, the return and proliferation of elk can be credited to concerned hunters in conservationist organizations. There’s a role for that culture – one, we should note, that accepts legal limits on its activity.
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These days, I’m thinking more and more about the militia part of the Second Amendment. What if we required all gun owners to be a member of one? Perhaps it would be like the Army Reserve, where each member would have to take so much training each year and put in community service time. Training? First-aid and CPR are always good for the public. We’re far more likely to need those than a gun, anyway. I see this as a kind of auxiliary for public service. Why not?
No exceptions for people who claim to be too busy, either. Someone like Donald Trump would have to put in hands-on time. Public service, indeed.
Well, well, well, Karl Rove’s finally popping up in the campaign, albeit criticizing Donald Trump’s strategy but not the message. Here I’d been expecting we’d have found his fingerprints all over another dirty primary in South Carolina as a dutiful Bush operative. Admittedly, I wasn’t looking that hard, but apparently, neither was anyone else. Just see what happened with Jeb as a consequence.
S0 what’s the story now? Is Rove feeling left in the dust? Is he hoping to land an insider role with Trump? For a fly on the wall, that could be entertaining.
And if they get together? Woodpecker, for one, would be busy.
Jnana's Red Barn 