HAPPY 4TH

On this day of celebration of the birth of this great nation I am thinking of those who left their homelands; crossing vast seas and overcoming incredible hardships to live on this soil. I am thinking of their enormous courage, hope and for many, the desperation that drove these pioneers. There was passionate pursuit of a new life, of freedom, of a new nation where those who chased such dreams could abide.

On this day of celebration of the birth of this great nation I am thinking about all of the men and women serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines around the world who are standing the watch of freedom. I am thinking about the men and women serving in the Coast Guard who on this day will keep us safe on the waterways while defending our coastal borders from our enemies.

On this day of celebration of the birth of this great nation I am thinking of all of the first responders who guard our streets, attend to our injuries and protect our families and homes from harm. For all these and for all others not mentioned who lead our nation, keep us safe, attend to our spiritual needs, educate our citizens and work for our prosperous future, I pray: May God’s richest blessings, eternal comforts and divine guidance be yours today and always. 

DC - MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Growing up as a lower middle class southerner in the fifties and early sixties provided an interesting lens through which to see and perceive Washington, DC. First of all, there wasn’t a lot of difference in my young mind between the Emerald City in the Land of Oz and Our Capital City. They both seemed mysterious, curiously interesting, powerful and not even remotely related to my life in any tangible way. My earliest memories are in grainy, black and white period movies. There was Shirley Temple, that once in a generation, cute bundle of talent, singing and dancing her way into President Lincoln’s heart. There was the constant revisiting of our historical march across this continent, from early colonists to pioneers, to settlers and miners, industrialists, inventors, warriors and the list goes on. A very idealized version of who we are as a people seemed to always pass through DC at some point or another.

The word “abstract” refers to something existing in thought or as an idea, but not having a physical or concrete existence. Washington, DC is most definitely a city of abstracts; what really powers this town is a kaleidoscope of ideas, conversations, speeches, dreams, concepts, strategies, greed, education…and the list goes on and on. While DC can be a pressure cooker, it is also energizing in very unique ways, as well as thought provoking. For instance, there is the District of Columbia’s plethora of fowls.

The official District bird is a crane, and they are clearly seen in every direction. No, not the kinds of crane you would see in marshes, these are cranes used to build huge buildings. And boy, are they ever building a lot of them! The DC skyline is a flock of cranes. Seated in the Delta Sky Club at Ronald Reagan National Airport overlooking the Potomac and our capital city beyond, I counted 19 huge cranes.

Another fine-feathered species in Capital City is “The DC Songbird”. It is a sound you will hear at anytime and in every place; the screaming cacophony of the most bizarre sirens I have ever heard anywhere. I have no empirical evidence, however, I am fully convinced sirens for emergency vehicle use around the world are first tested in DC…constantly and loudly.

Then again, there are the “Whirlybirds”, regularly passing overhead in such a hurry. Marine One is a common sight, but so are many others in the same species. Occasionally they even flock together as they perform low-level passes, shaking the ground and adding deafening noise to the clamor of the DC Songbirds. But I digress. Most of these Whirlybirds seem to come and go from the big white house at the dead-end of 16^th street; you know, the one with the huge lawn and lot’s of scary looking guys who hang out on the rooftop. I figure they must be hunters.

And I cannot leave the subject of DC fowls without at least mentioning the “Floaters”. Oh, you know them. They get on the Government payroll and just float through for a lifelong career in DC. They are nested in buildings throughout.

Yes, DC has become my home away from home, and while there are many things to dislike, it is a beautiful, busy, quirky place that holds a special place in my heart.

A DAY TO REMEMBER

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Poignant words found in John 15:13 spoken by the one who understood personal sacrifice for others like no one else ever had nor ever will.

Across America many different scenes are unfolding at this very moment. On the one hand, families and individuals are gathering supplies, preparing grills and looking forward to a day of fun and activities. They will enjoy the freedom gained and protected by the blood, sweat and tears of those fallen in defense of this nation.  On the other hand, there are millions who are gathering flowers, pouring over photos and feeling a very personal sting of loss of a loved one, especially those who are just days, weeks or months from the tragic moment of loss.

Working and living part-time in Washington D.C. offers me a unique experience and framework for this special day. As I headed to the airport on my way home to Florida a couple of days ago there were already many people on the National Mall starting the Memorial Day preparations. I saw a group of ROTC in uniform standing around a flag being instructed by their leader, and just a few yards away, a family preparing to have a picnic. There were groups of veterans on motorcycles beginning their weekend-long rides through the city. I saw Marine One flying off in the distance headed somewhere and watched with special appreciation as we passed by the WW2 Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial. Crossing the Potomac headed to Reagan National, I could easily see the Pentagon and off in the distance, Arlington Cemetery. I felt a mix of emotions as I prayed for this nation and for those who have died defending it.

Deuteronomy 6:12 begins with these though-provoking words: “be careful that you do not forget…” solemn words of caution. On this day our nation pauses to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. “Greater love” calls for greater remembrance. For mothers who wipe a tear, grandparents whose hearts are troubled, grieving wives, children, friends and fellow soldiers of those who are now gone, we pray for your comfort: “The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace”. And for those whose lives were laid down for the freedoms we celebrate this day, we pray: “Lord, receive into Your care those who in dedication to this nation have expressed greater love by laying down their lives. Amen.” Blessed are You o Lord our God, who brings peace to a humble heart, now grant Your peace to all cities and nations of this world and especially to Jerusalem. Amen.

WHY MEXICAN FLAGS?

The right to protest is as fundamental as any of our rights as Americans, so the protests at the Trump rallies are an example of why we are a great nation. But who are these people? Why are they so bent on turning these protests into violence? Why are they waving Mexican flags?

Don’t get me wrong; I recognize that America is an immigrant nation. I believe that fact has not only has made us uniquely special among the nations of the world, it has helped us remain the greatest example of democracy in the world. And, the last I checked, Lady Liberty is still standing in New York Harbor, lifting a torch of freedom and beckoning to the world: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Breathe free. What a gift that truly is. Freedom does not make me free of responsibility for my fellow man. Actually, it is quite the opposite; freedom calls upon us, each and every one, to rise above personal interests and to act in the best interests of the needs and liberty of others. That is the essence of American freedom.

Also, I should say that I have a deep affection for Hispanic people. I speak their language and I love their culture. My family and I lived in both Costa Rica and Ecuador and I have visited most Hispanic nations. Our huge Hispanic population strengthens and blesses our nation; their contribution to America is enormous and without dispute.

But frankly, I don’t see passion for the good of their fellow man in these protests. I don’t see love for America and respect for others. What I do see is self-interested thuggery and blatant disregard for the very core of our values.

Also, I find it curious that while exercising one of the most precious rights granted by the U.S. Constitution they wave Mexican flags. If it is Mexico they care about, then go back and change that nation. If they want to become Americans, then we welcome them with open arms, but not with these behaviors of violence.

ONLY SOME LIVES MATTER…SAY WHAT?

 The riots in Ferguson, Missouri, began as a result of the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by white police officer Darren Wilson on August 9, 2014. The nation watched as the rage and violence grew. While the violent destruction of their own neighborhoods seemed senseless to many of us, the depth of the frustration with feeling targeted by law enforcement within African American communities across the nation became more obvious than ever. The unrest in Ferguson sparked a vigorous and needed debate across the United States about the relationship between law enforcement officers and African Americans in particular. Also, the militarization of police tactics and equipment and its effects on how situations are handled became central to the debate.

While the specific issues in the Michael Brown killing, the events that led up to it and the response to the riots that followed, all deserve careful examination, there seems to be little progress toward meaningful solutions. Case in point, it is widely thought the “Black Lives Matter” campaign has sparked reprisal killings of first responders. The targeted killing of police officers and other first responders has risen by 43% in 2016 alone. Many believe this rise is directly related to the way Ferguson has been reported by the media and handled by the current Administration.

In response, municipalities and states are looking for ways to stop the targeting of law enforcement officers. In addition to many new community outreach programs into As a result, police officers, firefighters and other first responders in Louisiana may now become members of a “protected class”. Under the Louisiana “House Bill 953” (referred to as “The Blue Lives Matter Bill), which passed both chambers of the Louisiana state legislature, receiving final approval in the state Senate on Tuesday of this week, targeting first responder is classified a “Hate Crime”.

I am personally grieved at the thought of any class of people being targeted with hate and violence. There is no justification for that in America. Yet, this seemingly earnest attempt to give further protection to those who protect us with their own lives was met with withering criticism by those who purport to care about a class of people being unfairly targeted. I was stunned to see a report on the most popular evening network newscast tonight, where one of the leading organizers of the Black Lives Matter Movement stated: “If everybody is a protected class, then really, no one is a protected class.” What? Isn’t the ultimate goal that there would be absolute equal treatment under the law for everyone? Why wouldn’t people who think “Black Lives Matter” (as I personally do) also think that “Blue Lives Matter”?

Wow. We really do have a long way to go in dealing with hatred in America. A song comes to mind from my early days in Sunday School: “Red and yellow black and white, they are precious in His sight”. Yes, they are. Red and yellow, black and white—wearing blue in service to us all, are precious in His sight. And mine as well.

AN IDEOLOGY OF HATRED

So here we are again, attempting to understand the disappearance of another airplane filled with men, women and children going about their lives. As is always necessary at this point, everyone must now wait until a thorough process of investigation helps us understand why EGYPTAIR MS804 crashed into the Mediterranean on a routine flight. This was not a warplane, but given the location of the crash, country of origin of the flight, and the backdrop of so many terrorist attacks of late, we cannot rule out terrorism. In fact, a terrorist attack is very likely to be the cause. I easily remember a time when terrorism would be at the bottom of the list of a thorough investigation, not the first thought that comes to mind.

How did we get to the point that this kind of tragedy takes us to thoughts of terror and fear rather than compassion and mourning? Simply stated, it is because of what is now becoming abundantly clear, war has been declared against all who do not embrace radical Islam, including their fellow Muslims. An ideology of hatred gives justification to its adherers to randomly kill innocent victims.

Acrimony of this nature is nothing new to mankind; world history is filled with an unending stream of animosity toward others. While greed, fear, religion, pride, misunderstanding, revenge and many other motives are mixed into this toxic brew, the main ingredient is always hatred. Left to simmer, unchecked malice becomes the foundation of an ideology of hatred. 

Ideology is a system of shared beliefs within a group such as a language group, political body, nation or region, social class, race or religious body. Ideology influences the way individuals think, act and view the world around them, especially affecting the way they see those who present a perceived threat to their lives. It is far more convenient to assign blame to someone else for our discomforts or fears than to look deeply into the mirror.

The warning here is straightforward, contempt for others is dangerous. Not only does hatred lead to horrible acts, it destroys the very fabric of civil societies and justifies evil. The biblical call to “love your enemies” is no walk in the park. “Doing good” to those who abuse us requires a level of spirituality that is very difficult to reach, but reach it we must or we too, will be condemned by an ideology of hatred.