This year something transpired in the Evangelical and Fundamentalist church that 20 yrs. ago, or even 8 yrs. ago I thought wouldn't occur in my lifetime. In the 70s and 80s several of my professors and other Evangelical leaders claimed that Mormonism was a threat to the church. They said ministers needed to teach those sitting in the pews that though it may seem at first to be a type of Christian faith, Mormonism was anything but a Christian faith. They noted it was a heresy on so many levels. A plethora of books were published in the same age on the subject.
Further, since the 70s Evangelicals and Fundamentalists have maintained that the President being a Christian was of paramount importance. Since the 90s it has been more so. Hence, for many presidential election cycles we have witnessed prospective candidates pandering to the conservative church. We have seen the same with House and Senate candidates who speak openly of their faith in "born again" language yet behind the scenes living a life contrary to their claims.
In the last months, overwhelmingly so Evangelicals have embraced Mitt Romney's bid for for the White House. To maintain the later means viewing Mormonism as a Christian faith, not a heresy or cult. To still view Mormonism as a heretical cult means Evangelicals and Fundamentalists are not as dogmatic about their President being a Christian by their definition of orthodox faith.
Reflective Wanderings - Reflections on various topics that arise out of my personal, life and professional experiences. There are also are some family related news, travels and pictures.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
2012 Crossmen
In August 2012 the Crossmen made DCI's final 12 for the first time since 2004. Since it was so long since they marched on Saturday, their return to finals was filled with much emotion for the Corps, it's alumni, families and closest fans. The emotions on the faces during Finals Retreat at Lucus Oil Stadium in Indianapolis was clearly evident, particularly for those who have been in the Corps for three or more years who in past seasons have been in the stands on the Saturday evening watching the top 12 perform and go through Retreat wishing that they were on the field instead of the stands.
As the Crossmen finished 17th in 2011, a rise of five spots is a major accomplishment...only the 4th time in 40 years for a Corps has gone from 17 or lower to the finals a year later. It is highly likely therefore that the 2012 Crossmen will be held in the Corps' lore and history over the coming decades as a special group.
The current group of age-outs (wearing white crosses in the pictures below) are passing the mantle to those who have one or two more seasons of eligibility and to a good degree that it will be in their hands a return to the top ten rests. We can anticipate that Fed Morrison will again assemble a strong staff for next season, a staff that will guide and teach the members well. Though the quality of the show is another factor, two other legs beyond the staff and the quality of the music and drill are critical. The leadership of the senior vets is the third leg. They need to keep faith with past senior vets who patiently encouraged and set the example the younger members.
The fourth leg, and one that should not be under stressed, will be the number of younger vets who return next year. In the past years a good number of vets moving after one to three seasons to a top six Corps has kept the Crossmen as being a young Corps that is thin on solid vets. Hopefully after this solid season and a return to the finals few current will move to a top tier Corps. The return of these vets who would normally move will provide the Corps with a solid fourth leg which in turn allows for the demands of the music and drill to be at higher level than it in past years. A young inexperienced Corps with well more than half of the Corps being rookies demands a simpler and less complex drill and music.
The 2012 Crossmen clearly savored Saturday. The joy and bounce in the their step was evidenced during breakfast and during the Corps' age-out ceremony. They marched Saturday with boldness and confidence. Normally lower standing Corps exit the Retreat field soon after the Retreat ceremony has concluded. The Crossmen did not leave quickly as they were the second last to leave the Retreat field (the champions are the last to leave as it is their field). They absorbed the moment.
When they left the stadium they did not immediately pack their horns and drums away like the other Corps. Instead the Crossmen formed their semi circle in order to play for the last time music that is dear to their hearts and identity. Doing so served not only as a celebration moment but a bonding moment too, one which hopefully will stir the hearts of many members the desire to return and take the Crossmen the next level in the 2013 season.
Below are a few pictures from the Retreat as well as the YouTube link of the 2012 Crossmen playing their final notes together. In the pictures, Josh is the one carrying the horn flag, the flag that he has carried on and off the competition field throughout the season (interestingly the Crossmen are the only Corps to have a Corps flag that they carry onto the field at each show). You will also notice that as they exit the field behind the flag that they are walking in pairs with their linked hands held high as a symbol of unity (they do this following each show).
As the Crossmen finished 17th in 2011, a rise of five spots is a major accomplishment...only the 4th time in 40 years for a Corps has gone from 17 or lower to the finals a year later. It is highly likely therefore that the 2012 Crossmen will be held in the Corps' lore and history over the coming decades as a special group.
The current group of age-outs (wearing white crosses in the pictures below) are passing the mantle to those who have one or two more seasons of eligibility and to a good degree that it will be in their hands a return to the top ten rests. We can anticipate that Fed Morrison will again assemble a strong staff for next season, a staff that will guide and teach the members well. Though the quality of the show is another factor, two other legs beyond the staff and the quality of the music and drill are critical. The leadership of the senior vets is the third leg. They need to keep faith with past senior vets who patiently encouraged and set the example the younger members.
The fourth leg, and one that should not be under stressed, will be the number of younger vets who return next year. In the past years a good number of vets moving after one to three seasons to a top six Corps has kept the Crossmen as being a young Corps that is thin on solid vets. Hopefully after this solid season and a return to the finals few current will move to a top tier Corps. The return of these vets who would normally move will provide the Corps with a solid fourth leg which in turn allows for the demands of the music and drill to be at higher level than it in past years. A young inexperienced Corps with well more than half of the Corps being rookies demands a simpler and less complex drill and music.
The 2012 Crossmen clearly savored Saturday. The joy and bounce in the their step was evidenced during breakfast and during the Corps' age-out ceremony. They marched Saturday with boldness and confidence. Normally lower standing Corps exit the Retreat field soon after the Retreat ceremony has concluded. The Crossmen did not leave quickly as they were the second last to leave the Retreat field (the champions are the last to leave as it is their field). They absorbed the moment.
When they left the stadium they did not immediately pack their horns and drums away like the other Corps. Instead the Crossmen formed their semi circle in order to play for the last time music that is dear to their hearts and identity. Doing so served not only as a celebration moment but a bonding moment too, one which hopefully will stir the hearts of many members the desire to return and take the Crossmen the next level in the 2013 season.
Below are a few pictures from the Retreat as well as the YouTube link of the 2012 Crossmen playing their final notes together. In the pictures, Josh is the one carrying the horn flag, the flag that he has carried on and off the competition field throughout the season (interestingly the Crossmen are the only Corps to have a Corps flag that they carry onto the field at each show). You will also notice that as they exit the field behind the flag that they are walking in pairs with their linked hands held high as a symbol of unity (they do this following each show).
Sunday, July 01, 2012
Crossmen 2012 Show
Below is the Crossmen run-through in Orlando. They rehersal day was at the Citris Bowl. Over the season the show will be honed.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Civil Discourse
Regardless of my agreement for or against the opinions Sandra Fluke expressed before Congress, no woman who sits before Congress or any other body of our elected representatives to express her opinions should be demeaned or demonized for doing so. To demonize or demean a private individual for expressing their views in a civil manner devalues the constitutional right for all to express our views in a civil manner. To viciously attack such a person, regardless of their opinion, serves as an effort to silence that person or others for speaking views with which others may disagree strongly.
Let us take stock of our character in our dealing with those who differ from us, who express views that are well removed from our own. If we seek to silence views contrary to ours we are functionally saying two things. First, it says our views are not strong enough to withstand critiquing and the expression of contrary views, a sad commentary on our views. Second, it says that this nation is not strong enough to withstand vigorous debate and the exchanging of viewpoints, a sad commentary on the state of the nation and our support of free speech.
Yesterday and today I have heard statements that the withdrawal of advertisers from buying ads on Rush Limbaugh’s shows is an effort to silence him and is an attack on free speech. To frame the issue in such terms is fallacious. The issue is what is appropriate language and imagery to describe a young woman or any woman on the public airwaves.
If Fluke had used derogatory demeaning statements before Congress, we the public would have the right to criticize her for doing so, for being disrespectful of the institution and its citizens. Limbaugh, like Fluke, has a right to express his opinion. Sticking to the issue, critique the ideas she ventured and her reasoning is most appropriate. It is another thing to belittle her in such a disrespectful demeaning manner, particularly of a non-public figure.
Would I want my wife, mother, sister, daughter (if I had one), or a future grand-daughter, or my colleagues at work, demeaned and demonized for expressing their opinions? Absolutely not! The public is speaking soundly and rightly that calling her what she was called is inappropriate and should not be part of civil discourse. The attacks upon Limbaugh are about his language and civil discourse. It is that simple.
Though he is a significant voice in the party, Limbaugh is not the Republican Party. That said, what is most regrettable is presidential candidates and many other chief party officials muted and watered down comments. Their statements come across as pandering to the public, to say something without offending Limbaugh which only reinforces that impression that he is the high priest of the Republican Party who like a grand shaman must not be offended least he call down upon you ill or even worse, political death…and no person should ever have such power in our political system. That said, the general public is speaking and to its detriment the Republicans have lost the high ground on this issue.
Let us take stock of our character in our dealing with those who differ from us, who express views that are well removed from our own. If we seek to silence views contrary to ours we are functionally saying two things. First, it says our views are not strong enough to withstand critiquing and the expression of contrary views, a sad commentary on our views. Second, it says that this nation is not strong enough to withstand vigorous debate and the exchanging of viewpoints, a sad commentary on the state of the nation and our support of free speech.
Yesterday and today I have heard statements that the withdrawal of advertisers from buying ads on Rush Limbaugh’s shows is an effort to silence him and is an attack on free speech. To frame the issue in such terms is fallacious. The issue is what is appropriate language and imagery to describe a young woman or any woman on the public airwaves.
If Fluke had used derogatory demeaning statements before Congress, we the public would have the right to criticize her for doing so, for being disrespectful of the institution and its citizens. Limbaugh, like Fluke, has a right to express his opinion. Sticking to the issue, critique the ideas she ventured and her reasoning is most appropriate. It is another thing to belittle her in such a disrespectful demeaning manner, particularly of a non-public figure.
Would I want my wife, mother, sister, daughter (if I had one), or a future grand-daughter, or my colleagues at work, demeaned and demonized for expressing their opinions? Absolutely not! The public is speaking soundly and rightly that calling her what she was called is inappropriate and should not be part of civil discourse. The attacks upon Limbaugh are about his language and civil discourse. It is that simple.
Though he is a significant voice in the party, Limbaugh is not the Republican Party. That said, what is most regrettable is presidential candidates and many other chief party officials muted and watered down comments. Their statements come across as pandering to the public, to say something without offending Limbaugh which only reinforces that impression that he is the high priest of the Republican Party who like a grand shaman must not be offended least he call down upon you ill or even worse, political death…and no person should ever have such power in our political system. That said, the general public is speaking and to its detriment the Republicans have lost the high ground on this issue.
A March Contrast
Before Evie and I stepped of the aircraft in Winnipeg this past Friday afternoon I remarked that it was the first time I had seen snow on the ground in the second week of March since 1996. Spending a few days in Winnipeg brought into a greater relief that spring has arrived in the Washington DC/northern Virginia area. Here are just some differences I am noting.
In the DC area, the crews and sculls have been out on the Potomac for more than three weeks whereas in Winnipeg there is no open water on rivers or lakes evidenced.
In the DC area, the grass is starting to green whereas in Winnipeg the grass still rests under a good layer of snow that is only now starting to melt.
In the DC area, a fill of a car’s washer fluid will last you well into the summer whereas in Winnipeg you still keep a bottle in your trunk for a weekly refill.
In the DC area, street sweepers and roadside garbage collection is well underway whereas in Winnipeg, thick layers of sand cover the roads, and side streets continue to be snow roads.
In the DC area, people are walking the streets without winter coats and even in shorts, whereas in Winnipeg winter coats, hats and gloves are still required for venturing outside for more than ten minutes.
In DC our dogs are quickly shedding their winter coats and eager to sit outside whereas in Winnipeg they would still be doing their business and rushing to get back inside.
In DC the first trees and bushes coming into flower, and the daffodils are up whereas in Winnipeg the trees and bushes are not close to stirring.
In the DC area, ball field fences are being inspected with lights have been turned on at night to test and allow the community use the fields whereas in Winnipeg, community center fields still have snow from the ice arena dumped onto them.
In the DC area, the tourist lines are getting longer whereas in Winnipeg the tourist animal is still hard to find.
In the DC area we are seeing fishing boats, and small yachts that have been pulled from winter storage being hauled to the rivers and their summer docks, and RVs are being inspected for spring and summer trips where as in Winnipeg boats and RVs are still nestled under their tarps.
In the DC area, language has shifted from talking of a week’s trip south as a winter escape to a spring beach trip whereas in Winnipeg they still speak of their trip as escaping winter for a week.
In the DC area cars are getting a good cleaning inside and out whereas in Winnipeg the cleaning inside and out of cursory as sand will still be back inside and in the car will be covered in salt after fifteen minutes on the road.
Evie is now driving with her sunroof open most days and we are now seeing people driving convertables often having their tops down whereas in Winnipeg, there are few convertables around town even in summer.
In the DC area exterior seasonal lights are long removed whereas in Winnipeg, most homes still have them up, albeit not turned on at night.
In DC we also know spring has arrived when the bracketology game is underway and people are starting to talk about how the Nats will look this year.
The list is just some of what could be noted. The full force of spring is still four or so weeks away in Winnipeg while in the Washington DC area it has been is well underway for more than a week. While Evie and i do not miss the long winters, we remember our seven years there with deep fondness. Like Iowa City and St. Mary’s ON, Winnipeg is still held warmly is a place we love in many ways and regretted leaving.
In the DC area, the crews and sculls have been out on the Potomac for more than three weeks whereas in Winnipeg there is no open water on rivers or lakes evidenced.
In the DC area, the grass is starting to green whereas in Winnipeg the grass still rests under a good layer of snow that is only now starting to melt.
In the DC area, a fill of a car’s washer fluid will last you well into the summer whereas in Winnipeg you still keep a bottle in your trunk for a weekly refill.
In the DC area, street sweepers and roadside garbage collection is well underway whereas in Winnipeg, thick layers of sand cover the roads, and side streets continue to be snow roads.
In the DC area, people are walking the streets without winter coats and even in shorts, whereas in Winnipeg winter coats, hats and gloves are still required for venturing outside for more than ten minutes.
In DC our dogs are quickly shedding their winter coats and eager to sit outside whereas in Winnipeg they would still be doing their business and rushing to get back inside.
In DC the first trees and bushes coming into flower, and the daffodils are up whereas in Winnipeg the trees and bushes are not close to stirring.
In the DC area, ball field fences are being inspected with lights have been turned on at night to test and allow the community use the fields whereas in Winnipeg, community center fields still have snow from the ice arena dumped onto them.
In the DC area, the tourist lines are getting longer whereas in Winnipeg the tourist animal is still hard to find.
In the DC area we are seeing fishing boats, and small yachts that have been pulled from winter storage being hauled to the rivers and their summer docks, and RVs are being inspected for spring and summer trips where as in Winnipeg boats and RVs are still nestled under their tarps.
In the DC area, language has shifted from talking of a week’s trip south as a winter escape to a spring beach trip whereas in Winnipeg they still speak of their trip as escaping winter for a week.
In the DC area cars are getting a good cleaning inside and out whereas in Winnipeg the cleaning inside and out of cursory as sand will still be back inside and in the car will be covered in salt after fifteen minutes on the road.
Evie is now driving with her sunroof open most days and we are now seeing people driving convertables often having their tops down whereas in Winnipeg, there are few convertables around town even in summer.
In the DC area exterior seasonal lights are long removed whereas in Winnipeg, most homes still have them up, albeit not turned on at night.
In DC we also know spring has arrived when the bracketology game is underway and people are starting to talk about how the Nats will look this year.
The list is just some of what could be noted. The full force of spring is still four or so weeks away in Winnipeg while in the Washington DC area it has been is well underway for more than a week. While Evie and i do not miss the long winters, we remember our seven years there with deep fondness. Like Iowa City and St. Mary’s ON, Winnipeg is still held warmly is a place we love in many ways and regretted leaving.
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