My thoughts on Gingrich response to Open Marriage Debate question

Newt Gingrich had a brilliant political moment in his exchange with John King during the recent South Carolina Republican debate. It may have been the turning point for Newt's come from behind dramatic win in the primary.

The audience gave him a standing ovation. John King offered little defense of his question as should be expected of a good moderator, whose job it is to allow the debaters to freely interact with the questions. Later they exchanged once again after the debate, and Gingrich was far less convincing than his moment during the debate.

His daughter is coming out and defending him, but the open marriage question is not answered even during these interviews, and of course in such a "he said, she said" private issue, how could we ever expect a deciding result?

When I first saw the debate response by Gingrich, I immediately felt that this was Gingrich at his fiery best. He may be the clearest communicator, and perhaps the most intelligent and visionary politician among anyone running for president in either party right now. But, my second (and almost immediate) sense about his response to the open marriage accusation by his second wife has stuck with me longer, and seems to be proving itself out. The exchange did not leave me with a good feeling, and these are the reasons why:

1) The response by Gingrich seemed philosophically dishonest. Even if it is a genuine response to how he feels about the question (which might not have been true if the question was asked of someone else, or of a Democrat) it does not accurately portray the general feelings of the Republican core. From a basic  philosophical consideration of leadership in the Republican party, faithfulness matters, and manifests itself in sexual issues. Something so far outside the societal norms of marriage and sexuality as Open Marriage or polyamory are not things most Republicans would consider acceptable in a leader.

2) The debate point was sure to bring forward discussion in the public arena about Open Marriage and polyamory. Giving it a place in the discussion of everyday news affairs and offering its advocates a grand stage to share their views on the benefits of the lifestyle. Is this something a leader of the Republican Party wants to be known for - being a culture changer for radical liberal sexuality? Somehow I think not, but indeed, almost immediately articles and discussions popped up around the world. The questions on the validity and potential benefits of open marriage are still going, and its proponents have the grandest stage they have perhaps ever had.

I do not see Newt's brilliant political maneuver in the debate as a high point for the Republican Party, and I do not see it as a high point for American culture either. That's my thoughts on Newt's response. What are yours?

Your life is a poem

I have read poetry, beautiful prose and deep philosophy birthed out of adventurous lives. I have also read poetry, beautiful prose and deep philosophy birthed out of what would appear to some to be mundane existence.

So I find myself considering the fact that all life is poetry - all life is beautiful prose - and all life is deep philosophy. We may not see it in every day, and every experience, but I assume it must be there.

What then makes our lives so mundane if all life is poetry? Our perspective I suppose. One of our great needs, then, is to be the poet - to be the mystery writer - to be the philosopher who finds the art in life.

God looks down upon the atheists (a parable)

God looked down on the atheists of the world. He slumped over in His great throne, and shook His head. He said to Himself (because He really is the only one smart enough to get Himself and He tends to talk to Himself a lot because of it), "What the heck are they thinking? All that argumentation about things they don't understand, and things they can't possibly figure out is absurd. Their lying and gross immorality offends me."

Then God turned and looked to faithful Christian Pastors and Christian religious leaders like the Pope, and smiled. He listened a little closer, slumped in His great throne and shook His head. He said to Himself (because now it was really obvious that no one was smart enough get Him), "What the heck are they thinking? All that argumentation about things they don't understand, and things they can't possibly figure out is absurd. Their lying and gross immorality offends me."

Then God said to Himself again, "What the heck am I gonna do with this mess? I'm afraid that this freewill I've granted them is beginning to look like a catch 22. They can choose to believe in Me or choose to disbelieve in Me, and yet now I see that their damned if they do, and their damned if they don't - and damn it all, so am I!"

And so God responded to His frustration in the best way he could think of: He took up with a few medieval monks and started brewing beer.


This parable outlines my feelings about God. I feel bad for poor ol' God. What I mean is that He is in a tough position and has placed Himself there knowingly. The problems of sin, and the curse, brought on by the dynamics of freewill have made it almost impossible for a good deal of humanity to imagine a good God in the midst of all this tragedy.


Generation after generation continues to argue about His existence or the impossibility of His goodness, and He suffers that behavior for millenia. As a result he has chosen to take up working with us in many simple ways, and to express His love in those simple joys of life. If you look close enough you just might find God in the party.

The Cash Poem, (a purposely mediocre work) by Phil Wyman

The Cash Poem, (a purposely mediocre work) by Phil Wyman


I received a letter in the mail
called a risk alert
Don't dash to read a poem it said
or with the law you'll flirt

Please note the date of copyright
and the name upon
a poem of inspiration about
loved ones come and gone

It will cost you lots of cash
helping those who hurt
about $250 bucks
for copyrighted works

For it is the cash that matters
and the things that we can buy
at least this is so for the poet
though not for you and I

So before you copy a poem
to comfort a forlorn friend
consider the risk of a lawyers' notice
of copyright infringement

Now, take it slow and consider
writing your own poem
it may take time but it is worth
not being sued for your home

So be less swift to copy
and show a little brains
in the face of people who will write
dear, sweet things for gains

If you don't then you will learn
respect for lawyers and courts
especially when you find your cash
goes flying out the doors

Avoid an edict being read
at the courts and dash
right back home and write your poem
and save yourself some cash

addendum to my work of Parody…

Now my little mediocre poem
is free for you to share
I wrote it in 25 minutes
no cash - cause I don't care

Book Report: Peter Rollins' "The Orthodox Heretic: amd other impossible tales"

A couple weeks ago I finished Peter Rollins "The Orthodox Heretic: and other impossible tales." Phyllis Tickle called the book his "most engaging and accessible book to date." I think that was a way of saying that Pete probably hasn't written anything this easy to read since he was 3 years old. He does tend to write over most of our heads, and I have loved his previous books. So I was a touch skeptical coming into this one.

It is a collection of short stories followed by an interpretation of their meaning. As is the way of Pete, he turns the tables on what we expect and challenges us to rethink theology and life with God. There is a significant number of these stories which focus on social action, or as some will call it "the social gospel." This was to such a degree that about three quarters way through the book I thought perhaps the stories in the latter half would all turn that direction, but then Pete changed course again and created a number of interesting tales with deep personal challenge.

This may be Peter Rollins' easiest read, but it is by no means simple in its approach to dynamic transformation. I have been using some of these stories during our Lectio Divina scripture meditation evenings.

My opinion: Good book. Worth the read. It will change the way some of you think.

Next: I am now reading Tony Jones' book The Teaching of the Twelve. A book highlighting the Didache and applying it to Christianity today. Tony and Pete are friends who have been battling it out over facebook about whose stuff is better. I will give my opinion after I finish Tony's book.

The Do Lectures: My Favorite Lecture Venue

Here's another lecture from that wonderful lecture series which happens once a year in West Wales - in a tent. This year, a second venue has cropped up in California. This presentation is from Paula Le Dieu. about Copyright law.

Left Behind: The Song!

I am organizing a party for the day after the rapture. Well, the day after the supposed May 21st rapture. In the honor of a better end times theology, and the fact that God doesn't want to leave anybody behind we are throwing a party in Salem, Ma. There is also a Facebook page you can join to be a part of the Left Behind: The Party! There are already a few parties around the US now, so we needed a theme song. Well here it is. Words follow below.



Left Behind: The Song
by phil wyman

Uncle Elmer had a truck
and it was my sin
lusted for his F-150
and that sick lift kit
Uncle Elmer was a preacher
mean as could be
told me 'bout the rapture
and the plagues that I would see
But now he's in a box
six-feet deep
but his pickup in my name
is a sign that God loves me

Left Behind, Left Behind
Uncle Elmer is not with us
but now his truck is mine
Left Behind, Left Behind
he could't take it with him
so now his truck is mine

Voltaire told a story*
'bout a battle on the town
sounded like the last days
when few would be around
They surrounded the city
to starve them out
the soldiers were all dying
cause the food was running out
So, the doctor hatched a plan
to save the day
chopped of the ladies' right buttocks
and all had rump filet

Left Behind, Left Behind
she sacrificed her right cheek
now we call her Left Behind
Left Behind, Left Behind
not sure I'll like the menu
when it comes to the end times

I went to a church
where the preacher did tell us
of that day when we would fly away
to be with Jesus
He said it was comin'
any day
and the church secretary
prophesied as we all prayed
May twenty-first
God will take us all away
but the preacher and the secretary
disappeared that day


Left Behind, Left Behind
the church and the pastor's wife
they were left behind
Left Behind, Left Behind
now we know that God is not the one
who left us all behind

Left Behind, Left Behind
It's your judgments and not God's
that left us all behind
Left Behind, Left BehindI just might throw a party
if I get Left Behind!

* Found in Voltaire's Candide

and I am throwing a party. Yo can find it Facebook, or you can join the community and start your own party! Left Behind: The Party!

Palm Sunday Prayer

Palm Sunday thoughts: identifying with the season of bright sadness

Today we come with Jesus
into the gates of Jerusalem
we hear the lifted praises
and the voices of the mob
but in the pattern of their praise
we hear their turning camouflaged
beneath the joyous cries
those who praise the loudest
will next week shout "crucify!"

i, among the frenzied crowd
take my place to find
that i have shouted both in praise
and in betraying jeers
and i as well have sat upon
the ass trudging into town
the bright sadness lies before us
as fandom becomes betrayal
and betrayal turns to love

Nor smiles upon these leeches' lips

For we have dreamt about things that darken the days
We smile in our sickness and celebrate another's pain
Our strength is in their sacrifice
We eat their flesh
We drink their blood
Not in humbled thanks, but gorging pride

And when another day shall dawn, darkening our eyes
There shall be no sacrifice nor smiles upon these leeches' lips
Our weakness is the loss of strife and harm
No flesh to eat
No blood to drink
But in hungered cries, we'll surely starve

A•L•ONE

ALONE
my thoughts are my own
at least, I think so
one moment they are controlled
The next unhinged and swinging wildly
    squeaking in the winds
from cursed tri-tones to harmonious hymns
I vacillate ALONE

LONE
independent soul?
or whited, blighted bone
now sanded down to whistling moans?
from barren desert dust staring blankly,
    blinkless to each gust
with eyes as holes and empty trust
I exemplify the LONE

ONE
looks down from stark sun
caught bare I can not run
knowing this, I am undone
and blistering heat becomes some comfort
    where our souls might meet
sorrow sucks from joy's warmed teat

multiplied by ONE

still working on the hope of bardic transference after sleeping on Cadair Idris

Hark Dark Night

Hark Dark Night

Hark

Dark Night

Light Flies

Sighs Hiss

Kiss Fears

Years Pass

Ass Speaks

Freaks Bard

Scarred Mind

Kind Word

Heard Late

Fate Dodged

Lodged Dreams

Streams Free

Flee Dark

Hark

Light

 

First Saturday of October - yes, crowds are beginning

It is hard to find parking in town, and people are milling the streets.  We haven't begin the outreach officially, so I am still preparing things for action, but here are a few shots from the street this morning.

Pics from One Day Before Halloween

It is 9:30 on Thursday Night in 2010.  The night before Halloween.  At least, the night before Halloween in Salem begins.  It's September 30th, and October 1st marks the beginning of Halloween in Salem, MA.  We are the Halloween capitol of the world for sure.  So here are a few things going on today in Salem, MA - the day before Halloween.

Pics from Salem, MA - 2 days before October

 

 It's almost Halloween in Salem, MA.  In fact, it really starts in 2 days.  October 1st is the unofficial, but everybody knows it is, beginning of Halloween in our town.  Here are a few shots on this Thursday afternoon in downtown Salem near our church.

Do Lectures - Maggie Doyne

Maggie Doyne.

She's 23 and already has 30 children.  Wow!  What a story.  Really you need to hear it.  This is reason number two you should join the Do Lectures.

Craig Mod at The Do Lectures

Okay, this is part of my list of 1,000 things to DO before I die.  Well, I wasn't there last week, but it is now coming up on the web.  So here is one of the lectures from The Do Lectures in West Wales.  Worth listening to, especially for all my friends who blog, write, think, and act out important issues in life.

Phil Wyman by Tyler Junker

A few weeks ago I was at The Gulu-Gulu Cafe in Salem, MA with Josh.  We met Caroline and Tyler Junker (mom and son), and they decided to hang with us as well.  Tyler took me on as an art project over the evening, and now I have the drawing at home.  Dang! is he good? or what?

Thanks Tyler.

Bury me here

Blackout by Tracy Ann Williams

Arriving by air from Wales I received my copy of Blackout on a Thursday, and was headed down to Washington DC for a 3 day retreat.  I started the book on Friday night, but due to the pace of the conference I did not return to it until Monday, which was a day off for me.  By Tuesday I finished reading the Blackout.

Blackout is a self-published book by Tracy Ann Williams, the self described Welsh Mountain Girl - exhibitionist - writer looking for a publisher to take notice.  Sounds like me:  well, not the Mountain Girl - exhibitionist part, but the rest of it.  She calls herself the "Naked Blonde Writer," which I am sure gets significant attention on Twitter, and probably more than a few undesirable requests.

Since nothing Welsh on Twitter gets by me for too long, I happened upon Tracy some months back shortly before my trip to Wales.  I tried to connect with her in Wales to pick up a book while I traversed the nation from South to North and back again, but I am sure that strange Americans asking Naked Blonde Writers for a personal delivery of their books are frequent and sketchy propositions.  So it was a couple months later I received it via the volcano-dust delayed air routes.

Back to the book:

Blackout is a raw, dark, and desperate picture of Rhondda Valley life among druggies, and factory workers.  It is  filled with F-bombs, anger, wild dreams, and hopelessly trapped people caught on the painful knife edge of poverty and addiction.  It is not something which would typically make my list of of books, but then the picture with a stack of some of the other things I am reading right now might suggest that.

The mountain wandering protagonist, a 29 year old blonde meets the dreamer boy, wannabe rockstar from the moneyed English family and they stomp off angrily toward his dreams of success in a secluded house in the Brecon Beacons of South Wales.  (I am sure I have driven by that house, even though this is a fictional tale.)

English privilege is juxtaposed against the struggling Welsh working class.  A deadly paced party life stands against a healthy on the outside only well-to-do lifestyle.  The hopelessness of the daily drudgery of the working class, and Valley addicts is contrasted with the laissez-faire attitude of the rich who do not have to work or scrape along for survival.

I have a pre-release copy, which still had corrections to make before final printing, so the beginning of the book was chopped up a bit with sections printed twice, misspellings, and incorrect chapter divisions.  Despite that it read smoothly enough, generally transitioned well.  The second half of the book moves at a frenetic pace like an action novel.  It lifts you toward hope, and drops you toward despair, and captures a wild bi-polar movement in between the two extremes.

Don't read this if you are thinking of moving to the Rhondda, because it won't encourage you.  Don't read it if you are troubled by nightmares after dark readings.  Do read it if you like dark literature, don't mind F-bombs, and certainly read it if you like to support new writers, or artists coming out of Wales.  It is a good read.

Tracy is a talented, Welsh mountain hermit actress who spent some years in Hollywood and now likes stay on top of the mountain only to pop out every now and then and show off.

You can get your copy of Blackout from Amazon.  If you get it, blog about it, and pass the word on. You can find out more about Tracy on her website.

So Cymru am byth! and buy a book to support struggling artists and for the sake of easing your aching hiraeth.

Poem: The Woes of the Ornamental Sword

 

 

The Woes of the Ornamental Sword

standing sword, in the corner

unsharpened, tarnished blade pointing downward

too dangerous for play

too benign for war

standing sword, in the corner

casts its thin shadow toward the coward

too alike are they

too hopeful for more

standing sword, in the corner

a naked, unsheathed blade facing forward

too violent to pray

too far from the door