Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Sing along with me...
...(to the tune of Clay Aiken's hit, Invisible)
If folks weren't ridiculous, then books like The Da Vinci Code wouldn't sell.
If folks would do research, they'd see the errors plain.
But that's all just too much work, and they would rather avoid that pain,
It's really sad to say, but folks are ridiculous
I guess it's gonna stay that way....Ridiculous.
For those who are wondering, I am not sufficiently moisturized to go on American Idol and present this song to all of the land.
...(to the tune of Clay Aiken's hit, Invisible)
If folks weren't ridiculous, then books like The Da Vinci Code wouldn't sell.
If folks would do research, they'd see the errors plain.
But that's all just too much work, and they would rather avoid that pain,
It's really sad to say, but folks are ridiculous
I guess it's gonna stay that way....Ridiculous.
For those who are wondering, I am not sufficiently moisturized to go on American Idol and present this song to all of the land.
The Fruits of Bringing Up Unpleasant Topics Directly but Carefully
Many of my fellow priests make the claim that you really can't preach about abortion because so many women have had abortions that you run the risk of really hurting the case you want to make. I can accept that observation to a point: railing without compassion for those upon whom abortion is afflicted certainly does that. However, that is not what I do.
Instead I tend to split the homily in two: part one focuses outrage at the society who supports abortion, part two focuses upon those who are harmed by abortion to seek healing and help. In other words, the issue is simple but how it affects people isn't.
Now, for those naysayers who will still disagree I offer this email from someone who has heard this message of mine before. This person writes:
"It reminded me of when I was told by my husband that he wanted me to abort my pregnancy. When I got pregnant, my husband did not want any children. Since I had been told it would be medically impossible for me to have children, my husband was very happy. However, through one of God's miracles, I did become pregnant. When I told Larry I was pregnant, he immediately told me that I was going to have an abortion, and his parents told me the same thing. Of course, I told him I was NOT, so he said he would leave me if I had the baby, which he did. I was married, had both an undergraduate
degree and a masters degree, and a good job. So it was not the same decision that many women face. Not to say it was not a scary thought knowing I would probably have to raise my child by myself, I never even considered having an abortion. However, I know it is a difficult decision for many women who are married and their husbands do not want any more children. I appreciated your pointing out that not all abortions are simply from young unmarried women. My heart goes out to those women who are married like I was, but who unlike me, had to follow their husbands wishes for whatever reason. I simply could not imagine not having my child because she has been such a blessing in my life. She has been a true gift from God. So I just wanted to tell you that I thought your sermon Sunday was a very good. I am glad the church has a group like the Rachel group [Rachel's Vineyard] who helps women and men through the aftermath of a
poor decision to abort an unborn child."
To tell the truth about abortion, that abortion resulting in death of a physicial, psychological and spiritual nature, and to tell the whole truth, that the Church doesn't abandon those who seek Christ and want to be healed, is the key to changing hearts and minds concerning abortion.
Many of my fellow priests make the claim that you really can't preach about abortion because so many women have had abortions that you run the risk of really hurting the case you want to make. I can accept that observation to a point: railing without compassion for those upon whom abortion is afflicted certainly does that. However, that is not what I do.
Instead I tend to split the homily in two: part one focuses outrage at the society who supports abortion, part two focuses upon those who are harmed by abortion to seek healing and help. In other words, the issue is simple but how it affects people isn't.
Now, for those naysayers who will still disagree I offer this email from someone who has heard this message of mine before. This person writes:
"It reminded me of when I was told by my husband that he wanted me to abort my pregnancy. When I got pregnant, my husband did not want any children. Since I had been told it would be medically impossible for me to have children, my husband was very happy. However, through one of God's miracles, I did become pregnant. When I told Larry I was pregnant, he immediately told me that I was going to have an abortion, and his parents told me the same thing. Of course, I told him I was NOT, so he said he would leave me if I had the baby, which he did. I was married, had both an undergraduate
degree and a masters degree, and a good job. So it was not the same decision that many women face. Not to say it was not a scary thought knowing I would probably have to raise my child by myself, I never even considered having an abortion. However, I know it is a difficult decision for many women who are married and their husbands do not want any more children. I appreciated your pointing out that not all abortions are simply from young unmarried women. My heart goes out to those women who are married like I was, but who unlike me, had to follow their husbands wishes for whatever reason. I simply could not imagine not having my child because she has been such a blessing in my life. She has been a true gift from God. So I just wanted to tell you that I thought your sermon Sunday was a very good. I am glad the church has a group like the Rachel group [Rachel's Vineyard] who helps women and men through the aftermath of a
poor decision to abort an unborn child."
To tell the truth about abortion, that abortion resulting in death of a physicial, psychological and spiritual nature, and to tell the whole truth, that the Church doesn't abandon those who seek Christ and want to be healed, is the key to changing hearts and minds concerning abortion.
Another Generation of American Heroes Passes Away
I am awed by the generation that fought the Second World War. My father is one of those as a Navy serviceman aboard the U.S.S. Ticonderoga in the Pacific Theater. For a brief moment, the nation came together because of a common goal in staving off a common threat.
I am further awed by the generation that fought for civil rights in the U.S., especially for African Americans. The priest I was assigned with in my first assigment marched on Selma. While on retreat, Fr. Benedict mentioned his involvement in the civil rights movement. Thus, you never know when or where you will run afoul of commonplace, unsung, unmentioned hero. To Mrs. King, I say, resquiacat in pace.
I would use this opportunity as well to remind all readers about a fight that continues in our own time. Abortion reads in many ways like slavery, prinicipally in the notion that some people are more human than others. Even if R.v.W. were overturned tomorrow, the work would only be beginning. There would be the wounded who need healing to be attended to. There would be the culture which would have to be led to respecting life and to seeing babies as an intimate, indespensible part of conjugal actions.
My father served proudly and somewhat anonymously for freedom. The Kings served and gave their lives for the freedom of the country man. Perhaps, you and I, anonymous heroes in training, might do the same.
I am awed by the generation that fought the Second World War. My father is one of those as a Navy serviceman aboard the U.S.S. Ticonderoga in the Pacific Theater. For a brief moment, the nation came together because of a common goal in staving off a common threat.
I am further awed by the generation that fought for civil rights in the U.S., especially for African Americans. The priest I was assigned with in my first assigment marched on Selma. While on retreat, Fr. Benedict mentioned his involvement in the civil rights movement. Thus, you never know when or where you will run afoul of commonplace, unsung, unmentioned hero. To Mrs. King, I say, resquiacat in pace.
I would use this opportunity as well to remind all readers about a fight that continues in our own time. Abortion reads in many ways like slavery, prinicipally in the notion that some people are more human than others. Even if R.v.W. were overturned tomorrow, the work would only be beginning. There would be the wounded who need healing to be attended to. There would be the culture which would have to be led to respecting life and to seeing babies as an intimate, indespensible part of conjugal actions.
My father served proudly and somewhat anonymously for freedom. The Kings served and gave their lives for the freedom of the country man. Perhaps, you and I, anonymous heroes in training, might do the same.
Eeeeexcellent
For those who are wondering, the reason, in my mind, why a filibuster of this Supreme Court nom would torpedo Democratic hopes in '08 had little to do with abortion; it had everything to do with a sense of fair play which Americans enshrine before all else. If the Republicans had played the card right, the claim could have been made that the Democrats are simply "haters" who can't come up with their own devices and strategies. So Reid and others who said, "NO!" to filibuster had this in mind I suspect.
For those who are wondering, the reason, in my mind, why a filibuster of this Supreme Court nom would torpedo Democratic hopes in '08 had little to do with abortion; it had everything to do with a sense of fair play which Americans enshrine before all else. If the Republicans had played the card right, the claim could have been made that the Democrats are simply "haters" who can't come up with their own devices and strategies. So Reid and others who said, "NO!" to filibuster had this in mind I suspect.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
2006 Catholic Blog Awards
It is that time of year again: to nominate your favorite frothing, simian clerics for various awards because of the news, thoughts, self-reflection, and banter you enjoy here at Catholic Ragemonkey! This one almost slipped under the radar screen as I was just about to turn off my computer (after having done some Sunday evening office work -- a priest's work is never done) and go to the rectory to retire for the evening. But just then I remembered: Hey, when are those Catholic Blog Awards? So, I checked it out and lo and behold, nominations open tomorrow, January 30 and continue through February 3, 2006.
So, nominate away and then don't forget to return to vote during the voting week! The link to the Catholic Blog Awards is above in the title of the post. I am assuming that the link will open to a nomination page once tomorrow begins. If not, you may have to hunt around a bit to make nominations.
It is that time of year again: to nominate your favorite frothing, simian clerics for various awards because of the news, thoughts, self-reflection, and banter you enjoy here at Catholic Ragemonkey! This one almost slipped under the radar screen as I was just about to turn off my computer (after having done some Sunday evening office work -- a priest's work is never done) and go to the rectory to retire for the evening. But just then I remembered: Hey, when are those Catholic Blog Awards? So, I checked it out and lo and behold, nominations open tomorrow, January 30 and continue through February 3, 2006.
So, nominate away and then don't forget to return to vote during the voting week! The link to the Catholic Blog Awards is above in the title of the post. I am assuming that the link will open to a nomination page once tomorrow begins. If not, you may have to hunt around a bit to make nominations.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Oh, please please please somebody get me tickets for this...
Once I hear something firmer, I guess I will have to envoke the power of the Hegemony to arrange a private audience...
Once I hear something firmer, I guess I will have to envoke the power of the Hegemony to arrange a private audience...
Thursday, January 26, 2006
I believe the technical term for this is sour grapes...
...and/or how to torpedo next Democratic Presidential Candidate's bid in advance. Not that I am advocating that (smiles looks innocent thanks to holographic generator on loan from Alexander Luthor).
...and/or how to torpedo next Democratic Presidential Candidate's bid in advance. Not that I am advocating that (smiles looks innocent thanks to holographic generator on loan from Alexander Luthor).
The Assets of Classical Formation
As most readers know, in high school and college, I took Latin. This was before I became Catholic. I wanted to know Latin because it seemed right up my alley. Well, after my conversion and ordination, Latin has served me well over and over in ways I can scarcely count at this remove.
Case in point, while work with the college students last night, I came across a very provocative word in Benedict's new encyclical. In paragraph 5, he describes the relation of body to soul in the Church's thought as "Christian faith, on the other hand, has always considered man a unity in duality, a reality in which spirit and matter compenetrate, and in which each is brought to a new nobility." It's that word, "compenetrate," which caught my eye. It reminded me of the Church's language surrounding the Trinity (circumincessio in the West and perichoresis in the East) which strives to describe how intimate the bond and how complete the bond is between each of the persons of the Trinity. In the English roots, they, body and soul, penetrate with and through each other. In the course of the evening, someone had asked what the original language for the encyclical would be and I explained how Latin is the typical language, etc. But that led me to a curious question. How had the Latin typical edition (the edition from which all translations must take their cues) rendered this word "compenetrate"?
Well, thanks to Boeciana, I found the link to the Latin edition of DCE and looked up the relevant phrase. Then I hopped up and got my dictionary and proceeded to search. Here's the same sentence from paragraph 5 in Latin: "Ex contrario hominem semper iudicavit christiana fides tamquam ens unum et duplex, in quo spiritus et materies mutuo miscentur, dum ita profecto alterutrum novam experitur nobilitatem." (Emphasis added.) I have highlighted two key phrases for understanding what the Holy Father is getting at. First, "ens" refers to the essence of something, what something is in itself versus its "existens" which is how it makes itself known or presents itself. So, the question of man being composed of body and soul is not secondary in the mind of the Church; it is ESSENTIAL to catch the double dimension of our nature. If you don't you run the risk of completely distorting the essence and identity of the human person. Second, the word "compenetrate" in English represents the phrase "mutuo miscentur" from the Latin. This is where it gets interesting. "Mutuo" means mutually or reciprocially with the possible connotations of borrowed or lent. "Miscentur" is the passive form of the verb "miscere" which means to mix or to combine or to unite. That's very telling. Body and soul in the human are brought together by God -- that's why the phrase passive. The person is always on the receiving end of this uniting. The body comes from a unique interaction of love by the parents and a providentially guided interaction of two half-sets of DNA. The soul is a unique creation from God. But the human person is the outcome of the uniting of BOTH! Hence, the person you are is not just simply a soul in a body; the person you are is soul-body/body-soul composite which constitutes the real frontiers of your particular identity. Written into your nature (ens) is the reciprocial union which finds expression in all sorts of ways, good and bad (existens). But to long to be without a body is to desire the literal sundering of your humanity; you would simply cease to be.
And that takes us to love. If the compenetration of body and soul works this way, then so much eros and agape. Granted that eros needs purifying, it doesn't change the fact that to act as though eros isn't part of the human make-up degrades our humanity. The passion of love (eros) meets in the ecstasy which seeks the ultimate good and the ultimate gift of love, the one who is utterly other (agape), namely God. This love will always reach its perfection in God who is love. It is his nature, his ens, to be love.
Hence, since we are made in the image and likeness of God, the degree to which I cease to love, I cease to be. Frightening prospect, isn't it?
As most readers know, in high school and college, I took Latin. This was before I became Catholic. I wanted to know Latin because it seemed right up my alley. Well, after my conversion and ordination, Latin has served me well over and over in ways I can scarcely count at this remove.
Case in point, while work with the college students last night, I came across a very provocative word in Benedict's new encyclical. In paragraph 5, he describes the relation of body to soul in the Church's thought as "Christian faith, on the other hand, has always considered man a unity in duality, a reality in which spirit and matter compenetrate, and in which each is brought to a new nobility." It's that word, "compenetrate," which caught my eye. It reminded me of the Church's language surrounding the Trinity (circumincessio in the West and perichoresis in the East) which strives to describe how intimate the bond and how complete the bond is between each of the persons of the Trinity. In the English roots, they, body and soul, penetrate with and through each other. In the course of the evening, someone had asked what the original language for the encyclical would be and I explained how Latin is the typical language, etc. But that led me to a curious question. How had the Latin typical edition (the edition from which all translations must take their cues) rendered this word "compenetrate"?
Well, thanks to Boeciana, I found the link to the Latin edition of DCE and looked up the relevant phrase. Then I hopped up and got my dictionary and proceeded to search. Here's the same sentence from paragraph 5 in Latin: "Ex contrario hominem semper iudicavit christiana fides tamquam ens unum et duplex, in quo spiritus et materies mutuo miscentur, dum ita profecto alterutrum novam experitur nobilitatem." (Emphasis added.) I have highlighted two key phrases for understanding what the Holy Father is getting at. First, "ens" refers to the essence of something, what something is in itself versus its "existens" which is how it makes itself known or presents itself. So, the question of man being composed of body and soul is not secondary in the mind of the Church; it is ESSENTIAL to catch the double dimension of our nature. If you don't you run the risk of completely distorting the essence and identity of the human person. Second, the word "compenetrate" in English represents the phrase "mutuo miscentur" from the Latin. This is where it gets interesting. "Mutuo" means mutually or reciprocially with the possible connotations of borrowed or lent. "Miscentur" is the passive form of the verb "miscere" which means to mix or to combine or to unite. That's very telling. Body and soul in the human are brought together by God -- that's why the phrase passive. The person is always on the receiving end of this uniting. The body comes from a unique interaction of love by the parents and a providentially guided interaction of two half-sets of DNA. The soul is a unique creation from God. But the human person is the outcome of the uniting of BOTH! Hence, the person you are is not just simply a soul in a body; the person you are is soul-body/body-soul composite which constitutes the real frontiers of your particular identity. Written into your nature (ens) is the reciprocial union which finds expression in all sorts of ways, good and bad (existens). But to long to be without a body is to desire the literal sundering of your humanity; you would simply cease to be.
And that takes us to love. If the compenetration of body and soul works this way, then so much eros and agape. Granted that eros needs purifying, it doesn't change the fact that to act as though eros isn't part of the human make-up degrades our humanity. The passion of love (eros) meets in the ecstasy which seeks the ultimate good and the ultimate gift of love, the one who is utterly other (agape), namely God. This love will always reach its perfection in God who is love. It is his nature, his ens, to be love.
Hence, since we are made in the image and likeness of God, the degree to which I cease to love, I cease to be. Frightening prospect, isn't it?
I know I should be doing something more productive...
So, I am sitting here, thinking about a previous conversation I had with Fr. H concerning RCIA, at least in its catechetical dimension. To the point, I am not satisfied with my own presentations this year and again am thinking of revamping the shape of next year's classes. Of course, every year is a little different given the flexible and moveable nature of Easter. But this summer, if I can keep myself and Fr. H on point, I think we are going to have a meeting of the minds and try to model each other's RCIA presentations off of each other. This would mean composing and researching the same points together, perhaps resulting in a general set of outlines and citations that we could use in whatever way we want. Also, to that end, we would work on Powerpoint presentations to use in the RCIA classes.
Now, up front, and I am sure Fr. H would admit this publicly, that he is something of a techphobe. All this new fangled stuff is needed, but quite frankly gives him hives. This means that I would be holding his hand through the whole process and essentially (probably) having to make all the slides for all the presentations. Note, I am not complaining (for once). I recognize my cool, Borg-like exterior allows me to interface with technology more expertly and confidently. However, this leads to a quandry.
If I buy a new laptop, and yes, I would need a new one given the age of its predecessor, what presentation software should I use? I am more comfortable with WP/Corel products but the Microsoft industry (speaking of the Borg) is more ubiquitious. That's an added bonus in that, should we decide to publish both book, with outlines and slideshows, most folks would prefer MS. But that is way down the line. The immediate question is which one to choose? Do you folks have any sort of ideas?
As a side note, Fr. H would probably have to load the software on his new laptop so that would have to be factored in. I wonder if Dell would give a discount for multiple purchases...
So, I am sitting here, thinking about a previous conversation I had with Fr. H concerning RCIA, at least in its catechetical dimension. To the point, I am not satisfied with my own presentations this year and again am thinking of revamping the shape of next year's classes. Of course, every year is a little different given the flexible and moveable nature of Easter. But this summer, if I can keep myself and Fr. H on point, I think we are going to have a meeting of the minds and try to model each other's RCIA presentations off of each other. This would mean composing and researching the same points together, perhaps resulting in a general set of outlines and citations that we could use in whatever way we want. Also, to that end, we would work on Powerpoint presentations to use in the RCIA classes.
Now, up front, and I am sure Fr. H would admit this publicly, that he is something of a techphobe. All this new fangled stuff is needed, but quite frankly gives him hives. This means that I would be holding his hand through the whole process and essentially (probably) having to make all the slides for all the presentations. Note, I am not complaining (for once). I recognize my cool, Borg-like exterior allows me to interface with technology more expertly and confidently. However, this leads to a quandry.
If I buy a new laptop, and yes, I would need a new one given the age of its predecessor, what presentation software should I use? I am more comfortable with WP/Corel products but the Microsoft industry (speaking of the Borg) is more ubiquitious. That's an added bonus in that, should we decide to publish both book, with outlines and slideshows, most folks would prefer MS. But that is way down the line. The immediate question is which one to choose? Do you folks have any sort of ideas?
As a side note, Fr. H would probably have to load the software on his new laptop so that would have to be factored in. I wonder if Dell would give a discount for multiple purchases...
I'm thinking of building a summer home here...
...and when I say "summer home," I really mean place to install orbital mind control lasers and take over the planet. It'll be a humble little abode with PS2 hookups and all the rest. The difference is the PS2 controllers will give access to surveillence satellites and the ground force deployment webhost.
...and when I say "summer home," I really mean place to install orbital mind control lasers and take over the planet. It'll be a humble little abode with PS2 hookups and all the rest. The difference is the PS2 controllers will give access to surveillence satellites and the ground force deployment webhost.
No More Lurking in Shadows!
I saw this announcement on several other blogs and thought it might be a nice feature. Today is a day of amnesty from lurking. Lurking happens when a reader reads but never comments and you know who you are. However, the rest of us would like to know who you are also. So, for today only, the comments boxes are for those who have either never commented or have commented infrequently, let's say, less than once in six months but have been reading this blog nonetheless. It should prove an amusing event.
Also, for everyone, if you haven't taken the time, add your pin to the Frapper map. You can find your way there via the side bar. I know I shouldn't be competing, but we have got to be more popular than Dappled Things, and he has twice as many pins.
I saw this announcement on several other blogs and thought it might be a nice feature. Today is a day of amnesty from lurking. Lurking happens when a reader reads but never comments and you know who you are. However, the rest of us would like to know who you are also. So, for today only, the comments boxes are for those who have either never commented or have commented infrequently, let's say, less than once in six months but have been reading this blog nonetheless. It should prove an amusing event.
Also, for everyone, if you haven't taken the time, add your pin to the Frapper map. You can find your way there via the side bar. I know I shouldn't be competing, but we have got to be more popular than Dappled Things, and he has twice as many pins.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
First off the block with an excellent form
For those who are waiting for me to type up something on the new encyclical, you can feast on my buddy, Karl, that swinging philosophy teacher hunkered down in the upper midwest. He has a good sense of the larger picture into which the encyclical is thrust. Now, to see if I can match him in any form of intellect...
For those who are waiting for me to type up something on the new encyclical, you can feast on my buddy, Karl, that swinging philosophy teacher hunkered down in the upper midwest. He has a good sense of the larger picture into which the encyclical is thrust. Now, to see if I can match him in any form of intellect...
A Change of Plans
As most readers know, I have been conducting a School of Community along the lines of CL for the benefit of my college students here in Alva and its environs. For the most part, the program has been successful even if attendance has been uneven. At any rate, one of the key elements of CL's School of Community is the interaction during discussions of one of Msgr. Giussani's books. However, after what I have seen in the news today, I think I am going to shelve that for the next four weeks.
You see, Giussani will be with us always; the buzz (and some degree of misunderstanding) surrounding the Holy Father's encyclical will not. So, while the iron is hot, I am striking. For the next month, my college group will be reading and discussing (and hopefully, applying) the contents of Benedict's masterful encyclical. I, for one, am encouraged, enlightened and excited at the theological prowess expressed in this document. I hope the college students will be as well.
Remember us in your prayers, therefore. We start tonight. And yes, I already read, and going re-read the introduction, and then post something, assuming Blogger obeys.
As most readers know, I have been conducting a School of Community along the lines of CL for the benefit of my college students here in Alva and its environs. For the most part, the program has been successful even if attendance has been uneven. At any rate, one of the key elements of CL's School of Community is the interaction during discussions of one of Msgr. Giussani's books. However, after what I have seen in the news today, I think I am going to shelve that for the next four weeks.
You see, Giussani will be with us always; the buzz (and some degree of misunderstanding) surrounding the Holy Father's encyclical will not. So, while the iron is hot, I am striking. For the next month, my college group will be reading and discussing (and hopefully, applying) the contents of Benedict's masterful encyclical. I, for one, am encouraged, enlightened and excited at the theological prowess expressed in this document. I hope the college students will be as well.
Remember us in your prayers, therefore. We start tonight. And yes, I already read, and going re-read the introduction, and then post something, assuming Blogger obeys.
Go Away, Kid; Ya Bother Me!
I wanted to blog about more things but right now I am up to my haunches in the Holy Father's new encyclical. Ooooooh, Baby! It is something else. I have had so many moments of "ah ha!" during said encyclical that I lost count of them. Therefore, I will be back the instant I get this finished, thought about, and then make some plans from it. The immediate thing which occurs to me is the employing of the encyclical in this weekend's homily. I am telling you all this so that you can plan a road trip up here to hear the connection I made between this encyclical and the Gospel reading this week, "Behold a new teaching with real authority."
Jealous?
I wanted to blog about more things but right now I am up to my haunches in the Holy Father's new encyclical. Ooooooh, Baby! It is something else. I have had so many moments of "ah ha!" during said encyclical that I lost count of them. Therefore, I will be back the instant I get this finished, thought about, and then make some plans from it. The immediate thing which occurs to me is the employing of the encyclical in this weekend's homily. I am telling you all this so that you can plan a road trip up here to hear the connection I made between this encyclical and the Gospel reading this week, "Behold a new teaching with real authority."
Jealous?
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Main Stream Media (MSM) must be stopped!
I was innocently enjoying some coffee this morning with the Today show on television. I know. Mistake number one: I had the Today show on. Oh well. I usually have it on only to hear the top of the hour national news briefs. Here is a synopsis of what was reported this morning which sent me into a rage, requiring a phone call to Fr. Tharp.
The following was reported: (Again, this is a paraphrase). Anne Curry: And finally this morning, a teenage boy is claiming he was humiliated by his teacher in class for wearing a Denver Broncos jersey to school. On Friday, two days before the Broncos game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, the 17 year old boy wore the jersey to school. He claims the teacher instructed students to throw wadded up pieces of paper at him and that he was made to sit on the floor while taking his mid-term exam. The teacher claims it was just good-natured fun and he can't believe the student is making such claims about the episode.
Sounds rather inappropriate of the alleged teacher, huh? Well, at this point, Ms. Curry, having finished the news desk update, turned back to Matt Lauer and Campbell Brown (filling in for Katie Couric). Matt said, What do you think about that story? I can see how the event would make the kid feel humiliated. Anne then added, Well, apparently it was a class on ethnicity and the teacher was trying to help the kids understand what it is like to feel ostracized.
This is where I went nuts. WHAT!? Okay, does anyone at NBC think this information might have been helpful with the story as it was originally presented? Why is this information coming out as an aside via banter between MSM bimbos and bozos (though Fr. Tharp claims Lauer qualifies as a bimbo too)? First of all, this isn't news and our time ought not have been wasted with it. But, since the MSM decided to report it, why was this later information not given in the original report? So, let me get this straight. And, yes, I was screaming this observation this morning in the rectory as I described what happened over the phone to Fr. Tharp.
A teacher has a class about ethnicity in which he is trying to make students aware of what it feels like to be ostracized. He directs this lesson at a student, properly enrolled in said class on ethnicity (we can presume), by making fun of his Denver Broncos jersey. AND IT IS LEGITIMATE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT BEING HUMILIATED WHEN YOU ARE IN THE CLASS TO BEGIN WITH????!!!! YOU KNOW WHAT NBC, ONCE YOU TELL ME ALL THE INFORMATION -- GOSH -- NOW THE EPISODE SEEMS TO MAKE SENSE TO ME!!!!!! AND IF ANY OF THIS IS TRUE, WHAT IS THE NOISE ABOUT? WHO CARES? THE CLASS ON ETHNICITY DEMONSTRATES ONE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH MODERN "EDUCATION" WHICH OUGHT TO ALARM US, BUT IF THE BOY DOESN'T WANT TO FEEL OSTRACIZED, THEN HE OUGHT GET OUT OF A CLASS WHOSE OBJECTIVE IS TO TEACH THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING OSTRACIZED. BUT AS LONG AS HE IS ENROLLED, HE HAS NO REASONABLE GROUNDS FOR COMPLAINT.
Aaaagggggggggghhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My coffee was so good up until that point. And the day pretty much went down hill after that. But I'm feeling much better now.
I was innocently enjoying some coffee this morning with the Today show on television. I know. Mistake number one: I had the Today show on. Oh well. I usually have it on only to hear the top of the hour national news briefs. Here is a synopsis of what was reported this morning which sent me into a rage, requiring a phone call to Fr. Tharp.
The following was reported: (Again, this is a paraphrase). Anne Curry: And finally this morning, a teenage boy is claiming he was humiliated by his teacher in class for wearing a Denver Broncos jersey to school. On Friday, two days before the Broncos game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, the 17 year old boy wore the jersey to school. He claims the teacher instructed students to throw wadded up pieces of paper at him and that he was made to sit on the floor while taking his mid-term exam. The teacher claims it was just good-natured fun and he can't believe the student is making such claims about the episode.
Sounds rather inappropriate of the alleged teacher, huh? Well, at this point, Ms. Curry, having finished the news desk update, turned back to Matt Lauer and Campbell Brown (filling in for Katie Couric). Matt said, What do you think about that story? I can see how the event would make the kid feel humiliated. Anne then added, Well, apparently it was a class on ethnicity and the teacher was trying to help the kids understand what it is like to feel ostracized.
This is where I went nuts. WHAT!? Okay, does anyone at NBC think this information might have been helpful with the story as it was originally presented? Why is this information coming out as an aside via banter between MSM bimbos and bozos (though Fr. Tharp claims Lauer qualifies as a bimbo too)? First of all, this isn't news and our time ought not have been wasted with it. But, since the MSM decided to report it, why was this later information not given in the original report? So, let me get this straight. And, yes, I was screaming this observation this morning in the rectory as I described what happened over the phone to Fr. Tharp.
A teacher has a class about ethnicity in which he is trying to make students aware of what it feels like to be ostracized. He directs this lesson at a student, properly enrolled in said class on ethnicity (we can presume), by making fun of his Denver Broncos jersey. AND IT IS LEGITIMATE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT BEING HUMILIATED WHEN YOU ARE IN THE CLASS TO BEGIN WITH????!!!! YOU KNOW WHAT NBC, ONCE YOU TELL ME ALL THE INFORMATION -- GOSH -- NOW THE EPISODE SEEMS TO MAKE SENSE TO ME!!!!!! AND IF ANY OF THIS IS TRUE, WHAT IS THE NOISE ABOUT? WHO CARES? THE CLASS ON ETHNICITY DEMONSTRATES ONE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH MODERN "EDUCATION" WHICH OUGHT TO ALARM US, BUT IF THE BOY DOESN'T WANT TO FEEL OSTRACIZED, THEN HE OUGHT GET OUT OF A CLASS WHOSE OBJECTIVE IS TO TEACH THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING OSTRACIZED. BUT AS LONG AS HE IS ENROLLED, HE HAS NO REASONABLE GROUNDS FOR COMPLAINT.
Aaaagggggggggghhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My coffee was so good up until that point. And the day pretty much went down hill after that. But I'm feeling much better now.
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