Friday, January 16, 2015

Here's a New One

My latest letter to the editor:

For probably the first time ever Charles Krauthammer, President Obama and I all agree on something (sort of).  Chuck and I agree that the President is 'ambivalent' about the 'war on terror.'  The President and I agree that ambivalence (at least) is the way to feel.  Because while we do despise terrorism and condemn the people and groups that practice it we also detest war.  How could we not be ambivalent?

So here's something I want you to consider.  It won't be the first time you've heard this, either.  Maybe (just maybe), after thirteen years and counting of a 'War On Terror,' with no end in sight, MAYBE we need to consider the possibility that 'War Is Not The Answer.'

You think?

Friday, January 9, 2015

Faith?

We were talking about the upcoming Packers-Cowboys game last night and I shared my belief that the Packers could very well lose.  And the guy said to me, 'you sure don't have much faith.'

And I said well no, I suppose I don't. 

But why would I?  They're going to play Sunday.  One team will win, one will lose.  My faith or lack of same will play no part.  So it doesn't help them win.  Is it supposed to help me, so I don't 'despair' in the days before, maybe?  No need, I feel just fine.  I'll feel sad if they lose and I'll feel happy if they win but having 'faith' in the interim won't change any of that.

Am I missing something?

Friday, January 2, 2015

2014 Book List

A list of the books I read in the last year:


The Beatles: All These Years Vol. One
Tune In

Mark Lewisohn

The Unfinished Odyssey of Robert Kennedy
David Halberstam

Under The Banner Of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith
Jon Krakauer

Remembering America: A Voice From the Sixties
Richard N. Goodwin

Wilt
An Autobiography by Wilt Chamberlain
and David Shaw

In The Name Of God: The True Story of the Fight
to Save Children From Faith-Healing Homicide

Cameron Stauth

Nice Guys Finish Last
Leo Durocher with Ed Linn

And Man Created God: A History of the World
at the Time of Jesus,
Selina O'Grady

Me Talk Pretty One Day, David Sedaris

The Years of Lyndon Johnson: The Path to Power, Robert Caro

The Years of Lyndon Johnson: Means of Ascent
Robert Caro

Coach: A Season With Lombardi, Tom Dowling

The Years of Lyndon Johnson: Master of the Senate,
Robert Caro

The Years of Lyndon Johnson: The Passage of Power
Robert Caro

The Invisible Bridge: The Fall of Nixon and the Rise of Reagan
Rick Perstein

Marathon Man, William Goldman

Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth,
Reza Aslan

Brothers, William Goldman