Boot's Byword

In a stunning moment of selflessness, a New York man is in the right place, at the right time, and throws himself into the path of an onrushing train to save the life of a total stranger!

In this era of cynical selfishness, in the New York I briefly visited a few years ago, the assembled multitudes would simply have applauded as the victim’’s head, entrails, and assorted sundry other parts variously splashed on or bounced off the walls of the subway station, and would have gone on about their business relatively unaffected. Not so Wesley Autrey, working man, family man, and hero of the day.

OK, so Mr. Autrey, now draped with medals, money, and gifts for his family, will probably never see this blog, but I would like to add my whisper to the general screams of approbation: Mr. Autrey, in addition to saving the life of an unknown teenager, and with little thought for the implications to your own safety, you have reminded us that we should all be looking out for each other, not just for ourselves. You have reminded us to “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, and that “Greater love hath no man but that he give his life for his brother”, regardless of who that brother may be. There are probably similar quotes to be mined from every major religious text, but the example is clear; no matter what religion we espouse, no matter what color our skin is, and no matter that a screaming, roaring behemoth is roaring down the track at us …

Thanks, Mr. Autrey, and I hope you and your family truly enjoy the rewards of your unselfish response to danger.

Sitting here listening to Dave Brubeck’s “Take 5″ as I try to teach myself a bit about HTML. That’s so I can work on my web page at home.gforcecable.com. Dunno whether I am relieved or frustrated over the Dubai ports deal.  In a way I’m really glad that the deal flopped, because I think that it is not a great idea to sell American business to overseas companies.  I don’t think Dubai has any nefarious schemes to undermine our port security, nor do I think that security in general would be compromised by the purchase.  I just don’t like selling off chunks of America to furriners.

Nope, I don’t hate furriners, I just think there’s a right way and a wrong way to do things.  If a person from another country wants to immigrate legally, and jump through all the hoops require to achieve citizenship, more power to ‘em.  After they raise their right hand and take the oath, then they can start buying up properties, and put as many hotels as they want on Boardwalk and Park Place.

The part that really aggravates me though, is the huge fuss that was made over the whole thing, as if the terrorists were going to start pouring in by the thousands through our already leaky borders (and ports).   The fact that the Dubai outfit are Arabs doesn’t say anything about their character, honesty, loyalty to friends, or business-like diligence.  They are probably smart, forward-thinking fellows just trying to make an honest buck, and I don’t blame them for trying.

OK – now go out and get a life!    

As I woke up this morning, I remembered dreaming about a gathering of people I have cherished.  It was entirely a fantasy, as I have never been able to get more than a few friends into a room at one time, but it was great.  All the people in the dream were real people I have known and cared about, and have not seen for years.  Maybe if I say their names here you will recognize a name and perhaps I will see some of them again some day, God willing.

Marie Magill – Franklin High School, class of ‘65.   Played clarinet.  We used to do our homework together sometimes.  Marie was planning to be a nurse.

Sharon Mannon – disappeared from my life after 5th grade – we sometimes walked home from school together, discussing all sorts of strange things.

Carol Unruh – Lost track after 6th grade.  Last time I saw Carol, we had spent a day at Green Lake, for which I had walked 15 miles and got a bit of a sunburn.  I have no doubt Carol is an artist somewhere, as she was incredibly talented.

Bill Rooks – gave me my first real motorcycle ride.  Bill, wherever you are, thank you so much for opening that door to me – I have been riding 40 years and just love it.

Joe D’Andrea – the spelling might be wrong – if so, forgive me, Joe – perhaps Joe was my first boyfriend – perhaps I didn’t realize it until after I wrote to him in ‘Nam and told him I had met a guy – Joe stopped writing.   Joe sent me jump wings from Fort Benning, GA as he accepted assignment to 82nd Airborne.  Joe, if you are out there, please get in touch.  I owe you on a bet we made when I was 16 – remember?

Frank Lill – Frank, if you remember me, you KNOW why I remember you!  Keep your beautiful smile on!

If any of you very special people sees this blog, do email me on yahoo – if you, the reader, know any of these people, let them know that I still care and would love to hear from them.

The Lord works in mysterious ways, and uses some very strange tools!  Be one of them.

I am dismayed to see that the media are treating the criminals who sneak into this country as immigrants.  An immigrant is a person who, for whatever reason, goes through the proper legal process to enter this country, and who wants to become a productive, contributing member of our nation and culture.  Immigrants are hard-working people who want nothing more than a chance to live in a free society, raise their children safe from religious persecution or police-state oppression, and earn a good life – they want to live the American Dream and are not afraid or ashamed to work hard for it.

I note that in many news media stories, both in the papers and over TV and radio, illegals are termed "immigrants", and the counter-protesters are termed “anti-immigration”.  This is entirely wrong!!!  I don’t know anyone who is anti-immigration — this country was founded on and built by immigration, and immigrants have always been the strength of this country.  They have been entrepreneurs, loyal employees, dedicated participants in local government, and outspoken forces for improvement in the American way of life.

Those who have entered this country illegally have already shown their disregard for law and order, and their disrespect for authority.  They spent yesterday calling for justice, but have no concept of what the term means.  They have already gotten a better deal than “justice” would have given them.  Justice would have sent them home in chains and shame, never to return.

Real immigrants get respect from most Americans, as we know the history of this country and its dependence on immigration to keep our country the wonderful "melting pot" that it is.  The illegals have only increased the anger quotient in this country — perhaps that is what was intended.  Wouldn’t it be ironic if the backlash from their attempt to intimidate real citizens (and those dedicated to becoming citizens) resulted in enough civil unrest to destroy the progress all imigrants have made over 200+ years?   America cannot afford to rescind its invitation to the oppressed and downtrodden – we would be much less if we did that.  We also cannot afford to welcome into our bosom the anti-American wavers of foreign flags who demand, rather than earn, the rights of citizenship here.

I hope our national leadership will take serious note of the inflammatory rhetoric seen on May 1, and realize that it was backed by people with no intention of contributing to this country.  I sincerely hope that our national leadership will take a strong stance to stop illegal entry into this country and control the flow of hate that crosses our borders daily (and nightly).

True immigrants come here to love and strengthen America – I salute them.

For many years, leaders among the black subculture have concerned themselves with equal access to American culture in general. The result has been a welcome inclusion of blacks in all aspects of the American life. Today, however, there is a serious problem. Some of the worst stereotypes are being exploited in sitcoms and “reality” shows, which results in a very poor portrayal of black Americans, particularly women.

When I was growing up in the Seattle area, there was a broadly diverse population, with mixed schools and churches the norm rather than the exception. I never learned some of the harsh lessons that were standard in other parts of the country until much later in life. Last week, not feeling too well, I spent much more time in front of the TV than is normal for me. I was stunned to see that strong and beautiful black women now only come in one size (“Queen” size?) and are only allowed to speak in vulgarities, screamed at the top of their lungs and accompanied with much head-wobbling and finger shaking! Where is the dignity and self-respect? Do all black women spend their spare time seeking the baby’s daddy? Do they all break into hysterical, screaming, floor-banging tantrums when some guy turns out not to be the daddy? This is not the way I learned to appreciate people. Maury Povich, die of shame!

Bill Cosby, an educated, intelligent and courageous man who can also be funny, has spoken to the world regarding the way the black community allows itself the self-destructive behavior that is now the norm for many black youngsters. These kids, with so much potential for love and achievement, are being blinded by self-hatred, seeing themselves in the lousy portrait shown in the media. Cosby tries, apparently in vain, to encourage blacks to break the vicious spiral that will result in many young people without educations, with only criminal enterprise to fund their lives, with only poorly-behaved athletes as role-models. Cosby gets raked over the coals for his efforts. Why!

Perhaps the “liberal” media have patted the black man/woman on the head, patronizingly, for just too long. Perhaps the societal conditioning, the unspoken “You can’t make it without our help” has finally really taken root. Maybe too many black people really believe the stereotypes foisted upon them. That is really a shame. During my time in the military service and in civilian jobs, I have met and worked with so many intelligent and competent black people that I know the stereotypes are not accurate. I have too much respect for the hard work and daily courage of those I have known. I am truly disgusted by the way an entire ethnic group is “dissed” on a daily basis by those who pretend to offer access or help.

Black children are not all thugs. Black women are not all unwed mothers with huge chips on their shoulders, and not all black men spend all their time on street corners or in jail. Not all black girls in their early teens are willing to prostitute themselves in order to get drugs and babies, and black children don’t have to speak in “Ebonics” to be black, and getting the best education you can in school is not “acting white”. Common sense is not a racial characteristic limited to whites. Black americans don’t have to give in to the sense of hopelessness our media tries to foster among them.

It is time for black leaders to show some leadership. Instead of accepting the phony help of the so-called liberals, encourage people of all races to develop themselves, educate themselves, take on challenges, and adopt legal gainful employment. Any legal job, done to the best of your ability, is an opportunity to learn and earn. Assertiveness, not aggressiveness, is a key to getting what you want. Courtesy is a social lubricant, and is much more effective and persuasive than pugnaciousness. Dignity is learned and respect is earned.

Today’s media offers excess, not access, and the only way to fix our culture is from within.

Greetings one and all — this is my first attempt at a blog, so i thought I’d use this moment to introduce myself a bit.

I was born in 1947.  I am female, a retired engineer, and a priest in the Ancient Apostolic Communion.  I’m also a motorcyclist, a veteran (US Navy, ‘73-’77, Army Nat’l Guard ‘79-’82), an amateur radio operator, a beginner at lapidary and woodworking, a voracious reader, and the mom of a wonderful Rottweiler-mix therapy dog.

To those of you to whom it may come as a shock (a female priest?!), I refer you to the paper published on this website, which describes the scriptural and historic precedents.  Although I am a relative newcomer to Orthodoxy, I find it intriguing.  Such a huge history, so much to learn.

Although this may also come as a shock to some, I find my political leanings to be somewhat libertarian, and basically conservative.  I believe in conserving nature in the spirit of good stewardship, but am not a “tree-hugger”.   I believe that hunting and fishing, properly administered, are part of that stewardship.  I love the out-of-doors, and motorcycling joins hunting and fishing among my favorite outdoor activities.

If you read my blog regularly, you will find that I may disagree occasionally when my fellow clergy express their opinions.  This presents me with no problems and, to date, I have no conflict with church policy.  I will respect others’ opinions, but will reserve the right and the responsibility to differ on occasion.  Unless otherwise indicated, my posts are not intended or expected to reflect the policies or opinions of anybody else.  I hope in these posts to enjoy frequent exchanges of opinion with my colleagues, some of which will be meaningful and others trivial.  It will be left up to you which to take to heart.