Going Home

I find it sad and shameful and cannot help wondering why the loss of Ed McMahon, Michael Jackson, and Farrah Fawcett get all the media attention, tears, and discussion on the airways and elsewhere when they are human beings no more important than the countless innocent (mostly poor) people who die because of U.S. imperial greed and the violence it perpetrates, specifically the 60 that died yesterday in Pakistan by U.S. cowardly drones. Sad how some (rich) human beings rate while others who are equal to (or greater) in God's eyes are ignored by those ultimately responsible for their suffering because of our morally bankrupt lifestyle.

The U.S. is rotting before our eyes because of moral bankruptcy and decay, from Wall Street to Detroit, from the Pentagon to the CIA, to Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, to Colombia, Mexico and the Dominican Republic of Congo (to name but a few), yet we close our eyes and pretend it's not happening while creating unbelievable hysteria over a few individuals of (fleeting) wealth and fame.

Sad that we (falsely) consider ourselves a "Christian" nation yet ignore and reject Mt. 25:31-46, the quintessential passages for judgment, which states whatever we do or fail to do to the least ones we do to Christ Jesus; and other passages that mandate that we love our neighbor as ourselves and become peacemakers rather than warmongers. It seems to me that most here have their priorities utterly backward. We should be mourning the demise of our nation, not a few famous individuals, especially one of questionable moral and ethical character. We should be out in the streets demanding that our (so-called) leaders end the militarization of our society, not spending valuable time on such frivolous matters. May God have mercy on us. May we become a nation of peace with justice.

Nothing personal Michael, but I find it sad and shameful and cannot help wondering why the loss of Ed McMahon, Michael Jackson, and Farrah Fawcett get all the media attention, tears, and discussion on the airways and elsewhere when they are human beings no more important than the countless innocent (mostly poor) people who die because of U.S. imperial greed and the violence it perpetrates, specifically the 60 that died yesterday in Pakistan by U.S. cowardly drones. Sad how some (rich) human beings rate while others who are equal to (or greater) in God's eyes are ignored by those ultimately responsible for their suffering because of our morally bankrupt lifestyle.

The U.S. is rotting before our eyes because of moral bankruptcy and decay, from Wall Street to Detroit, from the Pentagon to the CIA, to Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, to Colombia, Mexico and the Dominican Republic of Congo (to name but a few), yet we close our eyes and pretend it's not happening while creating unbelievable hysteria over a few individuals of (fleeting) wealth and fame.

Sad that we (falsely) consider ourselves a "Christian" nation yet ignore and reject Mt. 25:31-46, the quintessential passages for judgment, which states whatever we do or fail to do to the least ones we do to Christ Jesus; and other passages that mandate that we love our neighbor as ourselves and become peacemakers rather than warmongers. It seems to me that most here have their priorities utterly backward. We should be mourning the demise of our nation, not a few famous individuals, especially one of questionable moral and ethical character. We should be out in the streets demanding that our (so-called) leaders end the militarization of our society, not spending valuable time on such frivolous matters. May God have mercy on us. May we become a nation of peace with justice.

In my humble opinion, celebrity deaths hit us harder because they are reminders that even money and fame cannot save us from the grave.

Also, at least for me, when people tap into their full potential -- as poets, singers, actors, whatever -- for all the world to see, it pumps up my faith in a higher being because you can tell that God had his hands on their effort, that we are truly made in his image.

Oh My Merciful God we humbly ask to, " Grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, courage to change the things we can, and wisdom to know the difference."

Let God be our judge, He wants us to live our lives abundantly...if that means fame and fortune, it's not up to us to jusdge how they get or got that way or what those do with that blessing. Speculate all you want but it's a poor waste of time. Michael Jackson did feed thousands of hungary kids and Farrah Faucet raised awareness to what used to be hidden or kept a "dirty little secret" when it came to domestic abuse. She was also a sex symbol and Michael, an alledged pediphile.
Believe me, if I could pick up a phone and call every country's leader and say, Hi, my name is Yvette from America and we were wondering if you would please stop all war in your country and the torture and the killing and let people be free and happy, I would! The fighting IS shown on our news stations every day! It's just not glamorous and happy and it's shoved in our living rooms till we are immune. Now human nature will respond or want to pay attention more so to the lighter topics and unfortunately that means Hollywood, and to some (no idea why) reality shows, glamour and glitz, bling, etc.
Mike W. the majority of people feel the same way you do, are just as passionate but we are the minority when it comes to the connections to the right people to DO what's right! That is so damn frustrating! We have very little choice then to look to ourselves and do what we can personally to make changes. Common sense is now overrated in many countries. How about Mexico where drugs are the main source of income for that country. DRug cartells (or whatever) organized crime on the borders but Mexico depends on them for thier existence. HOW SAD IS THAT! Yes, I would like to make a call and have a talk with them too. If only it were that easy!
I used to think all the Motown stars were our neighbors when I was growing up. We all lived in Detroit right? I was extra impressed with Michael Jackson cause we were the same age and just kids. I recall the day Greg Barone came over to our house (he was my older sister Yvonne's boyfriend) with his transistor radio playing ABC. He greeted me on our porch steps and said to me, "hear this song Yvette, that's Michael Jackson, the Jackson 5, & they are gonna be famous". Strange the thigs we remember from back then.

Michael,

I do not mean that we should not honor celebrities for their contributions, but many, the media in particular, blow matters completely out of proportion. Why not also honor the dignity and lives of the countless poor who die on our streets or, as said, those whom we kill with our tax dollars and "our way of life," which is a death sentence to countless around the world. These "least ones" are our reality check, why do we see these lives as meaningless, not worth recognition nor sorrow nor repentance? The reality is we do not want to face the evil within that causes the suffering and death of countless innocent human beings the world over. If we did look at ourselves in the mirror, we would not like what we see and therefore be forced to change--which we fear more than anything else. We are, but not necessarily willfully, self-centered, arrogant and greedy, and refuse to admit it and become humble like most of the worlds inhabitants. This is untenable in today's world. Unfortunately (or fortunately), our day of recognition is imminently close. Will we recognize this before it is too late? I sincerely hope so, but I will not hold my breath.

Peace, Mike W.

Yvette,

I am not judging individuals per se (at least not in the aspect of judging one into eternal damnation). However, we have a responsibility to make judgments, as we are informed, we must judge a tree by its fruit--a person or structure by their deeds. As the prophets and Jesus made judgments against the ruling elite, and the unjust structures they upheld, from which they benefited, so do we have the same responsibility.

"He wants us to live our lives abundantly... Sorry, but God NEVER said, nor meant, that there should be rich or poor. Indeed, God warned against the unjust structures and practices that cause and perpetuate poverty and wealth. In the Exodus story God taught the Hebrew people a new way of life contrary to the ways of empire. It is called the the economics of "enough" or "Sabbath Economics": take only as much as one needs to live a dignified life. (Ex. 16:16-30) When practiced, there would be no rich or poor, nor any hierarchal structures. In Deut. 15:4-11 we understand that there should be NO ONE in need, no poverty and no wealthy--whatsoever! And in the Gospels we understand Jesus telling the rich young man to "Go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven. Then, come follow me." (Mt. 19:16-30) Meaning that more often than not, wealth is illegitimate because it is gained off the backs of the weak. Therefore, what Jesus implied is that riches are stolen from the poor and therefore what is not legitimately ours must be returned to those from whom it was stolen. The scriptures, when understood in the context of Jesus' example and mandate to be the fulfillment of the prophets and law, clearly condemns the notion of hoarding and usury, inherent to Capitalism, and any other "isms" that violate God's Covenant, specifically in relation to our relationship with one another. We are indeed our sister's and brother's keeper. Therefore, in the prayer you cited: "Grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, courage to change the things we can, and wisdom to know the difference." We can, and must, stand against this filthy rotten system that perpetuates poverty for most, while a few live in wanton luxury, and the system that overwhelmingly protects the rights of the propertied class, while ignoring and trampling upon the rights of the poor and weak.

"Believe me, if I could pick up a phone and call every country's leader and say..." It would be impossible to call every world leader. But we can, and must, stand up to the (so-called) leaders of OUR nation. It is our God-given right and responsibility to do so. I am not so much referring to the U.S. Constitution, though it does apply, but to our responsibility as followers of Jesus. As stated above, Jesus calls us to "follow" him. Again, he constantly stood against the unjust structures, and those who benefited from them, of his time, therefore, so must we stand in nonviolent resistance to empire and reject all that it has to offer. As it cost him, so it may cost us (pick up your cross and follow me). This is how the early church, first 300 years, lived, and it is to what we must return.

"...but we are the minority when it comes to the connections to the right people to DO what's right!" Yvette, our task is to be faithful to this call, not successful in changing anything, though that too is possible. Christianity was meant to be the alternative to empire, not collaborate with and submit to it. Over the centuries the church has allowed the gospel to be subverted to the point of absurdity. Today there is little difference between what I call the "Americanized Jesus" and the biblical Jesus. When in reality they are polar opposites. Today the gospel is employed to justify Capitalism, yet biblical reality is the opposite.

You mention Mexico and drugs. It is factual that the U.S. is the worlds biggest drug user and the greatest purveyor of guns used in drug trade. What is happening in Mexico, Colombia, Afghanistan (among other nations) falls right back to the "great" ole USA. Both rich and poor here are addicted to and abuse drugs. But it is the poor who pay the highest price in convictions and prison time, and who suffer in the other nations because of our national policies that rely on violence and weapons of mass destruction to keep the drugs (and astronomical profits) flowing. We, as church, must wake up and take responsibility for our lack of interest and fear. Fear is the opposite of faith. Blessings.

Peace, Mike W.

Mike W---STOP ALREADY!!!! We get it, we get it...stop beating people up constantly about how we all arent' doing enough for the poor, the homeless, etc. Again, you don't know what good deeds people do for others so stop with your judgements!
I agree with Mike Happy on why we grieve/watch these celebrity passings and also with Yvette. Please get a grip and stop preaching all the time. Again, why do you always think you are better than the rest of the people that post on here???

Basically, isn't just sufficient to say it is always sad when people leave this earth too soon, no matter what the circumstances? And guess what---people who work hard to become rich aren't evil monsters---you seem to be really hung up on that on a constant basis. You wanna live like a hippie with no personal worth, good for you---I like to live a modest life, work hard for what I have and pray for those less fortunate and do good deeds for those in need.

Not sure what news you watch but I see the war stats everyday and all the tragedy around the globe...if I see something about a celebrity I like it doesn't mean I forgot about the war, the poor, etc. So please....stop the judgements and it's not all about you and your views on how Christians are supposed to live!!!!

Donmar,

From my perspective, you are the one making (inconclusive and error-filled) judgments. You do not seem to get it. I will say it again, please try to understand: I DO NOT believe myself better than anyone else or holier than thou. This is your (false) judgment, your words, not my thoughts, beliefs or implied words. I am merely being a voice for the voiceless in what I say, do, and write. If you have a hard time with this, if you are troubled by it, then most likely it is your conscience speaking to you.

Secondly, if people were doing enough for the homeless, as you seem to suggest, then there would be no homeless. Therefore, as long as there are homeless sisters and brothers on the streets of this nation, as long as there are victims of U.S. imperialism, then people are NOT doing enough (including you and me). This is pretty simple logic. Not my judgment, but a fact! As long as there are victims of injustice, victims of imperial violence, then each of us is guilty and held accountable until there are no more victims. If you understood Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's words: "An injustice to one is an injustice to all." Then perhaps you would get it and have a different demeanor.

"And guess what---people who work hard to become rich aren't evil monsters..." I never wrote nor implied that they were. Again, it is your (inaccurate) judgment of what I wrote. You are reading what you want to hear in my words, not what I am writing, my intent.

"You wanna live like a hippie with no personal worth, good for you..." Talk about being judgmental! Again, how inaccurate you are. My lifestyle is NOT founded on some "hippie" lifestyle (whatever that means). Obviously we have a different interpretation of "personal worth." If you believe money gives "personal worth," then you are correct, I do not have much of a financial base nor many possessions. But that has absolutely NOTHING to do with being a "hippie." Rather, has EVERYTHING to do with living by faith, allowing God to provide all our needs (as promised in scripture). All our (my wife and I) needs have been and are being met by the grace and power of God--not by my design or my "hard work." Therefore, I believe I (we) possess and enjoy great "personal worth." We are blessed far beyond our imagination with strong faith, not money. Which to us is much more valuable in the larger picture.

"I like to live a modest life, work hard for what I have and pray for those less fortunate and do good deeds for those in need." Good for you! How nice of you. Sincerely. But as I previously stated, doing good deeds (charity) is only part of the equation. Allow me to ask a few rhetorical questions: What are you doing for justice sake? For peace? Where and how are you placing your body, your life, on the line, and what sacrifices are you making for other's sake, for the common good that we all may live in a more just and equitable society that peace may prevail? What are you doing to lighten, and ultimately lift, the burden from the back of society's weakest members who suffer from many injustices present? To overturn the tables of injustice? To speak truth to power (and pay the price)? To boldly risk? To take a public stand in favor of, and thus become a voice for, those whom you offer prayers and charity? Donmar, you attempt to justify your life, but your words demonstrate where you fall short; where you miss the mark.

I am not so much preaching and judging as I am challenging, you, and others, to be more--for Christ and one another, specifically our sisters and brothers here and the world over who are victims of our arrogant and self-centered lifestyle and our government's policies that are utterly contrary to the ways God set forth. Even leaving God out of, to become a more human and humane society. To re-learn what it means to be human. Clearly we have lost the way. This is my only intent with my posts. By the grace and mercy of God, my eyes have been opened to see and understand matters in a different light than most. To see reality as it is, not by what the mainstream corporate controlled media and imperial powers sell as truth. Some do understand, but most do not. If this were not true, there would be more activists, selfless people who act out of love, standing for truth, justice and peace, and not merely living by the more comfortable way of charity.

Please do not misunderstand, but my work, my purpose in life, is to do the will of God for my life, nothing less, nothing more. This has lead me to serve the poor and homeless and live a prophetic lifestyle by standing in (nonviolent) resistance to evil, specifically the unjust structures that cause and perpetuate countless victims. In this I believe my wife and I have been rewarded for our faithfulness. Does this make me better or holier than anyone else? Not necessarily. I believe that some of the people whom we serve at our soup kitchen have much more faith, and therefore are much more holier than I can ever be. As an example, I cannot see myself, if I was homeless, subjected not only to the elements of nature, but also to the unjust, belittling, and mean-spirited treatment of LAPD, the mayor, and Skid Row business community, walking into our soup kitchen giving praise to God for another day of life, and when asked how I am today, responding simply..."blessed!" This to me is faith far greater than what I have. Therefore, I believe these sisters and brothers are holier than most others in our society, including me.

Do I believe that some rich people (we should realize that even the poor in this nation are rich compared to two-thirds of the world's population that lives in utter destitution) are holier than most, including me? My answer, all things are possible with God. But we are told that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for the rich to enter into the Kindom of God. Not all who say, Lord, Lord, will enter the kindom of heaven, but only those who do the will of God. Also remembering that it is impossible to simultaneously serve both God and mammon. Therefore, it is not for me to decide one way or another. I can only make judgments by the fruit they produce.

"...if I see something about a celebrity I like it doesn't mean I forgot about the war, the poor, etc. So please....stop the judgements..." I stated that most, the media in particular, tend to sensationalize matters. The pages of newspapers and a great portion of television news mostly place heavy focus on trivial matters and celebrities and their deaths or personal problems only to bury, if covered at all, the real news of U.S. imperial policy and violence that destroys nations and individuals (mostly innocent) in an attempt to dumb down the population. Just don't think about who we really are, what we are doing, and who is being maimed and murdered in your name and with your tax dollars, and the sole beneficiaries of this filthy rotten system. Think only about what we say is important. Question: How many Iraqi's, Afghani's and Pakistani's killed by or because of U.S. policy can you name? How many have been killed in each country? How many have died since Obama took office? How many refugees has U.S. imperial aggression created in Iraq? Afghanistan? and now Pakistan? How much has been spent thus far on the invasion and occupation of Iraq? Afghanistan? and now the bombings in Pakistan? Not to forget the "War on Drugs," how much has been spent to implement Plan Colombia? Moreover, how many U.S. military personnel have thus far died? Wounded? Yet nearly everyone can tell you about Michael Jackson's life and death, or Brittany Spears antics or (pick another sports or entertainment celebrity) and much of their life.

Perhaps you personally do not forget, but what are you doing to end this shameful, idolatrous and blasphemous insanity? And if celebrities are not using their name, their power and stature, to bring attention to these victims and the unjust and immoral structures and policies of this nation, then they are not truly the people we believe them to be. They are in it solely for themselves with little or no care for anyone else but themselves (and perhaps a few others around them). Yes, there are a few exceptions to the rule, but only a few. Actions do speak louder than words. They may deserve recognition for their contribution within their art form, but as citizens of the world, keepers of other human beings and respecters and promoters of human rights, they are utter failures. Nowhere near the role-models they are made to be. Again, a judgment made not by my words, but the words of scripture.

"...it's not all about you and your views on how Christians are supposed to live!!!!" Correct, it is not about me; and not necessarily MY views so much as the truth written for all who have eyes to see and ears to hear. I did not write the words of the bible. I only feebly try to live them. Again, if you are troubled by my words, perhaps it is your conscience speaking. Maybe you should listen more intently to what your conscience is attempting to tell you? Blessings.

Peace, Mike W.

Mike W. I can assure you I have a clear conscience because I live my life in a moral and ethical way. My life in NO way falls short and in no way are my acts of charity less worthy than yours. Sorry you don't get it, sorry you don't like that I'm not living in LA among the homeless in a soup kitchen to prove my acts of goodness. What do I do to better the world? I stand up and speak up for those who are the underdogs, who are less fortunate than myself...I volunteer for charities and make donations...I pray...if these acts don't make the cut for you then that's your problem, not mine. I do what I can on this earth to make things better for others---whether it is comforting a stranger or helping family and friends in a time of need---to me, that is also doing what God would want me to do.

Sorry I am not a political radical who can join marches to make a bigger impact on stopping the war, etc.--I have to work to put food on the table and to help my family and friends. Good for you if that is what you and your family and friends can do and great if you live and work at a soup kitchen...again, your life doesn't make you more "Christ-like" than mine.

Once again, what YOU don't get is that your words trouble me because they are always condesending, almost always judgemental, and more times than not a lecture. When I do work with local nuns in my community (I know, this probably shocks you that I help women of faith), they are never as harsh, angry or judgemental as you are. They are happy to have women such as myself and my friends helping out the community and welcome us with open arms--there are no strong lectures on "why do you own that car/that purse, etc. when people are starving/dying..." the conversations on both ends are "how can I help?" and then we get down to the business of helping those in need.

You also don't understand when I say modest life, that means I don't have tons of expensive personal possessions---that's what "modest" means.

Bottom line Mike W., I really could care less what you think of me, I only answer to God for how I conduct my life and only he will tell me if I am doing things morally or not. I just get tired of reading your rantings when so many others have positive things to say about this group at Fletcher and give constructive ideas instead harsh judgements.

Plus, this original post by Mike Happy really didn't warrant all the lecturing...it really was a nostalgic look back...perhaps you could lighten up once in a while....I bet God would like that as much as the rest of us...

Peace out....

Dear anonymous,

“I forgot to tell you not to respond to my email. The addresses are fake.” How cowardly you are. You refuse to reveal yourself in an impolite and derisive note, and you expect me to respect you and your request? Sorry, I do not respect a person who not only hides their identity, but also hides behind a false e-mail address, as well as being incredulous. If you are not mature enough to enter into dialogue, then please refrain from bothering me. You really need to grow up, whoever you are.

Peace, Mike W.

We are all sad some more than others, Michael Jackson like all super stars had talent and was a very creative person. Along with that greatness there was also the other side of Michael. He has left a lot of very happy memories and help closed the gap with a lot of generations. Let’s be thankful for that talent and forgive his pedophilia, that part of Michael was a torment to both him and some others. He only passed along what he had learned in his personal live. The Michael that most of us saw was the pure creative genius and talent. In prospective though we must remember Hollywood is not reel, it is just figments of imaginations, many people try to prove it reel about fortune and fame and in the end all come to the conclusion that we are just mortal, some of us dance, sing, or have other art that we share as love. We are what we are, Michael was very good at what he did, this is something we can all agree with in our own ways. He was a part of our story in life, as we were part of his story as well.

Donmar,

Why do you misconstrue nearly everything that I post? You have a knack for twisting my words into something utterly contrary to what I wrote and my intent. As an example: "...sorry you don't like that I'm not living in LA among the homeless in a soup kitchen to prove my acts of goodness." I never implied this, not even close. Nearly all that you wrote is a misinterpretation of my intent. Please, stop making false judgments of me and what I write. I merely write in an attempt to inform, instruct, invite, and challenge others to a more fruit-filled life. Why do you consider this wrong? Why do you interpret this as a criticism or a judgment against you personally? I will again say that I am NOT the person you, and others, believe that I am. I am NOT a know it all, nor perfect, nor am I better than anyone else, nor holier than anyone else, nor do I sit in judgment of others (condemn to eternal damnation), nor am I egotistical.

I am a sinner like everyone else, and I often fall short like everyone else. However, I merely am a person who is blessed with grace, and a perspective of scripture that seems much more authentic than what we were taught throughout our life. Being that I have been honored and privileged to serve the poor and homeless for the past 19 years, was also one small step away from being on the streets myself when we lost everything we had in 1991 because of fraud committed against us, thus able to personally experience the the utter injustice of the system, not only for us, but all poor people. For this reason I believe I have a right and a responsibility to speak out against this filthy rotten system, and to help others understand how far we (as a nation and church) have traveled from the way God set forth.

You stated, "...I have to work to put food on the table and to help my family and friends..." Anyone who has a family has this responsibility, including me. But where I believe we differ is that most people take this literally, THEY must do the providing. Whereas what I have come to learn over the years is that this responsibility belongs more to God than me. If I truly live by faith, trusting in God alone to supply my needs, which is to do God's will for my life, and if I live by gospel principles, dedicated to following Jesus, then all that we need to live a dignified life is provided, as promised in scripture. This relieves us of the burden we place on ourselves, which frees us to live a much bolder life in Christ. No, money does not fall from the sky, but the Spirit opens doors, as needed, which allows the power of God to work in our favor. This can take many forms.

Because the Gospels have been subverted to the point of absurdity, most people have no clue what it means to truly live by faith. We have been brainwashed to believe that the U.S., and its economic system, is blessed by God. It is NOT! Actually it is antithetical to the demands set forth by God. Our national motto is: "In God We Trust!" This is the biggest lie ever told. As a nation we do not trust in God, rather we trust in our military might, our gods of metal--our weapons of mass destruction, specifically the most diabolical weapons ever made--nuclear weapons, the ultimate blasphemy, the ultimate idolatry, hence we hate God. What we really believe is that God cannot and will not protect us, therefore, we must protect ourselves. This actually equates to atheism: we do not believe God exists, or that God is incapable (which is the same). We are willing to destroy God's entire creation, in an instant, to protect our imperial designs to control the world and its resources. How can this be faith and trust in God?

It is the same with our personal life. Most do not believe that God can and will supply all our needs, therefore we must resort to greed, hoarding and the materialism that Capitalism assures us is blessed by God. We are forced to believe that we must spend our time and energy gathering more than what we actually need to live a dignified life. We have to provide, therefore we must spend most of our time working, able to do charity, but not work for a more just and equitable order that ALL can live with dignity. We cannot have it both ways. Either we believe in God and live by the maxim: "Let go and let God." Or we do not believe and continue to live by the rules of Capitalism, which is nothing less than idolatry. It is that simple.

This is NOT a critique or judgment of you personally, but of the U.S. empire, which is the enemy of God. St. Paul tells us that though we live in the world, we are NOT to be of the world. This means we must stand outside the mainstream, on the periphery, as did Jesus and early church. We must trust in God absolutely, thus stand against what the U.S. (or any other nation) offers as truth, which is an utter lie. Blessings.

Peace,

Mike