Friday, November 06, 2009
Book Review: "Republican Gomorrah" by Max Blumenthal
[This blog entry may appear more political than any I’ve posted. At the end of this post I will argue that appearances are deceiving.]
Four months and two days ago I had an experience that I’m still trying to make sense of. On that day – on July 4, 2009 – I walked down to the park by the J.C. Nichols Fountain on the Plaza in Kansas City and walked around amidst a “Tea Party” protest.
“Tea Party” protests began, if I am not mistaken, on April 15, 2009. The protesters used “Tax Day” to protest government spending by the Obama administration. The widespread Tea Party movement is an example of “Astroturfing.” In other words, it is a faux-grassroots movement. The protests present themselves as coming organically from the people but are organized, orchestrated, and funded by wealthy anti-tax activists.
In any event, when I decided to head to the Plaza on the Fourth of July I was curious about what the “tea partiers” would say to me face-to-face. I would estimate that about 100 “tea partiers” had come out on Independence Day. A lot of the signs called Barack Obama names, either directly or indirectly. The signs called him a communist, a socialist, a Marxist, a fascist, and “Hitler.” Signs also called him a Muslim, a terrorist, and an “illegal alien.” Signs carried slogans in opposition to government spending and health care reform. A number of signs were anti-immigrant. I would estimate that one out of every ten members of the crowd carried a copy of Glenn Beck’s Common Sense.
I decided to start some conversations. I asked people about health care. My questions really missed the mark. I approached these conversations as too much of a minister. I framed my questions using the language of moral obligation and love of neighbor. This was the wrong approach. I received several responses that amounted to, “Tough luck: If you can’t get health insurance, that’s your problem, not mine. You have no right to take my money to pay for health care for somebody else.”
When I used the word “neighbor” one young man took my question too literally. “All my neighbors have health insurance. I’ve never met anyone without health insurance.” Still others argued that taxation for the purposes of social programs was a form of coerced charity. The argument followed that taking care of each other was a matter of individual choice and that if taxes were abolished people would take care of each other.
Next I decided to speak with a man holding a sign with a derogatory comment about immigrants. I decided to ask him a charged question, “Looking around the crowd here, I notice everybody here is white. Do you think that sign makes people of color not want to come?” The man assured me that everybody was welcome. “Blacks would be here if they weren’t so lazy.” Later, another man informed me there weren’t any “blacks” here because “every black person in America has health insurance – they get it for free from the government.”
I cannot conclude this mention of the “tea party” rally in Kansas City without mentioning the grown man walking around in a costume that looked like something one of the founding fathers would have worn while signing the Declaration of Independence. He looked terribly silly. However, the symbolic linking of what this group was protesting to the Boston Tea Party and the Revolutionary War is ignorant, disingenuous, and dangerous. The ignorance comes from a basic misunderstanding of what the Boston Tea Party was about. It was not about taxes on tea. It was about the principle of taxation without representation. It was not about lower taxes. It was about the idea that those who levy taxes, as well as make every other policy decision, should be accountable. The cry was not, “We don’t want to pay taxes!” It was, “We want to choose our government.”
This historical revisionism on the part of the “Tea Partiers” is very subtle but very important. Every single person there gets to play a role in choosing a representative government. They also, of course, have the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances and the right to free assembly and I do not begrudge them those rights. But, by invoking the Revolutionary War, they are invoking a message of violence. Texas Governor Rick Perry spoke openly of secession at an April “Tea Party.” That type of rhetoric – like the invective uttered against racial and ethnic minorities – implies the threat of violence.
***
I found myself turning to Max Blumenthal in order to begin to make sense of the experience. Max Blumenthal has posted a series of videos in which he has captured scenes at Gun Shows and Tea Party protests. His video footage captures exactly the same thing I had witnessed here in Kansas City.
After watching Blumenthal’s videos I decided to pick up a copy of his book Republican Gomorrah: Inside the Movement that Shattered the Party. His book is not about “Tea Parties.” (It is still too early to have published a piece of investigative journalism about this movement.) Instead, Republican Gomorrah tells the story of the rise of Christian Dominionism as a prominent ideology within the Republican Party.
Blumenthal’s book combines history and psychology. Blumenthal’s research is deeply indebted to the work of psychologist Erich Fromm, especially Fromm’s book Escape from Freedom, a study of what attracts people to authoritarianism. According to Fromm people will willingly submit to authoritarian figures when they believe that authoritarian leaders have the magic power to resolve their personal crises. The corollary to this is that authoritarian leaders have an interest in manufacturing crisis and promoting fear, hysteria, panic, and anxiety.
Fromm adds that authoritarianism breeds sado-masochism. In masochism, one derives pleasure from being hurt. After all, it is only when you feel pain that you can turn to the magical healing that an authoritarian figure can provide. Sadism is the experience of pleasure that comes from hurting others. Sadistic acts cause others to experience crisis and therefore leads them to be willing to submit to authority. Taken to an extreme, authoritarian rule depends upon the cultivation of the necrophilious character, a person who is drawn “to all that is dead, decayed, putrid sickly… It is the passion to tear apart living structures.”
Analyzing the Christian Dominionist movement, Blumenthal finds it to be a perfect case-study of Fromm’s theories. James Dobson’s book Dare to Discipline, first published in the 1970s, is a manual on authoritarian family life that produces sado-masochistic, anti-social, and dysfunctional behavior. The book’s title might as well be, Domestic Violence for Dummies. Blumenthal also details Dobson’s attraction to serial killers like Ted Bundy and David Berkowitz.
Republican Gomorrah derives its title from the bizarre, troubled, and destructive lives of so many of those connected to Christian Dominionism. He looks at mega-church pastors such as Ted Haggard and Robert Moorehead; major politicians like Larry Craig, David Vitter, Mark Foley; minor politicians like Bob Allen, Glenn Murphy Jr., Richard Curtis, Jim West; and an enormous group of political operatives and big donors. The list above is just a small sampling.
Consider the career trajectory of Claude Allen, an African-American from inner-city Washington D.C., who cut his political teeth working as an aide for Senator Jesse Helms, perhaps one of the most racist individuals to be elected to political office in our times. Allen distinguished himself for his strident anti-gay and anti-contraception politics and had his nomination as a federal judge withdrawn after Democrats threatened to filibuster. In 2005 Allen became President Bush’s chief domestic policy advisor, a position that paid him an annual salary of $161,000 and allowed him to do things like order the CDC to remove all information about condoms from their web-site. Within a year Allen had resigned his post embroiled in scandal. One of Allen’s favorite pastimes involved going to big box stores, purchasing hundreds of dollars of electronics on his credit card, placing the purchased items in his car, returning to the store where he picked out identical items off the shelves, and then “returning” those items and having his credit card reimbursed. He repeated this scheme at least 25 times before he was caught. What bizarre psychological state fueled these self-destructive, masochistic acts?
I’ve only just scratched the surface of Blumenthal’s reporting, but what is interesting is that the developments mentioned in Blumenthal’s subtitle have not occurred although they may be occurring at this very moment. Blumenthal closes his book with an examination of the 2008 election, especially McCain’s uncomfortable selection of a spiritual advisor (John Hagee) and his selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate. Both choices, Blumenthal argues, were attempts to secure the support of Christian Dominionists. (Blumenthal claims that McCain wanted to select Lieberman as his running mate.)
The subtitle of Republican Gomorrah is "Inside the Movement that Shattered the Party." Blumenthal’s strong choice of words in his subtitle is bold. A couple of bad election cycles does not equal the shattering of a party, but there are some signs that ought to be worrisome for committed Republicans. 2006 and 2008 featured a purge of moderates such as Lincoln Chafee and Chris Shays. Arlen Specter decided to follow the Jim Jeffords path. Florida Senator Mel Martinez resigned from the Senate several months ago and a host of incumbent Republicans such as Kit Bond, Judd Gregg, and George Voinovich have announced that they will not seek re-election, perhaps because they do not want to face bruising primaries and the prospect of third-party spoilers in the general election.
There is a chance that in 2010 and beyond we may see a lot of races that resemble New York’s 23rd Congressional District. On Tuesday voters elected a Democrat to that seat, a seat that has been held by Republicans since 1871. The Republicans failed to field a candidate as the Republican in that race dropped out and endorsed the Democrat over a more conservative third party candidate.
***
At the beginning of this post I commented about the political nature of this post. I’ve often repeated the explanation that the word “political” comes from “polis,” the Greek word for city. Political activity therefore is any activity that takes into consideration the affairs of the city. (And, since the city-state is no longer the system of how people organize, it is fair to accept a broader meaning of the term “political.”)
I’ve also frequently clarified the rules that churches are expected to follow as an exchange for being granted 501(c)3 non-profit status. The simple version of those rules is that churches are entirely forbidden from endorsing either a candidate for public office or a political party. Churches are allowed to lobby on issues as long as those lobbying efforts do not exceed more than 5% of the operating budget of the congregation. (Did you know that UU congregations in several states have banded together to form Legislative Ministries? The one in California is among the more prominent examples.)
This post does not come even close to the danger zone involving IRS regulations. But, I do want to conclude this post by musing. I think it may be time to ask the question, “Do the current IRS regulations only work within the context of a de facto two party system where both parties – Republican and Democrat – are ideologically broad?” For better or for worse there has been no viable third party alternative on either the left or the right. A Jesse Ventura only comes along once in a blue moon. Independents tend to be either billionaires (Ross Perot, for instance) or centrist figures who hold an appeal that exceeds their popularity in either party (Joseph Lieberman.)
But, what if the subtitle of Max Blumenthal’s book (Inside the Movement that Shattered the Party) was to come true and one or both of the political parties were to shatter? Would synagogues really be expected to remain silent if the American Nazi Party fielded a candidate who had a shot at being elected? Would Catholic churches be gagged from protesting a politician who cobbled together an Anti-Catholic Party? What would be the proper response from liberal, moderate, and mainline churches if a Christian Dominionist Party fielded a slate of viable candidates?
In other words, what would happen to the IRS regulations if political parties were to become ideologically narrow or singular?
Four months and two days ago I had an experience that I’m still trying to make sense of. On that day – on July 4, 2009 – I walked down to the park by the J.C. Nichols Fountain on the Plaza in Kansas City and walked around amidst a “Tea Party” protest.
“Tea Party” protests began, if I am not mistaken, on April 15, 2009. The protesters used “Tax Day” to protest government spending by the Obama administration. The widespread Tea Party movement is an example of “Astroturfing.” In other words, it is a faux-grassroots movement. The protests present themselves as coming organically from the people but are organized, orchestrated, and funded by wealthy anti-tax activists.
In any event, when I decided to head to the Plaza on the Fourth of July I was curious about what the “tea partiers” would say to me face-to-face. I would estimate that about 100 “tea partiers” had come out on Independence Day. A lot of the signs called Barack Obama names, either directly or indirectly. The signs called him a communist, a socialist, a Marxist, a fascist, and “Hitler.” Signs also called him a Muslim, a terrorist, and an “illegal alien.” Signs carried slogans in opposition to government spending and health care reform. A number of signs were anti-immigrant. I would estimate that one out of every ten members of the crowd carried a copy of Glenn Beck’s Common Sense.
I decided to start some conversations. I asked people about health care. My questions really missed the mark. I approached these conversations as too much of a minister. I framed my questions using the language of moral obligation and love of neighbor. This was the wrong approach. I received several responses that amounted to, “Tough luck: If you can’t get health insurance, that’s your problem, not mine. You have no right to take my money to pay for health care for somebody else.”
When I used the word “neighbor” one young man took my question too literally. “All my neighbors have health insurance. I’ve never met anyone without health insurance.” Still others argued that taxation for the purposes of social programs was a form of coerced charity. The argument followed that taking care of each other was a matter of individual choice and that if taxes were abolished people would take care of each other.
Next I decided to speak with a man holding a sign with a derogatory comment about immigrants. I decided to ask him a charged question, “Looking around the crowd here, I notice everybody here is white. Do you think that sign makes people of color not want to come?” The man assured me that everybody was welcome. “Blacks would be here if they weren’t so lazy.” Later, another man informed me there weren’t any “blacks” here because “every black person in America has health insurance – they get it for free from the government.”
I cannot conclude this mention of the “tea party” rally in Kansas City without mentioning the grown man walking around in a costume that looked like something one of the founding fathers would have worn while signing the Declaration of Independence. He looked terribly silly. However, the symbolic linking of what this group was protesting to the Boston Tea Party and the Revolutionary War is ignorant, disingenuous, and dangerous. The ignorance comes from a basic misunderstanding of what the Boston Tea Party was about. It was not about taxes on tea. It was about the principle of taxation without representation. It was not about lower taxes. It was about the idea that those who levy taxes, as well as make every other policy decision, should be accountable. The cry was not, “We don’t want to pay taxes!” It was, “We want to choose our government.”
This historical revisionism on the part of the “Tea Partiers” is very subtle but very important. Every single person there gets to play a role in choosing a representative government. They also, of course, have the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances and the right to free assembly and I do not begrudge them those rights. But, by invoking the Revolutionary War, they are invoking a message of violence. Texas Governor Rick Perry spoke openly of secession at an April “Tea Party.” That type of rhetoric – like the invective uttered against racial and ethnic minorities – implies the threat of violence.
***
I found myself turning to Max Blumenthal in order to begin to make sense of the experience. Max Blumenthal has posted a series of videos in which he has captured scenes at Gun Shows and Tea Party protests. His video footage captures exactly the same thing I had witnessed here in Kansas City.
After watching Blumenthal’s videos I decided to pick up a copy of his book Republican Gomorrah: Inside the Movement that Shattered the Party. His book is not about “Tea Parties.” (It is still too early to have published a piece of investigative journalism about this movement.) Instead, Republican Gomorrah tells the story of the rise of Christian Dominionism as a prominent ideology within the Republican Party.
Blumenthal’s book combines history and psychology. Blumenthal’s research is deeply indebted to the work of psychologist Erich Fromm, especially Fromm’s book Escape from Freedom, a study of what attracts people to authoritarianism. According to Fromm people will willingly submit to authoritarian figures when they believe that authoritarian leaders have the magic power to resolve their personal crises. The corollary to this is that authoritarian leaders have an interest in manufacturing crisis and promoting fear, hysteria, panic, and anxiety.
Fromm adds that authoritarianism breeds sado-masochism. In masochism, one derives pleasure from being hurt. After all, it is only when you feel pain that you can turn to the magical healing that an authoritarian figure can provide. Sadism is the experience of pleasure that comes from hurting others. Sadistic acts cause others to experience crisis and therefore leads them to be willing to submit to authority. Taken to an extreme, authoritarian rule depends upon the cultivation of the necrophilious character, a person who is drawn “to all that is dead, decayed, putrid sickly… It is the passion to tear apart living structures.”
Analyzing the Christian Dominionist movement, Blumenthal finds it to be a perfect case-study of Fromm’s theories. James Dobson’s book Dare to Discipline, first published in the 1970s, is a manual on authoritarian family life that produces sado-masochistic, anti-social, and dysfunctional behavior. The book’s title might as well be, Domestic Violence for Dummies. Blumenthal also details Dobson’s attraction to serial killers like Ted Bundy and David Berkowitz.
Republican Gomorrah derives its title from the bizarre, troubled, and destructive lives of so many of those connected to Christian Dominionism. He looks at mega-church pastors such as Ted Haggard and Robert Moorehead; major politicians like Larry Craig, David Vitter, Mark Foley; minor politicians like Bob Allen, Glenn Murphy Jr., Richard Curtis, Jim West; and an enormous group of political operatives and big donors. The list above is just a small sampling.
Consider the career trajectory of Claude Allen, an African-American from inner-city Washington D.C., who cut his political teeth working as an aide for Senator Jesse Helms, perhaps one of the most racist individuals to be elected to political office in our times. Allen distinguished himself for his strident anti-gay and anti-contraception politics and had his nomination as a federal judge withdrawn after Democrats threatened to filibuster. In 2005 Allen became President Bush’s chief domestic policy advisor, a position that paid him an annual salary of $161,000 and allowed him to do things like order the CDC to remove all information about condoms from their web-site. Within a year Allen had resigned his post embroiled in scandal. One of Allen’s favorite pastimes involved going to big box stores, purchasing hundreds of dollars of electronics on his credit card, placing the purchased items in his car, returning to the store where he picked out identical items off the shelves, and then “returning” those items and having his credit card reimbursed. He repeated this scheme at least 25 times before he was caught. What bizarre psychological state fueled these self-destructive, masochistic acts?
I’ve only just scratched the surface of Blumenthal’s reporting, but what is interesting is that the developments mentioned in Blumenthal’s subtitle have not occurred although they may be occurring at this very moment. Blumenthal closes his book with an examination of the 2008 election, especially McCain’s uncomfortable selection of a spiritual advisor (John Hagee) and his selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate. Both choices, Blumenthal argues, were attempts to secure the support of Christian Dominionists. (Blumenthal claims that McCain wanted to select Lieberman as his running mate.)
The subtitle of Republican Gomorrah is "Inside the Movement that Shattered the Party." Blumenthal’s strong choice of words in his subtitle is bold. A couple of bad election cycles does not equal the shattering of a party, but there are some signs that ought to be worrisome for committed Republicans. 2006 and 2008 featured a purge of moderates such as Lincoln Chafee and Chris Shays. Arlen Specter decided to follow the Jim Jeffords path. Florida Senator Mel Martinez resigned from the Senate several months ago and a host of incumbent Republicans such as Kit Bond, Judd Gregg, and George Voinovich have announced that they will not seek re-election, perhaps because they do not want to face bruising primaries and the prospect of third-party spoilers in the general election.
There is a chance that in 2010 and beyond we may see a lot of races that resemble New York’s 23rd Congressional District. On Tuesday voters elected a Democrat to that seat, a seat that has been held by Republicans since 1871. The Republicans failed to field a candidate as the Republican in that race dropped out and endorsed the Democrat over a more conservative third party candidate.
***
At the beginning of this post I commented about the political nature of this post. I’ve often repeated the explanation that the word “political” comes from “polis,” the Greek word for city. Political activity therefore is any activity that takes into consideration the affairs of the city. (And, since the city-state is no longer the system of how people organize, it is fair to accept a broader meaning of the term “political.”)
I’ve also frequently clarified the rules that churches are expected to follow as an exchange for being granted 501(c)3 non-profit status. The simple version of those rules is that churches are entirely forbidden from endorsing either a candidate for public office or a political party. Churches are allowed to lobby on issues as long as those lobbying efforts do not exceed more than 5% of the operating budget of the congregation. (Did you know that UU congregations in several states have banded together to form Legislative Ministries? The one in California is among the more prominent examples.)
This post does not come even close to the danger zone involving IRS regulations. But, I do want to conclude this post by musing. I think it may be time to ask the question, “Do the current IRS regulations only work within the context of a de facto two party system where both parties – Republican and Democrat – are ideologically broad?” For better or for worse there has been no viable third party alternative on either the left or the right. A Jesse Ventura only comes along once in a blue moon. Independents tend to be either billionaires (Ross Perot, for instance) or centrist figures who hold an appeal that exceeds their popularity in either party (Joseph Lieberman.)
But, what if the subtitle of Max Blumenthal’s book (Inside the Movement that Shattered the Party) was to come true and one or both of the political parties were to shatter? Would synagogues really be expected to remain silent if the American Nazi Party fielded a candidate who had a shot at being elected? Would Catholic churches be gagged from protesting a politician who cobbled together an Anti-Catholic Party? What would be the proper response from liberal, moderate, and mainline churches if a Christian Dominionist Party fielded a slate of viable candidates?
In other words, what would happen to the IRS regulations if political parties were to become ideologically narrow or singular?
# posted by RevThom @ 12:15 PM 
Thursday, November 05, 2009
List #18: 101 Greatest Yankees of All Time
Since early 2004 I have been a frequent reader (but not a member) of an internet message board that hosts an ongoing discussion of the Boston Red Sox. Named for a one-time fan-favorite, Sam Horn, the message board prides itself on "serious discussion" and boasts of its high "signal to noise ratio." Indeed, many of the posters seem to be just as passionate about mathematics as they are about baseball. In statistical discussions you don't find a lot of discussion about wins, losses, hits, and batting average. Instead, the conversation is about Win Shares, Pythagorean records, ERA+, OPS+, VORP, and UZR. And those are just the statistics I understand! Many of the members of the message board track baseball players according to their own statistical models.
Over the last several weeks the message board has been having a conversation about the 100 best Red Sox players of all-time. They have picked the top 70 and are about to release the next 10 picks on the list.
I decided that I would create my own list, based on whichever team won the World Series. So, in honor of the Yankees winning the World Series last night, here is my entirely subjective list of the top 101 New York Yankees of all time:
101) Mickey Rivers (1976-1979) Speedy centerfielder played only 4 seasons with New York.
100) Don Larsen (1955-1959) Pitched perfect game in 1956 World Series.
99) C.C. Sabathia (2009-present) Went 19-8 in his first season with New York.
98) Oscar Gamble (1976, 1979-1984) Valuable DH and platoon player.
97) Chris Chambliss (1974-1979, 1988) Won a Gold Glove and earned an All-Star appearance.
96) Mark Teixeira (2009-present) “I before E except after C?” Key free agent helped NY to ’09 Championship.
95) John Wetteland (1995-1996) Saved 74 games in two seasons with the Yankees.
94) Wally Schang (1921-1925) Catcher received MVP votes in 2 of his 5 years with New York.
93) Clete Boyer (1959-1966) Third baseman for the Yankees through the early and mid-1960s.
92) Jim Bouton (1962-1968) All-Star and 20 game winner proved a better writer than pitcher.
91) Scott Brosius (1998-2001) Provided veteran leadership on 3 World Championship teams.
90) Jeff Nelson (1996-2000, 2003) Valuable middle reliever for the Championship teams of the late 90s.
89) Mike Stanton (1997-2002, 2005) Key set-up man for Mariano Rivera.
88) Ralph Terry (1956-1957, 1959-1964) Best known for giving up homerun in 1960 World Series.
87) Bucky Dent (1977-1982) Twice an All-Star shortstop, but remembered for that darn fly ball.
86) Chien-Ming Wang (2005-2009) Back-to-back 19 win seasons in ’06 and ’07.
85) Ben Chapman (1930-1936) Speedy outfielder stole 184 bases with the Yankees.
84) Joe Dugan (1922-1928) Third Baseman for the “Murderer’s Row” teams of the 1920s.
83) Ed Figueroa (1976-1980) Won 20 games in 1978.
82) Johnny Damon (2006-present) 77 Homeruns and 93 stolen bases in 4 seasons.
81) Jim “Catfish” Hunter (1975-1979) Finished his Hall of Fame career with the Yankees.
80) Roger Peckinpaugh (1913-1921) Shortstop for NY during the dead-ball era.
79) Billy Martin (1950-1957) With 15 homeruns and 75 RBI, his ’53 season was his best.
78) Alfonso Soriano (1999-2003) Twice a member of the 30-30 club with New York.
77) Fritz Peterson (1966-1974) Starter posted a 109-106 record with the Yankees.
76) Tiny Bonham (1940-1946) WWII pitcher won 79 games including 21 in 1942.
75) Robinson Cano (2005-present) Has hit over .300 in 3 out of his 5 seasons with New York.
74) George Selkirk (1934-1942) Posted an .883 OPS over 9 seasons in New York.
73) Snuffy Stirnweiss (1943-1950) Dependable 2nd baseman through the 1940s.
72) George Pipgras (1923-1933) Led league in wins and innings pitched in 1928.
71) Hal Chase (1905-1913) Stole 248 bases in 9 seasons during the dead ball era.
70) Willie Keeler (1903-1909) Lifetime .342 hitter played for Yankees in his declining years but still hit over .300 four times.
69) Wade Boggs (1993-1997) Hit .313 over 5 seasons in New York.
68) Wally Pipp (1915-1925) Played first base for NY until Gehrig joined the team.
67) Tommy John (1979-1982, 1986-1989) Back-to-back seasons with over 20 wins in ’79 and ’80.
66) Joe Pepitone (1962-1969) Gold glove first baseman and three time All Star.
65) Orlando Hernandez (1998-2004) Had a 9-3 record in 14 post-season starts.
64) Jason Giambi (2002-2008) Averaged 30 homeruns over 7 seasons in New York.
63) Tony Kubek (1957-1965) Bobby Richardson’s double-play partner and 3 time All-Star.
62) Allie Reynolds (1947-1954) Led league in ERA and shutouts in 1952.
61) Tommy Henrich (1937-1950) An .873 OPS over his 11 seasons in the Bronx.
60) Bobby Turley (1955-1962) Won the Cy Young award in 1958.
59) Sparky Lyle (1972-1978) Finished 348 games and recorded 141 saves for the Yankees.
58) Johnny Murphy (1932-1946) 12 seasons as a relief pitcher and 3-time All-Star.
57) Bob Meusel (1920-1929) Played the sunny side of the outfield to help protect Babe Ruth’s eyes.
56) Frankie Crosetti (1932-1948) Led league in times hit by pitch 7 times in 17-year career with New York.
55) Joe Page (1944-1950) Yankees’ leading relief pitcher in the 1940s.
54) Mel Stottlemyre (1964-1974) Won 20 games 3 times. Lost 20 games once.
53) Bobby Murcer (1965-1974, 1979-1983) Yankee’s centerfielder following DiMaggio and Mantle.
52) Carl Mays (1919-1923) Won combined 53 games in the ‘20 and ’21 seasons.
51) Rickey Henderson (1985-1989) Stole 93 bases in 1988.
50) Mike Mussina (2001-2008) Averaged 15 wins per year over 8 seasons in New York.
49) Bill Skowron (1954-1962) Five consecutive All-Star appearances in the late 50s.
48) Roger Clemens (1999-2003, 2007) Won the 6th of his 7 CY Young Awards with the Yankees in 2001.
47) Hideki Matsui (2003-present) World Series MVP in 2009.
46) Charlie Keller (1939-1949, 1952) Five time All-Star had a career .928 OPS.
45) Gil McDougald (1951-1960) All-Star middle infielder through the 50s.
44) Red Rolfe (1931-1942) 4-time All-Star 3rd Baseman.
43) Jack Chesbro (1903-1909) Won 41 games in 1904.
42) Phil Rizzuto (1941-1956) Was the 1950 American League MVP.
41) David Cone (1995-2000) Won 64 regular season games and posted a 6-1 record in the post-season.
40) Roy White (1965-1979) 15 year career as Yankee’s left-fielder.
39) Goose Gossage (1978-1983) In 6 seasons saved 150 games for the Yankees.
38) Ed Lopat (1948-1955) Recorded 113 wins and 59 losses with New York.
37) Tino Martinez (1996-2001, 2007) A team leader through the late 90s when NY won 4 championships in 5 years.
36) David Wells (1997-1998, 2002-2003) Win totals in 4 seasons with Yankees: 19, 18, 16, 15
35) Vic Raschi (1946-1953) An All-Star in half his seasons with New York.
34) Hank Bauer (1948-1959) Received MVP votes in 5 of his 12 seasons with New York.
33) Willie Randolph (1976-1988) Five All-Star selections in 13 years with the Yankees.
32) Spud Chandler (1937-1947) Won MVP award with 20-4 record and 1.64 ERA in 1943.
31) Waite Hoyt (1921-1930) Pitched for 3 World Championship teams in the 1920s.
30) Tony Lazzeri (1926-1937) Steady 2nd baseman and teammate of Ruth and Gehrig.
29) Thurman Munson (1969-1979) Won a Rookie of the Year award and an MVP.
28) Graig Nettles (1973-1983) Hit 250 homeruns with the Yankees.
27) Bob Shawkey (1915-1927) Won 20 games four times with the Yankees.
26) Paul O’Neill (1993-2001) Rightfielder hit .303 over his tenure with the Yankees.
25) Jorge Posada (1995-present) Has anchored the Yankees at catcher since 1998.
24) Dave Righetti (1979-1990) Won 74 games and saved 224 more for the Bronx Bombers.
23) Bobby Richardson (1955-1966) Slick-fielding 2nd-baseman had more walks than strikeouts 7 times.
22) Alex Rodriguez (2004-present) Average over first 6 seasons with New York: 40 HRs, 119 RBIs, $24.7 million.
21) Reggie Jackson (1977-1981) With NY: 5 seasons; 12 post season homeruns; 2 World Championships.
20) Herb Pennock (1923-1933) Played half his career in New York, recording 162 regular season wins and a perfect 5-0 record in the post-season.
19) Dave Winfield (1981-1990) An All-Star each of his first 8 seasons in NY.
18) Andy Pettitte (1995-2003, 2007-present) Rotation mainstay was 3 times a top 5 finisher for the Cy Young.
17) Elston Howard (1955-1967) 8 All-Star selections and an MVP.
16) Ron Guidry (1975-1988) In ’78 had a 25-3 record and a 1.74 ERA.
15) Roger Maris (1960-1966) Hit 61 homeruns in ’61 and won consecutive MVP awards.
14) Earle Combs (1924-1935) Scored 113 runs or more in 8 consecutive seasons.
13) Bernie Williams (1991-2006) 22 post-season homeruns, four Gold Gloves, and a batting title.
12) Lefty Gomez (1930-1942) 4 seasons with 21 wins or more; perfect 6-0 record in the World Series.
11) Red Ruffing (1930-1946) 4 consecutive 20 win seasons.
10) Bill Dickey (1928-1946) HOF catcher was an 11-time All Star.
9) Don Mattingly (1982-1995) Played 14 seasons but never played in the World Series despite 9 Gold Gloves, 6 All-Star selections, a batting title, and an MVP award.
8) Derek Jeter (1995-present) All time Yankee leader in hits.
7) Whitey Ford (1950-1967) Won 236 games with the Yankees
6) Mariano Rivera (1995-present) Greatest relief pitcher ever.
5) Joe DiMaggio (1936-1951) 13 seasons, 13-time All Star, 3-time MVP.
4) Yogi Berra (1946-1963) Collected 3 MVP awards while playing on 10 World Series Championship teams.
3) Mickey Mantle (1951-1968) 3-time MVP, 3-time MVP runner-up, over 500 home runs.
2) Lou Gehrig (1923-1939) Put up an OPS of 1.000 or greater in 11 consecutive seasons.
1) Babe Ruth (1920-1934) The Sultan of Swat led the league in Homeruns 10 times in 15 years with NY.
Over the last several weeks the message board has been having a conversation about the 100 best Red Sox players of all-time. They have picked the top 70 and are about to release the next 10 picks on the list.
I decided that I would create my own list, based on whichever team won the World Series. So, in honor of the Yankees winning the World Series last night, here is my entirely subjective list of the top 101 New York Yankees of all time:
101) Mickey Rivers (1976-1979) Speedy centerfielder played only 4 seasons with New York.
100) Don Larsen (1955-1959) Pitched perfect game in 1956 World Series.
99) C.C. Sabathia (2009-present) Went 19-8 in his first season with New York.
98) Oscar Gamble (1976, 1979-1984) Valuable DH and platoon player.
97) Chris Chambliss (1974-1979, 1988) Won a Gold Glove and earned an All-Star appearance.
96) Mark Teixeira (2009-present) “I before E except after C?” Key free agent helped NY to ’09 Championship.
95) John Wetteland (1995-1996) Saved 74 games in two seasons with the Yankees.
94) Wally Schang (1921-1925) Catcher received MVP votes in 2 of his 5 years with New York.
93) Clete Boyer (1959-1966) Third baseman for the Yankees through the early and mid-1960s.
92) Jim Bouton (1962-1968) All-Star and 20 game winner proved a better writer than pitcher.
91) Scott Brosius (1998-2001) Provided veteran leadership on 3 World Championship teams.
90) Jeff Nelson (1996-2000, 2003) Valuable middle reliever for the Championship teams of the late 90s.
89) Mike Stanton (1997-2002, 2005) Key set-up man for Mariano Rivera.
88) Ralph Terry (1956-1957, 1959-1964) Best known for giving up homerun in 1960 World Series.
87) Bucky Dent (1977-1982) Twice an All-Star shortstop, but remembered for that darn fly ball.
86) Chien-Ming Wang (2005-2009) Back-to-back 19 win seasons in ’06 and ’07.
85) Ben Chapman (1930-1936) Speedy outfielder stole 184 bases with the Yankees.
84) Joe Dugan (1922-1928) Third Baseman for the “Murderer’s Row” teams of the 1920s.
83) Ed Figueroa (1976-1980) Won 20 games in 1978.
82) Johnny Damon (2006-present) 77 Homeruns and 93 stolen bases in 4 seasons.
81) Jim “Catfish” Hunter (1975-1979) Finished his Hall of Fame career with the Yankees.
80) Roger Peckinpaugh (1913-1921) Shortstop for NY during the dead-ball era.
79) Billy Martin (1950-1957) With 15 homeruns and 75 RBI, his ’53 season was his best.
78) Alfonso Soriano (1999-2003) Twice a member of the 30-30 club with New York.
77) Fritz Peterson (1966-1974) Starter posted a 109-106 record with the Yankees.
76) Tiny Bonham (1940-1946) WWII pitcher won 79 games including 21 in 1942.
75) Robinson Cano (2005-present) Has hit over .300 in 3 out of his 5 seasons with New York.
74) George Selkirk (1934-1942) Posted an .883 OPS over 9 seasons in New York.
73) Snuffy Stirnweiss (1943-1950) Dependable 2nd baseman through the 1940s.
72) George Pipgras (1923-1933) Led league in wins and innings pitched in 1928.
71) Hal Chase (1905-1913) Stole 248 bases in 9 seasons during the dead ball era.
70) Willie Keeler (1903-1909) Lifetime .342 hitter played for Yankees in his declining years but still hit over .300 four times.
69) Wade Boggs (1993-1997) Hit .313 over 5 seasons in New York.
68) Wally Pipp (1915-1925) Played first base for NY until Gehrig joined the team.
67) Tommy John (1979-1982, 1986-1989) Back-to-back seasons with over 20 wins in ’79 and ’80.
66) Joe Pepitone (1962-1969) Gold glove first baseman and three time All Star.
65) Orlando Hernandez (1998-2004) Had a 9-3 record in 14 post-season starts.
64) Jason Giambi (2002-2008) Averaged 30 homeruns over 7 seasons in New York.
63) Tony Kubek (1957-1965) Bobby Richardson’s double-play partner and 3 time All-Star.
62) Allie Reynolds (1947-1954) Led league in ERA and shutouts in 1952.
61) Tommy Henrich (1937-1950) An .873 OPS over his 11 seasons in the Bronx.
60) Bobby Turley (1955-1962) Won the Cy Young award in 1958.
59) Sparky Lyle (1972-1978) Finished 348 games and recorded 141 saves for the Yankees.
58) Johnny Murphy (1932-1946) 12 seasons as a relief pitcher and 3-time All-Star.
57) Bob Meusel (1920-1929) Played the sunny side of the outfield to help protect Babe Ruth’s eyes.
56) Frankie Crosetti (1932-1948) Led league in times hit by pitch 7 times in 17-year career with New York.
55) Joe Page (1944-1950) Yankees’ leading relief pitcher in the 1940s.
54) Mel Stottlemyre (1964-1974) Won 20 games 3 times. Lost 20 games once.
53) Bobby Murcer (1965-1974, 1979-1983) Yankee’s centerfielder following DiMaggio and Mantle.
52) Carl Mays (1919-1923) Won combined 53 games in the ‘20 and ’21 seasons.
51) Rickey Henderson (1985-1989) Stole 93 bases in 1988.
50) Mike Mussina (2001-2008) Averaged 15 wins per year over 8 seasons in New York.
49) Bill Skowron (1954-1962) Five consecutive All-Star appearances in the late 50s.
48) Roger Clemens (1999-2003, 2007) Won the 6th of his 7 CY Young Awards with the Yankees in 2001.
47) Hideki Matsui (2003-present) World Series MVP in 2009.
46) Charlie Keller (1939-1949, 1952) Five time All-Star had a career .928 OPS.
45) Gil McDougald (1951-1960) All-Star middle infielder through the 50s.
44) Red Rolfe (1931-1942) 4-time All-Star 3rd Baseman.
43) Jack Chesbro (1903-1909) Won 41 games in 1904.
42) Phil Rizzuto (1941-1956) Was the 1950 American League MVP.
41) David Cone (1995-2000) Won 64 regular season games and posted a 6-1 record in the post-season.
40) Roy White (1965-1979) 15 year career as Yankee’s left-fielder.
39) Goose Gossage (1978-1983) In 6 seasons saved 150 games for the Yankees.
38) Ed Lopat (1948-1955) Recorded 113 wins and 59 losses with New York.
37) Tino Martinez (1996-2001, 2007) A team leader through the late 90s when NY won 4 championships in 5 years.
36) David Wells (1997-1998, 2002-2003) Win totals in 4 seasons with Yankees: 19, 18, 16, 15
35) Vic Raschi (1946-1953) An All-Star in half his seasons with New York.
34) Hank Bauer (1948-1959) Received MVP votes in 5 of his 12 seasons with New York.
33) Willie Randolph (1976-1988) Five All-Star selections in 13 years with the Yankees.
32) Spud Chandler (1937-1947) Won MVP award with 20-4 record and 1.64 ERA in 1943.
31) Waite Hoyt (1921-1930) Pitched for 3 World Championship teams in the 1920s.
30) Tony Lazzeri (1926-1937) Steady 2nd baseman and teammate of Ruth and Gehrig.
29) Thurman Munson (1969-1979) Won a Rookie of the Year award and an MVP.
28) Graig Nettles (1973-1983) Hit 250 homeruns with the Yankees.
27) Bob Shawkey (1915-1927) Won 20 games four times with the Yankees.
26) Paul O’Neill (1993-2001) Rightfielder hit .303 over his tenure with the Yankees.
25) Jorge Posada (1995-present) Has anchored the Yankees at catcher since 1998.
24) Dave Righetti (1979-1990) Won 74 games and saved 224 more for the Bronx Bombers.
23) Bobby Richardson (1955-1966) Slick-fielding 2nd-baseman had more walks than strikeouts 7 times.
22) Alex Rodriguez (2004-present) Average over first 6 seasons with New York: 40 HRs, 119 RBIs, $24.7 million.
21) Reggie Jackson (1977-1981) With NY: 5 seasons; 12 post season homeruns; 2 World Championships.
20) Herb Pennock (1923-1933) Played half his career in New York, recording 162 regular season wins and a perfect 5-0 record in the post-season.
19) Dave Winfield (1981-1990) An All-Star each of his first 8 seasons in NY.
18) Andy Pettitte (1995-2003, 2007-present) Rotation mainstay was 3 times a top 5 finisher for the Cy Young.
17) Elston Howard (1955-1967) 8 All-Star selections and an MVP.
16) Ron Guidry (1975-1988) In ’78 had a 25-3 record and a 1.74 ERA.
15) Roger Maris (1960-1966) Hit 61 homeruns in ’61 and won consecutive MVP awards.
14) Earle Combs (1924-1935) Scored 113 runs or more in 8 consecutive seasons.
13) Bernie Williams (1991-2006) 22 post-season homeruns, four Gold Gloves, and a batting title.
12) Lefty Gomez (1930-1942) 4 seasons with 21 wins or more; perfect 6-0 record in the World Series.
11) Red Ruffing (1930-1946) 4 consecutive 20 win seasons.
10) Bill Dickey (1928-1946) HOF catcher was an 11-time All Star.
9) Don Mattingly (1982-1995) Played 14 seasons but never played in the World Series despite 9 Gold Gloves, 6 All-Star selections, a batting title, and an MVP award.
8) Derek Jeter (1995-present) All time Yankee leader in hits.
7) Whitey Ford (1950-1967) Won 236 games with the Yankees
6) Mariano Rivera (1995-present) Greatest relief pitcher ever.
5) Joe DiMaggio (1936-1951) 13 seasons, 13-time All Star, 3-time MVP.
4) Yogi Berra (1946-1963) Collected 3 MVP awards while playing on 10 World Series Championship teams.
3) Mickey Mantle (1951-1968) 3-time MVP, 3-time MVP runner-up, over 500 home runs.
2) Lou Gehrig (1923-1939) Put up an OPS of 1.000 or greater in 11 consecutive seasons.
1) Babe Ruth (1920-1934) The Sultan of Swat led the league in Homeruns 10 times in 15 years with NY.
# posted by RevThom @ 11:06 AM
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Vote Today!!!
In just a few minutes I will be heading to the polls to cast my vote in today's special election. There isn't a whole lot on the ballot here in Jackson County, Missouri. I will get to vote on whether to repeal a special tax that helps to pay for programs and law enforcement that combat drug abuse. I will also get to vote on the issuing of bonds to pay for structural improvements for Kansas City's schools.
Around the country there are a number of elections worth watching. In Maine, voters are heading to the polls to vote on whether or not to repeal a decision allowing Gay Marriage. In New Jersey there is a hotly contested Governor's race between incumbent Democratic Governor Jon Corzine and Republican challenger Chris Christie. In the Virginia Governor's race, Republican Bob McDonnell is expected to defeat Democrat Creigh Deeds.
However, the hot contest to watch today is taking place in New York's 23rd congressional district. A vote is being held today to fill the congressional seat vacated when Republican Congressman John McHugh accepted Barack Obama's invitation for him to serve as Secretary of the Army. Until very recently, it was a three way race in NY-23 between Democrat Bill Owens, Republican Dede Scozzafava, and Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman. While Owens has raised five times what Hoffman has raised from within his own congressional district, Hoffman has received a boost by being endorsed by former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Hoffman has close ties to the "tea-bagger" movement which calls for slashing taxes and small government.
This race took a surprising turn when Scozzafava suspended her campaign, left the race, and strongly endorsed Owens. To say that NY-23 has a history of backing moderate Republicans would be a gross understatement; this congressional district has seated Republicans since 1871! Last November McHugh was re-elected to a 9th term while the congressional district voted for Obama over McCain in the Presidential election. The amount of time pundits have spent analyzing this race is probably more indicative of not having many elections to cover than of this contest being a bellwether of things to come. But, this race does raise some interesting questions: Would Scozzafava and Hoffman have split the votes of moderate to conservative Republicans giving Owens a better shot at victory? How much is Scozzafava's endorsement of Owens worth?
While the "tea-baggers" will make a big deal if Hoffman wins, a victory by Hoffman does little more than keep the balance of Democrats and Republicans (256-177) in Congress intact. A victory by Owens would add a Democratic seat in a highly unlikely district.
If you have a chance to vote today, make sure you go. Even if there is not a race or an issue that stirs your passion still go and participate in our democracy.
Around the country there are a number of elections worth watching. In Maine, voters are heading to the polls to vote on whether or not to repeal a decision allowing Gay Marriage. In New Jersey there is a hotly contested Governor's race between incumbent Democratic Governor Jon Corzine and Republican challenger Chris Christie. In the Virginia Governor's race, Republican Bob McDonnell is expected to defeat Democrat Creigh Deeds.
However, the hot contest to watch today is taking place in New York's 23rd congressional district. A vote is being held today to fill the congressional seat vacated when Republican Congressman John McHugh accepted Barack Obama's invitation for him to serve as Secretary of the Army. Until very recently, it was a three way race in NY-23 between Democrat Bill Owens, Republican Dede Scozzafava, and Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman. While Owens has raised five times what Hoffman has raised from within his own congressional district, Hoffman has received a boost by being endorsed by former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Hoffman has close ties to the "tea-bagger" movement which calls for slashing taxes and small government.
This race took a surprising turn when Scozzafava suspended her campaign, left the race, and strongly endorsed Owens. To say that NY-23 has a history of backing moderate Republicans would be a gross understatement; this congressional district has seated Republicans since 1871! Last November McHugh was re-elected to a 9th term while the congressional district voted for Obama over McCain in the Presidential election. The amount of time pundits have spent analyzing this race is probably more indicative of not having many elections to cover than of this contest being a bellwether of things to come. But, this race does raise some interesting questions: Would Scozzafava and Hoffman have split the votes of moderate to conservative Republicans giving Owens a better shot at victory? How much is Scozzafava's endorsement of Owens worth?
While the "tea-baggers" will make a big deal if Hoffman wins, a victory by Hoffman does little more than keep the balance of Democrats and Republicans (256-177) in Congress intact. A victory by Owens would add a Democratic seat in a highly unlikely district.
If you have a chance to vote today, make sure you go. Even if there is not a race or an issue that stirs your passion still go and participate in our democracy.
# posted by RevThom @ 4:13 AM
Friday, October 16, 2009
Sabbatical Update
If you haven't had the chance to check it out, there is a lot of new material up on my Sabbatical Blog. Brand new posts include:
An account of my feelings of patriotism at a Condor Park near Otavalo;I hope you enjoy these posts. Keep checking back for more entries on my sabbatical blog.
A post about hiking the rim of a volcanic crater lake in the same area;
An exposé about a bitter feud between two English language bookstores in Quito;
A post about my trip to the Ecuadorian rainforest;
A post about fountains, fountains, and more fountains;
A pair of posts reflecting on capitalism in Peru and socialism in Ecuador;
A brief travelogue of my trip to Baños;
and, lots of lists: #15, #16, and #17.
# posted by RevThom @ 11:08 AM
Saturday, September 26, 2009
A Message to the SMUUCh Community
Dear Members & Friends of the SMUUCh Community,
If you have not heard by now, it is with sadness that I share with you the news of the death of Gloria Anderson. Gloria was a founding member of our congregation and has been an active member over the past 43 years. Over the past several years Gloria has battled valiantly against cancer in her digestive system. A recent visit to the doctor showed that her cancer had returned and had spread aggressively.
This past weekend Gloria received the news of the spreading cancer. She passed away in her home on Tuesday, 9/22. While traveling in Peru I learned about Gloria’s death late at night on Wednesday, 9/23. The following morning I made contact with church staff and leaders and also was able to speak with Gloria’s son, David, by phone from Cusco, Peru.
Please know how grateful and impressed I am by the shared work of our staff and church leaders. The original thinking was that a memorial service would be held within a short time frame. Sara Sautter diligently worked the phones to contact Unitarian Universalist ministers in the area to inquire about their availability while remaining in contact with the family. Deb Markum also coordinated many of the communications. Patsy Pierce, one of our trained lay ministers at SMUUCh, was a key member of Gloria’s care team and provided excellent care. Carla Dodge, our Lay Ministry Coordinator during my sabbatical, continues to be involved in determining how we might best care for Gloria’s family. Let me state how deeply impressed I am with the shared work and ministry of our members and staff. Their cooperation and communication is a shining example of our congregation’s core strength. Please take a moment to thank them for their compassion and vigilance.
Since I became SMUUCh’s Minister in 2003 I have visited with and spoken to Gloria on many occasions. Still, I only got to experience one chapter of her life. Those who are long time members knew her over a greater portion of her life. I remember Gloria for her quick and agile mind. Gloria was sharp, attentive, and wise. She also deeply loved her children. She talked about them with great warmth. Gloria was predeceased by her husband several years ago. In his memory, the church was given the gift of a chalice that served us faithfully each and every Sunday for over a decade. At a moving worship service in May, 2007 we marked our 40th Anniversary by celebrating our founders, our present, and claiming our hopes for the future. At that service we “decommissioned” the Anderson chalice and dedicated the new chalice that we use in our services today. The Anderson chalice will be lit in memory of Gloria and will be on display over the next several weeks. The June 2007 issue of the DrumBeat included a picture of us honoring Gloria.
Our current plans are to hold a Memorial Service celebrating Gloria’s life on November 14 at 11:00 in Fellowship Hall. This is a date that works best for all of Gloria’s family to attend as several members of the family live out of town.
Unlike other religious traditions that instruct that a funeral be held within a certain number of days, Unitarian Universalism is quite flexible. It is not at all unusual for a Memorial Service to be held two or three months after a death. The timing of a memorial service takes into consideration several factors. One factor is the simple fact that in our contemporary society relatives are often quite dispersed and the logistics of getting everyone together can be tricky. Another factor that is considered is whether the Rite of Passage is mainly designed to address a powerful grief or to celebrate a life. Services designed for the latter purpose are often pushed back to allow the family the time to assemble photographs and other items used to remember the life of the person who has died.
(Oftentimes, a more immediate service is held when family have already gathered for a vigil for a family member who is in the process of dying. Such was the case when I was at General Assembly in Ft. Worth in 2006, received a call that a church member had died, drove eight and a half hours on Friday morning, met with the family Friday afternoon, and officiated at the service on Saturday. The family had gathered around him in his final days and wanted a service within a few days since they were all together and that was most convenient.)
Again, I extend to Gloria’s family and to the SMUUCh Community my deepest condolences, expressions of sympathy, and my abiding love and care.
With Lovingkindness,
Rev. Thom Belote
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Lima, Peru
If you have not heard by now, it is with sadness that I share with you the news of the death of Gloria Anderson. Gloria was a founding member of our congregation and has been an active member over the past 43 years. Over the past several years Gloria has battled valiantly against cancer in her digestive system. A recent visit to the doctor showed that her cancer had returned and had spread aggressively.
This past weekend Gloria received the news of the spreading cancer. She passed away in her home on Tuesday, 9/22. While traveling in Peru I learned about Gloria’s death late at night on Wednesday, 9/23. The following morning I made contact with church staff and leaders and also was able to speak with Gloria’s son, David, by phone from Cusco, Peru.
Please know how grateful and impressed I am by the shared work of our staff and church leaders. The original thinking was that a memorial service would be held within a short time frame. Sara Sautter diligently worked the phones to contact Unitarian Universalist ministers in the area to inquire about their availability while remaining in contact with the family. Deb Markum also coordinated many of the communications. Patsy Pierce, one of our trained lay ministers at SMUUCh, was a key member of Gloria’s care team and provided excellent care. Carla Dodge, our Lay Ministry Coordinator during my sabbatical, continues to be involved in determining how we might best care for Gloria’s family. Let me state how deeply impressed I am with the shared work and ministry of our members and staff. Their cooperation and communication is a shining example of our congregation’s core strength. Please take a moment to thank them for their compassion and vigilance.
Since I became SMUUCh’s Minister in 2003 I have visited with and spoken to Gloria on many occasions. Still, I only got to experience one chapter of her life. Those who are long time members knew her over a greater portion of her life. I remember Gloria for her quick and agile mind. Gloria was sharp, attentive, and wise. She also deeply loved her children. She talked about them with great warmth. Gloria was predeceased by her husband several years ago. In his memory, the church was given the gift of a chalice that served us faithfully each and every Sunday for over a decade. At a moving worship service in May, 2007 we marked our 40th Anniversary by celebrating our founders, our present, and claiming our hopes for the future. At that service we “decommissioned” the Anderson chalice and dedicated the new chalice that we use in our services today. The Anderson chalice will be lit in memory of Gloria and will be on display over the next several weeks. The June 2007 issue of the DrumBeat included a picture of us honoring Gloria.
Our current plans are to hold a Memorial Service celebrating Gloria’s life on November 14 at 11:00 in Fellowship Hall. This is a date that works best for all of Gloria’s family to attend as several members of the family live out of town.
Unlike other religious traditions that instruct that a funeral be held within a certain number of days, Unitarian Universalism is quite flexible. It is not at all unusual for a Memorial Service to be held two or three months after a death. The timing of a memorial service takes into consideration several factors. One factor is the simple fact that in our contemporary society relatives are often quite dispersed and the logistics of getting everyone together can be tricky. Another factor that is considered is whether the Rite of Passage is mainly designed to address a powerful grief or to celebrate a life. Services designed for the latter purpose are often pushed back to allow the family the time to assemble photographs and other items used to remember the life of the person who has died.
(Oftentimes, a more immediate service is held when family have already gathered for a vigil for a family member who is in the process of dying. Such was the case when I was at General Assembly in Ft. Worth in 2006, received a call that a church member had died, drove eight and a half hours on Friday morning, met with the family Friday afternoon, and officiated at the service on Saturday. The family had gathered around him in his final days and wanted a service within a few days since they were all together and that was most convenient.)
Again, I extend to Gloria’s family and to the SMUUCh Community my deepest condolences, expressions of sympathy, and my abiding love and care.
With Lovingkindness,
Rev. Thom Belote
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Lima, Peru
# posted by RevThom @ 8:15 AM
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
List #14: 9 Most Intimidating Police & Security Officers in Quito* (Plus Two Stories)
Here is a list from the most to the least intimidating police & security forces in Quito:
#1) Ecuadorian Secret Service (?)
Even though I’m not sure of their official title, the police who guard the government buildings are the most intimidating. Yes, it is definitely their machine guns.
#2) Ecuadorian Military Police
Note: I am talking about the guy on the right. In light camo uniforms these guys always look tough.
#3) Ecuadorian National Police
These guys are the sharpest looking of the bunch. With grey camo, black boots, black helmets, black bullet-proof vests, and motorcycles. These guys look tough.
#4) Ecuadorian National Police (brown uniforms)
I don’t know why some of the national police go without the tough looking camouflage, but these guys always look pretty darn tough.
#5) Tourist Police
Don’t let the neon yellow vests fool you. Quito has a special police force that is charged just with looking out for tourists. (And they pack heat.) Earlier this morning I talked with a young woman who is staying with her mother-in-law at the same hostal where I am. She said that Quito is much safer than it was five years ago. There is some local controversy over investing money to increase tourism that gets poured back into increased funding for this department.
#6) Quito Metropolitan Police
You can recognize them because they are always wearing dark blue and they prominently display the nightstick.
#7) Transit Police
Don’t let the yellow vests confuse you with the Tourism Police. The transit police attempt to control the crazy local traffic.
#8) Public Transportation Police
These officers serve and protect the city’s bus stations. I’ve only observed them being extremely helpful to people (like me) who have difficulty getting the machine at the entrance to accept my quarter. (It only costs 25 cents to ride as far as you want to ride on the city’s busses.
#9) Private Security Guards
This ranking is somewhat conflicted. Some of the security guards I’ve seen (at banks and in front of stores with expensive merchandise) look extremely tough, replete with bullet-proof vests, prominently displayed weaponry, and a very distinguished uniform. There seems to be a hierarchy of for-hire security guards. There are top notch firms, lower echelon firms, and independent contractors. You have to take a look at the uniforms closely… here is why:
As I was plotting out this exercise in photo-journalism I thought that I would have to take these pictures furtively and clandestinely. Then I ran into Phil from Chicago who was traveling with his Swedish girlfriend Lina and their Polish travel buddy, Tom, they had met at their hostel. Phil told me two things that are pretty crazy. Phil and Lina had just come from Colombia where Phil said he had stumbled upon a uniform store for security guards. The crazy (and scary) thing about the store, according to Phil, was that you could buy pretty much anything, including an authentic looking police uniform. You could even buy bars and stars if you wanted to seem to have a higher rank. Phil said this is the place where you go if you are a security guard, especially if you are working as an “independent contractor.” Pay attention to the unmatched pants and shirt in #9 above. Or, check out the CIA agent on the left in #2.
Phil told me a second story about Colombia. He said that he was walking through a part of town when he came upon an unruly demonstration with riot police monitoring it. He asked one of the members of the riot police if he could take a picture. According to Phil, who may exaggerate just a tad, the officer handed Phil his shield and helmet and took Phil’s picture lined up with the rest of the riot squad. He claims it is now his Facebook profile picture, but I don’t have any way to verify this. Anyways, Phil told me to just go up to the officers and guards and ask to take their picture. Most of them will smile, puff out their chests, and gladly oblige.
* Aside from being assisted with paying my fare for the bus, I've not had any interactions with any law enforcement agents or security guards in Ecuador.
#1) Ecuadorian Secret Service (?)
Even though I’m not sure of their official title, the police who guard the government buildings are the most intimidating. Yes, it is definitely their machine guns.
#2) Ecuadorian Military Police
Note: I am talking about the guy on the right. In light camo uniforms these guys always look tough.
#3) Ecuadorian National Police
These guys are the sharpest looking of the bunch. With grey camo, black boots, black helmets, black bullet-proof vests, and motorcycles. These guys look tough.
#4) Ecuadorian National Police (brown uniforms)
I don’t know why some of the national police go without the tough looking camouflage, but these guys always look pretty darn tough.
#5) Tourist Police
Don’t let the neon yellow vests fool you. Quito has a special police force that is charged just with looking out for tourists. (And they pack heat.) Earlier this morning I talked with a young woman who is staying with her mother-in-law at the same hostal where I am. She said that Quito is much safer than it was five years ago. There is some local controversy over investing money to increase tourism that gets poured back into increased funding for this department.
#6) Quito Metropolitan Police
You can recognize them because they are always wearing dark blue and they prominently display the nightstick.
#7) Transit Police
Don’t let the yellow vests confuse you with the Tourism Police. The transit police attempt to control the crazy local traffic.
#8) Public Transportation Police
These officers serve and protect the city’s bus stations. I’ve only observed them being extremely helpful to people (like me) who have difficulty getting the machine at the entrance to accept my quarter. (It only costs 25 cents to ride as far as you want to ride on the city’s busses.
#9) Private Security Guards
This ranking is somewhat conflicted. Some of the security guards I’ve seen (at banks and in front of stores with expensive merchandise) look extremely tough, replete with bullet-proof vests, prominently displayed weaponry, and a very distinguished uniform. There seems to be a hierarchy of for-hire security guards. There are top notch firms, lower echelon firms, and independent contractors. You have to take a look at the uniforms closely… here is why:
As I was plotting out this exercise in photo-journalism I thought that I would have to take these pictures furtively and clandestinely. Then I ran into Phil from Chicago who was traveling with his Swedish girlfriend Lina and their Polish travel buddy, Tom, they had met at their hostel. Phil told me two things that are pretty crazy. Phil and Lina had just come from Colombia where Phil said he had stumbled upon a uniform store for security guards. The crazy (and scary) thing about the store, according to Phil, was that you could buy pretty much anything, including an authentic looking police uniform. You could even buy bars and stars if you wanted to seem to have a higher rank. Phil said this is the place where you go if you are a security guard, especially if you are working as an “independent contractor.” Pay attention to the unmatched pants and shirt in #9 above. Or, check out the CIA agent on the left in #2.
Phil told me a second story about Colombia. He said that he was walking through a part of town when he came upon an unruly demonstration with riot police monitoring it. He asked one of the members of the riot police if he could take a picture. According to Phil, who may exaggerate just a tad, the officer handed Phil his shield and helmet and took Phil’s picture lined up with the rest of the riot squad. He claims it is now his Facebook profile picture, but I don’t have any way to verify this. Anyways, Phil told me to just go up to the officers and guards and ask to take their picture. Most of them will smile, puff out their chests, and gladly oblige.
* Aside from being assisted with paying my fare for the bus, I've not had any interactions with any law enforcement agents or security guards in Ecuador.
# posted by RevThom @ 6:44 PM
Sunday, September 13, 2009
List #13: 8 Famous People from Ecuador (According to Wikipedia)
1) Mike Judge - The creator of Beavis & Butthead, King of the Hill, and the movie Office Space. (Judge was born in Guayaquil. His father was an anthropologist and Judge grew up in the United States.)
2) Gerardo - Rapper/singer best known for his one-hit wonder "Rico Suave." Gerardo later became a successful record executive in Los Angeles.
3) Eugenio Espejo - In the late 1800's Espejo was a doctor, lawyer, journalist, and philosopher. He applied his medical knowledge as a hygienist and worked to improve sanitation. However, as a polemical journalist his satirical attacks on the government led to his persecution and imprisonment and fueled Ecuador's separatist movement.
4) Jefferson Perez - An Olympic race walker, Perez has won a gold and silver medal in the 20km event, Ecuador's only two Olympic medals.
5) Christina Aguilera - The world famous pop music star wasn't even born in Ecuador. Her father was. But she is listed on wikipedia's list of important Ecuadorians.
6) Alejo Lascano Bahamonde - This native Ecuadorian was trained in medicine at the Sorbonne in France. He opened Ecuador's first medical clinic at age 27 in 1867.
7) Fanny Carrion de Fierro - poet, essayist, and literary critic. Her work often deals with human rights.
8)Luis Miranda - Perhaps Ecuador's best known painter.
According to Wikipedia's list of notable Ecuadorians.
2) Gerardo - Rapper/singer best known for his one-hit wonder "Rico Suave." Gerardo later became a successful record executive in Los Angeles.
3) Eugenio Espejo - In the late 1800's Espejo was a doctor, lawyer, journalist, and philosopher. He applied his medical knowledge as a hygienist and worked to improve sanitation. However, as a polemical journalist his satirical attacks on the government led to his persecution and imprisonment and fueled Ecuador's separatist movement.
4) Jefferson Perez - An Olympic race walker, Perez has won a gold and silver medal in the 20km event, Ecuador's only two Olympic medals.
5) Christina Aguilera - The world famous pop music star wasn't even born in Ecuador. Her father was. But she is listed on wikipedia's list of important Ecuadorians.
6) Alejo Lascano Bahamonde - This native Ecuadorian was trained in medicine at the Sorbonne in France. He opened Ecuador's first medical clinic at age 27 in 1867.
7) Fanny Carrion de Fierro - poet, essayist, and literary critic. Her work often deals with human rights.
8)Luis Miranda - Perhaps Ecuador's best known painter.
According to Wikipedia's list of notable Ecuadorians.
# posted by RevThom @ 1:27 PM
