The Mosque Madness

I am having trouble holding my temper hearing all the fervor about the Islamic Center proposed to be built in Manhattan. I live in fear that someday people will be up in arms about where Presbyterians choose to build a church. President Obama's words last Friday night were "spot on" -- we in this country supposedly believe in freedom of religion, and that means all religions, not just mine or yours.

I'm also having trouble with the idea that the site chosen is "at ground zero" or "within the shadow of the former Twin Towers." It's two blocks away, for heaven's sake! Even the World Trade Center wasn't tall enough to cast that long a shadow!

I always have trouble with people who purport to love and support the Consitution and the values upon which our nation was founded, but who want to curtail the rights of others. It's nothing short of hypocritical -- very much like those who talk of "small government" but who want to dictate who a person may love, and what reproductive rights a woman may exercise. I do wish that the President hadn't seemed to backtrack on his comments on Saturday morning.

There is also this: the claim that "ground zero" is a "sacred site" because it is the burial place for so many. Within those two blocks I understand are strip clubs and porn shops. I think those should be shut down long before an Islamic community center should be made to build elsewhere.

The endless political wrangling over everything has wearied me, and I become ashamed of my own beloved country, and my fellow Americans. Freedom isn't just for you and me. It's for all of us who claim America as our nation.

Really Retiring

Well, I've done it: gone to the social security office and applied for retirement. I should be getting those social security checks and pension checks fairly soon. I'm warming up to the idea, and this past week as I wasn't working I cleaned house (NOT my favorite thing!) and did some organizing of papers and "stuff." I still have some organizing to do, but when that's done there will just be cleaning, and then? I have several ideas of things I want to do with my time, but haven't settled on which ones will most occupy me. Getting back to making baskets, and taking more time to practice my dulcimer are two of those things. I also plan to do some more volunteering -- more than my once-a-year stint at Old Songs Festival in Altamont, NY. I'd like to help out with fund drives at my favorite public radio station, WAMC, and perhaps volunteer to read stories to children, either at the public library or at the local elementary school. That's the part of teaching that I miss.

There's also Caffe Lena who are always looking for volunteers. We were there Friday night for a concert by the Jamcrackers, Peggy Lynn, Dan Duggan, and Dan Berggren. They are among my favorite traditional musicians, along with John Kirk, Trish Miller, Rick Bunting, Susan Trump, and Christopher Shaw and Bridget Ball.

But for now, I'm taking my time. I have one preaching "gig" coming up, and there's still the possibility of a part-time pastorate. I'm going to try to be patient as I wait for some divine guidance as to what directions to take. I'm not ready for a rocking chair yet!