OUR BEST HOPE

This morning, as we powerup our ubiquitous devices to consult our chosen media, we find the very foundations of civilization tested at home and abroad. Our choice is to recognize these threats or deny and ignore them. In any case, what influence do we as individuals have over world events? Our best hope is civil discourse and our determination to be one more stitch in the tattered fabric of civilization, as opposed to one more tear. Our best hope is peaceful participation in the prayerful pursuit of truth, justice, democracy and peace. Our best hope is our respect and support for the time-tested institutions of our American government, and compassion, mercy, and tolerance for one another. Our best hope is our own realization that there are daunting challenges ahead, and our only hope for success is to face them together. SC

Good news about death

Many of my friends are getting old and facing death. I've spent twenty years volunteering at a nursing home. I've seen a good deal of death. There's money to be made in the field of religion. Religion is lucrative, and faith can be rewarding, but there's nothing scary about being dead. There are actually only two options, and neither one is scary. Either the stories of God's mercy are true, and we go to a better place, or they're not, and death provides release into the most peaceful, carefree sleep we've ever experienced. In either case, death is release from our aching hearts and tattered robes of flesh. Relax and enjoy life while it lasts. SC

Mark Twain would be deliriously happy!

They've banned Huckleberry Finn again! Mark Twain would be deliriously happy! I still have no Literary Agent for my three historical novels. I'm desperate to have them published, because it should be great fun when they're each banned for their historically accurate content! SC

I've been asked if I'm a Democrat.

I've been asked if I'm a Democrat. I'm a person of faith and an American. My beliefs and convictions are those of the Bible, America's founding documents, and our Constitution. I believe in doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God. And I recognize your right to walk with yours. I believe in freedom, to the full extent freedom is possible, without infringing on the rights of others. I believe, as Americans, we have a responsibility to protect these liberties for ourselves, others, and future generations, and to defend our republic against all threats both foreign and domestic. I believe any threat to our democratic republic is a threat against me, and as such, I advocate for quick and certain justice for anyone who threatens the peace, the rule of law, or the peaceful transition of power. And I believe to do otherwise is inexcusable. I believe liars and convicted criminals should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. And I intend to vote accordingly. SC

TRUTH

This is the time of year during which some people of faith observe a number of Holy Days. They celebrate their God, who the Bible calls "The Spirit of Truth", and they worship Christ, who is called "the Way, the Truth, and the Life." According to the concordance, the Bible uses the word Truth 452 times. When accused of a crime, our legal system gives the defendant the opportunity to stand before God and tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Even then, some people are only capable of lies. Lies before God have consequences, consequences for the liar and for those who believe the lie. "The definition of Truth according to Webster's dictionary varies depending on the edition and the context. However, some common elements are conformity to fact or reality, exact accordance with that which is or has been or shall be, and a true statement or proposition. Truth can also refer to a transcendent, fundamental, or spiritual reality, or the quality or state of being accurate." It appears that truth is real after all. Who knew? So, the next time the crooked attorney for some slippery conman tells you there is no such thing as Truth, and that the pursuit of justice is merely an illusion and a political witch hunt, you can enlighten him with some sources. SC

Literary Agent wanted

My name is Shannon Thomas Casebeer. I've written three historical novels, dozens of poems, and hundreds of essays and political commentaries. Surely, somewhere out there, is a Literary Agent who'd be interested in promoting my work. On this blog, in a post from April of 2023, I posted a query letter and some examples of my work. Visit me on Facebook, watch my videos on YouTube, or Google me.

STCasebeer@gmail.com

Our future and the wellbeing of all future generations depend upon this.

Most of our polarization is the result of each side's entrenchment on one side or the other of a handful of sensitive partisan issues. For lack of better judgment, I will share mine. As a person of faith, I believe we are called by God to provide stewardship to this planet and all God's creatures great and small. I believe climate change poses a threat of Biblical proportions to God's Creation. And I believe we'd better do everything possible to address this threat immediately and with all due sense of urgency. This includes a gradual transition away from fossil fuels, toward a variety of more sustainable energy sources. Our future and the wellbeing of future generations depend upon it.

As an American, I believe in America's principles of liberty and justice for all. I believe in a person's right to privacy and their rights as provided by our Constitution to make personal decisions regarding the health and happiness of their own family without interference by the government or those who believe their fundamentalist views supersede an individual's liberty and their right to make their own personal choices based on their own beliefs and their own priorities. That, after all, is what freedom is. I feel no personal animosity toward anyone, but I strongly oppose those who threaten our democracy and the many benefits of citizenship that my ancestors have fought for generations to secure and preserve. SC