My family has been attending church for most of my lifetime and sometimes (in fact, most times) I do very little learning on a Sunday morning. But I love to learn and so when I think of something new, or someone presents to me an idea in a way I have never thought of before - I am usually struck and spend some time thinking about said idea.
This morning Dr. Stephen D. Boyd was speaking to the church as he has for decades. He was discoursing about Jesus being lost in the Temple early in the Gospel of Luke. The story is worth reading if you don't know it and probably worth it even if you do. So, we're talking about the story when the idea hits. Steve tells about 120 listening folks that Jesus was not lost when his parents couldn't find him, but that they were lost. He makes reference to Jesus being in the house of God - not terribly original. But then, he draws the story to the end of Jesus' life, where he was dying in Jerusalem and the disciples are feeling a bit sorry for themselves for they have lost Jesus to the cross. When, in fact, they are ones who are lost and Jesus is, again, doing the work of the one who sent him.
Perhaps I am making too much of the simple connection, but I found it rather enlightening.
God is not far from each of us - though we often think that is so.
04 June 2006
23 May 2006
Back to Work
After some time off - I won't say much needed - I was back to work last week. I had been in Nashville for my great friend, Barrett Reed's wedding. It ranked topped in my list of weddings I have attended and the week will also go down high on my list of good times had with friends.
At work we didn't make a run all day - nothing, nadda, zip, zilch... and then a 3 Alarm first thing in the morning. If you look close at the picture shown you will see that is Truck 32 working the fire and if you were able to look REALLY close you would see that is me working the pipe on the tip of our ladder. It was the best seat in the house in what turned out to be a vacant building. The zoo actually pushed the rest over later that day and if you buy a zoo pass you can park on it next year - another job well done.
At work we didn't make a run all day - nothing, nadda, zip, zilch... and then a 3 Alarm first thing in the morning. If you look close at the picture shown you will see that is Truck 32 working the fire and if you were able to look REALLY close you would see that is me working the pipe on the tip of our ladder. It was the best seat in the house in what turned out to be a vacant building. The zoo actually pushed the rest over later that day and if you buy a zoo pass you can park on it next year - another job well done.
07 May 2006
300 Maple
Last night I was participating in a wedding across town from where my crew was working this 3 alarm fire about 2 blocks from our firehouse. My buddy called to say thanks for the trade and the guys called to say I missed another big one. See, this has happened before. I have traded tours for various reasons and missed multi-alarm fires in the past. This one was intense in that there was a smoke explosion inside the building which sent one from my crew to University Hospital.
The wedding was nice enough and I got some compliments on what I said, but it would have been great to go to work on a beautiful Saturday afternoon yesterday. So it goes, there will be others.
The wedding was nice enough and I got some compliments on what I said, but it would have been great to go to work on a beautiful Saturday afternoon yesterday. So it goes, there will be others.
28 April 2006
Marriage as a Decision - not a Feeling
This summer Maurie and I will attend, participate and otherwise support nine friends as they get married. We have already had some - and showers and parties are fast approaching. We will drive through several states and fly to Europe before it is all over. With all the joining of lives going on around me, I have been very thoughtful of marriage and its meaning in my life. I have been asked to define marriage in one ceremony. Here are my thoughts for that couple.
Definition of Marriage
Everyday of our lives we make decisions. We set our alarms, keep our appointments, juggle our schedules. But there are decisions that are not like the rest. These are the decisions that change our lives forever, these are moments, that years from now, we look back on and know that we were changed. You are I are blessed as we get to witness and participate in a decision made here today by proper noun and proper noun.
There is a war being waged as to the definition of marriage. I suggest to you that, at its most basic level, marriage is a decision - it is a promise. I am a man who believes in God and who thinks that God created marriage for us to enjoy. I also believe that marriage is the foundation of the family. But I also know about making good and bad decisions and the power of keeping and of breaking promises.
When you were little did you ever pinky swear? Have you ever spoken words of anger inorder to convince someone that were indeed telling the truth? Tonight's ceremony will not involve pinkies or swearing of anykind, but it will involve promises - promises easily made, but not so easily kept.
Today you will promise to trust each other in all things. And you will promise to be trustworthy as well. You will decide tonight, that no matter how you feel, you will support one another - you will choose to love one another. As children, we think of love only as a feeling. As we age, we had better look at love as a decision made and a promise kept. There may come a day when your feelings would have you leave and your own selfish desire would chose to walk away. But here today your decision has been made and you have chosen to bind yourself to the other. Long after this ceremony is over, you will have to contine to make that decision. Marriage is often described as the hardest relationship you will ever have - with work, it is also the most fulfilling.
Definition of Marriage
Everyday of our lives we make decisions. We set our alarms, keep our appointments, juggle our schedules. But there are decisions that are not like the rest. These are the decisions that change our lives forever, these are moments, that years from now, we look back on and know that we were changed. You are I are blessed as we get to witness and participate in a decision made here today by proper noun and proper noun.
There is a war being waged as to the definition of marriage. I suggest to you that, at its most basic level, marriage is a decision - it is a promise. I am a man who believes in God and who thinks that God created marriage for us to enjoy. I also believe that marriage is the foundation of the family. But I also know about making good and bad decisions and the power of keeping and of breaking promises.
When you were little did you ever pinky swear? Have you ever spoken words of anger inorder to convince someone that were indeed telling the truth? Tonight's ceremony will not involve pinkies or swearing of anykind, but it will involve promises - promises easily made, but not so easily kept.
Today you will promise to trust each other in all things. And you will promise to be trustworthy as well. You will decide tonight, that no matter how you feel, you will support one another - you will choose to love one another. As children, we think of love only as a feeling. As we age, we had better look at love as a decision made and a promise kept. There may come a day when your feelings would have you leave and your own selfish desire would chose to walk away. But here today your decision has been made and you have chosen to bind yourself to the other. Long after this ceremony is over, you will have to contine to make that decision. Marriage is often described as the hardest relationship you will ever have - with work, it is also the most fulfilling.
24 March 2006
Missing Church
Have you even seen "Office Space"? Funny movie. At one point, while being interviewed about what he does for Inatech - our main character is told that he has been "missing a lot of work lately". He replies, "I wouldn't say I've been missing it Bob." They share a laugh and move on.
A friend from Drill School called two days ago. We are actually neighbors - he bought a house two streets down from mine. Anyway, he asked if I was working my off day, because he is bored out of his mind. Then, as if he were confessing to me, he told me he had been trying some local churches out. Mind you, this guys is not exactly what you think of when you think of a single guy going to church, but I think it was a moment for him to reach out. I told him what time we started worship at Central and he said he would be there - not this week with work, but next.
A friend from Drill School called two days ago. We are actually neighbors - he bought a house two streets down from mine. Anyway, he asked if I was working my off day, because he is bored out of his mind. Then, as if he were confessing to me, he told me he had been trying some local churches out. Mind you, this guys is not exactly what you think of when you think of a single guy going to church, but I think it was a moment for him to reach out. I told him what time we started worship at Central and he said he would be there - not this week with work, but next.
07 March 2006
Breakfast and Bolivia
Yesterday I was in Columbus climbing on OSU's campus for the first time in a long time. It was a humbling experience and Maurie tried to convince me that this was a good thing. Once-upon-a-time I was a good climber. 3 out of 4 weekends were spent at local walls and weekdays spent at a gym working out the details. However, time and any number of other factors have taken their toll and I am no more what I once was. It is one of my first glaces at change for the worse in my life, and I don't like it one bit. I have decided to fight back.
This morning I had breakfast with a good friend. We talked work and school and church and family. We both thought we should do it again and I think we actually will.
Maurie's brother is going to Bolivia in May to spend 24 months in the Peace Corps. Selfishly, I look forward to a trip to visit. We will work out the details later. Kelly week this week and much to be done around the house. Red River Gorge in less than 3 weeks and I will be expected to lead all the routes - not sure I could do it as I stand today - much work to be done.
This morning I had breakfast with a good friend. We talked work and school and church and family. We both thought we should do it again and I think we actually will.
Maurie's brother is going to Bolivia in May to spend 24 months in the Peace Corps. Selfishly, I look forward to a trip to visit. We will work out the details later. Kelly week this week and much to be done around the house. Red River Gorge in less than 3 weeks and I will be expected to lead all the routes - not sure I could do it as I stand today - much work to be done.
14 February 2006
Be Mine
Yesterday I learned to snowboard with some friends from work. We headed out to our little ski spot, took a $5 lesson and spent the next 4 hours struggling to do the most basic of things - stand up. Learning something new intrigues me a great deal. I wrap myself in the experience - watching from a distance as I pick up small pieces and slowly form the puzzle. Today I have a huge, multi-color bruise on my backside and a bit of a headache. But on one of my final runs, I reached the bottom without a fall - ah, success!
Saturday was a busy day on Ambulance Nine and Sunday was class and worship with the church. The class was nice enough - wisdom from Proverbs 2. I can't say I was challenged in anyway - or even that I learned anything, but it was fine. Worship then was a flurry of activity. Songs sung, prayers prayed and then I had the little kiddies downstairs in Bible Hour. These guys are smart and I hope I was able to share something with them that might last a moment or two.
Today I went downtown to work out with the new recruit class. The guys I went snowboarding with, they came as well. We walked around our old drill yard and laughed remembering good times and bad. We ran the stairs with the recruits and ran the streets as well. Afterwards, I headed home to a nice nap and some time working on my house.
I am still trying to get comfortable with the fact that my life will not be what I once thought it might be. I am not even sure I could explain that last sentence - but it is full of truth. For now, I am leaving that alone.
Maurie and I are working our way through the Bible together - aloud. Numbers 9 here we come! "Spell Check Complete - No Errors Found" Nice.
Saturday was a busy day on Ambulance Nine and Sunday was class and worship with the church. The class was nice enough - wisdom from Proverbs 2. I can't say I was challenged in anyway - or even that I learned anything, but it was fine. Worship then was a flurry of activity. Songs sung, prayers prayed and then I had the little kiddies downstairs in Bible Hour. These guys are smart and I hope I was able to share something with them that might last a moment or two.
Today I went downtown to work out with the new recruit class. The guys I went snowboarding with, they came as well. We walked around our old drill yard and laughed remembering good times and bad. We ran the stairs with the recruits and ran the streets as well. Afterwards, I headed home to a nice nap and some time working on my house.
I am still trying to get comfortable with the fact that my life will not be what I once thought it might be. I am not even sure I could explain that last sentence - but it is full of truth. For now, I am leaving that alone.
Maurie and I are working our way through the Bible together - aloud. Numbers 9 here we come! "Spell Check Complete - No Errors Found" Nice.
31 January 2006
Our Wonderfully Normal Life
Maurie and I are fresh back from Snowshoe, WV after having celebrated four years of marriage. We decided we would return - it is a beautiful place.
Yesterday was work and 24 hours spent on Ambulance 9. We had cars wrecks, tummies that hurt, multiple gunshot wounds and swollen feet - just to name a few. Usually after a tour on a "box" I need a day to recover; here I find myself.
Work has begun on the upstairs bedroom. I am tearing out carpet and getting things ready to paint. Work has also been restarted on the spiritual life of my family. We are tearing out the old ways and getting this ready for God to take control again. My feelings on church have reached an all time low. I am hanging in there - but finding it tougher than ever to sit in the pew and watch.
Reading some Hauerwas and loving it. Adam was good to me this Christmas. Learning some David Gray songs on the guitar and thinking about the concert - Maurie was good to me for my birthday. Jason and I sold Leona - finally. We will be happy to start anew.
Praying for Vitaly, my LifeGroup, mom and when to start having little Hanauers. Thanks for listening in.
Yesterday was work and 24 hours spent on Ambulance 9. We had cars wrecks, tummies that hurt, multiple gunshot wounds and swollen feet - just to name a few. Usually after a tour on a "box" I need a day to recover; here I find myself.
Work has begun on the upstairs bedroom. I am tearing out carpet and getting things ready to paint. Work has also been restarted on the spiritual life of my family. We are tearing out the old ways and getting this ready for God to take control again. My feelings on church have reached an all time low. I am hanging in there - but finding it tougher than ever to sit in the pew and watch.
Reading some Hauerwas and loving it. Adam was good to me this Christmas. Learning some David Gray songs on the guitar and thinking about the concert - Maurie was good to me for my birthday. Jason and I sold Leona - finally. We will be happy to start anew.
Praying for Vitaly, my LifeGroup, mom and when to start having little Hanauers. Thanks for listening in.
30 December 2005
the Bermuda Triangle
What is going on off the eastern seaboard of these United States? We used to hear about it all the time and now the news seems to have faded into the background of the War on Terror, Iran's nuclear pursuits and the latest version of C.S.I. - I think the next one is coming to Cheviot. "C.S.I. Cheviot - these are their stories."
Why do events and places come and go so quickly in our lives? Do we forget that easily? Are we that gullible? After all, the Bermuda Triangle has claimed many a ship and many a plane and yet I do not see any recent, top-notched investigative reporting being done. Where are these vessels and the souls that piloted them? Should I be content to sit in my middle-class home while some have lost loved ones to the sea in an hereforto unexplained plot of ocean that seems to eat large pieces of metal?
I am preaching on 8 January and am trying to clear my head - sorry I shared what was inside.
Why do events and places come and go so quickly in our lives? Do we forget that easily? Are we that gullible? After all, the Bermuda Triangle has claimed many a ship and many a plane and yet I do not see any recent, top-notched investigative reporting being done. Where are these vessels and the souls that piloted them? Should I be content to sit in my middle-class home while some have lost loved ones to the sea in an hereforto unexplained plot of ocean that seems to eat large pieces of metal?
I am preaching on 8 January and am trying to clear my head - sorry I shared what was inside.
14 December 2005
Difficult to Type
Hello World, This morning at about 10 a.m. I shot a staple into my left hand using the PowerShot stapler you see here. Notice the arrow in the lower left hand corner - you guessed it, that is where the staples eject out at about 9,000 mph! I thought this gun was like every other staple gun in the world and I was wrong. After noticing my mistake - the pain was hard to miss. I had to remove the staple that was buried in my hand. I could not grab it, so I had to force a flathead screwdriver underneath of it to get some purchase. So, that's my morning. With my hand wrapped in gause and the smile far from my face - I am staple gun saftey man. No joke!
28 November 2005
Legacy
We buried my grandmother this morning. Dad's mom lived to 83 and died after suffering a heart attack almost three weeks ago. It has been, over the years and in the last days, a time of mixed emotions. Perhaps it has always been hardest on dad. In an attempt to protect himself and his family he had to release any relationship he could have had with his own mother - I can't even imagine.
I am not too aware of the details of his childhood - not even sure he ever had one. He has shared memories of Michigan and I've seen pictures, but I don't know much of his life before he met mom and had three boys. I have always suspected that he had to grow up before his time. However, I know this - my father has started a new Legacy with the life he is leading, the kids he raised and the woman he has stood by. My parent's love and support have far outweighed any shortcomings that anyone may point out in their parenting.
Now the grandchildren of Ethel Hanauer are all grown and have careers to be proud of, beautiful wives to take care of and children of their own to watch after. We will continue the young legacy that begins with our dad. We will share wonderful childhood memories and watch our kids make their own with their grandparents - mom and dad. The Hanauers are a formidable family - not one to be messed with. We will carry on a tradition of love and faith and unity far beyond my years. We will do this, because that is what a legacy is all about.
And you get a lion's share of the credit - dad. I love you.
I am not too aware of the details of his childhood - not even sure he ever had one. He has shared memories of Michigan and I've seen pictures, but I don't know much of his life before he met mom and had three boys. I have always suspected that he had to grow up before his time. However, I know this - my father has started a new Legacy with the life he is leading, the kids he raised and the woman he has stood by. My parent's love and support have far outweighed any shortcomings that anyone may point out in their parenting.
Now the grandchildren of Ethel Hanauer are all grown and have careers to be proud of, beautiful wives to take care of and children of their own to watch after. We will continue the young legacy that begins with our dad. We will share wonderful childhood memories and watch our kids make their own with their grandparents - mom and dad. The Hanauers are a formidable family - not one to be messed with. We will carry on a tradition of love and faith and unity far beyond my years. We will do this, because that is what a legacy is all about.
And you get a lion's share of the credit - dad. I love you.
14 November 2005
32
This was the scene on the two-alarm fire I made this morning with Truck 32. We were already out at 0625 when the call came in for a fire with victims trapped on the second floor. Leaving the salvage run we were on, we blasted down MLK Dr to find the picture above. Truckers had already pulled a woman from the roof and were heading inside to find her son. Mark and I prepped to shoot the roof and cut a hole which would vent the heat and smoke. With chain saw in hand, I was ordered off the turntable and to the District Car to run accountability. I dropped the saw and got no closer to the fire than what you see on the screen.
I was told later, after Unit 3 relieved us on the scene that this is part of the job. Sometimes you are pulling victims out just in time, other times you are watching. I am going to try and not let it ruin an otherwise beautiful day here in Cincinnati.
The son will be fine, he was taken by Rescue 14 to The University Hospital and is listed as stable. He mother was treated for smoke inhalation and met up with her son with the help of the Salvation Army. No firefighters were hurt.
I was told later, after Unit 3 relieved us on the scene that this is part of the job. Sometimes you are pulling victims out just in time, other times you are watching. I am going to try and not let it ruin an otherwise beautiful day here in Cincinnati.
The son will be fine, he was taken by Rescue 14 to The University Hospital and is listed as stable. He mother was treated for smoke inhalation and met up with her son with the help of the Salvation Army. No firefighters were hurt.
11 November 2005
Norman and Family
Just a quick post to show Norman to friends and family who may not have seen him yet. Each day he reveals a bit more of a playful personality and really is a wonderful new addition to our home. Things are well in Cheviot.
24 October 2005
Back to "Normal"
Arsenalna is one of Kyiv's metro stops. It was once used as a bomb shelter during the Cold War when it was feared that American Imperialists might bomb the city at a moment's notice. This photo is of one of the escalators - there is another of equal length. The ride takes just over six minutes.
Maurie and I are back from Ukraine and I am ready to do some teaching. You know when you go to Wal Mart you come out feeling like you've shed a couple IQ points. Well, when I leave Kyiv I feel as though I am more intelligent than ever.
My class will be titled "Slaves, Women and Homosexuals" after a book by the same name. In an attempt to push the envelope of cultural hermeneutics, we will explore the reasoning behind our conclusions as to what is cultural in scriptural and what is transcultural. I am truly excited about teaching for the first time in a long time. Many of you know, my first real attempt with the church and teaching did not go so well.
As for Kyiv - a wonderful place. Our friends are the best we could ask for and we will be back in the summer for a wedding. Sasha Kuzmenko asked if I would perform the ceremony - I said I would be honored.
Work has been good since returning. And we get Norman on Friday. Much to look forward to and we are blessed.
Maurie and I are back from Ukraine and I am ready to do some teaching. You know when you go to Wal Mart you come out feeling like you've shed a couple IQ points. Well, when I leave Kyiv I feel as though I am more intelligent than ever.
My class will be titled "Slaves, Women and Homosexuals" after a book by the same name. In an attempt to push the envelope of cultural hermeneutics, we will explore the reasoning behind our conclusions as to what is cultural in scriptural and what is transcultural. I am truly excited about teaching for the first time in a long time. Many of you know, my first real attempt with the church and teaching did not go so well.
As for Kyiv - a wonderful place. Our friends are the best we could ask for and we will be back in the summer for a wedding. Sasha Kuzmenko asked if I would perform the ceremony - I said I would be honored.
Work has been good since returning. And we get Norman on Friday. Much to look forward to and we are blessed.
28 September 2005
Kyiv
Our flight for Ukraine leaves in just over 10 days and I am ready for some time away. Friends are preparing for our arrival and most of the logistics have been worked out. We will stay at the Ukrainian Education Center - a place that has undergone some change since we last saw it. Days will be filled with visits and at night we will see those we could not be with during the day. I know several are taking vacation days to be with us. We have been asked to participate in the church's retreat and I will be preaching on Sunday morning - always an honor.
In most ways I am thinking of how wonderful it will be to return. In some ways, though, I am hesitant about how much time has passed and where we will fit in.
My time in Kyiv was like nothing else. God has blessed Maurie and I with the opportunity to return and I plan on soaking it up.
In most ways I am thinking of how wonderful it will be to return. In some ways, though, I am hesitant about how much time has passed and where we will fit in.
My time in Kyiv was like nothing else. God has blessed Maurie and I with the opportunity to return and I plan on soaking it up.
20 September 2005
Grace is Here
Quick picture of Grace Lee Hanauer. She was 7 lbs and 8 oz. Everyone is healthy and happy.
Baby Grace
It must be strange to know precisely when your life is going to change so drastically. At 1 p.m. today is just such a moment for my brother Jason, his wife Mandy and their son Hunter. Grace is coming! I will be an uncle three times over and have two nieces. My parents will have three grandchildren. With video cameras rolling, 35 mm film snapping and smiles all around we will celebrate today. Grace is coming!
18 September 2005
45 MPH
You guessed it! Maurie and I are talking Greyhound - and not the bus. We looked today and retired racing greyhounds and fell in love. After we make a return trip to Kyiv - coming soon, we will adopt our very own. I will keep you posted.
10 September 2005
Regent Fire
The picture is of a house in Bond Hill that was on fire at 8.24 on Thursday morning. Truck 32 responded with Truck 2, Engine 9, Engine 32, District 3, District 2 and Rat 19.
The Fire was in the kitchen but had spread to the living area on the first floor. I went to work with my officer on the roof (shown in the photo). We cut a hole to vent the fire and the smoke and then pushed the ceiling through. Flames rushed out and we were ordered off the roof by District 3 - Regent Command. I was then ordered to pop windows and start pulling exterior structure off to see if the fire was "running". The fire was knocked down in about 15 minutes and we were back in service for lunch.
Engine 32 beat the 9s to the fire - though it was in the 9s' area and got first water to the seat of the fire.
As fires go, this one was textbook. No one hurt, fire out and a great day for the Avondale Raiders.
The Fire was in the kitchen but had spread to the living area on the first floor. I went to work with my officer on the roof (shown in the photo). We cut a hole to vent the fire and the smoke and then pushed the ceiling through. Flames rushed out and we were ordered off the roof by District 3 - Regent Command. I was then ordered to pop windows and start pulling exterior structure off to see if the fire was "running". The fire was knocked down in about 15 minutes and we were back in service for lunch.
Engine 32 beat the 9s to the fire - though it was in the 9s' area and got first water to the seat of the fire.
As fires go, this one was textbook. No one hurt, fire out and a great day for the Avondale Raiders.
07 September 2005
The Role of Government
The question is a fair one: What is the role of government in an event like Katrina?
Though I am sure that the motives are pure behind the question, I am curious as to its asking. Do we seek to know the role of government in our lives and in the lives of others so that we may find our role? Is knowing what government will do critical to what we do? I will tell you that I am ignorant when it comes to government. Reading the NY Times and listening to NPR certainly does not give me the right to expound very long on America's governmental responsibilities. But, everyone has an opinion and so do I.
Government will do in a crisis more of what government was intended to do when government was first created. It will not find you a job, help you seek shelter or give you a drink of cold water. It will not clothe you, bath you and watch after your family pet. It will never wipe you tears, give you a bear hug and brainstorm ideas with you as to the future. What the government will do - though admittedly, not in all the above examples, is provide an environment suitable for those things to occur. Perhaps make it so it is more likely that those things occur.
The United States Government is the people of these States and this - as the thinking can sometimes go, makes it great. But what if the government takes the place of common sense and replaces it with a bureaucracy that cannot love and will not be caring. The people of New Orleans and Biloxi will rebuild their cities and find hope again. And government will take a traditional role of organization and command. It sends money - billions of dollars to be used in relief efforts dreamed up by people. In these times the government is said to be there for people - or absent as some have suggested.
Then, government gets narrowed further to Bush. The leader of the free world has a burden to carry that I dare not mock. And though "President Bush does not like black people" and other thoughtful statement get spoken when speaking about how government handled the current crisis. We must further evaluate how much government is enough. We control our day to day and do not like Big Brother peeking in on us. But, in times of great need Big Brother and his Billions perhaps aren't quite as evil as we thought. We like to see men with camo and guns when chaos reigns. We welcome the military-industrial machine into our living rooms when they are six feet under water. We demand to be housing, food and water just as the surf once did from the king. Government cannot give us hope or even a levy system that works.
But we would do well to remember that the government is not the Spirit of God working in the hearts of men to bring about his will. We would do well to seek that will inorder to find what we should do and let government worry over itself. But I don't vote and so I do not complain.
What think ye?
Though I am sure that the motives are pure behind the question, I am curious as to its asking. Do we seek to know the role of government in our lives and in the lives of others so that we may find our role? Is knowing what government will do critical to what we do? I will tell you that I am ignorant when it comes to government. Reading the NY Times and listening to NPR certainly does not give me the right to expound very long on America's governmental responsibilities. But, everyone has an opinion and so do I.
Government will do in a crisis more of what government was intended to do when government was first created. It will not find you a job, help you seek shelter or give you a drink of cold water. It will not clothe you, bath you and watch after your family pet. It will never wipe you tears, give you a bear hug and brainstorm ideas with you as to the future. What the government will do - though admittedly, not in all the above examples, is provide an environment suitable for those things to occur. Perhaps make it so it is more likely that those things occur.
The United States Government is the people of these States and this - as the thinking can sometimes go, makes it great. But what if the government takes the place of common sense and replaces it with a bureaucracy that cannot love and will not be caring. The people of New Orleans and Biloxi will rebuild their cities and find hope again. And government will take a traditional role of organization and command. It sends money - billions of dollars to be used in relief efforts dreamed up by people. In these times the government is said to be there for people - or absent as some have suggested.
Then, government gets narrowed further to Bush. The leader of the free world has a burden to carry that I dare not mock. And though "President Bush does not like black people" and other thoughtful statement get spoken when speaking about how government handled the current crisis. We must further evaluate how much government is enough. We control our day to day and do not like Big Brother peeking in on us. But, in times of great need Big Brother and his Billions perhaps aren't quite as evil as we thought. We like to see men with camo and guns when chaos reigns. We welcome the military-industrial machine into our living rooms when they are six feet under water. We demand to be housing, food and water just as the surf once did from the king. Government cannot give us hope or even a levy system that works.
But we would do well to remember that the government is not the Spirit of God working in the hearts of men to bring about his will. We would do well to seek that will inorder to find what we should do and let government worry over itself. But I don't vote and so I do not complain.
What think ye?
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