'Sisterhood' bars women who achieve and believe

Published in Cumberland Times-News Letters on September 25, 2008.

"Liberals see now, as do the rest of us, a seemingly truly liberated American woman emerging to claim her place on the national stage: A mindful high achiever who is happy and grounded."

To the Editor:

Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned." Prophetic words, it seems, written in The Mourning Bride (1697) by then 27-year-old English playwright and poet William Congreve. I wonder what profundity young Mr. Congreve might pen today if he could describe the angst being acted out on the public stage by liberal Democratic women against Sarah Palin and the likes of her.

Now they claim, as illustrated in Ellen Goodman's column (“She just happens to wear a skirt,” Sept. 20), that Palin might be proven to be female only genetically; that she is a “good ol' boy (who) happens to wear a skirt;" that she represents a women’s movement’s ascendance to mediocrity alongside a man; that she has risen out of “nowhere” to launch an “insidious” attack on feminism and the liberal agenda; that she is a pathetic example, apparently, of a disdainful womanhood in America today; and that any woman who will cast a vote in her support betrays some sort of pact, or worse.

What an inane mischaracterization and disenfranchisement of bedrock, salt-of-the-earth, hard-working, God-fearing, family-rearing mainstream American women today. Since when should it behoove a woman to desire to belong to Goodman’s so-called “sisterhood” – an elite club, as Goodman paints it, that excludes and defames women who achieve more or believe more than they do?

Goodman laments in her column that now, as evidenced by Palin’s selection, “Republicans are fighting for admission credentials to the sisterhood.” What? It seems more likely that Palin and those of her mind or ability have never thought of or sought out a “sisterhood.” Seems these may be more the type of women who believe it is possible (and desirable) for a woman to stand on her own strengths and achieve on her own merits -- with practical assistance along the way, perhaps, from her family and friends and supporters who know and treasure her and her capabilities.

Not to minimize the heroic efforts of those who have been important in the women’s movement, but the bullying groupthink tactics and the outlandish lashings-out of these “sisters” are over the top. For too many years, every woman has had to live with the expectations that she should want to be like them: Angry, insolent, combative – unhappy, at the very least, and loud about it. Well, “sisters.” not all women are dissatisfied with their lives, or angst-ridden, or constantly grasping for something that eludes them, or desirous to take or destroy something that someone else has earned or accomplished -- because they have come to grips with their own and others' worth and dignity, and capabilities.

Goodman and her “sisters” are upended because Hillary is out and Sarah is in. Liberals see now, as do the rest of us, a seemingly truly liberated American woman emerging to claim her place on the national stage: A mindful high achiever who is happy and grounded.

Nancy E. Thoerig
Mount Savage

Vote your conscience

"Mr. Biser says vote Christian principles. Mr. Robinette says vote as if life depends on the outcome. Mr. Moreland says vote for leaders, men or women, who will think clearly and act justly. ... Read up. Think purposefully. Vote your conscience."

Where to begin, considering how to vote, why to vote this fall?

David Biser of Oldtown says in the September 9 Times-News, "we must turn to the Scriptures as our only source of wisdom and truth." He quotes Isaiah 3:12 and interprets the passage to tell us that women leaders are a nation's disgrace (so that eliminates the McCain-Palin ticket), and God will punish us by putting children in charge (and he cites childish behaiors of Obama-Biden and the Democrats). He concludes: "As Christians our duty to is to Christ and His truth." !n today's Times-News, Mr. Biser says he writes again because people have asked him, since the printing of his first letter, “'Then who do we vote for?'” He expounds: "We need to vote on principle and not lesser (of two) evil(s) theory." He says the two main political parties represent "twin ideologies," and he calls for voters to educate themselves and apply logic to decision making.

Two thoughtful responses appear in today's Cumberland Times-News in response to Mr. Biser's first letter: One from Adam Robinette of Herndon, Virginia; the other from Zachary Moreland of Ridgeley, West Virginia.

Mr. Robinette argues the validity of the Old Testament as a guide for decision making today. He says it was written metaphorically and crytically long before the time of Christ "to scare these people in to shaping up." He says that Mr. Biser's approach leads to decision making that has "little or nothing to do with what will pull our country...toward prosperity." Mr. Robinette sums up: "(T)oo many Americans do not want to take the responsibility to use critical thinking when choosing our leaders." He says there are many issues that unite us: "Everyone wants to be able to afford to feed their family, pay for gas, heat their homes, fund their retirement, have good medical coverage, send the kids to college etc." He calls on voters not to get stuck on one issue and concludes: "Picking the leader of the free world should be looked at as a life or death decision...."

Mr. Moreland likes the idea of reading Scripture, but he disagrees with Mr. Biser's interpretation of the passage from Isaiah. Mr. Moreland bases his presentation on Biblical commentaries and poses, regarding the contextual use of the concpet of children ruling a nation: "(T)he leaders would be imbeciles that would exact their people harshly." Then regarding the notion of women leaders being a disgrace, he notes: "(C)ommentators have translated the passage as saying that the leaders would be effeminate men, not women (but) the opposite of the wise leaders...." He cites another interpretation that postulates that men would be "swayed by women...because of their sexuality...putting the men under their dominion"-- women manipulating men to do something other than God's will. Mr. Moreland summarizes: "(I)t is simply saying that wicked, corrupt officials would oppress the people because of their excessive wickedness." And he concludes, " God created both man and woman to share dominion over the earth — or in other words, leadership."

Seems all three men's perspectives have validity. Mr. Biser says educate yourself, apply logic, and vote Christian principles. Mr. Robinette says take responsibility, think critically, and vote as if life depends on the outcome. Mr. Moreland implies that we should vote for leaders, men or women, who think clearly and act justly.

Regarding a Catholic perspective on women in leadership positions, Pope John Paul II wrote in his 1995 "Letter to Women" (cited in my post on September 10 in response to Mr. Bisier's Setpember 9 letter): "(Y)ou make an indispensable contribution to the growth of a culture which unites reason and feeling, to a model of life ever open to the sense of ‘mystery,’ to the establishment of economic and political structures ever more worthy of humanity.”

And regarding a Catholic perspective on how to vote, why to vote this fall, perhaps the video at CatholicVote.com says it all.

Read up. Think purposefully. Vote your conscience.

by Nancy E. Thoerig 09-23-08

Vietnam, Vietnamese and memories

"Victory in the war forfeited, at least here was evidence of a hard-fought battle won."

"This is what that war was all about," a fellow volunteer commented to me back in 2005 as we watched a gathering of thousands of Vietnamese men, women and children gleefully celebrate another year of freedom of religion in America.

A Vietnam War vet, Mike expressed pride in what he'd fought for: To liberate these Catholics from Communist oppression. Victory in the war forfeited, at least here was evidence of a hard-fought battle won.

Father Jack Lombardi, chaplain at the National Shrine Grotto of Loudes in Emmitsburg, Maryland, told me that this year's Vietnamese celebration was "HUGE," which I interpret to mean larger than the 4,000-plus attendance that we saw there three years ago. The many acres of Grotto grounds "belong" to the throngs on that day. And it is a spectacular sight to see.

Having lost most of my eyesight, I rely now on memory to conjure up details from my sight experiences; and I no longer can drive, so I've had to give up the pleasure of being a regular volunteer at the Grotto, along with the privilege of partaking in such a celebration again. But permit me to recall for you some of my thoughts on that glorious celebration.

Volunteers gather early at the Grotto on Vietnamese festival day. Father Jack enunciates the plan for parking and traffic flow and bus arrival and disembarkation; we get an overview of the entire operation -- where vendors will set up, where port-a-johns are situated, where we volunteers will be stationed and needed throughout the day -- and we're clued in on the schedule for activities and Mass, which we're free (and eager) to attend.

The Vietnamese women are beautiful: Petite, elegant, porcelain-like, gracious, grateful ladies. My volunteer friend Mike, the war vet, comments as we look on, in a moment in the day when we get a break from frenetic activity, that the women here, wearing exquisite ankle-length silk dresses, display colors and styles that signify their cultural heritage. So at a glance, they all know each other socially, if not personally.

For most here, this day is a reunion. They come to the Grotto annually from points all over the Mid-Atlantic and East. They bring packed meals and meet up at the picnic grounds. They exchange gifts and buy new ones from a myriad of mobile shops set up to sell Catholic books and music and sacramentals that are unique to their language and interests. And everyone dresses in their finest suits and silks.

So as Mike and I watch, the folks gather for a procession. We admire young girls and boys dressed all in white lining up to walk with clergy and a throng of followers along the Grotto path. Praying and singing, they revel in this day -- free in America to praise God and to be Catholic.

There's a very interesting series published recently in the Cumberland Times-News written by William B. Ketter, vice president of news for CNHI, the newspaper's parent company, in which he chronicles his eight-day motorcycle trek -- part of a two-week vacation in Vietnam -- along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. This apparently was the primary north-south route used by the Communist North to transport weapons and ammunition to its troops in the South, where American troops and civilians fought and perished.

In his photograph that accompanies his story online, Mr. Ketter looks to be too young to know anything first-hand from the 1960s-'70s era of the war. He says his trail tour started in the northern mountains and ended 850 miles later at DaNang on the southern sea tip. My brother has mentioned DaNang. He doesn't talk about his service much; and when he does, it's mostly with Mom. I remember sitting at the dining room table and writing him letters, while watching grisly combat scenes sent home by war correspondents on the nightly TV news. I would've been nine or ten years old.

Jim served in the Navy Seabees, a year in Vietnam (1965-66). He's seen soldiers and civilians maimed and killed; and he had some close calls himself --like a mortar shell that dropped in front of him, as he lay on his belly taking cover in a raid, and didn't explode. He jokes that he backed away from that one like the cartoon characters we see who miraculously crawl tenuously out of a bad situation on all twenty toe and finger tips. A deeply religious person, Jim does, in fact, believe that was a miracle, an answer to many prayers for him to survive and come home well.

I imaged a cartoon character, too, when my favorite ICU nurse Than (in April of 2006 when I underwent a very complicated heart surgery), daughter of Vietnamese immigrants, revved up the machine to administer prescribed respiratory therapy for me. The machine that she handled seemed to weigh as much as she did; and I asked her if her teeth chattered when she wielded that monster to roll it over my back and penetrate the depths of my clogged lungs with its "vibrative" powers. I joked that her feet probably came off the floor and that she doubtless shook and trembled for a considerable time afterward, like the cartoon characters that we see with lines indicating motion drawn all around them.

Than was my favorite nurse because she was sweet and thoughtful, thorough and professional, and Vietnamese -- and I felt protective and appreciative of her on levels beyond my immediate need and total reliance on her at the time. I asked my best friend in the hospital, respiratory therapist Clifton, if he could watch out for Than, help her with that monster machine, and just be there for her (as he was for me) if she needed a helpful hand or a friend during the lonesome night shift.

Clifton brought Than to visit me one night after I was stepped down to the Acute Care Unit. It was great to have the chance to thank her and to show her that I was moving forward on the long path to recovery and to say a farewell. Clifton told me later that Than was becoming a friend of his and his family's. I was so happy to know that Than, a young single woman working hard to help others and make a living alone in the city, would have a good and dependable friend and mentor in Clifton.

I told Than about the Vietnamese celebration at the Grotto. I wonder if she was there this year.

copyright Nancy E. Thoerig 09-20-08

Conserving Culture

"Many believe we now enter a new dark age in which the skills and abilities, depths and beauties, treasures and wisdoms, of American culture as we’ve known it will be undermined, forgotten and largely lost due to our own malaise and neglect."

There’s a world of difference between tolerance and relativism. Many seem to be confused about the distinctions. In fact, seems many are just plain confused, having traded in a true sense of tolerance for the false nonsense of relativism.

Tolerance embraces. It is a thoughtful, fair and healthy detachment from self interests, expressed in simple acts of charity: Forbearance of (without being overwhelmed or taken in by) others’ troubles or foibles; respect for (without being threatened by or trying to change) personal or cultural differences; appreciation of (without having to like or be like) fellow humans who are unique in themselves and each a child of God. Tolerance operates within a tried-and true, hard-earned set of civilized social norms and laws; and it assumes and promotes goodness and unity among people.

Relativism corrupts. It is a contorted way of thinking, firmly grounded in selfish motives and acted out in bold transgressions: A belief that standards of right and wrong, good and bad, truth and lies are not absolute but changeable to suit the challenger’s wishes or lifestyle choices. Relativists confront the standard bearers and demand that exceptions be made to accommodate them. Rather than change themselves to conform or fit in, relativists expect everyone else to embrace their eccentricities; and they’re forceful about it. Those who resist relativists’ divisive advances are labeled “intolerant.”

Relativism is popular today – mostly euphemized as “tolerance,” which was a good idea in the 1990s that promoted an understanding for diversity among cultures in America. Rather than advancing unity among diverse people, though, -- “out of many, one” -- relativism pulls and magnifies the one out of the many and pushes that selfish agenda to force compromises that butt law and common sense and generate turmoil, confusion and chaos – within the social and individual psyches. Relativism threatens to reverse the evolution of law and religion, civilization and civility, wherever it persists.

Many believe we now enter a new dark age in which the skills and abilities, depths and beauties, treasures and wisdoms, of American culture as we’ve known it will be undermined, forgotten and largely lost due to our own malaise and neglect. Many also believe we can – indeed, must -- take steps to preserve our way of life and, in a sense, save samples and store seeds to be sown again when the dark age passes.

In his book, Crunchy Cons, a catchy title to describe “earthy conservatives” -- not members of a political movement, but rather back-to-basics folks of like-mind from all creeds and cultures who strive to conserve what is best about America (family, faith, tradition; goodness, truth, beauty) -- Rod Dreher urges readers to re-learn practical facts and skills and build interconnected communities and families that are devoted to each other and to passing on knowledge and common sense to future generations.

Dreher, a journalist, doesn’t call for a concerted retreat from the wiles of the world. Rather, he urges engagement in a sort of concentric approach to living healthfully and interdependently in greater awareness of how individual choices and actions affect the people, the environment and the economy around us. His is an interesting view on the direction in which we might choose that our world could go.

(copyright Nancy E. Thoerig 08-15-2008)

Sarkozy calls France, Europe to new 'positive secularity'

"It would be crazy to deprive ourselves of religion; [it would be] a
failing against culture and against thought." -- French Prime Minister Nicolas Sarkozy

Pope Benedict XVI leaves a legacy in the wake of his four-day visit to France, which ended September 15, that includes re-thinking there of the relationship between church and state -- with the best interests for the future development of the country's (and, it seems, Europe's)economy and society in mind. (France currently holds the presidency of the European Union -- July through December 2008. The position is rotated every six months among member nations.)

In reports at Zenit.org, French Prime Minister Nicolas Sarkozy calls his nation, and seemingly all of Europe, to embrace "positive secularity" -- which seems to be defined as conscienable development of a nation's wealth and culture that encourages input of religious thought and dialogue.

Sarkozy is quoted in his welcome to the pope on September 12: "It would be crazy to deprive ourselves of religion; [it would be] a failing against culture and against thought. For this reason, I am calling for a positive secularity," he says. "A positive secularity offers our consciences the possibility to interchange -- above and beyond our beliefs and rites -- the sense we want to give to our lives."

Sarkozy continues, "France has begun, together with Europe, a reflection on the morality of capitalism," noting further: "Economic growth doesn't make sense if it becomes it's own objective. Only the betterment of the situation of the greatest number of persons and their personal fulfillment constitute legitimate objectives. This teaching, that forms part of the heart of the social doctrine of the Church, is in perfect consonance with the challenges of the globalized contemporary economy. Our duty is to listen to it."

"Positive secularism," Sarkozy concludes, "is an encouragement to religion, as well as to all currents of thought."

Pope Benedict is quoted at Zenit.org in his address to Sarkozy, ""The roots of France -- like those of Europe -- are Christian. ... From its origins, your country received the Gospel message."

The Holy Father continues: "At this moment in history when cultures continue to cross paths more frequently, I am firmly convinced that a new reflection on the true meaning and importance of secularity is now necessary. In fact, it is fundamental, on the one hand, to insist on the distinction between the political realm and that of religion in order to preserve both the religious freedom of citizens and the responsibility of the state toward them; and, on the other hand, to become more aware of the irreplaceable role of religion for the formation of consciences and the contribution which it can bring to -- among other things -- the creation of a basic ethical consensus within society."

by Nancy E. Thoerig 09-17-08

Atom smasher to recreate Genesis

"The Big Bang that you didn’t hear was God’s voice when He spoke the Word and created the Heavens and the Earth." -- Barbara Snyder, Cumberland, Maryland

A physicist speaking on the project that scientists around the globe are applauding as a window on how creation began said on Fox News September 11 that the huge new atom smasher lurking 300 yards beneath the Swiss-Franco Alps will "recreate on a tiny scale the first chapter of Genesis."

Michio Kaku says "9,000 scientists have waited 14 years for this moment" to launch the machine trials that pick up where he says Einstein left off in a quest to "read the mind of God." He says, "About a year from now, it will be at full power," giving scientists answers to "fundamental questions about the universe."

Next month, Kaku, says, the machine will "recreate a piece of the Big Bang" -- a theory that speculates about the beginning of the universe 13.7 billion years ago.

Critics fear that the machine will create a black hole that will destroy the earth. In fact, a federal lawsuit has been filed to stop progress on the Large Hadron Collider. Kaku says "a lot of the hysteria around the machine are unfounded." He says mini-black holes created by the experiments are insignificant.

We would hope that the scientists' intentions are holy and that this progress will advance the betterment of mankind. Why would anyone would desire to know the mind of God? We strive to enter into the mystery of God's omniscience and seek to discover His divine will for our life's path when we pray. We can hope that our curious scientists will probe conscienably into these vast, quiet terrtories that seem too awesome to comprehend, with conseuquences potentially too awful to compensate, and that God will keep our world and all of us in His memory and mercy.

Barbara Snyder of Cumberland writes a poignant essay on the topic in today's Cumberland Times-News in response to a published Associated Press article about the September 11 test, in which she summarizes, "The Big Bang that you didn’t hear was God’s voice when He spoke the Word and created the Heavens and the Earth."

Perhaps the most beautiful celebration glorifying God's creation is Daniel 3:52-90, in which Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego sing from 'midst the flames of the furnace:

""Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever; And blessed is your holy and glorious name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.
Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory, praiseworthy and glorious above all forever.
Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.
Blessed are you who look into the depths from your throne upon the cherubim, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.
Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven, praiseworthy and glorious forever.
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.
You heavens, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
Sun and moon, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
Every shower and dew, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
All you winds, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
Cold and chill, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.]
Frost and chill, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
Nights and days, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
Let the earth bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
You springs, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
All you birds of the air, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
You sons of men, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
O Israel, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. For he has delivered us from the nether world, and saved us from the power of death; He has freed us from the raging flame and delivered us from the fire.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.
Bless the God of gods, all you who fear the Lord; praise him and give him thanks, because his mercy endures forever."

by Nancy E. Thoerig 09-16-08

Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows

"Mary invites us daily to join our sorrows with hers, and to let her help us bear our cross."

"How could she bear it?" I contemplate Our Lady in her sorrow at the foot of Christ's cross. Is it possible for us to fathom the depths of her helplessness, the excrutiating pain of her pierced spirit? This was her son whom she saw humiliated, tortured, mutilated, murdered in a very public and disgraced way. This also was her God whom she brought into life and loved, along with those who believed in Him, in a very real and personal and hopeful way. From the time of Jesus' conception, then perhaps made most clear to us by her role in the first miracle at Cana -- in which Mary nudges her son, somewhat against His will, to begin His public ministry -- she cooperated with His path to the Cross. Her constancy and fortitude as His most faithful disciple doubtless helped Him bear the metaphysical weight of His cross. There she stayed with Him and bore the pain in His soul and her own, filled with infinite love for Him and His -- all of those who watched, and doubtless imitated her, and would for ages to come. Mary remains our supreme example of the power of selfless love to sustain us, and to help us share God's grace with those around us, particularly in the worst of times.

Today is the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. The seven sorrows of Mary are:

1. Prophecy of Simeon
2. Flight into Egypt
3. Loss of the Child Jesus at Jerusalem
4. Meeting Jesus on His way to Calvary
5. Standing at the foot of the Cross
6. Jesus taken down from the Cross
7. Burial of Jesus.

Mary invites us daily to join our sorrows with hers, and to let her help us bear our cross.

by Nancy E. Thoerig 09-15-08

Prayers for Ike survivors

"And they had to walk away and leave it all to the whim of nature and the will of God."

Well, we just got word, rather conclusively, that my aunt and two cousins in Texas lost everything in Hurricane Ike. I say rather conclusively because we've not heard it yet directly from them. But my sister-in-law here in Mount Savage saw photos on Fox News and heard mention of my cousin's name as the one who submitted the pictures of his business (and home area) at Crystal Beach -- reduced, apparently, to a pile of rubble on property that appears now to be a sand bar in the Gulf of Mexico.

My brother Jim called Mom and me this morning to tell us that Gay saw the pictures. We extrapolate from there that Pat's mom (my mother's sister) Veronica and brother Mike, likewise, have lost their homes at Port Bolivar, since they were all situated about a mile apart.

My mother told me last evening -- and I told Gay -- that her sister Frances in Meyersdale had told her that their other sister Annette in Fairhope had told her that Veronica had told her (we're getting our news in round-about channels) that Pat, who owns the Firestone dealersihp at Crystal Beach and is a pilot, intended to rent a plane in Houston, where he and his wife Mary Ann had gone to ride out the storm with their son Jim, and fly over to see for himself -- and take pictures. (Veronica and Mike had gone to a hotel in Beaumont.)

Galveston, too, it seems, was pretty much destroyed, though the hundred-year-old sea wall stood steady. Port Bolivar doesn't have a sea wall.

I had wondered why Veronica and Mike went to Beaumont: It's not far north and east of Galveston; still along the coast; and seemingly not much better situated for them to avoid the monster storm's ravage. In fact, that area did get flooding and tornadoes. It seems that my aunt and cousin are safe, though they are marooned at their hotel now with no basic amenities.

Ma says that Francie told her that Veronica telephoned hotels to the west of Galveston and couldn't get a reservation. I thought, then, "Why not just drive north as far as she and Mike could go, to get out of the storm's path altogether? They had a couple days' notice." Then I saw reports on the news that service stations along the evaucation routes were running out of gasoline. And the authorities were telling people in Houston to stay put and avoid the dangers of mass exodus that were experienced in previous situations of that sort.

"So," I specualted in conversation with Gay, "I guess folks who don't anticipate and leave early can find themselves in a situation where they can't get out." Seems a point is reached-- when you don't have enough gas in the tank to be able to go far enough to escape, or can't secure a hotel reservation for a place to stay, even at a gas tank's distance away -- when it is wisest to hunker down and take chances. I gained a whole new perspective on why folks might end up stranded and in need of rescue in such a storm. Seems that unless they've outright refused to accept means offered for transport out, we really can't speculate what their circumstances are and why they've remained behind.

My aunt's home at Port Bolivar was typical of the area: Two-story frame with a basement; constantly air conditioned to battle mildew that thrives in the high humidity; and expressive of deep southern hardiness and pride. (Ma and I flew down to visit for a couple of weeks in 1990.)

My aunt had furnished mostly in antiques from her and her husband's sides of the family; and she loves clocks. Her livingroom was a cacophony of tick-tocks and cuckoos of clocks she'd bought over the years everywhere she went.

My aunt Frances told Mom prior to the storm that Veronica had said from her hotel room in Beaumont that she had cleaned up after Hurricane Clara, I think it was, in the '80s, that had caused severe damage to her home. But she didn't know if she could do that again. Veronica is 84 years old and has made her life at Bolivar. Pat and Mike are Bolivar born and raised.

I've almost lost my life and had to battle all sorts of odds for many months to survive and rehabilitate; and I've lost most of my eyesight and had to let go suddenly of a way of life I'd always known and adapt to a new one. So I think I might understand the spiritual challenges of survival and grief and adaptation that they face. But I am fraught to imagine the gut-wrenching sadness of my aunt's and cousins' total loss of possessions and liveliehood and identity that has been taken from them in the night by Ike. And they had to walk away and leave it all to the whim of nature and the will of God.

Oh, I do know something about surrender -- and prayer. I'll be praying for their surrender.

(c) Nancy E. Thoerig 09-14-08

Palin knows who she is

"If she goes to the White House, Sarah Palin might liberate women and men alike who yearn for authentic feminity and masculinity...."

Alaska Governor and Republican Vice-Presidential running mate Sarah Palin is dubbed Zamboni by Ellen Goodman in her column in today's Cumberland Times-News. Goodman applies the term disparagingly to symbolize Palin's effectiveness in wiping the Republican slate clean of party members' comments regarding working mothers. The best party line, though, quoted in Goodman's article, is Palin's own: "To any critics who say a woman can't think and work and carry a baby at the same time, I'd just like to escort that Neanderthal back to the cave."

Known for shaking up her own party, Palin didn't mince any words that time; and she surely seems to be shaking up the nation now as a political powerhouse headed for the White House.

She turns the liberal view on its head. Sarah Palin clearly can "think and work and carry a baby at the same time" -- we saw her do it on stage after delivering her blockbuster speech at the Republican convention -- and still be a woman. Her authenticity is appealing and attractive on levels rarely seen today.

The liberal left accuses her of contriving an alluring act: They say her unstylish eyeglasses and hair piled up carelessly or pulled back frumpily are blatant props to flaunt her latent sexualitty. They deride her genuine good looks and disrespect her attractiveness to men, who apparently find her to be beautiful. To women, she is a refreshing and real role model: Sarah Palin knows who she is; and her values are those of a massive population of women in our country who have repressed (or forgotten or denied) heir authentic innate qualities and exceptional contributions to society as women -- working or not, mothers or not -- under the oppression of extreme feminism and elitism.

If she goes to the White House, Sarah Palin might liberate women and men alike who yearn for authentic feminity and masculinity -- and the complementarity and mutual respect that come with them -- in our human relations. Could Palin's influence generate a renewal of civility in our society? Could she bring about a new feminism that treasures authentic feminity?

A Catholic News Service article published in the Catholic Review on September 4 quotes Palin as saying that she and her husband felt "privileged that God would entrust us with this gift and allow us unspeakable joy as he entered our lives” in their consideration of her last pregnancy with a Down syndrome baby. The article notes that "more than 90 percent of women who receive a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome choose to abort the child." Palin's decision to welcome her baby won her praise from Anchorage Archbishop Roger L. Schwietz, quoted as saying that Gov. Palin gives "public witness to the fact that every child is a gift."

The article continues: "Gov. Palin's pro-life credentials received another test when the fmaily disclosed Sept. 1 that 17-year-old daughter Bristol, who is unmarried, was five months pregnant and planned to marry the father of her child." Charmaine Yoest, president and CEO of Americans United for Life, is quoted as saying in a statement: "The Palin family is displaying courage and constancy...in welcoming this new life."

The CNS article notes that "Palin says she was baptized Catholic but has always attended nondemoninational Christian churches."

by Nancy E. Thoerig 09-13-08

Wake up, America!

"The trend is toward forgetfulness of God and disintegration of a Judeo-Christian formula for Democracy. We need to redirect. Are Christians responding?"

Glenn C. Riffey makes an excellent point in his letter today in the Cumberland Times-News in response to Charles Haynes' column of September 5: "From the very start, the Christians were the ones who discovered, settled and built America." He reinforces the view that church and state are inseparable; and he seems to call on citizens to exercise conscience when electing public officials to guide us in God's light as the country takes shape in the future. It certainly does seem in this era of "cool" elistism and relativism that our country's religious and moral traditions (and let's not forget the Jewish half of our country's Judeo-Christian underpinnings: Law + Mercy = Justice) are "square" and fodder for national ridicule, bullying and degradation.

In a CTN article today about the first "Cry Out America" event held September 11 to commemorate the terrorists' attack, cooridnator Sharron Eror Moody calls it “a cry out to God for an awakening in America.” (The event was held at the grounds of the county courthouse, where the Ten Commandments monument was a subject of controversy in the recent past.)

A September 11 Zenit.org press release notes that Pope Benedict XVI says Christians' involvement in politics is key to evangelizing society. And in a release today reporting on Benedict's first papal visit (four days) to France, with the intent "to reinvigorate the Christian roots of Eurpoe," Catholic News Service reports that "the pope quickly zeroed in on a perennial and crucial issue in France: the proper role of the church in a secular society." The CNS release states that the pope said society must become more aware of "the irreplaceable role of religion" in forming consciences and instilling values. He said religion does not represent a danger for any democracy and that Christian values constitute a "living patrimony" for society as a whole. The pope called for a renewal of church-state cooperation, saying modern society greatly needs the inspiration of the Gospel. "This hope (of 'ethical consensus') is all the more necessary in today's world, which offers few spiritual aspirations and few material certainties," the pope said at an official welcoming ceremony at Elysee Palace, as reported by CNS.

Seems our country got a wakeup call seven years ago. Memories of that day that shook our nation's foundation should continue to awaken our awareness of the direction our country -- and the other Christian nations of the world -- are going. The trend is toward forgetfulness of God and disintegration of a Judeo-Christian formula for Democracy. We need to redirect. Are Christians responding?

Follow the pope's visit to France at Whispers in the Loggia.

by Nancy E. Thoerig 09-12-08

Choose Life

Delighted to see James E. Briner’s letter to the editor in today’s Cumberland Times-News, in which he cites the contradictions of some prominent Catholic politicians and says:

“The church (teaches) that a human being is created at the moment of conception
and its willful destruction is nothing short of murder.”

The prophet in Deuteronomy 30:19 says of the choice between misery and happiness – evil and death, good and life: "Choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” Literal or mystical, choosing life in God's light and in our option-filled world is the Catholic way; and it's the simplistic and holistic way to spiritual health for us and for those who live with us. Got to admire the courage of those devout young Catholics who make their message of survival clear: “You can’t be Catholic and pro-choice.”

by Nancy E. Thoerig 09-11-08

Sexism is alive -- and well?

"Thank you, women who work! You are present and active in every area of life -- social, economic, cultural, artistic and political." Pope John Paul II

Sexism is alive and well; but one might argue that quoting Scripture to justify it is short-sighted, at best. Relying on his sole interpretation of a single Scripture verse from the prophet Isaiah, David Biser in his September 10 commentary in the Cumberland Times-News equates women with children in their ability to lead and says women in politics do not follow guidelines for a biblical life.

In a June 29, 1995 “Letter to Women” on the advent of the Fourth World Conference on Women of the United Nations, Pope John Paul II says, “I wish to consider the essential issue of the dignity and rights of women, as seen in the light of the word of God. ... Gospel contains an ever relevant message which goes back to the attitude of Jesus Christ himself. Transcending the established norms of his own culture, Jesus treated women with openness, respect, acceptance and tenderness. In this way he honoured the dignity which women have always possessed according to God's plan and in his love."

JPII thanks God for women; and he thanks women for being wives, mothers, daughters, sisters and consecrated to the church. And he states in his letter: “Thank you, women who work! You are present and active in every area of life-social, economic, cultural, artistic and political. In this way you make an indispensable contribution to the growth of a culture which unites reason and feeling, to a model of life ever open to the sense of ‘mystery,’ to the establishment of economic and political structures ever more worthy of humanity.”

by Nancy E. Thoerig 09-10-08

Religion, immigrants both have their place in U.S.

Published in Cumberland Times-News Letters on September 9, 2008

"The church aims to educate and encourage those who are in power to respect and protect the dignity of those who are vulnerable – to remain conscious of immigrants as people who have a right to migrate to improve their lives and to ensure that conditions for enforcing regulations and laws are humane and promote the common good."

To the Editor:

Religion has a place in politics. And immigrants have a place in society.

Hopefully, Judith Weller (“Church has lost its way on immigration issue,” Sept. 4) read Charles Haynes’ column (“We tire of faith-based politics,” Sept. 5), in which the senior scholar at the First Amendment Center in Washington, D.C., acknowledges “the mixture of God and politics in America can be a volatile brew.” He continues: “But for most Christians and for many others, faith by definition requires political involvement of some kind. Contrary to the freedom-from-religion crowd, the First Amendment doesn’t bar religion from politics. It protects the right of houses of worship to speak out on the public-policy issues of the day.”

It’s a good response to Dr. Weller’s letter, in which she goes astray in her interpretation of the first amendment and in her (lack of) understanding of the purpose and place of faith and social action in society today – and in the past and future.

Regarding immigration, the Catholic Church doesn’t attempt to be involved in determining legal status or deciding what is best for the state, as Dr. Weller implies it does. The church urges the state to do what is best for everyone; and it is interested in protecting the dignity of immigrants and attending to their human needs.

In a piece titled “The Economics of Immigration,” the Maryland Catholic Conference states: “It is reasonable to ask what impact immigrants, including those who are undocumented, have on the economy, public benefits, and native-born workers. The answer is largely positive. Research shows that immigrants – documented and undocumented alike – work hard, pay taxes and help grow the economy.” The article cites such sources as the Council of Economic Advisers (established by the Employment Act of 1946 to provide objective economic analysis and advice to the President of the United States), the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation (which studies the economic impact of entrepreneurship), the Social Security Advisory Board, the General Accounting Office and more.

Politics of managing who may enter the country or not and how; and legalities of deciding who is detained or deported and why, are up to the state. The church aims to educate and encourage those who are in power to respect and protect the dignity of those who are vulnerable – to remain conscious of immigrants as people who have a right to migrate to improve their lives and to ensure that conditions for enforcing regulations and laws are humane and promote the common good.

by Nancy E. Thoerig 09-09-08

What Is Church's Teaching on Immigration?

Published in Cumberland Times-News Letters and picked up by Catholic Relief Services blog on August 29, 2008.

"...people have a right to migrate to improve their lives, while countries have a right to defend their borders."

To the Editor:

Eileen Steele’s commentary (“Some things need discussing,” August 26), in which she says “the Catholic Church has a wrong-headed approach to the illegals,” though she gives no elucidation as to what offends her, caused me, a cradle Catholic, to wonder: What is the crux of the Church’s teaching on immigration; and how does it fit into the political debate?

Probably the best source I found to answer questions is the Maryland Catholic Conference , informed by bishops O’Brien, Wuerl and Saltarelli of Baltimore, Washington and Wilmington, respectively, to advocate for public policy and pastoral interests in Annapolis and on Capitol Hill. The MCC, the site summarizes, aims to keep before our legislators “moral and religious dimensions of secular issues” and “values of the Gospel as norms for social and political life” and to promote “peace and justice.”

“Undocumented immigrants are persons with dignity,” the bishops state in their document titled “Where All Find a Home;” and they call us to learn about the immigration system, reasons people migrate, and needs of immigrants and their families: “Our American ideals call us to participate in the public debate; our Catholic faith urges us to do so with charity.”

Basically, the Church advances the position that people have a right to migrate to improve their lives, while countries have a right to defend their borders. When the two ideals conflict, citizens of the “receiving nation,” if capable, should respond with generosity to meet basic individual needs and keep families together. The church’s position separates legal questions surrounding entry into the U.S. from social questions of dignified treatment for immigrants.

The bishops cite organized Catholic outreaches to immigrants: “Catholic Relief Services, headquartered in Baltimore, assists 80 million people worldwide, including many who have been displaced by war, genocide and the threat of starvation. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops works for a just federal immigration policy and promotes economic initiatives that help people stay in their homelands. In Maryland, immigrants are served through the good work of organizations like the Hispanic Apostolate in Baltimore, the Spanish Catholic Center in Langley Park, and the Seton Center in Princess Anne.”

The bishops urge Catholics to educate themselves – and the site posts informational pieces about the process, history, economics and root causes for immigration – and to thoughtfully discuss the issues toward finding “local solutions to local challenges.” We are reminded that the Holy Family were immigrants who found shelter in a foreign land and that our first American saint, Frances Xavier Cabrini, was an Italian immigrant.

Our individual political beliefs are our own – and contrary to what Dr. Steele would lead readers to believe, “political speeches” are not made in Catholic churches; and no “political agenda” is “pushed down (anyone’s) throat” – but we are called to be reasonable and charitable in forming our opinions and actions.

by Nancy E. Thoerig 08-29-08