Countrydiction

I am so relieved. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (see ratzingerfanclub.com/blog) is now Pope Benedict XVI. There has been a growing awareness by some of us for the need of a 'muscular Christianity.' In Pope Benedict we have our Arnold Schwarzenneger. Many have noted the speed or shortness of the conclave to elect the new pope, which was the result of the unanimity of the Cardinals to continue much of the legacy of John Paul the Great. Much of the mainstream media have lamented that Benedict XVI has gone on record condemning relativism in the modern world. It's going to take a strong man with indestructible belief in truth and faith to counter the tide of the secular world, particularly in western Europe and North America, and in Benedict XVI we have that man! I believe as the pope has said that the exclusivity of the Roman Catholic faith, the Church's teaching that there is an absolute truth and that the Church was instituted by Jesus Christ, will mean a leaner, more v...

After jumping through more hoops than a circus animal I can now consider myself a professional writer. I was hired by the Northwest Florida Daily News to be one of their three new 'citizen columnists.' In other words, I'm a local columnist and I can write about whatever subject my heart desires. Man, I wanted this writing gig! My first column will be published on Wednesday, 27th of April. Initially our column will run every other week. My goal is to run weekly. The newspaper website requires a subscription to read it, so I am going to contact the webmaster and get a link to my columns which will be available here, plus I intend to get authorized to have my columns available on this blog. Nothing like a part-time job where I can work at home, in my cut-offs and Mickey Mouse house slippers!

Words, for a person who enjoys reading and writing, are like the variety of plants in our world. Regardless of what language you consider you will find it uses words which are utilitarian, some that are sustaining, and others which are beautifully descriptive. Likewise, some plants are useful for building things, some for feeding us, and many others express inspirational beauty. For example, the word ‘do’ is a no-nonsense, useful verb. The word is used for many different meanings, such as produce, solve, and suffice. Colloquially, or conversationally, ‘do’ can mean visit, deceive, or swindle. The word is used as a base for phrases such as do over, do like, and do away with. Now, I see the word ‘do’ like I see the longleaf pine tree. It used to be more common throughout the southeast, but it was over-harvested for lumber. Other trees are used for lumber now. The tree is also useful for its pine needles and its bark, both of which make fine mulch for other plants. There are als...

After three or four weeks without hearing from the newspaper after I submitted a second commentary I had given up hope of getting a columnist position. Then while I was in Austin I received an email which notified me that I made the second cut! Originally, there were 50 plus people submitting a sample. Seven of us were selected from that group. I was one of three from that group to be interviewed, which took place yesterday with the editor and one of his staff. The editor said he will notify me by early next week whether I'm selected or not. This has been like an emotional roller coaster. I submitted a third piece unsolicited and hope that it helps the cause rather than sink it. My nature doesn't allow me to just sit and wait. Lord, I'm ready to go to work and use the tools you've given me!

The Pontiff,Oct 16, 1978 to Apr 2, 2005. 

The ESPN website really blows my coals. They asked what was the most memorable clutch, end-of-game shot so far in the NCAA tournament. They gave three options to choose from: Arizona 's Salim Stoudamire beats Oklahoma State , or Bucknell's Chris McNaughton beats Kansas , or West Virginia gets a stop and a breakaway dunk to beat Creighton. Welllllllllllllllll! Everyone knows that the biggest, baddest, Packer-smacker was the three-pointer at the end of regulation to tie the score during the Kentucky-Michigan State regional final in Austin. Here's the scene: with under a minute to go Patrick Sparks, Kentucky's shooting guard, misses the front end of a one-and-one free throw bonus situation. Usually, he's clutch. Two free throws would give the Cats a one point lead. Instead MSU goes down court and makes two to give them a three point lead with a few seconds left. Here we are, three points down, clock ticking to oblivion. Sparks launches a three and misses, ...

The more I think about it I get incensed at the sloppy work at Fox News and CNN. Today, they both announced that Pope John Paul II had died. Fox attributed their source to the 'Italian media' and I switched to CNN to hear them claim their source to be the Reuters newswire. Apparently, the Vatican quashed the rumors and the cable channels soon retracted. While hearing all the pundits and analysts speaking of John Paul in the past tense all day I can't help but note how uncomfortable the media are with the stubbornness of JPII to continue the fight. Having struggled to understand the fight in the Schindlers for the life of their daughter, Terri Shiavo, the media reflect the confusion and consternation of all those who shun the weak and spurn the helpless. John Paul has marked his legacy with his insistence on the dignity of all human life. Vis-a-vis the dire portent of the life and death of Terri Schiavo, the Holy Father no doubt is walking the walk.

For those too young to remember, or who've been indoctrinated by academic revisionists, these are the two men responsible for the victory over the hegemony of Communism. Truly giants among men, prophets from God, masters of their universe. God bless the Church, and God bless America...

During my motorcycle ride to Austin TX and back (1,500 miles) and in a drive to Gulf Shores AL in my truck I observed a plethora of character types on the road. Some mosey along like they are oblivious to the chaos around them. I've been semi-retired (jobless) for a year now and I don't have to be anywhere on time except church on Sunday. But, I still race to anywhere I go. Most of the drivers on the road are apparently chronically late because they drive as if nothing better get in their way. My mind-set is to get somewhere without lollygagging. When I left Austin I took a country road through the outback, the most direct route to Houston. It was a four lane highway with massive shoulders and beautiful purple, orange and pink wildflowers flanked the sides and filled the medians. I had my camera with me but I didn't stop to take one photo because I needed to stay on course without delay. What's wrong with that attitude? So, I was on I-12 in the Baton Rouge metro...

The thunderbolts are flying. We on the Gulf Coast have had six to seven inches of rain since yesterday, starting soon after the announcement of Terri Schiavo's death. Presently, we are hearing that the Holy Father, John Paul II, is in the throes of death. Choirs of angels are forming at Peter's Gate. Two saints have defied not only death, but all of those who would forego suffering in the rush to the choice to die. Already, two cable news channels which I have watched all morning have reported John Paul's death, based on Reuters, rumors, and the Italian press, and have had to retract and apologize for an incorrect diagnosis. As long as the windows remain open at the Papal apartments then we know that the pope is still with us. My prayers were for the relief of his suffering or for recovery to health. My prayers are now for the Church and its future. The Holy Spirit will insure that the Mother Church will prevail as a mystical body of Christ. It is the human institution whic...