Katie’s Beer

I’ve heard the theory before that when a Democrat is President, the economy thrives and when a Republican is President, the economy falters.  Up until now, it was my mom (a lifelong Republican business owner) who told me this.  Today I read the same thing in Is History Siding with Obama’s Economic Plan? written by Alan Blinder in the New York Times.
Now, I realize that Professor Blinder is an ardent Obama supporter.  But as I read his article, I see no mention of what - beyond the presidency - accounts for the economic growth.  My guess is that taxes are the missing ingredient; there is only one brief mention of “tax and transfer policies”.

“…if history is a guide, an Obama victory in November would lead to faster economic growth with less inequality, while a McCain victory would lead to slower economic growth with more inequality. Which part of the Obama menu don’t you like?”

I’m not making any statements. I just want to better understand why this happens. Anyone else familiar with this theory?

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Some Christians closely follow scriptural teachings on the roles of women and men in the church.  For those wondering if scripture “allows” Christians to vote for a woman, this opinion piece by a Lutheran seminary professor may be of help…

“The callings of head and helper that God gave to men and women as they interact with each other in his world certainly have application beyond home and church.  Our interdependent relationship as head and helper - as men and women - is one beautiful part of the tapestry of how God ordered his whole creation.  When Paul states the principle in 1 Corinthians 11:3, there is every indication that he is stating a general principle with broad application that a Christian man or woman, wherever he or she may be, would recognize as a part of God’s design to bless us . Those who wish to restrict the application of head and helper to just home and church have yet to provide any clear scriptural proof for such a limitation.  There are no New Testament ceremonial laws that apply only to believers while exempting unbelievers.

However, it is also more than interesting to note that Scripture refuses to provide for us the same kind of specific application of head and helper to situations in society as it does for situations in home (Ephesians 5 for example) or church (1 Timothy 2) for example.  That means we may often have a difficult time knowing exactly how to apply the principle of head and helper to challenging situations in society.  To put it another way:  we don’t know precisely how that unique relationship between men and women would have played itself out in every situation in a sinless society. 

And because our world is far from sinless, that often puts us in very difficult situations.  It is already challenging when we seek to apply head and helper in the setting of Christian home and church.  How much more challenging then will it often be in the midst of an unbelieving world.  That unbelieving world does not care for anything that God has to say about anything in life.

Living in the midst of a sinful world often puts the Christian into situations in which that Christian may wonder how it is possible to honor all of God’s principles at once. It is not the fault of God’s principles - they do not contradict each other - but it is a challenge raised by the sinfulness of human beings.   At such times, we may need to act according to one good principle of God even though it may seem at the time that we are ignoring  another of God’s good principles. 

That brings us to the situation you mentioned with a woman running for a position of leadership in the government.  There may very well be times when we will recognize that it would be greater love for others  to vote for her because the other candidates would be far less capable and would cause much greater harm if they were elected to office.   At such times, our vote may seem to be in violation of God’s principle of head and helper, but there may be no better option. 

Let me also add that I would also respect another Christian who might respond to that same situation by abstaining from voting.  God has not given us a clear “right” or “wrong” in such situations.  He calls us to prayerfully wrestle with what will bring him glory by serving for the greatest good for our neighbor.  As those with whom God is already well pleased through Jesus, we can make such decisions in good conscience. 

Finally, wherever a woman has been elected to a position of governmental authority, there I owe that person in authority honor whether that person is  “Mr. Caesar” or “Mrs. Caesar.”   Whether everything was wonderful or not in the way that person came to a position of authority is not my concern at that time.  Instead, I am to recognize in the person holding that position someone to whom I owe honor and respect.”

I personally think that this is a time when the best person for Vice President is a woman!  I also think that, if John McCain were to die, she would be the best person for President.

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I envy my daughter!  She’s 19, smart, talented, in college learning lots of good things - on top of what we already taught her- things that will carry her into the future.  On top of that foundation, she has role models that broaden her horizons. Many of today’s public professionals have chosen to work and raise a family simultaneously.  There’s a hockey mom we’ve known for years who, with her husband, have raised the happiest, kindest, most well-adjusted kids I’ve ever known.  They’re active in church and are completely home-focused.  Both the parents are active lawyers and have always worked full-time.  With lots of patience, creativity and commitment, they successfully parented and worked.  Of course, we know many well-functioning families with one parent at home full-time.  I’m also happy that my daughter is learning Govenor Sarah Palin’s story.  She’s an excellent role model for normal family relationships, strained a bit by such public scrutiny.  Mother of five, including a pregnant teenager and a nursing baby who will have special needs his entire life.  Sounds a lot like people I know.  If she feels called to help lead our country, and has a proven track record of the accoplishments, energy and commitment it takes to do that, then I’m willing to give her my vote.
When I was in my daughter’s place, I was told there were two choices:  you are either at home NOT working for pay or you choose the business world.  If you want to attempt a halfway choice, you can become a teacher.  So, I became a teacher.  I even pursued my master’s degree in education, falling just 9 credits short due to pregnancy.  I finally left in 1996 because my mind and heart were needed at home.  I’ve been working in business every since and have found that it is very possible to raise and nurture a family very well and still be employed.  I only wish I had learned that much earlier in my life.

For a good insight into Govenor Sarah Palin’s life, check out the links in the Backlash post at Cranach: The Blog of Veith.   I’d like to add a really great article, In Wasilla, Pregnancy Was No Secret , by Time Magazine writer, Nathan Thornburgh.  Here’s an excerpt:

“So his name is Levi. That’s about the only thing that I didn’t know about Bristol Palin’s pregnancy. The rest of the details I picked up almost without trying, while talking about other things with townsfolk — some who know the governor and her family well, some who don’t. It was, more or less, an open secret. And everyone was saying the same thing: the governor’s 17-year-old daughter is pregnant, the father is her boyfriend, and it’s really nobody’s business beyond that…

Maybe that means Palin is a little too much Northern Exposure for America….People in Wasilla are Alaskan tough, so not only does a thing like teen pregnancy not seem like anyone’s damn business, but it’s also not seen as the calamity so many people in the lower 48 might think it is. This is dangerous country — it’s not just the roughneck jobs on cable reality shows. It’s real life here.”

Update:  Check out MZ Hemingway’s discussion of Thornburgh’s piece at Get Religion!

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Vote for me!  Why?  Why not!  Visit a good local blog, Northern Alliance Wannabe (referencing a local blog/radio show host consortium called the Northern Alliance- frequent guests on Hugh Hewitt’s show).  Anyway, Dan at NAW does a good job of encouraging local bloggers by posting a weekly round-up/poll.  I’m on it this week, so while you visit his blog cast a vote for me.

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Last night on the news, a local reporter was camped in front of the Pawlenty’s suburban home in hopes, I think, of seeing signs of the Secret Service or some other indication that Pawlenty would be McCain’s pick. Instead, neighbor kids (who were up late because school hasn’t started here yet) walked their dog back and forth, back and forth, behind the reporter, giggling and smiling at the camera. I’d be willing to bet they were about 11 or 12. I know that mischievous age well! Anyway, local speculation continues this morning.
I listened to Barack Obama’s acceptance speech last night. Here and there, the speech was interesting; my husband is a teacher and he promised him a pay raise. Cool! And how could I not vote for a Christian man who proclaims : “Let us keep that promise - that American promise - and in the words of Scripture hold firmly, without wavering, to the hope that we confess”. That hope is that we will no longer be judged by our sins because we are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. He is referring to Hebrews 10:23, which in context says:

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Such an excellent scripture reference, unless….do you think…he was misapplying scripture to suit his own purposes?  Would someone as distinguished as Barack Obama really do that?  Naw…

Tags: Election 2008 // 3 Comments »

Read the Harry Potter Series - for the first time

Start figure skating - again

Walk our dog, Kirby, every day

Work from home two hours a day, whenever possible

Yoga, pilates and weight-lifting

Buy a Blackberry

Make supper each night

Redecorate college daughter’s room into more of a guest bedroom, but still a place for her whenever she comes home

Attempt daily devotions

Read Christian Liturgy

Keep a daily journal (written)

Compile memorabilia for each child into a scrapbook

Buy a sewing machine (to replace my grandmother’s one from 1960- used)

Find a nice place to watch live music

Start a girls’ night out with my sisters and sisters-in-law

Clean out closets and get rid of clothes from 1990’s (a very ugly time in fashion)

Enjoy a glass of wine at day’s end whenever prudent

Make a hockey scrapbook for my dad

Get closer, somehow, to my mother and try to understand her - I’m 47 and I still really have no idea

Keep a record of these days of separation from my daughter

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The Amethyst Initiative is in the news and on the blogs (here and here) lately. I think the Amethyst Initiative’s goals are good.

A culture of dangerous, clandestine “binge-drinking”—often conducted off-campus—has developed.

Alcohol education that mandates abstinence as the only legal option has not resulted in significant constructive behavioral change among our students.

Adults under 21 are deemed capable of voting, signing contracts, serving on juries and enlisting in the military, but are told they are not mature enough to have a beer.

By choosing to use fake IDs, students make ethical compromises that erode respect for the law.

What I got from their website was that the lowering of the limit would only be one piece and what needed to be in place was a whole society response to teens and drinking. They seem to be pushing for an educational campaign.

Choose Responsibility supports a series of changes to treat 18, 19 and 20 year-olds as the young adults the law otherwise says they are. Current drinking laws infantilize young adults. We should not be surprised, then, by infantile behavior from otherwise responsible adults.

We support a series of changes that will allow 18-20 year-old adults to purchase, posses and consume alcoholic beverages.

We propose a multi-faceted approach that combines education, certification, and provisional licensing for 18-20 year-old high school graduates who choose to consume alcohol.

We envision an overarching program that combines appropriate incentive and reward for responsible, lawful behavior by adolescents, and punitive measures for illegal, irresponsible behavior.

A educational and licensing system -  I’m having a hard time envisioning that…especially considering the privatization of drivers’ education in our state.  How to regulate the local School of Drinking???
What the Amethyst Initiative really needs is parents teaching mature behavior, from drinking, to finances, to drinking, from the home.   You can’t legislate responsibility.  I, too, am in support of changing the drinking age to 18 or 19. I think by the age of 21, many “children” are long gone from the family home and parents aren’t as able to be aware of alcohol abuse. In our home, our kids have seen their parents enjoy small amounts of alcohol at meals or in the evenings. We even let them have a small taste now and then when they were younger (age 9 or 10 -whatever age they became more curious about it).

I don’t allow my 16 year old to drink yet, but I do allow my 19 year old to have a beer or glass of wine with us in our house if she will not be doing any driving the rest of the night. I hadn’t planned on doing this with either of my kids, but I changed my plans in preparation for my daughter’s trip to Europe last spring. There she was allowed to drink, with parental permission given to the tour guides (good Lutheran people I knew and trusted as her teachers for 4 years). She has handled it well, both in Europe and at home. I really expect little problem from her even as she heads off to the infamous town of Mankato (where there have been way too many deaths due to extreme consumption of alcohol by 21 year olds at the state university there.  My son’s situation will be different because he is an athlete and is prohibited to consume alcohol in season by the state’s high school athletics governing board. He will be allowed to have a beer or wine off-season, but I haven’t started this practice with him yet.

Don’t assume we take alcohol abuse lightly. One side of our family has severe alcoholic tendencies, so I have consciously chosen my strategies of learning to communicate rather than stuff your emotions, exploring other outlets for frustrations and learning how and when to use alcohol. This all happens in the home! It absolutely won’t happen by chance at college (or wherever a person is a full three years after graduating from high school).

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Baseball heros of today.  That was the topic of discussion at our family reunion in Mid-July.  The Home Run Derby had just been on television a few nights earlier and we were discussing the merits of Justin Morneau vs. Josh Hamilton as role models for young ballplayers.  My dad and I argued the whether Josh Hamilton’s story should be so heavily discussed in the media.   I was surprised to hear my dad’s strong advocacy for Hamilton. My dad has been a hard-working, clean athlete his entire life.  He raised children who never abused a thing and his grandchildren, so far - God willing, have managed to stay away from drug and alcohol abuse.  I only mention this because I would have expected my dad to be a champion of someone like himself, like Justin Morneau.  He seemed frustrated when I suggested that it might be too early for Hamilton to be praised so heavily when just 18 months ago he was in yet another bad relapse.  I could only remind him that Hamilton is a rare exception to a otherwise devastating condition of drug and alcohol abuse.  Jim Souhan said it much better in the paper the very next day.  In This season’s best baseball stories made in Minnesota, Souhan reminds StarTribune readers that:

The stories of Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer and Joe Nathan border on boring, because they represent the monotony of perseverance.

It’s an excellent opinion piece.  He ends by positing:

If Joe, Joe and Justin had tried crack, they might have become national celebrities for overcoming their addictions.

Redemption is a glamorous story-line, but isn’t it better this way, following three model athletes with no need for it?

As a mother of a young ballplayer, I would choose the influence of three ballplayers who began life redeemed and stayed that way.  Youth sports, today, is filled with talented athletes who fall - sometimes inexplicably - to drug and alcohol use.   As a mother, I can also rejoice that one young ballplayer did eventually find redemption.

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Gene Veith asks, “Is there a Vice-Presidential choice that would make you either MORE likely to support McCain or LESS likely to support him?”
This is easy- Tim Pawlenty. Besides the usual VP qualifications, he’s a hockey player, “a really good guy” and has a very smart wife (I’m listening to Judge Mary Pawlenty guest-hosting on my favorite morning radio show). Actually, he’s too good to waste on a vice-presidency, but I think that will probably cinch it for him.

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A couple of times a week I check my spam folder. Yeah, I hate wading through that sewage (titles, not contents!), but I usually find something, once a week or so, that should have made it to my mail folder. Today, something caught my eye. Obama spam. References to his extraordinary male prowess, or at least photographic evidence of it. Really? Obama porn? Does anyone R-E-A-L-L-Y want to go there? I’m thinking this is a first: political porn spam, but I don’t really care to research my speculation. First he’s the next messiah and now he’s a porn spam star???

If I now get McCain spam porn, I’ll know we are one step closer to the end of this world.

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