America's true exceptionalism!

I've always been intrigued by the concept of "American Exceptionalism!" And so I just had to check the meaning of the word, "exceptional" in an old-fashioned thesaurus. I learned that synonyms include

"unusual, rare, far above others in quality or excellence

or beyond the normal or customary"

Consequently, it's easy for me to apply the term to America:

both historically and in this "exceptional" era in which we find ourselves.

Historically has any country been able to create a new society and culture where none had existed before? Except that we exceptionally destroyed a pre-existing culture and enslaved another race in order to build our own concept of excellence!

But that's all in the past, isn't it? Let's look at current events and recent history for other behaviors "beyond the normal or customary."

1. Remember how unusual it was to see a single, rare individual here in Washington at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and 34th St., year in and year out, good weather or bad? Stationing himself in front of the Vatican Embassy, this male individual carried signs stating that the Pope was shielding pedophiles. I wonder if anyone has recommended him for Sainthood now that we have “true facts”?
2. I thought it quite "unusual" that Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh would cite “regular church attendance” as a hallmark of his high character. This same statement must have been uttered by the thousands of priests who used their power and strength to take sexual advantage of children and destroy lives.

3. What a lost opportunity for exceptionalism was lost by the millions and millions of Germans who have always proclaimed Germany to be Christian nation. All they had to do in the 1930s was ask themselves, "What would Jesus do " in response to the evil of Adolph Hitler?

4. I admit to being among the many who were skeptical of President W. Bush when he admitted to changing his behavioral pattern from carousing and drinking after finding religion. Yet the tenor of his life gives credence to such a conversion. While I may still question some of his leadership, I do not question his veracity and motivation. Perhaps the time is ripe to have less hypocrisy in religion and all phases of life. Five hundred years ago there was an extremely exceptional event known as the Protestant Reformation. Then and now
5. exceptional times call for rare or unusual behavior. Certainly we saw at the recent hearings the usual example of male domination, blustering, and venomous divisiveness. How crass that Republican senators would not even speak to one of their "invited guests. How courageous for an "ordinary" citizen to speak to a "power personage” in an elevator, and that courageous act provided the stimulus for change.

After 92 years of life. I've had revealed to me some extremely exceptional events and occurrences – the #Me-too by women is one of the most dramatic.

HOWEVER,

the bravery of these millions of women is awaiting an answer from the millions of men who still hide behind anonymity.

The male counter movement might well be entitled

#Iconfess (to my brute-like behavior)

ARE YOU LISTENING

Bill Clinton

Don Trump (and your locker room co-hearts?

PS. And while I earlier committed to having my next rant about "the sporting scene and its effect on American family life" I MUST place in higher priority. The topic that continues to intrigued me,

The rationale for a religious reformation - 500 years after Martin Luther!

Ron reveals some of the principles behind his Ranting and Raving

The responses to my recent Rant regarding the three formative factors shaping my life have been extremely gratifying, yet they put me in a bind! There are so many observations I want to make yet so many of them might seem old-fashioned and counter to political correctness. And – heaven forbid – they may even cause me to lose friends and, even family members. Still the thought that my ramblings might find a responsive ear is something I can't resist.

For example, one issue that immediately comes to mind, and I feel very strongly about is the havoc wrought on families and our culture because of competitive sports. In my day games (sports) were something we did for fun and to fill idle hours. Now the press is for highly competitive teams demanding practice year round and development of skilled athletes at too early an age.

But before getting into something so controversial, I feel it necessary to share further details about my perspective on life as MY clock winds down. I do this because the views I express reflect my lifelong philosophy that is rooted in a few beliefs which include:

1. I believe that the life of every human being has worth and dignity and is entitled to equal liberty, freedom, and justice.
2. I believe in the motive force of love. This human relationships must consider the welfare of others, and that true love never seeks to hurt or destroy.
3. I believe in the authority of reason and conscience and that humans are endowed with a never ending search for truth.
4. I believe that humans have ever sought to find the source and meaning of life. From prescientific days of superstition. humans have created various dogmas and religions to explain and enhance "the human condition."
5. Thus, all "love based" religious expressions must be encouraged as a way of seeking and providing ethical behavior.
6. The individual finds succor, support and encouragement from various groups beginning with the family to the state. The democratic process provides means for members to share ideas, improve life conditions and equality under the law. Cooperative efforts recognize mutual dependence of people throughout the world.
7. The human experience is enhanced through cooperative endeavors. Life for the individual is enhanced when there is a confirmation by one's peers, providing a critical platform for expression and mutual support.
8. The work of all employees should be valued and that respect must be tangibly recognized by payment of a living wage.

This statement is my personal adaptation of a 10 point statement of policy developed by Dr. David Rankin, senior minister of the fountain Street Church Grand Rapids, Michigan 1982 – 1998 ordained is a Unitarian minister, David statement has been modified somewhat by the national Unitarian/Universalist church is a statement of their beliefs.

As you can see, there is no mention of God. As a congregant of his Grand Rapids church I participated in a class in which the encouraged us to develop our own Definition of the Word, God.

So that's a further background to my story. I think you will see it reflected in the way I look at life. Next week or asap, I'll share my thoughts on the impact of “the sporting life” on children, the family structure and society.

How much more should one say on the social media at 92 years of age?

Perplexed

Life continues to present dilemmas: Certainly they don't diminish with age. I've enjoyed ranting and raving and felt I might still have something to say. Yet the Social Internet is filled with trivia like mine. I well remember having been thrilled as a young man in the Marine Corps during WWII and being mesmerized by the preaching of famed Hollywood Presbyterian minister Louie B. Evans. How exciting to discover 25 years later that he was preaching at National Presbyterian Church in DC. What a marvelous chance to share his powerful sermons with my children. What a disappointment to discover that he should have rested on his laurels.

But what a thrill recently to discover the following on the Internet following some of my recent musings.

from anon  sent 1 month ago

Hi, I just saw your AMA, and I wanted to let you know that I think you're a pretty cool guy, and that the way you articulate yourself and write is just phenomenal to me. Thanks for being you.

So where am I? Should I hang it up? Or perhaps it's time to become more succinct and share a few most heartfelt thoughts and see where they go.

As I approach 93 and continue this marvelous voyage, I continue to wonder:how it is possible that a lower middle-class kid (certainly in the 30's and 40;s most of us with white skin pigment felt most of America was part of a broad middle-class) could experience such a happy, satisfying and fulfilling lifetime experience. Given time to ponder this question, I have identified three underlying pillars or givens that made it possible.

1. A loving family. Yet how contrasted with the present was my nuclear families expression of love. I can remember no kisses or conversations expressing emotions as are so prevalent today. How gratifying, however it was to change and have this in my maturing years.

2. A supportive community. From neighbors on our block, to a neighborhood school, to a local community church (regardless of denomination), my world was slowly expanding,. And it was this latter institution – religious institutions – that I feel is in greatest need for immediate change, Indeed I'm eager to share how I believe “religion” has been totally misunderstood and vilified today as we have glorified terms such as worship, spirituality and meditation.

3. A supportive government. Beginning with public schools, to a vibrant tenth largest city in the countr , to the G. I. Bill of Rights providing financial support for my three academic degrees, to Social Security providing income for my wife and four children in case of a personal catastrophe to me, to a state retirement system proving liveable income for over 32 years, to Medicare providing health care for me and kidney transplants for three of my family members, I have seen citizens paying their taxes providing aid and succor for me and my family. How tragic that “government” is today ridiculed by so many of our citizens.

Yet how frail are some of these institutions today and how divided we are in nurturing them. Perhaps this is enough for me to say now pending having more to say on each of the 3 factors. OR,as
 Douglas MacArthur said to Congress? “??????????????????????????????????????????”