Tag: History

Aleppo, Rolex, BMW, & Light

Aleppo, Rolex, BMW, & Light

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The Fall of Aleppo (image from The Economist, Dec 17-23, 2016 issue)

The cover was pretty striking. The image to the right with the headline: “The Fall of Aleppo: Putin’s victory, the West’s failure”. I tried to imagine what it would be like to care for this child in such a place. Then, what was maybe the most disturbing point about this issue…I turned the page. 3 times.

 
  • First page: 2 page ad for “Rolex, The Cellini”: retail value $15,200. “It doesn’t just tell time. It tells history.”
  • Second page: 2 page ad for BMW 750Li xDrive: beginning MRSP $98,000. “Sheer Driving Pleasure”. Has a remote control key to park the car for you into tight spaces. So you don’t have to actually drive it yourself.
  • Third page: Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator: retail value $3500 (had interior cameras for “food management and direct grocery ordering). Comes with app for your phone so you might look in your refrigerator from your phone…rather than the annoying practice of opening the door.
 
The tragedy, and the irony printed in the first 6 pages of this magazine was a gut shot for me this morning. And it will haunt my Christmas. This isn’t a guilt trip post for the holidays. It’s not intended as a political statement per se. But, for me anyway, its my morning meditation on the closing of Advent 2016…the coming of the Christ…the hope and savior of the world. Where have we who call ourselves the “Christian West” gone wrong? How do we return to be the light the Christ showed us how to be to this hurting world? We are chosen by God not to be singled out and special. We are chosen to be witnesses to this light.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. —John 1:5 (NRSV)
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Yes WE can…

usa-flagWe all witnessed history tonight.  I recognize the anger, pain and hurt I see in my friends who were supporters of John McCain…I felt the same 4 years ago tonight.  However, I was moved on this night unlike any other time in my lifetime.  The cynics will snicker at that statement…I know because I have been a cynic for quite some time.  I’ll admit I was gloating as the wave of electoral votes began to reveal the obvious.  However, that all began to change when John McCain began what I thought was a great speech.  It reintroduced us all to the man who has given his life to our country.  His true love was revealed.  I believed what he said when he offered to help President-elect Obama to bring this nation together.

Barack Obama then gave the speech of a true leader.  He was not looking back at a successful campaign but looking forward to lead the United States of America.  I believe, despite all our troubles and crises, this could be our finest hour…but not as Democrates or Republicans.  We’ll only be able to do this together.  On this night, I really am proud to be an American.

Peace! I’m going to bed…….

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