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Critical Mass

Posted by ricaler on Saturday, October 06, 2007 10:01:52 PM
Salem is on the economic and cultural fringes of Louisville, Ky.  Many of us work in the area and make the commute back and forth to shop, eat, and play.  The Courier-Journal is the newspaper of record for the area and it was with interest that I read a story from Sept 29 concerning a new mosque to be built off Westport road. According to the article, it will provide a home for local muslims and a place for others to learn about Islam.  It will be a three-phase project and when complete will have an elementary school, middle school, high school and a gym. "It will be a place that feels like home....and it will be a place where we could invite in guests, just like they invite us into their homes."

Sounds swell doesn't it?  After all, other groups have their churches and synagogues along with their respective schools.  But....I still have some questions.  According to www.jihadwatch.com, "Jihad  (in arabic "struggle") is the central duty of every Muslim.  Modern muslim theologians have spoken of many things as jihads: the struggle within the soul, defending the faith from critics, supporting its growth and defense financially, even migrating to non-Muslim lands for the purpose of spreading Islam. But, violent jihad is a constant of Islamic history. Many passages of the Qur'an and the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad are used by jihad warriors today to justify their actions and gain new recruits.  No major Muslim group has ever repudiated the doctrines of armed jihad.  The theology of jihad, which denies unbelievers equality of human rights and dignity, is available today for anyone with the will and means to make it possible."

So, what exactly is to be taught in these muslim schools?  A Kentucky approved curriculum?  A religious education exempt from state oversight?  Will they be required to abide by Title 9 laws requiring boys and girls athletics teams?   Will they field ball teams to compete with "infidel" schools?  Hmmm....

In nuclear physics, a little radioactive material does no harm.  It cannot interact with other matter to support steam heating to power nuclear electrical generation or cannot explode.  But, once you reach a "critical mass", then there is enough nuclear matter to inneract to support and maintain fission, or if you prefer, an explosion.  The same could be said of modern Islam.  When in small numbers, as now exists in Louisville,  there are few problems, but with the coming of years, an Islamic birth to adult cultural education, and growth in numbers, eventually a "critical mass" will be reached and the potential or actual violent phase will be reached.  It is more than a concern...it is a prediction.
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Thoughts and Musings

Posted by ricaler on Sunday, September 30, 2007 8:39:58 PM
I've heard it said, "You are destined to live a narrow and mean life if.....you learn to love only those who love you."  So, do you know any dour, sourpuss, meanies?  Or do you regularly encounter someone who fits this description?  If so, interact with them in a kindly way...remember,"The less of love in someone's nature, the greater the love need."  This summary of a Sunday service humbles me and I must admonish myself to remember this.  Sometimes, it's just not easy.
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Thoughts and Musings

Posted by ricaler on Sunday, September 23, 2007 9:53:13 PM
Ever notice that intolerance seems more frequent in daily life?  It shows up in political discourse, college lectures, and in activists of every leaning and stripe.  It even has its own name in some instances.  Ever heard of road rage?  Gays are intolerant of straights,  feminists are intolerant of manliness, lefties are intolerant of the right, and one popular middle east religion is intolerant of anything western. 

I was taught to always remember, intolerance is but a mask covering secret doubts about the trueness of one's belief. I fear that with the loss of a sound religion to serve as a moral foundation, many have tethered themselves to ephemeral secular cliques that offer mutual support for now, but are silent on the great questions and purposes of life. Their support evaporates when it comes time to lay down this life.  Support even turns to hatred if one dare muster the courage to change a lifestyle or repudiate a past cause.  It must be thrilling and stimulating to throw your energy into some injustice, lifestyle, or project when compared to the patient unfolding the career of loving service with your brothers and sisters provides.  I often wonder what thoughts enter the minds of those so involved during the dark, quiet, and sometimes lonely nights; and if there be any doubts.
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Thoughts and Musings

Posted by ricaler on Sunday, September 16, 2007 3:15:12 PM
Having lived through the psychologically disturbed years of the last part of the twentieth century and the shocking start of the twentyfirst century, subjected to economic and cultural upheavals, the secularization of morality, the social rip tides of lost and submerging traditions, and the whirlwind of technological change, thousands, perhaps millions of us have been humanly and culturally dislocated; we are restless, anxious, fearful, angry, uncertain, and unsettled.  Never has the need been greater in the world's history for the stabilization and consolation of a sound religion.  In the middle of unprecedented technology, scientific discoveries, and mechanical development, there is spiritual stagnation, cultural chaos, and philosophic confusion.  How many individuals are involved in life so much that no time is left to consider the essential questions of life?  Have we become to busy to grow?  I recall the admonition to "build your foundation on the rock" before adding to the rest of the house and tending to the garden.  Without a sound spiritual foundation, it seems less than wise to pursue the accessories of life.  Whatever social and economic upheavals we must pass through, genuine religion is worth while if it supports the high sovereignty of truth, beauty, and goodness.  And through love; the desire to do good to others, this becomes personally meaningful as fellowship and voluntary service with our fellow man and recognizing our sonship with God.
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Salem Happenings

Posted by ricaler on Friday, September 14, 2007 9:32:19 PM
Friday night in Salem, IN.  A Lions football game is underway.  Dirt track racing is hot and heavy as I write.  There is a car show around the city square featuring some of the best automobile restorations to be seen.  Campers are gathered at the Salem "High Banks" Speedway for an eventful ARCA race this weekend.  Kids are driving the loop and the weather is cool.  Walking is pleasant with a mild wind in the face.  All in all, what a great time to be here.  It seems so far from war, politics, media bias, and the cultural bottom dwellers that so often dominate daily life.  A time to pause and reflect, to recharge for the upcoming events that invariably inject themselves into the stream of life.  Variation indeed gives balance to life as compared to monotony, which leads to boredom, depression, and a sense of hopelessness. 
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More on Taxes

Posted by ricaler on Friday, September 14, 2007 1:25:04 PM
Today we pay federal and state income tax, state and local sales tax, state and local property tax (you pay this even if you rent), federal and state unemployment tax, Social Security tax, Medicare tax, and school tax.  Many pay capital gains tax, dividend tax, luxury tax, gift tax, and utility taxes such as phone tax, which includes state and local tax, state and local surcharge taxes, federal excise tax, universal service fee tax, minimum usage surcharge tax, recurring and non-recurring charges tax..whatever they are.  We are taxed for getting married, for buying a car, for licensing a trailer or boat, for having a water well or septic system.  Don't forget hidden taxes such as state and federal gasoline tax, airline ticket tax, innkeeper tax when staying overnight anywhere outside your home, taxes on wine, spirits, beer, cigarettes.   You're even taxed if you win a contest or lottery.  Whew...had enough yet!  Ever wonder why it is difficult to make ends meet when taxes now consume a higher percentage of budget expenses than transportation, housing, food, and health care combined!?  I know the saying, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesars",....but it seems as though he has already moved in and now demands room and board.     Note:  thanks for those who take the time to read this amateur offering and leave comment!
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Higher Property Taxes Spell Trouble for Salem

Posted by ricaler on Saturday, September 08, 2007 8:27:03 PM
Property tax statements were received Friday, Sept 09 by most households and businesses.  Whew!...what else is to be said.  When tax bills for a 1500 square foot home approach the levels of a mortgage payment,  I don't know how most are to find the extra cash to manage this kind of expense.  More than 150 homes are already on the local market and I fully expect that number to increase.  Those already on the market will find it harder to find buyers willing to purchase and take on the additional property tax burden.  This area is already on the economic edge and I am concerned this will result in nonpayment, defaults, bankruptcies, and good people losing their homes.  More comment later...
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Thoughts and Musings

Posted by ricaler on Thursday, September 06, 2007 8:50:36 PM
"Fear is man's chief enslaver and pride his great weakness...." 
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Town Crier, the "Whine Line"

Posted by ricaler on Wednesday, September 05, 2007 8:57:32 PM
Salem, In.  Sept 04, 07 Town Crier comment, "I'd like to know if there has ever been a survey taken concerning the new airport.  If not, that's what needs to be done to find out how many taxpayers, retired people and people on disability, how many of them would like to pay for an airport out of their meager earnings.  We need a count of all the people, not just the airplane owners.  That's my opinion."  
... And a clouded and confused one it is too,  First of all, the planning process for any new public project is well defined by the legislature of Indiana and must follow that to the letter or be denied...and a survey is not an item on the process.  That being said, when the plans mature to a final stage, their must be a public hearing where you will be allowed to comment.  That comment will become an official part of the final review.  So save your meager comment or talk with someone in a position to change it; that would be any member of the Salem Air Board.  They are the duly appointed commissioners and have the final authority.  If you're questions are sincere and you are honest of heart, your query will undoubtedly be answered, but if your intent is to be quarrelsome, expect a rebuke.  Next, show me anywhere on your property tax statement, your state or federal tax returns any line item to support the airport.  It isn't there, my dear sludge stirrer.  Your taxes are set by local, state, and federal legislation and that is what you must pay.  Oh, and let's not forget to play the us vs. them card by blaming the project on the local pilots.  The pilots don't need another airport, most of then can operate safely with what is available,  but the airport project is about economic development.  Business owners of large operations won't live here.  They have operations scattered about and want to fly in, inspect the property and get out within a couple hours...and they can't do that in Salem.   However, there are plenty of small cities who have a larger airport available and they are the ones who will be in the running for a new business or an expansion.  Just how hard is this to understand?  These "Whine Line" types complain about the number of houses for sale, the fact that we lost a Pamida, and that we must travel out of the county to reach a Big Box type store, but noooo!, we can't promote the infrastructure project to support growth.    It comes down to this,  you are either for investment to support economic growth or you're for stagnation and deterioration.   Unfortunately, too many fear change and are for the latter.
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Stirring Political Winds

Posted by ricaler on Sunday, September 02, 2007 9:38:34 PM
Labor Day weekend in small town Salem, IN and the winds of the upcoming election cycle are evident.  Pickups with signs roped to the truckbed are seen, a few candidate yard signs are visible, and some say that they are preparing for the onslaught of September and October. The race for mayor will likely garner the most attention this time.  Candidate John Fultz(R)  and candidate David Bower(D) are running for a seat that neither has held previously.  Mr. Fultz won his party nomination among a roster of several up and coming young men.  Mr. Bower was victorious against the current mayor Judy Chastain.  Financial times are never easy and with the current statewide upheaval in the property tax arena, funding is uncertain.  Some projects are underway such as the Lake Salinda dam project and the "Walking Path".  The multiyear sewer upgrade project is completed or very nearly so.  The airport expansion project, having moved into the final lap of the approval process, was denounced by both candidates during their primary races, being an easy target for campaign rhetoric.  We will endeavor to make timely observations and appropriate comment as we step into the wind...hold on to your hat!
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Beyond Evil

Posted by ricaler on Saturday, September 01, 2007 11:04:03 PM
While listening to public discourse, the word evil frequently is used to describe the worst sort of character or individual.  I would suggest that the meaning must be compared to opposing values.  Starting with the concept of truth, the opposite of this would be error.  The next step beyond truth could be goodness and the opposite would then be the concept of evil.   To repeat, as error is the opposite of truth, so is evil the opposite of goodness.  Now for the sticky part.  In todays secular society the next step and words are considered inappropriate.  So, beyond evil is another concept.  If evil is the rejection of truth and if that individual knows the truth, then we enter the borderland of sin, a word and concept avoided by most.  Now consider for a moment the opposite of sin and another rarely used word could be righteousness, a meaning of which is beyond goodness.  Righteousness is goodness embraced and purposely chosen in place of sin.  ....Hope you're still with me...  Ready for one more step..  Then consider another concept of choosing sin over and over again, rejecting truth each time the opportunity arises.  Deliberate and habitual sin crosses into the area of iniquity.  These persons have gone so far to "the dark side" that I suspect they have warped their moral judgement and cannot return ever to choose goodness.  Much like the characters of the "emperor" in the epic "Star Wars" and "Sauron" in the "Lord of the Rings".  These characters were more than evil, they were iniquitous!  Does this make some sense?  And now for the opposite concept of iniquity, the concept of godliness.  Whether any human can reach this level is debatable, but the admonition of "be you perfect" suggests that just perhaps...it is possible. 
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Thoughts and Musings

Posted by ricaler on Friday, August 31, 2007 9:48:58 AM
"Unselfishness is the badge of human greatness."  So look around and notice someone today who fits this description...
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Thoughts and Musings

Posted by ricaler on Thursday, August 30, 2007 9:47:32 PM
"The happy and effective person is motivated, not by fear of wrongdoing, but by love of right doing."  Imagine that, we could be more happy by actually doing some good every day.  Maybe that would lessen the need for antidepressants, but then, too many of us like our pills and something to blame if things don't work out.
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Introduction

Posted by ricaler on Thursday, August 30, 2007 9:29:47 PM
Salem is located in the rolling hills of Southern Indiana 35 miles NW of Louisville, KY and boasts a population of 6,000.  Life is happening here.  There are issues that continually cycle, sometimes hot by recent activity and sometimes dormant for a time.  Dams are being repaired, a walking path is moving from dream to reality, city council and county councils tackle their respective problems, the county hospital is in financial crisis, an airport expansion is being planned.  Accidents and the unforseen occur too frequently.  All of this creates inevitable conflict amid the seemingly quiet setting.  The one local paper, "The Salem Leader/Democrat" presents a side of the story; their side of the story along with a weekly anonymous call-in line referred to as "The Town Crier".  What a hit this has been. It allows the dark side of human nature to show itself with ugly accusations, tauntings, hurtful comments with no accountability.  Of course this sells big as many read the weekly diatribes.  If one is involved in any way to move issues and make things happen, your name is a sure bet to be mentioned in the "Crier".  These posts are the antidote to the growing poison and you are welcome to peruse these posts and follow along as these recurring issues surface for discussion.  So, Welcome!
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