Sunday, June 27, 2010
Parking Meters in Downtown Lake Worth? We'll be singing...
Oops, I forgot about the Noise Ordinance, maybe we won't hear anything.
Can we at least enforce the 4 hour limit that is currently on the books, without milking the public for more revenue and jeopardize the fragile economic climate already in the downtown?
Hands Across the Sand a Success - Our Design for the Beach, Not-so-much
It was great to hear that there was such a fantastic turn out - around 800 people - for the Hands Across the Sands event at the Lake Worth beach yesterday. The gathering was part of a worldwide protest against offshore drilling for oil - made all the more poignant by the current gushing oil well in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. While BP and others associated with this particular rig are to blame for the current disaster, what is it that made us dig for oil one mile beneath the ocean in the first place? The answer: Our insatiable demand for oil and its by-products.
What other risks have we taken that endanger our survival on this planet to satisfy our lust for oil and fossil fuels? How many times do we have to be reminded of our perilous addiction to this resource? The Energy Crisis of the 1970s awakened many to the need to diversify our energy resources and many of the renewable sources - such as wind, solar and Geo-thermal - got a big push from that set of circumstances. But then we got lulled into the comfort of cheap oil during the 80s and the 90s - with a few major hiccups in the form of the Exxon Valdez and other like accidents. But, for the most part, we kept paving our way to further dependence on oil and gas, and on the fossil fuel burning single passenger automobile to the detriment of other alternatives.
Notice that I used the term "paving our way." Cheap land and government/developer money for roads, along with reliable machines in the form of mass produced automobiles, made it practical to live away from city centers. One could work in a downtown location and go home to a "bedroom" community at night and weekends. A two career couple, each with their own car, could pick a place in between each other's place of employment and meet in the middle during their non-work hours. Overtime there were many other alternatives over older, already developed communities that had a newer housing stock, more space between houses, gated communities offering the illusion of more "security." Suddenly, the Lake Worths of the world were left wanting - for people, for wealth, for investment to support its already in place infrastructure. Instead of maintaining what was already built, huge subsidies were building new infrastructure easily reachable in a 20 to 30 minute drive to housing, employment and shopping.
Look at Detroit - the automobile, source of its fleeting riches, is what ended up killing the city.
The result of all that and its effect on Lake Worth is laid out in plain, hard facts in the proposed 2010-2011 Budget, just released by the City Manager. I will have more to say about what is laid out in the budget document and, in particular the City Manager's transmittal letter. In a nutshell, she states in a very matter-of-fact way, that even though we have experienced more than a 40% decline in the value of our property tax base over the past three years, we can maintain our 4.999 millage rate, not lay anyone off and not diminish our level of service. All we need to do is thus: and this is a great understatement, 1) tell the Sheriff's Department that we are going to pay you less than originally agreed upon in our initial year of your contract to provide police protection to Lake Worth - forget about any increase as agreed upon in the contract, 2) do the same with Palm Beach County fire rescue and 3) break three contracts with the city's unions.
How did we get in this position? The City Manager says it's because the city has been "submissive" in soliciting development. I'm not sure where she came up with that term, but Lake Worth has been actively hostile to the prospect of any redevelopment opportunities, save for the efforts of the CRA, but more on that later. It's like we did everything we could to hasten the fall of the city of Lake Worth - but again, more on that soon.
But getting back to the beach, the ocean and saving our environment, how do those who proclaim Lake Worth as a "progressive, environmentally aware and protective" city explain that our vaunted Micheal Singer beach plan looks like it came out of 1950?
Here is what the beach looks like today, a product of 1950s thinking:
Lots of asphalt there to park 613 fossil fuel burning, environment imperiling cars - including 10 convenient spaces for Casino building tenants' cars. Really not that much different from the current, basic auto-dominated plan when Lake Worth's Dixie Hwy was lined with mom and pop motels housing tourists from the cold north - who came to Lake Worth on US 1 in their cars.
Meanwhile, one of the new revenue sources identified by the City Manager in the budget is metered parking in the downtown. Here is where she talks about it in her transmittal letter.
What other risks have we taken that endanger our survival on this planet to satisfy our lust for oil and fossil fuels? How many times do we have to be reminded of our perilous addiction to this resource? The Energy Crisis of the 1970s awakened many to the need to diversify our energy resources and many of the renewable sources - such as wind, solar and Geo-thermal - got a big push from that set of circumstances. But then we got lulled into the comfort of cheap oil during the 80s and the 90s - with a few major hiccups in the form of the Exxon Valdez and other like accidents. But, for the most part, we kept paving our way to further dependence on oil and gas, and on the fossil fuel burning single passenger automobile to the detriment of other alternatives.
Notice that I used the term "paving our way." Cheap land and government/developer money for roads, along with reliable machines in the form of mass produced automobiles, made it practical to live away from city centers. One could work in a downtown location and go home to a "bedroom" community at night and weekends. A two career couple, each with their own car, could pick a place in between each other's place of employment and meet in the middle during their non-work hours. Overtime there were many other alternatives over older, already developed communities that had a newer housing stock, more space between houses, gated communities offering the illusion of more "security." Suddenly, the Lake Worths of the world were left wanting - for people, for wealth, for investment to support its already in place infrastructure. Instead of maintaining what was already built, huge subsidies were building new infrastructure easily reachable in a 20 to 30 minute drive to housing, employment and shopping.
Look at Detroit - the automobile, source of its fleeting riches, is what ended up killing the city.
The result of all that and its effect on Lake Worth is laid out in plain, hard facts in the proposed 2010-2011 Budget, just released by the City Manager. I will have more to say about what is laid out in the budget document and, in particular the City Manager's transmittal letter. In a nutshell, she states in a very matter-of-fact way, that even though we have experienced more than a 40% decline in the value of our property tax base over the past three years, we can maintain our 4.999 millage rate, not lay anyone off and not diminish our level of service. All we need to do is thus: and this is a great understatement, 1) tell the Sheriff's Department that we are going to pay you less than originally agreed upon in our initial year of your contract to provide police protection to Lake Worth - forget about any increase as agreed upon in the contract, 2) do the same with Palm Beach County fire rescue and 3) break three contracts with the city's unions.
How did we get in this position? The City Manager says it's because the city has been "submissive" in soliciting development. I'm not sure where she came up with that term, but Lake Worth has been actively hostile to the prospect of any redevelopment opportunities, save for the efforts of the CRA, but more on that later. It's like we did everything we could to hasten the fall of the city of Lake Worth - but again, more on that soon.
But getting back to the beach, the ocean and saving our environment, how do those who proclaim Lake Worth as a "progressive, environmentally aware and protective" city explain that our vaunted Micheal Singer beach plan looks like it came out of 1950?
Here is what the beach looks like today, a product of 1950s thinking:
The current plan for the beach as approved by our "progressive" City Commission:
Lots of asphalt there to park 613 fossil fuel burning, environment imperiling cars - including 10 convenient spaces for Casino building tenants' cars. Really not that much different from the current, basic auto-dominated plan when Lake Worth's Dixie Hwy was lined with mom and pop motels housing tourists from the cold north - who came to Lake Worth on US 1 in their cars.
Meanwhile, one of the new revenue sources identified by the City Manager in the budget is metered parking in the downtown. Here is where she talks about it in her transmittal letter.
The justification is that more South Florida cities that have "viable downtown areas" are using parking meters there as revenue sources. I don't know about you, but the number of vacant store fronts that we currently have in the downtown area doesn't scream "viable", let alone thriving. Aren't we still teetering upon a "possible economic recovery" - I haven't seen one yet.
The point here is that we could do something visionary that would serve as an example of how an environmentally responsible community reacts to adversity and honors its most important piece of public property - on the ocean. A place where people gather en masse to protest against drilling for oil in the ocean. We could concentrate parking in the downtown for the beach, shuttle people to it in alternative renewable fuel vehicles and return them to spend money in our downtown. We could initiate a parking validation program to encourage people to shop and get their parking paid for in the process.
In the meantime, we wait for a commercially viable alternative to gas fueled vehicles, or bike or walk, which are viable, but not for everyone in every circumstance. But, no, we will keep electing "leaders" that say that they are visionary, have massive "fluff pieces" in local newspapers showing how they are more environmentally sensitive than any mere mortal, and keep doing the same thing that we have done since 1950.
Dalai Lama
It’s very important not to misunderstand what is meant by the idea of overcoming our self-cherishing attitudes. We are not saying that a spiritual practitioner should completely ignore or abandon the goal of self-fulfilment, rather we are advising him or her to overcome that small-minded selfishness that makes us oblivious to the wellbeing of others and to the impact our actions can have on them.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Perspective and some observations...
I am spending time in a place that is referred to in the local media as "Kentuckiana" - the major media outlets here seem to be based primarily out of Louisville, Kentucky, but my physical location is roughly between there and Cincinnati, Ohio. It happens to be the "run-up" season to the mayoral election in Louisville. Last night, I was able to catch the better part of the first debate between the two candidates headed for the general election - one Democrat and one Republican - a partisan race, unlike ours in Lake Worth. There is also an Independent candidate that was not allowed to participate, but attended as a private citizen. Apparently, there had been what some refer to as "Mayor for Life" who chose not to run this time who was a Democrat, leaving an open seat. Most of his voting block was following the party line and behind the Democratic candidate. You can read the coverage of the debate and some more of the specifics by clicking here.
Don't interpret the above as some sort of endorsement for partisan Commissioner and Mayor races in Lake Worth. Hardly, Republicans and Democrats both need reliable trash pick-up, friendly customer service and an expectation that things will get better - stability at least. Party distinctions shouldn't matter at the municipal level.
One of the major issues of the recent past was the merger of city and county governments and the kinks are obviously still being worked on with that arrangement. Besides that issue, all that was talked about was the need to create jobs, be competitive in the "new" economy, how Louisville stacks up between its competition - seen as Indianapolis and Nashville. There was wide agreement that Louisville was losing that race and much of the blame could be laid at the cumbersome planning and zoning process, a "we know it all: attitude" in city government and an absence of customer awareness in the delivery of city services. Sound familiar?
This debate was in front of an audience that contained many Chamber of Commerce types and home builders, so it was a "go-go" pro growth attitude. But at times, I felt like I had landed on an alien planet as there was no apology for that point-of-view. They identified the need to work together as a region, which is especially important now that they have more of a metro form of government.
Some other things stood out in both their responses to the debate questions. One was the universal recognition of the role of the Mayor's office in setting the tone and using the "bully pulpit" to promote the city. Again, this was a strong mayor form of government as opposed to Lake Worth's, but regardless, I still believe that role should lay squarely with the Mayor - even in our current system. The other universal recognition was that the Mayor's role was one that "inspires faith and confidence" in the city. I immediately thought of the recent meeting where our mayor vacated his chair during an important discussion, only to return for the vote. Then I thought about our last two or three Mayors and how they excelled, at times, running meetings, but at little else. Why dirty their fingers with Lake Worth stuff if they didn't have to especially if they have their eyes on a higher office? Just coast through, go through the motions and come out whole at the other end of the tunnel.
Is this leadership?
Today, I received an e-mail from a campaign of a previous Mayor, soliciting funds for his run for a higher office which said "Hey, kid, gimme your lunch money?" My right hand to God! Nice way to represent yourself and the city that spawned you. I'll be voting for someone with a more respectful fundraising appeal, thank you very much.
We need stronger leadership in Lake Worth. Whether it comes through in a stronger personality and the present form of government, or whether it comes through an overhaul of the overall structure of government. Something I think we need to think about is seven (7) elected positions, three "at large", including the Mayor and then four (4) positions that are elected from the districts where they live and represent. I think the time has come for this discussion. Whether we consider a strong Mayor or someone who just runs the meeting should be part of it too.
Don't interpret the above as some sort of endorsement for partisan Commissioner and Mayor races in Lake Worth. Hardly, Republicans and Democrats both need reliable trash pick-up, friendly customer service and an expectation that things will get better - stability at least. Party distinctions shouldn't matter at the municipal level.
One of the major issues of the recent past was the merger of city and county governments and the kinks are obviously still being worked on with that arrangement. Besides that issue, all that was talked about was the need to create jobs, be competitive in the "new" economy, how Louisville stacks up between its competition - seen as Indianapolis and Nashville. There was wide agreement that Louisville was losing that race and much of the blame could be laid at the cumbersome planning and zoning process, a "we know it all: attitude" in city government and an absence of customer awareness in the delivery of city services. Sound familiar?
This debate was in front of an audience that contained many Chamber of Commerce types and home builders, so it was a "go-go" pro growth attitude. But at times, I felt like I had landed on an alien planet as there was no apology for that point-of-view. They identified the need to work together as a region, which is especially important now that they have more of a metro form of government.
Some other things stood out in both their responses to the debate questions. One was the universal recognition of the role of the Mayor's office in setting the tone and using the "bully pulpit" to promote the city. Again, this was a strong mayor form of government as opposed to Lake Worth's, but regardless, I still believe that role should lay squarely with the Mayor - even in our current system. The other universal recognition was that the Mayor's role was one that "inspires faith and confidence" in the city. I immediately thought of the recent meeting where our mayor vacated his chair during an important discussion, only to return for the vote. Then I thought about our last two or three Mayors and how they excelled, at times, running meetings, but at little else. Why dirty their fingers with Lake Worth stuff if they didn't have to especially if they have their eyes on a higher office? Just coast through, go through the motions and come out whole at the other end of the tunnel.
Is this leadership?
Today, I received an e-mail from a campaign of a previous Mayor, soliciting funds for his run for a higher office which said "Hey, kid, gimme your lunch money?" My right hand to God! Nice way to represent yourself and the city that spawned you. I'll be voting for someone with a more respectful fundraising appeal, thank you very much.
We need stronger leadership in Lake Worth. Whether it comes through in a stronger personality and the present form of government, or whether it comes through an overhaul of the overall structure of government. Something I think we need to think about is seven (7) elected positions, three "at large", including the Mayor and then four (4) positions that are elected from the districts where they live and represent. I think the time has come for this discussion. Whether we consider a strong Mayor or someone who just runs the meeting should be part of it too.
United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights
On December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the full text of which appears below. Following this historic act the Assembly called upon all Member countries to publicize the text of the Declaration and "to cause it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories."
Eleanor Roosevelt played a major role in creating this declaration as a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly and was the first chairperson of the UN Human Rights Commission.
PREAMBLE
- Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world, Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people, Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law, Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations, Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom, Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,
Article 1.
- All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Article 2.
- Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.
Article 3.
- Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
Article 4.
- No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
Article 5.
- No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Article 6.
- Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
Article 7.
- All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
Article 8.
- Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.
Article 9.
- No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
Article 10.
- Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.
Article 11.
- (1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence. (2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.
Article 12.
- No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.
Article 13.
- (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state. (2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.
Article 14.
- (1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution. (2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Article 15.
- (1) Everyone has the right to a nationality. (2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.
Article 16.
- (1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution. (2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses. (3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.
Article 17.
- (1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others. (2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.
Article 18.
- Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
Article 19.
- Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Article 20.
- (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. (2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.
Article 21.
- (1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives. (2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country. (3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.
Article 22.
- Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.
Article 23.
- (1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment. (2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work. (3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection. (4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.
Article 24.
- Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.
Article 25.
- (1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control. (2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.
Article 26.
- (1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit. (2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace. (3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.
Article 27.
- (1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits. (2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.
Article 28.
- Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.
Article 29.
- (1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible. (2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society. (3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Article 30.
- Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
An artifact that you might find interesting...
I am spending some time with my father this summer. He has a lot of "stuff" - some important, some not - that's part of the reason for my being here. So, amongst everything else, there is this framed letter from Eleanor Roosevelt to my grandmother, written in December of 1939.
Apparently typed and written by Mrs. Roosevelt herself. My grandmother was an activist all of her life and always an advocate for peace. I am sure she was concerned about the ominous signs leading to WWII, penning a letter to the White House about her concern. The letter is in an archival quality frame, behind UV protected glass.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Hands Across the Sand this Saturday!
Participants will join hands to form symbolic barriers against spilling oil at events taking place on beaches, near waterways, and in land-locked towns. The events will represent the largest-yet outpouring of grassroots activism in response to the disastrous April 20 explosion on the Gulf Horizon rig and the subsequent, devastating oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Hands Across the Sand events will begin at 11 a.m. local time, with participants joining hands at noon. Locations of and contact information for organizers of all 600+ events can be found via the Hands website at http://www.handsacrossthesand.
The photo above was taken at the first "Hands" event, on one of the coldest days of the year. That was before the BP rig blew up.
Wear black if you can, but it is not necessary, especially in this heat.
For The Ocean,
Tom Warnke, Palm Beach County Surfrider Foundation
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Control is an Illusion...
The following are excerpts from a sermon given May 23, 2010 at the First Church of Christ in Madison, Indiana by Rev. Gregory A. Russell. It is based on Acts1:15-2:4. This coincided with a number of high school graduations that were taking place at the time, but it has significance beyond that audience. I share it here for reasons that I will explore later. (Emphasis mine)
Graduate Recognition Sunday
And now a final few words: Instead of a commencement address that evaporates quickly in the spring sunshine, here's a seasonal scrap of guidance to be tucked away for tomorrow: Don't get trapped in the delusion of control.
I say this to our graduate today, to her parents and friends, to those who will move to new homes or start new jobs this year, to church leaders on their way to assemblies, to people facing changes in life - and to you and to myself.
We have to break our addiction to control.
I am concerned about "helicopter parents" who hover over their children and try to guarantee their success in life. I don't question their love, but their desire to control tomorrow is futile, and their efforts to protect their children from failure and uncertainty are instilling weakness.
I am concerned about Christian fundamentalists - not because their moral agenda and political expressions are different from mine, but because their controlled-thought world of Bible verses simply isn't adequate for understanding reality and living faithfully in the 21st Century. Not everything fits neatly into the Bible, not everything in the Bible pertains to life today and God didn't stop thinking, acting, speaking and creating in 150 A.D.
I am equally concerned about Christian progressives, because we, too, are chasing control, believing that the right mix of cause, diversity and change will make our world safe. Even a correct and post-modern agenda isn't going to guarantee tomorrow.
I am concerned about a culture that cannot tolerate mistakes and discomfort, that views neediness as failure and the needy as expendable, that overrates the controllable - those things that provide entertainment, comfort, wealth, pleasure - because the chaotic and uncertain seem too dangerous, as if the vicissitudes of life were a failure to manage and not simply the way life is.
As we read this morning's text, discerning God's will is never easy. Casting lots is one way to go about it, as are scouring the Bible and consulting the intellect. That's the point of the story in the first chapter of Acts, where the remaining disciples chose Matthias as a fill-in for Judas; they did not try to control the outcome. They trusted God to be in the process. They weren't telling God what to do; they weren't politicking, or maneuvering, or campaigning, or orating, or providing in order to gain control for themselves. They were letting go.
And that is the piece of advice I'd like for you to tuck away for some tomorrow when you need it: Let go.
We cannot avoid being fools and making mistakes. Perfection is beyond our grasp. Certainty is a snare, and control a delusion. We make promises we cannot keep, and we do amazing things that we never thought we had in us.
Rather than controlling people, we need to accept them.
Rather than punishing failure, we need to practice forgiveness.
Rather than "proving" our righteousness and the other's unrighteousness, we need to live as best we can and trust God to be God.
Give it up. Let it go. Amen.
Graduate Recognition Sunday
And now a final few words: Instead of a commencement address that evaporates quickly in the spring sunshine, here's a seasonal scrap of guidance to be tucked away for tomorrow: Don't get trapped in the delusion of control.
I say this to our graduate today, to her parents and friends, to those who will move to new homes or start new jobs this year, to church leaders on their way to assemblies, to people facing changes in life - and to you and to myself.
We have to break our addiction to control.
I am concerned about "helicopter parents" who hover over their children and try to guarantee their success in life. I don't question their love, but their desire to control tomorrow is futile, and their efforts to protect their children from failure and uncertainty are instilling weakness.
I am concerned about Christian fundamentalists - not because their moral agenda and political expressions are different from mine, but because their controlled-thought world of Bible verses simply isn't adequate for understanding reality and living faithfully in the 21st Century. Not everything fits neatly into the Bible, not everything in the Bible pertains to life today and God didn't stop thinking, acting, speaking and creating in 150 A.D.
I am equally concerned about Christian progressives, because we, too, are chasing control, believing that the right mix of cause, diversity and change will make our world safe. Even a correct and post-modern agenda isn't going to guarantee tomorrow.
I am concerned about a culture that cannot tolerate mistakes and discomfort, that views neediness as failure and the needy as expendable, that overrates the controllable - those things that provide entertainment, comfort, wealth, pleasure - because the chaotic and uncertain seem too dangerous, as if the vicissitudes of life were a failure to manage and not simply the way life is.
As we read this morning's text, discerning God's will is never easy. Casting lots is one way to go about it, as are scouring the Bible and consulting the intellect. That's the point of the story in the first chapter of Acts, where the remaining disciples chose Matthias as a fill-in for Judas; they did not try to control the outcome. They trusted God to be in the process. They weren't telling God what to do; they weren't politicking, or maneuvering, or campaigning, or orating, or providing in order to gain control for themselves. They were letting go.
And that is the piece of advice I'd like for you to tuck away for some tomorrow when you need it: Let go.
We cannot avoid being fools and making mistakes. Perfection is beyond our grasp. Certainty is a snare, and control a delusion. We make promises we cannot keep, and we do amazing things that we never thought we had in us.
Rather than controlling people, we need to accept them.
Rather than punishing failure, we need to practice forgiveness.
Rather than "proving" our righteousness and the other's unrighteousness, we need to live as best we can and trust God to be God.
Give it up. Let it go. Amen.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Energy Cost Monitors - now on loan at the Lake Worth Public Library
Lake Worth Library card holders may check out the monitors for seven days but they must be returned on time. A quick start guide and complete instructions are provided in the monitor’s packaging. The monitors are simple to use, plug them into a wall socket, plug an appliance into the monitor, press a button and it begins monitoring the energy consumption of the selected appliance. After a period of time, press another couple buttons and the monitor will show what the cost is for using the appliance for a day, week, month and year. Library staff will gladly answer questions to help get people started using the monitors.
Monitors can help with real world energy decisions such as: Should I bother to turn that computer off at night? What does it cost me to leave my electronic entertainment devices in stand-by mode? How much does it cost me to keep battery chargers plugged in continuously for convenience? It is hoped that consumers will be more aware of how much energy and money is being constantly wasted. Turning off switches, unplugging unnecessary appliances and chargers could reduce resident’s electric bills by up to 10%.
On Friday, July 2nd the LWU Energy Conservation Division will be holding briefings regarding home energy audits for LWU customers, available rebate programs, and how to best use the energy cost monitors. Briefings will be in the City Hall Annex meeting room at 414 Lake Ave at 10 and 11 am, and again at 2 and 3 pm. Program is free and everyone is welcome to attend.
Nuthin' But Net Basketball Tournament - July 10th - 10 a.m.
Tropical Ridge Neighborhood Association | June 19th Reminders
Direct from Neighborhood Association:
Hello everyone! Before you finalize your weekend plans, I just wanted to remind you about the Tropical Ridge Events happening Saturday morning.
Raft Info
--
7:30-8:15am - Towers for breakfast
8:15-9:30am - Home Depot
9:30-1:00pm - Raft Build
We are in need of someone creative to paint a Ghost Busters logo on the deck of the raft and to design the 1959 Cadlliac fin decoration. This can be done at any time in the building process. Please contactryan@tropicalridge.org if you are interested in helping out.
--
7:30-8:15am - Towers for breakfast
8:15-9:30am - Home Depot
9:30-1:00pm - Raft Build
We are in need of someone creative to paint a Ghost Busters logo on the deck of the raft and to design the 1959 Cadlliac fin decoration. This can be done at any time in the building process. Please contactryan@tropicalridge.org if you are interested in helping out.
Clean-up Info
--
8:45-9:00am - Meet at Church of Nazarene
9:00-10:30am - Clean-up 2-3 empty lots. The more people, the more we can accomplish!
10:30-11:00am - All done! Join us for coffee and 2nd breakfast
9:00-10:30am - Clean-up 2-3 empty lots. The more people, the more we can accomplish!
10:30-11:00am - All done! Join us for coffee and 2nd breakfast
Pickers, trash bags and gloves will be provided. Gloves are limited so if you have your own, please bring them. If you have a wheelbarrow, that would be useful. Please contact jessica@tropicalridge.org if you have any questions.
NAPC Fund Raiser
--On July 3rd, in conjunction with the Downtown Cultural Alliance, the Lake Worth Neighborhood Association Presidents' Council (NAPC) will be holding a fund raiser. The NAPC has partnered with many downtown merchants to create a scavenger-hunt/bingo game that will be great fun and include lots of prizes. Each bingo card will cost $15 and include lunch at both South Shores and Havana Hideout. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. For more information, or to buy raffle tickets and bingo cards, participants should contact ryan@tropicalridge.org or one of the following Merchants. To see a flier for this event, please see: http://www.tropicalridge.org/
--On July 3rd, in conjunction with the Downtown Cultural Alliance, the Lake Worth Neighborhood Association Presidents' Council (NAPC) will be holding a fund raiser. The NAPC has partnered with many downtown merchants to create a scavenger-hunt/bingo game that will be great fun and include lots of prizes. Each bingo card will cost $15 and include lunch at both South Shores and Havana Hideout. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. For more information, or to buy raffle tickets and bingo cards, participants should contact ryan@tropicalridge.org or one of the following Merchants. To see a flier for this event, please see: http://www.tropicalridge.org/
Studio 205 - 561.533.5272
- South Shores Tavern - 561.547.7656
- Havana hideout - 561.585.8444
Internet Cafe & Printing
Special thanks goes to Que at http://www.ugoprint.com/He recently donated some free color printing to the NAPC. For more information on printing, internet service and the cafe, please click on the above link.
Special thanks goes to Que at http://www.ugoprint.com/He recently donated some free color printing to the NAPC. For more information on printing, internet service and the cafe, please click on the above link.
That's all for now. Have a wonderful weekend and a Happy Father's Day!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Our "Man in the Street", Panagioti Tsolkas, wins Best Political Activist 2010 from New Times Magazine
Looks like Panagioti (pronounced "Pan" - "e" - "yo" -"tee" or "Pan" - "a" - "gee" -"oh" -"tee ") is using the same publicist as Commissioner Cara Jennings. Who woulda thunk? Click title for link.
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![Dr. W. H. Cotton’s ode: “Oh, My Lake Worth, Florida!” [circa 1920].](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUL75cv6zJQFjX15ojOIIz9AjnbqH4asHJTYSDhnGnYr7rJZRha1NcNTirj2xPcId158vkz5Hw-wXgOfrlztj8Zr8jLFFCfuEN6PyV44ZlpMRmJ68xbtFL9vzxNiG7xDs_HJvm/s1600/LakeWorthPioneers.JPG)
