I was on the outside when you said
You said you needed me
I was looking at myself
I was blind, I could not see
A boy tries hard to be a man
His mother takes him by his hand
If he stops to think he starts to cry
Oh why

If you walkaway, walkaway
I walkaway, walkaway
I will follow

--U2

Bill Clinton, lost for 3 months!

a true story.....told to me by my friend Liz......

Last summer.....Bill Clinton decided to take a walk into the corn field out back of his house. He disappeared. Liz went looking for him every day, row after row in the cornfield......

Finally, she went to the farmer next door and said, "Bill is lost in your cornfield, I am afraid he is likely dead. When you find his remains, come and get me and I will collect his bones."

Three months later during harvest, the farmer knocks on Liz's door at 3am and says, "I found Bill in the field.....but he isn't bones! Come and see him!!"

Bill had gained 100 pounds and had been living on corn and getting water from eating roots......it took Liz and her friend 5 hours to get Bill home. He could only walk a few feet at a time he was so fat!

Bill is back home safely, and has lost all that weight. He is still a tad surly though.

Oh yeah.....Bill is a vietnamese pot belly pig!!!

take me out to the ballgame

how I love a good Cards/Cubs game.....





I like to taunt the crazy people around me.....



what do I love even more? going to the ballgame with the most wonderful family on earth......

was it worth it?

3 years (plus another 8 months or so of exam prep) of graduate school.....I am seriously feeling pretty low about the whole experience right now. I went through this intense whirlpool of academia and for what? I spent endless hours researching, thousands of hours reading, weeks on end of writing, engaged in heated discourse on many topics.......and now? I gained forty pounds, I lost touch with a good percentage of my friends, have neglected my family, and am about the world's most unmarketable person. I can't teach public school because I am not certified, I got rejected for the Teach for America program, private schools don't want me because I don't have enough experience in the classroom and an MA isn't going to get jack for a job at a college level. PhD's are fighting each other over 4 year liberal arts positions......

So, I think....maybe my calling is working with abused women. From my experiences within the last year workng with rape victims in the ER I found something I am really good at, find deeply fulfilling and believe I could make a really meaningful career with. But, without formal employment experience or an MSW.....no one is interested. When I am older, I would love to do international mission work, possibly setting up centers for women and children in impoverished communities who are fleeing abuse or have been victimized through rape. That is definitely a life goal of mine.....and with Graham interested in international justice work, we could really make a go of things 15-20 years down the line.......

But now? I am so frustrated......feeling so low and so useless. I am angry at myself for doing these three years of school, going further into debt, and for all the things I listed above. In just a few months I am going to have to support not only myself, but my husband to be, my child, two cats and a dog......in Rogers Park (Chicago).....all on my salary. The pressure sometimes gets so overwhelming that I feel suffocated and frightened. It is hard to say that I have total faith that everything will work out the way it is supposed to be.

In a city with millions of people, I can't seem to land a job! There are so many job postings and I swear I have applied to so many non-profits that the new job listings are all places I have sent my resume into previously. I have had one interview, which I thought went well, but it's been a month now and I haven't heard a thing. It is so frustrating.

I guess I am feeling an extra pressure right now because my big paper is finished (thank god!) and now I have to go back to sending out resumes and feeling like I am about 3 inches tall again........I am leaving grad school very embittered and very let down. Granted, there have been some rifts within the last academic year which have really intensified that feeling......but still......

It's sort of like undergrad......I loved being in school, but when it's all said and done? What do I have to show for it? I am still unemployable and have no idea where I am supposed to be. Help!

blessed are the peacemakers

this site is a lot of fun to look through and read the many interesting brief biographies of individuals who committed their lives to working for peace......enjoy!!

Bruderhof Peacemakers Guide

it's time to do an about face.....

"If an animal were shown this way people would be up in arms. Why is it acceptable to show women DEAD for fashion?"

Check out About Face and read all about the portrayal of women in media/advertising. We are bombarded with these images every day, but we take little time to really think about them and how they affect us peronally and throughout our culture. With women being raped and abused every day, we need to seek out all the puzzle pieces which create a culture of oppression, rape and abuse. I believe a lot of these images of women are a significant piece. It is ingrained in our subconscious, and if it makes women question their own worth on a regular basis, what does it do to the male mentality towards women? We need to be aware of all of the sensory influences we are invaded by every day. While a picture cannot make a man abuse a woman, rape a woman, etc.....it creates an atmosphere where it becomes more "acceptable" and in a way encouraged, however consciously or sub-consciously that may be.

Check out the website....I have been a fan for many years.......

and then there were none......

yesssssss.......that paper?? it is finished....complete.....is it brilliant? hardly.......but I will never have to deal with it ever again! It is printed out, sealed up and ready to deliver to my profs mailbox tomorrow!! I am on call right now wil 9am and I pray I do not get called out tonight, my brain is just mush. But, if I do? well....gotta be as on task as possible.....

I have one more Spanish oram exam tomorrow.....then two finals in Spanish classes next week. After that, I will be finished with graduate school, well the school part anyway. I need to do my exams and edit my writing portfolio in the fall......and that will be pretty labor intensive. But, I am so happy I will not have to write another research paper ever again! Well, unless I go into a PhD program. But, at this point I would say that will happen....ummm never! But, I guess you should never say never!

Now I can concentrate for a few weeks on helping Em wrap up the school year, more job hunting, organizing and cleaning in preparation for the move, seeing friends, addressing wedding invitations, hanging out at the farm with the pigs and dogs, walking my dog, exercising, etc.......

I am so happy to bid SIUE and graduate school farewell.....the first two years (which were the bulk of it all) were wonderful, enriching, enlightening, intense yet satisfying and I made friends with a really wonderful community of people......this last year has been pretty much a drag and I am so ready to be done with it. Don't go into grad school if you don't want to go insane from time to time or gain 40 lbs......

mark your calendars.....

for the Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale, the fourth weekend in September!



A weekend of antiques, quilts, food and games!! All to raise money for the Mennonite relief agency MCC

road trip anyone??

a letter to local right wing radio......

I wrote this back in February......instead of name calling, I tried to argue against their position on gay marriage by nodding towards history and theology. Their argument this morning was entirely grounded in "tradition" which to me just screams, "bullshit!" This guy, Crane Durham is on a local morning show on the right wing talk station and gives Hannity a run for the money with self-important, bigoted, pious grandstanding........

_____
Dear Sirs,

I was listening to your program this morning and couldn't help but send in a thought. While you were talking about re-defining marriage, and Mr. Durham's apparent abhorrence to the idea, I wanted to remind you that the definition of marriage has been something that has been continually in flux throughout history. I am a student of history and while patterns of marriage are certainly not my field of expertise, one would be wise to remember that throughout history marriage has
maintained more of a function of economy and property, not necessarily as you would have it defined today. Until modern times, women have maintained more of a status of being property themselves. In some cultures this is even still the case. The term Mrs. actually mean's Mister's (as in the property of a Mr.). Women have been used as tools of collective bargaining through families, villages, tribes, even royalty. So to say that this one change in definition will just blow the "tradition" of marriage out of the water is ridiculous.

My fiancee and I are both Christian and we both believe that God intended for marriage to be between two individuals, who are alike in mind, spirit and soul. I believe that theologically, one can even pull that from Genesis. And, I would even argue that the patriarchal system in which we find ourselves (one that has oppressed women for millenia) is in itself apart from what God intended. So, to say that we have the ideal definition of marriage as it is today, is foolish. Divorce and abuse cause more strife and pose a greater threat to marriage and the institution of family than allowing gay individuals to be united in matrimony. I believe those issues should have a much greater precedence in modern dialogue.

Well, that's my two cents. I don't agree with just about anything that is broadcast on your station, but I still listen. I wish you (as in the majority of hosts on your station) would be more open to fair, open dialogue in the name of civil, educated discourse than resort to name calling and self-centered, self-important grandstanding. But I guess that doesn't boost ratings does it?

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
(Matthew 5:11)

another wonderful Fresh Air interview.....

Fresh Air from WHYY, April 26, 2005 · Mirta Ojito is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for The New York Times. When Ojito was a teenager, 25 years ago, she and her family were part of the Mariel boatlift out of Cuba.

Her new memoir is Finding Manana: A Memoir of a Cuban Exodus. As part of her research, Ojito interviewed members of the Carter administration -- and leader Fidel Castro himself -- to understand what led to the boatlift.

LISTEN



I ordered this woman's book too.....Fresh Air has been great this week!!

edit* the book arrived.....I will post a review when I am finished with it....I can't wait to dig in!!

okay, so it's four in the morning.....

and I am still not finished with my paper.....Erika just left a few minutes ago, but we managed to put in a few really good hours. I make significant progress with the writing, and I should only have to put in maybe 2 hours tomorrow......sweet! The end is so close, i wish I could just wrap it up now.....but I really should get some sleep. I have to drive Emily to school at 7:30am and then I am on call 9-5 with SART/YWCA

All my animals are up here snoozing and Emily is on my bed doing the same......I love it when they are all in the same room sleeping. It is so incredibly comforting and cozy.......

The trees outside my window are really starting to get some decent foliage on them.....it is like a sea of green and when the wind blows it makes such a beautiful noise......I love spring!!

I can't believe this might very well be me and Erika's last overnight study session......for the last few semesters it has been a staple of our existences to spend a lot of wee hour time together trying to put all the final pieces together on our semesters......she is off to Ohio (most likely) and I am off to Chicago......I will miss this so much!! However, I will not miss writing papers......

last year the now famous David Cross reference was born during an overnight study session on a run to Quick Trip for soda.....ha-ha-ha-halloooo....seatbelt for my arm, seatbelt for my leg, seatbelt for my head.....wait, this isn't a ride!

this year? Goldie Lookin' Chain's "Your Mother's Got a Penis" and doing the gimp dance.......classic!!!

you can never go home again......

or maybe you can.....because, I am home again......after another uneventful drive I took a Spanish oral exam and then ran a few errands.....I was VERY happy to see my animals and Emily!!

The wedding invitations came today, and my goodness is this going to be a daunting task ahead.....addressing these things is going to be very time consuming!! They look really nice though........and speaking of wedding stuff Emily now has her jr. bridesmaid dress and it is just beautiful!! She also got a really pretty "party" dress to wear to rehearsal dinner. Lovely!!

Erika may be here all night tonight to pull an all nighter study session. I don't think a semester would be complete without at least ONE overnight paper writing marathon......tonight is likely the night.....I know I need to do it. And if we do do this, there is a very good chance that the paper will be finished by morning's light!!

Okay.....off to walk the dog.....it is beeeautiful here!! I am glad to be home, though I wish Graham were here too......

on the way home tonight......

Graham bought us some crunchy M&M's....though we did not find the ultimate prize of which we sought.....dark chocolate M&M's!!

Driving back to STL in the AM to take a test at 1:30...... boo......I will not see Graham for a few weeks which really stinks......just a few more months of this, thank goodness!!

Then mid-May....Graham's birthday and a week pigsitting at Liz's farm!! woohoo!!

Ruth made us a really nice dinner tonight of black beans and rice and YUMMY broccoli and cheese!! and for dessert.....a lot of YUMMY ice cream!! If you see this Ruth, thank you! I didn't get to thank you when I was there.....remembered as I was walking out of the building.....hope to see you soon!! :)

an update on the paper.....

yes....I have finished over ten pages now! I am on a roll.....My goal is to have it finished by Thursday afternoon so I can pop it in this profs box when I am over there to take my Spanish oral exam.....The end is in sight!! OK, so it's not the best paper in the world....but it's getting finished and after putting it off for almost a year, it's about time!! Typical Kate, waiting til the last minute to complete something that could have been done a good long while ago. I am so excited that after this week I will never have to open those books on peasant resistance ever again!!

-------

I took a long drive to Tinley Park this morning which is a far south burb of Chicago to see a nutritionist.....well, he doesn't want to start a nutrition routine until I am living here. That was a lot of driving for not too much result!! ;)

Upside of this trip? I heard this really interesting interview on Fresh Air (NPR) with a man named William Queen. He was an ATF agent that infiltrated one of the most notorious and violent motorcycle gangs, the Mongols. It was a fascinating interview and I have already ordered the book used.....when I am out housesitting at Liz's farm, this is going to be reading for the week!! He talked about women involved with the gang and the horros they have to face. They give in to a life of submission where they literally wear patches that say, "property of:" He spoke of a woman who had been beaten so badly by her husband that he had to do an improvised sutchering of her wounds on her face. Her face had literally been split open. The gang members had taped up her face with scotch tape. When he said she needed to go to the hospital, they refused to take her and said if he couldn't do anything they would just leave her taped up like that to heal. It was crazy! The amount of abuse and terror that women experienced at the hands of these men is just mindblowing. And to think that the women who are part of the gang, join willingly.....whew....

Anyhow.....go to this link to hear the interview on Fresh Air, I was gripped....

Interview with William Queen on Fresh Air with Terry Gross

Check out his book....

Under and Alone by William Queen

gloomy sunday.....

....well not really, but hey if I have a chance to reference a really great Billie Holiday song, I am going to jump at the opportunity!!

Last night Graham and I went to a Passover seder at the Berkman's house. It was a lot of fun and I learned a lot about Jewish history and tradition! I especially liked the matzo sanwiches with the grape/apple/cinnamon/nuts spread......and the kosher macaroons! WOW! yum!! The Berkman's are such fabulous hosts! Also, I think I am in love with Manischewitz wine.....can I drink it all year round? I think I could very possibly become a Maniholic ;)

Downside of the wine....I have been fighting off a bladder infection for weeks.....and this morning the symptoms really flared up. It is not as painful as it is uncomfortable. I am sure you all wanted to know about that!! I have been drinking A LOT of water today and need to go get a jar of cranberry juice.....yeoooow I can't stand cranberry juice! When I was a kid my mom made me drink it all the time.....and it is some vile stuff! But, when you have no health insurance, you gotta take what you can. Robitussin? Cranberries? both are gross, but in a time of need, ya gotta do what ya gotta do......

I am going to see a nutritionist south of Chicago tomorrow.....trying to get my health in order and get in shape.....we'll see how that goes!

I did geta few more pages done on Friday night, but nothing accomplished yesterday. This afternoon the plan is to write write write and then take a walk down at Lake Michigan later before the sun goes down to get a little exercise.

Cardinals were winning last time I checked.....here's to hoping for a sweep of Houston!!!! GO CARDS!!

quote of the day......

At least we agree on something.....


"There were not sufficient reasons to unleash a war against Iraq. To say nothing of the fact that, given the new weapons that make possible destructions that go beyond the combatant groups, today we should be asking ourselves if it is still licit to admit the very existence of a 'just war.'"

- Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, May 2, 2003.

.....posted in Sojourners mail today.....

Welcoming the stranger

With increasing scrutiny directed at "Minutemen" vigilante patrols along the U.S./Mexico border, a coalition of religious organizations has released a statement of concern:

"As churches and faith-based organizations, we are compelled to respond to the actions of the "Minutemen" in Southern Arizona. Their intent to corral and harass the migrants they encounter is an affront to internationally protected rights and to our nation's history of hospitality. Law enforcement officials have been properly charged with the role of monitoring immigration along our Southern border. Any attempt to usurp these duties is inappropriate....

As Christians, we believe that we are called to welcome the stranger. We recognize the gifts that migrants bring to our communities. Those who sacrifice in order to assure the survival of their families are to be admired and applauded."

http://www.maryknollogc.org/action/arizona.htm

.....cold day in Chicago.......

Wow, rainy, chilly.....not what I was hoping for this weekend. But, what are ya gonna do?

After a very uneventful drive up, I missed seeing Cornell West speak by like minutes. Had there been no traffic on Lake Shore I would have made it! I am really bummed about this. Graham said it was really great and I really wish I had known about it sooner and I would have hauled tail and left a little earlier in the day. As it is....cést la vie! :)

Since I had a few hours to spare, I came to the apartment and settled in to watch The Motorcycle Diaries, FINALLY! I had been waiting for my video store to have it in for at least 6 weeks, and it has been sitting on my desk for a week.....so I brought it up. I just finished watching it this morning. Thoughts? Well, for starters, I think the superstar of the movie has to be the South American landscape. From the Pampas in Argentina to the Andes in Chile to Maccu Piccu in Peru to the Amazon River......just amazing. I thought the film was a bit idealistic, but overall a good and accurate translation of book itself. I haven't read it in a few years, maybe I should revisit it once I have my comp exams out of the way (in December! ha!) For some reason the internal changes Guevara goes through in the movie didn't seem very real to me. It all felt very staged, instead of organic.....I just was never drawn in and never felt the conflict and transition of the two the way it comes across in the writings. I guess that is a problem with movies, but one that has been overcome before.

Again, the idealism of the film left a bit to be desired. Che Guevara has been over idealized for decades now. Don't get me wrong, I have read truckloads of his work and in many ways admire his spirit and drive.....but he was also a very flawed human being. I guess it is hard sometimes to re-humanize someone who has become a martyr for their cause, because they become bigger than life, bigger than humanity. His adulterous affairs, the neglect of his children, his love of warfare, etc......but still he gave so much to so many. I used to think Che was the answer, now? Not so much.....but, his ideas and teachings have a lot of weight, still. He was not a monster (which is how many in the US depict him), but he was no angel either...he was a human being, caught somewhere in between both, like we all are.

After my second visit to Cuba with a US solidarity group, and being witness to this blind devotion to Che Guevara, Fidel and the Revolution, I began to question so much. As much as I am a supporter of many of the goals and accomplishments of the Cuban Revolution, the red flags (no pun intended) really came out when I witnessed this. They never questioned mistakes, flaws, etc....And most of the people I travelled with were not very friendly, and I never felt like their hearts were in the right place. I went on the trip to work and be part of a group, a community who had the interests of other human beings in mind. Not only were most of (not all) these people incredibly intolerant of differences, or ideas outside of their narrow theoretical frameworks, but most of the time I felt like this trip was more of a tool to prop up their own self righteous political identities. How this promotes peace, understanding and tolerance is beyond me.

Anyhow, I digress.....I could talk a lot more about this trip and other experiences. But, I need to cut this off now as I need to run out the door in a little bit to meet with a Mennonite pastor here in Chicago about job ideas and whatnot. I need to do my exercises first too!

and...I WILL work on my paper today.....2 1/2 more pages.....yup.....keep the mantra going.....

peace

wow......and all she would say was.....wow

Is my boyfriend/finace' the best in the world?? I thought so before, but now I have no doubt.....I had really been wanting to purchase two seats from my beloved Busch Stadium when they tear it down. I have been going there since I was a baby, my parents honeymooned there, we will honeymoon there. My best memories of my father are in that ballpark......my first date with Graham was in that ballpark. I am torn up to see them tear it down. I was so sad because I didn't have enough money to purchase the set of two seats.......

well, Graham has informed me that he is getting them for me for a birthday/anniversary present!!! I will be able to tell stories to my grandkids about the many wonderful afternoons and evenings I spent at this place and be able to literally give them a piece of it.....most people won't understand.....those of you who do? cheers.....and Graham? *MWAH!* you have no idea how much this means to me....NONE....thank you.....wow

bummer

Cardinals lost 3-1 tonight to the scumbag Cubs......there were a few highlights....a Pujols homer, I had GREAT seats, and one of the most beautiful double plays I have ever seen......

I did get a few pages done on my paper today.....yahoo! Still far from finished though.....

I am off to Chicago tomorrow after class at 2pm......I am on call tonight and praying I don't get called out. I still need to pack and clean up and whatnot.

I had a big beer and just need to go to sleep.....hopefully the Cards will have a better showing tomorrow. Too bad I don't get AM radio in the car......yeah yeah.....

Non Profit of the Day!

While perusing the non-profit jobs board for Chicago, I came across this place.....I was blown away. What a wonderful concept!!

Lambs Farm

From what I have read on the site, it looks like part intentional community/part social service/part business......a rural community created to assist people with developmental disabilites to live a fulfilling, quality life and to live in an accepting, nurturing environment. I am TOO impressed! I would love to go visit when I am living in Chicago full time......too bad it is too far from the city to work there!!

".....I think you need to have a baby.....

so you can buy one of these!!" -- Jen



hmmmm, tempting!! haha!

this needs to be my mantra for the next week......"today I will......"

today.....I WILL start writing this paper......I will write, write write.....let the muse of historical discourse run crazy in my veins!! Come on.....big roll of the dice, baby needs to graduate....roll roll roll.......WRITE!!

I am on call with SART until mid afternoon, Cindy said she would pick up the latter half of my shift after she is done with some grand jury business. That is such a relief. I took a call yesterday and I am on the overnight tonight......so, a little respite this afternoon would be great!

And tonight?? Cardinals Vs. Cubs with my favorite Cubs fan, Jason! The ribbing that goes on between us is all in good humor, but woah can it get a little intense!! I hope the Cardinals can repeat what they did when we went this time last year......winning by one run that got walked in, on a 3-2 count, bottom of the 9th, with 2 outs........BRILLIANT!! One of the best games I have ever seen.

Quote of the Day

....from andrewsullivan.com....

"I was trying to explain last night to a non-Catholic just how dumb-struck many reformist Catholics are by the elevation of Ratzinger. And then I found a way to explain. This is the religious equivalent of having had four terms of George W. Bush only to find that his successor as president is Karl Rove. Get it now?"

VC post of the day

I am a very active member of the Wilco online community Via Chicago......music aside, it is fueled by political bickering and musical elitism......however, I have made some of the best friends I have there, and it is a major part of my life....pathetic eh?? Anyhow.....here is the first VC post of the day......from your dear friend and mine....Lou Berkman! :)

In the middle of a debate on Catholicism......


"Mennonites on the other hand have little in common with the Catholics.  They are anti-authoritarian (as long as that authority is outside their church also), anti-war, anti-patriotic and usually nice people.  (Most of the ones I knew were and most are named Yoder too.)  They also support all kinds of really progressive self help type of projects around the world.  They are also good cooks and make really nice quilts.  (Its the end of a very long crazy day so I am getting a bit punch drunk here.) (Can I go home now??)" --Louie B.

This cracks me up.....I know a few Yoders and yes, the cooking and quilts are WONDERFUL!!! haha

new to blogger!

Well....after some consideration, I decided to move on over here from my Live Journal spot full time.....I like the feel of this place a little better. Aestheically, it is much nicer.....am I that shallow? maybe.....

I am not sure how my blog will take shape.......but I guess I will just go from here, the beginning!!

I have to go work on a paper which has been procrastinated for almost a year! I have 2 weeks to get it in else I will not have the credits to complete my MA......drag.....peasant resistance to Stalinist rural collectivization in 1930's Soviet Union......fun......

wake me up when it's over......

a critical commentary in Christian terms to The Minutemen

After doing some reasearch on this group in Arizona whom I really take issue with I decided that instead of emailing them with venomous criticism and outrage, I thought I would reach out to them in the spirit of love and understanding on a level that I thought they would connect with me on......I never did hear back from them.....here is what I wrote.....

______________

Hello,

My name is Kate and I live in Saint Louis, MO and recently the work of your group has been brought to my attention through a number of media sources. I wanted to express my discouragement with what you are doing.

I am a 30 year old Christian woman and I would be willing to bet that many of your participants are also of the Christian faith. I wanted to speak to you, and approach you on this level. A level of faith, compassion and understanding.

One of the root causes of fear and insecurity is misunderstanding. I feel that you do not truly understand the plight of not only the mexican people, but people the world over. You see them as an "enemy". I see them as people who need our assistance and compassion, not judgement and condemnation. I have personally worked in communities in Juarez where babies freeze to death at night because there is no insulation on the houses built of cardboard. This is where there is no indoor plumbing and contaminated water is brought through neighborhoods in a truck, to then be purified by boiling it. The use of small cookers and wood burning stoves causes frequent fires and can burn down a community in minutes. A majority of the people in Juarez, in these neighborhoods, work for United States owned businesses. They receive such demeaning pay for their work, in many cases they have no choice but to try and come into the US to try and seek out some sort of work to assist their families in survival. Many of these people in border towns have also been driven from their lands in the southern
regions of Mexico, due to foreign agribusiness, oil production and other companies who expropriate the land and diminsh natural resources. In turn this creates a monetary based market, detroying formerly sustenance farming communities. In many of these communities, they do not have the land to sustain their families and do not have the opportunities to partake in the local economy. Therefore, they go where there are bound to be jobs.....in the north. Also keep in mind that MANY U.S. businesses close shop in the border towns and move to Asia and the like, creating even more desperate conditions for the residents of these towns.

I am disgusted by the individuals who profit off the misery of these people, human traffickers, etc. These people must be stopped. But, it is VITAL that as Christians and as human beings we stop viewing these people attempting to come into the United States as an enemy force. By using such rhetoric like "invasion" and "aliens" this further agitates an ignorant society and blinds us to the realities of this HUMAN population deperate for survival.

Instead of invoking such militaristic thinking, I challenge you to go to Mexico, work in these communities and get to know the people who live there. By building bridges, we are able to humanize people who were formerly "alien" to us. This militaristic, nationalistic thinking goes against everything I believe the Bible to stand for. We are a community of the spirit, in Christ and in God......drawing lines in the sand and alienating others goes against what I believe to be the call of Christ to a desperate, needy world.

I hope you will seriously think about what I have said. I am sure I am not going to change your opinion, or curb your activies, but I do ask that you really think about what I have offered up here.

Thank you and God Bless

_______________

check out their site for yourself and email them

century21minuteman@sbcglobal.net

http://www.minutemanproject.com/