Comments for Restoring Shalom

Comment on Are we just chasing after the wind? by Mike Wells

Mike Wells — Thu, 02 May 2013 05:56:18 +0000

I have found reflecting on the book (and career of jeremiah) is helpful. Just that he tells the truth of disaster, but because he is in solidarity with his people, the truth also crushes him. Sometimes depression is just the right response. And yet after the utter carnage of judgement, there is illogical hope from the God of the resurrection. Not a taking away of disaster, but a hope nevertheless. I think what is most needed now is an account of why to do what is right, even in the face of upcoming disaster

Comment on Nazis, Drones, and Immigration by brianjgorman

brianjgorman — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:27:35 +0000

Hey Alex,

Thanks for your thoughts. I purposely didn’t dwell too much on the various debates regarding drones–if differences between nations are arbitrary, then the US has every right to kill Americans as non-Americans without due process. What I was trying to highlight is the irony of Americans getting outraged over the use of drones to kill Americans, but not so much outrage over the use of drones (or anything) to kill people.

It seems that if war is going to exist, targeted killings through drones in theory a bit better, as you suggest. But it also makes war much easier, and much easier to do without at least consent from the governed. It becomes more covert. And as much as I object to war and don’t find much comfort in “just war” theory, covert war is a whole layer that spooks me. I think that drones and the like (which is surely the next wave of war making) will make it easier to hide the killing going on, and therefore not require at least the pretense of justification.

Re: xenophobia, when the US adds the KKK to it’s list of terrorist organizations, then maybe I’ll believe that xenophobia isn’t at least part of the motivation behind targeted assassinations. I was also trying to suggest that once such things begin, the strict requirements in order to carry out such an assassination (which really aren’t that strict if you read the memo), can be relaxed or exceptions made.

Thanks for your comments!

Brian

Comment on Nazis, Drones, and Immigration by Alex

Alex — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:00:25 +0000

Thanks for your post Brian. I want to push back a little. I think that the issue is complicated. Anwar al-Aulaqi was a member of Al-Qeada and an American citizen. If I join and support a group that is actively in conflict with the US then I would expect to be a target for US assassination. That seems to follow without any need for xenophobia. I also feel that if the US is to have a military then I’d rather them use targeted force instead of starting intractable wars. That being said I am no fan of patriotism or killing.

Comment on Nazis, Drones, and Immigration by spaceloom

spaceloom — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 20:43:31 +0000

ooph! Hard-hitting but timely.

You may have seen Hedges’ latest (don’t totally buy his argument, but…): http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_ndaa_and_the_death_of_the_democratic_state_20130211

I find it difficult to talk to people about the similarities without having to bob-and-weave to avoid being punched int he face. Ah! Nationalism!

This essay will definitely be with me in my meditations tonight.

Comment on Vinyl by Peggy Frisk

Peggy Frisk — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 18:22:25 +0000

Brian, this is beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad you are able to enjoy the records. Some of his favorite CDs were those made by you and your brother. He was so proud of all of you,

Comment on Vinyl by michaeljgorman

michaeljgorman — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 06:35:58 +0000

I may be biased, but this is beautiful, in multiple ways.

Comment on Work for Nothing by Katie

Katie — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 19:23:31 +0000

on a side note i recently decided to try to make up tunes to go with the psalms…so i can memorize them. i was thinking about how monks used to know the whole psalter, well probably a lot of other Jews and Christians too. i know people have done it before, i want more than just the chanting tones though, something that will help me remember better! i already memorized one through this method haha

Comment on Something That Won’t Compute by Love Someone Who Does Not Deserve It « Restoring Shalom

Love Someone Who Does Not Deserve It « Restoring Shalom — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 19:25:03 +0000

[...] Libby on Something That Won’t… [...]

Comment on Something That Won’t Compute by Libby

Libby — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 23:08:07 +0000

Very thoughtful, Brian. I ended up deciding to vote, today, but your brother is still working on me! I’ll be interested to read your “does not compute” acts this year.

Lots of love,

Comment on Praying Twice by Ric Booth

Ric Booth — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 14:09:50 +0000

Back in 2007/2008 I took voice lessons and learned the basics of music. I’ve probably forgotten most but I do remember learning the architectural beauty behind the sound. Your post also reminded me of The Singer Trilogy. I coincidentally read and wrote about it in that same time frame ( http://ricbooth.wordpress.com/2008/09/25/poet-calvin-miller/ )

Music connects us, not just to each other and not even “just” to God, but to ourselves. our souls. I think music must be the poetic language of God.