September 2013
Religion and Politics
Trust me, I am not one to come to Joel Rosenthal’s defense that often, to tell you the truth I am on the opposite side of what he says most of the time. I also think calling Stace Nelson a racist was a bit harsh, but as Joel admits, sometimes us blogger’s get things wrong;
Rather than what I “thought†I heard candidate Nelson say.
Following is what Montgomery says his recording of the event shows what Nelson actually said,
“I’m a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order, and I’ll be the latter as long as it supports the first two.â€
It is an important distinction if Nelson is exclusively referring to himself.
My reaction, as Montgomery suggests is different when I read the words, but that does not alter my reaction to what my mind heard.
So what did Joel originally say?
Such xenophobic logic has no place in our political debate. Taken on its face, since Christ was a Jew, would he not meet the Nelson Republican Litmus Test? – And be denied to be a Republican?
Joel doesn’t go into detail but he is pointing out something that has often been a peeve of mine when it comes to politicians; Don’t wear your religion on your sleeve. It’s interesting that Stace thinks you have to be Republican if you are Christian or if you are Christian you should be a Republican. Maybe someone should tell Mayor Huether about Stace’s philosophy. Huether often wears his religion on his sleeve, and he is a Democrat (or at least that is his current registration).
Do I want politicians to be people of faith? Sure. But I really believe it is none of my business what they believe, I think a person’s faith is their personal business. I don’t think a politician is more qualified to lead because they either read the old testament or the new testament. I would much prefer they read a book about law or economics then the bible.
You believe in God. Great. Now tell me what you are going to do to make things better on earth for us mortals, you can discuss heaven in private with God, I have no need to be a part of that conversation. God doesn’t pave our roads, educate our children or fight our wars, tax payers do. We ultimately are the ones that tithe government, we are the congregation of this great nation.
How will ‘The District’ affect entertainment in Sioux Falls?
Make no mistake, a facility like this is well overdue in Sioux Falls. I suggested years ago when the State Theatre renovation begun that is what they should have done with the place. It fell on deaf ears of course. Trust me, it will probably be at least a year or two before ‘The District’ turns a profit, but the location and the concept will sell well.
So the bigger question is how will this affect other entertainment facilities in our city who have had this potential since their inception (Orpheum, Pavilion, Convention Center). While the Orpheum has been the most ‘liberal’ with the kind of entertainment allowed in the facility, many have wondered why the Pavilion hasn’t cashed in on more rock and country concerts?
‘The District’s’ success or failure will be very telling. If they are successful as a private convention center, we will be forced to finally ask the Pavilion – what have you been doing WRONG? If they are unsuccessful, maybe we can say the Pavilion was right to not host these kind of events all along, or maybe Sioux Falls isn’t large enough to support such a concert hall.
Time will tell, but I have a hunch the community is ready for such a facility, and it is long overdue.
UPDATED: Finally, some red meat in the mayoral race!
Image Credit: Jamison’s FB page
Gee, I thought I was becoming a vegetarian, heck bordering on vegan when it came to the mayoral race. Trust me, Jamison has been warned by many to ‘not go negative’ on Huether. But I believe Greg is only speaking ‘the truth’ when it comes to our mayor;
“Here’s what happens when a politician’s ego enters the room before he does,†Jamison said. “The focus of a good policy discussion turns quickly to, ‘How fast can I hold a press conference to announce it? Will the media show up? What should I wear? Will my hair be OK? I get mad when the media doesn’t cover it.’â€
There is something I have known a very, very, very long time about MMM, he’s not modest, he’s not humble, and he certainly struggles with the truth. Don’t believe me, just read this email he sent Monty;
“As long as I have the honor to serve the people, I will focus on the positive in life and also get things done,†Huether wrote.
Trust me, MMM is not the first politician to invoke ‘positivity’ versus, ‘the truth’ often people, let’s say Greg Jamison in this particular case, are considered, ‘negative’ or ‘controversial’ because they may reveal the ‘truth’ about a particular issue or politician.
So was Greg being ‘negative’ in reference to our honorable mayor? Yes he was. But some times the truth isn’t always positive. Sorry Sioux Falls.
*BTW, I am still digesting some other red meat on our mayor and the promises he is making about an indoor pool, update coming soon.
UPDATE: There is a lot more to Jamison’s speech then just a couple of stabs at MMM.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHzfULN6esY&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]
Special Guest @ Touch of Europe this weekend (Sep 27-28)
This gentleman will be playing Touch of Europe next weekend. Dennis is an accomplished Jazz singer from Milwaukee and cousin to local jazz and blues bassist Dave Fermenich.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tESysgk9UAo[/youtube]