Number 14

The Mission Trip

(The following was written for the newsletter of the First Presbyterian Church of Mankato)

The Red Lake (Chippewa) Reservation is located in northwestern Minnesota.  The lake is the largest  in Minnesota (other than Lake Superior), and, as it turns out, is quite stunning to look out upon.  The reservation was the destination for our just completed mission trip.  Eleven of us (nine children and two adults) left church on Sunday morning (July 13), with only a vague notion of what was in store for us over the next week.  Ostensibly, the idea was to help out the residents of the reservation, but it became much more than that.

To review briefly, we were able to go on this trip only because of the extreme generosity of the membership at the First Presbyterian Church of Mankato.  Without your help, the trip would not have happened.

The first lesson occurred when Pam (the other chaperone) and I both discovered we could drive 15 foot vans.  The second lesson we learned was that everyone needed to keep their shoes on their feet while we traveled.  When we stopped for lunch, the kids all surrendered their electronic devices for the week.  This was accompanied by shocked faces and bewildered expressions of protest.  One would have thought they hadn't been told MANY times that this was going to happen.  I believe that 'unplugging' for the week was the first, of many, significant events for the children.

We arrived at the Red Lake Middle School at 4:45 pm, and what do you know - it looked like a school!  (which, I believe, was reassuring to the kids).  We were the first of three different church groups to arrive, so we had first choice of sleeping quarters.  Soon, however, the other two groups arrived.  One group was from a Methodist church in Omaha.  They consisted of 28 kids and eight adults.  The second group of 12 kids and 2 adults came from a Lutheran church in central Wisconsin. All in all, we were quite ecumenical, and by the end of the week, a transition had occurred that changed the kids from three smaller groups into one large group.  It is difficult to explain the significance of this transition, but it was emotionally powerful to watch the youth from our church embrace this change.

As to the work itself, we were kept plenty busy.  The first two days, we did what are called 'work projects'.  Among the tasks we accomplished were helping get the elementary school ready for the Fall, preparing a house for painting, applying a final coat of paint to another home.  We also did a lot of weeding and window washing at the local assisted living and women's centers.  The other two days we spent time with the local children at the reservation's Boys and Girls Club.  We facilitated "Water Day" on Wednesday (where it will not surprise you to learn that everyone ended up wet!).  On Thursday we organized reading, arts & crafts, and games for the children.  Every task our youth were given was completed with good spirits (and only a minimal amount of whining - they are teenagers, after all!).

It's an interesting juxtaposition that the local children loved having our youth there to play with them, but also exhibited many challenging behaviors at the same time.  This point, of course, serves to highlight many if the unique struggles of live on the Reservation.  There are extreme levels of poverty and unemployment.  There are also high levels of drug abuse, alcoholism, obesity, gang activity, teen pregnancy, and violence against women.  There are also significant numbers of suicides and murders.  The Reservation high school has an 8% graduation rate.  The parish priest, Father Jerry, also describes a sense of lethargy and entitlement that exists among the people.  He attributes this to the learned helplessness that accompanies the poverty that continues from one generation to the next.

But we also witnessed small glimpses of hope.  I watched one twelve year-old boy, standing tall and proud, as he drummed and sang along with his uncle.  It was easy to imagine him as a future leader.  We had many conversations with the local folks, and they couldn't be more kind or generous.  One of my favorite moments came when we were washing windows at the extended care center.  A few of the residents were watching "The Price is Right" in the common room.  We stopped working for the moment to watch if a woman was going to win a car.  As silly as it sounds, it pointed out the many similarities that we share - we were all interested in how it would turn out.   (She lost, and all of us derided her efforts - another commonality!).  When a young child would climb in your lap with a book that he or she wanted read, it was hard for your heart to not melt a little bit.

Many of the problems that the people of Red Lake face can only be fixed from within.  There is still a tangible sense of pride and a subtle suspicion of the 'outside' world.  Whatever it is that will help fix things, it needs to come from the people themselves.  However that does not mean there is nothing we can do.  Our church alone supplied enough materials to stock one elementary school classroom for the entire year.  Assistance like this allows the Red Lake District to focus on other important issues that face the children of the Reservation.  It is also important for our own spiritual growth that we reach out to support these people.  This is the type of work that Jesus Christ commanded us to do.

We arrived back home at 4:15 pm on Friday, July 18.  We were tired, but pleasantly so.  It is the fatigue that accompanies a job well done.  The electronic devices had already been returned to the youth and they were already assimilating back into their 'normal' lives.  If you ask them about the mission trip, many of them will probably say it was "OK" or "yeah, I had a good time" without a great deal of enthusiasm.  I understand that - it is a teenager's defense against appearing 'uncool'  (God forbid).  But I was there, and I saw the positive changes that occurred in all of them.  Some of these things are privileged, so I'll just ask for you to trust me.  Please remember that experiences like this go a long way in developing an active spiritual life in our youth, the future of the church.  It was a privilege to be with them in Red Lake.

Number 13

What's Good Customer Service?

I went into a convenience store for a soda pop today (Diet Pepsi, if you're interested).  It's one of those places where they scan a little card and you earn points.  I've cared very little about these points until today, when my curiosity got the better of me, so I asked the woman behind the counter about the program.

I imagine most folks, if they're really honest, would think about a job in a convenience store somewhat disdainfully.  If we're even more honest, we've probably allowed ourselves to feel just a little bit superior to the folks that work in these establishments.  We probably don't even mean to,  but sometimes it hard to stop those thoughts from popping into our heads.  (Or, maybe it's just me, and my pathetic attempt to generalize my awfulness demonstrates a weak character.)

In any event, I asked about the points program, and the woman behind the counter couldn't have been more helpful or pleasant.  I was embarrassed by the fact that I was surprised by her kindness.  But more than that, she made me realize what real customer service is.  It's all about making the effort to connect with the person being helped, and I thank her for opening my eyes to that fact.

Number 12

My Gift to Mark and Greg (for what it's worth)

     I'm not a brave person.  I know right from wrong, and I do my best to live up to that standard.  But if it comes to making a public declaration, I'm often silent.  I don't really know why - maybe I'm afraid of disappointing a friend.  This blog not withstanding, I'm reluctant to give my opinion on many important issues.  (And even on the blog, I usually bend over backward to ensure that both sides of the story are presented).  Now, it's time for me to walk to the edge, peer over the side, and jump.

     There is no reason, other than prejudice, fear, and ignorance, to oppose the legalization of same-sex marriage.

     Don't talk to me about the "historical" definition of marriage.  Don't talk to me about Biblical imperatives.  Don't talk to me about "slippery slopes".  Those are all hollow arguments and they are easily exposed.  What has constituted a marriage has changed over the eons many, many times.  Heck, the Christian Bible doesn't have a single definition itself.

     "But, Hugh", you say, "If we allow same-sex marriage, we'll have to allow for polygamists, pedophiles, and folks involved in incestuous relationships to get married."  No, no, and no.  Polygamists make the choice to involve themselves in that type of relationship, and homosexuals do not - at least in terms of the sex of the person they are attracted to.  (We bring you this parenthetical announcement to state:  "C'mon people, do you really still think that somebody 'chooses' to be homosexual or lesbian?  I know I never chose to be heterosexual:  I just always liked girls/women in 'that way'.  If you still feel, in your heart of hearts, that people choose to be gay, stop reading now.  Just remember that denial is not just a river in Egypt.")  Pedophilia is morally reprehensible and justifiably illegal.  It has nothing to do with sexuality and everything to do with exploiting the less powerful.  With incest, there exist compelling health issues which allows the state to legally ban the practice.  Also, none of those situations center around two adults, both on an equal footing, consenting to the relationship.

     In every state where it has not yet been legalized, there is a group of people who are being denied a basic right that others are able to take for granted.  That is unconstitutional.  This doesn't mean you have to like it:  It's okay to think it's "icky" if you want to.  But that's not a reason to legally codify discrimination. As I said above, there is no compelling reason, other than those based on prejudice, fear, and ignorance, to deny the right of marriage to two consenting adults.

      If nothing else, let me leave you with this.  My former church, Hammond Street Congregational Church, called an openly gay pastor about ten years ago.  I supported this, but I remember thinking at the time:  "I hope this means we won't become 'the gay church'"  Well, to a certain degree, we did.  A number of gays and lesbians (many in committed relationships), began attending.  And I began to hear stories of being ostracized and denied by former churches and family members.  Stories of searching for a place where they could be loved and accepted for who they were.  Being a part of a place that would do that, I found I didn't care about being the 'gay' church.  Though I'd always been an ally, it wasn't until these folks put a human face on it, that I understood how utterly unfair (and illegal), the denial of the basic right of marriage was.

    I met Greg and Mark at Hammond Street Church years ago.  I want to thank them for their part in my evolution.   They are getting married on Sunday.  I wish I could be there to help them celebrate, for I know there will be much love in that building.  Congratulations you two.  It has been a long road, but I know the reward will be sweet.

Number 11

Abortion

The few thoughts on this emotional subject from a man who's had a vasectomy.

1.  Facetiousness aside, I say to the folks who believe that men should not be participating in this debate: "You're wrong."  I understand that it is the woman who becomes pregnant, but it still requires two ingredients to make the baby.

2.  Life starts at conception.  People who wish to protect abortion rights only tie themselves in knots when they challenge this.  I understand the baby cannot survive outside of the mother's womb for much of the pregnancy, but to deny that the "fetus" is a living, growing entity is just silly.

3.  The labels make me nuts.  "Pro-choice", "anti-choice", "pro-life", and worst of all "pro-abortion."  As far as I know, nobody is pro-abortion.  I believe this should be the starting point for the entire discussion:  "Nobody likes abortion, so what can we do to lower their numbers".  Bumper sticker debates are tenuous at best, but a recent one from folks who would outlaw the procedure says: "Pray to end abortion".  I may not support the way they would enforce this sentiment, but a goal of no abortions is a noble one.

4.  I've been a little belligerent towards people that support keeping abortion legal thus far.  Now it's time for me to focus on those who would make abortion illegal.  Sex happens, folks.  Stick your fingers in your ears, and shout "nah, nah, nah, nah" all you want, this fact will not go away.  Abstinence education is a farce at best and dangerous at worst.  The best way to prevent unplanned pregnancy is sex education that includes information about birth control.  In fact, this is the crux of the entire issue.  Abortion is the ultimate "closing the barn door after the horse has escaped" debate.

5.   Social conservatives can't have it both ways.  The demand for abortions will always be high as long as folks continue to deny the efficacy of realistic sexual education.  It's time for the ostriches to take their heads out of the sand.

6.  To all those people who would make abortion illegal, there's more to being "pro-life" than just mandating that a woman must carry a child to term.  I've noticed that many of these same people are in favor of limiting access to healthcare, limiting access to public assistance, dismantling public education, and limiting funds for social service agencies that would assist a mother and her newborn.  There's a difference between "pro-birth" and "pro-life".  Which one are you?

7.  Putting a child from an unplanned pregnancy up for adoption is worthy of praise and support.

8.  For many women (and men), dealing with an unplanned pregnancy there are no "right" answers.  For many of them, an abortion is the "least wrong" answer.

9.  It would be wonderful to live in a world where every baby is healthy and planned for.  As I said above, that's a noble goal.  It's also (sadly) unrealistic.

10.  As I've gotten older, any "wisdom" I've achieved can be traced back to the development of empathy.  Instead of continuing to vilify one another, I believe we'd do better if we tried to understand one another.  I think we'd realize we have more in common than we think we do.

I hate apologies that start with "if", but...  if I've upset or angered you, I'm sorry.  That was not my intent.  It was, rather, to start a more honest dialogue between the various points of view.

P.S.  I was about to publish this when I realized I hadn't stated my position on whether access to abortions should be legal or not.  I think I'll leave it like that.

Number 10

Everyone's Favorite Kenyan Strikes Again

I recently read where the President is taking a lot of criticism from some folks for the state of race relationships in this country.  Isn't that a little bit like blaming your thumb when you hit it with a hammer?

Number 9

Why I don't like voter ID Laws

At first thought, the push to require voters to produce identification when voting seems fairly benign.  Why not?  I mean I have to flash my driver's license if I want to cash a check, sometimes when I make a charge on a credit card, or when I purchase alcohol (unfortunately this last one doesn't happen much anymore... sigh).  Everybody carries around their driver's license, right?

Well, no.  Believe it or not, there are many adults that don't have a car, and thus no driver's license.  For many who live in urban areas and are of modest means, the cost of an automobile is an extravagance they can't afford.  For many of these folks, it's not a foregone conclusion that they can reach into their wallet or purse and produce a picture ID.

It doesn't matter to me that these folks primarily support Democratic candidates (well, not much).  These laws, whether by design or coincidence, skew the access to the voting process that all Americans (should) treasure.  And not only is that unfair, it sounds like it should be illegal. 

Number 8

Rock n’ Roll Hall of Bullsh*t

This rant is dedicated to the rock n’ roll critics and snobs who believe they know better than everyone else.  They tell you that the HoF is only for the most deserving artists, but when you follow that up with the question of “who decides?”  They quickly declare, “we do – and what’s more, we don’t care what you think”. To my mind, The HoF has become a private club.  This wouldn’t bother me so much, but for the fact that the RnR HoF Foundation positions itself as the ultimate arbiter of what’s deserving and what’s not; who’s in and who’s out.  Why do they get a voice and you and I don’t? 

Ultimately, this has meant that a few (IMHO) undeserving people have gotten in; while a huge number of people and groups that should be in, are left marginalized on the sidelines of RnR history.  To my mind the opposite should be true.  Of all styles of music, RnR (and perhaps country), best exemplify the spirit of populism.

What makes this so galling is that music is one of the most subjective art forms in existence. What you enjoy, might gag me; while my tastes may lead you to plug up your ears.  Which one of us is right?  I would argue that we both are.  And here is the crux of the issue.  I believe that music, at its best, is transformative.  Music in general (and RnR specifically), has been a powerful force in my life.  I believe strongly that RnR artists and groups that have, through their music, provided that transformative experience, deserve to be inducted.

With that in mind, throw open the doors and let the following inside:

1.  Rush           

For some reason critics hate Rush.  I’m not a huge fan, but I know several who are, and boy, are they passionate.  Rush have created their own niche and sound in RnR (and for the record – if you create your own niche and sound, you belong in the HoF), while making and playing music at a high level for decades.

2.  Deep Purple

There are three groups that are primarily responsible for the development of hard rock/heavy metal.  Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and these guys.  If you were going to play five songs to someone who’d never heard RnR before, “Smoke on the Water”, would be one of them.  And there is so much more to these guys than that.  (Again, for the record, if you record of the RnR’s definitive songs, you’re in the Hof)

3.  KISS

Sure, a lot of their music is lame, but can you deny the image.  That image has become an integral part of RnR history.  (To those of you who say, “Yes, but the RnR HoF is about music and not image”, I say: “Do you really want to argue that image is not part of RnR?”)  BTW if the Monkees aren’t in the HoF, they deserve to be in for this reason alone.

4.  the Raspberries

Power pop is a woefully under-appreciated genre.  It’s too bad these guys couldn’t hold it together longer than they did in order to create a larger body of work, but go back and listen to the guitar lick that opens “Go All the Way” and tell me they don’t belong.

5.  Cheap Trick

As I said above, power pop doesn’t get much respect.  I disagree.  By mixing the sensibilities of a pop song with rock instrumentation you can create a tasty treat.  Cheap Trick is the definitive power pop group.

6.  Yes

I don’t much care for Yes, but they are the definitive prog-rock group, hence their inclusion here.

(Yes, I know, I’m using the word definitive a lot; it’s kind of my point.)

7.  Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson and his band of henchman have an impressive body of work, and have played at a high level for decades.  They’re in.

8.  Iron Maiden

Heavy Metal is another genre that critics love to hate.  Any heavy metal group that they now claim to admire is revisionist history.  Don’t believe me – go back a read the initial reviews of Zeppelin and Sabbath. (By the way, Queen was another group that the critics absolutely loathed during their heyday.  Now that they’re in, those same elitist snobs talk about how wonderful they were.  This is further proof that sometimes the ‘regular’ fans know more than the critics).   In any event, Iron Maiden has a huge catalogue of epic songs and have inspired countless heavy metal/hard rock bands, so they’re in.

9-12.  Styx, REO Speedwagon, Def Leppard, & Journey

What’s wrong with music that lots and lots of people like?  It may not be the most challenging, but what the hell’s wrong with people dancing and singing and having a good time?  These bands are part of the story of RnR, and sometimes the people know something the critics don’t.  If you want to throw Foreigner in there, too, go ahead.

13.  Mott the Hoople/Ian Hunter

One of the few times on this list where I pretend to know more than you (the Raspberries would be the other).  Mott was a great band in the late 60’s/early 70’s.  Their big break came when Bowie gave them “All the Young Dudes”, but they were making great primal RnR long before that.  They were punk before punk was cool.  In fact, they were so punk, they would often play slower and more thoughtful songs.  The group’s songs were primarily written by Ian Hunter, a tremendously under-appreciated artist who is still making great RnR at the age of 72.

14.  The Doobie Bros.

Try putting together a definitive list of  RnR from the 70’s without them and you can’t do it.  (The RnR of the 70’s is not the complete wasteland that critics like to claim it is, BTW).  They are often forgotten about, which is a shame.  They should be in for no other reason than their appearance on “What’s Happening?”, which coined the immortal phrase:  “Which Doobie you be?”

15.  Dire Straits

Great songwriting, great musicianship, and boy can Mark Knopfler play a guitar.  Don’t believe me?  Search out a live version of “Sultan’s of Swing”.

16.  The Cars

Combined the best of new wave and pop music sensibilities.  If Blondie and the Police are in, there’s no way you can keep them out.

17.  Link Wray

So you’ve never heard of him?  Trust me, you’ve heard his influence.  Link Wray invented the power chord.  Without the power chord, RnR does not exist.  Also, he had a wonderfully nasty sound.  His one big hit, “Rumble” managed to get itself banned from radio stations in the 50’s despite the fact that it’s an instrumental.

18.  Joan Jett

A true believer.

19.  Chicago

The case against these guys is that they stuck around too long.  I’m not listing them for the slop they’ve put out since the mid 80’s, but for the impressive boy of work they put together in the 70’s.  They were the most successful group to blend jazz and rock.

20.  Steve Miller

I wore out the grooves of his “Best of 74-78” album.  Seriously, if you’re at a dud of a party, put this on and you will make people happy.  Also came up with the line “Abracadabra, I’m gonna reach out and grab ‘ya”.  Besides being a great writer, the guy is a fantastic guitar player. 

21. Electric Light Orchestra

John Lennon himself thought highly of ELO.  ‘nuff said.

22.  the Moody Blues

A little pretentious for my tastes, and some people think that symphonic rock is an oxymoron, but they do have an impressive catalogue.  Besides they had many moments when they legitimately rocked out.

23.  J. Geils Band
"Ain't Nothin' but a Houseparty".  Goodness knows we all need a party, now and again.

24.  Slade
Once upon a time, a group of four lads from the backwoods of England got together and had #1 hit after #1 hit.  The crowds went crazy, made a lot of noise, and had a great deal of fun.  Certainly, these boys are the least sophisticated entry, but what the hell, they knew what RnR was all about.