The Elephant in It was sadly funny, on target, and unblinking in its look at the downhill slide our country seems to find itself on. Isnt it odd that everyone can see who the crazy person in a room is except the crazy person? Isnt it sad that those living in the crazy country are the ones denying anything is wrong. Nearly everyone else in the world can see the thinly veiled motives of dubya and his cronies. So whos crazy? If, as many apologists state, we are helping free the Iraqi people from repression, where is our concern for those in China, North Korea, and much of Africa? Of course its not about human rights, otherwise we wouldnt be falling all over ourselves to get our business and money into China, pursuing the real savior, ever increasing profits. My hats off to Mr. Crowther for his writing and to you for publishing his important essay. W. Eric Broviak A Christian Perspective From the Christian perspective there are The second is that he is guilty (though frankly, what Ive seen of the man, he doesnt strike me as the embezzling type), and must confront merciful but tough divine retribution: For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves and chastises every son he receives (Hebrews 12:6). A third and not very PC perspective which dovetails with chastisement is that his Purgatorio, as you ironically call it, is symbolic of another level of Rev. Platts life. From the standpoint of historical, traditional, orthodox Christianity, the Reverend has knowingly or unknowingly been an embezzler of another sort. I refer to his liberal theology and ecclesiology which seems born out, for instance, by St. Augustine chapels theologically misleading ads, the Reverends endorsement of the homosexual lifestyle in The Chevy Chaser, or his poster-boy status for Ace. I dont doubt at all Platts sincerity or commitment, nor derive the slightest pleasure in seeing his life go up in smoke. But there is a lot to be said in this epoch of unprecedented apostasy in the West for shepherds who are spiritually entrusted with what the Catholic Church calls the sacred deposit of faith, but misuse it. It does make for an interesting parallel. Whichever painful scenario is true is an opportunity for Reverend Platt. Matthew Haltom Something to Believe In Dear ACE, I was very disappointed to I believe some find him threatening because he encouraged people to think for themselves as opposed to blindly accepting what was placed before them. It is sad to me that simply by encouraging knowledge and telling the truth he is considered a threat. Make no mistake, Chris is different. He says what he means, and does what he says. Maybe that makes him unconventional; personally, I find his views realistic and very refreshing. My experience with Chris came when he was the officiant for my marriage. My husband and I were new to the area and had called several people, only to be turned away because we were already living together and were not practicing any religion. Chris took us in and treated us with respect. He listened to our concerns, helped us create a ceremony we could believe in, and didnt make us feel guilty about our life choices. He offered this service to everyone he met. His congregation was quite the motley crew: every age and every demographic was represented. He never strayed from his Christian beliefs, but he presented those beliefs in a way that was accessible to those of us who had been turned off by previous church experiences. His sermons were inspiring. I remember after one, my husband turned to me and whispered,I feel like I should stand up and applaud. I still remember that sermon and have shared it often with others. Reverend Platts resignation is a tragic blow not only to his congregation, but to Lexington as well. Chris was devoted to his church and spoke proudly of his work with the UK campus police and Moveable Feast. He took the title of Reverend seriously and wore it with honor. He taught those of us who had become distrustful of church, disheartened by religion, and discouraged by the world around us about faith. He gave us something to believe in. There are not enough people in the world like Christopher Platt, and I believe it is a disservice to the community to ask him to resign.
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. | Venerable Vets God and CountryUnited We Stand will feature guest speakers Mayor Teresa Isaac, former Miss America Heather French Henry, and Vietnam Veteran Joe Padunaco. Noon to 3pm, Saturday, June 14 in Woodland Park. Join area churches and community organizations, and the Central Kentucky Concert Band honoring veterans, current military personnel, and their families. His informal agreement with council members is that the city would offer $40,000 in cash and $60,000 from in kind services. The Centers summer workshops are continuing as scheduled. Facing History, a Boston-based non-profit with offices across the country, has engaged teachers and students of diverse backgrounds in an examination of racism, prejudice, and anti-Semitism in order to promote the development of a more humane and informed citizenry. By using case studies of the Holocaust and other examples of collective violence, the program helps students to make the essential connection between history and the moral choices they confront in their own lives. Werner Coppel, a 78-year-old Nazi concentration camp survivor from Cincinnati, will address the teachers on the afternoon of June 19. The new ban proposal will be presented to the council as a whole on June 17th. Council members who voted against the ban argue the ban is too broad and has loopholes, which could limit the bans effectiveness. Pro-smoking ban members say the city-wide ban is fair, and would be enforced by the police, fire, and health departments. If the council as a whole approves of the draft proposal, it could go to first reading on June 24th. Council members want to address the water companys proposal to avoid condemnation. The offer would give the government Jacobson Park and $500,000 to improve other city parks. Urban County lawyers will look at the offer and the Council should decide on the offer and whether to condemn Kentucky American by June 24th. Alltel workers are on strike as a result of stalled contract negotiations. The primary point of contention is the rising costs of healthcare benefits from the employees contribution. Alltel has brought in company employees from around the country to work during the strike in an attempt to keep the strike from disrupting service to its customers. To submit an advocacy/activism activity or event for Quickies, email rkirkland@aceweekly.com, or editor@aceweekly.com. |
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