[Dialogue] Being a Republican

[David & Lin]

I find both the Democrats and the Republicans in trouble. Or perhaps 
more to the point the Nation is in trouble--Democracy is in trouble!

I don't have figures for the Nation. I know that in 2005, 51% of 
legislative fund raising in Iowa came from PAC. In the last 11 years 
the legislature in the State of Iowa has slashed taxes a billion 
dollars/year. The tax cuts are going to special interests for 
sweetheart deals that subsidize large corporations at the expense of 
comprehensive health care, education and livable wages--a direct 
result of the the lobby interests that molded the legislation.

Recently I was reminded--in the dim recesses of my memory--of a 
mealtime conversation in a weekend seminar which first asked people 
to identify the problem (was it with the church?) and concluded by 
asking the participants, "What is your 3-point plan?"

The tidal wave of information that Harry Wainwright is perpetually 
sending us (probably the tip of an iceberg) has not only brought me 
to the point of realizing our Democracy is in trouble. It has also 
prompted me to ask myself, "Do you think its time to stop analyzing 
and become involved in a plan that will bend the trend? What is your 
3-point plan? When will you get at it? Times a wastin'."

David

>I am grateful to Eric for responding so elegantly to the email on "being a
>Republican".  I too found it offensive and not what the ICA has stood for
>all these years.  Of course the email was sent as a joke, but we need
>serious dialogue on how healing and creative direction can take place.  I
>find the Democrats are in trouble because too many voices ARE arrogant in
>their pronouncements.  The work outlined in "The Left Hand of God" seems to
>make remarkable sense to me.  I think that is what makes Obama such an
>appealing person.
>
>Thanks again Eric for such a helpful response.
>
>G&P,
>
>Jack Gilles
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| David and Lin Zahrt 
| Country Homestead Bed and Breakfast
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