Arkansas Blog

Did the people at Riverfest have to endure a buch of politicians? so much for just wanting to have some fun.

I assume Asa drinks alcoholic drinks right?

"I assume Asa drinks alcoholic drinks right?"

Are you CRAZY!!! God HATES alcohol! And if you drink it he hates you, too.

P.S. There better not be any illegal Mexicans at Riverfest!

Asa isn't a born-again fundie type like Jesus Fish Jim. He'll drink alcohol, but not in public.

Jesus loved parties. Look at the weddings and the wine. He would be comfortable at Riverfest.

John the Baptist, on the other hand, would not.

Before someone tries the old "Jesus turned water into wine because water was of poor quality," I'd like to point out that Jesus could have turned the bad water into good water. He chose to turn it into wine instead.

Right. And he could also have defeated the devil once and for all (had he wanted to).

I don't trust anyone who does not drink.

STOP IT!! ALL OF YOU, STOP IT!! JESUS DRANK ONLY GRAPE JUICE.

STOP IT!! ALL OF YOU, STOP IT!! JESUS DRANK ONLY GRAPE JUICE.

STOP IT!! ALL OF YOU, STOP IT!! JESUS DRANK ONLY GRAPE JUICE.

STOP IT!! ALL OF YOU, STOP IT!! JESUS DRANK ONLY GRAPE JUICE.

MADE BY A LITTLE OLD WELSHMAN (IS WELCH WELSH?) AND DECANTED INTO A PLASTIC BOTTLE!

"I'd like to point out that Jesus could have turned the bad water into good water."

Yeah, but can he make a rock so heavy he can't lift it?

Okay, excuse me, but has Asa's son been arrested a couple of times for drunk driving? I may be wrong. Anyone???

Now if that was a KoolAide stand, I might of recognized Hutchinson righr off. Since it was lemonade stand, I had to take a double take.

Right. And he could also have defeated the devil once and for all (had he wanted to).

He will in November. Go Jesus!

Didn't encounter any politicians, especially ASA!, thank God.
Did get to see the Clinton Library, which was great!

Speaking of Christians and Bush and Asa and all that kind of stuff. I think life in the United States started to slide when middle class white people quit putting their names on their mailboxes. No one told them to quit....they just suddenly quit. Some went out and removed their names without a word.

Tonight on my little walk, I passed the Mega Methodist Church eating up my neighborhood from the south and the Mega Baptist Church that has been eating up my neighborhood from the west and noticed something I should have noticed a few years ago.

Having lived in the same neighborhood and mostly in the same house for the last 37 years, I can remember the way things used to be. Not only are the names on the mailboxes missing, but low and behold so are the fleet of church buses. I hadn't noticed until tonight!

10 or 20 years ago these Mega churches each had a fleet of big church buses. They hauled in scads of snotty nosed poor kids every Sunday. Had Vacation Bible School in the summer. Mined the poor side of town for their Christmas shows.

Snot anymore! They no longer want the poor little brats with their measly nickels for the offering plates. They were always more trouble than they were worth, head lice, germs, incest. But I guess until the old soul loving blue hairs died out, they felt they had to keep the old buses moving.

Now these monster churches with their Gyms for Jesus have a couple of 16 passenger vans, just enough to pick up the old folks who still part with a portion of their SS checks each month. A few who have promised their homes to the church after they die. Still a profitable little group to keep happy.

So I guess the souls of the poor kids get sucked up by the Devil now. Mega Church don't worry bout them no mo. This kind of crap, like the missing names on mailboxes didn't come from Bush, can't be blamed on Bush. It's a sign of some kind of national march of the lemmings. Some earth sound that has told all of us to start doing things differently without written instructions.

It's got to be the same thing that makes poor people vote for Republicans who will work to rid the country of unions, the only thing that will ever raise the living wage of the poor. It's the same mysterious force that makes well off couples worry gay men will marry and somehow touch their lives. The force that is removing insurance and pensions from the reach of the workingman.

It's caused us to believe empty words and pay no attention to the actions of those pretending to look out for our future. It's given us Bush, it paved the way for him, got him elected twice and maybe 3 times.

The man who never served not only trumped the purple heart wearing combat veteran, it made him a laughingstock. In order to do that all combat veterans were cheapened for good. The man who never goes to church was made to look holy, while the man who goes to Mass every Sunday since childhood becomes the Devil.

To honor our soldiers he kills them in a war for oil and anyone who wants them to come home now is a traitor and no friend to the military. The oilmen, 1 & 2, can do nothing about 3 dollar a gallon gasoline, though big oil put them in office and charted our secret current energy policy in the office of the Vice President.

Asa, a chip off the old Bush block not only runs on his failed career in DC, his failed career somehow earns him money because there are rich business people dumb enough to pay for advice from someone without a success. Again...that low earth sound jumbling up the common sense of our citizens.

But it is the way of our times. There has not been one success out of DC since the 2000 election. Nothing but misery, pain, death, destruction, torment, the death of truth, the death of compassion, the death of any meaning to any of it. We went to war in Afghanistan, lost interest, missed Osama and returned the country to the drug lords. (US dead, 296)

Then to stimulate the business sector HE launches a war for oil and control of the Middle East in Iraq, against everyone's advice and we're locked into a war we aren't winning and can't win, a war without end...one screw up away from WWIII. (US dead, 2464 and counting)

And no one in Congress minds, they want us to buckle up or we get a ticket. They want us to quit smoking. They want to talk to us about Jesus. They want us to be like Mark and Blanche and compromise, the new word for giving in without a fight.

Now I see the wisdom in removing your name from your mailbox and why send poor kids to church, they'll meet Jesus too soon to study up. It's that Republican-do spirit..........let's nip that in the bud this November.

Yes.

DBI, your comments are thought-provoking and amusing as usual, but I humbly suggest that you give us TRUE Christians a break.
I am a yellow-dog Dem, but also a Christian, I believe that I am following Christ's teachings, and they are sure not compatible with the neo-con platform. It is time for the real Christians to take a stand, in church, in business, and in our personal lives and proclaim that WE DEMOCRATS ARE THE TRUE CHRISTIANS.

I have no desire to do a betwixt between Paula's and DBI's discussion but I saw the following on the net I found interesting and some of your readers may.

Christianity in America has become nearly synonymous with right wing fanaticism, conservative politics, and--courtesy of Mel Gibson--a brutally sadistic version of the religious experience. But millions of devout Christians, like longtime journalist and author Dan Wakefield, are appalled by the religious right's distortion of their faith, which only three decades ago stood largely for peace equality, healing, and compassion for society's outcasts.

In his new book, The Hijacking of Jesus, Wakefield turns his sharp analytic eye on the religious right. Through careful research and interviews with religious leaders across the country, Wakefield has developed a unique understanding of the rise of this new political juggernaut and thoughtful insights into what can be done about it.

Read a recent Nation magazine excerpt drawn from The Hijacking of Jesus. http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060424/wakefield

Read Nation intern Eric Stoner's interview with Wakefield. http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060424/stoner

(?) Did Asa show up for fun or just the photo oportunity.

"... but also a Christian, I believe that I am following Christ's teachings, and they are sure not compatible with the neo-con platform. It is time for the real Christians to take a stand, in church, in business, and in our personal lives and proclaim that WE DEMOCRATS ARE THE TRUE CHRISTIANS. Posted by: Paula "

Yes Paula, It is most definitely time for the "real" Christians to take a stand. The current "Christians" in power have very well vilified the name and have very well driven many to avoid their beliefs. Our opponents believing in other religions have every right to identify these "Christians" as hypocrites.

Now Paula, PLEASE define the "TRUE CHRISTIANS". Which ones are they? Just how do these Christians differ from the rest of US? What does it take for someone to be cast from the Church and ruined in the community?

One last thing. "WE DEMOCRATS"? I have strong leaning toward the Democrats but would certainly think twice about aligning myself with a party claiming to be the "TRUE CHRISTIANS".

We should love and pray for our fundamentalist brothers and sisters, as misguided and hate-filled as they are. It's just so hard.

This blog ought to be called Bitterness Times blog - I have never read such depressing and bitter drivel than this blog and in particular DBI spues forth. This is why the dems will never be a majority party - people don't like whiners and debby downers. They like optimistic, visionary leaders like Reagan and yes - like Asa.

Thats your cue - now you can direct your hatred from Christians to Asa and Reagan, Have fun!!!!

Optimistic + visionary = empty promises they never mean to keep. Denying the present and painting a rosy future has worked too long to get these people into power. Time to stop the insanity.

DBI - we got our own 6 Flags Under Jesus rising out of the red dirt here in NWA, courtesy of Armani Ronnie Floyd. A million dollar sound system and rumored a helipad to ferry Mr. Important from "his" Pinnacle and Springdale Churches - the new orifice a whopping 25 million when finished.

Floyd's churches do some outreach, sure, but with about 50 million dollars tired up in both properties and lord knows how much more it cost to operate these monsters, I wonder what Jesus thinks of all this? Even sadder, if you want to be an up and comer in the business community - you need to be seen at these Churches, imagine that?
But I do want to touch on something that I think has direct consequences and how the Church and specifically these mega churches have lost their Christian mission..

In another thread there is a heated debate about abortion. As a personal pro-life Democrat I see both sides. But I have to say that that choice is between her and her God, although a choice I'd never make or council. This is how I was raised within the body of Christ, personal choice, personal responsibility, and personal consequences.

Finally to my point. The vast majority of abortions happen within a certain social and economic group, the working poor and the poor. McDonalds figured out in the 60's that in order to change the world's thinking and attitudes, you get to the kids.happy meals arrived and so did McDonald's.

You are right DBI - no snotty, scruffy kids being shuffled to these mega Churches, being taught and nurtured on the Christianity of being a Christian. No safety net, no teaching by example and the Word of personal responsibility and consequences.
I believe that Christ created the Church as a safety net for its followers, the weak, poor, hungry and less advantaged. If the religious right, really wants to change the world, change the abortion rate and the divorce rate, then the Church needs to change its mission, back to what it was intended to be. Not flogging its political agenda by demanding the nation's and the state's laws change, but teachings of Christ, one child at a time. That's how you change the world.

If the Christian leadership of the moral majority put in one half of the resources and effort it has on its political agenda in the last 20 years, to teaching and the nurturing of the children, they'd of had an entire nation of young adults who understand the principles of Christianity and personal responsibility, not hate or demagoguery.
When the I see a sea of yellow buses on weeknights and weekends moving those snotty nosed kids to Churches and Church activities, then and only then will I believe that this nation is truly the Christian nation it purports to be.

You notice Hutchinson stopped at the tent with the pretty young girl manning it.

She looks quite diinsterested in what he's saying...

btw I had no idea who the guy in the picture was.

Why not write about Beebe's cleavage rule?

Anon----good post. You outdid your self. Thanks.

Thanks Cato, working back and forth on that post this morning as I went about busying myself for the evenings activities with my beloved Grandchildren and forgot to add my name.

They like optimistic, visionary leaders like Reagan and yes - like Asa.

That's funny.

Thats your cue - now you can direct your hatred from Christians to Asa and Reagan, Have fun!!!!

Oh please, I don't have to redirect any of my 'hatred' 'cause my disgust is all going to the same people: Hypocritical Christians who ARE our current political leaders.

...Now these monster churches with their Gyms for Jesus have a couple of 16 passenger vans, just enough to pick up the old folks who still part with a portion of their SS checks each month. A few who have promised their homes to the church after they die. Still a profitable little group to keep happy.

Conway's full of these so-called mega churches. I also have a relative who 'draws' a lot of these churches and they are country clubs without the liquor license...complete with nice gyms to work out in and deluxe rec rooms. What's telling though, is our one homeless shelter (Bethlehem House) is a tiny, run down old house that stays FULL (with a waiting list) and has to frequently plea for food contributions. Bethlehem House can only dream of having a fraction of the recourses these 'godly' people spend so they can gather to better do God's work.

Now I don't think ya have to be a Biblical scholar to see what's wrong with this scenario.

"If the Christian leadership of the moral majority put in one half of the resources and effort it has on its political agenda in the last 20 years, to teaching and the nurturing of the children, they'd of had an entire nation of young adults who understand the principles of Christianity and personal responsibility, not hate or demagoguery."

If the Church had done that, they'd find themselves with 2 generations of Democrats. It's much easier to control with fear and hate, than understanding, loved and compassion. If you know anything about history and facisim you know were I speak from.

They are right about the 'mega churches in Conway'.

They tell me the New Life ? church looks like a small scale Toys R Us for kids inside. In fact, it's way too kid friendly. It's cult-like and more like a child lure.

The middle schools are allowing these churches in to try to recruit new 'members' in the way of the children.

They put on motorycle shows, etc to try to get the kids excited and wanting them to make their parent's take them to church. The schools also push the church's summer camps on the parents instead of summer school. Want more fun? Walk inside Conway schools, look at the Jesus stuff on the hallway bulletin boards

That is way too creepy. What kind of 'church' would cater to little kids that can't think for themselves? It's cult-like.

Re: Why not write about Beebe's cleavage rule?

What's wrong with the Beebe dress code requirement memo that went out now deemed Beebe's 'cleavage rule'>

With the way these poor girls dress these days it's a necessity. Otherwise, they'd show up naked and think nothing of it.

Did Jesus have a mega church building?
Did Jesus have fancy clothes?
Did Jesus have a huge home?
Did Jesus have material objects?
Did Jesus blame the poor for their misfortune?
Did Jesus kill anyone?
Did Jesus force anyone to do things his way?

To be a Christian is to at least TRY to follow the example he left. How many "Christians" do that?

Paula, I would never want to offend you. Having been one, I know there are lots of good Christian people in the world. But I would prefer to not bring religion into politics. Politics are confusing enough without bringing in the added weight of individual personal beliefs or the lack of such. It's like bring a heart patient to a cancer discussion.

Teachers don't start the day saying today we're going to study England and I am a heterosexual who really likes to be on top. I feel injecting religion into a discussion of politics just muddies the water so much and so quickly that we can never get to the original task which was about governing our country.

I'm actually embarrassed to bring in my own atheistic views but often have to in self defense. I actually have no idea why these churches I can see from my front door, have ditched the poor, but I figure it means something pretty big.

I attended the Mega Baptist Church as a teenager and a young adult and I remember the bus loads of poor kids they rounded up each Sunday. I remember they tried to recruit some black families too. And now, unless they're teleporting them into the building, all that has gone away. Current church goers might have info on why this has happened. And I'd be interested to listen.

I'm not poor, but I have been and I worry about this new trend to cater to the BMW driving Christians and not the ones who walk to the store from shacks on 3rd street. Of course it's more fun to be Ronnie Floyd, but is it a good sign? Despite Bush's efforts, there are still far more poor folks than there are rich...making more poor folks everyday you know.

My plan is to go back to not thinking about these Mega churches I walk past at night, until the next revelation springs on me. Because I'm no longer one doesn't mean I hate Christians, I just dislike bad people hiding the cross to work their evil.

Most of the people I know are Christians. Friends. Co-workers. Neighbors. Lots of great people I love. They don't preach to me. I thank them for that. I respect their path if it gives them happiness or help.

Then there's the Ought Group. I Ought to prescribe to the whole evangelical trip. I Ought to think and do what they do. Their way is right and there's no two ways about it.

No thanks: I've given it full consideration (and reconsideration) for decades.

I don't buy it. I don't want to hear it any more. I'm sick as hell of being preached to. I find Christianity in the USA to be increasingy arrogant, hypocrytical, and irrational.

Got spiritual bliss and a ticket to heaven? Good for you.
Leave me alone.

Not if you were running for statewide office and had any hope of being elected Max.
Asa probably would have preferred a beer but he can't take any chances because his odds aren't very good under any circumstances.

I have never seen so much pshycho babble from you liberals over buying a glass of lemonade. Go out get a job, join a church, get involved in helping the church instead of criticizing and begin to contribute to society - then shut up.

Got a job, member of a church, not only tithe there but give to the needy through a local food bank, buy phones for the women's shelter and name brand shoes for the kids in a shelter in Springdale.
You?
And I will not shut up!
Gasoline is $2.79 a gallon and the oil industry is reporting historical profits, and you want me to shut up?
Bush is spying on average Joe citizen without due process?
The Congress has turned a blind eye away as our constitutional rights are being strip away one by one, and you want me to shut up?
The self proclaimed man of God who is now our President LIED to me and brought death and distruction to innocent soliders and countless Iraqi men, women and children, and you want me to shut up?
Cheney invited the energy corporations into the White House, and THEY wrote our energy policies - and you want me to shut up?
The Bush Administration invited the PHARMA industry into the WH and they wrote our Prescription Drug laws, and you want me to shut up?
Do you know that in the last 5.5 years, the Corporations that have recorded the most profits are;'
War profiteers (Halburton)
Oil
Energy
Pharma
The Republican Party, the Moral Majority and the Christian Right fell for the slickest bait and switch this world has ever seen - as the crimminals wrapped themselves in the flag and shroud of Touran - AND YOU WANT ME TO SHUT UP?
FORGETTA ABOUT IT!
Buyers remorse is a bitch.

DBI, No offense taken at all. I am not a Religious Right nut, and I don't try to impose my views on anyone. I even, from time to time, question whether there is a God, in light of all the suffering and pain I have seen firsthand. I try to not hate anyone, but those on my list of people I intensely dislike are the likes of Falwell and Robertson.
Christianity has been hijacked and taken over by the extreme right. The Democratic beliefs are much more closely aligned with the teachings of Christ. I don't attend a Mega Church. I belong to a church where all are welcomed with open arms and politics is not discussed or preached. We aided the Katrina victims, we pray for and aid the sick, we take offerings for those in need. People of all races are members, despite the fact that our county is 95% "white." I agree with you completely about some of the Mega churches catering to the BMW crowd, and further believe that "Christian" has come to mean "Conservative" and "Right Wing" and "Religious Right."
Guess I am old school Christian, the way my grandparents and parents were: Follow the teachings and examples of Christ.
Having said all that, hopefully to clarify, I definitely enjoy your spot on commentary about the events of the day and look forward to your posts. You give me the ammo and zingers to launch against the 30%ers I occasionally encounter the the course of a day. So keep the post coming, friend, cause you are right on about the liars, crooks, and thieves in the White House.

And TJ, you are correct. I have never and will never tell anyone what they "ought" to do. My family includes Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, and non-believers. I love 'em all - equally.

And fellow Christians - challenge the "Moral Majority - the right wing nuts who have made Christianity into something it is not out here in the real world. True Christians follow the "words written in red," not the "word according to Bush, Falwell, et.al."

being out of a job by next year's Riverfest, maybe asa! will be the one selling the lemonade

That is a funny look the young woman has in the picture, like she would like to be anywhere but where she is. I would probably feel the same in her situation.

DBI, you really hit the nail on the head.

As far as I am concerned, the amount of sincerity in following what Jesus said is in inverse relationship to the size of the church and other material things a given church or other organization has. If the buildings are huge, then there is nothing left.

Looks like the business folks got ahold of religion, and found it lucrative.

The conway mega churches are really creepy. Can they legally recruit new christian soldiers in the public schools there? I didn't think you could do that.