Popular media constantly creates the false dichotomy between free enterprise (which is portrayed by greedy destructive industrial capitalists), and socially responsible action (which always seems to mean some form of socialism, big government programs, handouts, government control of people and the economy, etc.)

FreeToChooseMedia.org is creating a series of documentaries that combat this narrow dichotomy. An offering which is now airing on PBS, showcases some programs and companies that have been effective in alleviating poverty, stimulating economic growth, and allowing people to participate in rather than be marginalized by, free trade, self-determination and the rule of law. Check out the website above, watch the excerpt below, and watch for this program on a PBS station near you.

 I had the great priviledge to attend the services and other events this past labor day weekend, which coincided with the 25th anniversary of the repose of Hieromonk Seraphim Rose, who is one of my greatest "spiritual heroes". If you have never read the biography,  Father Seraphim Rose: His Life and Works by Hieromonk Damascene, I highly recommend it. 

Both laypeople and clergy came from all over the US and Canada for this event. I have described the event briefly at phronema on this page, where you can also find a link to photos.

The last time I heard Randy Stonehill play live was 25 to 30 years ago! This was back in the day, when Randy, Larry Norman, Tom Howard et al, were on Solid Rock Records. Randy also co-wrote songs with and was a good friend to Keith Green, whose concerts and newsletters I fondly recall (I was even involved in helping with the San Jose memorial concert). Randy is one of the major contributors to the Keith Green documentary "Your Love Broke Through" (see excerpt).

OK, you're going to think I have taken the plunge into fringe world, and perhaps I have on this issue. But allow my alarmist tendencies to come to the front for a moment, and consider this juxtaposition: The words of Elder Pasios the New and a portion of the film by Aaron Russo "Freedom To Facism" on the National ID card. As fringe as this would seem, this is an actual issue now!

Exhibit #1: A clip of the film: Freedom To Facism by Aaron Russo 

Exhibit #2: The words of Elder Paisios on National ID Cards (below):

 

 

 

 

In Charleston Park, amidst the buildings of the Google campus (what used to be SGI and Sun Microsystems), people set down their lawn chairs, coolers and signs, and listened to Ron Paul and supporters make the case for Paul's presidential bid. Paul had done an extensive interview for Google employees the day before (view here). Now on a makeshift stage in the park, he gave a rousing speech after four of his supporters. The first four speakers were:

Dr. Clark Carlton, author of The Faith book series, as well as several good essays and articles around the net and podcaster for Ancient Faith Radio, has sent an open letter (pdf)  to fellow Orthodox Christians about the presidential election of 2008. Being Dr. Carlton, he does not leave ancient Orthodox history out of the discussion, but the discussion ends up coming to the same conclusion that I have: “We need a Ron Paul in the White House more desperately now than we ever have at any time in our history.” Read the open letter (pdf) here.

While not condoning the sort of forced eco-facisms and questionable science proclamations that seem to be in vogue, I *DO* heartily support voluntary eco-responsibility as the best long term developmental solution to all sorts of problems.

A quote: "If Americans were to switch just 10% of their total mileage to scooters, they would consume 14 - 18 million gallons less fuel per day and carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 324 million pounds per day as well. (Source ICR survey, May 2006) On a personal level, they could also reduce fuel consumption by approximately 58%, carbon dioxide emissions by 80%, and significantly reduce traffic congestion."

I initially intended to keep politics out of this blog. I hate the fact that the campaigning starts earlier every time. It occurred to me that by the time the campaigning is at it's peak, most of the good candidates are gone, and I always end up thinking I want to vote "none of the above".

So I am jumping into the fray, and jumping early. I am hereby endorsing Ron Paul for president in 2008 and I will only make one request of you my readers: check him out as thoroughly as you like before you decide on anyone else. Check out the principles he is endorsing (and has consistently stood by for his entire congressional career). I think he ought to generate bipartisan appeal for several reasons, although he is a classical conservative (and therefore also a classical liberal) with strong libertarian sensibilities where it counts. This is the first presidential candidate I have seen for a long time that I didn't think was merely the lesser of candidate evils.

Ah the wonders of spring cleaning! Here is a poem I wrote after a return from Israel and Greece back in 1995, that I had entirely forgotten about:

Via Dolorosa

A  moment unfolds into history;
a mountain, a shore, a person, a word;
within an hour glass, movements leave marks;
eroded hillside and sunken city.
A stone is not left upon another,
but where a footprint was, a fragrance lingers.

A net is cast upon the morning sea.
The ripples spread like an echoing voice,
calling a name beyond tides of ages,
leaking from stone cisterns of fallen kings;
a patch of green is found in the desert.