BOAR'S HEAD & YULE LOG FESTIVAL 2008
| CINCINNATI HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION PRESENTS AWARDS IN RECOGNITION OF SERVICE IN 2008 Followed by a Holiday Luncheon 12/18/2008 City Council Chambers, Cincinnati City Hall |
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December 2008 Extra
For November Extra, Click Here
For November Extra, Click Here
For Upcoming Sunday
Seminars on Current
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Seminars on Current
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Light to Lighten ....
Reflections on Life In the Turn Lane & Beyond
December 20, 2008
By Beverly Jones
This is one of my favorite times of the year –not because of Santa Claus or snow or even Christmas
Carols. It’s the winter solstice. Ahhh! Now we begin the climb back up toward the light; the long slide
of Fall darkness is over! Beginning on the 21st, minutes of daylight slowly accumulate and it
happens without herald, without endless discussion and speculation; without any human
intervention! Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles ......
For me, these growing minutes of light create anticipation of what will be illuminated. Historically,
hope has attached itself to this season of light. Marcus Borg says the symbols and stories of our
faith show that “The purpose of Advent and Christmas is to bring the past into the present.” The First
Christmas – The Lord is come; just as the new light of the solstice is now, with the bonus that it is real
– continuing creation.
So I ponder as I wander through this season: What If...? What if the present carries that past
certainty of light into the future? What would that future look like....how would it feel?
Our faith story appropriates this coming of light to the incarnation of Jesus; the angels heralding
“peace on earth, good will to all people” and, as Episcopal Bishop Tom Breidenthal explained, God’s
good will is intended for all people of good will. How, I wonder, will people of good will impact the
future?
.
Marcus Borg, Desmond Tutu, Nhat Hanh and others all teach that peace comes through justice, not
victory. So it follows that people of good will would be those who foster justice, a leveling of the
playing field, an ethos of equality and inclusion. But, we are so accustomed to the peace-through-
victory (winners and losers) idea that those who see the world otherwise are branded as naïve. This
“power-over”, “the mighty win” ethos has driven our selection of leaders and our national and foreign
policy. The results have affected my life.
Our political and economic disasters seem the ultimate conclusion of this winner-takes-all orientation.
But there are signs we are beginning to turn toward the glimmer of light that this season engenders.
That light of good will shines on Barack Obama’s decisions for his administration. He calls himself
“pragmatic”, not ideological. Yet, his ideology is showing: he apparently thinks being president of all
the people in the U.S. means all the people – even the ones he disagrees with. And, he seems to
think the people who elected him think so too. It looks like he thinks fairness for all means all and
sided with the sit-in workers in Illinois who demanded their rightful severance pay.
There are reports that he has personally telephoned Republican members of Congress,
encouraging a spirit of cooperation, in place of competition. And – oh my – there’s his invitation to
Evangelical Rick Warren to give the invocation at his Inauguration.
What???!!! How can he do this, the political left screams from their blogs of peace-through-victory, to
the victor the spoils, etc. Well, they voted for change didn’t they? They wanted a new kind of
politics. It looks like they’re going to get it: change toward peace through justice and inclusion, even
if this is only the first step. Peace for people of good will. What a concept. Will we people of good
will be up to the challenge?
Cooperation? Compromise? Community? This is change I can believe in. I love it that when I type
“Barack Obama” the red underlining shows up, indicating these words are outside Word’s
programmed lexicon. Now, that’s change!
There is a trickle down effect, I think. Obama’s admonition to the financial services industry that they
will need to consider “what’s right” as they rebuild, sends a message to us all to put that ethic back
into our interchanges. If this keeps up we may all start looking anew at our relationships – could I
compromise here? could I include someone there? could I cooperate and find common good rather
than argue? Who knows where this could lead – maybe to creating the world we’ve dreamed of.
“Thy will be done on earth...” and all that.
But it won’t work, the new light will be for naught, if we ignore it and allow cynicism to triumph. My
prayer is that we people of good will can rise to the challenge and not give up.
Like the feeble new bits of sunlight, my prayers and wishes might push their potential to become
reality.
May I have the good grace to recognize and reinforce them at this saddest and happiest of times.
Merry Christmas and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
© Beverly Jones 2008 - Doing Good. Together. 31 days!!
*Tom Daschle’s Healthcare Invitation. http://change.gov/page/s/hcdiscussion
Reflections on Life In the Turn Lane & Beyond
December 20, 2008
By Beverly Jones
This is one of my favorite times of the year –not because of Santa Claus or snow or even Christmas
Carols. It’s the winter solstice. Ahhh! Now we begin the climb back up toward the light; the long slide
of Fall darkness is over! Beginning on the 21st, minutes of daylight slowly accumulate and it
happens without herald, without endless discussion and speculation; without any human
intervention! Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles ......
For me, these growing minutes of light create anticipation of what will be illuminated. Historically,
hope has attached itself to this season of light. Marcus Borg says the symbols and stories of our
faith show that “The purpose of Advent and Christmas is to bring the past into the present.” The First
Christmas – The Lord is come; just as the new light of the solstice is now, with the bonus that it is real
– continuing creation.
So I ponder as I wander through this season: What If...? What if the present carries that past
certainty of light into the future? What would that future look like....how would it feel?
Our faith story appropriates this coming of light to the incarnation of Jesus; the angels heralding
“peace on earth, good will to all people” and, as Episcopal Bishop Tom Breidenthal explained, God’s
good will is intended for all people of good will. How, I wonder, will people of good will impact the
future?
.
Marcus Borg, Desmond Tutu, Nhat Hanh and others all teach that peace comes through justice, not
victory. So it follows that people of good will would be those who foster justice, a leveling of the
playing field, an ethos of equality and inclusion. But, we are so accustomed to the peace-through-
victory (winners and losers) idea that those who see the world otherwise are branded as naïve. This
“power-over”, “the mighty win” ethos has driven our selection of leaders and our national and foreign
policy. The results have affected my life.
Our political and economic disasters seem the ultimate conclusion of this winner-takes-all orientation.
But there are signs we are beginning to turn toward the glimmer of light that this season engenders.
That light of good will shines on Barack Obama’s decisions for his administration. He calls himself
“pragmatic”, not ideological. Yet, his ideology is showing: he apparently thinks being president of all
the people in the U.S. means all the people – even the ones he disagrees with. And, he seems to
think the people who elected him think so too. It looks like he thinks fairness for all means all and
sided with the sit-in workers in Illinois who demanded their rightful severance pay.
There are reports that he has personally telephoned Republican members of Congress,
encouraging a spirit of cooperation, in place of competition. And – oh my – there’s his invitation to
Evangelical Rick Warren to give the invocation at his Inauguration.
What???!!! How can he do this, the political left screams from their blogs of peace-through-victory, to
the victor the spoils, etc. Well, they voted for change didn’t they? They wanted a new kind of
politics. It looks like they’re going to get it: change toward peace through justice and inclusion, even
if this is only the first step. Peace for people of good will. What a concept. Will we people of good
will be up to the challenge?
Cooperation? Compromise? Community? This is change I can believe in. I love it that when I type
“Barack Obama” the red underlining shows up, indicating these words are outside Word’s
programmed lexicon. Now, that’s change!
There is a trickle down effect, I think. Obama’s admonition to the financial services industry that they
will need to consider “what’s right” as they rebuild, sends a message to us all to put that ethic back
into our interchanges. If this keeps up we may all start looking anew at our relationships – could I
compromise here? could I include someone there? could I cooperate and find common good rather
than argue? Who knows where this could lead – maybe to creating the world we’ve dreamed of.
“Thy will be done on earth...” and all that.
But it won’t work, the new light will be for naught, if we ignore it and allow cynicism to triumph. My
prayer is that we people of good will can rise to the challenge and not give up.
Like the feeble new bits of sunlight, my prayers and wishes might push their potential to become
reality.
May I have the good grace to recognize and reinforce them at this saddest and happiest of times.
Merry Christmas and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
© Beverly Jones 2008 - Doing Good. Together. 31 days!!
*Tom Daschle’s Healthcare Invitation. http://change.gov/page/s/hcdiscussion
 |  |  |
THE ASIAN AMERICAN HOUR has gotten bigger - we are now on the air weekly on public radio WAIF-CINCINNATI 88.3 FM and our broadcast time has moved to prime-time Monday evenings, 5 - 6 PM. THE ASIAN AMERICAN HOUR will continue to feature talk, and music, and other good things with a discernable slant towards Asian American affairs, immigration, and many other issues of interest to our community-at-large. THE ASIAN AMERICAN HOUR is produced and hosted by Charleston Wang with Mary Joan Reutter as co-host, together with our distinguished guests. So, tune in to THE ASIAN AMERICAN HOUR on WAIF-CINCINNATI 88.3 FM. every Monday 5 - 6 PM. Get the latest on the Asian American community in Cincinnati, the fast growing and mobile community in the Tri-state. After listening to the THE ASIAN AMERICAN HOUR, e-mail us direct feedback and thoughts by clicking here. If you or a friend wish to be a guest on THE ASIAN AMERICAN HOUR, please let us know. Tune in to THE ASIAN AMERICAN HOUR every Monday 5 - 6 PM on WAIF 88.3 FM Cincinnati on the air or on the internet streaming audio by clicking here, |
| THE ASIAN AMERICAN HOUR on WAIF 88.3 FM Cincinnati IS NOW A WEEKLY PRIME-TIME SHOW EVERY MONDAY EVENING 5 - 6 P.M. Informing the People of Cincinnati (and Beyond) since 6/7/2001. asianamericanhour@wangnews.net |
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INDEX OF OP-EDS
INDEX OF OP-EDS
THE MYTH OF THE MODEL MINORITY
One Sunday morning in October, our community was jolted awake by the morbid news of an
apparent double murder-suicide at a local Chinese restaurant. The comments that were
triggered by this tragedy on the internet and elsewhere are just as disturbing. Some people
pointed to the economic slowdown and linked it with the stereotype of Asians committing suicide to
escape the dishonor of business failure. Yet others manifested a glib “they are not like us”
attitude. Asian American small businesses, many of which are restaurants, are an inseparable part
of our economy and they share in the hard times and well as good. We are not isolated islands
but every one is part of this land. The stereotype of the model Asian minority who can outwork
the rest is just a myth. I know of more Asian American businesses which have closed or are
closing along with the others in this downturn of economic fortunes. The unexpressed tragedy I
have sensed, beginning with my own gut reaction, is that the Asian American community tends to
pretend that “no big matter” has happened and life for the rest somehow will go on as normal if
only we take care of our own business. This is followed by an inability to talk about and deal with
such problems as a community. Because of cultural differences and language complications,
generally there is also reluctance within those afflicted to reach out for help early when tragedy
may yet be prevented. Beyond this, the reality is that there is limited availability of organizations
and professionals to help Asian Americans who are suffering domestic violence and other severe
social and mental health problems that may lead to homicide. I hope our greater community can
come to view the lives lost with compassion and then reach out to help when help will still make a
difference. We should realize that during these difficult times, misfortune can strike any of us. In
the final reflection, we will be seen as helping ourselves. An opinion by Charleston C. K. Wang
11/11/2008.
| THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK OF GREATER CINCINNATI & NORTHERN KENTUCKY EVER PUBLISHED capturecincinnati2008 For more information & to order a copy, click here. |
| NEW CITIZENS TAKING THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE On 12/12/2008, the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services conducted a Naturalization Ceremony at the Lakota High School, West Chester, Ohio. U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett presided. WELCOME TO AMERICA. |
| A Solemn Act-THE START OF A NEW JOURNEY- New Citizens |
| ICE-SKATING ON FOUNTAIN SQUARE IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI In foreground is Larry Hom visiting from Alameda,California who had hoped to see snow 12/26/08. |
| BLESSINGS FOR THE NEW YEAR 2009 FROM CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI. So say Bishop Thomas Breidenthal, Santa Claus, and Katharine Cross |
| ICE BLAST FROM THE PAST- SKATING IN DECEMBER, 2006 |
| NEW YEAR GREETINGS FROM OUR NEW CONGRESSMAN STEVE DRIEHAUS 2009 - A Year of Hope & Renewal |
| PEACE ON EARTH AND JOY TO ALL PEOPLE OF GOODWILL |
| During January - February 2009, Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Cincinnati will host a seminar series on Immigration and the Church. For more details, click here. |
For more information on China Design Now, click here
BOAR'S HEAD & YULE LOG FESTIVAL 2008
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