22 Comments

Good Article!

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Mar 1, 2021Liked by Patterico

I think God wants us to trust Him, responding with hope and prayer instead of panic or worry. I believe the Holy Spirit inspired you to write this and I support you.

Our mission is to engage in the world, not be angry or withdrawn, but sometimes our only way to engage is through prayer. How glorious that prayer can solve any problem!

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Certainly blogging and commenting is cathartic....but only up to a point. How our national government functions is important and it's important that we understand policies/issues and keep an eye on the people in power. But I do question over doing it. I think it's one of the reasons we're in the mess that we're in. I see it with family members that are addicted to twitter and cable news entertainment. It seems exhausting to always be angry and raging about something....and oftentimes it's about something that has little direct effect on our life and that we have infinitesimal influence over. We seem to be hyper-analyzing every fart and hiccup never considering that....other than the weirdness of the pandemic and the GOP serially beclowning itelf.....things aren't that bad on a macro level.

There are a lot of great messages in the Bible...and interesting perspectives from the time of Jesus. At heart, like John the Baptist, Jesus was preaching that the end was near and how we had to get ready for it. I'm against forgetting to live this life.....but do believe that we need some perspective.....and get away from political infinite loops and verbally bashing each other. There has to be common purpose and getting back to real connection. I think it's hard...because venting is so convenient...and easy. Would Jesus jump onto a commenting section and push people's buttons and rant, rant, and rant. It's a funny if not somewhat sacrilegious thought. My idealized Jesus would say to get back to loving your enemy and helping those less fortunate than you. I mean after reading Patterico...of course....

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I appreciate the spirit of the post. It certainly reminds me of my own failings and the need to show more charity for everyone. Similar to the point in Dana's comment, when I get mad about what politicians (or anyone, really) are doing or saying it usually means I'm ignoring the beam in my own eye. We should all try to strengthen and encourage each other to do better, and to criticize less. One small quibble. though: whatever anyone thinks of the actions or sayings of Cruz or Hawley, they are not "soulless." Everyone has a soul, and it may be that the persons whose actions we despise the most need our prayers the most.

Also, best of success with the "four Cs" -- that's taking on a challenge! I gave up chips and sweets, and so far am successful at keeping to that, but giving up criticizing or complaining is probably beyond me. But your post is inspiring, and I will try.

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I've been angry since Trump clinched the 2016 nomination, but it is better to uphold the folks with real bravery and simply reject the Coward Caucus and Fascist Wing.

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Excellent piece of work. I think you've hit an important nail on the head, and one that we would all benefit from quietly contemplating. When I am feeling particularly irritated and impatient with the Hawley and Cruz types, I am inevitably (and almost instantly) convicted by the pesky awareness that I am fainthearted and far more often than not, do not have in mind the concerns of God, but rather my own concerns. Humility is at the heart of Christ. It's easier to believe that we are a more humble people or dwell in a more righteous state when contrasting ourselves with those individuals. What a lie it is that we tell ourselves. The reality is, we demonstrate our own arrogance and pride by even entertaining such thoughts of "righteousness" (as if it were our own accomplishment). Yet the showmanship of Hawley and Cruz, when contrasted with the Navalnys of the world, makes clear the distinction between those whose hearts are set on their own concerns and political ambitions versus those whose concern for the welfare of others is worth risking their own imprisonment or death. Hammy cries of "freedom" only mean something to those not in danger of losing freedom. But they mean nothing to do those actually living under the forces of evil that deny them basic freedoms. Real battle cries for freedom are anything but hammy.

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founding

It takes tremendous courage to criticize the Myanmar military from inside Myanmar, but Kyaw Moe Tun's immediate family are in the USA and are safe here and no doubt will get asylum.

In years past, his extended family inside Myanmar would have been rounded up, any businesses or concessions owned would be seized. Women and girls would be beaten and sexually assaulted, men beaten and debased.

Some of his family might die over this and it won't be an easy death

I don't see this as courageous on Kyaw Moe Tun's part

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