Where Away Thimble Islands

Long Island Sound
(by R.P.Edwards)

Shallow 

And shielded

From the ocean's strong face

Patriots

And pirates

And captains

And mates

Islands

And inlets

And memories
And more
Waters well wandered
With treasures in store

On a very clear day, with the squinting eye or with a low powered spyglass you could just barely see the hint of Long Island, nearly floating on the horizon. I, on the Connecticut side of the "Sound" was on a temporary stay at a much smaller island named "Money," part of a quaint grouping called "The Thimble Islands." 

It's been well over a half century from my first preadolescent treading of the red granite of that isle and, sad to say, my appreciation matched my age. Now, decades and a substantial distance away, I look back with fondness at a special place; a carve-out from the modern clutter that clings and clogs.

Anyway, I hear Branford CT (the municipality in the area) is having an anniversary of sorts. Worth a look, I'd say. And, while you're at it, check out "The Thimble Islands." There's a tour or two available. My youthful experience was on a boat named Volsunga, first III, and now IV. 

The song: recently discovered in a basement box. Affectionately crafted some time ago, I hope it gives you a taste...for a memorable place.

Thimble Islands

Branford

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The New Cornerstone of the DNC?

The Blue and Gray

(By R.P.Edwards)

Something old

And something new

Something gray

And something blue

Something evil

Something same

A common thread

A different name

"This stone which was rejected by the first builders 

"is become the chief of the corner"

 the real "corner-stone" in our new edifice." 

 (Alexander H. Stephens)

¹¹ Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 

(Ephesians 5:11 NRSVACE)

At first I thought it might be a clever substitute. You know, one of those well written falsehoods attributed to a notable "someone." But no, in a speech given on March 21, 1861, the new Vice President of the Confederate States of America, Alexander H. Stephens (just before the bloodletting that was the Civil War) unabashedly espoused the twisted thinking of the age. Following are some excerpts:

The new constitution has put at rest, forever, all the agitating questions relating to our peculiar institution African slavery as it exists amongst us the proper status of the negro in our form of civilization. This was the immediate cause of the late rupture and present revolution....

The prevailing ideas entertained by him (Jefferson) and most of the leading statesmen at the time of the formation of the old constitution, were that the enslavement of the African was in violation of the laws of nature; that it was wrong in principle, socially, morally, and politically. It was an evil they knew not well how to deal with, but the general opinion of the men of that day was that, somehow or other in the order of Providence, the institution would be evanescent and pass away. This idea, though not incorporated in the constitution, was the prevailing idea at that time...

Those ideas, however, were fundamentally wrong. They rested upon the assumption of the equality of races. This was an error. It was a sandy foundation, and the government built upon it fell when the “storm came and the wind blew.”...

Our new government is founded upon exactly the opposite idea; its foundations are laid, its corner- stone rests, upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery subordination to the superior race is his natural and normal condition....

That's enough. 

It was the recent celebratory codifying of late term abortion in the State of New York that nudged me in the direction of seeking Mr Stephens' ancient reasonings. Why? Because then, as now, there are those who see through a prism (a religious one, at that) that views obvious evil as wholesome and God blessed. Then as now there are those who work their wicked bloody will and then blithely sip on their mint juleps while clucking to their equals of their moral superiority.

And sadly, then as now there are the many who are far removed from the "seeing" who will, nevertheless, be sucked into the maelstrom that must result when God is openly mocked and evil embraced. 

When the Civil War began there may have been many superfluous "side issues" and concerns, BUT, dear reader, by the time it was over SLAVERY was the relentless and all consuming pestle that ground this nation to its very core. I fear, therefore, for the new Democrat Party. More than ever they are choosing a path that God (the real one) must answer. I hope before then an inner uprising will reject the rebranded dogma of the DNC; that unholy doctrine that one human life is of more value than another. And, if there are still any hopeful believers residing on the left, know that your allegiance, first, must be to the Creator. And that, of course, applies to all.

Here's a link to the whole "Corner Stone" speech.  Corner Stone 

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Of coffee and conscience

Anna Miller's

Just us

(by R.P.Edwards)

Conversations

A cup of Joe

Wasted hours

Then again, NO!

For all too soon

Our busy end

So precious now

An hour

A friend

It was a conversation between father and son (one sided, as usual). The elder (in the passenger seat) expounded as to the wonders of our modern times; as in, the internet, in particular You Tube. "Years ago," expounded the grey bearded Pop, "if you wanted a song published or sung on the radio it took effort and chance. NOW you put it on You Tube and you might be an overnight sensation." 

From there we (we, as in "me") traveled back to the late seventies when I, as a young, lonely sailor stationed on a ship at Pearl Harbor, used to frequent a coffee shop named Anna Miller's. "I'd make an evening out of a dollar," says I. "Fifty cents for there and back bus fare; forty cents for a bottomless cup of Kona coffee, and ten cents for a tip. Many, many hours I'd spend conversing with my fellows."

Then came to mind a little jingle I wrote at the time about the beloved sanctuary (above). Too bashful to share it with the owner it now comes out many decades later. It's a bit rough but contained therein is a hint of the pleasure obtained by spending time with friends in an atmosphere that encouraged such. I hope to go back someday. Sorry for the small tip.

The anniversary of the Roe v Wade decision is in the news (i.e. legalized abortion). I've written much on the subject, so just let me end with a gentle poem from years ago.

Would You Love Me?
(by R.P.Edwards)

Would you love me
Without my name?
Would your caring
Be the same?
Would you love me
Without my face?
Would your heart
Still have a place?
Would you love me
Though I’m new?
No memories stored
No…me…and you?
Would you love me
Without my touch?
Would my dying
Mean as much?
Would you love me
Just ’cause I am?
No link to you
Just in His plan?
Would you love me?
Oh, please, please do
For, with the chance
I’ll love you…too.

****

Christians and Secular Universities

Higher Education 

(by R.P.Edwards)

Higher Education

Higher, in what way?

Higher in academics?

Higher tenured pay?

Higher intellectuals?

Noted PhDs?

Higher in tuition?

Higher in their fees?

Higher in their trophies?

From sports and other teams?

Higher in their Rhetoric?

Higher in their dreams?

Methinks the list

Goes on and on

The Higher traits of "these"

How sad they miss

The highest place

Found only on

Their knees

I've wavered back and forth as to if I should act out (write) yet again concerning the much thought of, but mentioned not so much, fact that "Higher Education"--those institutions (some Ivy encrusted) that are supposed to be the "authority" on what should be the obvious morality of the masses--is (are) nothing more than barbarians with a brain. 

Yes, yes, an oversimplification; perhaps an unfair analysis and generalization of a broad host of "schools," some (a small number) of which are probably the exact opposite of my supposition. BUT, without debate, colleges and Universities have changed much over the years and my question to people (parents in particular) of faith is; "Why do you support these Godless campuses?" Yes, with society's University-inspired decay obvious to the born again eye (and "yes," we ARE to be missionaries) the question should perhaps be phrased; "Why, unless positively God-directed, would you send your child to be tutored by those who not only hate the Savior; but who actually delight in causing the tender believer to doubt and stumble?"

AND, along these same lines and for goodness sake!; certainly don't support and subsidize the damnable with your dollars!

The above poem was borrowed from an earlier blog, thus: Down on Brown.

****`

The Caning of Brett Kavanaugh

 The Root

(by R.P.Edwards)

A different outfit

A different face

A different time

A different place

Different players

But the plot the same

"Destroy His children!

Defile His name!"

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness

(Isaiah 5:20)

It was May of 1856 and a Senator from New England, a staunch abolitionist by the name of Charles Sumner, had greatly perturbed the slavery-loving South by delivering a speech that not only denounced the Kansas-Nebraska Act, but it also disparaged its authors. A relative of one of the creators, a Representative from South Carolina by the name of Preston Brooks, took offense and thought satisfaction could be achieved by ambushing, and beating nearly to death in the Senate Chamber, Charles Sumner. The incident came to mind upon seeing the treatment of Brett Kavanaugh by Senators opposed to his placement on the Highest Court.

First; the above poem does NOT refer to the treatment of Judge (Now Supreme Court Justice) Kavanaugh. No, it is a reminder that there IS evil, and that there is an author of it AND, if not careful, human minds, and hands, and mouths can be used in his bidding.

Simply put: it's all about abortion; it's all about the murder of innocent human life; it's all about the lusting ancient desire that ever resists, and chafes, and violently rebels against the divine Being that loves even the least of these. It was slavery then; it is infanticide now.

And yes, although there is, no doubt, sincerity and justification by those who unwittingly do his work; and though they may find solace and support from the cluckings of academia or the utterings of  some ecumenical apostates, or the accolades of the many like-minded, they, dear reader, have, on this most important issue--make no mistake--called evil good, and good evil.

The conclusion: Sometimes, amidst the many concerns that plague us all; the many areas that ever draw our attention and energies--even causing us to temporarily focus our desire towards those who promise something new--sometimes, for the sake of the nation's very existence, there is a single issue that MUST take precedence. Slavery, long years ago, was such an issue. Abortion, now, has taken its place. So, let those of us who know the difference; let us continue to pray for the offenders (for they are NOT our enemy) AND, by all means, let us be sure to NEVER vote them into a place of greater influence. 

Please watch...

 

 ****

STRIKE?

Union

(By R.P.Edwards)

I was beaten down, mute, and weak

Then a brother came to help me speak

A sister gave a lifting hand

Then others joined, to help me stand

At last the oppressor made his run

To finish the job he had begun

He thought only "I" would field his blows

But instead, he found a Union...

Standing toe to toe


  King Rehoboam talked it over with the elders who had advised his father when he was alive: “What’s your counsel? How do you suggest that I answer the people?”
⁷ They said, “If you will be a servant to this people, be considerate of their needs and respond with compassion, work things out with them, they’ll end up doing anything for you.”
^8-9 But he rejected the counsel of the elders...
(1 Kings 12:6-9)

The context of the above scripture: King Solomon had died. Before his exit, however, he had loaded the people down with oppressive taxes and burdens. They wanted some relief. His heir, Rehoboam, asked his father's counselors what to do. They advised compassion. He, instead, listened to his arrogant friends, and the kingdom was subsequently divided.

Of course, there's more to the story, but it came to mind upon hearing of the offer from the "rulers" in Pittsburgh who have answered the USW's (United Steelworkers) request for a fair contract with something that is ridiculous, insulting, and unthinkable. I have no doubt that if the offer is unchanged the "people" (workers) will strike and the kingdom of U.S.Steel will be divided (for a time, anyway).

I'll not over-expound, but I would like to express my amazement and curiosity at these recent events.

Amazement: it was but a short time ago when we had a presidential visit where said chief executive highlighted how the steel industry has come back to life. Indeed, the facility where I work was, not long before, on life-support and now (then) grateful returning steelworkers were once again bringing home a living wage. The community rejoiced. Workers rejoiced. And it appeared that the leaders of the industry also rejoiced, and oh, it would have been such a simple thing to add to the "feel good" future of labor and management by the acceptance of a contract that mirrored the last one, with just a slight sweetening of a long overdue pay raise. 

But, instead of the no-brainer decision (especially given the profit margin of the players) there now seems to be an attempt by the company(s) to punish, break, and irreparably wound and weaken current workers, new-hires, and even retirees. Perhaps such rhetoric is (was) supposed to cause fear, resulting in submission. But, instead it has galvanized the many to stand in opposition. And, sadly, what was an environment that was ripe to birth a new partnership based on mutual respect and a common goal, it is now quickly devolving (at least on labor's part) to an atmosphere of toxic suspicion and even abject hatred.

And now, curiosity: Given that the last contract--when things were bleak and the future uncertain--given that even THAT agreement had elements of compassion (and we were, quite frankly, glad to get it!) I truly wonder what has happened since then to cause such an odious offering to be produced this go round? Is it new upper management? Outside consulting? I don't know. But I DO know that the battle-lines are being drawn, and that the hearts and will of the many are being steeled in order to fight for our families and future. How sad, it all could have been so easily avoided.

****  

Trump Rally, Granite City

Dental Detour

(by R.P.Edwards)

In-between smiles

Teeth gone awry

Surgeon and suture 

And grown men don't cry

The calendar carve-out

From work I abstain

The plus side of painful

I got on the train

The first one, an ancient remnant of a molar, came out with ease. The next, a beloved canine, took a violent exorcism. "Bite on the gauze for two hours," was the followed instructions. Then, once the grizzly abosorber was removed, I went to see Trump; President Donald J. Trump, that is.

Funny how little unexpected detours get us places. I had no idea of the President's precise visitation to the Steel Mill in Granite City when the dental appointment was made. Aside from the tooth trauma I surely would have worked that day and as a consequence missed much.

The process: first I had to request admittance (RSVP) via e-mail. Once approved I showed up in the nearby parking lot. My name was checked twice before boarding a sizable bus (the Coach variety; very nice) for the 1/4 mile ride to the drop-off point. From there it was the metal detector and then a short walk to the Rally venue.  A converted storage area, it now housed two sets of bleachers, some folding chairs, the slightly raised dais, and opposite this the place for the myriad of professional president watchers. Due to my lateness (the gauze thing) I found an obscure place to stand and lean. It would be four hours. 

The atmosphere: celebratory. Many of my fellow steelworkers had seen two or more years apart from this place. Many had, understandably, lost much materially. But, with the ongoing limbo status of the mostly idled and deteriorating steel mill, many had lost much in the soulish region as well: peace, pride, hope. And then, a non-politician, a savvy business man with big dreams and big promises was elected. His name was Donald Trump, and one of those promises he made was to the nation's steelworkers. 

When the President finally arrived (he was a tad behind schedule) there was no sitting down (and for me, no sight). ALL stood and relished the lengthy remarks. Arguably, much of what he said was familiar, and even though the words were tailored for this particular audience, ours was a devoted ear to an important individual who exuded an actual "caring" for the likes of we. Understand, his caring was not the usual "I feel your pain" political rhetoric. No, his campaign promises had preceded real action, and his actions subsequently touched our individual lives, and now his feet (incredibly! But so like him) had purposely found their way to our humble front porch.

Along with the president's remarks, Ivanka shared some thoughts. Also, US Steel, management and non, sweetened the celebration with their testimonies. And then...it was over. There was a quick egress as the closing music faded and the buses filled. And, although I had a sore reminder of something lost earlier that day, I also had a fullness of heart from something gained.

PS

Here's a perhaps last replay of a pro-Trump song written and sung by a then laid off steelworker. Perhaps a version of "Keep America Great" will be added to the many currently under construction. 

Enjoy...

   

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