The long Long story

As I sit here and watch all the ugliness play out in the case of Bishop Eddie Long like a car wreck in slow motion I can't help but wonder how this will all end. The stories are slowly coming out and so many people have an opinion and or a testimony. Some can't help but relish in the downfall of a prominent leader, while others cry in anguish at the attack against their friend. I offer no stance and I have no opinion, partly because I have never been to the church, and I have never met the Pastor, but largely because it is moot. Sadly whether these allegations are true or not, the damage has been done.
Part of the fault lies with the portrayal in the media. Despite the numerous efforts to integrate our society and promote diversity, most churches in the United States are largely segregated. As a result there are cultural differences, differences that are completely misunderstood by a majority controlled broadcast system. The media seems to feel that these differences are signs of corruption. The material wealth Bishop Long enjoys is a sign of success, nothing more. His church feels he is to be exalted and so the congregation does. He is called a 'spiritual father' by the members of his church in a way to give him reverence, but this is no different than the devotion shown to a catholic priest or the Pope for that matter. The way the service is run and the music that is played I am sure is not the same as in a more traditional, more conservative church either. None of these things, however is problematic, except to an individual who is simply not used to another way of doing things. Different does not mean wrong I say none of these things to defend the man, as I have no opinion on his guilt or innocence, but i ask that you form your opinion based on true facts of the case, not behavior you do not understand.
There is a mountain of cultural differences, not evidence that is stacked against him. His statements do not make him wrong. His wealth does not make him corrupt. His occupation does not make him a pedophile. However, all these things are going to be used against him in the court of public opinion and therein lies the problem.
The damage is already done. Unfortunately the society at large can not resist the story of a fall from grace, especially when Bishop Long has upset so many with statements that some see as judgemental. He says that he will fight these charges. True or not, I fear that his reputation and his church will never be the same.
In the end, he needs our support, and our prayers. He is a fellow human being.

Stay tuned

Life has taught me a lot. Some of it has been good, some of it has been bad, but all of it has made me a better person. Years ago, I joined a firm and was told by another employee: " I can help you out, or I can HELP YOU OUT." What he meant by that is he could be a resource or he could be the person to wave good bye as you were escorted out of the building.

It is my hope that my posts in the future, which will be more frequent and helpful. Please stay tuned.

I needed to figure it out.

Wow, two false starts and now I think I finally have something. I was trying to find some lofty goal in all of this. I was trying for a theme. I think I need to just share what is inside me. I have a lot to say and I have been wasting paper. This way, at least, I can quit going to store. Please stay tuned. I will be back, things will make sense.

It's alive...

It has been a long time since I have posted anything. I have been using this time to think about a few things. I am going to really take this seriously, but I need to change the focus a bit. I figure that if I really am going to do this right, I need to make sure I am talking about the things I want to talk about... Hopefully, these things will be of interest to others.... Please stay tuned.

And now, for something completely different.....

To all those who are reading this, I want to thank you for taking the time to do so. This is my chance to share and discuss my love of automobiles. It is my hope that you will find it interesting, informative and maybe even entertaining. I am open to opinions, advice and even suggestions on topic. As a matter of fact, it will make things easier for me.

I have been fascinated since I was born and continue to be. The automobile can be so many things beyond a form of transportation. It is a fashion statement, a means of personal expression, a work of art, a family heirloom, a hazard, a weapon and means to personal woe. I like them because they are cool. I elements involved, engineering and design.

My first car was a 1969 Volkwagen Karmann Ghia and I will always be grateful to my dad for getting it for me. Talk about a sheep in wolfs clothing. It got way more attention than it deserved. It was a fun car, despite all of its issues. I miss it.

Well, that is enough about me. Sorry for being a bit boring, but then again this is just the first day of class. The work begins next time. Until then, here is something to think about: GM really messed things up when they did that 'Employee pricing' deal.