“Trying to write laws that clearly are outside the constitutionality of his state, trying to override the entire judicial system, that’s very, very dangerous,” said Arthur Caplan, a New York University bioethicist who edited a book about the Schiavo case. “When you’re willing to do that, you’re willing to break the back of the country.”
Three Pictures for Today: First, John Kiriakou, CIA whistleblower who confirmed the existence of the CIA’s illegal torture program, just got out of jail, after serving two years in a federal penitentiary. This twitter photo says it all: Well, not QUITE all. Kiriakou still has a million-dollar legal bill, five kids, one in college, no … Continue reading Torture Whistleblower John Kiriakou Is Out of Jail!
The Appeal of Quakerism to the Non-Mystic Can you be a Quaker in the 21st century (especially a Liberal one), and not be a mystic? Yes. And that’s been true for a LONG time. A century ago, in 1916, a noted British Friend made this case (but he was not the first or the last) … Continue reading The Appeal of Quakerism to The Non-Mystic
It’s Simpler Than You Think. (I Didn’t Say “Easier.”) So in Salon, writer Ann Bauer spills her guts. If you think you can bear it, this is her opening: << Here’s my life. My husband and I get up each morning at 7 o’clock and he showers while I make coffee. By the time he’s dressed … Continue reading How To Be A Writer — “Sponsored” & Not
“And to put ourselves into the proper frame of mind for these times of retreat,” Dr. King concluded, “we have always made it our practice that for the first two days we are in jail, we will fast.”
So there it was, finally.
As I say, these were not his exact words, but the cadence and content are all there. In any case, when the trusty heard the word “fast,” his mouth dropped open. Mine did, too.
The trusty frowned more deeply, and turned his head slightly, as if he was working up to ask a question, perhaps something like, “Say what?” Dr. King headed him off.
“And that, my friend, is why I very much appreciate the effort you’ve gone to,” he said, “but I’m afraid I am unable to eat your greens.”
“You mean – ?” croaked the trusty. Much of the rest of the disquisition may have gone over his head, but this last was sinking in.
Dr. King nodded.
The trusty looked genuinely confused.”You mean,’ he repeated, “you can’t – ?”
Now Dr. King shook his head slowly.
The trusty looked at Abernathy, who had moved to Dr. King’s elbow. He smiled apologetically, but shook his head also.
The trusty blinked and turned toward the other staffer, who had hung back silently through this whole exchange. His head shook too.
The trusty stood there for a moment, without a clue as to what to do next.
And then, he looked at me.