Less than two weeks until Nov. 5. Thousands of election officials are already serving at early voting sites. Let's support them and say "Thank you" to them. We can all help this election be free and fair and safe. My husband, Burton, will be a poll watcher on election day. Vote!
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Saturday, October 19, 2024
The responsibility of voting
People say, "Trump says ridiculous things. I think it's funny"
My response: He's not just funny. This is deadly serious. We don't want to lose our democracy."
People say, "Maybe it wouldn't be so bad living under a dictator because Trump says he will fix things."
My response: Do you know that it would be like living under a dictator?
In a democracy it's a responsibility and a privilege to vote!
Thursday, October 17, 2024
We voted
We voted today. People say, "I know I'll be tired on election day, so I may not be able to get to the polls" Then, vote early. People say, "I don't want to look like I'm pressuring my neighbors, so I won't bother reminding them to vote." Tell everyone to vote. Each vote matters.
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
To Mute is Not Enough
So, you are thinking of not voting this year? Here is my response to what I am hearing:
"I'm exhausted. I'm thankful for the mute button on TV." To mute is not enough. Vote!
"I'm tired of the negativity:" Then vote for positivity and possibility.
Monday, October 14, 2024
Canada
Happy Thanksgiving Day to my Canadian friends, to all the people of Canada, including, of course, the First Nations.
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Indigenous Peoples' Day Oct. 14
Mason City, Iowa is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands of the Báxoǰe (Ioway), Sauk (Sac), and Meskwaki (Fox) peoples. The Winnebago and Sioux peoples were the first inhabitants of the area that would become Mason City. We honor them on Indigenous Peoples' Day, Oct. 14 and repent of the ways they have been treated.
Thursday, October 10, 2024
FEMA and Project 2025
People from across the country care about those who have suffered from Hurricane Milton and just two weeks ago Hurricane Helena, FEMA provides life-saving rapid response and relief after disasters, giving individual and public financial assistance to help communities recover after homes, belongings and public infrastructure are damaged or lost.
Project 2025 and Trump/Vance have another vision for the future of American disaster preparedness. Under the Heritage Foundation’s blueprint for the next conservative administration, FEMA would be gutted.
Saturday, October 5, 2024
The Seasons change
The seasons change. The colored leaves fall. The farmers' Market comes to a close. We are in the Baseball post-season. Nov. 5 is one month away. What will the change of seasons bring?
From Tanya Wittwer who studied at Wartburg Seminary a couple of decades ago. "Thank you, siblings in Christ. The Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand have voted to allow the ordination of women (and also to allow clergy and members to hold to male-only ordination if that is their conviction.) We can move ahead."
I spent part of a sabbatical in Adelaide where their seminary is located and was invited to speak to a preaching class--but not to mention ordination. A few women came up afterwards and stood there, amazed to see a woman professor. During the week, a professor, and then another, and another invited me to speak to their classes. But still it took decades for the church to say yes to women. Many Wartburg people have supported Tanya. I give thanks for their persistent voices.
Friday, October 4, 2024
Liz and Kamala
A sight that gladdened my heart. Lifelong conservative Republican Liz Cheney and Democratic candidate for president Kamala Harris on stage together. Yes, seeing two women was great, but even greater was seeing them speak strongly and supportively, united in their belief that this country that they both love must not elect a dangerous Donald Trump for president. Liz, and her father, former Republican Dick Cheney have both endorsed Harris. Liz: “You may not have supported a Democrat for president before, but we both love our country," Kamala praised Liz as “a leader who puts country above party and above self."
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Jimmy Carter turns 100
Former President Jimmy Carter turns 100 today, Oct.1.President Joe Biden heralded Carter as “a voice of courage, conviction, compassion.Former President Jimmy Carter turns 100 today, Oct.1.President Joe Biden heralded Carter as “a voice of courage, conviction, compassion.
Carter, who has been in hospice care since February 2023, is the oldest president in American history. Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, said that his Grandfather was “holding on” to vote for Kamala Harris. And though his body may be weak tonight, his spirit is as strong as ever. Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, said that his Grandfather was “holding on” to vote for Kamala Harris. And though his body may be weak tonight, his spirit is as strong as ever.