Muslims

 Last night PBS Newshour co-anchor Amna Nawas interviewed the Mayor of New Your City Zohan Mamdani.  Both are Muslims. They talked about many things.  I was so encouraged to see two professionals, both Muslim, having this national conversation together. We ARE a pluralistic nation! We can be different together.

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The John F. Kennedy Library awarded the 2026 Profile in Courage Award to the people of the Twin Cities. Here’s what the Kennedy family said: “The people of the Twin Cities responded with extraordinary courage and resolve. Tens of thousands took to the streets to peacefully protest federal overreach and threats to immigrant families." People stood up— even when it was cold, even when it was dangerous.

Three Olympic gold

 Three olympic gold medals in Ice Hockey. The men's and women's U.S. teams both took first place in the 2026 Winter Olympics and the U.S. sled hockey team just won gold in the Paralympics.  Mr. Trump, are you going to invite our sled hockey team to the white house?  I challenge you to do so!

It's not the medals

 It's not the medals.  It's not a matter of one nation "beating" another.  This is not war; it's international community.  It's watching paralympians cross-country skiing with arms missing. This is courage.

International Women's Day

 International Women's Day yesterday reminded me of three important women. Eleanor Roosevelt was the driving force behind the UN Universal Declamation of Human Rights. Nancy Pelosi, first women Speaker of the U.S. House or Representatives, author of "Know Your Power." Letty Russell, my mentor at Yale, author of "The Future of Partnership." Who are women important to you?

Paralympics

The Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Paralympics!  Beautiful.  Nations of the world coming together not as a distraction from war, but as a statement of unity among all peoples.  A statement of inclusion of everyone, no matter what our disability. For ten days watch and see what we can be together. 

 

WW III

For the first time since WW 11, the U.S. has used a submarine to shoot a torpedo at a ship, an Iranian ship.  President Trump says that on a scale of 1-10 he is hitting a l5. It seems in his nature to lead this country into the biggest war ever to make him the "greatest."  I, as a child, remember WW 11.  We don't want a war bigger and more "beautiful" war than that.  

How Long War?

 At first Trump said the bombing of Iran would last a few days; then he said 4-5 weeks. Now he says it might take much longer. Wars start, but when do they end? This war has already spread to 11 nations. More will die. I remember WW 11, the Korean War, Vietnam and more.  We must stop now! Call the Congressional switch board and ask for senators or representatives. 202-224-3121. It just takes a few minutes. Wars take much longer.

A war-time President

Donald Trump today seemed to delight in sounding like president leading us into battle, reporting on all the details, glorifying war. This from a man who would do anything to win the Nobel Peace Prize.  So which is it, Donald Trump?  War? Peace? Sending troops into U. Cities and states? It's always all about you. You want it all!  We cannot, we will not let you have it. 

war in Iran

 Why has Donald Trump today started a war with Iran? His reasons don't hold up. Does he believe it shows his power? Helps him stay in power? Does he like to change regimes in other countries? He has taken military action against 7 countries in the past year. Why has Donald Trump just started a war with Iran?

Linda

 As Black History month 2026 comes to a close, I urge us to continue recognizing the contributions of black people to this nation and world. It's no time to erase black history, nor to deport them. It's time to cherish. I cherish the long history Burton and I have had with the Ridgeway family in Detroit: 60 years. We celebrate Linda's 90th birthday this coming week. She sang at my ordination in New Haven, Ct. Picture from when she visited us here in Mason City. 

Black colleges and universities

 Feb. 25, 1837 the nation's first HBCU, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, was established.  After the Civil War, more HBCUs were founded to provide educational access for African American students who were regularly denied admission to institutions of higher education.

Ukraine

 Feb. 24 marks four years since Russia invaded Ukraine. Early on there was an extraordinary outpouring of support. Now entering its fifth year, this grinding war tests every fiber of human and societal strength. Entire communities are enduring freezing temperatures and relentless bombing. Yet still Ukraine stands and fights. Ukraine is a great nation, fighting to survive. 

Olympic games closing

 The Milano Cortino Winter Olympic games came to a close at the Verona Ancient Amphitheater. Beginning with Italian opera of course, ladies and gentlemen were invited "if you are able" to stand. The languages used were not said to be "foreign," but "global." Norway won the most medals. All nations performed in friendship and peace. Be sure to watch the Winter Paralympics which begin Friday, March 6 at the same venues.

Internment camps

 On February 19, we observe the Executive Order for Japanese Internment Camps (1942). On this date in 1942, following the bombing of Pearl Harbor by Japanese warplanes the previous December, U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt signed an executive order calling for the displacement of one hundred and twenty thousand Japanese Americans to internment camps.

 The Rev Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader who was prominent for more than 50 years and who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, has died. He was 84.

He was a servant leader. He cared about the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world."

 His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions.

presidents' day

 Happy "Buy a mattress, furniture, appliances at deep discounts" day, otherwise known as "Presidents' Day." That's either a day about shopping or a day to recognize and give thanks for the good presidents we have had in this country and to reflect on what a good president is or is not.

Burton's Birthday

Now that you are eighty-nine

You still are a man so fine.

Birthday rhymes since twenty-two

Many years all just for you.

Orchids from 2 and 3 years ago bloom again for Burton's birthday.

 

 "Burton," at least his name on a snow board, is at the Olympics.

olympics 2026 Opening Ceremony

 The 2026 Olympics Winter Games have begun in Milano-Cortina, Italy, with the parade of athletes, opera, and the lighting of two cauldrons. The theme was clearly "Peace," peace in the midst of wars, peace among peoples, peace among nations. May it be so. 

Republicans should take over elections?

 President Trump wants Republicans to “take over the voting” in 15 states in order to “nationalize” the 2026 midterm elections, raising concerns that he will defy the Constitution and interfere with state elections. Obsessed with losing the 2020 election, he will do anything he thinks necessary to win in 2026 and 2028. States oversee elections. They are not agents of the Federal government. The President dare not take control of elections. Beware.  Be aware!

If they build it

If they build them, they will fill them. The Trump administration is trying to purchase or build large buildings across the country to use as Ice Detention Centers/Prison Camps. Many are huge warehouses that would hold 3,000 to l0,000 people.  The more of these Detention Centers/Prison Camps the government would have, the more people, mostly of color, they will arrest, people who have committed no crimes. Cities, small and large, many in politically red districts, are protesting. We must protest now before it's too late.

4th Amendment

 I've often posted about my study of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. I point out now the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for redress of grievances. I point now to the Fourth Amendment. We are familiar with the right of the people to be protected from unwarranted search. Today we must focus on people's right to be secure from unreasonable seizures.

Trump in Clive

 President Trump made a trip to Iowa Yesterday speaking to 700 people at an event center in Clive, just outside of Des Moines Outside the event center there was a large protest against Trump's policies that drew as many as 2,000 people. The only national TV news coverage was a 2-second mention saying that Trump stopped at a coffee shop in Iowa. We need to pay attention and have courage. People are standing up--everywhere.

Son Kirk

 Our youngest son, Kirk, preparing to leave after visiting from Texas. 

Coalition of the Horrified

 "The Coalition of the Horrified" according to US Senator from Minnesota, Tina Smith. Citizens of Minneapolis in the bitter cold continue to stand up for Minneapolis. And people in other states are standing up for Minnesota. It is making a difference. We need to continue to stand up for democracy.

Church full

On this bitterly below-zero Sunday, I wondered if there would be more than a handful of people in church. But the church was packed! The sermon began with, "How are you doing with the news?" People, of differing political news wanted to worship in solidarity with the people of Minnesota. There was a baptism. Twenty-eight children came to the front for the children's time. The pastor spoke about his sister and nephew living just two blocks from yesterday's murder in Minneapolis. The Gospel was about the killing of John the Baptist and the calling of the disciples. In the midst of bad news, we, like the disciples have a calling. What is our calling now?

murder in Minneapolis

Another murder in Minneapolis by federal ICE agents! I stand with the citizens of the Twin Cities and Minnesota.Approximately 100 clergy were arrested on Friday while demonstrating against ICE at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. This invasion of Minneapolis and occupation of Minnesota must stop. Otherwise, where will it end? 

 The United States is now out of the World Health Organization (WHO). Trump has turned against NATO. European Nations no longer trust the U.S. nor trust the U.S. to not elect another leader like Trump every four years. The United Nations has been the premier organization to provide leadership and justice across the world. Trump believes his "Board of Peace" should replace the U.N. And, or course, Trump plans to lead it, being in effect emperor of the world.  NO! This is happening now. NO!

US 250 years

 My parents were born in 1899, just 112 years after the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Burton's grand father was born in 1837, before the Civil War, just 25 years after the War of 1812. This year is the 250th "birthday" of the U.S.  That's actually not long ago. How do we celebrate? By honoring the hundreds of  indigenous tribes here much earlier By reflecting on our historic and global context: nations much older than the U.S. By committing ourselves to living peaceable together with all people around the world.

 Some important quotes for Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

1. "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." 
2. "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." 
3. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." 
4. "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." 
5. "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." 

These quotes encapsulate his philosophy on overcoming hatred with love, the importance of speaking out against injustice, and the true measure of character during difficult times, notes USA Today and The National Constitution Center. 

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Today is a good day

 This morning we were greeted by a man who said to us, "This is the best day of my life.  The sins of yesterday are gone. We don't know about the future ahead of us. So we treat today as the best day of our lives." He had a cane; I had a cane. We both new what he meant.

 

One Body, One Spirit, One Hope

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 is January 18-25. This year it focuses on the words from St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians: “There is one Body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.”  Globally, denominationally we are very different. However, in this very difficult time, there is much we can do together. 

Greenland

 Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland. They are perfectly happy being independent and citizens of Denmark. The U.S. has no right to take over, try to buy, or invade Greenland.  "Doing it the easy way or doing it the hard way" says the U.S. under the current administration is intent on "owning" Greenland.  No!

ICE everywhere

 A country at war with itself. An administration at war with its people. ICE arresting, beating--yes, killing- legal observers. ICE agents targeting schools and school buses. People afraid to go to hospitals and clinics; children missing check-ups and vaccines. Ice sweeping up immigrants and Native Americans. However, protests are growing, faith leaders gather, people watch and warn. Whistles. We can act, NOW. 

Epiphany

 A blessed Epiphany. In the midst of great darkness and uncertainty, may God's light guide us all.

Venezuela

What right does the U.S. have to carry out a large military strike against Venezuela?  What right do we have to seize President Maduro? Do we really want to start a war? 

Resolutions for 2026

 New Year's resolutions. In response to this presidential administration sending ICE to detain, incarcerate and deport people, bombing boats, cutting research for health, discouraging vaccinations, cutting aid to countries in need, renaming things to honor Trump, and more, I resolve to help my nation. I will call Congressional members (202-224-3121), write letters to the editor, organize people to act, create communities to discuss and listen. God give us the strength to do these things.