InSpiritry

 Benchmarks: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

As American politicians and commentators search desperately for ideas to end the war in Iraq, the word “benchmarks” has become a household word. For the most part, the talk has been about setting benchmark dates for the Iraqi government to meet American demands for independence and stability.

Am I alone in seeing the irony of the U.S. unilaterally dismantling a country’s government, blowing up most of the infrastructure, inciting the insurgency of radical terrorists, failing to establish a secure environment, supporting a corrupt reconstruction paradigm and then righteously complaining that said nation get itself together or else?!

What about benchmarks for ourselves? How can we set parameters for other countries, especially those we have attacked, when we aren’t able to accomplish our own goals. (more…)

 Audio for In the Line of Fire: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This morning I was watching the news of the latest wildfires in California. After violent storms left hundred homeless in Kansas this week, it is wrenching to see families fleeing neighborhoods, landmarks and beautiful countryside that are, in fact, in the line of fire.

Thinking of that phrase, in the line of fire, reminded me of its usual connotation: being caught in the midst of battle. Battle, war, being another tragedy that sends good people scurrying from their homes in fear.

What a metaphor for us! (more…)