My Pointless Point of View, Chapter 1

"I once believed in causes, too.  I had my pointless point of view.  And life went on no matter who was wrong or right." ~ Billy Joel

One of the folks at Patch encouraged me to write a blog entry.  She was so nice that I promised her that I would do so.  I made no promises, however, as to the writing quality I could deliver.  I will put forth my best effort, and hope that it's readable.  So, here goes. 

The first thing on my mind right now has to do with my church.  The Holy Roman Catholic Church, to be specific.  Yes, I just did that, I headed straight to religion. Now I really do try not to complain too much about my church.  I would rather put my time and energy into trying to save my immortal soul.  But I don't think being Catholic means we can't question our church, and indeed, how will things evolve if we do not?  In fact, things seem to be currently going in the opposite direction.  We now have lots of new words and lines to get used to in our Mass, and many of them are a throwback to the Mass before the reforms of Vatican II.  For example, we now say the word "consubstantial" in the middle of the Creed.  It's actually the first time in my life that I've used the word "consubstantial" in a sentence.  Well, I can get past saying "consubstantial," but I just can't get past the current scrutiny put on our American nuns. 

It seems the Vatican has accused the Leadership Conference of Women Religious of promoting "certain radical feminist themes incompatible with the Catholic faith."  The Leadership Conference represents the vast majority of the 57,000 nuns in the United States.  Really?  Is this the thing that the Vatican wants to focus on right now?  Catholics in America and Europe are still trying to heal from the scourge of the priest/pedophilia scandal.  Nuns have put themselves on the front line with the sick, the dying, they feed the poor and work with the most marginalized in society.  They have distinguished themselves by putting Christ's words into practice on a daily and visible basis.  They practice what they preach about social justice.  I hope the Vatican will reconsider their current stance towards the nuns.  The average age of American nuns is 74.  Our nuns are a positive reflection on the Church.  I would like to give a shout out and say thank you to Sister Carolina, Sister Marie Edward, Sister Doleur, the infamous Sister Benet, Sister Patricia Ellen, Sister Justine, Sister Anne-Louise, and Sister Julie, all of whom have had a positive impact on my life. 

Let me go from religion to politics.  I have simplified my decision-making process for whom I will vote for President.  I have eliminated Mitt Romney from consideration.  And he was ousted from consideration before I even weighed his position on all the issues.  You see, in 1983, Mitt Romney put the family dog, Seamus, in a carrier on the roof of his car for a 12 hour drive on a family vacation.  This is a true story.  I just can't trust the judgment of someone in the White House who would put a dog on top of a car for a 12 hour trip.  I'm too much of a dog-lover.  Sorry, Mitt. 

Moving to the local scene, I would like to thank the tireless parents who comprise the Trumbull Parents of Students with Learning Differences (TPSLD).  This dynamic organization has just sponsored "Sensitivity Day" in four different elementary schools over the past four weeks.  These events teach students to be sensitive to those with differences, and let the kids experience what's it like to have a disability or learning difference.  These programs take a lot of work to put together, and they are superb.  Part of the program is volunteers coming into a classroom to read a book to students.  I have had the privilige to do that five times in the last two months, and I enjoy every minute of it.  Thank you, TPSLD for all you do.

There is so much to be proud of in our excellent public schools.  We have a great school district, led by our outstanding Superintendent, Ralph Iassogna, and Assistant Superintendent, Gary Cialfi.  We have fantastic teachers and staff.  I believe that our schools are what distinguishes Trumbull from other area communities.  We are a town that has long made our schools a top priority, and I hope we will continue this commitment.  Over 40% of Trumbull households have children in our public schools.  Full-Day Kindergarten this fall is a step forward.   The taxpayers are getting excellent value for their investment in our schools.

Apropos of Nothing

Is it just me, or have they been doing work on the Merritt Parkway at night for the last 30 years?

I have not yet acclimated to Bobby Valentine as the Manager of the Red Sox.  I may never acclimate to Bobby.  The Red Sox have been driving me crazy this year.  I'm not sure who is going gray faster, Bobby Valentine or me.

One of the best events all year in the Town of Trumbull is coming up -- The Memorial Day Parade.  I urge everyone to attend....if you've never been before, you won't regret it.

I have taken a difficult path in Trumbull politics, but I miss my friend, Bill Crooks.  Trumbull really misses him, too.  I knew him for 30 years before I ever had a conversation with him about politics.  I hope that the craps and blackjack tables are always hot in Heaven, and I know Bill is having a good time with his friends Jerry and Lenny. 

And I want to say thank you to my beloved wife, Marcy, for marrying me 12 years ago, and for all her support these last three years.

If you've made it this far, thanks for reading.  I will try again next weekend.  Have a great week!