It's A Good START

For as often as I challenge and even criticize politicians let me offer praise where praise is due.  Kudos to the United States Senate for doing the right thing in passing the New START Treaty with Russia.  This treaty is essential in the efforts to make this planet a safer and more peaceful place.  Its a winning proposition for everyone.

The Treaty is far from perfect.  Nevertheless, it really is a good START (pun intended).  To begin with each side will have to reduce their respective arsenal of ready-to-launch warheads by nearly 30%.  In addition, the number of ballistic missiles will be cut in half.  Perhaps more importantly, for the first time in nearly a year both sides will again be able to verify each other's compliance with the treaty.

While we still have too many bombs - - far more than we will ever need - - it is good to celebrate steps that lead in the right direction.  Thank you to those Senators that understood the importance of this treaty.  In particular, thank you to the thirteen Republicans who put partisan politics aside and used their heads and their vote to do what they were elected to do:  namely, act in the best interests of the American people.  The final vote of 71 - 26 was a strong indication of the significance of this action. 

I would be remiss if I did not say this:  Shame on the 26 Senators - - all Republicans - - who voted NO!  What were they thinking?  How could they be so blinded by their stubborn, childish, and ignorant ideology that they would think it wise to vote FOR arms proliferation in this overly violent world?  In effect, that is what they did by casting a NO vote.  And while I am at it, where does Sarah Palin come off saying that the treay is not in the country's interests?  Then, too, there is Newt Gingrich, who declared the treaty to be an "obsolete approach that is a holdover from the Cold War".  Speaking of obsolete holdovers from the Cold War, has he looked in the mirror lately?

The ratification of this New START Treaty comes at a symbolically great time: three days before Christians around the world celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.  How odd that something so political could help me appreciate this religious holiday with renewed vigor!

The "Lame Duck" Excuse Is Just Lame

On another note, I understand that several Republican Congressmen are complaining that the Democratic Leadership, including President Obama, was wrong in pushing so much legislation through in the final weeks of the year.  Their reasoning goes like this:  Since the mid-term elections in early November this is now a "lame duck Congress".  Thus we should sit back and coast the rest of the way through to the end of the year and let the newly elected Congress deal with the tough issues.

What they mean in reality is something a bit different, however.  The above comments have been made only by certain Republican Senators and Representatives.  And while they lack the courage to say it openly they actually mean to say "Let's wait until we Republicans control the majority in the House and make significant gains in the Senate so we can have a stronger influence in the outcome of the voting."

Well it says here that such thinking "stinks to high heaven", to borrow a term from a now-deceased friend of mine.  Our members of Congress were duly elected to do a job and as long as Congress is in session I, for one, expect them to do it.  I do not pay these guys to sit around and smoke cigars, drink martinis, and do nothing while they are "on the clock".  I would be fired from my job if I did not fulfill my duties or was caught wasting time or watching the clock instead of producing some actual work.  In my opinion every member of Congress who criticized the agenda of these past few weeks deserves to be fired.
Unfortunately, that will have to wait another two years for most of these deadbeats.

I welcome your comments and thoughts.  Please share them by clicking on the "COMMENT" tab.

-gdgehr

Playing The "Slots" With Disabilities

What do you think of when you hear the word "slots"?  Slot machines?  Gambling?  Mental Retardation?

Say what?  Mental retardation?  How did that slip into the conversation?  Welcome to the world of government programs and financing, my friend!

Raising a child with a disability is not easy these days.  It is a stressful, tension-filled experience to say the least.  Unfortunately, such stress is not something that comes and goes periodically, but in many cases is an ongoing, daily fact of life.  I read somewhere a few years ago that the divorce rate among couples with a child who is on the autism spectrum is just barely under 80%.  That statistic is too staggering for me to comprehend, yet I must admit that I have no doubt whatsoever that it is accurate.

One of the major tension points is the issue of finances.  This becomes increasingly significant when the disabled person reaches the age of 21.  Indeed, twenty-one is a critical age, for at that point all the rules change. Up until then the individual receives much of their funding through Medical Assistance or the public school system.  To be sure there are many areas of need not covered by these two sources, but many of the essentials are.  Education, doctor appointments, medication, and various forms of therapy and/or support are just a few.  Once a person turns 21, however, things changes.  Medical Assistance continues.  Now, however, to receive such support programs as vocational rehabilitation, residential placement, and an assortment of therapeutic services one needs to apply for and be accepted into one of several funding streams.  Most of these, at least the big ones that provide for the majority of services, are called waivers. 

To begin the process one must first be diagnosed as in need of Mental Health services or Mental Retardation services.  Believe it or not these are not the same.  Even though in Pennsylvania they operate jointly under the acronym "MH/MR" they are in fact two separate entities.  As one would expect the definitions are pretty clear cut.  The client must be accurately diagnosed to begin seeking financial support.  If the diagnosis is of a mental health nature the individual must apply for funding through the MH Office.  If the diagnosis is instead of a mental retardation nature, then that branch would supply the funding through one of its waiver programs, most likely.

Here in Pennsylvania, however, a diagnosis is not in itself sufficient to guarantee services.  (Note:  I cannot speak for any other State, only the one I live in.)  In addition to qualifying by definition, one  must be granted a "slot".  Here is where I will confess my ignorance.  I am not a social worker.  I do not fully understand what a 'slot" is.  I am told by my civil servants that each county is assigned a particular number of slots.  I am led to believe that one person fills one slot.  Thus if the County is awarded, say, 200 slots from the State, they can in turn serve 200 people.  No more.

The number of slots are set by the State.  But here is where the system falls apart.  All slots are NOT created equal.  The needs of one client cannot possibly be the same as the needs of another client.  It follows, then, that Client "A" will likely require more money (or less money) than Client "B".  Yet Client "A" and Client "B" each receive one slot - - to the exclusion of Client "C" who was either born too late, applied too late, or simply did not know how to maneuver through all the red tape.

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, my County of residence, recently lost 30 slots that were removed from them by the State of Pennsylvania and distributed to other Counties.  Lancaster already had too few slots to meet the needs of its population.  Now there are 30 additional people with special needs who suddenly do not have the funding they once did.

The situation becomes even more critical as we approach 2011.  With the coming of the New Year Pennsylvania will lose a huge amount of money that was received through the Stimulus Package and had been designated for MH/MR funding.  In addition, our incoming Governor, Tom Corbett, is pledging to make a 5 % cut across the board at all levels of government spending including, you guessed it, MH/MR.  There is a growing crisis on our hands that is approaching critical levels.  The number of persons diagnosed with developmental or intellectual disabilities is growing exponentially.  I do not know why, but it is.  The number of persons diagnosed as on the autism spectrum, for example, is currently 1 in 150.  That is a staggering statistic.  And that only represents one segment of the population.  It does not take into account those with mental retardation, Downs Syndrome, cerebral palsy, spinal bifida, or a host of other diagnoses that render one as disabled in one form or another.  Because of their disabilities the overwhelming majority of these people will never be able to hold a fulltime job to support themselves or function independently.  This is no one's fault and especially not theirs.  Yet they are being denied the very funding they so desperately need in order to survive.

What I would like to know is who gets to play the role of God in this dramatic tragedy?  Who decides the number of slots that are assigned to any given local office?  Who says Client "A" will be funded for everything that he needs, but client "B" will not receive one cent? 

One of the true tests of any society is its ability and willingness to assist those who cannot provide for themselves due to some form of disability.  We have an ethical and a moral obligation to step up to the plate and go to bat for these people.  The declaration of Independence states that "all men are created equal".  The United Sates was founded on this premise with the pledge that we would, in turn, treat all persons accordingly.  Yet we are failing to do so in relation to the disabled community.  These persons are just being swept under the rug.  They are expected to go off into oblivion and be hidden from our sight so that we can maintain our precious tax cuts and the wealthy in this nation can become even wealthier.

The politicians and the upper class already know that the disabled community will not speak out, simply because they do not have a voice.  In addition, they are gambling that that the rest of us will not notice their schemes and they in turn will get away with it.  Well, I for one am calling them out!  If the squeaky wheel gets the grease then I will be the sound of a chorus of  

fingernails on chalkboard!  In my conversations with the Director of the Mental Retardation Office in Lancaster County I was told that the only way to correct the problem is to call and/or write my State Legislators to lobby for more slots.  I can do that!  I can also spearhead a campaign to get more people to do the same. 

SO PLEASE NOTE:  If you are reading this article please to what is morally and ethically correct.  Find out who your State Senator and State Representative is, if you do not already know.  This information is easily obtained at http://www.legis.state.pa.us/   Write a letter to both of them explaining that you are deeply concerned for the future of those with developmental or intellectual disabilities.  Ask them to seek more "slots"/funding for such programs as the Consolidated Waiver and the PFDS.  Hold them accountable and be sure to follow up with them after a few weeks, if they do not contact you first.

We owe it to our brothers and sister who are affected by disabilities to be their voice, their presence in the political arena.  I have never been in favor of gambling, but I especially refuse to play the "slots" with my friends who are affected with a disability.  They are far too precious for that.

I gladly welcome your comments and thoughts on this or any other issue

found on this blog.  I would truly like to see this site become a forum for

exchanging ideas and resources.  Feel free to post you ideas by hitting the

"comment" tab above.  You may be prompted to create a free google

account.  It is painless and simple and will cost you nothing. 

Blessings!

--gdgehr,

December 18, 2010

So This Is "Infamy"?

December 7, 1941.  President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed it to be "a day that will live in infamy."

As I write this it is December 7, 2010.  Today marks the 69^th Anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.  One could argue that this was the day the world changed forever.  One could easily build a case that this was the single most significant day of the 20^th Century.  Consider some of the results of that tragic day.

·        The Japanese virtually eliminated the United States Naval fleet within a few hours.

·        In turn, the United States accepted the Japanese invitation to join the Grand Ball known as World War Two.

·        The entire nation is put on "Red Alert".  Factories begin operating at full capacity, churning out the goods required of a massive war effort.

·        As men go off to war the women are forced to become the new work force in this nation.

·        Through the ever-increasingly popular medium of the movie reels, Government propaganda spins tales that are intended to cast the war effort in a positive light while igniting a growing suspicion toward the Japanese and the Germans.

·        In the name of Patriotism and security human rights are trampled upon here in the United States as the Federal Government rounded up over 100,000 persons, most of whom were U.S. citizens, and forced them to live in "Internment Camps".  These detainees were never charged with or tried for any crimes other than the fact that they were of Japanese descent.  For this reason only they were forced to live in sub-standard conditions in poorly constructed shacks surrounded by barbed wire and armed guards for the duration of the war.  Oddly enough, no such imprisonment was ever organized against persons of German or Italian descent even though we were equally engaged in war with those nations, too.

·        Many historians believe that the concentrated war effort ultimately brought us out from under the Great Depression and restored the American economy.

·        Perhaps the most lasting mark of the Second World War was the global entrance into the atomic/nuclear age.  To this day the United States remains the only nation in history to deploy atomic/nuclear weapons. 

Infamy?  Well, I suppose in many ways it is.

INFAMY REVISTED?

Isn't it interesting to compare the conditions of that era with our contemporary world?  Consider a few striking similarities.

1.      The surprise attack on December 7, 1941 is mirrored in September 11, 2001.  Both events took place on American soil (though Hawaii was not a State, it was a U.S. Territory in 1941) and led us into war.

2.      The nation was put on "Red Alert".

3.      Our Government spins the events in such a way as to stir patriotic emotions and build support for the war effort.

4.      In the name of Patriotism and security a new enemy is identified: people of Arabian  descent or the Muslim tradition are looked upon suspiciously and in many cases find their rights are denied.  Perhaps the 21^st Century equivalent of the Internment Camps is embodied in Guantanamo Bay.  While "Gitmo" only received 775 detainees the conditions appear to have been worse there than in the Japanese Internment Camps some 60 years earlier.  As of last month (November 2010) 174 detainees are still being held at Guantanamo.

5.      Support for the invasion of Iraq was inspired by reports of the infamous "Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)" that were being built and hidden inside Iraq, or so we were told repeatedly by the Bush Administration.  We now know this charge was completely false and we, the American public, were duped!  Ironically WWII ended, for all intents and purposes, with the actual deployment of two devastating and horribly destructive "weapons of mass destruction" by the United States at the expense of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 

6.      Ironically, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are driving us further and further into an economic crisis the likes of which the world has not seen since the days of the Great Depression.

"Infamy": 1)  evil reputation brought about by something grossly criminal, shocking, or brutal;  2)an extreme and publicly known criminal or evil act" (source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary).

Yes, FDR was likely justified for bestowing this title upon December 7, 1941.     But as we decry the actions of the Japanese on that date we also incriminate our own Government and nation for the actions we have undertaken since September 11, 2001.  As we look in the mirror of the former we see the reflection of the latter.  And it is equally horrific.

The Bureau of Autism's Missing Link

Pennsylvania prides itself for being on the cutting edge of meeting the needs of persons on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  In 2007 Pennsylvania became, to my knowledge, the first State to create a branch of government dedicated solely to addressing the needs of people with ASD.  This was accomplished through the establishment of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Autism Services.  It offered a welcomed beacon of hope for families living with Autism.  In the nearly four years that have followed, however, the Bureau of Autsim Services (BAS) has fallen sadly short of expectations thus creating an added source of frustration for many families.

The issue is extremely complicated.  First of all, Autism itself is difficult to define.  It is a developmental disorder that manifests itself in a huge variety of ways.  For this reason it is referred to as a "spectrum".  That being said, a diagnosis is not only possible but also well defined.  Identifying a person with Autism is certainly not the problem.  One in a hundred and fifty persons are now identified as such.  The problem is in receiving the funding necessary to obtain the required services for this population.  This is where the Bureau of Autism Services was supposed to help.  Unfortunately, things never are easy for individuals with Autism and this is certainly no exception.  It becomes even more difficult as persons transition to adulthood.  Things change dramatically the day a person turns 21.

The sadly ironic thing is that money itself is not really the problem.  For Fiscal Year 2010-2011 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has budgeted $18.6 million dollars for the BAS.  In doing so they also became elligble to receive an additional $24 million in Federal Funds.  That is a total of $42.6 million.  The BAS has established two primary funding streams through which adult individuals may receive the services they require.  These two streams are the Adult Autism Waiver and the Adult Community Autism Program or ACAP for short.  Both are very good in theory.  However, things become questionable when one attempts to actually acess funds for the services that are needed.  Here is where the complications set in.

As I understand it, many providers do not accept funding from the Adult Autism Waiver nor from ACAP.  I am having a difficult time understanding why.  One agency tells me they can never get clear answers from the Bureau of Autism Services regarding how they would receive funds in return for services rendered.  Furthermore the expectations placed on the agency are likewise unclear.  I certainly cannot blame any agency for choosing not to enter a program where great financial risk is at stake and a thick cloud of uncertainty hangs over it.  Furthermore, families have a better chance of stopping a hurricane than finding out what services are covered and by whom services are provided.  Access to information is extremely limited and fuzzy at best.  Both waivers offer similar services, supposedly, in selected areas of need.  At the same time they both differ considerably in other areas.  The real catch is the one receiving the services can only enroll in one waiver program.  Therefore you must determine which one can best meet your needs.  Additionally, while it is advertised that the BAS will provide a full range of services, some of the most needed services are only available in one geographic area within the Commonwealth.  Thus while Residential Habitation is said to be available through the Adult Autism Waiver, one may need to move hundreds of miles away to find such support.

I am still learning the ugly details of how all this works - - or more acurately, how it does NOT work.  My wife and I recently sat through a tense two hour meeting that was supposed to result in a plan for funding the needs of our son when he turns 21 in 2011.  His needs are many and well documented.  Due to his dual diagnosis he clearly qulifies for full support under both the Bureau of Autism and the Pennsylvania Mental Health Mental Retardation program (MH/MR).  The latter has two Wavers of its own that provide funding:  The Consolidated Waiver and the Person/Family Direct Support Waiver (PFDS).  With representatives from all the power brokers present we failed, for the second time in the past 30 days, to find a way to secure a continuim of support for this young man.  Currently, his entire support system will be terminated in early June of 2011.  Why?  Because no single program can meet all his needs and no one is permitted in more than one program.  Furthermore, the bureaucrats keep changing their story, telling us one thing now and something quite different the next time we meet.  Then too, there is the age-old game of passing the buck.  MH/MR tells us we are better off seeking support through the Bureau of Autism.  The Bureau of Autism, on the other hand, tells us no, they can not meet all of his needs, but MH/MR can.  Go there for the necessary funds and programs.  

In all of this there is a very innocent young man who never asked to be classified as "Special Needs" and who can not possibly begin to maneuver through these muddied waters on his own.  And he, like so many other Pennsylvania citizens with developmental disabilities, is in danger of being left behind in the shuffle.

There has to be a better way.

When the dust settles I am sure that we will successfully secure a future for our son.  We will not rest until we do.  But there is no reason whatsoever as to why it must be so complicated.  I have only scratched the surface through this post.  I do not want to bore anyone with too many details.  I haven't even considered the likelihood of reduced services through budget cuts and downsizing as threatened by our incoming Governor.

Through it all I find solace in this:  Jesus dedicated his life to helping the helpless and providing hope when human avenues are exhausted.  And he has a special place in his heart for men, women, and children with special needs.  Somehow, someway, I know he will provide.

The Iced Tea Party

Since the recent mid-term elections of 2010 the Tea Party movement has been gaining a lot of publicity.  There is no denying the influence this political phenomenon has made in Washington and in State Legislatures across the land.  Many Christians have eagerly jumped on the Tea Party bandwagon.  But have they looked before they lept?

The Tea Party is a conservative element within the Republican Party.  According to the web site http://www.teaparty.org/ they see themselves as "a grassroots movement that calls awareness to any issue that challenges the security, sovereignty or domestic tranquility of our beloved nation, the United States of America.  From our founding the Tea Party is the voice of the true owners of the United States, WE THE PEOPLE..."

Well, I want to go on record as saying that the Tea Party does NOT represent MY voice!

For the next two years we will be forced to listen to the proposals and the ideology of this right wing element within the right wing sector of the Republican Party.  Those views include some questionable points.  Fifteen issues or positions are identified on their web site.  These include the following.

• Illegal aliens are here illegally
• Pro-domestic employment is indespensable
• Stronger military is essential
• Special interests eliminated
• Gun ownership is sacred
• Government must be downsized
• National budget must be balanced
• Deficit spending will end
• Bail-out and Stimulus plans are illegal
• Reduce personal income taxes a must
• Reduce business income taxes is mandatory
• Political offices available to average citizens
• Intrusive government stopped
• English as core language is required
• Traditional family values are encouraged

That's a pretty bold list.  Of course, one can be bold when one is in the minority and wants attention.  To that extent the plan has worked.  The Tea Party has indeed grabbed the attention of the American public.  And that includes me.  For this reason I would like to offer my take on some of these foundational points that shape the thinking of Tea Party enthusiasts.

First, let me say that they make some valid points.  However, I take issue with most of the items on this list.  Here are just a few observations and rebuttals.

• Pro domestic employment is indispensable - Well, yes, I guess that's a no brainer!  If no one worked in this country we would have a real challenge on our hands.Now, of course, what they are really saying is let's ban NAFTA and all the other Trade Agreements that have resulted in American jobs going overseas.  But that's not what their rallying cry claims.  On the other hand, if it weren't for the greed of the American workers, who have insisted on ever-higher wages, most of thoes jobs would still be here.  Another factor is our fatal attraction to buying cheap.  I often marvel at how the multitudes are attracted to the big box stores and discount centers to buy the products that are offered at such low prices.  Why are the prices so low?  Because the products were made in foreign countries, frequently at the expense of child labor that we would never tolerate in the United States.  If the Tea Party wants to promote domestic employment why not organize a boycott of all products that are produced in foreign countries (except for those that are traded fairly through such vendors as SERRV and Ten Thousand Villages, to name only two)?
• Stronger military is essential.  Oh dear, don't get me started!  Let me begin by saying this is not going to lead to a balanced budget, which is another item on the list.  The Defense Budget is already at sinful levels and the major reason why we have an unbalanced budget.  So here we are, in the final days of the occupation of Iraq, with a game plan for withdrwaing from Afghanistan, and the Tea Party want to invest more than ever into our military.  This, while they balance the budget.  The only way these two goals can be reconciled is to eliminate  virtually all social programs and lay off thousands upon thousands of government employees (as in another point: Government must be downsized).  The problem with this is the obvious skyrocketing effect on unemployment that such a layoff would bring.  Since we are going to balance the budget, however, we can't go on to offer very much in terms of unemployment compensation for these displaced workers.  As if this were not enough I must ask:  How strong does our military need to be?  We are already capable of destroying this planet several times over.  Do we seek the potential to destroy the entire solar system with the push of a button?  A stronger military does not make sense if we look at the whole picture.
• Reduce personal and business income taxes with no room for compromise.  Here is another example of a contradictory statement when placed along side the one that says National budget must be balanced.  Again I emphasize that the only way both of these conditions are feasable is if the poor, the disabled, and the disenfranchised are to suffer immensely.  Remember, a balanced budget by definition means INCOME must equal EXPENSES.  Reduce the income drastically by lowering income taxes on citizens and businesses alike, and even more outlandish reductions must be made to expenses.  Translation:  The poor will become poorer and the voiceless shall be victimized!  Don't get me wrong, I am not opposed to a balanced budget.  As a former banker and as an quasi-intellegent man I see our unbalanced spending and National Debt as harbingers of horror in the not-too-distant future.  In fact I expect I will post another article on that topic soon.  Still, the means by which we balance the budget must be thoughtfully and wisely executed.  Otherwise we will certainly create our own demise.
• Intrusive government stopped.  This one is almost comical.  First, who created the intrusive government?  Was it not the Bush Administration and the conservative Republican Party, which includes the Tea Partiers, who gave the FBI the authority to tap our phone lines and learn more about us that we know ourselves?  Now they are saying STOP!  I am always amused at how we rewrite history to fit our needs and our agendas.  Of course, the second objection to this point is the fact that we want to feel safe in this age of terror.  So while WE do not want to have our privacy compromised we certainly want to bad guys to be under close survelience at all times.  Hum, if only we knew who the bad guys were!!!
• Gun ownership is sacred.  As an ordained minister I must object to the use of the term "sacred".  The connotation here is that owning a gun is a holy thing.  Somehow that just makes my hair curl - - I don't even have too many hairs to curl and the ones I do have are naturally curly!  "Sacred".  Are you kidding me?  If that is the case then all the tea-toting folks better start packing their sacred guns and taking them along to Church on Sunday morning!  You can rest assured, however, I won't be there!  Worshipping the Prince of Peace with a hand gun strapped to my body or neatly hidden in a purse has got to be the ultimate contradiction.  Even setting aside the concept of worship, this point offers nothing to the discussion of national security, budget struggles, economic hardship, or a sane society.  Why don't we just turn back the clocks to the 1800's and all ride a horse to get to work while we are at it.  At least that would have a positive impact on the environment, but then, environmental issues are noticably missing from this list.

At this point I have touched on nine of the fifteen planks on this shaky platform.  I have much more to say but will refrain for now.  I would like to comment for a moment on what is MISSING from this platform, however.  As pointed out above environmental issues are ignored.  Here are some others.

• Energy concerns.  How are we to power this nation in the near future?
• Care for the poor
• Care and support for the disabled, including the physically disabled, behaviorally challenged,  mentally disabled and more.
• The problem of drug and alcohol abuse
• Education including, but not limited to, Special Education
• Disaster relief work
• Research for the fight against cancer, AIDS, developmental disabilities and more.
• Health Care reform

I am thinking quickly here.  I am sure there are other issues that need to be addressed by a truly successful society.  Even the ones listed above need to be fleshed out.  But then, the Tea Party web site did not really flesh out their agenda, either.

Upon further reflection I might call my list the Iced Tea Party because I would like to address the "cold" reality that we have an obligation to care for and provide for the needs of others who can not provide for themselves.  Or perhaps I just want to put the Tea Party on ice!  Either way I stand in stark opposition to most of their views.

Oddly, the Tea Party agenda is extremely self serving and arrogant.  Rather than seeking a better nation and a better world this group seems only interested in providing for a select few, namely themselves.  Their agenda runs counter to the Call of Christ.  Jesus modeled for us a life of sacrifice and compassion.  He looked beyond the hoopla of politics and offered healing and hope to all who were in need.  I am convinced His Way deserves a closer examination if we are to straighten out the mess we are currently in, economically and especially socially.

Anyone care for an ice-cold, refreshing drink to ease the heat of misdirection?

AN ALTERNATIVE VIEW ON VETERAN'S DAY

Today is November 11, 2010.  Across the United States Veteran's Day has been observed in many honorable ways.  I am a Christian pacifist.  I oppose war and the horrors that accompany it.  I affirm the position of my Church that "all war is sin".

This does not mean, however, that I do not honor the veterans who have served their country faithfully and valiantly.  My own father served four years in the 82nd Airbourne of the United States Army during World War II.  In those four years he served in North Africa, Sicily/Italy, The Battle of Normandy, and the Battle of the Bulge.  He was hospitalized twice upon being wounded in action.  He is a Purple Heart recipient.

I can easily become quite emotional when I think of my father, a man I greatly admire and deeply love, enduring the most tragic and dangerous years of modern history.  How he ever survived is a mystery to me.  I am very proud of him and I honor him for his sacrifice.

Interestingly, it was my father who had the strongest influence upon my life with regards to my pacifist views.  You see, he was drafted at the age of 21 (I think) with no knowledge of Conscientious Objection, pacifism, or any such concept.  He was raised in the Lutheran Church and in his world, when you were drafted, you served.  Period.  So that is what he did.  Several years after the war he met my mother who was brought up in the Church of the Brethren.  After they married he eventually came to join mom's church.  He always knew that war was wrong and considered it to be a terrible, evil thing.  But he had no theological or even social framework within which to understand that.  Until he met the Brethren.

For as long as I can remember my father consistently taught me that war was wrong.  Not many fathers wish for their sons to march off to war, but dad was adamant about it.  He did not like his experience in the Big One, and he made no excuses for it.  As I grew older and began to develop my own faith convictions the teachings of my Church, the example of my pastor, and the words of my father all came together in a way that I could really relate to.  I did not fully embrace the position of pacifism until I reconsecrated my life to Christ at the age of 23.  It was a deliberate, individual decision that became a defining moment in my life.

I do honor our veterans, like my father, for they made a tremendous contribution to this country at great risk to themselves.  But there is a misconception that the only veterans to be honored are the ones who wore the uniform and carried the weapons of war.  I humbly submit to you the belief that we must not forget those who served in Alternative Service, too.  These men and women likewise rendered a tremendous service to their country, in many cases at great risk to themselves.  They, too, deserve our respect.

Alternative Service is an alien term for most people under the age of 50, I suppose.  Since the return to the all-volunteer army the need for an alternative to military service is just not as prominent as it once was.  Prior to that, however, those who objected to military service due to deeply held religious convictions found an appropriate response in Alternative Service.  This was exactly what the name implies:  Alternative - it was an option that could be chosen in place of the more conventional response of serving in the military.  Service - one was bound by the same terms and arrangements as was the soldier.  It was a two-year commitment and the Alternative Service-worker was expected to remain loyal and obedient to his/her superiors in exchange for the pledge that their service would in no way contribute to the destruction of life and property.  Instead, the Conscientious Objector or Alternative serviceworker served in constructive and/or humanitarian projects.  Those who chose this option were permitted by the federal government to avoid conventional military service doing this instead.

I have been blessed to know and befriend several persons who served in Alternative Service.  There were several options available to the Conscientious Objector.  Many served in Civilian Public Service, a national system of workcamps administered and paid for by the three historic peace churches: the Quakers, the Mennonites, and the Brethren.  Such persons risked their lives as fire jumpers or medical guinea pigs who underwent a host of experiments.  Other worked in mental hospitals and institutions, helping to transform them form shameful, unhealthy care facilities into meaningful, humane places of true healing and compassionate care.  It is no exageration to say that our modern mental health & behavioral care facilites owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to these pioneers who blazed a costly, risky path to improved mental health.

There is so much more to say.  I really do not like these posts to get too long and boring.  If you want to study more about the history and reality of Alternative Service you may want to check out this production from the Public Broadcast Network, or PBS.  It is entitled "The Good War: And Those Who Refused To Fight It."  To read about it go to http://www.pbs.org/itvs/thegoodwar/alternative.html. 

Yes, I can honor the veteran soldier today.  But I can only do so when I also honor the men and women who chose to offer themselves to the betterment of their nation by providing us with "An Alternative View on Veteran's Day.  I welcome your comments and your thoughts.

-gdgehr
11.11.10

POLITICS: THE NEW VOICE OF AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY?

About a year ago a friend of mine told me a disturbing story.  He shared a painful occurance from his life that almost caused him to leave the Church.  Unfortunately his story is far too common.  Admittedly, the presenting issues vary but the end result is similar.

My friend is actively involved in local politics.  Not that he has ever run for public office, but he believes in the process of a representative democracy and feels it is his duty to know the issues and the candidates.  He actually enjoys being involved in campaigns when the candidate is one he really believes in.

It happens that a nearby town was holding its annual parade to welcome the arrival of its Fall Farm Show and Street Fair.  In this neck of the woods we make a really big thing out of Farm Shows and Fairs.  Many other parts of the country where I have lived hold an annual County Fair, complete with judging of farm animals, 4-H projects, home grown fruits and vegetables, crafts and baked goods, and carnival rides.  Here in Lancaster County such an event would be too massive to hold anywhere.  Consequently many of the small towns hold their own such Fair.  From mid-August to late October there is a major Fair being held just about every week in a zig-zag pattern across the County.  Most of them also hold a huge parade upon the arrival of the Fair to their town.  The Parade usually lasts from an hour and a half to two hours.  We are talking some major exhibition here, my friends!  Move over Macy!

Anyway, back to my story.  My political pal decided one year to ride on the float of his political party.  It seemed like the perfect plan.  However, he was unprepaired for the reaction of the crowd.  Don't ever think that politics is not a hot issue, even here in Pennsylvania Dutch Country.  This man tells of a host of vulgarities and obscenities that were shouted at him and his float-mates all along the nearly two hour route.  In a few cases objects were hurled at them.  For him, the breaking point was when he recognized an entire extended family from his Church who were the most offensive hecklers of the night.  Sadly, this included the main lay leader of the congregation.

My friend told me - years later - how he was so devastated that he quit going to Church for some time.  Only after several years had allowed for some healing of the heart could he return.  As a Pastor I struggled with how to reconcile the ideals of the Church as a Faith community with the reality of individuals entrapped by sin and influenced more by culture than by scripture.  How I wish I could say this was an isolated case.  Sadly, it is much too common.

I remember being accused once by a fellow Christian as voting for a candidate whom this person felt was the Anti-Christ.  I am not sure which was more tragic - the fact that someone actually believed one of the candidates was the Anti-Christ, or the leap of logic that led them to believe I voted for that candidate.  The truth is, I did not.  But even if I had I felt violated, to a small degree, because I always thought that the genius of the American political structure was the concept of a secret ballot.  No one needs to know how I vote unless I choose to reveal that information.

Has politics become the new voice of American Christianity?  I certainly pray not!

At the heart of this discussion is the role of politics in American Christianity.  I know I am turning this around, a bit.  Many have already written on the role of American Christianity on politics.  Both are valid and fascinating studies, but my interest is in the affect this has had on the Church.  I have been a Pastor in the Church of the Brethren for the past 27 years.  For those who are unfamiliar with it the Church of the Brethren is a very small denomination (about 124,000 members in the United States) that predates the American Revolution by some 70 years.  We are primarily Pietists who have embraced Anabaptist theology.  We are what some theologians call the "Radical Reformers", a title I personally embrace.  We are non-creedal because we have seen the folly of those who adopted a creed only to change it later.  We also believe that a creed is far to narrow and fails to express the fullness of what we believe and how we relate to the Almighty, All Powerful, Mysterious yet Personal Diety we generally call God.  Believing that the Holy Spirit of this God is constantly providing us with greater wisdom and understanding we are not yet ready to finalize our Creed.  Nevertheless, we have boldly declared certain doctrines and positions that we have consistently upheld.  Here is just a few of the more significant ones for this topic of discussion.

1.  All War Is Sin.
Yes, we are one of the three historic Peace Churches, right alongside the Mennonites and the Quakers.  In short, we are Pacifists.

2.  Servant-Theology .
Jesus modeled the role of a servant to the world.  "The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve. (Matthew 20:28 NRSV).  As his followers we are called to do the same.  This has led us into incredible ministries involving disaster relief, hunger relief, health care, volunteerism and more.

3.  For the Christian Believer the Human Body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit.
(1 Corinthians 6:19)
As a result we seek to avoid smoking, alcohol, illegal drugs, sexual immorality and yes, abortion.

4.  We Oppose Gambling.

5.  We Practice the Love Feast as observed in the New Testament.  This is based on the Last Supper and includes worship, a meal, the washing of feet and the bread and cup of communion.  For Brethren the fulll Love Feast is an Ordinance of the Chuirch, not just the bread and cup.

6.  We Encourage a Holistic Approach to Life, seeking to build up, encourage, improve, and make whole.  This even includes a strong understanding that the Church is more than a local congregation that meets once a week to observe ancient rituals.  Rather, the Church is a living, breathing, nurturing collection of people from all backgrounds united by their faith in Jesus Christ as God's Son and our Savior, and empowered by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.

Oh man, this only begins to rub the surface.  There is SO MUCH MORE that should be said.  But I am not attempting to convert anyone to the Church of the Brethren here.  My purpose at this time is to demonstrate how, even within my small corner of Protestantism, the members of my denomination are just as likely, if not more likely, to be influenced by sources outside our Church than by the teachings of the Church itself.

Talking heads on AM Radio and cable stations have made their mark upon 21st Century Christians in the United States.  Slick-souding preachers, teachers, psychologists and pundits both on FM Radio and on Televison have become the newly crowned prophets of our day.  Some of these are not even Christians but they say what we want to hear.  So we accept their word as truth.

The result of all this leaven in the Church-dough is staggering.  Well-respected congregational leaders can hurl insults from the sidelines of a parade at fellow Church members.  Campaigns are launched via emails and word-of-mouth to boycott a local store simply because they do not sell the American flag.  (That one is kind of involved to explain here, but its true -- and shameful !)  Pro-choice people are called "baby killers" by the pro-life camp.  Can someone tell me how a person can be "pro life" when it comes to abortion yet also be a hawk when it comes to war?  Why does the "sacredness of human life" argument end at birth?  A little consistency here, please!!

Currently in my denomination the hottest and most divisive issue is the question of homosexuality in the Church.  This one is getting ugly and has all the makings of a denominational killer.  Yes, we Brethren have taken a stand on this matter as well.  In 1983 we adopted a formal position paper entitled 'Human Sexuality From a Christian Perspective".  It was a landmark document filled with honesty, integrity, biblical scholarship and beautiful dialog.  Oddly enough the paper was more about heterosexual relationships and integrity than homosexual ones.  What it did say about homosexuality was powerful, however.  In a most careful and Spirit-filled way it says that for the Christian homosexual covenantal relationships are unacceptable.  Yet it also declared with equal boldness that we will remain in dialog with the homosexual community, seeking common ground where possible, listening to and engaging with them.  (This is my paraphrase of what the document literally says.)

This does not satisfy many, however.  There is a growing movement that wants a more firm and exclusive position stated.  Many are threatening to leave the denomination if they do not get what they want.  This has raised a number of key questions for me.
a)  Why has this one issue of homosexuality become the litmus test for whether or not we are truly a follower of Jesus? 
We declare all war to be sin, yet we fully accept the warrior as a member of our Church.  We declare gambling is sin, yet I can't begin to count the number of members who engage in casino gambling and state lotteries.  We elevate the Love Feast to Ordinance status yet it is fair to say most of our members do not attend or participate in the simple meal or washing of feet, as Jesus commanded us to do.  (John 13).
What is perhaps most striking to me is that we Brethren have always claimed the words of Jesus were the most significant for us.  Yet to my knowledge Jesus never directly addressed the question of gays and lesbians at any point in the New Testament.  All the other items I mentioned above are addressed by our Lord, but not homosexuality.

So why the shift in emphasis?  That's a hard one.  I can't fully describe it.  I only suspect it is closely related to the popularity of too many self-appointed gurus who hold greater influence over Christians than the Christian scriptures.  The Jeff Becks, the James Dobsons, the late James Kennedy, the Rush Limbaughs, the Liberty Universities,  and so muuch more, these are the new  spokepersons. 

The result is division.  It is hard for me to grasp that we are willing to throw away 300 years of witnessing to the values and the teachings of that which we call the Church of the Brethren.  Yet that is what many are suggesting.  Not I, however.    I cast my lot on the side of reconciliation; unity; tolerance and the New Testament.  If I am going ot listen to anyone it will be Jesus, who prayed that his followers may be one, "brought to complete unity to let the world know" that Jesus is God's Son and that God loves us the same way he loves Jesus (John 17:20-26  NIV).

This discussion is far from over.  I suspect I will be addressing it again as it continues to unfold.  Feel free to post your comments and responses, as I am convinced that dialog is healthy and will lead to clarity and growth.  All I ask is that the conversation remain wholesome and respectful.  May the Peace of Christ be with you.

-gdgehr
This post is the second in a series addressing the problem of prejudice.  It was preceeded by "Seeking Sanity In the Face of Ignorance".

ELECTION REFLECTIONS 2010

The airwaves are remarkably quiet and peaceful these days.  It feels like I've passed through some kind of time warp and landed in an alien society.  In reality, however, I realize it is all due to the fact that the 2010 Mid-Term Election is over!

All those repulsive campaign ads are finally laid to rest.  No longer will I be bombarded with half-truths and unsubstantiated claims about what a horrible leader the "opponent" has been or will prove to be.  No longer will I hear the empty, self-serving lies about taxes, deficit spending, Social Security benefits, the Health Care Reform Act, and so much more.  Best of all I do not need to look at those ugly, distorted black-and-white pictures of some wanna-be's opponent.  You know the ones, where the person looks like they just swallowed a fly!

I will admit that I am getting older and, perhaps, a bit less tolerant of showmanship and hyperbole.  But after taking a couple deep breathes to calm myself I would like to offer my personal "ELECTION REFLECTIONS", based on a few disturbing observations from this recent debacle.

1.  FOLLOW THE MONEY.

NPR estimates at least $4 billion  was spent on the Election of 2010.  That is about $1 billion more than the last mid-term election of 2006 and only $1 billion less than the 2008 Presidential year election, which set a new record.

Four billion dollars.  Not very much compared to the Federal deficit ($1.42 trillion in fiscal year 2009).  But staggering, nonetheless, considering what it bought.  Did you notice how nearly every candidate spoke boldly about the way we need to reel in reckless spending and be more accountable with the use of money?  Yet they did not hesitate to spend like maniacs to promote their own campaign.  And as for accountability, where did all these obscure groups come from that paid for so many of the most offensive ads?  More importantly, where did their money come from?  We will never know, because they do not need to make full disclosure thanks to some handy loopholes in the campaign laws.

How could we be in such dire straights financially as a nation and still foot this bill without blinking an eyelash?  Four billion dollars worth of distortions and defamation could certainly have been put to better use, don't you think?  That's pretty expensive mud those folks are slinging!

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  (Philippians 4:8)"

2.  THOSE FICKLE FOLKS WHO VOTE.

For the third straight time we have seen one party take full power over the Executive and Legislative branches of the Federal government in a Presidential Election year only to lose control of Congress two years later.  The American electorate seems to have no idea what they want - - except CHANGE!  It would appear as if a vast majority of voters are simply swept along by the candidate and/or party that spends the most on negative ads, thus creating a spirit of unrest and dissension.

Perhaps the real issue here is the unrest and lack of patience that characterizes so many Americans.  We want what we want NOW!  When we elect someone to an office they better deliver the goods quickly because we will not wait for back orders.  Such expectations are unrealistic, but they drive our politics just the same.

"Be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  (Ephesians 4: 2-3)"

3.  EVIDENCE OF FRAUD AND INTIMIDATION.

Again, according to NPR, there were widespread reports of telephone campaigns targeting selected audiences for the purpose of eliminating their vote.  One such effort told elderly citizens that they could vote over the Internet or by phone to avoid long lines at the polls.  This, of course, was a lie.

Another tactic aimed at blacks in the cities claimed that if a person would vote straight Democratic ticket, the vote would not be counted.  Another lie.  Another lost vote.

Finally their were numerous self-appointed "watchdog" groups who claimed to hold vigil at the polling stations to guard against voter fraud.  In reality, many would-be voters reported that they were so intimidated by the presence of these people that they chose not to vote at all.  Such tactics must be renounced and removed from American politics.  Have we learned nothing in the past 150-plus years?

"So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance;  truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter.  Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice.  He saw that there was no one; he

    was appalled that there was no one to intervene;  (Isaiah 59:14-16)"

4.  YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND.

One nice thing about the past two months or so was the opportunity to be reacquainted with some of my old friends (whom I never met before!).  I received personal phone calls from the likes of Tom Ridge, Rudy Giuliani, Tom Corbett, Newt Gingrich, Sarah Palin and more.  All these acted like my best friend.  These friends, Republicans all, told me why I had to vote Republican.  Funny, I never heard from them before and I seriously doubt I will hear from them again, though possibly they will look me up again in 2012.

In Conclusion:

I don't know what the solution is.  For all its faults - and there are many serious ones - it is still a rather good system.  However, there remains plenty of room for improvement and we can not be comfortable until we achieve it.

As you may have figured out by my use of scripture above I believe the best answer is to be well grounded in the Bible and if you vote, do so from a FAITH perspective and not a Party perspective.  In my humble opinion, to vote from a Faith perspective is not at all easy, for to do so we must put our personal agenda aside in favor of God's Agenda.  That will require a new look at the issues.  God is not always going to come down on the side of our wallets.    It also challenges us to realize that it isn't always about US.  In fact, it seldom is.  "To whom much is given, much will be expected."  We have indeed been blessed but not for our personal enjoyment.  We are blessed to be a blessing to others.  That seldom comes across in politics.  But then, politics is a concern of this world;  of the powers and principalities of this present darkness, as Paul would say.  We as Christians, on the other hand, maintain citizenship elsewhere - in heaven.  We are the people of God first and Americans somewhere down the line of priorities.  Thus we must heed the voice of Truth as revealed to us by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

Are we willing to follow His Call wherever it may lead?

SEEKING SANITY IN THE FACE OF IGNORANCE

"Sanitarium" (noun): "1.  an establishment that provides therapy combined with a regimen (as in diet or exercise) for treatment or rehabilitation.  2.  a) an institution for rest and recuperation (as of convalescents); b) an establishment for the treatment of the chronically ill."  [source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary web site].

This sounds harmless enough, doesn't it?  Though the name "sanitarium" sounds a bit archaic and institutional at best, the definition makes it seem  more warm and purposeful.  The problem is too many people don't bother looking for the definition.  Allow me to explain.

Earlier this month, on October 7, 2010 to be exact, I casually browsed through a small, local, newspaper called The Tri County Record.  It circulates in the general area of Northeast Lancaster, Southeast Berks, and Northwest Chester Counties, Pennsylvania.  I happened to find a copy of it in our break room at work.  I was drawn to the headline that read "No Sanitarium In West Nantmeal".  In a nutshell the story unfolds this way.  A well-intentioned couple, The Gillens, purchased a 10-acre wooded lot near Morgantown, PA, with the intent of building in their words "a hospice or a transitional facility for people to recover from major surgery or cancer in a nice tranquil area".  Unfortunately for the Gillens the official wording to be used on the proposal was not a hospice or transitional facility, but the word "sanitarium" as required by the State.  Therein lies the problem.

The land was zoned R2 (Rural residential) and at the time they filed their plans on August 9 a "sanitarium" could be built within certain criteria.  Several neighbors in the immediate vicinity had other plans, however.  They read the proposal and saw the word "sanitarium".  Immediately it was concluded that it would be either a mental hospital or a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center.  Without delay one neighbor who shared a property line with the Gillens began a campaign to block the plans.  Going door-to-door and posting flyers Peter Rio garnered a petition with 157 signatures and rallied approximately 90 citizens to attend the West Nantmeal Zoning Hearing Board for a special continuance hearing for the proposed project.

The opposition intimidated the Gillens enough that they reluctantly withdrew their petition just prior to the start of the meeting.

How sad.

The Gillens are adamant that they never intended to use the facility as a mental hospital or drug and alcohol rehab center.  Yet no one gave them a chance to voice that publicly.  They did go before the township authorities twice before to explain their proposal and thought they were understood.  But the masses need not worry themselves with details.  They only need a cause; a thought or a perceived threat.  And they found one in the Gillens.

My interest in this story is rooted in the terrible prejudice that exists in the hearts of people who fear those who are not like them.  Here was a group of citizens who never bothered to talk with the land owners regarding their plans.  They heard or saw a word that they did not fully know or understand and rather than seek the details they made a conclusion and created a threat that did not exist.

That is in itself a sad commentary on our culture.  What is even more tragic is the thought that the mentally ill or the recovering addict is unwelcome and unwanted near us.  Perhaps they would prefer to keep the dependant soul addicted to their drug of choice without any hope of recovery.  Perhaps the mentally ill should just be euthanized here in the good old US of A the way they are in certain dictatorial regimes.  Then we don't have to be threatened by them.  We don't have to support them.  We don't have to be reminded that WE could be just like them if certain events in our life were to occur as it has in their lives!

Prejudice is a horrible affliction.  Generally we think of it in terms of racial relations.  Indeed, such is a serious blemish upon us.  But it also inflicts the young with a dislike for the elderly, and the unchallenged with a fear of the challenged.  Prejudice can infiltrate anyone with a hatred or distrust of people who are different from them in any way.  It could be in terms of appearance, language, mental or physical capacity, economic status, age, gender, sexual orientation and more.

It breaks my heart to realize that large groups of people can so easily be drawn to a campaign to keep the unwanted out of our lives without ever confirming the facts.  I pray that Mr. Rio nor his like-minded friends should ever see the day come when someone they love should be diagnosed with cancer or be injured in a car accident that would render them crippled or terminally ill.  For if that should happen I imagine they may regret not having a quality facility just down the road where their loved one could be cared for 24/7 and they would have the privalege of visiting virtually as easily as if they were in their own home.  As a result of their own actions that will not be a possibility.  But remember:  if a loved one does end up in such a facility they will be somebody's neighbor; somewhere.  Be thankful for that.

gdg 10/31/2010
Look for an upcoming post to deal with specific prejudices within the Church.

Lancaster County Family Adopts Children With Special Needs - Video - WGAL The Susquehanna Valley

Lancaster County Family Adopts Children With Special Needs - Video - WGAL The Susquehanna Valley

The above link is a really neat feature on an amazing family I have had the joy of getting to know. I used to drive three of their children to school when I was driving a school van for special needs children, a position I gave up just recently. In fact, my last day as their driver was the same day that WGAL arived to tape the interview.

I was especially impressed with the two biological children that are referred to in the interview. They really chip right in and dispaly a wonderful level of maturity and responsibility. They have been a joy to know.

-gdg

DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH

Did you know that October is Disabilities Awareness Month?  Well, it is.  And to celebrate I thought I would offer a few pieces of information for your consideration.

1.  Disability Ministry In the Church.
Many churches talk about the desire to begin some form of ministry among the disabled but just don't know how to do so.  There are a numerous resources available.  Among the best, in my opinion, is the information to be found on the website of Joni and Friends.  Go to www.joniandfriends.org/education-and-training/ to find top-notch information for individuals and for Churches.  One of the easiest ways a church can begin to engage in a ministry to the disabled is through exploring employment possibilities.  Read on!

2.  Employing the Disabled.
If you are an employer, have I got news for you!  Have you heard about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)?  This is a great opportunity for employers to fill vacancies and reduce hiring costs at the same time.  When an employer fills a vacant position with a WOTC-certified employee he/she can claim a federal income tax credit for a portion of the new employee's salary.  Its not  a terribly difficult thing to do.  Perhaps the easiest way is to hire someone through a vocational rehabilitation service and you will be sure to qualify.  Here is where I can put a plug in for my employer, the Lighthouse Vocational Services in New Holland, PA.  For my friends in the Lancaster County area, we are happy to help you with your employment needs.  Just email me or call the Lighthouse and ask to speak to me for more information.
For more information you can also go to www.dol.gov/odep/documents/WOTC-incentive.pdf.
Even though Churches need not worry about Federal Income taxes they really should look into the possibilities for employing the disabled.  It provides them with a ministry outreach while giving the disabled community a chance to develop skills and earn an income.  It truly is a win-win situation.

3.  Who Are the Disabled?
They are your neighbors, your friends, and your fellow citizens.  The latest statistics reveal that 17% of Americans are disabled.  That's about 1 in 5 persons.  Think about that a second.  Chances are you know someone that is disabled, even if you are not aware of their disability.  Sure, some disabilities are more visible  than others.  But 1 in 5?  That tells you just how many are developmentally handicapped in ways that may not appear to be all that visible.  It also says volumes for the complications in dealing with disabilities.

4.  Why the Increase in the Number of Disabled Persons?
This is not an easy question to answer, but it is important.  There are numerous factors involved.  Certainly one major source would be the way we now define disabilities.  In the 1970's the term disability was pretty much limited to a person with an obvious physical or mental handicap.  A person in a wheel chair or someone with Down's Syndrome was clearly disabled.  But today we look at things a bit differently and more completely.  In the 21st Century we take into consideration a person's ability to function effectively in social interaction.  This involves a complex interaction between the person and his/her environment.  Many disorders such as certain forms of Autism and such diagnoses as Obsessive Complusive Disorder or schizophrenia-related disorders can prevent a person from holding a regular job if they are not supported by the necessary networks and systems to enable them to function more effectively.  In saying this I am only skimming the surface of the issue.  It goes much deeper than I am qualified to discuss.  I only know that I have learned volumes in recent years and I continue to do so.

I'm going to stop here for now.  Hopefully this gives you something to think about.  Stay tuned to this blog for more thoughts in the near future.  And as always, I welcome your input and responses.  Post your comments or, if you prefer, email me directly.  Also, I encourage you to become a follower of Peace-Ability by clicking on the link to the right of this page.

God Bless,

gdg

SPECIAL EDUCATION FUNDING IN PA

There is a serious injustice being done in Pennsylvania and it affects our Special Education students.

The 2008 Education Reform Act addressed many important areas in our public school system.  One glaring neglect, however, was Special Education.  This vital area was left out of the reforms of 2008 and it is time to correct this oversight.  House Bill 704 seeks to do just that.  It would change the way school districts are funded for Special Education from a flat percentage to an actual need basis.

At the moment a total of 16 % of school students in PA have Special Needs.  Currently the State allocates to each district by using the total student enrollment in each district, calculating 16 % of that total, then providing funds to the district based on that figure.  However, since this is a state-wide average virtually no district in Pennsylvania has 16% of its students in Special Education. They have more - or less - but likely not 16%.  Still, that is how they are funded.  Thus a district that has, let's say, 20% of their students in Special Education finds themselves falling critically short of the needed funds to serve this population.  At the same time, a District with 12% of its census in Special Education receives more money than needed.  By the way, House Bill 704 also calls for greater accountability for the use of the funds received.  This ensures that the money is used for what it is intended.

The PA Senate Education Committee has decided that it will only vote for HB 704 if Senator Pileggi, as the Senate Majority Leader, first gives his approval for a vote both in Committee and on the Senate floor. Most senators are prepared to support this legislation if Senator Pileggi allows a vote to happen during the next couple of weeks.  If you are a citizen of Pennsylvania I would urge you to call Senator Pileggi and urge his support of this bill.  Because he is the Senate Majority Leader any citizen in the State has the right to do this.  Then, call your own State Senator and urge his support as well.  Follow those calls up by writing a brief note of appreciation.

Here are some suggested Talking Points which I have taken from the PA Council of Churches website.
Talking Points
These talking points will work for Senator Pileggi (contact him first even if you live outside Chester or Delaware Counties) or any other state senator.

1. Please support House Bill 704 in the Senate Education Committee and on the Senate floor.  HB 704 deserves your support and a vote before the end of the year.
2. I am asking you to support reform of the state funding and accountability system for special education.
3. HB 704 has 66 bipartisan cosponsors. It was approved 173-25 by the full House of Representatives in June.
4. The current funding system is broken, is unfair, and does not provide enough resources for special education in the right places. It sets the number of students eligible for state funding for special education at 16% regardless of whether the district has fewer or more students receiving special education. It also does not focus the funding on strategies that have a track record for improving student performance.
5. The school districts you represent need additional resources and support from the state, and must be held accountable for results.
6. I have personal experience with how this broken system hurts children with disabilities and all students. (Describe your experience.)
7. Thank you for supporting this important issue and voting for HB 704.

This is a matter of urgency as time is running out.  Please act today.  Our Special Education students need your help!

-gdgehr
September 30, 2010