Saturday, July 12, 2014

Blood everywhere

The United Nations and just about everyone else is deploring the latest blood letting, as Israel inflicts punishment on the Gaza strip for the rocket attacks on her northern cities.

 Palestinian death toll so far stands around a hundred.

John Kerry, almost exhausted by his Middle East shuttle diplomacy has called for an immediate cease fire.

What a pity he could not achieve a truce with the warring citizens of his home country, America.
In the celebrations of 4th July week end, in Chicago alone, there were 70 of its inhabitants shot.
In the United States last year approximately 30,000 people were sent to an early grave through gunfire far more than in the Gulf, Afghan and Iraq wars combined and yet President Obama still pursues his goal of being the world's fire-chief.

Could someone please suggest to him that he forgets the smoke coming from the kitchens of the Middle East and runs out the fire-reels in America; there are flames coming out of every window in the house.

Jubilate.

Ian

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

National Disaster


Bill Shankly, the coach of Liverpool soccer club in the sixties was famously quoted as saying: 

"On Mersey-side there are only two life or death issues, religion and soccer, and of the two, soccer is the more important."

Tell that to the folk in Rio de Janero this morning after their team was whipped seven goals to one by the Germans.
It is a day of mourning, but so it must be if their whole sense of  national identity, pride and self worth is dependent upon the outcome of a single game of sport.
The caption of Christ the Redeemer speaks volumes, but is this because of the drubbing of Brazil's soccer team or Shankly's maxim that the whole nation seems to have signed on to?

Jubiliate anyway!

Ian

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Hail to a champion

I am an unabashed tennis fan. My wife, Pauline, plays a mean game and has been a pillar of the local club for the last thirty years. Some time ago we adopted a second son called Roger; Roger Federer that is.
Since 2002 we have followed his career with more than avid interest including one of his most memorable games today at Wimbledon.
He lost in five sets to Novak Djockovic but he will ever be the champion in our hearts and in the hearts of millions of others as well.
I am not privy to Roger's personal faith but the man exhibits all the qualities that the Bible lauds as characteristics worthy of emulation.
Generosity in praise of others, self control,tenacity of purpose, striving for excellence in his profession, courage in adversity, faithfulness in his marriage, love of his wife and children, humility in the exercise of his genius and all put on display on a billion T.V. screens around the world.
Praise the Lord for the gift of Roger Federer to the world of 'wannabes' like me who can still dream when they watch a genius at work.

Jubilate 

Ian