On The Fly

This Week's On the Fly will go From Sick Clergy to "W's" European Vacation

Lack of Flu Vaccines Take A Bite Out of Global Clergy

It is Sunday so why not take some time to discuss some events from this week’s religious scene. This week one major figure, and one fat figure in the world of religion fell ill.

First there was Pope John Paul II.

Pope John Paul II returned to the hospital this past week suffering from complications of the flu. The Bird has no personal ax to grind with the Pope. Being raised a Southern Protestant; I just don’t understand how adults can be moved emotionally to the point of sobbing because an old guy with a funny hat goes to the hospital.

But than again I do not believe that God would insist on a vow of celibacy among the religious leaders in the Catholic Church. In fact I believe I can say with the utmost confidence that God had rather a priest to screw his wife, than the youth of his congregation.

And then there was Rev. Jerry Falwell.

This week the Rev. Jerry Falwell was also admitted to the hospital, where he was placed on a respirator for a viral infection. Maybe instead of finding Jesus, brother Jerry should look for a few more salad bars. As the leader of the Immoral Majority, Falwell has promoted intolerance and hatred in the name of God.

One of the many so-called sins brother Jerry has targeted over the years is euthanasia and doctor assisted suicide. After a couple of seconds of deliberation, I believe I would vote for Doctor assisted homicide when it comes to Falwell.

Falwell is also the founder of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. The motto of Liberty U. is “the doors are always open and the minds are always closed.” Liberty is the foundation in which Falwell’s doctrine of intolerance in the name of Jesus is burned into weak minds or what I like to call the Future Taliban of America (FTA).

Next time you see a person walking down the street with their mouth hanging open, just realize that he or she is probably a Liberty Grad!

Amen!

European Vacation, “W” Style

This week President George W. Bush journeyed across the big pond to do what was touted as a little fence mending with our European allies.

Protestors lined the streets throughout Europe to protest America’s “Little Dick-Tater” as he made his whirlwind tour through Europe.

The Bush Administration had many items on the agenda for his European vacation:

1. The administration wanted to take immediate advantage of the success of the Iraqi elections and to reach across the table to what this administration refers to as “Old Europe” (France, Spain, Germany, England, etc…). Early returns on these efforts have been about as successful as the administrations fence mending results with those of us in the “Old US”. You know those of us that still believe in governing based upon the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, rather than radical biblical interpretations and "gut feelings".
2. Once Bush had attempted to mend these so-called fences he needed to ask for favors. Bush was seeking a variety of assistance from Europe/NATO regarding Iraq. These tactics of conversation are “old hat” for Bush. “Daddy I am sorry I wrecked the car. I know you told me not to drink and drive. By the way do you think I might have the keys to mom’s car I got a date with Laura tonight.”
3. The President wanted to address concerns regarding European arm sales to China. But when America’s largest business Walmart is closer to China than America in its way of thinking, and America funds such a large portion of the growing China economy, let he who is without sin throw rocks in glasshouses.
4. There are concerns on Russia and what many consider their backsliding on democracy. We have a gulag in Guantonomo Bay, the Patriot Act, and are demolishing the separation of church and State, and Bush has the gall to question Russia on their commitment toward democracy. Let’s face it Bushy can only push this one so far. Not based upon his own policies, but for the simple fact he knows Putin a martial art expert can kick his ass, as fast as you can say Waco! The Bird would actually pay big money to see that!
5. The final item of business was Iran. This included developing a consistent message to Iran, from Europe and the United States. It also involved the sell of materials by European nations particularly with regards to items that might be utilized by Iran in their nuclear efforts. Meanwhile U.S. based Haliburton continues through its subsidiaries located outside of the U.S. to sell equipment and services to Iran that are key in driving Iranian economies.

A Birdseye View on Bushes European Vacation

Simply put “Greed Kills”. The greed for money and the greed for power drive both U.S. and European policies. This reality must be recognized and included in the President’s message to Europe now and in future discussions.

If the President continues his idiotic and unrealistic policies domestically and globally, the world is in great trouble.

For the time being if I were a European leader my comments to the President could be summarized by Eric Clapton’s lyrics “Before you accuse me, take a look at yourself...”.