The Holidays of May

May is full of holidays and special days.  Throughout the month you have May Day to Memorial Day.  There are holidays for mothers, workers, and teachers.  It can be a festive month which also marks the end of the school year.  From start to finish, below are some notable special days:

May 1 – May Day

Celebrated as the unofficial start of spring, festivals and parades are common across the globe.  The use of flowers and the May pole are traditions.

May 1 – International Worker’s Day

To commemorate the 1886 Haymakers’ affair in Chicago, over 80 countries observe the 1^st of May as a national holiday to celebrate the workers.  The Haymakers were able to secure an eight hour workday and improve the safety and treatment of the workers.  Over the years the activities have been led by socialist, communist or anarchist groups.  The original intent was to recognize the rights of the workers and their safety and financial security.  Unfortunately, the day has also been full of riots and destructive parades.  In Seattle this year 17 people were arrested for various reasons including the destruction of property when someone through a skateboard through a Walgreen window.  8 police officers were injured as they attempted to break up the anarchy.  These often violent protests have occurred in many places annually. 

May 5 – Cinco de Mayo

Possibly the most misunderstood holiday.  Most Americans assume Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of ^th.  Cinco de Mayo is not even a national holiday in Mexico.  It is primarily celebrated in the province of Puebla.  In 1862 the French decided to invade Mexico and make it a territory.  Before the French made their way to Mexico City, they met a ragtag group of Mexican citizens which fought and defeated the superior troops. 

Mexico’s independence.  They are all wrong.  The national holiday in Mexico recognizing their independence is September 16

While the town of Puebla commemorates the day, it is not a big holiday throughout Mexico.  The commercialization as well as a tie into the Civil War has elevated this holiday in the United States. 

May 7^th – National Teachers Day

It is not a national holiday, but more of a day to recognize the people who take on the profession of educating the youth of our country.  I personally do not need a day of recognition.  Working with all of you each day is all the thanks I need. 

May 9 – The Ascension of Jesus

40 days after the resurrection of Jesus, we celebrate His Ascension into heaven.  The description of the Ascension can be found in Luke 24:50-53 and Mark 16:19.  A more detailed description can be found in Acts of the Apostles 1:9-11.

May 12^th – Mother’s Day

Circle this day on your calendar each year.  Our mothers do more for each of us than we could ever imagine.  They are your biggest fan.  They work tirelessly to provide you with a great life.  They are selfless, generous, caring, and deserve to be celebrated every day of the year.  Make certain to give your mom something special to let her know how much you love and appreciate her.  Make sure you give her a hug and tell her you love her. 

May 18 – Armed Forces Day

This is a day to thank the members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps for their patriotic support and defense of our nation.  The day was initiated by President Harry S. Truman.  

May 19 – Pentecost

This is a Catholic holiday celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit to the disciples of Jesus. 

May 27 – Memorial Day

The national holiday was originally designated to honor the men and women who have died in defense of our country.  It started soon after the end of the Civil War to recognize the price paid by both Union and Confederate soldiers.  It has since been expanded to all men and women who have given their lives in defense of our country.  People have taken this time of remembrance to honor any loved one who has passed, regardless of military service.  Loved ones visit cemeteries and bring flowers or other mementos.  The decoration of our national cemeteries is remarkable.

As you can read, May has a holiday for everyone.  Which May holiday do you enjoy the most?  Do you have any special traditions with any holidays above?  Were you surprised by any of the holidays?  If you could create a holiday, what would it be and why? 

Earth Day 2013

April 22 marks the 33 Earth Day in the United States.  The idea for a day dedicated to the environment originated 7 years earlier by Senator Gaylord Nelson.  He was concerned over the lack to awareness and regulations of the pollutants being released into our world. 

Now more than 30 years later, Earth Day and its organizers have increased public awareness of pollutants, identified and promoted “green” acts, have leveraged our schools and communities to enhance the knowledge and dedication of our youth to the cause, and countless other accomplishments. 

The Earth Day website (http://act.earthday.org/) is tracking personal pledges to commit “green” acts.  The pledges include recycling grocery bags, unplugging appliances, recycle paper and plastic, and buying more local food.  While each of these acts may seem futile on their own, the impact of the collected group across the globe will have a significant impact on our environment, especially over an extended period of time.  To date the website has over 1 billion personal pledges.  

What do you think of Earth Day?  What are some additional ways we can support Earth Day at school and in our community?  What are things you do at home?  Are there any additional activities you would be willing to commit to at home to support “green” living?

The Boston Marathon

On Monday the city of Boston celebrated Patriot’s Day with its annual running of the Boston Marathon.  The Boston Marathon originated in 1897.  In that year they had somewhere around 15 participants.  Since then the number of participants has swelled each year.  It has become one of the largest marathons in the world and is one of the six World Marathons Majors.

Boston has always considered its place in history with pride and honor.  The first battles of the Revolutionary War took place in Lexington and Concord, miles from Boston.  In order to commemorate the enormity and symbolism of the birth of the United States and its independence and liberty, Boston has designated the third Monday in April as Patriot’s Day.  As part of the city’s celebration, the annual Boston Marathon is run on the same day. 

I imagine it was difficult for the first planners of the race to envision what the race was going to become.  With 15 participants in the first race, they would have had no idea the numbers would swell to over 20,000 annual runners.  In 1996, its centennial race, the Boston Marathon set the world record for participants with 38,768 entrants, 36,748 runners and 35,868 finishers.  In 2013, there were 23,336.  Those runners came from 92 different countries and every state in the Union.  In addition they represented 35 official charities and numerous causes, including Sandy Hook Elementary.  Not to mention the 500,000 spectators who come to celebrate human achievement by cheering on the runners.

We all know how the race ended in 2013.  3 dead and 175 injured.  Unfortunately, senseless violence has become a part of our lives.  Whether it is terrorist actions using explosives or mass shootings in schools or other public forums, we have lost our innocence.   

It would be easy for us to live in fear or paranoia and become untrusting of our society.  That is the evil trap we have to avoid.  I believe we have to focus on the selfless acts of heroism and the countless stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things to help each other get through these times.  We have to continue to find the good in our neighbors and try to inspire the world through our Christ-like behaviors.  It is not easy. 

Do you think there has been an increase in the amount of violence in our society?  What do you think is causing people to turn to violent acts?  What do you think we can do as a society to decrease acts of violence?  What can we do for Boston to help the city and its people recover?

Guns in the United States

Today the United States Senate passed a procedural bill that will allow the Senate to start the process to consider additional gun control laws.  While it is a long way from approving any measures, it was a great step towards passing laws expanding background checks on gun purchases.

The issue of gun control took on a national priority in wake to the tragedy in Connecticut in December.  Government representatives and citizens from regions across America were horrified by the crazed actions of a man with a gun and his assault on innocent school children.  As with any inexplicable situation, people look for answers and action. 

Amongst other checks, the law under consideration would require background checks to be conducted in private sales of weapons including the transfer of weapons between family members.  Current law only requires background checks to be completed when a gun is bought from a Federal Firearms Dealer, this does not include private transactions.  According to CNN 80-90% of criminals obtained their weapon from a family member, acquaintance or from a street transaction. 

While many are in favor of tighter gun control and additional background checks, there are also many concerned additional background checks may lead to requirements that are too expansive and infringe on our constitutional right to bear arms provided by the second amendment.  They are also not convinced additional background checks would have prevented the tragedy at Sandy Hook.  The National Rifle Association last week proposed options they believe would make our schools safer.  In addition to other security checks and education, they were proposing the arming and training of teachers and other school personnel. 

What are your thoughts about gun control in the United States?  Even though schools have proven to be some of the safest places for children, when something like Sandy Hook happens, we evaluate potential changes, such as arming teachers.  Of the two proposals presented, which do you think would be more effective in reducing gun violence?  

North Korea

The United States is taking recent threats by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea seriously.  The DPRK, or North Korea, has communicated it is a state of war with South Korea and the United States.  Kim Jong Un, the 30 year old leader of North Korea, is threatening to attack United States bases in Korea and in other places in the Pacific. 

Kim Jong Un is using the recent military exercises conducted by the United States and South Korea as a catalyst to rally his nation behind the idea of being the victim of the aggressions of their neighbors and America.  The propaganda deployed by the North Korean government is shocking but effective with the people of North Korea.

The threats from North Korean’s head of state is nothing new.  Kim Jong Un’s father and grandfather have been saber rattling about the United States and South Korea since the armistice was reached in the 1953, ending the fighting of the Korean War.  While the threats are nothing new, the variables have changed.  Kim Jong Un is young and unpredictable.  His inexperience in world affairs concerns leaders in our state department and Pentagon.  In addition, North Korea, while still lacking the necessary technology to launch an attack on the United States, their nuclear and warfare technology is far more advanced than it was a year ago.

While the United States and South Korea are preparing for potential attacks, they are trying to figure out what North Korea wants and how they can put an end to the rhetoric.  The recent statements from Kim Jong Un can be for a number of reasons including:

1.        An attempt to coerce the South Koreans and the United States to provide additional aid the North Korea

2.       Demonstrating North Korea’s resentment and anger towards the United Nations about recent sanctions against North Korea due to their unauthorized nuclear weapon testing

3.       An attempt to distract the North Korean people from their current economic struggles and give them some national issue to rally behind

4.       A desire to show strength to his people and over compensate for his lack of age and experience

The most tragic part of the story is the plight of the people of North Korea.  Since the government controls access to information, the people do not understand the realities of the world outside of the DPRK.  They truly believe everything they hear from the government and the lies about the United States.  These are people who are starving.  They lack the basic needs of survival.  Instead of the government investing in their people, they continue to invest in warfare technology.   

What do you think about the threats from North Korea?  How should the United States respond?  How should the United States respond if North Korea attacks South Korea or a United States base in Asia?

New York Soda Ban

On Tuesday of this week New York City was set to implement a new mandate passed down from Mayor Michael Bloomberg eliminating the sale of sugary drinks in quantities greater than 16 ounces in restaurants, movie theaters, and other food service establishments.  At the last hour a New York Supreme Court justice struck down the law, but the mayor vows to fight the appeal.

This is just one of a series of city ordinances the mayor has implemented dealing with public health issues.  Earlier in his term he has pushed to disallowed smoking in restaurants and bars in the city, banned the distribution of food containing artificial trans-fats and the posting of calorie counts at chain restaurants.  His rationale is to look out for the well being of the citizens of New York City.  The fact is that 60% of adults and 4 of 10 children in New York City are overweight.  It is the definition of a health crisis. 

While the obesity rate for New York City is 24% among adults, which is below the national average of 35%, the trend for adults contracting Type 2 Diabetes is outpacing the nation.  According to the Huffington Post, the United States pays $245 billion each year battling Type 2 Diabetes. 

According to Mayor Bloomberg, “It would be irresponsible not to try to do everything we can to save lives.”

The Supreme Court of New York struck down the ordinance calling it "fraught with arbitrary and capricious consequences".  Some of the difficulties with the ban include establishments run by the state, not the city, would not have to abide by the ruling.  For example, because 7-11 is monitored by the state of New York, it does not fall under the city’s jurisdiction.  Therefore, the sale of Big Gulps would not be affected.

Mayor Bloomberg has vowed to continue this fight in spite of the court’s ruling.  He is committed to doing whatever he can to improve the overall health of New York City, by whatever means available to him as mayor.

What do you think about the ban of sugary drinks in New York?  Is Mayor Bloomberg acting responsibly or is he over-extending the powers of his job and violating peoples’ right to choose?  Do you think obesity is an issue in our country?  If so, does the government have a responsibility to do something about it?  

Sede Vacante - "The Chair is Empty"

How would you like to have a job where 1.1 billion people have a vested interest in the decisions you make and the direction you set?  Where world leaders from every continent are cooperating or not cooperating as you try to influence the spirituality of their people.  A job that was first occupied by one of Jesus Christ’s best friends.  The head of one of the largest religions in the world that is trying to maintain its sense of identity and purpose in an ever changing world.  This is the job of the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. 

On February 28, 2013, the Catholic Church enters the time of Sede Vacante, meaning “the chair is empty”.  Sede vacante represented the time between Popes.  Unlike the government of the United States, which is never without a president, the Catholic Church will have a period of at least 15 days without a leader.  Even as I am writing this, the Vatican is awaiting the remaining 5 Cardinals to join the other 110 to begin Conclave.

Prior to Conclave the College of Cardinals may have some pre-meetings to get to know one another and discuss the needs of the Catholic Church in 2013.  Once Conclave begins the entire process is top secret.  Construction is underway on the Sistine Chapel to install a false floor to hide anti-bugging devices, the installation of stoves to burn the ballots each day, and insure all accommodations are in place for the Cardinals. 

The 115 Cardinals are sworn to secrecy during Conclave.  They will be taken to and from the chapel by bus and stay sequestered during the process.  They will not have access to the news, internet, or any other communication device. 

On the first day one vote is allowed.  Each Cardinal writes the name of the person they select on a slip of paper.  The votes are tallied.  If someone receives two-thirds of the votes, they are asked if they would accept the position, what name they choose, and the ballots are burnt, sending white smoke through the chimney to notify the world of the new pontiff.  If no one receives the required two-thirds, debate, voting and prayer continues.  Up to four votes may be conducted each day.  There is no limit to the amount of time the Cardinals may take to decide the next Pope.  That being said, no Conclave has gone over 5 days since 1831.  It took the College of Cardinals 3 days to decide on Pope Benedict.

While any single, Catholic male is eligible to become Pope, more than likely the man chosen for the position will be one of the 115 Cardinals.  While there is not a clear cut favorite, many are expecting one of the following to be next in line: 

Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana

Cardinal Angelo Scola from Italy

Cardinal Marc Ouellet from Canada

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone from Italy

Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco from Italy

Cardinal Leonardo Sandri from Argentina

What do you think of the process to elect the Pope?  What qualities do you think are necessary to be a good choice for the Catholic Church?  What do you think are some of the biggest issues facing the Catholic Church and the next Pope?