Mr. Wow Blog
Mr. wOw Ponders the Saints: Tebow and Romney
10:44 am | January 18, 2012

Author: Mr. Wow | Category: Point of View | Comments: 98

Wishing he could just touch the hem of their garments!

“YOU MUST not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others/But when you pray go into your room and shut the door and pray to your father who is in secret. And your father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:5 These are the words attributed to Jesus himself about public displays of religiosity.

Last Sunday, while Mr. wOw was getting himself ready watch the Golden Globes, he found he was inexplicably chipper. Sure, my nasty cold had reared its snotty head again, but I gulped down a lot of cough medicine (I also wanted to be stoned for the GG’s), and ignored it. My good mood came from unworthy thoughts, I have to admit. Really, I’m ashamed. I was happy that football’s divinity, Tim Tebow had lost big, and that his team would not be moving on to the Super Bowl.

I think most of you know me. I don’t get pleasure out of other people’s misfortunes. Even kind of “bad” people. (I wouldn’t want all the sordid facts of my life put up to the light. Unless I was shining that light on myself!) And Mr. Tebow isn’t bad. Just … misguided.

Not misguided in his faith, which is a wonderful thing to have, I am always assured. But his gratuitous kneeling and praying on the field, in full sight of thousands, makes me want to puke. In the first place, he is disobeying the Lord, which is very surprising. Mr. Tebow seems like one of those people who believes in the literal translation of the Bible. More than that, his highly visible genuflecting seems to suggest that Jesus is watching the game, and when Tebow wins, it’s because the athlete prayed so hard for it. Really? That’s what Jesus does in his spare time? Helps out exhibitionist football players? I mean, forget famine and crime and poverty. Forget all the millions who pray to God everyday that they have enough to feed their children. Maybe JC feels he can’t do anything about the really bad stuff, so he’ll lend a hand to Mr. Tebow, who has, after all, made a nice commercial for the hate group Focus on the Family.

The disheartening aspect of Tebowmania is that a lot of people believe just that. Jesus loves Tim, and helps him win football games. Now, many of these people are struggling in their own lives, with health and money issues. Their prayers are not answered. Is Tim Tebow, the young millionaire, worthier of God’s attention than the needy who also honor the Lord? Apparently so, and apparently nobody minds. Or at least they don’t say so out loud.

Also — if you believe in predestination as many Protestants do, the games’ conclusion was already writ by God. So you are asking God to forget what He wanted and do what you want. And if you don’t believe in predestination, you are cheapening God, thinking He has nothing better than to interfere in a football game. In any case, you are deeply diminishing God.

Interviewed after the game, Mr. Tebow looked red-faced and sad, near tears it seemed. But he held up bravely and answered a lot of questions, when surely he just wanted to go home and cry, “Lord, why hast thou forsaken me?” I honestly did feel his pain. But then, I got over it.

I have a theory — let’s make believe I’m a believer — I think JC got tired of Tim’s histrionics, and busied himself elsewhere. Perhaps He prevented a rape or a murder, or caused somebody to go to the doctor, and catch that potentially fatal disease early. Maybe He did nothing more dramatic than give a usually depressed and stressed out person one happy day.

Thank you, Jesus! (Sorry it had to be at your expense, Tim.)

Oh, oh … one more thing, one more little event that put Mr. W in a GG mood. I was astonished by the little, not-much-reported-on item about presidential candidate Mitt Romney. During a campaign stop, a woman, who said she was jobless, caught Romney’s ear. Her plight was such that he handed her $50.

Whew! What are the words to describe this? Royal? Condescending? Elite? A shameless PR move? Gee, all the Romney accusations against President Obama. Who the hell is Marie Antoinette now? Can you imagine the reaction from the Right if Obama had handed somebody money at a campaign event?

And wait a second, Mitt — weren’t you “entitling” this woman? Shouldn’t you have told her to save her gas money and her time and go find a job without expecting hand-outs from the rich and/or the government?

There is something seriously lacking in Mr. Romney. Although he appears less scary than Newt Gingrich and Richard Santorum, Mitt is missing that vital “get a clue” chip. He’s like — Mormon Barbie.

Which is why I believe the GOP race for the White House is far from settled, no matter how well Mr. Romney does … anywhere.

Comments:
  • J G

    Now, don’t shoot the messenger, here, Mr. Wow, really don’t, because my question is sincere.

    I’m wondering what seeing Mr. Tebow genuflect, kneel, pray, whatever, triggered you.

    I really am. I too don’t like overt signs of religion or holier then though attitudes, and I cringe if someone says “I’ll pray for you”.

    But I’m sort of getting better. I’m becoming awakened to the fact that others are much more spiritual and religious then me. I want what they have. I do.

    Now, I don’t believe that Mr. Tebow is praying to God to win the game. Or Jesus or the Virgin Mary, who is my “go to” Saint in hours of desperation, or whomever he is praying to.

    Hopefully, he is praying to keep all of the players safe from harm.

    IF he was praying to win the game, well then, snark away all you want.

    Praying to win the game would be just ridiculous.

    “Dear God, Please let me have the big ring this year, the huge one with the stone in the middle. And never you mind about the suffering, I’ll pray for them after I win the super, duper ring”

    That would be sick. And wrong.

    But I want to have more faith in a higher power, I DO have faith, I DO believe in Karma, I just want more of it. I want to truly just turn it all over to a higher power.

    Not a football game. Just that it will all work out in the end.

    Wouldn’t that be nice?

    Oh, and I didn’t know Romney gave some poor woman $50.00. That reminds me of Barbara Bush saying upon entering the great Dome in New Orleans, “well, their living conditions are better now then they were before Katrina” or some such nonsense.

    Disgraceful. I won’t vote for him, as he just doesn’t “get it”.

    XO

    11:39 am | January 18, 2012
  • J G

    Oh sorry. I didn’t edit my post before I posted. Ignore all typos and misspellings please.

    11:41 am | January 18, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear JG..of course I’ll overlook typos and mispellings.  I’m the last one to criticize that!

      Even if Mr. T. is praying for his teammates, he could do it in the locker room.  And one does not have to get down on ones knees anyway.  You can pray standing up or laying down. 

      I DON’T object to his faith.  I object to his using it as propaganda.  Which is now I see it.  And it pains me to know that millions believe God is helping him win. 
      I have no problems with Nativity scenes at Christmas time, in case anybody wonders. 

      11:55 am | January 18, 2012
  • J G

    Oh, Mr. Wow. You do make me laugh.

    I would be offended too if I thought it was pure propaganda, T.T. dropping to his knees on the field, all for show.

    I’m just a little less cynical then you are, but not by much.

    And as for praying, I do most of mine sitting up, in the car, while my husband is driving.

    XO

    12:23 pm | January 18, 2012
  • christine woodley

    I could not agree more with your stance re: Mr. Tebow. I was trying to explain to my husband and son why it bugged me so much, and now have Jesus’s own words to explain it!  Well, purported words, but that should be enough for those who believe he attends professional sporting events and influences the outcome. LOL

    12:45 pm | January 18, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Christine…

      There are those who swear they’ve spotted a bearded, long-haired, rather shabbily-dressed guy in the upper seats.

      But I think it’s Ted Nugent.

      1:33 pm | January 18, 2012
  • Andy C

    Mr. Wow – I too have had it with Tebow.  How dare he be so frivolous as to pray for a football game?  And if he is such a wonder; if he is so religious and good, ifin fact his feet don’t get wet when he walks in the rain, why not contribute his sizable income to those in need?  Or to a charity searching for a cure for any number of diseases that are taking lives every day.  And yes, I am suspect when someone needs an audience for their prayer.  I pray.  I pray every day; twice a day…..in private.  And yes, though I slapped my hand for that one — I was glad to see him lose.

    You said it and you said it well; no objection to faith, the objection is to use it as propaganda. 

    4:12 pm | January 18, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Andy…

      Thank you.

      Now tell that to the mob outside with the torches and pitchforks. 

      5:41 pm | January 18, 2012
  • J G

    Look, I’m not a football fan, a Saints fan or a Tebow fan.

    But I did just google his charitable work, as I think it isn’t right to all jump on the bandwagon just because we see someone praying in public.

    I’m just as cynical as most of you, but I’m also wondering what is making you so uncomfortable. Maybe his faith is genuine and it isn’t propaganda. I don’t think it is actually.

    From the internet…

    “….Tim Tebow is portrayed as mature beyond his years. And in many ways he is. But even the great Tebow can still fall prey to the temptations on a 22-year-old with money.

    According to reports, Tebow has already blown through his $2.5 million signing bonus on various worldwide charity organizations focusing on famine, education and home-building.

    “Hey, it’s his money now and he can do with it what he’d like,” said Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels. “But, sure, you’d like to see a bit more responsiblity and discretion from someone you hope will become a leader of the team. I’ve seen a lot of young players go broke being stupid. I hope he doesn’t do the same.”

    Tebow admits it may have been a little foolish to blow through $2.5 million in 24 hours.

    “The money was burning a hole through my pocket,” he said. “I just wanted to help people. There are so many people in need who can’t afford a delay in aid. But, sure, if I had more time, I might have researched some of the charity organizations a little more to make sure all of the money will be used in the best possible way.”

    Not all of Tebow’s bonus went to charity, however. The quarterback also used some of the money for personal use — a down payment on a luxurious downtown Denver loft apartment. He plans to live there until he completes the renovations needed to make it into a soup kitchen, one he hopes will be the nices soup kitchen in the United States if not the world.

    “I have been blessed with this money and I want to help others,” he said. “I don’t need this bonus. I can easily live off of my regular salary. That’s what I’ll use to pay my mortgage, get a car, and finance my addiction to hookers……..”

    4:25 pm | January 18, 2012
    • TheTexasMom

      Nothing like good sarcasm to bring a smile to my face.

      10:48 pm | January 18, 2012
  • Daniel Sugar

    They lost?

    But I just bought the Tebow pajamas!

    4:33 pm | January 18, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Dr. Sugar…

      Get a soft comfy robe and brace yourself for Madonna’s Super Bowl performance.  I love her, but I already have a big headache thinking about this event. 

      5:45 pm | January 18, 2012
      • O E

        Oh, yes, Mr. Wow. And Madonna hangs a big cross from her neck. She’s a role model for Christianity, for sure. I’m so glad I never got hooked on football. When my husband watched it, I went to the movies with friends. Football: the violence, the injuries, the arrogance, the waste of money… see me stick a finger in my throat.

        2:33 pm | January 19, 2012
  • dc

    I’m not one to post comments but I think everyone needs to take a step back and do a little research… and a little is all it would take. Take a little time to read what he does before and after each game, home or away. Rick Reilly wrote a nice article at espn.go.com on Jan 13…take the time to read it…you won’t be sorry and you’ll learn something.

    Personally, any man on one knee, pointing to the sky or making the sign of the cross doesn’t bother me near as much as some of the other “antics” some of the players do! And, Tim hasn’t asked for any of this attention…he’s just doing what comes natural to him. The media is exploiting it!

    And , no, I’m not a Denver fan or a Tebow fan or particularly religious…although I am a believer. I’m just a Buckeye and a football fan. And, having three grown sons, I know a good kid when I see him!

    Read the article…please.

    5:42 pm | January 18, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear DC…

      When you do something in front of thousands of people, you are asking for attention. 

      I’m sure he’s a nice kid and I don’t doubt or disdain his faith.    Just do it at home, or in the locker room, or in church. 

      By the way, two years ago, we all thought Tiger Woods was a role model and a “good guy.”  Best not to elevate Mr. T. too soon.  He is only human. 

      Focus on the Family, the group that Mr. T. supports, is truly hateful and backward.  

      5:57 pm | January 18, 2012
      • Jane H

        I know I’m way behind the times here, but there is also scripture that talks about not being ashamed of our faith and to share it openly and to welcome ridicule….

        Frankly, I’m done with the whole Jesus thing. He loves us but lets babies be molested and children burn to death and young mothers die from breast cancer, and….. and…. and…..

        3:56 pm | January 30, 2012
    • TheRudeDog

      dc:  I couldn’t agree more.  Me?  I’m atheist, thanks to an early Catholic upbringing but, based on what I’ve read, and based on the fact that I’ve lived in Denver all my life and am a little closer to the media than “normal,” my bet is that Mr. Tebow has a good deal more sense than to pray to his “god” or whomever to win a game.  I’d bet he prays that he will do his best.  Were I still a believer, I’d go with, “The Lord helps those who hekp themselves.”

      7:43 pm | January 18, 2012
      • TheRudeDog

        Is there NO way we can get an “Edit” function on this forum?  Or perhaps I could proof before I submit?  🙂

        7:45 pm | January 18, 2012
      • Mr. Wow

        Dear Rude Dog…

        Okay…but why must he pray “to do his best” in the middle of a stadium? 

        Again–I have no problem with people of faith.  I have a problem with people who tell me how much faith they have…or how honest they are…how sexy they are..how rich they are…how humble…how smart–whatever.   And I am offended by the perception he allows. 

        Otherwise,  I sure he’s a peach.  And I don’t wish anything bad for him.   He ‘s only 24.  He’s got a lot of living to do. 

        10:34 pm | January 18, 2012
  • dc

    And, trust me! He’s not praying to win a football game!

    5:43 pm | January 18, 2012
  • Jon T

    He handed her $50??? What an incredibly condescending gesture. How about taking her name and number and pulling in a favor or two to help her out instead? It still would have been largely a PR move, but it would have been far more productive (not to mention less insulting) than handing her cash and moving on. Thanks for calling this to my attention. This was the first I had heard of this.

    5:54 pm | January 18, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Jon…

      I know!  Can you believe it didn’t get more coverage?!

      5:58 pm | January 18, 2012
  • Lisa Cornell

    When someone tells me that they’ll pray for me, I thank them and tell them that JC has more important things to worry about than my issues. I tell them that JC needs to focus on world peace, famine, and genocide to name just a few. Personally, I find it arrogant that someone is going to put in a good word for me. I think prayers are meant to be private and one’s relationship with their God should be personal not shared with the world. Tebow may be sincere in his beliefs but he is insincere in the open display of it.

    9:10 pm | January 18, 2012
  • Oh, Mr. Wow! You cited one of my favorite Bible passages, and then everything you wrote was just… just… SO perfect. I heart Mr. Wow!

    9:24 pm | January 18, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Lila…

      Even though I am not a man of faith–I don’t think–there are many beautiful things to be found in the Bible.

      And…in “Madame Bovary,” too.  (I like to mix it up!) 

      11:00 pm | January 18, 2012
  • Sadie BB

    Dear Mr Wow – I have often wondered how people will react when some ‘Mohammad Tebow’ scores a touchdown and proceeds to bang his forehead to the ground a few times while facing east. Will they accept that Allah willed his victory?
    Just sayin’ …

    11:44 pm | January 18, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Sadie…

      Just sayin’ he’ll be stoned.  And not in a good way.

      10:13 am | January 19, 2012
  • Paul Smith

    Tebow is doing nothing that Grammy, Emmy and Oscar winners have not been doing for years in full view of the public. I never thought of any God worthy of title who would stop his day to give a care to avaricious show biz types seeking trophies. And let’s not ignore a common African- American practice of elevating God and Mother after a run of financial good fortune. Mr. Romney knows fifty dollars is more apt to help someone unemployed than merely saying things shall get better. He knows how money works, a strength Mr. Wow, not a weakness.

    1:18 am | January 19, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Paul…

      I’ve always rolled my eyes when God gets a big shout-out at awards shows, in between the agents, managers, director, co-stars and stylists.   But it’s generally pretty brief.  “The African American practice…?”    Issues there, Paul. 

      Handing somebody a $50 bill in full view of the cameras?  Condescending and more than a little worried about the perception of being incaring.  I see no strength in such an act.

      But maybe if he is elected president, it will become a part of his act–because they all  have an act–tossing cash to the needy?   Like a Roman emperor.

      10:12 am | January 19, 2012
    • TheTexasMom

      Paul, since I am African-American could you please exlpain the “common practice” you mention?  It seems to have escaped me.

      5:31 pm | January 19, 2012
  • ann penn

    First, I am not one who shares Mr. Tebow’s religious beliefs. For starters, I am strongly pro-choice. And I never watch football if I can avoid it.

    However, I know someone who, as a volunteer, helps with maintenance at a homeless shelter for families with children. Before he goes there, he always quietly says “the fighter pilot’s prayer”: “Lord, don’t let me screw up.” And he means it. Perhaps Mr. T. is doing something similar. And perhaps he is doing it publicly to inspire others to share their own faith. In an age when so many sports stars are doing worse things…. He may also be assuming the posture so other players will leave him alone while at prayer. We do have freedom of religion here.

    Now I was anti-Tebow’s parading of his religion until someone sent me an article this week. It seems that every time Mr. T. is playing he invites a family with some kind of crisis – serious health issue, etc., to be his guest. He provides transportation, motel rooms, good seats for the game, and when he leaves the locker room he spends time with them, including taking them to dinner. For many (all?) this is a respite from stresses of everyday life. And for these events there are no cameras running.

    8:59 am | January 19, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Ann…

      Of course we have freedom of religion, did I indicate we should not?  I’m simply turned off by his display.  And again, that his display actually convinces many people that God is helping him win a football game. 

      As for Tim’s other good deeds, I applaud them.  But I remained irked. 

      10:04 am | January 19, 2012
      • TheRudeDog

        Mr. Wow:  I am SO aggreeing with you on this and realize you’ve expressed it better than I.  Mr. Tebow can pray to anyone he wishes, I think that goes without saying.  (Again, I fervently hope he’s praying for the strength & fortitude & brains to play his best, and that he’s NOT praying to win the game.)  But I’m with you regarding how others perceive this display.  Those leaning in his direction (or who have just completely lost reason) do, I’m sure, look at a win as “god’s” victory over, say, Oakland, because everybody knows that any random gods out there want Denver to win and actively & aggressively do everything they can to get that done.  Which explains (she said sarcastically) why Denver usually gets blown-out.  I don’t know that I’ve ever heard anyone explain, after a loss, why it is that “god” didn’t see fit to let Denver win.

        I think it’d be much more appropriate if, during their acceptance speech, an Academy Award winner would screech (if they absolutely HAVE to), “First of all, I want to thank my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, for giving me my talent…which could have gone to anybody…BUT I GOT IT!!!  Blah, blah, blah.”   All I ever hear is folks thanking their lord & savior for winning.  Seems kind of counter-what-it-should-be, doesn’t it?

        And, hey, I don’t even care anymore:  Go, Broncos!  (Perhaps next year?)

        11:04 am | January 19, 2012
      • ann penn

        Mr. WOW –

        I did not intend to suggest that your comments in any way implied a position on any side of religious freedom. I merely meant that we all have the freedom to practice our religion, even in ways that may draw disproval or scorn from others.

        If people do believe that God is helping someone win a sports game, that is their right. Personally, I believe that She probably has more important things to tend to.

        11:56 am | January 20, 2012
  • Deirdre Cerasa

    Mr. Wow,
    My thoughts exactly! I believe that expression of religion is a private practice. The athlete, celebrity expressions have been nauseating for long time. I believe in freedom of religion and expression but gee whiz, can’t we take it down a notch?
    My only other thought on this is purely selfish. I’m thinking we won’t be inviting TT on the train trip!

    10:49 am | January 19, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Deirdre…

      Oh, I don’t know.  Maybe he’ll eventually meet a gay person he doesn’t want to consign to hell, or a woman whose body he doesn’t want to control. 

      But even if not, everybody’s welcome on the Mr. W. Lottery Train. 

      3:02 pm | January 19, 2012
  • Baby Snooks

    The problem is if everyone prayed in their own room, they wouldn’t be dropping the old check in the collection plate. Religion, like everything else in this country, is big business.

    I have found that those who wear their religion on their sleeve, or in the case of the “WWJD?” bracelets on their wrists, usually don’t wear their religion in their hearts. 

    As for Romney, well, he’s worth $250 million, give or take a million here and there, depending on how many offshore corporations he has, and pays “close to 15%” income tax.  Well, everyone still wants to believe it “trickles down” and more importantly that it “rubs off” and so more than likely everyone, including many Democrats, will vote for him.

    And while corporations aren’t really people in reality many wealthy people are corporations. Including Elizabeth Taylor. I suspect her “estate return” will probably be a corporate return showing asset sales. As in capital gains. Obviously they won’t be losses.

    At least Pastor Perry has dropped out of the race. But only because he didn’t want to end up in third place in his own state.  And he will endorse Gingrich. Hoping to become the other part of a Gingrich ticket. Since he knows he won’t be governor of Texas again. But Gingrich pays 31% income tax. So people think he’s stupid. And won’t vote for him.

    11:59 am | January 19, 2012
    • TheTexasMom

      And he will endorse Gingrich. Hoping to become the other part of a Gingrich ticket. Since he knows he won’t be governor of Texas again. But Gingrich pays 31% income tax. So people think he’s stupid. And won’t vote for him.   Baby, Nothing has been closer to the truth.

      5:35 pm | January 19, 2012
      • Baby Snooks

        Well if nothing else Romney will be fun. By the time the media finishes with him we will know absolutely everything we really didn’t want to know about Mormons.

        One thing that is very interesting is that when his father ran for president in 1968 we apparently didn’t have “The Birthers” since his father was born in Mexico. And most of Romney’s “extended family” still lives in Mexico.  And it is extended. His grandfather had to move to Mexico with his four wives. And his father was the son of the fifth wife. Like I said, it will be fun.  

        6:02 pm | January 19, 2012
  • Miss Lee

    I wonder what the reception would be for an athlete to shout to the heavens Allah Akbar (God is great) after a touchdown.  I am sure he would not be American’s darling to the fans or media. 

    I recently heard, on Charlie Rose, about a new book published about Mitt (The Real Romney) by a Boston Globe writer who has followed him for years.  When he was the head of the Massachusetts LDS he visited a young woman who had given birth out of wedlock.  He counseled her that this was not acceptable and she must put the child up for adoption.  She did not and is still quite upset.  She gave a full interview for this book.  I wonder how this incident will play in America today when the good Republicans look at their grandchildren born out of wedlock and judge them to be wonderful gifts not embarrasments to be cast off.

    1:46 pm | January 19, 2012
    • Paul Smith

      Miss Lee, its time you pay a visit to depressed parts of our society to see unwed motherhold up close.

      4:55 pm | January 19, 2012
      • Miss Lee

        I visit my home town in rural Iowa regularily.  I know what poverty looks like. I grew up poor.  I know what it is like for a child to go to bed hungry because I did.  The vast majority of these children are loved by their extended families and cared for the best that they can.  Do not equate having money with loving and treasuring your kids and grandkids.  Sometimes, family is all you have. 

        5:01 pm | January 19, 2012
    • TheTexasMom

      Actually one of the best running backs in the game today, Arian Foster (elected to the Pro Bowl this year) is known to his fans for his signature bow of Namaste.  Now quite the same of Allah Akbar but his move is so quite and unassumingnothing has been made of it.

      5:45 pm | January 19, 2012
  • Megan Freedman

    Tebow doesn’t particularly bother me and neither does Romney.

    Athletes who are involved in drugs and who commit felonies bother me. Athletes that are nothing more than criminals who get paid millions to toss a ball around bother me. At least he’s not one of those athletes. He does do a lot of charity work and seems like a good human being. So what if he wants to kneel or thank Jesus 15 times in a speech. It doesn’t do me any harm and is mildly entertaining.

    And as for the $50, we may find it condescending, but she was probably just thinking “wow, I can buy food with this”. It could have been done for publicity or just a kind gesture. Regardless of his reasons for doing it, I’ll bet she’s glad he did. So instead of feeding the political hate machine, lets just be glad FOR HER.

    2:44 pm | January 19, 2012
    • HauntedLady

      The reason these people are paid so much is because the public supports professional sports and entertainment far more handsomely than other more important professions. If people decided not to shell out a few hundred dollars for season tickets or to attend concerts or movies or whatever, then these people would probably not have the means to indulge themselves and we would certainly not hear of it every day. Don’t watch them on TV or at live performances. If we don’t give them the attention and money they demand, they will go away.

      As for the $50, what happens when that money is gone? She won’t have all that much food for $50. She needed real help, not a handout. If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day; if you teach a man to catch fish, you feed him for the rest of his life. And I agree completely that Romney’s action stunk of noblesse oblige and a total lack of genuine compassion.

      2:53 pm | January 19, 2012
      • Baby Snooks

        I didn’t read this before for some reason but have to disagree. One of the staffers then gave the woman $150 to pay the light bill. And she is working as a volunteer in their office. So hopefully they will be able to find her a job. And be able to give her a reference.  So there is more to it than just “nobelesse oblige.”  Not many would have given her the $50. Let alone done anything at all to “teach her how to fish.”  Most wouldn’t have even given her a fish.
        As for the $50 you obviously don’t know what it is to have absolutely nothing, I do. And $50 is about two weeks of food if you know how to shop.  And most people who have absolutely nothing learn how to shop. Out of necessity. I wonder how many people have an extra $50 that they could give to someone in need. And don’t.  Doesn’t matter if they have $2,500 in the bank or $250 million in the bank.  Sharing is caring. We don’t share in this country because we really don’t care. Romney on some level cared.  Give him credit for that.

        9:12 am | January 21, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Megan…
      Or she might have been thinking, “I’m so glad they paid me a thousand to stand out here today!”
      I know, I know…it’s bad to be so cynical.  Especially about politicians, who are always looking out for our best interests.  And are so honest.
      As for Mr. T.  Yes, it is amusing.  In a scary way.  But I don’t question his faith or his belief in God.  That’s okay.   What’s not okay is that Christians keep complaining that they are being supressed, in the face of criticism.   Really?  Every day it seems there’s another mega-church being built, packed to rafters. Cool. But why carry on like you’re persecuted?  Who’s stopping anybody from building those mega-churches?  This is a “Christian nation” as we are told endlessly.  Christians have an entire network devoted to their needs–FOX.  It’s people like me, who question, who need to watch their back.

      BUT…Tim does seem like a nice kid.  And I did feel bad for him, watching that press conference.  He held up well.  I’m not a hater.  More of a grumbler.

      3:37 pm | January 19, 2012
      • ann penn

        As to being a “Christian nation”, I think you are right, especially with the way certain sects of them have claimed that as gospel.

        I am both amused and abashed at those politicians who want to legislate their personal religious beliefs, claiming that our “founding fathers” were all Christian, totally ignorant that many were of the Unitarian or Deist persuasion.

        12:08 pm | January 20, 2012
  • HauntedLady

    What can I say? Just this – I love you, Mr. W, for your perception and rational thoughts. I have always found the pushiness of certain public displays, be it religion, love or whatever, to be questionable. I’ll admit that I’m intensely private and abhor the often tacky public disclosure of personal matters, but I try to live and let live. However, I also feel that often those who make the biggest noise have the least substance (“Methinks thou dost protest too much.”) This young man is beginning to sound too good to be true, and, more often than not, anything that sounds too good to be true usually is.

    And if the crowd with pitchforks doesn’t buzz of, I’ll be honored to stand with you to fend them off.

    2:44 pm | January 19, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Haunted…

      The castle is still standing, but if the villagers get any closer, I might have to call on you. 

      3:15 pm | January 19, 2012
  • About Romney giving the unemployed woman $50: It’s easy to trash someone for their reaction when they are publicly approached like that. Some say he was demeaning and out of touch; some say the idea should be to teach a man to fish, rather than just giving him a fish. I had not heard of this story so I went looking for it.

    Turns out, this woman was out driving and saw his campaign bus. She reports that God told her to follow the bus, so she did. And then at his appearance, Romney gave her the $50 bill, and reportedly, his treasurer gave her another $150 to pay her electric bill. She was grateful. Now she volunteers at the local Romney campaign office.

    Here’s what Claudio Cabrera writes at “The Root”:

    “While this woman may have gotten some temporary relief with the cash handouts for herself and the light bill, it seems a bit demeaning to us because handouts are the very thing these Republican candidates bemoan. Instead of giving this woman charity, he could have told her about places in South Carolina where she could go to find information about jobs. He could have explained to her what his plans are to bring jobs to people, not just in South Carolina but across the country. ”

    Seriously? If I am poor and about to lose my electric service, what do I need right now? Money! The immediate ability to pay my electric bill! Sure, Romney could have told her instead that if elected, his jobs plan is so-and-so, which is due… uh… maybe sometime in 2013. IF elected. Wow, that’s a lot of help. Imagine how the press would have savaged him for that.

    I disagree with Cabrera’s thought that Romney should have told her about places in the state to get info on jobs. First, he is probably not personally familiar with every single employment program in every single state (although he could have turned the lady over to an aide, who then could have done a little research and handed her some phone numbers… also not great help for getting your electricity bill paid). Secondly, political campaigns are not employment agencies. Why do we think a politician on the stump should suddenly be responsible for magically fixing the problems of anyone who approaches them? (If I can… just… touch… the hem of his robe…!)

    Then I scrolled down to some of the comments on the Cabrera article, where one person thought Romney should have given the lady a job. Really? We now expect people to just hire anyone who walks up and says they are unemployed? What ever happened to having an actual position to fill, and then an interview process for a qualified individual? By volunteering at the campaign office, this lady is actually gaining experience and acquaintances (“networking”) and something good might come of it, but hiring an inexperienced person when you have no openings is charity. In a big way.

    8:28 pm | January 19, 2012
    • Baby Snooks

      Interesting comment about he should have just given her a job. One of my great aunts did just that yeas ago. She met a man on the street who asked her if she could help him. She listened to his tale of woe and realized he needed more than just money. So she asked him if he would be willing to come by and help her with some things.  That of course was 50 years ago and she might have thought twice about it today. But he showed up at the door several hours later. She needed the garage cleaned out. And did such a good job she gave him $50 the next day when he was finished. A fortune back then.  Lawn care was a “family affair” but of course she ended up with most of the “affair” so she asked him to come back to mow.  And she paid hiim $50. And he came by once a week for 20 years to “help with some things.” And my great aunt of course told everyone in the neighborhood about him. None of them paid him $50. Most only paid him $5 or $10. But it wasn’t the money that was important. It was his “having a purpose” in life again. Even when he was working for someone else that day he stopped by on his way home to say hello to my great aunt.   He was a “lost soul” when she met him.  He stopped drinking, made peace with his family, and made lots of new friends in the neighborhood.  He finally got too old to do much of anything. So my great aunt paid him $50 a week just to come by and sit on the porch and talk about “old times.” Old times.  When people cared about each other.  We no longer care about each other. When my great aunt died they found she had written a codicil and left him $50 a week for the rest of his life.  And occasionally he would stop by to sit on the porch with my second cousin and talk about “old times.” And my great aunt. My great aunt was a Republican. But wouldn’t have voted for any of the Republicans at this point.   She was also a Christian in every sense of the word. And never felt the need to “display” it. But she “lived it.”

      9:50 am | January 20, 2012
      • Snooks – I love this story. Your great aunt was really something!

        2:39 pm | January 20, 2012
        • Baby Snooks

          She really was. Her sister was really something else as well. Both were “Steel Magnolias” with absolute hearts of gold with regard to those less fortunate. And both handed out the $50 bills like they were pennies at times. My great aunt probably could have just handed that man $50 and walked off. But she realized he needed somethiing more than just money. Odd about the $50. A fortune back then. Even today $50 is a lot of money if you don’t have any. When I thought about it I realized many people I’ve known with cash to go with the hearts have had this thing about $50 bills.  It’s like they carry them around. Just in case someone needs some money. So who knows about Romney.

          8:39 am | January 21, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Lila…

      Well, then everybody who needs cash right now better find out where Romney is next appearing–maybe God will act as navigator for  those needy souls as well–so they can collect their$50 bills.  Or more.  Let’s face it, Romney can afford to hand out thousand dollar bills.  And as I don’t believe he will become our president, he’ll have plenty of time next  year to put his inherent altruism to the test.  Perhaps his five sons will help out, each with a big bag of money strapped to their backs, criss-crossing the country, flinging money willy-nilly. 

      Oh, I don’t think Mr. Obama will be our president either. 

      10:32 am | January 20, 2012
      • Baby Snooks

        As you know I am “ABO” at this point. Anyone but Obama. But if Gingrich or Santorum get the nomination I will vote for Obama. Ron Paul I mght vote for. On my way to Costa Rica.  You’d have to be from Texas to understand Ron Paul. And to understand Sheila Jackson Lee. The people have the right to choose who they want. And so it goes.

        Interesting how “family values” went out the window in South Carolina, isn’t it? I was amazed by the people on television saying “it doesn’t matter.” The same people who claim it does. Same with ethics.  Gingrich was literally thrown out of Congress. I guess that “doesn’t matter” either?  I suspect South Carolina is going to be another Iowa. Too close to really call.  Which presents problems with delegates.  I suspect by Super Tuesday it will be a circus.

        8:52 am | January 21, 2012
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    5:10 am | January 20, 2012
  • Pdr de

    I laughed so hard when I read you comments about Tebow – had been thinking the same thing myself. Was raised in a religion where prayer is very personal and not done in front of others (except for the Lord’s Prayer). Then I got to thinking about stadiums. If Tebow were to do his praying in absolute privacy, the only place he could do it would be in a toilet cubicle. Truly, where else could he go? I, too, think it’s strange to do his praying out in a football field where, during televised games, millions of people are watching. It’s caught on, however, many, many people are now taking the Tebow “stance” and doing their praying wherever they happen to be. I do think God has a great deal more on his mind than helping Tebow and his team win a football game. Perhaps he’s just praying for God to help him do his best – we’ll never know.

    Your comments about Romney are right on and it’s unfortunate that he’s better with all his millions, perhaps billions of money on which he pays no taxes (because the vast majority of his income is not “earned” income (you can say that again), than the other Republican candidates. Yesterday an article was published saying he has millions in an institution in the Cayman Islands where no one can find it and count it among his hefty assets. A Mormon Barbie indeed. Politics have never been so dirty and candidates have never been so unqualified. God…please help us!

    8:00 am | January 20, 2012
  • Dan S.

    This will be the textbook example of “TL:DR”.

    In Rhode Island, a 16 year old student named Jessica Ahlquist asked her high school to take down a prayer banner in their auditorium because it was a clear violation of the separation of church and state. The school decided to make it a fight and lawyers and the ACLU got involved. To no surprise, the judge on the case said that the banner was a clear violation of the establishment clause of the First Amendment and would have to be taken down. Through this entire process, this 16 year old girl has been the target of appalling treatment from students and adults alike; from bullying and name-calling, to condemnation, to threats of violence and rape and murder. She even received sharp words from her own senator. But through this whole ordeal, Jessica Ahlquist has been nothing but poised, thoughtful, and articulate (particularly amazing for a teenager) despite being thoroughly wronged for doing the right thing.

    The school board had a recent meeting where the main topic was whether they should appeal the court’s decision: Video of this meeting is nothing short of horrific. Adults step to the podium and rant and scream like raving lunatics to the shouts and “amen”‘s of the packed auditorium. They level threats unassailed and invoke the name of God at every turn. In true form, Ms. Ahlquist steps to the podium to speak against such an appeal: She calmly points out that this is a Constitutional matter and not a religious one and that the Consitutution is quite clear. She doesn’t rant and rave, she doesn’t scold or threaten, she doesn’t paint herself as a victim – those things are the tools employed by someone who doesn’t have a leg to stand on. For this, she is viciously booed.

    After the court’s decision, a free thought organization attempted to send her a bouquet of flowers with a congratulatory note. Multiple Rhode Island flower shops refused to deliver flowers to Ms. Ahlquist. One even accepted the order initially and then called back to cancel it later saying that they had received multiple angry phone calls from customers. The flowers were ultimately sent through a shop in Connecticuit – a shop that bravely stated that it wouldn’t be bullied by people who don’t support the First Amendment.

    Why I’m not okay with Tim Tebow’s public displays of religiousity is this: Because such displays implicitly condone the ridiculous treatment of Jessica Ahlquist – treatment that she is still being vigorously subjected to. It doesn’t matter to me how sincere Mr. Tebow may be. It doesn’t matter to me if he’s praying for victory or praying that everyone does their best. It doesn’t matter that he does good works or is an all-around nice guy. What matters to me is that with every genuflection, he endorses an America where people can be bullied and mistreated and treated as less than other people on the basis of religion. While I generally don’t care when non-political famous people express their religious beliefs, this one bugs me a bit. It seems unhealthy to me to marry the various Christian religions to the religion of football. It seems cancerous to Christianity and football alike.

    I know it may seem like I just implied that religious “moderates” are the same thing as whacked-out, crazy, religious nut-jobs. While I certainly don’t think that there is a one-to-one comparison to be made there (there are varying degrees of bad ideas after all), I do feel that moderate religion gives the crazy versions the permission to exist. Once anyone makes the claim that there is some aspect of life that is surreal, that defies reason or definition, and is, thus, beyond any rational human rules or cognition – all bets are off. It allows anyone to claim anything as true. I know many fine people who follow religion in a much more tempered, reasonable way that would find the treatment of Jessica Ahlquist to be grotesque: It wouldn’t surprise me if Tim Tebow counted himself among that group. But when they’re all basing their judgements on the religious notion of what’s wrong or right – it creates a very real conversation that must be had: If you’re all judging your actions from the same book, how can we know anything about about who’s following that book rightly and who’s following it wrongly? Who’s to say that blowing up an abortion clinic is wrong or that volunteering at a soup kitchen is right? We’ve been lucky that modern society has intruded on this conversation.

    Something else to consider here is this: I’m sure the people condemning Jessica Ahlquist to hell and threatening her and suggesting that Yahweh’s rule should trump constitutional law would consider themselves very much to be moderate. They probably covet the neighbor’s wife and other such property. They probably mix linen and wool. And they probably don’t stone their children in the public square for misbehaving. And that’s what bugs me about Mr. Tebow’s religious expression: While I’m confident that he’s well-meaning and doesn’t condone the mistreatment of people, it all just comes across as one seemingly-moderate Christian blessing other seemingly-moderate Christians to do as they’re doing as long as they all have the same religious motivation… because this is football and we’re in America, dammit!

    And just once, I’d love to see a player after a loss say “F*ck you, God! We needed that win!”

    10:09 am | January 20, 2012
    • Deirdre Cerasa

      DanS.
      I have also followed the awful events in RI. The city is my hometown and I am heartbroken by the attitude and treatment of Jessica. Although I haven’t lived there for a long time, it is not the place I grew up in. We celebrated each other’s differences and similarities. We were of different faiths and used to spend time in each other’s churches and youth group activities.
      After seeing a video interview with Jessica just before she returned to school after the decision, I posted that she was quite well spoken and far more mature and gracious in her comments than were the so called adults who were ranting and raving against her. In my opinion these people are not different than those they constantly condemn for not believing as they do. They will not open their eyes and ears long enough to realize that this is a legal not religious issue.

      10:41 am | January 20, 2012
      • Dan and Deirdre, yet another thing I had not heard of, so I went and looked it up (I learn so much on this site!). Wow. This is the kind of thing that really scares me. What are these rabid, foaming-at-the-mouth, violence-espousing zealots, if not religious extremists? Incredibly anti-Christian behavior from those who screech the name of Christ in wild-eyed, spittle-flying invocations to commit horrific violence against a 16-year-old minor. Demons could do little more. Christ would be spinning in his tomb, if he were still there.

        I found the content of the prayer banner, and ironically, it says:

        Our Heavenly Father,
        Grant us each day the desire to do our best,
        To grow mentally and morally as well as physically,
        To be kind and helpful to our classmates and teachers,
        To be honest with ourselves as well as with others,
        Help us to be good sports and smile when we lose as well as when we win,
        Teach us the value of true friendship,
        Help us always to conduct ourselves so as to bring credit to Cranston High School West.
        Amen

        Apparently that prayer was never answered.

        9:51 pm | January 20, 2012
        • Baby Snooks

          If you cut the first and last line of this you would have a wonderful “meditation” rather than a prayer but prayer is what it’s all about in this country to some. Some who belivee that their god is the only god and that the only way to heaven is condemning everyone else to hell. I have tended to avoid anyone who talks about “god” as the years have gone by simply because simple observation has usually indicated that they don’t walk the talk.

          Few talk about the reality of the Holocaust. One of the realities is that “Christians” all around the world weren’t bothered at all. Believing that Jews “killed” Christ and so should suffer the punishment.  Believing that their “mean old man in the sky” was pleased.  

          We condemned Pope Pius for his attitude as well as his actions. But not Roosevelt. Who could have easily offered asylum to the passengers aboard the St. Louis. But didn’t. And who signalled to Hitler, more than anyone else, that the Jews didn’t matter to anyone.

          9:31 am | January 21, 2012
    • Dan S.

      Wow – I can derail a thread like nobody’s business! It’s still an interesting topic nonetheless. I would encourage anybody who’s interested in Jessica Ahlquist’s story to look her up on the Internet. There are plenty of videos of her speaking about her experience at different events and she does such a fantastic job, that you watch her and think “What the hell was I doing with my life when i was 16?!”

      But more on-topic – Romney sure did manage to crash and burn in South Carolina. He’s down, but I’d say he’s a long way from being out. I actually had plenty to say about him originally too, but I took so much time to make my Tebow point that I didn’t feel like weighing it down any further with talk of Mitt Romney. My problem with him is pretty simple: He wears magical underwear. That bears repeating. He wears magical underwear. Now before any Mormon peers take exception, I’d like to say that I don’t think it to be a Mormon problem, but more of a religious problem. And by that standard, Newt Gingrich fails just as miserably. I feel strongly that it’s our responsibility to humanity to not hand over the reins of the free world to someone who believes in magical thinking. If you believe in things like talking snakes, or magically-multiplying food, or human resurrection, then you can believe anything. You can believe, for instance, that de-regulating big business will create a free market and not facilitate economic collapse despite mountains of evidence to the contrary. You can believe that certain groups of people can be marginalized for disagreeing with you and can, thus, have their basic freedoms and protections taken away. You can, in fact, do anything you want when you feel like you have reasons that can’t (and have no right to be) challenged by reality.

      Of course, the irony of that statement is that Barack Obama came from a Baptist church of extreme beliefs and you have to wonder if he’s capable of similarly-faulty thinking. He has certainly taken basic strides that makes one wonder if he’s thinking more realistically. He tossed DADT, quit defending DOMA, and hasn’t handed over the keys of the kingdom to the corporations that already raised it so thoroughly that one could hardly find one brick still stacked upon another. What you’re left with are two options: He either believes crazy things and takes actions that contradict them, or he lies about believing in crazy things and acts in the interest of his true beliefs. And that’s the best that a guy like me can hope for. The truth is more like that you can be a believer and still act in the interests of the republic: The two concepts aren’t mutually exclusive. But to give those beliefs more credence than reality is either foolishness, or a deliberate act of pandering. And there’s the irony I mentioned: In both cases, the person is either stupid or lying, to put it brashly. Religion shouldn’t be a centerpiece for a job application that is supposed to not include any religious test.

      11:16 am | January 23, 2012
  • Steph Mullin

    What bugs we about Tim Tebow is that he praises God when he wins (as if God cares about a football game) but he doesn’t say anything about God when he loses. So it’s credit to God if he wins cause God wanted him to and he listened to his pryers (whatever they are for) but if he loses it’s all on him God had nothing to do with it.

    2:43 pm | January 20, 2012
    • chipgiii

      Wow I have  had the same conversation with others a million times: Thank God for this or that when things go well, but when they don’t?  IF everything is God’s will then you are so correct – thank him for the bad too….I said this to a relative, didn’t go well. 

      6:09 pm | January 24, 2012
  • Helen Moran

    In Mitt’s world there isn’t anything that can’t be fixed if you throw some money at it. Of course $50 won’t do her any lasting good, but, it gave him the escape he needed to avoid the basic problem. He does not even think the way the average person does. He should and could give us all $50 after all he keeps a nice chunk of change in the Cayman Islands. Can’t wait to read his explanation for that. And he pays only 15% tax on his earnings [obviously not ALL his earning]. The best reason to vote for Romney is that its one vote Gingrich won’t get. The older he gets, the more he looks the “Chucky” doll. And if Mr. Rogers had an evil twin, he would look like Rick Santorum. Go GOP.

    7:26 pm | January 20, 2012
  • Mary

    Mr. Wow, Of course  am late to respond, but  gotta tell ya, you are dead right, you hit the nail on the head and as always a great post that is relevant!

    Similiar discussion came up for me recently  I live in a Bible Belt which is filled with the Church of Hypocrites.  I know I have said that before.  I am sort of affiliated with a church but not seriously enough to say it is my church.  Anyway I had to redo my resume and of course references.  I had a hard time thinking of three that i would consider honest, forthright individuals that I could actually say I trusted to give a fair evaluation of my abilities in a honest way.  I know many I could put that would be OK, but I was realy thinking hard to come up with 3 who I could absolutely , with no regret say were the best.  Then I ran into two people I haven’t seen for a while.  It hit me, I know these two people pretty well, they do attend a church and I know that they are deeply religious people.  Never once have I heard them say “I’ll pray for you” or ” blessings” or any such pat replies or offerings.  These two live their religion and you can see it in everything they do.  Rare oh so rare.   The world is lucky to have these two. 

    Interesting to watch the politics .  Today Gingrich won South Carolina, who would have thought this was possible?  But they are all gearing their politics to the funtamentalist which is the only platform they realy identified in all of the primaries so far.  I find it rather obsurd and shameful.  Like Baby, I would consider Rand Paul, it would be hard, but a possibility.  The others simply frighten me.  I would have to vote Obama.

    At any rate thank you for you absolutely right on post.     
         

    12:03 am | January 22, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Mary…

      I remain fascinated with all concepts of religion and faith.  The religion part is usually negative.  But I do have respect for those who have faith–a faith that doesn’t condemn or threaten. 
       
      Gingrich.  Scary man.  Believe me, if he became president–and yes, that’s possible–people wouldn’t experience the slow disappoinment of  those who supported Obama.  Within six months he’d be the most despised man in the world and even Republicans would be shuddering.   But–the goal is to oust Obama, and if Repubs think Gingrich can do it, they’re  content  now to allow this meglomanic into the White House.  

      2:59 pm | January 24, 2012
  • JCF4612

    In the fullness of time, this Tebow nonsense will pass. Am always amazed by fools who have escaped some sort of disaster or near miss (a bus collision, plane crash, tornado, ship sinking or whatever) to cross themselves and proclaim that God was looking after their personal survival. So what about the other suckers who died in the same tragedy?

    Athletes need to keep their religios pursuits off the field, as should political candidates. 

    Thank you, Mr. Wow, for a fun read. It had not occurred to me to get stoned for the Globes, but in retrospect that would have helped stave off the moss that grew on my face.

    Back to Tebow and the sports front … could you report with sufficient frequency to keep the non-sports addict vaguely clued in on what’s cooking. Thanks in advance.  

    2:10 pm | January 22, 2012
  • Frannie

    Can’t type because I can’t stop laughing about “Mormon Barbie”

    12:26 pm | January 23, 2012
  • D C

    Do you get upsent when you see a family join hands and say grace over their dinner at a restaurant?  I just wonder, my father in law used to have us do that every time we ate, even in public restaurants.  I really don’t care of Tim Tebow feels the need to kneel and say a “thank you God” whevever the moment hits.  I think it’s a whole lot better than watching some of these guys do the pelvic thrust dance in the endzone after a touchdown.  Or act like they’ve just shot down their opponent with twin pistols, or whatever their happy dance is. 

    If Tebowing upsets you, do you get just as upset when you see a mulim woman walking around in a headscarf?  Because she’s exhibiting her faith just as openly, if not more so, than Tebowing.  He only does that now and then.  The woman wears her scarf whenever she’s in public.  What about that guy that wears the yarmulke?  Or those guys with the turbins their floor length hair is wrapped up in? 

    Do public displays of all faiths upset you, or just Tebowing?  Go watch the Jimmy Fallon Tebowie video.  That should make it all better. 

    2:42 pm | January 23, 2012
    • D C

      Make that  “Muslim” woman…

      2:43 pm | January 23, 2012
    • TheTexasMom

      None of it bothers me and if the truth be told most people would think, if they knew my prayers, that my prayers are for things way less important than the outcome of a professional football game.   If we were to line up the world’s prblems, mine would be so far back in the pack my turn would never come so in oter for me to have ture faith in my prayers I have to believe God can mul-itaks and hear mine along with others.   I see God as this all knowing parent who can filter through the mess and get to the bottom line.

      2:52 pm | January 23, 2012
    • Mary

      DC, nope it doesn’t bother me, I see this every single day.  I see people pray in McDonald’s, Subways, and every restaurant in between, to each his own.  It always kind of perplexes me to see the Amish wear their Kaps, and no button dresses with heavy black stockings and black shoes in the dead heat of summer. They say they are not to conform but to be plain as to not stand out.  Well excuse me, They are standing out. The women cover their head the same as Muslim women do as is dictated by the bible Corinthians, off hand don’t know exact scripture and not going to look it up.  To me, we do not live in Biblical times, I am sure that there were good reasons then and those reasons are antiquated now and make no sense.  But, if they want to be hot and uncomfortable , that is fine with me.  Then we have the Conservative Mennonites here that think they are better than everyone else in the whole world and go door to door to tell us how evil we are because we do not attend their church and we dress with our knee caps showing .  Okie dokie,  well same women wear their dresses down to their ankles or mid length from knee to ankle, wear a hair covering, fine, Ok no problem but I sure as heck scratch my head when the dresses they wear are absolutely see through.  Put them all on the buses to Florida in the Winter though and those dresses and Kaps and black stockings and dresses that are pinned to stay closed come off pretty quick for the beach clothes, and that my dear is the story.  It is all a show of pious carp . Just another example of grandstanding religion for the sake of grandstanding religion.

      10:41 pm | January 23, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear DC…

      I have yet to meet woman is Muslim garb, or a man in a yarmulke who has said to me, “My God is stronger than your God, and by the way, I had a great accomplishment the other day, just because I prayed to my God.  He ignored the murder down the street just to make sure I succeeded.”

      Saying grace over dinner, even in a public restaurant would not want to make me puke–which is the phrase I used.   And I said above I have absolutely no issue with things like Nativity scenes at Christmas.  In fact I find them charming. 

      Mr. Tebow’s faith does not bother me.  His use of it as propaganda does. 

      And so does his affiliation with Focus on Family, a thinly disguised hate group. 

      But I’m sure–and I’m not being bitchy–he is a nice kid.  Maybe he’ll live a little and learn somethiing about the human condition and the real message of Jesus.

      3:16 pm | January 24, 2012
      • Baby Snooks

        A really not-so-thinly veiled hate group. It and the others. One of which is one of the many reasons why Pastor Perry didn’t last long in the race.  Not everyone is into hate in this country or, to be more precise, into the hypocrisy of hate veiled as religious love. I cannot believe people fall for the “hate the sin, love the sinner” crap. If the sinner doesn’t give up the sin, they hate the sinner. And start quoting biblical passages about how god demands they be put to death. And at one time in this country, they got away with it. And still do occasionally. 

        I no longer even like the “grace at the dinner table” simply because through the years the dinner table was set off the misery of others so to speak. 

        Baby Snooks has been around as you know. Including in  the pawn shops. You’d be surprised how many “diamond-encrusted” crosses are in those display cases. Quite a few no doubt hocked after hubby got caught and sent to prison along with his “Christian business values.”

        4:22 pm | January 24, 2012
  • chipgiii

    I’ve been watching pro football for 45 years, and every season there are many players who take a knee, do a little prayer, make the sign of the cross, or look up into the “heavens” and make the sign of the cross.  The past two years it is suddenly a big deal?  Why?  Who cares?  He is harming no one, and I am one of very little faith.  So TT has become a target of the media, and received scathing ugly attacks – civil media I guess not. 

    The one disservice is putting a politician and a football player in the same piece.  One is playing a game on a field, and in the big scheme of things the outcome will have zero effect.  The other is playing a game to get elected, and that could have huge implications food or bad. 

    Mr. Wow, not my favorite piece of  yours.

    9:11 am | January 24, 2012
    • chipgiii

      ouch should be….”huge inplications good or bad”

      9:13 am | January 24, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear chipgiii…
      The reason why it’s suddenly a big deal is that Mr. Tebow has made it a big deal.  His posturing cannot be ignored.  Nor can his support of Focus on Family.  He put himself in the crosshairs. 

      Please see my responses above, or anything else I have ever posted.  Though I am not a believer, I do not object to those who believe.  Quietly.  As Jesus advised. 

      As for a politician and a football player being in the same post–what’s the diff?  I might add an actor, too.  All public performers.  All playing to the crowd.  All following a script.  And most of them, great big hypocrites. 

      Not that this makes them bad people.  Only human.  

      Huge implications?  I’d say it’s pretty huge that millions of people believe God watches Tim Tebow play football. 

      Sorry you didn’t approve of this piece.  We all want to be like and loved and appreciated.  But we must all must speak our minds.  Or kneel at a stadium.

      Best to you,
      MR. W.

       

      4:11 pm | January 24, 2012
      • chipgiii

        Mr. Wow,

        TT has done that kneeling stuff since his first year in college, probably did it in high school.  I don’t really pay much attention to it.  I just think that he’s all of 23 or 24 and people are brutal on this guy.  Read through some of the posts on here and there is borderline hate.

        I respect everyone’s right to civil debate on any topic.  I said it wasn’t one of my favorite pieces by your, not that I didn’t approve.  Heck half the fun of reading stuff is the disagreeing. 

        My religious position is pretty simple: don’t preach to me and we will be fine!  I am not against God, it is the middlemen that frustrate me.

        As for Romney, he is my preferred republican at this point.  The GOP is really a huge disappointment to me this time around.  The media frenzy to find dirt, and the frenzy for each of them to throw that dirt, boggles my mind.  I use to think there were kids that were jerks when I was a kid: always telling secrets and trying to find things to make fun of other kids with.  Now I wonder if many of them were journalist honing their skills for later in life. 

        Anyway, the good news is I do appreciate your refreshing honesty, and even if we don’t always agree – it doesn’t lessen my respect one iota for you or your perspective.  Keep writing!

        6:05 pm | January 24, 2012
        • Mr. Wow

          Dear Chipgiii…

          Thank you for your sensitive and respectful disagreement. 

          Romney?  No dirt on him except  he is a zillionaire and has no concept of real life.  Look, that’s okay if he could be a fair and honest president. 

          Maybe he can.

          I will keep writing. 

          7:19 pm | January 24, 2012
    • Baby Snooks

      Romney may not be kneeling, yet anyway, but he does talk a lot about “tithing” so what’s the difference? As for his “tithing” apparently it is to non-profits run by the church. Rather than the church itself. Anything for a tax deduction even when you’re only paying 15%.  They’re both hypocrites. The politican and the football player.

      4:31 pm | January 24, 2012
  • J G

    I liked the piece, Mr. Wow.

    I respect your opinion but I personally don’t take offense at TT kneeling and praying.

    Honestly, if I have to be really honest, I wish I had that strong of a faith in God. (I wouldn’t pray for my team to win, but I would pray to keep everyone safe)

    Anyway, I do pray privately, very privately. But sometimes I’m just not really present.

    I admire anyone who doesn’t force their beliefs down our throat yet has firm beliefs of their own.

    ~Peace~

    4:19 pm | January 24, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear  JG…
      Thanks.  To be honest, I wish I had some faith myself.  Just not “religion.” 
      I respect your opinion, too.
       
       
       
       

      2:30 pm | January 25, 2012
  • D C

    Regarding football and prayer:  There are two high school football coaches in my family.  After seeing what happens to a man just trying to do his job when the team fails, you can bet your bottom dollar I have prayed for a little divine intervention from time to time in desperation.  When your job depends on 16 year old boys winning a game, and nobody takes into account that this one is worried about flunking math and losing eligibility, and that one’s girlfriend just told him she’s pregnant, and this other one’s dad got drunk last night and beat the hell out of mom… no, I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve asked God for a little help now and then to win a stupid football game, because it meant my loved one might be able to keep his job a little longer.  Now, whether I believe that God is actually paying attention is a whole ‘nother question.  Honestly, I’d rather he be listening to that mom in the hospital who is praying that her baby with cancer can get through the chemo and come out whole on the other side.  But that doesn’t stop me from thinking “oh please God please can we just win this one time?”

    8:59 am | January 25, 2012
    • chipgiii

      “There are no atheists in foxholes.”  My guess is that most people share similar experiences and similar moments of prayer.  And I suspect that most who deny doing something like this are kind of like those who say money ain’t important – most of them tend to lie about other things as well. 

      10:39 am | January 25, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear DC…

      Understand all you are saying.  But…did you pray in the street, or did you pray at home, or at church.  Did the world know you prayed?  Or was it just you and God? 

      4:06 pm | January 25, 2012
      • LandofLove

        Good point, Mr. wOw, and I think it’s really at the crux of this discussion. People can pray at home, at their place of worship, silently under their breath, etc. But why make a public show of yourself in a setting where others may have very different religious beliefs, or none at all?

        6:28 am | January 26, 2012
        • chipgiii

          LandofLove, Mr. Wow,

          There is no pleasing everyone.  President Bush was applauded for being “forthright” in his religious convictions and criticized for wearing it on his sleeve so to speak. It just depended on who you asked.  People chastised President Obama for staying with a church and Pastor Wright for twenty years; others applauded his attendance for what they saw as President Obama seeing the bigger picture, faith.
          Heck when Mother Teresa died there were those in Calcutta who were not sad; they felt she embarrassed Calcutta by bringing so much attention to the dismal state there and the many starving people.  She embarrassed them, in their eyes. 

          I am not comparing Tim Tebow and Mitt Romney or either president to Mother Teresa, I am just saying that there is no right way to profess one’s faith, or deny having faith – somebody ain’t gonna like it.  It is all about what we, as individuals, think acceptability is – and we know that differs from person to person.

          Personally I am okay with believing in some deity, I just can’t understand how people can do it through all the middlemen (church, pastors, etc).  My reason is simple (but so am I), preaching faith and forgiveness and sin with the belief that it is all to be forgiven with the acceptance of Christ as a savior seems to give too many a license to misbehave in the meantime…including those of the cloth.

          JMO which in the big scheme of things, means nothing!

           

          8:12 am | January 26, 2012
      • D C

        When that kind of thing takes place, I’m usually standing (or sitting) in a high school football stadium surrounded by people, and I might either look up to the sky and place my hands in “prayer position” or I might bow my head.  I’m sure anyone who was paying attention to me rather than what was happening on the field might think I was praying, or having a gall bladder attack… whatever. 

        See, I’m not one who thinks it is a great thing to make a show of faith.  But at the same time, I don’t think you should be verbally flogged for doing it either.  Tim Tebow, and many other professional athletes are, whether they want to be or not, role models.  Some of them, like Barry Bonds are quite vocal about not wanting to be a role model.  He probably doesn’t want to be a role model because he wants to get his steroid thing on without anyone paying attention.  But like it or not, people who idolize sports figures are going to put you in that role model spot.  So Tim Tebow is a role model, and according to his religious beliefs, he believes that modeling the behavior that shows his faith and his preference to get down on his knee to pray or say thanks to God for WHATEVER he thinks God is responsible for in his day, is what he should do. 

        If everyone would just go on about their business and stop being so INTOLERANT of other people’s personal choices then Tim could do his thing and it wouldn’t be on the news. 

        TOLERANCE… what a concept, eh?  Tim Tebow can bow his knee, you, Mr. Wow can hold hands and kiss Mr. B on the streets of Redneckville, TX, without fear for your lives, that interracial couple over there can walk down the street in Vidor, TX without getting dragged behind a truck… my son could do his autistic thing at school without being bullied… it’s amazing what could happen if we all were a little more tolerant of each other. 

        9:19 am | January 26, 2012
        • chipgiii

          DC,

          Amen to tolerance!  Pun intended with the hope it taken with a touch of levity.

          11:28 am | January 26, 2012
        • Mr. Wow

          Dear DC…
          I sure hope I have not come across as intolerant.  I’m not.  TT can go on–and has every right– to kneel and pray publicly.  It irks and annoys me, because of what it represents–the craziness of “religion.”  (Not faith.)  It’s like people who survive  a plane crash or some other disaster, in which many others have perished.  “I lived because God was with me…I prayed, etc.”   Really?  Out of hundreds, God chose you?  Everybody else deserved to die in agony? 

          How tolerant is Mr. T?  Not too, what with his support of Focus on Family.  But I would never ever ever deprive TT of his public display. Or try to pass a law to deprive him of his right to worship.  I’d be horrified if anybody tried to do that.    I am not intolerant of his faith.  I can’t abide what people seem to think his performance means.   But…I’m only expressing my opinion.  In this Christian country, I am in the minority, so I’m told. 

          I don’t hold hands or kiss B. in Chelsea, NYC–Gaytown. Forget about Redneckville. I’m not into PDOA.  And yes, I also think about people who might be uncomfortable with that.  I’m not sixteen and silly anymore.  Just give me my rights as a law-abiding, tax-paying American.  Allow me the same right to marry as a heterosexual Death Row inmate.  And although it is not my style, if I wanted to kiss B. in a football stadium, I’d  expect that human right to be accepted without a baseball bat to my head,   Then somebody named Mr.Non-Wow could write a column about the annoyance of my degenerate display.

          And that would be fine. 

          Tolerance?  DC…we’ve still got a long way to go. 
          But, I live in hope. 

          Best,
          MRW

           

          2:07 pm | January 26, 2012
  • Jon T

    I’m not a particularly religious person, but I’m actually going to take up a little for Tebow. He may in fact be trying to turn his faith into an act of showmanship. Or maybe he’s always practiced his faith this way, and the only thing that’s changed is he now has a worldwide audience paying attention. I guess I’m saying that either way he shouldn’t have to apologize for it. As long as it’s not at the expense of others, he’s an individual who has a right to express himself freely.
    By the same token, the folks who defend his right to make public demonstrations of his faith can’t then turn around and get angry if someone who doesn’t as they do go public with their own beliefs, or lack thereof. A person should be able to declare themselves an atheist or agnostic without being accused of “attacking Christianity.” The courtesy has to be extended both ways, or no one gets to complain at all. Of course now I’m getting all preachy, but I’ll stop there. 🙂

    10:50 am | January 26, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Jon…

      Not “preachy” at all.

      And even if you were, so what?  

      That’s what we’re here to do–opine and preach and carry on.  Get it off our chest.  Maybe learn something.  (I know I always do!) 

      2:10 pm | January 26, 2012
  • J G

    “………..Just give me my rights as a law-abiding, tax-paying American. Allow me the same right to marry as a heterosexual Death Row inmate…………..”

    Very Powerful words.

    Amen to the above quote.

    2:29 pm | January 26, 2012
  • Katharine Gray

    Mr. Wow, your message would carry much more weight if you could establish how  Tim Tebow and Mitt Romney are hypocrites.  Because indeed, it is unseemly for hypcrites to pray in public pretending to be virtuous when they are not.  I have not read that Mitt Romney went to an Easter Service and then went home and put a cigar in a woman’s twat who wasn’t his wife.  Nor have I read that Tim Tebow is engaged in a dog fighting enterprise or even buys a lid or two of pot.   Or cheats on his wife (which he does not yet have). 

    Your message seems to be that anyone who  makes his faith known to the public is a hypocrite. Because only hypocrites pray in public.   Was Martin Luther King a hypocrite because he prayed in public? I think not.  Circular reasoning.   I will grant you that some religious leaders have exibited hypocrisy.  I don’t think that you have proven that Tim Tebow or Mitch Romney are hypocrites simply because they make their faith known to the public.   

      

       

    6:17 am | January 29, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Katherine…

      I wasn’t out to “prove” anything.  How can I, when the very core of my iffy disbelief in HIM, rests on the fact nothing about HIM can be proved.    I was quoting the Bible, which is taken literally by millions–or so they insist. 

      Mr. Tebow can pray anywhere he likes.  He does!  I don’t particularly care for his public display–which is quite different than going to church on Sunday.  I was expressing my personal distaste. And that means nothing.  Except to me.

      As for Mr. Romney, he doesn’t pray in football stadiums.  I was offended by his act of handing a woman $50 dollars, at the very peak of criticism that he–fabulously wealthy– doesn’t know anything about normal people and normal lives.  In his defense, I’ll say what politician does?  Once they become politicians and make a nice salary, and get their name and picture in the papers, they are no longer “one of us.”    And that’s okay.  Just admit it, and then do something to help us.  And I don’t mean a random public handout. 

      Thanks for chiming in,
      Mr. W.

      But please–spare me the word “twat.” 

      8:22 pm | January 30, 2012
  • maytaguide

    Mr Wow on Mitt: a “Mormon Barbie” — that’s great!

    5:23 pm | January 31, 2012