So Now You're a Published Author...What a Media Whore, Darren!

Or if you prefer, STAR FUCKER!

I'm recovering from the inflated ego as I write this, for as of last night, I have added one more title to the hyphenate: published author.

Last night, at First Congregational Church here in Portland, Oregon, about forty of us- including this shameless whore who's writing this entry- took part in a reading as part of the release of an anthology entitled Unexpected Metaphors. There are 87 pieces in this book, which is published by a wonderful group called Write Around Portland, which gives domestic violence survivors; homeless folks; low income people; people with mental illnesses; those suffering the scourge of HIV and/or AIDS; those who are incarcerated; and troubled youth the opportunity to write poetry; short story pieces; and even do a bit of art. A diverse group of people expressing themselves, unencumbered by challenges that society and personal challenges- be it chemical dependency or any other crisis she or he may face. A wonderful outlet, indeed.

The workshop I attended this summer was facilitated by a wonderful young lady- No names, please. About seven of us took part in the workshop at Julia West House (I'll discuss this place at another time), where we had timed writings; and discussed each others' work. As with all the other workshops around town, we had to choose what we felt were our three best pieces, then submit them for critical review and approval (and, yes, feedback and destructive...er, constructive criticism, too...). In addition to the piece that got published, Venice on the Scioto (a trippy dream piece, if you ask me...you'll find it on page 125), I also submitted a catfight story. I felt that this was my best piece. It was cutting close to the 900 word limit though, and had language and sexual overtones in it. And with the youth in the audience- some who submitted stories- it had to be cut (that's okay, I'm turning that into what I hope will be a student film, or short film- filmed perhaps in New York). Another piece I submitted was one on a failing marriage, using wilted roses on the car's dashboard as a metaphor.

Everyone who wrote the pieces keep the rights, which is real nice.

Write Around Portland was founded in 1999 by Liza Halley and Ben Moorad. It is a nonprofit that is dedicated to transforming lives and building community. During the eight years of existence, WRAP has conducted over 270 workshops; with over 1700 participants. Unexpected Metaphors is the groups 24th anthology, and workshops are already forming for the fall, so obviously, there will be a 25th.

Programs in Seattle- CAFE (Creative Art For Everyone)- and even New York City (New York Writers Coalition- have formed, as have programs in Arizona and Utah, with WRAP serving as a model. So, I'm proud to be part of a trendsetting program.

So, now that I'm a published author, I can be a diva like Paris Hilton. My shit smells like roses now, and all of you mean nothing to me, LITTLE PEOPLE! SO THERE!
NYAH-NYAH-NYAH-NYAH-NYAH!

In all seriousness, though, I am very humbled and privileged- and definitely inspired- to continue writing. My main forte is screen writing (I seek to work in TV as well), so what this program has done- and will continue to do- for me (since I'll be attending another workshop, probably next spring) is spur me on to continue my endeavors. It has made, and will continue to make me a better writer (now if I could write better blog entries...it's that right brain trying to shut that left brain off thing...). I've had immense fun with this, and look forward to doing it again very soon.

Of course, this is not the end all, be all. Even as I have a published piece, I have not yet reached the summit, per se. In all respects, I look at this as a beginning of even more greatness to come. More published pieces, including perhaps a novel or two. Definitely more screenwriting, and prose writing. Perhaps a play or two. There's no limit on how I can do this. All that's required is that I set my mind to achieve whatever goals I set; pursuing those goals and desires; and just keep getting better at what I do.

This winter, for example and God willing, I'll be in New York City- yes, cold, snow and all- taking film making classes at New York Film Academy. I'm looking at the final 8-week course for 2007, which starts December 3, and by the time this course ends in late January 2008, I will have four produced student films. So this will be challenging and extremely fun. I look forward to this.

So, if you don't believe yourself to be a writer, or even a creative type, let me tell you that nothing could be more further from the truth. Each and every one of us is creative in one form or another. It could be in the form of music; dance; writing; even spoken word. Everyone is creative. Everyone has potential for greatness. Everyone can do their part to make the world a better place, to love, at be at peace. To lift spirits.

To create.

Here in the Portland area, Unexpected Metaphors, and other WRAP anthologies, can be found at Powell's City of Books. If you live outside the Pacific Northwest, just go to the Write Around Portland website, which I have linked- just click on the title- and they'll tell you how you can obtain a copy.

And when you do get a copy, make page 125 your first stop (Of course, my friend CJ White would like you to go this his first. So make page 89 the second stop...)

(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.

New Orleans- Two Years Post Katrina

It was two years ago today when Hurricane Katrina, a powerful Category 3, paid a visit to the Gulf South, and wreaked havoc in the communities along southern Mississippi and southeast Louisiana.

New Orleans was spared the brunt of it- or so it thought.


mccraven333/YouTube

In 1965, Hurricane Betsy ravaged the area. A clip from this can be seen by clicking here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=TaA1k5VA-lI .


Then in 1969, Hurricane Camille paid a little visit

SeptembersCamera/YouTube

New Orleans had hurricanes and tropical storms since then. When I lived in New Orleans (from February 2001 to June 2003), I've witnessed Tropical Storms Allison (June 2001); Tropical Storm Bertha (August 2002). Slidell, on the Northshore (of Lake Ponchartrain) was hit harder, while New Orleans hardly felt a drop. Then the back to back storms in September and October 2002. Tropical Isidore- or as I called him, Izzy- hit landfall northeast of New Orleans, but we got drenched nonetheless on September 26, 2002. Then a week later, Hurricane Lili, on October 3, hit landfall near Intracoastal City, Louisiana. But I remember vividly the wind-driven rainstorms I had to go through (I also remember the toothache I had the night before. I went to hospital. By the time I got my prescriptions at the St. Charles Avenue Walgreen's in the Lower Garden District, the rains of Lili had making their arrival).

So the residents of the Big Easy believed themselves to be lucky. Some folks did evacuate. But those who lacked transportation- be it car; truck; SUV- had to fend for themselves.


AndyMarquis/YouTube

Of course, after the storm, finger pointing. Listen to Kayne West:


aquaSlime/YouTube/NBC

Then, Spike Lee and Bill Maher:

KeiserMFSosay23/YouTube
Then here's my future wife Ann Coulter (okay, I'm kidding, but here's my favorite Neo-Nazi blond, nonetheless):

It doesn't get anymore raw that that.

Two years later, neighborhood around the Ninth Ward, which had a large black population, is virtually nonexistent. The federal government, in the eyes of many, is still dragging its' feet, while the private sector, and well-to-do neighborhoods are recovering quite nicely.

Some people ask if it's really racism, or just plain ignorance. You decide for yourselves what is going on in the Big Easy.

(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.

Larry Craig- The Paper Trail

Veracifier/YouTube/KBCI, Boise, Idaho/CNN

I am not gay.
I have never been gay.

Riiiight, Senator Craig.

Yesterday, I talked a bit about the scandal surrounding Senator Larry Craig (R-Idaho), who's now denying that he ever solicited sex from an undercover police officer at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. For the past 25 years, he's deny dodging rumors that he's a friend of Dorothy. He's not family. He's not even bi.

Really?

Well, thanks to the CBS-owned station, WCCO-TV, I now have three documents detailing the arrest of Senator Craig.

Here's the complaint: http://static.cbslocal.com/station/wcco/news/local/crime/07_0828_local_crime_senlarrycraig_complaint.pdf The Register of Actions: http://static.cbslocal.com/station/wcco/news/local/crime/07_0828_local_crime_senlarrycraig_registerofactions.pdf

And finally, the guilty plea: http://static.cbslocal.com/station/wcco/news/local/crime/07_0828_local_crime_senlarrycraig_petition_guiltyplea.pdf

Obviously, this thing is beginning to bite Senator Craig in the ass- though I can't help but wonder if he's enjoying that.

One way or another, the truth will be revealed.

(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.

Yeah, and I'm the Fucking Queen of England, Mr. Craig

So, it appears that we have another Republican congressman who denies that he's- gasp!- a FRIEND OF DOROTHY! That he's not family, and that what happened to him in a men's restroom in the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport was a misunderstanding.

Oh, my god! THE HORRORS!

But apparently, Senator Craig, the Republican serving the great state of Idaho, says that he overreacted when he pled guilty to disorderly conduct to misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Still, that doesn't explain why he tried so hard to...I don't know, perhaps he was asking for toilet paper for all I know, and his request for toilet paper got mistaken for...um, solicitation for gay sex, no?

Hmmm...I'm trying to figure this one out, baby. Anyway, click on the title for all the deliciously lurid details from The Smoking Gun.

This is not the first time Craig has been...I won't exactly say 'outed', but as you watch the footage from CNN- click here: http://cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/08/28/craig.arrest/index.html, notice how he apologizes profusely to his constituents. Then watch the ABC News footage (from 25 years ago) I discovered below, with special thanks to PageOneQ and YouTube.

!

Doesn't sound like (then-)Representative Craig's too secure in his sexuality, does it?

Hmmm.

(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.

How to Commit Rape While Sleepwalking

A British Royal Air Force mechanic was accused of raping a 15-year-old girl. However, in two hours, Kenneth Ecott, 26, was acquitted on the account that he was sleepwalking.

That's right, he had sex with the girl- he admitted to this- while he was sleepwalking.

Apparently, Ecott suffers from 'sexsomania', or 'sex sleep'- why can't I suffer from this more often- a rare, but real disorder. Sexsomania is also known as somnambulistic sexual behavior, and is part of the behavior called parasomnia- behavior typically not associated with sleep. About 3 to 6 percent of adults, according to the ABC News report- the link I have here- continue to display such parsomniac behaviors.

Strangely, not all partner of sexsomaniacs are distressed over being fucked as they sleep. The other partner may be banging away, but not know about it until the lover/spouse brings it up the next day. Some of this sex sleeping is gentle, some of it rough. But the fact remains, the person who's indulging his erotic desires won't remember it the next day.

Needless to say, if I should be so lucky to be among the sexsomanaics, one, hopefully, it'll be with my own partner, and not in some stranger's bed (or if so, she won't cry 'rape'. I can't afford the 25 years to life), and two, hopefully, she'll tell me how great I was.

Just a thought, kids.

There is an explanation of this condition in the Newsweek/MSNBC website, which I also have the link to, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18999826/site/newsweek

(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.

From Quarterback to Convicted Felon- Vick's Fall From Grace

I can't help but wonder when the producers of The Longest Yard -both the 1974 original with Burt Reynolds, and the 2005 remake with Adam Sandler- had now suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick in mind when they produced their respective films.

Vick plead guilty this morning to federal charges of dogfighting, in Richmond, Virginia. Vick admitted to helping kill six to eight pit bulls, and supplying money for the fights. He denies sharing in the profits or placing any bets on the fights.

Now, admittedly, I'm not much of a Falcons fan, but I thought that Vick was a pretty good quarterback in the NFL- 930 completed yards in 1730 attempts; total yardage 11,505 yards passing; 71 touchdowns; 3859 yards rushing. All of those stellar stats now gone to waste, as are all those millions of dollars of product endorsement and playing six seasons with the Falcons.

As I mentioned in an earlier entry, I might have been a bit more forgiving if Vick were some inner city resident living in poverty. But he was an idol to many adoring fans. A role model in the eyes of many. And now, he's nothing more than dirt. It's gotten so bad for Vick that even his #7 jerseys are now used for dog beds- and as this clip from Buck and Dex, of Albuquerque's 104.7 The Edge, KKED-FM shows, it's also useful for another purpose


EdgeMorningShow/YouTube

Special thanks to 104.7 The Edge, Albuquerque's New Rock Alternative.

Vick will be sentenced on December 10. The government wants Vick to serve 12 months- at least 85% (or 8 months)- plus be a material witness. But the judge who's handling the case, Henry Hudson, is known to be a tough jurist- and an animal lover- and is not bound to the government's recommendations of the 1 to 5 year sentence.

Click here: http://www.wsbtv.com/download/2007/0824/13967788.pdf for the document of Vick's plea agreement. For the full report from WSB-TV, just click on the title.

The only thing Vick can do now is probably get into hip-hop and rap. At least with all of the alleged thugs in that genre, at least he'll be in good company.

(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.

Adios, Alberto

Exactly two weeks to the day after White House Deputy Chief of Staff- and the gay male partner of King George II (otherwise known as President George Walker Bush)- Karl Rove turned in his resignation (which becomes effective this Friday, by the way, another Bush cabinet member has said, "Adios, Jorge."

US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has thrown in the towel- to the roaring approval to those who wanted him out a long time ago.

During his tenure, Gonzales' leadership was under suspicion, with the Justice Department and the FBI being accused of abusing the USA PATRIOT ACT to uncover personal information on US citizens. And then, there's his firing of eight US attorneys last December. Earlier this year, the Democrat-led Congress sought a no-confident vote, but the Senate vote for cloture (motion to end debate) failed.

Prior to serving as AG, Gonzales was counsel for then-Texas governor Bush, and became counsel when Bush became president.

Personally, I never cared much for Gonzales, but with our civil liberties in jeopardy, his departure means that there is one less headache for the rest of us, and President Bush has to deal with, though Bush obviously isn't happy about getting rid of his walking migraine.

That loud cheering you hear is a bunch of civil libertarians and mostly Democrats partying, and sending Mr. Gonzales his going away present.

All I can say is, "disfrutar de tu retiro, Alberto." Believe me, when he leaves on 17 de septiembre (that's September 17 to us gringos), he will not be sorely missed.

(C) 2007, by Darren W. Alexander.
All Rights Reserved.

Portland Grassroots Media Camp

Yesterday, I attended a class as part of the Portland Grassroots Media Camp classes that went on this weekend. The class was entitled Poetry as Gateway and Meaning and Expression in Homelessness, facilitated by Jay Thiemeyer of KBOO 90.7 radio here in Portland. Jay experienced homelessness for awhile, but now has a place. Now I took part in this, in part, on account that my friend Chris 'CJ' White encouraged me, and that I myself have- on occasion- experienced homelessness.

We also did some practice interviews in this class, and to my surprise, I was a pretty good interviewer, so the lessons I came away with was that I could put folks at ease, and I'm a pretty damn interviewer. Just set my mind to anything I want to do, and hold to it.

Afterward, CJ and myself, took a tour of KBOO-FM, which is a community, listener-supported station here in Portland. All the production work, and preparation for programs, I've watched firsthand, and what respect I already had for folks who work in the media, got even greater after taking this tour.

Then, it was on to Musicians' Hall, Local 99, not far from the KBOO studios. There, we were served with chicken pollos, enchiladas; and other delicious Latin dishes. This meal was prepared by some of the ladies who represent this group named Las Mujeres del Brazelete (Women of the bracelets). Now, this group of ladies was among the over 160 workers at the Fresh Del Monte plant (in north Portland), who were detained in a ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raid on June 12 (I have a dog in this fight. That night, I was among the 150-170 people called by the temp agency I work for to replace them). One of the women, in Spanish, told of the story of how their livelihoods were lost in the raid, and that some of them chose to be voluntarily detained back to Mexico. Now, I felt bad for them at this point, asking myself how I could benefit from some one's misfortune. Sure, I'm for tighter controls of the borders and strongly against illegal alien workers. But now that I saw the faces of those affected, I'm heartened to, at least, give some compassion and consideration for them. My prayers do go out to them, and hope that some solution can be worked out.

Copyright 2007, by Darren W. Alexander.
All Rights Reserved.

Sorry, NAACP, But It's Not Up to You To Decide Vick's Future

The president of the Atlanta, Georgia chapter of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), R.L. White, has serious doubts of disgraced Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick's guilt on charges of running an illegal dog fighting ring. White says that when Vick's legal troubles are over, he- Vick- should be allowed to be back inside the uniform of the Atlanta Falcons.

I'm sorry, Mr. White, but that's not for you or anyone in the NAACP to decide. Instead, that responsibility lies solely with the Falcons organization and the national Football League (NFL).

Vick is expected to plead guilty on the dog fighting ring charges, and faces up to 60 months- 5 years- in federal prison. The judge in the case is known to be a tough jurist, so I'm saying that Vick will get closer to the 60 months time, if not a harsh censure. Having said this, it's my belief that the NAACP should stay out of the sports business, lest there is known discrimination against black NFL players. I find none in this case, and the fault, in my opinion, lies solely with Mr. Vick and his co-defendants. It's not a racial thing, and the NFL- as far as I know- doesn't make decisions based upon race or even sexual orientation.

So let the NFL do their job, NAACP. If they feel that Mr. Vick needs to be terminated, that's their decision. And if they decide to reinstate him, it must be on the account that they have full faith that Michael Vick has paid his debt to society.

I think that the NFL can make the call- without the help of the NAACP.

Copyright 2007, by Darren W. Alexander.
All Rights Reserved.

Queen of Mean's Reign Ends; Vick Pleads on Dogfighting Case

If you want to get any closer to seeing the late, great (that's an exaggeration!) Leona Helmsley, go to this link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=cjL5C-Hn-o0.

Leona Helmsley ran Hemsley Hotels along with her late husband Harry- who probably lost his testicles upon marrying this bitch. For those of the well-moneyed set who are more familiar with her chain of hotels, she was the congenial sweet lady who grace the covers of the ads the chain did.

For the rest of us, however...well, this statement from a former Helmsley Hotels housekeeper cemented her other claim to fame: We don't pay taxes. Only the little people pay taxes. That statement, of course, gave her the (in)famous nom de plume QUEEN OF MEAN!! After all, it's been alleged that she nickle-and-dimed both the executive office workers at the chain's headquarters; the housekeepers; and the contractors who kept the hotels from falling to pieces. And I thought my dad Carl was a skinflint. While the rest of New York- other than Donald Trump- suffered and toiled in the concrete jungles, Queen Bitch...er, Mrs. Helmsley sunned her buns above Central Park at her own Park Lane Hotel- with swimming pool and probably suntan lotion to boot.

Sure, she was a former model. But when I look at her, I see pure ugliness- and I'm not just talking about her snotty attitude, either.

Well, all I can say is Satan may have a run for his money down in that burning inferno- he's already having a bitch of a time with former Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott and that so-called Christian soldier named Jerry Falwell. If there's a hell, well, it's about to get more crowded and more torturous as they welcome Leona.

VICK PLEADS GUILTY TO DOG FIGHTING CHARGES: Michael Vick could face 18-36 months in prison for running an illegal dogfighting operation.

Apparently, throwing footballs to Atlanta Falcon teammates, and all of those millions of dinero wasn't enough for him.

Now, as a dog lover, I'm obviously saddened that he would stoop so low. As a fan of the NFL- though not necessarily of the Falcons (I'm a Seahawks; Bengals; Titans; Bears; and- when they're good- Cowboys and Saints fan)- I'm very appalled at the lack of respect Mr. Vick has shown to the game. Character, in the eyes of many, is important, and Michael Vick has shown everyone that his character is anything except honorable. He goes to federal court in Richmond, Virginia next week to enter his plea. And from what I've read on the judge, it will be no picnic at Club Fed when Vick is sentenced.

Of course, some may wish that Vick got the death penalty for mistreating those beautiful pit bulls. If I were the judge in the case, and imposed death, I suppose I'd sentence him to death by mauling- from pit bulls, no doubt.

Copyright 2007, by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.

Good Riddance, Mr. Rove

Today, White House Deputy Chief of Staff, and senior advisor to President George Walker Bush has done the thing he should have done years ago: HE QUIT!

Sure, we have to put up with his fat ass for another 18 days, but while I count down the days until we're finally rid of this vermin, let us count thee ways he- and for thart matter, Bushie junior, has botched up our country.

First off, Rove was largely responsible for putting the current don of corruption into the White House- in 2000 when Bush- in the eyes of many- stole the election, and again in 2004. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he oversaw the 'damage control' effort- you know, while folks were drowning in New Orleans, Bush and his crime gang, which of course includes Rove, were barbecuing in Texas.

And then, there's the CIA agent leak of (now) former employee Valerie Plame. While I. "Scooter" Lewis Libby was indicted and subsequently convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice, Rove- according to many- got away scot free.

And now the man who basically ran the presidency of George Walker Bush- albeit in the ground (but running it nonetheless)- has decided to spend more time with his family, effective the last day of this month.

Anybody out there believe that?...


kgiag/YouTube

Neither do I.

I learned today, as I looked at Wikipedia in preparation for this, that Rove supported another crook- Richard Nixon- beginning at age nine. He worked for his idol during the 1972 Presidential campaign, as you will see at the 4:10 mark of this clip from CBS News.


backfile/YouTube/CBS News

Scums...er, Rumsfeld. Trash...um, Ashcroft. Now Rove.

The George W. Bush crime syndicate falls apart. One cabinet member and/or administration member at a time.

But, in closing, I can't help but wonder if ol' Rove felt the noose tightening around his neck. The noose of a lot of us finding out the truth about a lot of criminal acts the Dubya administration have committed- and are still committing to this day.

Good riddance, Rove.

Copyright 2007, by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.

JIm Cramer's Rant; NFL Hall of Fame

peace0be/YouTube/CNBC

Admittedly, I don't watch Jim Cramer on CNBC as much as I should, but when I heard about this rant- or as a host on KXL here in Portland, Oregon said yesterday, 'became 'unglued- I just had to watch this. See what the fuss was all about.

Basically, Cramer told the current Fed (Federal Reserve) chairman Ben Bernanke, to get off his ass and cut the interest rates. Only, he got a little too carried away.

But that's typical Cramer, right?

LET'S GET READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!: Saturday, in Canton, Ohio, five NFL players were enshrined into the Pro Football Half of Fame. Michael Irvin , who led the league with 1,523 yards on 93 catches in 1991; selected to five straight Pro Bowls; and had 750 career receptions for 11,904 yards and 65 touchdowns during his 11 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. Thurman Thomas, 12,074 yards rushing; NFL's MVP in 1991. Rushed for 1,00 yards in eight consecutive seasons. Gene Hickerson was voted to six straight Pro Bowls, all_NFL for five consecutive seasons, from 1966 to 1970.
Bruce Matthews played his entire career with the Houston Oilers, on through their move to Nashville to become the Tennessee Oilers, and subsequently, Titans. Named to record-tying 14 consecutive Pro Bowls (9 at guard, 5 at center). All-Pro 9 times, and all-AFC 12. Charlie Sanders had that ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound...okay, so I'm exaggerating. But Sanders had that ability to elude tacklers and was the Detroit Lions' all-time reception leader by the time he retired in 1977. Roger Wehrli amassed 40 career interceptions and recovered a record-tying 19 fumbles. He was selected to seven Pro Bowls.

In last night's Hall of Fame game, Pittsburgh beat New Orleans 20-7.

Copyright 2007, by Darren W. Alexander.
All Rights Reserved.
CNBC footage, (C) 2007, NBC Universal.

Crisis of Conscience- Questions that Perplex Me

I have recently read a book called Crisis of Conscience, by Raymond Franz. He is a former member of the Watch Tower Bible And Tract Society's Governing Body, the ruling body of the Jehovah's Witnesses faith.

The things I've read in the book about his trials and tribulations as he faced tribunals from (then) fellow Governing Body members, and the Gadsden, Alabama congregation were troubling. Troubling because, in the past, I've found myself partially defending the Witnesses, even during the 'Silent Lambs' debacle (such that still exists to this day). This debacle is like the more major one that the Roman Catholics faced earlier this decade (2001-02), but what's more troubling is that some of the alleged molesters are still in congregations of JWs even to this day. I know you should forgive, but who separates the perpetrators from the victims? This is another discussion for another day.

But going back to the book, the excommunication- or disfellowshipping of Mr. Franz over some action that was nothing more than petty. It wasn't even that. Mr. Franz was in the company of a friend- and employer- Peter Gregerson, who ran a grocery chain in Alabama. Now this was before an issue of the faith's Bible journal
The Watchtower (Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom) was released. The edition in question was the September 15, 1981 issue. In that issue, the Governing Body decided to bring back a pre-1974 policy on dealing with 'publishers', as the Witnesses call their members, who were disfellowshipped and disassociated. From 1974 to 1981, the JWs took a moderate stand, whereas a person could be disassociated from the congregation if such person decided to take up military service or run for public elective office. Or if the person disassociated himself voluntarily, they could still fellowship among the congregation. As for the disfellowshipped, if such person was a family member of active Witnesses, such family members could still communicate with that person, but not the rest of the congregation. This more restrictive policy that the Governing Body decided to bring back treated disassociated persons- be it those, like Peter Gregerson, who disassociated themselves voluntarily, or involuntarily, again if said publisher decided to pursue military service or elective office- the same way as disfellowshipped persons. To be shunned from congregation, and even family members and longtime friends. No doubt, friendships have been lost, and families have been torn apart over such actions.

Raymond Franz was disfellowshipped over being with Peter Gregerson, even though this action that caused Franz's expulsion happened prior to the release of the September 15, 1981 Watchtower.

Why did the Governing Body see fit to, in this author's opinion, spy on Mr. Franz? No doubt in my mind, it had to have been Mr. Franz's communication with his friend and employer, Mr. Gregerson, that caused them- the Governing Body- to bring back what is basically a totalitarian policy. Why did the Governing Body accuse Mr. Franz- and 1500 others- of apostasy against the Society, when evidence of such was nonexistent? The source of the trouble- a female publisher of a New York congregation- later recanted her story.

Why did Wesley Benner, the Circuit Overseer at the time, go in such a frenzied rush to disafellowship Ray Franz, without allowing fellow Witnesses who knew Mr. Franz intimately, to defend himself? Why did Benner want to use an ex-in-law of Peter Gregerson on the Appeal Committee, that ex-in-law likely still having feeling of animosity toward Peter Gregerson? Why did Peter's youngest brother Dan decide to use this meeting at a restaurant, in which he himself was present, against Ray Franz?

I suggest that you read the book (you can get it at your bookstore, or via amazon.com or any bookseller). You'll no doubt find things very interesting.

If you're a Jehovah's Witness, or are considering becoming one, I know that the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society is strongly advising against reading this book. But unless you know the truth of what happened to Mr. Franz, and the inner workings of the Governing Body from someone who was once a member, you may never know what you may have gotten yourselves into.

You read, and decide.

Copyright 2007, by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.

Minneapolis Bridge Collapse

First off, my prayers go out to the survivors of the Interstate 35W bridge collapse, and the families of the victims- those who are trapped, and those who have since passed on from their injuries. May God's grace comfort you all, and the love of the country and the world.

Last night, at around 6:00PM Central time (4:00 here in the Pacific), the bridge that passes over the Mississippi River, on Interstate 35W collapsed. This happened durring rush hour, and dozens of cars fell in. The fatalty toll- initially tallied at seven- is now currently at four, and over five dozen injured. Nearby, the Minnesota Twins played against the Kansas City Royals in the Metrodome. Now, some of you may say that the Twins organization was heartless in their approach. But given the fact that the collapsed bridge was so close to the Dome, that the game had to go on, in part to allow first responders- the police; emergency personnel- to head to the scene ands do their jobs. So I think the right call was made.

Tonight's Twins-Royals game has been postponed, and the four game homestand against the Cleveland Indians are on the bubble.

I have a link from CNN, the view of the I-35W bridge collapsing. Just click on the title.

Here's the Breaking News footage from KSTP Eyewitness News 5 television; KARE 11; KMSP Fox 9; and WCCO CBS 4.


NewsTv/YouTube

I am heartened to know that the sixty young children who were on the school bus as thr bridge collapsed are okay. Some are scratched up, but other than being shaken, those little babies are in the comforting arms of their parents, with said parents clinging a bit tighter to them.

Furthermore, I'm a bit astounded that some cars, and parts of the road, when the bridge collapsed stayed intact. But those are the saaving graces of what is otherwise a tragic event.

The I-35W bridge was 40 years old, and was last inspected in 2005. Repair work was being done to it at the time of the collapse. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating, and Congress has appropriated $250 million for the bridge's repair.


Again, my hearts and prayers go out to the survivors and the victims' family.

Copyright 2007, by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.