Religion of Pieces

Practitioners of that certain faith do not just cut off heads, but hands and legs, gouge out eyes, remove tongues as religiously appropriate punishments. These are NOT atrocities practiced in ancient and benighted times but to this very day, and I have not mentioned stonings nor the mass killing of dogs, deemed unclean animals. So this "religion" did not abandon these cruelties to the Dark Ages but is happy to inflict them on you and your family should you deviate from what they perceive to be the path of righteousness. I am all for pluralism and tolerance for folks that return those virtues back. 

The Peaceful Religion

You know I have never heard of an Amish suicide bomber. I have never witnessed a Quaker carrying out a mass casualty shooting. In fact, the perpetrators of these attacks normally happen to come from a particular faith group. That religion, which I will not mention at this point, is known as the fastest growing on earth, but who would rather fight than switch, when these devout folks will slowly cut your head off or rape your daughters in front of you to convince you that their way is the right path to take. Most people valuing survival will join the winning side if that means grotesque violence will not be visited on them and those they love. 

Great Tight End

Travis Kelce may have just played his final home game. Obviously, if he wants to retire, he will, but even at this late stage in his career, he led Kansas City in receiving and was a force blocking throughout the contest. He will go down with Ozzie Newsome, Kellen Winslow Sr,, Russ Francis, Dave Casper, Tony Gonzalez, and Rob Gronkowski as one of the all-time great tight ends. He is still a dominant force and could play additional seasons, should he decide to continue competing. 

A Christmas Wish

Typically, the Christmas hope is for peace. With Christians and others perceived to be "infidels" around the world being murdered by Islamists, it is my prayer for the upcoming year that right and righteousness completely defeat jihadist aggression in the coming months and eradicate the scourge of Islamism across our globe. Victory over this evil counts more than peace. 

Under Global Attack

Jews are under siege all over the world. Those with any awareness are taking precautions, but who thinks a community event in a pluralistic democracy will have hardly any armed security provided by lawful authorities? Who would have come to a Jewish event in Bondi expected to draw more than a thousand attendees, if they knew only four armed police would be standing guard? Who would think an ordinary bus or subway ride would lead to singled out and assaulted in the city with the largest Jewish population? Who would guess a Cypriot vacation might lead to the loss of an eye? We are living in pogrom and Farhud time, just trying to stave off a second Shoah, but my Christian friends, look to Nigeria and Christmas markets closed or turned into fortresses across Europe, and realize Jews are not the sole or last target. 

Depend on Rivers

A decade ago, before his initial retirement from professional football, Philip Rivers was one of the more reliable quarterbacks in the game. He was never much of a threat to run, but in the passing game, he made quick reads and accurate throws. He retired and was back coaching high school football for several years, but was summoned back by Colts in need. Rivers still sees the field well and reads the defense magnificently, but his throws lack the pinpoint accuracy that marked his former career. He is clearly picking out the most open receiver, but the ball is not always where it needs to be and where it likely would have been before he took an extended hiatus from playing the game. I do not accept the joke though that it is now "Depends on Rivers", as in adult diapers. Philip still has a great mind for football, but his body is not quite where it once was. 

Growing the Pie

The DemocRATS want to divvy up everything folks have or earn pretty much evenly, reserving the best and most for themselves and their close cronies of course. The Republicans want to to increase prosperity across the board believing a rising sea lifts all Americans delivering better outcomes for every proverbial boater. The GOP wants to grow the pie that helps us all rather than carve up the little pieces we already have to give to those who have a little less.