Friends in San Antonio
7052 North Vandiver, San Antonio TX78209
November 2008
Calendar, November 2008
Meeting for Worship is held on Sunday at 10 a.m., followed by refreshments and a Forum discussion at 11.30, usually lasting until about 12.45. Children are invited to join worship for the first fifteen minutes, after which they may go and join the Young Friends program. Child care is available during Forum.
November 2, Sunday ........ Potluck lunch at 11.30.
November 8, Saturday ........ Picnic at Brackenridge Park, 10.00
November 9, Sunday............ Forum, Friends’ engagement in the election process.
November 16, Sunday ........ Meeting for Business, 11.30.
November 23, Sunday ........ Forum, Discussion of the November query.
November 30, Sunday ........ Forum.
Each Thursday at 4-5 p.m., a peace vigil is held at the corner of Commerce and Flores -- one block from Main Plaza.
Clerk: Bill Wilkinson, (561-9360); e-mail: billwilk3@att.net.
Website: http://www.sanantonioquakers.org. Editor, Ken Southwood: jksouthwood@grandecom. net
Donations may be made to Friends Meeting of San Antonio, P.O. Box 6127, San Antonio TX 78209.
Meeting telephone to ask for information: 210-945-8456.
| Governments, like clocks, go from the motion men give them, and as governments are made and moved by men, so by them they are ruined too. Wherefore governments rather depend upon men than men upon governments. Let men be good and government cannot be bad; if it be ill, they will cure it. But, if men be bad, let government be ever so good, they will endeavor to warp and spoil it to their turn. . . . Good laws may want good men and be abolished or evaded by bad men; but good men will never want good laws or suffer ill ones. . . . William Penn 1682 |
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American charity shortchanges the poor Charitable donations to wealthy school districts , churches, etc., by their residents are tax deductible, meaning that the US government subsidizes these by as much as $350 per $1000 donated. Poor districts and churches cannot tap such sources of support. But the $350 subsidy for a wealthy school reduces the amount of money available for poor schools, increasing the distance between the rich and the poor. “Isn’t charity supposed to remedy inequalities by assisting the poor and disadvantaged?” United States laws grant tax deductions only to those who make donations to 501(c)(3)s. Public policies shape – through regulations and incentives – philanthropic behavior. Tax incentives for philanthropy amount to state subsidies for the individuals and corporations who make charitable donations. Economist Charles Clotfelter writes, the U.S. has “the world’s most generous tax concessions” for philanthropy. The U.S. government spends more on subsidizing charitable contributions than it does on TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. And so one place for our public policies to encourage helping the poor through philanthropy would be in selectively granting 501(c)(3) status. Yet the way our government confers that status seems remarkably indifferent to aiding the poor. Assuming that we are in the same tax bracket, your $1,000 donation to baldness research is worth exactly the same as my $1,000 donation to Pakistani earthquake relief. Even if we ignore religion – an elephant in the room of charitable giving – the remainder of Americans’ contributions seem not to serve the less fortunate. Social welfare groups receive only 2 percent of charitable dollars and human services only 9 percent. Relatively few nonprofit institutions serve the poor as a primary clientele. Households which do not itemize tax deductions get no extra credit for charitable contributions; itemizers, who tend to be wealthier than those who take the so-called standard deduction are rewarded for doing so. So the standard deduction cannot be properly viewed as a reward for charity – let alone an incentive – because one need not be charitable to get it. In addition, those in each lower tax bracket receive an increasingly smaller deduction. In other words, “the opportunity cost of virtue falls as one moves up the income scale,” as two scholars wryly noted. If anything, lower-income earners would seem to warrant the larger subsidy and incentive. Public policy can do better, and sometimes quite simply. Congress could allow all donors – itemizers and nonitemizers alike – a tax credit that is linked to the amount donated, rather than a tax deduction that is linked to the donor’s tax bracket. Congress could make subdivisions within the 501(c)(3) category – poverty-redressing organizations in one subdivision, others in another – with smaller incentives for giving to the latter. Organizations that tend to worsen inequalities might be removed from the 501(c)(3) category altogether. If the massive tax subsidies given to philanthropy do not enhance equality, then either the political regulation of philanthropy will have to change, or the justifications for state-supported philanthropy will have to lie elsewhere. Liberally adapted from Rob Reich, at http://www.ssireview.org/articles/entry/a_failure_of_philanthropy/ |
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Meeting for Business
We have no complete account of business meeting this month. But the Treasurer reported that Meeting received a bequest of $1200 from the estate of a deceased Friend and $525 for the Tents of Hope campaign. More repairs and maintenance to the building were completed. Cash on hand decreased by $1,227. Expenditures for electricity, special programs, refreshments, pamphlets, newsletter, and building repairs, were above budget, while those for water, miscellaneous, religious education, child care, travel, and grounds were within budget, the latter due to a gift. Outreach committee reported that it is arranging for a picnic at Brackenridge Park, and is proposing changes to the website. The current proposal will be circulated for Friends’ comments. There will be a “swap party” to accompany the book exchange on the first Sunday in December. More information next month.
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| Personal Carol Redfield has been named a Distinguished Faculty Member at St. Mary’s. We are sad to know that Debbie Davis, who owned the hairdressing salon next to the meetinghouse, died unexpectedly in October. She had inherited the salon from her father, who died earlier this year. She was a good and helpful neighbor. Carol B and Marian attended the memorial service. Nikki and Austin were married in a small ceremony in October. Later, a large number of family and friends joined them in a meeting for worship at which they made their promises to each other, followed by a reception at the meetinghouse. It was a joyous occasion . We were able to make the acquaintance of Carolynn and Harvey, our new babies, at meeting last month! |
| The Fence It is poverty that creates fertile ground for drug trafficking. It is poverty that sends so many legal and illegal immigrants over U.S. borders. Poverty needs no passport to travel and cannot be detained by walls . . . According to recent estimates, the country is spending $3 million per mile to build a fence along its border with Mexico designed to keep out illegal immigrants seeking opportunities they cannot find at home. But for every mile of that fence, 2,500 young Latin Americans could receive monthly $100 grants to cover the costs of staying in school so they can get good jobs. For every mile of that fence, 15,000 children could receive Internet-capable laptop computers from MIT's Media Lab, enabling them to join the globalized world rather than falling behind. The possibilities go on and on. These are the investments that could keep Latin Americans from risking their lives to enter the United States anyway they can. These investments would be good for all our countries. Oscar Arias, President of Costa Rica, in the Washington Post, Aug 16. The border with Mexico is 1,952 miles long. On Sept. 11, 2008 ICE agents entered a private residence in San Francisco arresting 6 undocumented immigrants in what residents see a the most recent evidence that it is no longer a "sanctuary city". The fact that ICE agents entered a private residence with nothing more than a deportation order is totally different from entering with a warrant for a crime. They're going into private homes, which means the city can't protect its own residents. One of the women told the agent, "We're not criminals." And the agent's reply was, "Your crime is being here." We need to continue praying for a more humane immigration policy! |
The Vicar of Bray
This is a traditional satirical English song about the English church at the time of Quakerism's origin: England had gone through a series of switches, with the monarch at the religio-political center. Henry had broken with Rome and created the Church of England in 1533. Daughter Mary was Catholic but succeeded by Elizabeth, who was firmly Anglican. The Scottish Stuart, James I, crowned in 1603, was raised as a Presbyterian; Charles I was an Anglican king from 1625, but with Catholic leanings. Cromwell became England’s Puritan “Protector” in 1653, succeeded in the Restoration by Anglican Charles II in 1661, who became Catholic on his deathbed, Catholic James II in 1685, and Protestants, Dutch William, Stuart Anne, and German George after 1689. The “Pretender” was the Stuart James II’s Catholic son, James, father of Bonnie Prince Charley. George Fox began his wandering search for truth in 1643, finding the formal religion of the day, presided over by “hireling priests,” like Bray’s vicar, hollow. By 1651 he had gathered converts to his views and Friends’ silent worship had been established. The growth of the society then occurred within the religious switchback that followed, years memorialized in “The Vicar of Bray.” |
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For Relatives of Quaker Parrots Stop the bad behavior, even if your Quaker Parrot is currently behaving like a mean, old, spoiled, and vicious grump, that bites and screams bloody murder! Not even the worst blood-drawing biters, crystal-shattering screamers, or stubborn, party-pooper non-talkers have a chance to resist. . . You May Not Even Believe It Yourself When Your Quaker Parrot... Talks Happily (even converses hilariously, and imitates funny sounds)... Performs Amazing Tricks (watch your guests and friends laugh out loud)... Do you make these common mistakes with your Quaker Parrot ? - Yelling at your Quaker Parrot to "SHUT UP" when it screams? - Over-reacting and shouting "OOOH", "AAAH" or "OUCH" whenever it bites ? - Giving your Quaker Parrot only seeds to eat ? See this advice at www.pet-parrots.com/parrotsecrets/quakerparrot.html? This advice is being passed to Ministry and Oversight Committee. Should we invite the writer for consultation? Do we have a problem with non-talkers? We personally do have a problem with seeds – it’s our dentures. |
Our Jewish OutreachWhen Donna Kirshbaum was eight years old she read a child’s biography of George Fox. “I remember leaning against the fridge and telling my mother, ‘I’m going to lead my people the way George Fox led his people,’” she said. This year, she is now a rabbi and became religious leader of Princeton’s Reconstructionist congregation, String of Pearls. Marilyn Silverstein, New Jersey Jewish News. Sep 9. |
Cielo Grande Quarterly MeetingSan Antonio was host to Quarterly Meeting this year. Friends came in on Friday or Saturday and on Saturday took part in laying out the AFSC Eyes Wide Open display of boots of Texan soldiers killed in Vietnam. About four hundred pairs of boots were displayed at Alamo Plaza, each with a tag identifying the soldier or saying that the name had been withdrawn at the request of family. In addition about two hundred Iraqi shoes, of identified adult men and women and of children, symbolized Iraqi dead. Friends straightened the boots and were available for discussion with visitors. Some of the American boots had personal family mementos, flowers, photographs, letters, and newspaper cuttings. One family clustered around their family member’s boots to be photographed. Presumably no Iraqi family knew that their loved relation was being commemorated here. Bill estimated that 3-4000 people had viewed the display, which is from AFSC and intended to show the costs of war. On Saturday evening a catered supper was served at the meetinghouse. The Tent of Hope (see below) was erected and visiting children painted panels. On Sunday Friends discussed their experiences and feelings about the EWO display, which, reading attached letters and photos, was very moving. A Business Meeting was held. Steve Olshewski’s report on the status of the nationally proposed Peace Tax Fund, a Quaker concern since John Woolman first spoke and wrote about it, was discussed and accepted, and Irene Szedlmayer reported the widespread opposition in Hidalgo County to the construction of the border wall, based on environmental and social grounds. Cielo Grande will be responsible for planning the SCYM adult program in 2010 and 2011. Bill W noted that 2011 will be SCYM’s 50th anniversary, which could be a special theme for that year. Attendance at Quarterly has fluctuated greatly. After extensive discussion Friends agreed that annual Quarterly weekend meetings serve an important purpose in Quaker life. Individuals and children enjoy this chance to get to know one another better, in a relaxed setting with opportunities for long conversations over meals and during unplanned times throughout the day and evening. Even the occasional task of developing the adult program for SCYM helps to build a communal spirit among those who participate. The appointment of Christine D as clerk was approved. |
Eyes Wide OpenTents of Hope: under the benevolent eye and guidance of Karl, our youngsters painted colorful panels on a white tent. Each panel was intended to give a message of hope and peace to Darfur refugees. With Karl, the young Friends had prepared their pictorial messages beforehand. Karl’s longer arms painted pictures of dancing and a peace dove on the roof. The tent was re-erected during Cielo Grande Quarterly for further, unpracticed, contributions. It later went on display at Main Plaza with five others from San Antonio before going to Washington DC to join thousands of others to advocate for the refugees. It will then go to refugee camps in Chad to act as a classroom for Darfur children.
Be not forgetful to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 l l l l Yet, should we not show hospitality even without that chance? |
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Soldiers of Conscience The POV film shown by KLRN was remarkable. Filmed partly in Iraq with the permission of the army, it focused on the moral problems faced by eight soldiers in battle when they are required to kill someone. The film started with the statement that WWII research showed that, faced with this, 3 out of 4 men did not fire their weapons, even when facing their own death. [A doubt must be expressed in the validity of this statistic, which does not seem clearly supported by data.] This leads to the assumption that human nature has an inner resistance to killing others. To ensure that soldiers obey orders to kill, the army trains them in “reflexive fire,” “bypassing moral training” in firing without thinking. The film covered four soldiers whose moral principles were so violated in Iraq that they became conscientious objectors and four others who concluded that the threat of the enemy, after 9-11, justified continuing in service. An officer, training cadets, spoke of the moral dilemma involved in killing others, and the need for them to face this. Here are some of the statements they all made: “Soldiers can only kill because they have been trained.” “Nothing ever prepares you for the destruction of human beings.” “We sleep comfortably in our beds at night because violent men do violent things on our behalf.” “Loyalty to nation came into conflict with loyalty to the kingdom of God.” “Will I ever turn into the person that I used to like?” “We see how war affects the civilians, and then you see the dead, you smell the dead bodies, you see the girl with the burned arm and you can’t help her because you’re in the middle of a war.” “If you hurt others because you have to, and without hatred, it’s all right.” “I looked at them (prisoners) and I saw my own unit but with brown skins.” “You just have to go and do what you have to do, come out, and forget it.” “To make them subhuman causes atrocities.” “When I filed for CO status they saw me as a traitor.” “In prison (for refusing to return to Iraq) I’ve never felt freer.” “Their freedom to dissent is made possible by the soldiers who defend them.” “(Seeing a man being beaten) is it the Christian thing to do to stop the beating?” (From an army instructor)”Individuals are going to have to make up their minds they’re not going to do it.” About the bloody body of an Iraqi, facing the camera “This represents you.” “We need the people (soldiers) to defend the innocent.” A scene remains with us – the terrified face of a little Iraqi girl as a squad of helmeted military broke down the door of her home, yelling, thrusting weapons forward, seeming to her like monsters from a netherworld, and filled her room with alien noise and unimaginable fear. |
Coming EventsWe will have a picnic on Saturday November 8 at the Cypress Pavilion in Brackenridge Park. The pavilion is pink, ubn marked, and is near the entrance to the zoo, next the river. From the zoo entrance, follow the fence to its right. The pavilion is booked from 10 am to 2 pm. We shall provide cold drinks, ice, charcoal, burgers, veggieburgers, and hot dogs. We’ll put out a signup sheet and e-mail asking for preferences for these, and to ask Friends to bring a potluck dish. There is an electric outlet for the coffeepot. We expect lunch to start at 12. Michelle will tell people where the interesting points of the park are; zoo, waterbirds, river, children’s railroad, Japanese Garden, and just walks. At the popular book exchange on the first Sunday in December we will this year also have a Swap party at which we can exchange other things which we don’t need but others might. Bring your books, CDs, DVDs, soup tureens, sweaters too small, sweaters too large, used cars, and 12" B&W TV sets on December 6. But not junky things. |
Demonstrate. Communicate.
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PoemSail away from the salty dog end rain with bitter tearsand worries prophesying pain, encrusted noise of rusted mental gears. In caves with virtue's cobwebs, rank old virgins are computing greed and prophesying war. Hate not the player in the mind who visions scenes of fear and kiss sad eyes with greening joy. Listen to the wind to hear a fitful change of love. Kindness holds the world to kiss with willow-weeping rain the pus-filled paws of cats and mental wind sand-papered rough and raw by year's end chilly hates by wind that scrapes and creaks with fear. Welcome the wind that hears the cries of cats beyond the moon. We bless with almond eyes the face worn old by hurt and hurl. We hold with battered hands our trembling inner worlds. We are a soothing rain for hate and hurl. |
Is Being Muslim OK?Rabbi Arthur Waskow quotes Colin Powell in a recent major interview, "The correct answer is, he [Obama] is not a Muslim. He's a Christian. He's always been a Christian. But the really right answer is: 'What if he is?' Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer is no. That's not America."He goes on to speak of current “ fear and even hatred of Islam,” but of “a real effort of Muslims, Jews, and Christians to learn from each other, make peace with each other and beyond each other, make peace between humankind and the rest of the web of life upon our planet.” And of “some streaks of respect and compassion and celebration of the One Who encompasses all ‘others.’ Indeed, celebration of the One Whose infinitude can be reflected only through the diversity of our unique traditions. Whose Infinity can be honored only by honoring our differences . . . to seeing ‘sameness’ in Muslims and Jews and Christians and Buddhists . . . Now why did it take Colin Powell to say this? Why were not a slew of Senators, Presidential candidates, university presidents, heads of churches and synagogues, saying it?” To read it all, go to http://theragblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/rabbi-arthur-waskow-is-it-wrong-to-be.html |
Bric A BracA lawsuit by State Senator Ernie Chambers of Nebraska was thrown out. He had sought a permanent injunction against God. He said “God had made terroristic threats against the senator and his constituents in Omaha, inspired fear and caused ‘widespread death, destruction, and terrorization of millions upon millions of the Earth’s inhabitants.’” The suit was thrown out because “the defendant was not served a legal notice.”We have “vacant/in use” deadbolts on one bathroom door, providing security for anxious Friends. Two more will follow shortly. Ken bought one and returned to get two more. The man behind the counter, puzzling, asked who had served him. Ken said, “I don’t know but when somebody asked how he was he said it was just another day in paradise.” The clerk laughed loudly. ”Now I know exactly who it was!” vvvvvvvvvvvv vvvvvvvvvvvv vvvvvvvvvvvv vvvvvvvvvvv
Query for November
If pressure is brought upon you to lower your standard of integrity, are you prepared to resist it? Do you let the desire to be sociable, or the fear of seeming peculiar, determine your decisions?
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