Ranger's Spot

Rules

2011-07-01T06:49:00.001-07:00

Attitude of the non stereotypical slave is tantamount to the survival of the slave and the slave persona. Assumed Superiority and inferiority are just that, assumed and expected. When this aspect does not seem present it calls into question by some the validity of the leather relationship and whether the couple that professes this difference in being is really a true leather person or couple. For the switch person, this can be a relentless conundrum of feelings and emotions of rejection and deletion from various aspects of community life that can be devastating to the individual psyche and to the conformity of the group.
Some very simple guidelines for appropriate behaviors can be made quite complicated such as, the submissive always lighting any dominants cigarette or acting as a personal servant runner to all the dominants and not knowing where one ends and another begins. Common courtesy seemingly does not fit the mold sometimes and a big ruckus ensues and various other protocols are called into question as adequate or inadequate in the person’s life and way of doing things.
I am feeling that perhaps this would be a spot for some open discussion and sharing to create an awareness of the various likeness and difference in every relational experience and recognize those as defining terms and actions for the individual, couple and group.

“The Boys' Bill of Rights (© by LaboursLost)

1. Every boy has the right to have his body, intellect, and emotions protected by his Dom.

2. Every boy has the right to choose the man whom he serves and to discontinue that service and take his leave without being subjected to physical, mental, or emotional abuse.

3. Every boy has the right to be cared for, disciplined appropriately, and allowed to feel pride in his submission.

4. Every boy has the right to protected sex if he so wishes.

5. Every boy has the right to privacy if he so wishes. No boy can be blackmailed, publicly humiliated, or physically coerced into service without his expressed desire to be so.

6. Every boy has the right to defend himself from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.

7. Every boy has the right to consent or not to consent to sexual activities.

8. Every boy has the right to seek refuge, counsel, and advice from other subs and Doms without the expectation of sex, money, or any other service in return.

9. Every boy has the right to a physically and emotionally available circle of friends.

10. Every boy has the right to protect his own possessions and finances against intercession, theft, and non-consensual acquisition.

Post, repost, and repost again.

Stereotypes

2011-07-01T06:48:00.000-07:00

Master/slave, Daddy/boy, Pig/piglet, etc…

“If a man doesn't value himself, he cannot value his word as an expression of his Self.”

Have you ever had any of these terms imposed on you personally and it was not a fit for you? How about the scenario where it was expected, just because of a collar around your neck that you must do things a certain way and follow a certain set of rules laid down by someone else? Of course, these mysterious rules and guidelines are sometimes referred to as protocols in the leather world but there are no set protocols from city to city or region to region that even match completely. How very confusing for even the most advanced member of the leather community.
Now, you may ask, gentle reader, why I bring this up in a discussion of stereotypes in this section. The stereotypical definition of a Master is a strong man that is completely in charge of everyone and everything in his line of vision and perhaps things that He does not even have a clue exist yet, much like a God of the Universe. The stereotypical slave is a lowlife, stupid person of the male subhuman species that has no mind and has the penchant for being led, never a leader in any way. In this stereotype, the slave has absolutely no say and no will at all; it is all the will of the Master.
This may be the case with some situations of Master/slave but not necessarily all of them. I was brought out into the leather world as a young Marine in 1976 and learned a lot from my first Master. The protocols that are natural in my life were created there and through military training and even go back to cub and boy scouts. Oh, by the way, just as an FYI, my first Master was also a Marine and did not let up on anything in my training or attitude development so I will go from that point here.
It has been my personal experience that the stereotypical Master/slave set up or relationship is one of intense trust and devotion of the Master to the slave and the slave to the Master as in one complements the other. The protocols are there, but they tend to be developed between the two people involved and are congruent with their life and lifestyle.
The Daddy/boy phenomena came about in the 1980’s and began with Drummer Magazine and propelled forward to International Mr. Leather with a posting on the door of a room at the host hotel concerning a gathering of all slaves/subs/boys and puppy’s for the purpose of organizing and beginning to be human and recognized that way. Thus began a new age of relationships in the leather world that was on the opening side of communication and negotiation such as is spoken of in today’s leather world.
The Daddy/boy relational qualities involve a more open mind set than the Master/slave in this slave boy’s and is congruent with the way I have morphed through all these decades.
To many that profess the Old Guard qualities and ideals, it is seemingly out of character with the way any submissive man should be. However, as one that has lived the Old Guard way and believes in the traditions that are good and healthy about it, well, that is just not the case for me. Old Guard is built on some bedrocks of communication, both verbal and non-verbal that can be very intense and yet highly intimate at the same time. More about this later in the Trust section, but it does need mentioning here I do believe.

The Leater Boy Stigma

2011-07-01T06:46:00.001-07:00

Have you been subjected to the stigma of the Leather Boy yet in your quest for life in the leather world? I have experienced this as of late in my current situation and am looking for input and an open discussion about ways of dealing with this stigma and perhaps breaking the barriers that surround this area of any relationship.

“Service is serious play: serious because it is intense and meaningful, play because it takes place in a bounded space with (evolving) rules, separate from life. The best service is 'no-limits' based on trust in a DOM Man. 'No limits' does not mean that 'anything goes', but rather that a Man is worthy of trust, and the sub accepts that the DOM will not harm him or abuse him, and accepts HIS power without negotiating.”

“We have all been hurt in the past, holding current relationships accountable for our own inability to get complete with our past hurts is not effective in terms of our own personal development.”

“If a boy is being trained and developed, then I think it's to be expected that at times he will operate from his emotional responses... due diligence as his Sir/Master requires using judgment to assess whether or not the infraction is intentionally malicious.”

Collages

2010-12-30T07:17:00.000-08:00

Collages

2010-12-30T07:16:00.000-08:00

2010-12-27T04:45:00.000-08:00

2010-12-27T04:27:00.000-08:00

GLBT

2009-12-20T18:02:00.001-08:00

GLBT’s and the Battle for the Bible

Posted using ShareThis

Just Because, Someone Asked for Something

2009-11-25T05:46:00.000-08:00

There is a man that sits at the bar,
Most look at him and see old fat and ugly
Within that man, is wisdom and great knowledge
He’s stood on the lines
He’s fought the battles
And within him resides
A heart of Gold!

He’s asked for something special
A pan of cornbread
And a few homemade muffins
From a very special kitchen

I hear that request
From a friendly bartender
It’s a special request of me.
A bright ray of light
Has just filled my life.

I’ll make the cornbread and muffins
And a little something extra special
Just because
I’ll make it very special, from my special kitchen
Just because
God put this special moment, in my life
Just when I need it also,
Just because

2009-10-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Restaurant Manager Resources: Restaurant Manager Resume Writing Basics

2009-10-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

Restaurant Manager Resources: Restaurant Manager Resume Writing Basics

Ten Warning Signs of a Toxic Boss/Situation

2009-05-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

We've all heard stories about the nightmare of working for a toxic boss. Some of us have even had the unique displeasure of doing so ourselves.
Red flags to such behavior often appear as early as the interview process. We've compiled 10 warning signs of a toxic boss. Watch for them in the interview and you might be able to avoid a negative work environment -- or at least know what you're in for:
• Disrespectful Behavior: "Don't overlook unprofessional behavior, such as emails that aren't returned or disregard for stop and start times for the interview without apology," says Anna Maravelas, president of TheraRising.com and author of How to Reduce Workplace Conflict and Stress. "These mini-moments are microcosms of your potential supervisor's style."
• Visual Cues: "If your boss scans you from head to waist versus waist to head as they extend their hand in greeting you, they are intuitively sending a message that you are smaller than they are," explains Zannah Hackett, author of The Ancient Wisdom of Matchmaking. Though subtle, it's the nonverbal equivalent of a belittling comment. "This is not a good sign that your talents are going to flourish in this environment."
• Defensive Body Language: "An insecure boss will find you threatening if you are good at your job and will use the power of the position to make your life miserable," says Pamela Lenehan, president of Ridge Hill Consulting and author of What You Don't Know and Your Boss Won't Tell You. Watch for constant shifting, avoiding eye contact or rifling through papers as you talk, she notes.
• Bad Attitude: If your interviewer exhibits a general lack of enthusiasm or interest in the company, watch out, warns Donna Flagg, a principal with human resources and management consulting firm The Krysalis Group. It could be a bad day, or it could be a bad boss. "Ask for company turnover [data] and turnover [data] for that individual manager," she suggests.
• Excessive Nervousness: Don't ignore extreme behavior, cautions one worker. "My boss used to eat sugar packets and raisins, and she downed them with large cups of black espresso," she recalls. "And she spoke in triplets: ‘hi, hi, hi,' ‘good, good, good,' ‘when, when, when.' Her stress level telegraphed to everyone in the department."
• Distrust of Others: A toxic boss "openly displays a lack of trust in people, especially for those on the team in which he or she is supposed to lead," notes Gregg Stocker, author of Avoiding the Corporate Death Spiral: Recognizing & Eliminating the Signs of Decline. Ask what the company's problems are and what their causes might be. "If the answers to these questions consist of blaming others in the organization, especially those on his or her team, the person lacks trust in others."
• Fear Used as a Motivator: Ask the prospective boss about others on the team with whom you will be working -- specifically, how well they work together, stay focused and meet objectives, Stocker advises. Be wary if the response identifies a lack of respect for people. When managers disrespect and distrust others' motivations, they resort to extrinsic means with which to motivate, such as threats, public humiliation and comments about layoffs.
• Word Choice: "Your ears are your best hunch barometer," Hackett says. "Our choice of words sets up a dynamic that can raise or lower the energy in a room. If they begin every sentence with a negative message and then try to diffuse it somewhat, it is likely that negativity prevails in their life and carries over into work."
• Extreme Friendliness: "It may sound odd, but what should have tipped me off was how nice she was," one administrative assistant says of her toxic boss. "I compare it to children being lured into dangerous situations with candy. How many kids don't want candy? And how many adults don't want to work for a boss who is nice? It was a trap I could've easily avoided had I caught on earlier."
• Self-Absorption: "If his ideas seem to be more important than finding out about your ideas, or if you provide an answer and the interviewer tells you you're wrong or interrupts with his own answer to the question, it may be an indication that he will be difficult to work with," notes one technical support staffer.

The family website

2009-03-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

The Ukitena Family Website...

Acceptance

2009-02-21T18:23:00.000-08:00

http://www.authspot.com/Journals/The-Power-of-Acceptance.527497
Get $10 Off Orders of $50 or More at Doheny's Water Warehouse www.ambitiontomeaning.com

Simple Gifts, Shaker Hymn

2009-01-02T19:43:00.000-08:00

'Tis the gift to be simple,'tis the gift to be free,'tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,And when we find ourselves in the place just right,It will be in the valley of love and delight.
Refrain:
When true simplicity is gained,To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.To turn, turn will be our delight,'Til by turning, turning we come round right
'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,Then we'll all live together and we'll all learn to say,
Refrain:
'Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be,'Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of "me",And when we hear what others really think and really feel,Then we'll all live together with a love that is real.

Veterans Day

2008-11-09T18:21:00.000-08:00

On Veterans Day, every year,
we honor those who have sacrificed in service to others. Across the nation, businesses both large and small are stepping up to recruit, hire and retain veterans. Many employers recognize it's the right thing to do. But there are other important reasons to employ returning service members, including those who return with disabilities and combat-related injuries. Visit Americas Heroes for more information about hiring veterans.
The discrimination in the workplace is abhorable in the United States of America. As a disabled American Veteran, Honorably Discharged from the United States Marine Corps, In Houston, Texas, it is impossible to aquire adequate life sustaining work. Even with qualifications, the political and sociatal structure is totally in opposition to the rehabilitation of anyone with a disability. Even within the community and churches that we ardently support, the values are not there of America, the land of the free and the home of the brave.
On this Veterans Day, I would ask every American to recognize the sacrifices of all of us that are serving and have served our nation, and protected your freedom to discriminate against well and able bodied men and women.
Happy Veterans Day to all you Vets out there!

Rejection Letter/e-mail from the Montrose Gem/Michael Gace

2008-11-06T18:33:00.000-08:00

From: Henry McClurg To: ranger Sent: Monday, October 27, 2008 8:50:21 PMSubject: Re: Rangers Thoughts
Oh well. Ranger, I must reject your latest column, which I have read several times. There are 3 main reasons.

1. Your facts. One must get their facts correct. You stated that the bailout to AIG (which you said you heard on TV) was $700 billion. For every adult American, you stated or repeated from the TV, this worked out to $274,000 per person. Actually, $700 billions divided by every adult American (about 220,000,000 or so humans) works out to $3146 per person.)

Additional, the bail out to AIG was about $250 billion (I think you got your $700 billion figure from the big bailout that Congress and the President finally agreed on and passed confused with that $750 billion, an unstandable confusion for a lay person. Not for a columnist on the record.

So, your facts were simply wrong.

Two, punctuation. Which is no big deal. I can fix it. But you should get it right in the first place. Example, you have 11 exclamation points in your column. Generally, ANY explanation point usually is a sign of unprofessional writing. I would bet that on the New York Times best sellers list (fiction and nonfiction) there's not a sinlge book with more than two explanation points in the whole thing. Of course, I could easily fix those explanation points, as I have in your previous columns.

But three, this I cannot fix. Your column greatly rambles and it would take a whole rewrite on my part for that. And you wouldn't like it and I don't want to spend the time. It zigzags here and there generally repeats already-known common thoughts.

I wish you best and hope you take this as constructive criticism.

Henry

--- On Fri, 10/24/08, ranger wrote:
From: ranger Subject: Rangers ThoughtsTo: "Henry" , "Jody Turner" , "Jere Douglas" Date: Friday, October 24, 2008, 7:29 AM
Henry, here is the latest...I combined all the previous, and hope you like it.
ranger
What Value a Life?

I had a wonderful meeting with the new minister in town, and have been inspired to write this column, with the spirit a fervor (yes my dears, I am a flaming something or other) of a reformationist.
Rev Lura made a very strong statement from the pulpit at Grace Lutheran Church, right here in Houston, Texas, that she is QUEER, and by definition (not necessarily a sexual orientation) living a full life of unconditional love, acceptance and respect for all humankind (also progressive, pushing the envelope, on the cutting edge). I take this very seriously, and feel enthused to say would this not be a great way for all of us to live? Free to love who you wish, free to be a part of something….anything…..anywhere…..anytime…..! After all, isn’t that what this country is founded on, Freedom and Liberty ?
Alright, I’m getting on my soapbox now… and it’s a big one, fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be real bumpy……
VP Candidate Palin has made a statement, in all the press, and for the entire world to hear, that she would push for the Constitution to be amended to definitely define the term “marriage” as between a man and a woman. I ask, and you know I like to ask things, would that mean (forgive me for looking into the future) that all relationships in the US would only be considered valid in that way? Would Friendships between same sex people be outlawed eventually? What about Fraternal Organizations, Partnerships, etc….that were not involving a man and a woman being illegal (after all, the actual licensing by the state is a MARRIAGE PARTNERSHIP, is it not, and has nothing to do with the sacred ceremony itself)? Maybe we should ask the Supreme Court of the day, and in the future, exactly how far reaching this amendment would be…..(by the way, this isn’t being seditious, it’s just working with the knowledge of appointments to the Supreme Court by the powers that be, at the time).
Another thing, I sincerely question (within our own GLBT Society) a statement made by the NGLBT Chamber of Commerce, that we need a more comprehensive HIV/AIDS policy in the United States. In case you don’t know, the battles have been fought, long and hard, and many lives given to bring this to worldwide prominence over the last few decades…..these programs already exist, to a great extent, and are heavily funded…….however, they are not being utilized to their fullest potential and effectiveness, for whatever reason, and try as I might, I cannot fathom the reasons….????
And, while I’m at it, I may as well sink down into the mire and muck of the US Economy. I have heard, on the TV, that some of the one’s responsible for the meltdown (Financial Advisors, Institutions, Government, Etc…), are still pointing the Flying Fickle Finger of Fate at everyone but themselves! Where does accountability begin and end? Gee, I don’t know….Harry S. Truman had a sign on his desk, “The Buck Stops Here!” (Harry, where are you now?). Money makes the world go round, oh well, I guess in all this madness, we seem to have lost track of our real existence, each other, people make the world go round!
On another note…. (retired musician here, and I love notes, they are my life…) Perhaps the Bailout should not have been for the Financial Institutions themselves, but, to make America productive, yet again. There must be a final accountability somewhere, perhaps in the finality of Life itself, who knows! Someone did do the actual math on the AIG Bailout and here it is, in simple format…..700 Billion Dollars (divided by) everyone in the US over the age of 18 = app $274,000.00 per person. WOW! What a blessing in disguise, would be the possible end of the Mortgage Crisis, Economic Woes, the end result
could possibly be more spendable funds, consumer based economic growth, Banks and Financial Institutions begging people to borrow money….seems to me that would signal economic stability in the US . (By Golly, By Gum, what a queer thought)!
Such “Queer” Ideologies, especially at the time of this Country’s Founding, as well as now. When you go to the polls, I don’t care how you vote, but consider this. Vote for Freedom, Democracy, Accountability, Transparency, Justice, Liberty , Equality! Oh, and I’m sure the parties will be having a party, at the taxpayer’s expense (and did you get an invitation to the party? I didn’t get mine; I guess they couldn’t find my mailbox, Thank You FEMA!).
In conclusion, I would like to say a special thank you to Rev Lura, at Grace Lutheran and Dr. Chris Broadhurst, for opening my eyes and spirit to the real world.
Stand Tall, Stand Firm, Ask Questions, Be who you are, and nothing less!
Peace, Out!
ranger

Oh, and by the way, Mary's Bar on Westheimer in Houston, Texas, does not even have bathrooms that work, or hot water to clean glasses with. Perhaps the sicknesses coming out of this establishment could have prevented with proper health and safety inspections, as they should be performed by the city, however, since the owner is a lawyer, perhaps they are afraid of him, who knows........

These Walls

2008-11-06T18:30:00.001-08:00

I just love talking to these walls, they listen to everything I say. When I need something or want something, they just stand there, firm and tall. Me, Ms. Thistle, and Eb, and these walls. Need new tires on my transportation, as these are wearing out. Ya'll have a good day, me and my walls are just here.
ranger

Empowerment in This Day and Age

2008-11-06T17:13:00.000-08:00

I have empowered myself, and it's not through these agencies (ryan white) funded to do the same.....it's through this agency...www.coalitionforbarrierfreeliving.com as well as the national Ryan White Grantees Consortium in Washington DC. I've found out a lot of information, and had input, over the years in the programs that exist, and the studies. We do have the power to make all these programs work, and work well, it's just not being used to it's full potential. Also, the George W. Bush Presidential Initiative New Freedom Initiative, through the Department of labor, pushing for adaptability in our society for disabled/handicapped Americans. The spirit award, through this initiative, has already been given to Dow Chemical, Northrup Grumann, and a restaurantuer, that has developed a restaurant for disabled people to work in, grow in, and excel, building on their skills, and working with each other to empower their lives. These are not the only awards given, ther are many more. Through HUD, there is ADDI, which is under the Ryan White Act.....The American Dream Home Downpayment initiative, which is 40,000 dollars for First time homebuyers with HIV/AIDS to help establish a life, and live as well as they can. THere are a lot of other things, including grants from Harris County, the state of Texas, for dental care, medicine costs (75.00 per year to defray the co/pays, or other essentials)We rejoiced when the Berlin Wall was broken, a barrier to freedom, can't we do the same here in Houston, Texas, and break down these walls here, within our own community, and perhaps stand as a stellar example to the world, that we can make a difference in people's lives? Call it activism, advocacy, call it my life. I have a dream that one day, we can put the AIDS quilt on a funeral pyre, lite it and release the souls and spirits of those that have gone before us, and thank them for their spirits that have propelled us to defeat this dreaded disease and live an acceptable life in the world, without fear, without discrimination, with total acceptance of each of us as a human being, not a number. The last time we were numbers, along with many others, was in Nazi Germany, and I cringe at the historical reference.Jere DouglasFollowing is the first entree into this morass of mess, with the Ryan White Council of Houston, Texas.Greetings from the swamps of Houston, Texas.As a disabled American Veteran, of a rather august group of fighting men and women, that predate the Declaration of Independence, I am appalled at the lack of respect and freedom that is exhibited in Houston, Texas for those of us that have taken an oath to protect and defend the constitution of the United States, against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I consider these issues a Domestic Enemy at this time.There are many issues here in Houston, Texas, that are appalling, and at the least bit shocking. 1. Montrose Counseling Center – 6 years to get an intake interview for counseling. Paperwork filled out 5 times (and I do have people to verify these actions), and the paperwork lost. Ryan White Funding in place and still a 25.00 intake interview fee. It seems, in a life or death situation, dealing with HIV/AIDS, the funding is going to other purposes instead of Client Care, IE, programs that are ineffectual, and need to be scrutinized with a magnifying glass; non-existent volunteer programs (or at the very best extremely selective and not entirely inclusive). 2. Legacy Community Services/Health – The finest medical care in the world, no complaints there at all…..Dr. Schrader and Dr. Carroll are the very best in the world, and I don’t mind telling anyone that. The other issues deal with case management/social services and other things. People are paid to “empower” people with the tools and skill sets to make positive things happen in their lives. As people with HIV/AIDS are living longer lives (thanks to some wonder advances in medical care), quality of life issues are being ignored and pushed aside. As someone who has pushed for these things, most of my adult life, it’s appalling to go into an appointment with a case manager/social worker, have questions and request help, and be handed a book and told to do it myself, they don’t know how to make it happen, and really can’t be bothered with it, they have to rush off to a meeting to plan strategies…….I would ask, what strategies are they planning, quality of life issues for clients, or the longevity of their own jobs. 3. In my personal life, a very dear acquaintance of mine is the Doctor that broke the genetic code of the HIV Cell, which led to the pro-tease inhibitors. (He is also a Nobel Prize Winner for this accomplishment, done through pediatric AIDS research at St. Jude’s Pediatric Hospital, in Memphis, Tennessee). 4. VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas – Same issues as Legacy, and the same quality of medical care (phenomal) without the backup, life supporting empowerments. 5. Legacy – In looking over the 904 filing, per 501c3 status (I don’t understand why a 501c3 that deals in medical care has to lobby for anything, I’ve done that out of my own pocket for many decades) I have noted the Million Dollars for Lobbying efforts. This seems redundant, as they seem to be lobbying for programs that are already there, and they don’t want to use them…a waste of funding that could be saving and creating better quality of lives in the Houston Community. It seems to be self-aggrandizing instead of in the interest of the lives of the clients themselves. There are more issues; this is just the tip of the iceberg. As someone who met Ryan White, and His Mother, for a very brief period of time, I hate to see the very things he fought for, not only for himself, but for all of us, go to waste, and not used effectively. I had the great privilege of attending the session where He gave his testimony before Congress (a very special invitation) and shed copious tears on the back row. In my opinion (and I am unanimous in this) such a very strong child that changed the world in his very precious life. I would hope for a role of advocacy instead of lobbying, as in Advocacy/education, we empower each other, and help each other, through personal experience instead of clinical study subjects. Heal the spirit and the soul, and the Medical work will be much more effective in maintaining a better quality of life for everyone…even you….At the present time, I sincerely feel, after 6.5 years of applying for jobs (and with over 20 years of working and living with HIV/AIDS) at these organizations (Peer Counseling, Advocacy, etc) and with an extensive fundraising/advocacy and health care management, that my life history and accomplishments are collecting dust here in Houston, and in my eyes, the very programs I have fought for, are already covering me in dirt. Thank You Sir, for your kind attention in this whole matter“Heal the world; make it a better place, for you and for me and the entire human race!”To Sum it up, the medical staffs are phenomal, saving lives, the support staffs are killing us, one by one…..kind of convoluted, don’t you think?Are we living in a totalaristic democracy?

The Prayer

2008-11-06T17:08:00.000-08:00

Lord, give me grace And dancing feet And the power to impress Lord, give me grace And dancing feet Let me outshine the moon Is it so wrong to crave recognition? Second best Runner up Is it so wrong to want rewarding? To want more than is given to you? Than is given to you? Tonight make me unstoppable And I will charm, I will slice, I will dazzle them with my wit Tonight make me unstoppable And I will charm, I will slice I will dazzle I will outshine them all Standing on the packed dance floor Our bodies throb in time Silent on the weekdays Tonight I claim what’s mine Is it so wrong to crave recognition? Second best Runner up Is it so wrong to want rewarding? To want more than is given to you? Than is given to you? Tonight make me unstoppable And I will charm, I will slice, I will dazzle them with my wit Tonight make me unstoppable And I will charm, I will slice I will dazzle I will outshine them all Tonight make me unstoppable And I will charm, I will slice, I will dazzle them with my wit Tonight make me unstoppable And i will charm, I will slice I will dazzle I will outshine them all

Rangers Musings

2008-10-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

Thursday, May 29, 2008
Rangers Musings

Good Morning! Yeah though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. We are planning for Jody’s Dad to visit tonight and are looking forward to his visit. I just hope the house is ok…
It may seem supercilious to keep a journal, but it begins my day and helps me gather my thoughts, after a good nights sleep.
“So do not be concerned with the fruit of your action-just give attention to the action itself.”
“The fruit will come of its own accord, better known as karma. Consecrated Action”
“You are complete and whole now!”
“Nothing real can be threatened.”
I take a break from the chores of everyday life, and I think everything is as it should be at the present time. And, I thank God for a beautiful day. It all comes full circle - serenity, courage, wisdom, all at once. At this point, all the stresses of the day vanish and I am at peace with myself and with my God. (A little good music doesn’t hurt either). I can really let myself go, and marvel at all the technical aspects that have created this moment, and I am happy.
I think back to Johnny, and the night he fell apart, stressing the difference in our education and background. I told him, Yes, I have accomplished a lot, but he is my equal, a true artisan in his own right. His eyes can see and his hands can feel an old piece of furniture, and see beauty in it. And he strives to bring that beauty out. Same goals, different paths. He felt great and I felt great, and we were equal.
I see the same thing in Jody, a heart of gold and a true artisan in his own right. His life experiences, dreams and goals are much akin to mine. When two people like that converge, life is really wonderful!
It all comes down to love and respect.
I wish we all could accept where we are now, and treasure the people, places and things that have propelled us to where we are now. Quit beating ourselves, relentlessly about the head and shoulders, and be happy.
Serenity, Courage, Wisdom!
God, hold all of us in your loving arms, we will get it right someday!
Liability is a legal term, responsibility is an ethical term.
Liability – secular
Responsibility – sacred

The quotes are from Eckert Tolles
The Power of Now
Pages 68 thru 70

Have a wonderful Day!
Jere

Queer Nation? World AIDS Day

2008-10-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

Grace is a diverse community hearing...learning...sharing...God's love
Grace is not your average Lutheran church.
Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, J. S. Bach, Our Founding Fathers, Albert Einstein, and many others, were different, outside the box, radical, progressive, pushing for the enhancement of all mankind, queer (by standard definition). There was another man that had these same characteristics and He changed the world (A man named Jesus was considered a radical in his time!).
In the middle of Europe, is a beautiful country, its history full of wonderment. A center of culture, learning, and many other great attributes. In this country, there existed a personage of such great importance, that his effects are still seen in today’s world. This man, took on the powers that be, and established, what we now refer to, as the Protestant Reformation. The principles he established, carry forward to this very day (out of chaos, comes order!). That country is Germany, and the man is Martin Luther. Read on avid reader!
QUEER NATION?????
Prelude
There is a great spirit alive in the world today, and it is seemingly beginning to emanate from the very center of our fair city. In this issue of the Gem, I have asked for a meeting with the new minister in town, Reverend Lura Groen, 15th Ordination, Extraordinary Lutheran Ministers, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, http://www.elm.org/ . What I encountered is no less than a brilliant gem with many facets, right here in the Montrose. A wonderful repartee’ ensued, and here it is! (As I sit here, and ponder the profundity of this situation, under the influence of the music of John Coltrane and Rachmaninoff, I think, how different, diverse, and eclectic my sensibilities are.)
What’s in a label?
The Call
You have made a very powerful statement, about the way you see your life, queer, from the pulpit of Grace Lutheran, here in Houston, Texas. I am in awe of your definition of “QUEER”, it’s not a lifestyle, but a way of life, that is being different, progressive, outside the box, on the cutting edge, so to speak. I commend you on your tenacity and powerful strength of faith in this wonderful action. I also would like to commend the congregation of Grace Lutheran, for their wisdom and guidance in calling you to serve as their minister.
Reverend Lura: Thank you, Jere. Grace Lutheran certainly does deserve commendation for their bold declaration that they would call the best pastor for them, regardless of sexual orientation.
Call to Worship/Common Ground and Definitions
The Protestant Reformation, began by Martin Luther, was “queer” (different, outside the box, progressive). Our Founding Fathers (USA) were of the same mind, different, progressive, on the cutting edge. Does that make them queer? By today’s societal definition- NO, different- YES, and look at what we have created from this, a nation full of diversity, hope and faith, and in that we find strength and power. (I’m actually commending our Founding Fathers, as well as each one of us, for being “queer”, different, outside the box, and changing the world, hopefully for the better!!)
To paraphrase Leslie Jordan, while on tour here in Houston, “We must go back in history to go forward!” We did go back to the beginning of the Lutheran Church and came forward, in one fell swoop, and here it is…….
Discussion, Scripture, Sermon, Coffee Talk
Reverend Lura, in our talks together, you have raised some insightful questions. I took the liberty of posing certain questions to you, and you responded with some very new and different responses to me. You mentioned, the existence of two kingdoms, could you incorporate all that we spoke of, in your own words, here, for our readers?
Reverend Lura: Martin Luther spoke of the church and the state as being two different gifts from God to us, with different tasks. The state is to ensure the physical well-being of the people, and restrain our evil intentions, (to give me speeding tickets, in other words!) and the church is to preach the Good News of God’s love. When the state doesn’t do its job of caring for the physical needs of people, the church needs to speak prophetically, to remind it of this role. But Lutherans don’t necessarily believe the government should enforce “values,” whatever that means!

Jere: In speaking with Reverend Lura about the Gay Marriage Debate, going on nationwide, I have drawn these conclusions…….
This debate is whimsical, pointless, (and deals with illegalities under article 4 of the Constitution of the United States) in the context of today. Grace Lutheran, in concurrence with the previous statement Rev Lura made, does a Marriage, as a combing of souls together, through Jesus Christ, all encompassing, unconditional and without fear. My thoughts, under these conditions, what happens in the bedroom, is very personal and special between people….and….I really don’t care to know, or even fantasize what the President and First Lady do in their bedroom…..instead, I wish to respect the solidarity of their relationship through the works they do and the lives that they lead.
Music and Spirituality of the Church
If I may interject in this wonderful oration, there is a great hymn of the Lutheran/Christian Faith, “A Mighty Fortress is our GOD!”, which is, in your eyes, a song of adoration and praise, rather than the hostile, militant interpretation it is sometimes given today. Could you please expound on this?

Reverend Lura: Well, you could interpret that hymn in a very militaristic way, that fortresses are somehow like God. I prefer to think that if God is our fortress, we don’t need other barriers protecting us from the world, we don’t need to rely on human powers, and that some of the walls between us can be knocked down!
Jere: Another hymn comes to mind after this statement, “Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm!”
Acceptance/Forgiveness
One more “interjection”, (or thought for the community at large) how can we, as a community, ask for acceptance from the world around us, if we have trouble accepting others, just as they are?
Reverend Lura: First, we do need to accept others where they are, even if we disagree with them. But always hold fast to the knowledge that you are a child of God, and that nothing, not anything, can take that from you. Not even, especially not even, another human being who doesn’t accept us.
The Altar Call, Call to Action
There are other queer (different, outside the box, unique) ministries in Houston, Texas. “One Body, Many Parts, Each One Essential to the Other!” I would suggest that you, gentle reader, seek them out and begin to heal your soul and spirit (I believe I’ll do just that myself!). Who knows, perhaps you can pass that wonderful fullness on to others! (It’s been purported that healing the spirit and the soul, is a great help to the medical healing of the body itself!)
In acceptance issues, paraphrasing from the AA Book “Twenty Four Hours A Day”, are we willing to admit that faith in some kind of divine Principle is a part of our make-up? We find a great reality deep within us, if we face ourselves, just as we really are…….(I’ll leave this one up to you, gentle reader!)
In closing this wonderful interview, I would like add my thoughts……
There was, in ancient times (yes dear, a couple millennia ago. ) a ceremony/ritual which combined two souls together as one. In today’s Christian Theology, there is a ritual, the sacred sacrament of Communion, where we all come to the Lord’s Table, as one, regardless of things in our lives….accepted unconditionally, just as we are! (Jesus didn’t draw boundaries of acceptance; at least I can’t find where He did!)
Giving Thanks
Forgive a person that suffered some medical maladies last year, for a typo in the address of the web site (the product of a delicate, fragile, atripola laced mind) but thanks to the wonderful miracles performed by the medical staffs of Legacy and Debakey VA, right here in Houston, Texas, I am living life, as I’ve never lived it before.
Benediction
In the wonderful tradition of Beethoven, I feel the need to delay the final cadence of this phenomal, enlightening conversation. In closing, I would like to add…..
In the words of another Martin Luther of our time, Dr. Martin Luther King:
“I Have a Dream, That One Day All God’s Children will be Free! Praise God, Praise God Almighty!”
Respect…
As my special, unique mentor, in the Society of Curmudgeons, I would like to pay homage to Dr. Chris Broadhurst (PHD-History; Masters-English) for his assistance in this article.
Have a great day!
We Are!
Ranger
Postlude
As a conclusion to this mind expanding event in my life, I would like to say, I do believe that one day, we will all sit down, at a common table, discuss and begin to understand our differences and likenesses, and perhaps divert Armageddon itself……….
“Heal the world, Make it a better Place,
For You and for Me and the Entire Human Race!”

As we come into World AIDS Day, remember the people that have gone before us, and relish in the life that they shared with us. While on this earth, if you can make the world a better place for anyone, besides yourself, make every attempt to, or at least share a smile.
In Honor of Ryan White, Thank You Ryan, for having the courage and the faith to make a difference in this world not only for you, but for all of us!

Ryan White Council, Houston, Texas

2008-10-16T15:59:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the swamps of Houston, Texas.

As a disabled American Veteran, of a rather august group of fighting men and women, that predate the Declaration of Independence, I am appalled at the lack of respect and freedom that is exhibited in Houston, Texas for those of us that have taken an oath to protect and defend the constitution of the United States, against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I consider these issues a Domestic Enemy at this time.
There are many issues here in Houston, Texas, that are appalling, and at the least bit shocking.
Montrose Counseling Center – 6 years to get an intake interview for counseling. Paperwork filled out 5 times (and I do have people to verify these actions), and the paperwork lost. Ryan White Funding in place and still a 25.00 intake interview fee. It seems, in a life or death situation, dealing with HIV/AIDS, the funding is going to other purposes instead of Client Care, IE, programs that are ineffectual, and need to be scrutinized with a magnifying glass; non-existent volunteer programs (or at the very best extremely selective and not entirely inclusive).
Legacy Community Services/Health – The finest medical care in the world, no complaints there at all…..Dr. Schrader and Dr. Carroll are the very best in the world, and I don’t mind telling anyone that. The other issues deal with case management/social services and other things. People are paid to “empower” people with the tools and skill sets to make positive things happen in their lives. As people with HIV/AIDS are living longer lives (thanks to some wonder advances in medical care), quality of life issues are being ignored and pushed aside. As someone who has pushed for these things, most of my adult life, it’s appalling to go into an appointment with a case manager/social worker, have questions and request help, and be handed a book and told to do it myself, they don’t know how to make it happen, and really can’t be bothered with it, they have to rush off to a meeting to plan strategies…….I would ask, what strategies are they planning, quality of life issues for clients, or the longevity of their own jobs.
In my personal life, a very dear acquaintance of mine is the Doctor that broke the genetic code of the HIV Cell, which led to the pro-tease inhibitors. (He is also a Nobel Prize Winner for this accomplishment, done through pediatric AIDS research at St. Jude’s Pediatric Hospital, in Memphis, Tennessee).
VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas – Same issues as Legacy, and the same quality of medical care (phenomal) without the backup, life supporting empowerments.
Legacy – In looking over the 904 filing, per 501c3 status (I don’t understand why a 501c3 that deals in medical care has to lobby for anything, I’ve done that out of my own pocket for many decades) I have noted the Million Dollars for Lobbying efforts. This seems redundant, as they seem to be lobbying for programs that are already there, and they don’t want to use them…a waste of funding that could be saving and creating better quality of lives in the Houston Community. It seems to be self-aggrandizing instead of in the interest of the lives of the clients themselves.

There are more issues; this is just the tip of the iceberg. As someone who met Ryan White, and His Mother, for a very brief period of time, I hate to see the very things he fought for, not only for himself, but for all of us, go to waste, and not used effectively.
I had the great privilege of attending the session where He gave his testimony before Congress (a very special invitation) and shed copious tears on the back row. In my opinion (and I am unanimous in this) such a very strong child that changed the world in his very precious life.
I would hope for a role of advocacy instead of lobbying, as in Advocacy/education, we empower each other, and help each other, through personal experience instead of clinical study subjects. Heal the spirit and the soul, and the Medical work will be much more effective in maintaining a better quality of life for everyone…even you….
At the present time, I sincerely feel, after 6.5 years of applying for jobs (and with over 20 years of working and living with HIV/AIDS) at these organizations (Peer Counseling, Advocacy, etc) and with an extensive fundraising/advocacy and health care management, that my life history and accomplishments are collecting dust here in Houston, and in my eyes, the very programs I have fought for, are already covering me in dirt.
Thank You Sir, for your kind attention in this whole matter

“Heal the world; make it a better place, for you and for me and the entire human race!”
Jere Kizer Douglas
Proud Alpha, Ukitena Clan
Houston, Texas
www.ukitena.com

PS
To Sum it up, the medical staffs are phenomal, saving lives, the support staffs are killing us, one by one…..kind of convoluted, don’t you think?