Dear Reader,
I’m in Kalispell this weekend for the Montana Christian Athletic Association’s state volleyball tournament. Millie’s team qualified for the tournament, which coincides with fall break, so Megan and I drove up late Wednesday and are making a long weekend of it (unfortunately, Glacier National Park and the Going-to-the-Sun Road are closed for the winter.) Though the girls lost their opener against the #1 ranked team yesterday, they play later today in the consolation bracket.
One highlight thus far has been Millie’s selection to the all-conference team. Voted on by each association coach and in consideration of seasonal play going all the way back to August, Millie’s award speaks to her consistency and perseverance.
Even three months ago, we weren’t sure if Millie was going to be able to play this fall; two shoulder surgeries in the course of a year (the first to rebreak and fix a piece of bone that had broken off and reattached incorrectly; the second to tighten loose ligaments and keep the same arm from coming out of socket) put the season in jeopardy. Add a one-week late start to practice in August to fulfill her commitment at Eagle Lake Camp, then a bout with Covid a few weeks ago and, well, let’s just say volleyball this year has not been without its challenges.
By God’s grace, Millie dug in with a ton of physical therapy, worked hard in practice, benefitted from supportive coaching, and learned much as she helped lead her team in a new role. She embraced playing libero (roving back row) despite her love for front row hitting, taught herself to serve lefthanded, and led the team more vocally than before. Best of all, she’s more embarrassed than impressed by the accolades, and loves her teammates and the chance to play, both of which which she does well. We’re grateful to God for her.
Several responded to last week’s newsletter and the “Sharky” excerpt from my friend’s memoir:
“I am really enjoying this newsletter. Your recounting of the shark encounter was gripping and I felt like I was right there. Keep up the great work!”
It’s a good thing I only quote readers anonymously since one of my mine actually revealed he was well-acquainted with the 80’s movie, Fast Times at Ridgemont High. (Note: We did drive by The Galleria in Sherman Oaks where the mall scenes were filmed; I now speak Valley Girl.)
“It’s official: you knocked it out of the park with the Spicoli reference. It’s too bad my children never got the opportunity to see you slam chalk against the board as you write your name and pronounce it with force as only Mr. Hand could have. When you are in California, be sure to bring enough pizza for everyone that you are working with that day (or in history class with). Finally, if you must mimic all of Spicoli’s bad habits, just remember, that after the first of the year you can legally roll out of the VW microbus, smoke and all, with no legal repercussions! Enjoy the tasty waves!”
When I get a Microbus, I’ll keep all that in mind. One last comment that was encouraging:
“If you don't find a publisher, I will still buy a copy of this book!”
Thanks to everyone for reading last week (according to Substack, readership rate was at an all-time high at 55%). I’ll try to include some more stories from the book now and then to keep your interest piqued until the manuscript is completed (hopefully by year-end).
Have a nice weekend,
Craig
Hot Takes
“Ted Sarandos: ‘I Screwed Up’ With Chappelle Memos But ‘My Stance Hasn’t Changed’ on Netflix Special” - Whatever you think about Netflix’s CEO, you gotta hand it to him for owning his influence in the face of an employee walk-out.
“Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos apologized for his communications to staff about Dave Chappelle’s latest comedy special The Closer, noting that he ‘screwed up’ and should have acknowledged that his employees were ‘in pain’ due to the streaming giant’s decision to air the special.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter by phone on Tuesday evening ahead of staffers’ planned walkout and rally on Wednesday, Sarandos asserted that Chappelle’s special was in line with the company’s stance toward ‘artistic expression’ and said he didn’t believe it would be ‘appropriate’ to add any disclaimer about harmful content ahead of the special.”
Chappelle, of course, is no stranger to controversy in general, nor to coming under fire from the trans world mob for stating facts that they try to refute. One of the more philosophical and thoughtful comedians out there, he’s not afraid to go where others fear to tread, as pointed out in this excellent article in Evie Magazine:
“Perhaps it’s because, under the guise of comedy, Chappelle can say the things we’re all thinking, but are too afraid to say out loud. After all, isn’t that the point of comedy? To release the tension we all keep in by turning something painful or embarrassing into a hilarious skit? Humor has a way of blunting the blow and allowing the performer to say things that would be unbearably offensive in any other context.
In fact, great comedy almost always rides the line between hysterical and cringeworthy. We’re pretty sure we should be embarrassed for laughing, or at least feel guilty. But we don’t, and the room fills with laughter as the comedian reveals one harsh truth after another. There’s a catharsis in good comedy, and that is what Chappelle is here for.”
In an attempt to better understand the controversy for myself, I watched the comedy special in question, titled “The Closer.” Fowl language aside (which normally doesn’t bother me, but even I have limits), you won’t find a more logical rationale as to why trans demands of “Accept me or else” are problematic, especially for women. As the Evie piece rightly observes,
“There has been a steady and concerted effort to replace any language around women’s issues with ‘gender inclusive’ language. To some, this would seem like a natural transition to a more tolerant society. Unfortunately, that isn’t the reality. Instead, trans activists have used this as an excuse to slowly erase biological women entirely as a group, to be eaten up into an ill-defined new category of people…
…Perhaps the most obvious, and egregious, is the ongoing attempt to erase the word ‘woman’ from all forms of dialogue. Instead of mothers, we’re parents. Instead of breastfeeding, we have ‘chestfeeding.’ Instead of women, we’re ‘vagina owners,’ ‘menstruators,’ or ‘people with cervixes.’”
For the sake of pushing back on cancel culture and reminding people of a thing called reality, I hope Sarandos and Netflix hold their ground. Chappelle already has and (again, language aside), his is an impressive intellectual endeavor in doing so.
Comedian Dave Chappelle in his Netflix special, “The Closer.”
“FDA Clears Moderna and J&J Covid Vaccine Boosters, Allows ‘Mix and Match’ Shots” - In the ongoing saga of convincing Americans to get vaccinated, the powers that be are now pushing vaccine boosters for those who have.
The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday night authorized booster shots of both Johnson & Johnson’s and Moderna’s Covid vaccines, another critical step in distributing extra doses to tens of millions of people…
…The ruling will now be handed off to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its vaccine advisory committee, which has scheduled a meeting Thursday to discuss Moderna’s and J&J’s booster data. If the committee issues a recommendation, and CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky signs off, additional shots for those vaccines could be distributed immediately to eligible people.”
Here’s the interesting wrinkle for those who have been vaccinated:
“Eligible Americans will also be able to ‘mix and match’ vaccines. A highly anticipated National Institutes of Health study published last week showed all the combinations of boosters increased antibody levels, though Pfizer’s and Moderna’s boosters appeared to work best.”
For those like myself who received the J&J vaccine, deciding which booster to get (if getting one at all) is perhaps worthy of more time to evaluate.
“…FDA scientists published an analysis last week on J&J’s application for a booster, questioning the strength of the data. The FDA said that people may benefit from a second dose but that the information provided by the company was limited and the agency hadn’t verified all of it yet.
Before the vote Friday, many committee members said J&J should be considered a two-dose vaccine much like Moderna’s and Pfizer’s.
Some committee members even asked the agency whether they could postpone a decision on boosters for J&J recipients, saying it may be too early as there are still a number of outstanding questions. Other members wondered why the agency brought J&J’s application before the committee before it was able to verify all of the data.”
While I’m against vaccination mandates, I continue to encourage folks to get vaccinated. As to boosters, I’ll wait to see what we learn and what options for the J&J vaccine present themselves before going in for a different flavor.
The Janssen Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
Lastly, and posted without comment (other than “Why am I not surprised?”):
Sigh.
Don’t Not Care
Next time you’re online, do an image search using the key words, “not my job,” for more than a few reminders of how easy it is to not care about anything on a day-to day basis. Some people’s dedication to not getting involved is almost inspiring when one considers just how much will and intention were required to avoid responsibility.
Honestly, it’s almost breath-taking.
Ever since I saw my first “Not My Job” award (above) on the Internet some twenty years ago, I’ve always kept the phrase in mind, lest I hear it rattling around in my head accidentally or otherwise, that I might grab and expel it before it takes root.
Now think about a magic cosmic search engine in which you type in the same words - “not my job” - along with your name. What pictures might come up? Would there be any? Would there be many?
In over 30 years of working with and leading people, I’ve found that the “Not My Job” mantra is one of the most damaging attitudes a person, team, or organization can adopt. I’ve also found that, usually, the mentality comes not from caring about something else, but from not caring about anything at all.
I thought about that this week in the midst of two disappointing outcomes from two attempts to care. At the risk of making myself a hero (or worse, a martyr), let me share these stories, along with a passage of Scripture, to encourage you (and me) to press on.
Shamed by City Hall
As the saying goes, “You can’t fight City Hall,” but it would be nice to avoid being on the receiving end of a race-baiting shame session when you try to reason with them.
Earlier this week, I sat through two-and-a-half hours of online discussion and spoke my three minutes' piece to the Bozeman City Commission concerning the County's plan-less application to up-zone a five-acre plot that borders our neighborhood and would increase traffic significantly (and stupidly).
The proposal is a classic case of “ready, fire, aim.” I'm not anti-development by any means (and it makes perfect sense to develop this particular lot as it is already zoned for infilling purposes), but I'm definitely anti-"we need to pass this to find out what's in it" mentality when it comes to public policy.
Unfortunately, and despite almost 90% (30 of 34) of property-owning neighbors (including our landlords) with places of residence near the parcel in question, as well as 100% of the 13 who Zoomed or called in to comment publicly being against the measure, the commission approved the zone change 4-1.
Then, to add insult to injury, Commissioners Christopher Coburn, Jennifer Madgic, and Mayor Cyndi Andrus unbelievably read into the discussion an imagined discrimination narrative against condo and apartment dwellers that was not communicated implicitly or explicitly by anyone who spoke.
This, of course (kind of), is democracy; so, however, is voting (which I plan to do next week), as well as holding accountable elected leaders for inappropriate behavior. Here’s the letter I wrote and submitted to our local paper, the Bozeman Daily Chronicle:
“For the purpose of the development of a daycare and housing on the 5.7 acre parcel north of the Gallatin County Rest Home near 15th and Durston, Gallatin County wants to change the zoning of the parcel from R3 to R4. Their application for the rezoning provides zero specifics about the nature of the new housing when the current R3 zoning already provides for both uses, the only difference being that R4 zoning allows for increased density.
Of the ‘affected’ neighbors (those within 200 feet) of the parcel, 30 of 34 owners signed a petition requiring a supermajority (four of five) vote from the City Commission to approve the application. At the recent City Commissioners meeting, 13 of these neighbors made public comments - all against approving the application - and yet the City Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve the rezoning with a ‘trust us’ request from both City and County leadership as to next steps involving the County-owned land.
More frustrating, however, was the accusation made by Commissioner Christopher Coburn, repeated by Commissioner Jennifer Madgic, and seized on by Mayor Andrus that the nature of the public comment was discriminatory against ‘people who live in apartments and condos, as if they were lesser neighbors and more trouble than those living in single-family homes.’ This, said Coburn, was ‘a form of racism deeply embedded in our community.’
Worst of all was Mayor Andrus’ patronizing message and condescending tone at the end of the session, rebuking citizens along the lines of Coburn's imagined narrative. She shamed those who spoke their minds with regard to the zoning question, the discussion of which centered on traffic and safety concerns, never on who might live in whatever housing eventually goes in.
The residents of Walton Homestead deserve an apology from all three of these City Commissioners for falsely accusing them of discrimination, as well as for catering to the County and approving a city zoning decision with no proposed or presented plan informing it.
To be sure, I don’t anticipate a public apology, and the decision has been made and will not be rescinded. But in the midst of federal, state, and local governments gone wild, I still believe it’s imperative for citizens to push back against policies and politics that are out of line and inappropriate in their formation and discussion.
Hearing Back from Washington
In other news, I finally heard back (three months after I first wrote) from Senator Jon Tester in response to my letter against a mandatory draft of women for the military:
Thank you for contacting me about requiring women to participate in the Selective Service. It's good to hear from you.
Under current law, all male citizens and non-citizen immigrants must enroll in the Selective Service System (SSS) when they turn 18. This system can be used for a military draft should the need for additional Armed Forces personnel arise. I believe that military service is a form of civic duty, and that the citizen-soldier is the backbone of our military.
As your Senator, I will continue to support our troops while they serve and uphold the promises our nation makes to our veterans. Should any legislation relating to women in the Selective Service come before me for a vote, I will keep your views in mind. Please do not hesitate to contact me again if I can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Jon Tester
United States Senator
Translation: “I will be voting for mandatory conscription of women.”
It’s not like this was a surprising response, Senator, but at least do me the courtesy of explaining your views and rationale since you've obviously already decided. I wouldn't even mind a form letter response, but have the courage to include reasons rather than just the “I'll keep your views in mind” silliness. Surely with a number of interns working ‘round the clock the past three months, there might have been a couple of talking points they could have included?
Seeking Welfare in Exile
With regard to my letter-writing, some may ask, “Craig, why bother?” If I’m honest (or discouraged), I confess that I might just answer, “I have no idea.”
But, apart from praying (which I also try to do, with as little success as my letter-writing campaigns seem to yield), what’s the alternative? “Do nothing” translates to “don’t care” in my book, and that’s not a mentality I can embrace, especially per God’s words to the nation of Israel exiled in Babylon in Jeremiah 29:
“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:4-7
As God sought my welfare by sending Jesus to die for me, a sinner (Romans 5:8), he calls me to seek the welfare of Bozeman…of Montana…of the U.S….of the world. This can look like doing a lot of things, many of which I can’t do. But I can be present in my community. I can be faithful to my wife and raise daughters who attract sons and multiply. I can engage in meetings with City Commissioners and write letters to newspapers and United States Senators as a way of seeking the welfare of where I live - even when its accompanying culture drives me crazy - linking its good with my own.
And, I can pray as I do so - to not give up and to not give in; to love people; to point them to what is true, good, and beautiful for their sakes, as well as for God’s Kingdom.
You can do this, too. And you can do plenty of other things - lots of things - I can’t.
Just don’t do nothing.
Don’t not care.
(Note: I’d love to share my readers’ stories - anonymously or not - of your own efforts to live out Jeremiah 29:7 where you live. Please share them with me so I can share them with others.)
Post(erity): “The Beauty & Strength of Which You Are Capable”
Each week, I choose a post from the past that seems apropos of something (of course, you’re always welcome to search the archives yourself whenever you like).
In honor of Millie’s athletic accomplishments this season, here’s a message - “The Beauty & Strength of Which You Are Capable” - I gave on October 29, 2017, to her and her fellow fall season athletes (sister Chloe was a senior volleyballer that year as well) celebrating the first year the school really experienced athletic promise in multiple sports. An excerpt:
“You have gotten better at ordering your loves and handling your responsibilities because you’ve had to – there are only so many hours in the day! You have learned how to handle pressure on and off the court and field. You have learned how to win humbly and how to lose graciously, how to lift one another up and how to repent from dragging one another down. You have learned how to humble yourself to take instruction, and you have learned that when you don’t, the game often does it for you. These are all important lessons – not just for soccer and volleyball – but for life, and I hope you see just how much they are and can be of great value.”
Friends Doing Cool Things
An acquaintance from back in my Christian camp and conference days, John Ashmen, is director of Citygate Network, “North America’s oldest and largest community of independent, faith-based crisis shelters and life-transformation centers.”
Watch this video of how Citygate, along with singer/songwriter Amy Grant, have created the Hidden Trace Retreat to care for destitute and desperate women.
Fresh & Random Linkage
“Down With Dongles! Apple Brings Back the MacBook Ports” - Very exciting (especially considering I'm working on a 2012 MacBook Air that has to be plugged in to stay on), but the $2K basic price tag...ouch.
Until next time.
Why Subscribe?
Why not? Second Drafts is a once-a-week newsletter delivered to your inbox (you can also read it online or through your RSS reader) and it’s totally free.
Keep Connected
You’re welcome to follow me on Twitter.