both articles from www
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Management VS Engineering
A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost.
She reduced altitude and spotted a man below. She descended a bit more and shouted, "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago but I don't know where I am."
The man below replied, "You're in a hot air balloon hovering approximately 30 feet above the ground. You're between 40 and 41 degrees north latitude and between 59 and 60 degrees west longitude."
"You must be an engineer," said the balloonist.
"I am", replied the man. "How did you know?"
"Well, answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is technically correct, but I've no idea what to make of your information, and the fact is I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help at all. If anything you've delayed my trip even more."
The man below responded, "You must be in management."
"I am," replied the balloonist, "but how did you know?"
"Well," said the man, "You don't know where you are or where you're going. You have risen to where you are due to a large quantity of hot air.
You made a promise which you've no idea how to keep, and you expect people beneath you to solve your problems."
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Republican vs Democrat
A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered altitude and spotted a man in a boat below. She shouted to him, "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."
The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, "You're in a hot air balloon approximately 30 feet above a ground elevation of 2,346 feet above sea level. You are 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude."
She rolled her eyes and said, "You must be a Republican."
"I am," replied the man. "How did you know?"
"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is technically correct, but I have no idea what to make of your information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help to me."
The man smiled and responded, "You must be a Democrat."
"I am," replied the balloonist. "But how did you know?"
"Well," said the man, "You don't know where you are or where you're going. You've risen to where you are due to a large quantity of hot air. You've made a promise that you have no idea how to keep, and now you expect ME to solve your problem. You're in EXACTLY the same position you were in before we met, but somehow, now, it's MY fault.
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Impressed...!
世人行動實係幻影。他們忙亂，真是枉然。積聚財富，不知將來有誰收取﹖Surely a man egoes about as a shadow! Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather! (詩篇Ps39:6)
Friday, July 29, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
他山之石∕香港教會對六四事件的三條道路
他山之石∕香港教會對六四事件的三條道路
胡志偉 （香港教會更新運動總幹事，牧師）
【曠野172期】
一九八九年六四事件經過了二十二年，香港人與教會始終揮不去的是鬱結於內心的「平反六四」情意結；每年港人公開悼念六四活動標誌著「一國兩制」下，我們仍可在中國主權管轄下一小塊地土享有表達異見的自由。筆者嘗試就個人觀察及有限參與，就教內報刊、民運反思祈禱會與六四紀念禱文登報聯署等現象，說明了香港教會「六四情意結」的三條道路： 自限、限人與自主。
自限之道
按《2009香港教會普查簡報》反映，香港教會與內地教會有交流的，佔整體的63.3% （2004年同性質的調查反映有50.2%）。不同的宗派組織與機構，均有同工定期北上訪問內地，或有內地教會與政府機關人士來港拜訪宗派組織、機構與神學院等。
因著不少領袖在內地有其事工或服務的考慮，大多不願鮮明地表達對六四的看法或立場，憂慮因而影響了關係，從而帶來事工的限制與不方便。筆者諒解不少教會領袖為了顧及堂會或機構，避免參與明顯地違反中央權力意志的活動。個人靜悄悄參與每年維多利亞公園舉行六四燭光晚會不是問題，但參與民運反思祈禱會或具名登報聯署六四紀念禱文，則有所保留。
就筆者過往至今的接觸，有部分堂會於六四前後的主日與祈禱會，不少採用「香港基督徒愛國民主運動」（成立於1989年，執委為蔡元雲、胡丙杰、盧龍光、朱耀明、周榮富、林海盛、李信堅、劉子睿、梁恩榮、翁偉業） 撰寫的「六四紀念禱文」或「中國主日啟應禱文」；有些刊登於週刊，有些則用於崇拜的公禱程序。
從現實理解，當前香港教會主流對六四事件的論述，停留於自我限制的意識形態；大多教會領袖採取明哲保身，避免作出任何被理解為衝擊中央管治權威的言論與行動；畢竟教會的首要之務並非「平反六四」。《2009香港教會普查簡報》指出，大多堂會關注的社會課題為經濟 （佔整體堂會的63.9%）、家庭 （52.4%）與性倫理 （39.9%）等，民主進程的關注程度由2004年的12.4%下跌至2009年的5.7%，這些客觀數據說明了香港教會對較敏感的政治課題如六四事件的戒心。
限人之道
第二條路線，與第一條路線的分別，則在於有教會領袖不僅基於個人考慮而自限，更進一步為了取悅權勢，甚至限制他人就六四表達意見。六月五日香港基督教兩份有代表性報刊:《基督教週報》與《時代論壇》的版面與內容至少反映若干事實。
《基督教週報》內容隻字不提六四事件，而《時代論壇》則於第二版用了半頁篇幅報導「民運反思祈禱會」，並於公開園地刊登了陳中禧來稿〈六月第四日重組〉（第1240期）。《時代論壇》於早一期 （5月29日） 的封面則是一端是六四廿二週年研討會的報導，另一端則刊登了整篇六四紀念禱文。這兩份報刊截然不同的取態正好說明了教會領袖對六四事件的立場。
由香港華人基督教聯會出版的《基督教週報》，迴避任何與六四相關的文字；筆者多年前為此報刊撰稿時，文內任何提及「六四」的片紙隻字均被刪掉，也有其他作者的文章有類似下場。對這些在位領袖而言，六四是敏感字眼，為了與中國大陸保持友好關係，任何觸動政權神經之事，還是不提為妙，不僅對六四表示沉默，更限制了作者們表達六四的自由！ 就筆者接觸，持守此種自限又限人立場的，仍是極少數。然而，隨著年日與權力的增長，筆者憂慮的是部分自我約制的領袖，為了合理化其「自限之道」的高明立場，不自覺或有意地作出了「限人之道」。
自主之道
第三條道，筆者稱之為「自主之道」；香港回歸中國後仍能公開悼念六四，正是「一國兩制」下的言論與集會自由。當有一天，香港人與教會不能公開表達「平反六四」的聲音，意味著香港不再是「特別行政區」了 ！
香港仍有少數領袖如蔡元雲與盧龍光等不畏形勢，公開地發言或登報聯署，表達教會對六四的信念。胡丙杰（中華基督教會合一九龍堂主任牧師） 撰寫文章〈六四不應是教會禁忌〉（刊登於基督徒關懷香港學會出版之《基關窗》，2011年4月），他這樣分享:「近期卻聽到『六四是教會禁忌』的聲音，非常奇怪。本人在牧養教會的經驗中，每年都有三、四十位弟兄姊妹自願聯署登報『六四紀念禱文』，亦將此禱文轉印於教會週刊內，而六四期間的講道亦配合，從來沒有人質疑，大家都默默地支持中國民主運動及為六四受影響者禱告。所以，從來不覺得六四是教會禁忌。」
筆者也參與了「香港基督徒愛國民主運動」主辦的六四民運反思祈禱會，約四十多位出席。聚會其中一項是由一群青年人以「八十後的六四」為題，分享對六四的感受，他們認為「歷史不能遺忘，要薪火相傳，直至六四平反的一天。」蔡元雲醫生分享： 「一個國家失去記憶是可恥的，忘記自己身分是羞恥的」。教會每年堅持舉行六四祈禱會不是「發牢騷」，而是盼望歷史得著延續，使後人能認識此事，得以從過去歷史來建立國家意識和身份。與會者寫下個人對中國的心願，並以茉莉花表達心意，並由「我要回家運動」發起人朱耀明祝福，結束聚會。就筆者過往至今的參與，除了「香港基督徒愛國民主運動」執委外，在位領袖參與的確實寥寥可數，尤其是堂會教牧同工。
哪條道路 ?
筆者尊重不同人士選取不同道路；基督新教本身是多元表達，就政治或公共事務不一定有一致的看法。然而在一些政治事件，如六四事件、二二八事件等，對錯較為明確，教會應該選擇站在接近公義的一方。當教會享有自由與自主，卻怯於政權或形勢，表達適當的道德勇氣，我們就失掉了在公共空間的先知聲音。教會領袖不能取巧地在事件已有公論時，才插上附和的聲音；乃是在事件的抗爭過程中，因著信仰，不再計較名利、權力與得失……等，對任何違反人道與公義者，予以譴責。
猶太裔學者漢娜鄂蘭 （Hannah Arendt） 著有《責任與判斷》（Responsibility and Judgment），其中第六章探討天主教會，特別是教宗庇護十二世 （Pius XII） 對納粹暴行的漠視沉默，鄂蘭於文內指出教會對有關指控有三方面回應。第一種回應我稱為明哲保身「抗議和譴責的態度……不僅徒勞，而且有害 : 這是問題的重點」（279頁）。第二種回應則是勢孤力弱，天主教徒無法動員與組織起來；鄂蘭反駁納粹佔領地區時，天主教徒佔多數，只是教會高層的怕事，間接助長了納粹的暴行。第三種回應則是保持中立，有意見認為：「戰爭之中，教宗一份權威聲明就可能造成分裂」（279頁）；即使教宗看到希特勒發動「不義之戰」，但他認為共產主義較納粹主義更危險，於是「保持中立」意味著教會不敢向納粹政權譴責與採取行動，同樣助長了納粹的權勢。
教會的明哲保身、勢孤力弱與保持中立，在某些場景是不得不然的 （中國大陸絕多教會未對六四事件表態，筆者是可以理解的）；然而當教會享有自由與自主，卻自我限制，甚至限制他人，這是可悲的！
胡志偉 （香港教會更新運動總幹事，牧師）
【曠野172期】
一九八九年六四事件經過了二十二年，香港人與教會始終揮不去的是鬱結於內心的「平反六四」情意結；每年港人公開悼念六四活動標誌著「一國兩制」下，我們仍可在中國主權管轄下一小塊地土享有表達異見的自由。筆者嘗試就個人觀察及有限參與，就教內報刊、民運反思祈禱會與六四紀念禱文登報聯署等現象，說明了香港教會「六四情意結」的三條道路： 自限、限人與自主。
自限之道
按《2009香港教會普查簡報》反映，香港教會與內地教會有交流的，佔整體的63.3% （2004年同性質的調查反映有50.2%）。不同的宗派組織與機構，均有同工定期北上訪問內地，或有內地教會與政府機關人士來港拜訪宗派組織、機構與神學院等。
因著不少領袖在內地有其事工或服務的考慮，大多不願鮮明地表達對六四的看法或立場，憂慮因而影響了關係，從而帶來事工的限制與不方便。筆者諒解不少教會領袖為了顧及堂會或機構，避免參與明顯地違反中央權力意志的活動。個人靜悄悄參與每年維多利亞公園舉行六四燭光晚會不是問題，但參與民運反思祈禱會或具名登報聯署六四紀念禱文，則有所保留。
就筆者過往至今的接觸，有部分堂會於六四前後的主日與祈禱會，不少採用「香港基督徒愛國民主運動」（成立於1989年，執委為蔡元雲、胡丙杰、盧龍光、朱耀明、周榮富、林海盛、李信堅、劉子睿、梁恩榮、翁偉業） 撰寫的「六四紀念禱文」或「中國主日啟應禱文」；有些刊登於週刊，有些則用於崇拜的公禱程序。
從現實理解，當前香港教會主流對六四事件的論述，停留於自我限制的意識形態；大多教會領袖採取明哲保身，避免作出任何被理解為衝擊中央管治權威的言論與行動；畢竟教會的首要之務並非「平反六四」。《2009香港教會普查簡報》指出，大多堂會關注的社會課題為經濟 （佔整體堂會的63.9%）、家庭 （52.4%）與性倫理 （39.9%）等，民主進程的關注程度由2004年的12.4%下跌至2009年的5.7%，這些客觀數據說明了香港教會對較敏感的政治課題如六四事件的戒心。
限人之道
第二條路線，與第一條路線的分別，則在於有教會領袖不僅基於個人考慮而自限，更進一步為了取悅權勢，甚至限制他人就六四表達意見。六月五日香港基督教兩份有代表性報刊:《基督教週報》與《時代論壇》的版面與內容至少反映若干事實。
《基督教週報》內容隻字不提六四事件，而《時代論壇》則於第二版用了半頁篇幅報導「民運反思祈禱會」，並於公開園地刊登了陳中禧來稿〈六月第四日重組〉（第1240期）。《時代論壇》於早一期 （5月29日） 的封面則是一端是六四廿二週年研討會的報導，另一端則刊登了整篇六四紀念禱文。這兩份報刊截然不同的取態正好說明了教會領袖對六四事件的立場。
由香港華人基督教聯會出版的《基督教週報》，迴避任何與六四相關的文字；筆者多年前為此報刊撰稿時，文內任何提及「六四」的片紙隻字均被刪掉，也有其他作者的文章有類似下場。對這些在位領袖而言，六四是敏感字眼，為了與中國大陸保持友好關係，任何觸動政權神經之事，還是不提為妙，不僅對六四表示沉默，更限制了作者們表達六四的自由！ 就筆者接觸，持守此種自限又限人立場的，仍是極少數。然而，隨著年日與權力的增長，筆者憂慮的是部分自我約制的領袖，為了合理化其「自限之道」的高明立場，不自覺或有意地作出了「限人之道」。
自主之道
第三條道，筆者稱之為「自主之道」；香港回歸中國後仍能公開悼念六四，正是「一國兩制」下的言論與集會自由。當有一天，香港人與教會不能公開表達「平反六四」的聲音，意味著香港不再是「特別行政區」了 ！
香港仍有少數領袖如蔡元雲與盧龍光等不畏形勢，公開地發言或登報聯署，表達教會對六四的信念。胡丙杰（中華基督教會合一九龍堂主任牧師） 撰寫文章〈六四不應是教會禁忌〉（刊登於基督徒關懷香港學會出版之《基關窗》，2011年4月），他這樣分享:「近期卻聽到『六四是教會禁忌』的聲音，非常奇怪。本人在牧養教會的經驗中，每年都有三、四十位弟兄姊妹自願聯署登報『六四紀念禱文』，亦將此禱文轉印於教會週刊內，而六四期間的講道亦配合，從來沒有人質疑，大家都默默地支持中國民主運動及為六四受影響者禱告。所以，從來不覺得六四是教會禁忌。」
筆者也參與了「香港基督徒愛國民主運動」主辦的六四民運反思祈禱會，約四十多位出席。聚會其中一項是由一群青年人以「八十後的六四」為題，分享對六四的感受，他們認為「歷史不能遺忘，要薪火相傳，直至六四平反的一天。」蔡元雲醫生分享： 「一個國家失去記憶是可恥的，忘記自己身分是羞恥的」。教會每年堅持舉行六四祈禱會不是「發牢騷」，而是盼望歷史得著延續，使後人能認識此事，得以從過去歷史來建立國家意識和身份。與會者寫下個人對中國的心願，並以茉莉花表達心意，並由「我要回家運動」發起人朱耀明祝福，結束聚會。就筆者過往至今的參與，除了「香港基督徒愛國民主運動」執委外，在位領袖參與的確實寥寥可數，尤其是堂會教牧同工。
哪條道路 ?
筆者尊重不同人士選取不同道路；基督新教本身是多元表達，就政治或公共事務不一定有一致的看法。然而在一些政治事件，如六四事件、二二八事件等，對錯較為明確，教會應該選擇站在接近公義的一方。當教會享有自由與自主，卻怯於政權或形勢，表達適當的道德勇氣，我們就失掉了在公共空間的先知聲音。教會領袖不能取巧地在事件已有公論時，才插上附和的聲音；乃是在事件的抗爭過程中，因著信仰，不再計較名利、權力與得失……等，對任何違反人道與公義者，予以譴責。
猶太裔學者漢娜鄂蘭 （Hannah Arendt） 著有《責任與判斷》（Responsibility and Judgment），其中第六章探討天主教會，特別是教宗庇護十二世 （Pius XII） 對納粹暴行的漠視沉默，鄂蘭於文內指出教會對有關指控有三方面回應。第一種回應我稱為明哲保身「抗議和譴責的態度……不僅徒勞，而且有害 : 這是問題的重點」（279頁）。第二種回應則是勢孤力弱，天主教徒無法動員與組織起來；鄂蘭反駁納粹佔領地區時，天主教徒佔多數，只是教會高層的怕事，間接助長了納粹的暴行。第三種回應則是保持中立，有意見認為：「戰爭之中，教宗一份權威聲明就可能造成分裂」（279頁）；即使教宗看到希特勒發動「不義之戰」，但他認為共產主義較納粹主義更危險，於是「保持中立」意味著教會不敢向納粹政權譴責與採取行動，同樣助長了納粹的權勢。
教會的明哲保身、勢孤力弱與保持中立，在某些場景是不得不然的 （中國大陸絕多教會未對六四事件表態，筆者是可以理解的）；然而當教會享有自由與自主，卻自我限制，甚至限制他人，這是可悲的！
Saturday, July 09, 2011
杜絕變相公投
杜絕變相公投
區樂民
2011年07月09日 蘋果日報 副刊
為了杜絕變相公投，政府推出替補機制，弄至民怨沸騰，七一上街的人龍，從白天走到黑夜。政府決定押後二讀。有政黨建議不宜「一刀切」處理所有立法會議員出缺，替補機制應針對自行請辭的議員；如果因病或死亡而出缺，該進行補選。
一看，就知這個建議有漏洞。
舉個實例，零四年董建華先生因腳痛辭去特首職務。請問這樣的辭職，是屬於「自行請辭」還是「因病出缺」？
我無意拿董先生來開玩笑。說實話，我心裏尊敬他，因為他的人品好。我舉出這個例子，是要說明「因病出缺」很難被證實或否定。
有人提議，辭職的議員一年內不得參選。這是不合理的，比方說，一個議員患了癌病，決定辭職，經過化療和電療，效果出奇地好，他想參加補選，再為市民服務，若遭摒諸門外，那算不算殘疾歧視？
又有人說，變相公投浪費公帑。我沒有念經濟科，不肯定那是不是浪費。記得通縮那幾年，政府鼓勵人們消費來刺激經濟。補選花的錢，其實是轉移到許多基層公務員的口袋，錢多了，自然增加消費，帶旺食肆、娛樂場所、百貨公司等等。
晚飯時，三叔說：「其實杜絕變相公投的方法很簡單，為甚麼政府要搞個『大頭佛』出來？」
「有何方法？」我問。
「遇上重大政治課題，」三叔答道：「政府正正當當地舉行公投，那就不會出現變相公投。公投是合法、合情、合理的。」
（區樂民）
區樂民
2011年07月09日 蘋果日報 副刊
為了杜絕變相公投，政府推出替補機制，弄至民怨沸騰，七一上街的人龍，從白天走到黑夜。政府決定押後二讀。有政黨建議不宜「一刀切」處理所有立法會議員出缺，替補機制應針對自行請辭的議員；如果因病或死亡而出缺，該進行補選。
一看，就知這個建議有漏洞。
舉個實例，零四年董建華先生因腳痛辭去特首職務。請問這樣的辭職，是屬於「自行請辭」還是「因病出缺」？
我無意拿董先生來開玩笑。說實話，我心裏尊敬他，因為他的人品好。我舉出這個例子，是要說明「因病出缺」很難被證實或否定。
有人提議，辭職的議員一年內不得參選。這是不合理的，比方說，一個議員患了癌病，決定辭職，經過化療和電療，效果出奇地好，他想參加補選，再為市民服務，若遭摒諸門外，那算不算殘疾歧視？
又有人說，變相公投浪費公帑。我沒有念經濟科，不肯定那是不是浪費。記得通縮那幾年，政府鼓勵人們消費來刺激經濟。補選花的錢，其實是轉移到許多基層公務員的口袋，錢多了，自然增加消費，帶旺食肆、娛樂場所、百貨公司等等。
晚飯時，三叔說：「其實杜絕變相公投的方法很簡單，為甚麼政府要搞個『大頭佛』出來？」
「有何方法？」我問。
「遇上重大政治課題，」三叔答道：「政府正正當當地舉行公投，那就不會出現變相公投。公投是合法、合情、合理的。」
（區樂民）
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Rejoice and be glad in it
Ps 118:24 (ESV)
24 This is the day that the Lord has made;let us rejoice and be glad in it.
There are days when the last thing we want to do is rejoice. Our mood is down, our situation is out of hand, and our sorrow or guilt is overwhelming. We can relate to the writers of the psalms who often felt this way. But no matter how low the psalmists felt, they were always honest with God. And as they talked to God, their prayers ended in praise. When you don't feel like rejoicing, tell God how you truly feel. You will find that God will give you a reason to rejoice. God has given you this day to live and to serve him-be glad!
(Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion)
24 This is the day that the Lord has made;let us rejoice and be glad in it.
There are days when the last thing we want to do is rejoice. Our mood is down, our situation is out of hand, and our sorrow or guilt is overwhelming. We can relate to the writers of the psalms who often felt this way. But no matter how low the psalmists felt, they were always honest with God. And as they talked to God, their prayers ended in praise. When you don't feel like rejoicing, tell God how you truly feel. You will find that God will give you a reason to rejoice. God has given you this day to live and to serve him-be glad!
(Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion)
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
可憐
李純恩
蘋果日報 副刊 2011年07月04日
這天是七月一日，曾特首蔭權發表講話，說在未來的一年中，要為服務香港，奮鬥到「最後一分一秒」。
聽了曾先生的話，我很激動。真是很久沒有聽過如此豪言壯語了。上一次聽到類似的豪言壯語，已是上個世紀的事了。四十年前，中國「文革」的時候，我們天天都說這樣的豪言壯語，開始說的時候心情還挺激動，說到後來，就像放屁一樣自然了。如今舊景重溫，恍如隔世。
可見，幫曾先生寫演講稿的仁兄，不但是個懷舊之人，且不知時代進步，或實在墨水有限。可憐曾先生不知就裏，照稿直宣，着了道兒，堂堂一個香港首長，卻像個宣誓入伙的紅衞兵。
「最後一分一秒」是如何算出來的呢？曾先生沒有講。是「呢份工」的結束？還是生命的終結？曾先生沒有講。
「最後一分一秒」，到底是最後「一分」？還是最後「一秒」？既然有了「最後一秒」，哪裏還用「最後一分」？曾先生又不是劉翔，要一分一秒算着去跨欄，誰會在乎他的「最後一分最後一秒」？如果他「奮鬥」到了「最後一分最後一秒」，卻沒有一點成績，只留下一灘蘇州屎，那這「最後一分一秒」是不是早到好過晚到？
一句「豪言壯語」，本來應該是媚俗的壓軸之句，結果卻既無邏輯又無水平，綉花枕頭裏的一包草就全露出來了。
蘋果日報 副刊 2011年07月04日
這天是七月一日，曾特首蔭權發表講話，說在未來的一年中，要為服務香港，奮鬥到「最後一分一秒」。
聽了曾先生的話，我很激動。真是很久沒有聽過如此豪言壯語了。上一次聽到類似的豪言壯語，已是上個世紀的事了。四十年前，中國「文革」的時候，我們天天都說這樣的豪言壯語，開始說的時候心情還挺激動，說到後來，就像放屁一樣自然了。如今舊景重溫，恍如隔世。
可見，幫曾先生寫演講稿的仁兄，不但是個懷舊之人，且不知時代進步，或實在墨水有限。可憐曾先生不知就裏，照稿直宣，着了道兒，堂堂一個香港首長，卻像個宣誓入伙的紅衞兵。
「最後一分一秒」是如何算出來的呢？曾先生沒有講。是「呢份工」的結束？還是生命的終結？曾先生沒有講。
「最後一分一秒」，到底是最後「一分」？還是最後「一秒」？既然有了「最後一秒」，哪裏還用「最後一分」？曾先生又不是劉翔，要一分一秒算着去跨欄，誰會在乎他的「最後一分最後一秒」？如果他「奮鬥」到了「最後一分最後一秒」，卻沒有一點成績，只留下一灘蘇州屎，那這「最後一分一秒」是不是早到好過晚到？
一句「豪言壯語」，本來應該是媚俗的壓軸之句，結果卻既無邏輯又無水平，綉花枕頭裏的一包草就全露出來了。
Friday, June 24, 2011
《時代論壇》社評 : 警惕特區政府「輕民權以自保」的思維
《時代論壇》Christian Times 第一二四三期 -- 二零一一年六月廿六日
因應去年的「五區請辭，變相公投」，特區政府的政制及內地事務局建議修例，日後當立法會直選議席因為議員呈辭、疾病或死亡而出缺，將不再舉行補選產生新任議員，而是由之前的選舉之中得最大餘額票名單的候選人自動填補議席空缺。該局更表示，去年「變相公投」的一次立法會補選投票率偏低，已清楚顯示民意，因此今次修例將不作公眾諮詢，而是直接交由立法會進行立法程序。雖然如此，立法會仍然為此召開公聽會，大批巿民以各式各樣的團體名義出席，當中反對政府做法的意見相當多。大律師公會亦表態，指政府的建議並不符合《基本法》中關於議席由選舉產生的條文，不過政府仍然堅持自己的一套邏輯，維持既有建議，要求立法會通過。
去年的立法會補選，的確引起社會廣泛議論，即使同屬泛民主派的陣營，矛盾亦非常之大。而在教會之內，對於當時各方就爭取政制民主化的種種策略（包括「變相公投」），張力亦不少。但必須指出，對於「變相公投」持不同意見是一回事，對於政府以剝奪巿民補選權利的手法來懲罰日後在有意及無意下出缺的議員及其所屬政團，明顯是另一回事。政府請不要混淆視聽。
選舉制度很重要的一點，在於表達選民的集體意願。若以落敗候選人中得最大餘額票者作為日後替補出缺機制中的當然人選，那根本就有逆於當年的選舉結果，與集體民意不符。另一方面，如此替補安排，亦很自然加大了政敵不擇手段要對手出缺的誘因，這也不是巿民所樂見。
經過去年「五區請辭」所觸發的種種京港官方反應，對於特區政府要想辦法堵塞「變相公投」這個「漏洞」，香港社會其實並不感到意外。問題是特區政府今次的處理手法相當粗暴，既不諮詢公眾，對於民主選舉反映當前民意這最基本的理念也毫不尊重，且將種種做法歸因於所謂清晰卻實質另有所指的民意，實質是照顧自己的政治需要，就是為了掃除一個全民表態的機會，即使殃及池魚也在所不惜。特區政府以此「輕民權以自保」的思維模式來處理政制事務，實在不敢恭維。
由於政府在立法會肯定得到建制派的支持，其建議幾可肯定通過無誤，行禮如儀。至於民間方面，也許因為早已有自發大遊行的「尚方寶劍」在手，即使政制裡快將失去一個全民表態的可能，關注的溫度還是給其他議題比了下去（例如人人派發六千元，又例如財政司司長被指政治干預招標工作的立法會聆訊）。然而觀乎特區政府在今次事件上所表現的種種嘴臉、態度和思維，港人實在需要加強警惕，否則更多的重要權利將會被無聲無息的敗掉。民主，是永恆的覺醒。
因應去年的「五區請辭，變相公投」，特區政府的政制及內地事務局建議修例，日後當立法會直選議席因為議員呈辭、疾病或死亡而出缺，將不再舉行補選產生新任議員，而是由之前的選舉之中得最大餘額票名單的候選人自動填補議席空缺。該局更表示，去年「變相公投」的一次立法會補選投票率偏低，已清楚顯示民意，因此今次修例將不作公眾諮詢，而是直接交由立法會進行立法程序。雖然如此，立法會仍然為此召開公聽會，大批巿民以各式各樣的團體名義出席，當中反對政府做法的意見相當多。大律師公會亦表態，指政府的建議並不符合《基本法》中關於議席由選舉產生的條文，不過政府仍然堅持自己的一套邏輯，維持既有建議，要求立法會通過。
去年的立法會補選，的確引起社會廣泛議論，即使同屬泛民主派的陣營，矛盾亦非常之大。而在教會之內，對於當時各方就爭取政制民主化的種種策略（包括「變相公投」），張力亦不少。但必須指出，對於「變相公投」持不同意見是一回事，對於政府以剝奪巿民補選權利的手法來懲罰日後在有意及無意下出缺的議員及其所屬政團，明顯是另一回事。政府請不要混淆視聽。
選舉制度很重要的一點，在於表達選民的集體意願。若以落敗候選人中得最大餘額票者作為日後替補出缺機制中的當然人選，那根本就有逆於當年的選舉結果，與集體民意不符。另一方面，如此替補安排，亦很自然加大了政敵不擇手段要對手出缺的誘因，這也不是巿民所樂見。
經過去年「五區請辭」所觸發的種種京港官方反應，對於特區政府要想辦法堵塞「變相公投」這個「漏洞」，香港社會其實並不感到意外。問題是特區政府今次的處理手法相當粗暴，既不諮詢公眾，對於民主選舉反映當前民意這最基本的理念也毫不尊重，且將種種做法歸因於所謂清晰卻實質另有所指的民意，實質是照顧自己的政治需要，就是為了掃除一個全民表態的機會，即使殃及池魚也在所不惜。特區政府以此「輕民權以自保」的思維模式來處理政制事務，實在不敢恭維。
由於政府在立法會肯定得到建制派的支持，其建議幾可肯定通過無誤，行禮如儀。至於民間方面，也許因為早已有自發大遊行的「尚方寶劍」在手，即使政制裡快將失去一個全民表態的可能，關注的溫度還是給其他議題比了下去（例如人人派發六千元，又例如財政司司長被指政治干預招標工作的立法會聆訊）。然而觀乎特區政府在今次事件上所表現的種種嘴臉、態度和思維，港人實在需要加強警惕，否則更多的重要權利將會被無聲無息的敗掉。民主，是永恆的覺醒。
Nat's manager Riggleman resigns...
WASHINGTON -- Jim Riggleman felt he deserved better. He had essentially become a permanent interim manager for the Washington Nationals, a franchise that has spent much of its time trying to become relevant. Once the club was ready to be a contender, he sensed he would be shunted aside for the next best thing to come along.
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"I just felt if there's not going to be some type of commitment, then there obviously never will be," Riggleman said. "I'm just not the guy that they thought they could move forward with."
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"I tell ya, I've been in this 10 years," Riggleman said. "Maybe I'll never get another opportunity, but I promise you I'll never do it on a one-year deal again. ... You don't bring people in on a one-year deal. I'm sure they will never do it here. When they get the guy they want, it won't be on a one-year deal."
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"Timing? Come on," Riggleman said. "That's like I'm not going to get married until I have a steady job. You'll never get married. You make the decision you feel is right and Mike felt the decision was to not move forward with me."
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He said Thursday he was fully aware that he was leaving one of the precious 30 managerial jobs in the majors, but for him it was a matter of principle.
"It's about me," Riggleman said. "It's about looking in the mirror and feeling like I've got to answer to myself. In today's world in major sports, it's not a good environment to work when the manager or head coach in football or whatever is on a short leash. Too many negatives can come out of it. You're walking on egg shells too often. You can't think out of the box as much. I thought after 10 years I'd earned the right to have a little bit longer leash."
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"I just felt if there's not going to be some type of commitment, then there obviously never will be," Riggleman said. "I'm just not the guy that they thought they could move forward with."
---
"I tell ya, I've been in this 10 years," Riggleman said. "Maybe I'll never get another opportunity, but I promise you I'll never do it on a one-year deal again. ... You don't bring people in on a one-year deal. I'm sure they will never do it here. When they get the guy they want, it won't be on a one-year deal."
---
"Timing? Come on," Riggleman said. "That's like I'm not going to get married until I have a steady job. You'll never get married. You make the decision you feel is right and Mike felt the decision was to not move forward with me."
---
He said Thursday he was fully aware that he was leaving one of the precious 30 managerial jobs in the majors, but for him it was a matter of principle.
"It's about me," Riggleman said. "It's about looking in the mirror and feeling like I've got to answer to myself. In today's world in major sports, it's not a good environment to work when the manager or head coach in football or whatever is on a short leash. Too many negatives can come out of it. You're walking on egg shells too often. You can't think out of the box as much. I thought after 10 years I'd earned the right to have a little bit longer leash."
Monday, June 20, 2011
基督日報(香港) - 「大師」宣傳「幸福科學」 梁燕城進行大剖析
基督日報(香港) - 「大師」宣傳「幸福科學」 梁燕城進行大剖析
陳麗斯 / 基督日報記者
2011年06月17日02時06分 上午 Posted.
上月在港鐵及報章上都有廣告宣傳一種新興宗教心靈玩意，稱為「幸福科學」，其日本創辦人大川隆法蒞港傳教。
(採訪：于嘉豪、撰文：陳麗斯)
上月在港鐵及報章上都有廣告宣傳一種新興宗教心靈玩意，稱為「幸福科學」，其日本創辦人大川隆法蒞港傳教。「幸福科學」揚言「現代人需要從科學實證的角度，去探究心靈和覺悟世界究竟是什麼」。心靈的覺悟能用科學的方法實證嗎﹖「幸福科學」的本質是什麼呢﹖本報特地與對宗教文化有深厚研究的梁燕城博士作訪談，為這個新興的學說給一個說法。
訪問前半部梁博士逐剖析了「幸福科學」的本質，而第二部份則探討了信仰及科學的關係，以及宗教如何心靈的滿足，更分享了他對選擇自己信仰的看法。
缺乏科學實證的「偽科學」
梁博士指出引用「科學」去講幸福在本質上是對「科學」這個名詞的濫用。從其網站所見他並無對他說的「科學」下定義，亦欠缺對科學的基本認識。嚴格的科學不是用來追求幸福，這是與科學無關的。科學有其基本標準，當有人提出一些講法而又能通過客觀的實驗鑒證的，才能稱之為科學。
怎樣的說法才合符科學?他提到波柏爾提出科學要符合「證偽原則」，當中關鍵是當一樣東西自稱為科學，一定要提供一個被實驗所檢查的原則，意思是原則上可以證明是假的，這是相當重要的科學的標準。另外一些科學哲學家也提出所謂科學是可以提供一個「範式」解釋科學的現象，去指示未來科學的發展，比如牛頓所提出的物理學或愛恩斯坦提出的物理學，形成一種範式，以後可根據規則研究，提供各種實驗的根據。因此任何自稱為科學的若無這些原則基本上不能叫做「科學」。若有人用科學這個字但又不合乎原則，則只能視為偽科學，並且是妄稱科學這個名詞，濫用科學名詞。
就「幸福科學」而論，梁博士認為它的觀點本質上算是偽科學，因為它並未提供任何合乎科學原則的講法，只是隨意用科學這個名詞。整體來說，創辦者明顯是一個無受過基本訓練的人，亂用了一些名詞而形成一些觀點。
他舉例，幸福科學的網站內容裡涉及輪迴之說，並用輪迴解釋人；裡面的靈魂觀稱很龐大的靈界裡有很多靈，他們會通過輪迴投胎轉世成為某些人。「如果用科學去解釋則完全是偽科學，因為它無任何科學方式被否證，不能成為科學。如你要解釋一個完全觀察不到、又無法實驗的情況，並說這是科學，則只能是一個『偽科學』。」
傾向佛教異端
另一方面，精通佛學思想的梁博士又指出，「幸福科學」提出類似佛教式的解釋方法，但它的解釋不是正統的佛家，而是異端形態的佛教。
以輪迴的觀念為例，「幸福科學」強調科學能實證這一概念。對此梁博士表示幸福科學嘗試為這個世界有很多現象、比如家庭的現像用輪迴去作解釋系統，但用科學方法去解釋輪迴的做法早已被推翻，在科學界不再被重視。其實科學家已將所有輪迴的「科學證據」否決了，所謂「證據」指的是有人聲稱回憶起自己的「前世」，此現象曾被視為是科學家通過催眠的方法去達致的，並因此被視為一個科學的證據。後來這些「證據」亦被摒棄掉，因為科學家去考查那些所謂通過催眠術出來的幾千個記憶事件，沒有一個能被印證在歷史上曾經發生的，同時科學家也證實催眠術也不能喚起正確的回憶，由催眠所產的所謂「輪迴的回憶」都被證實為無效，因此那些輪迴的「證據」全都已被科學家推翻，不被視為真實。
梁博士甚至認為「幸福科學」利用輪迴理論去講靈界更接近法輪的觀點，而不是佛教正統的講法，因為佛教並不那麼強調靈界的觀點的，所「幸福科學」傾向是佛教的異端。例如法輪亦算此類，因為它自稱能讓人成佛，其實亦是提出一些理論，嘗試去解釋這世界有很多空間存在，並有各種靈進入這個世界，但這些都是隨意提出的講法，並無任何實證的基礎，因此這個理論一來不合符科學基本原則的要求，第二它提出的解釋系統亦無法被證明有任何的可靠性及公正性。
「幸福科學」聲稱能帶給人幸福，梁博士指出，此說隨意的運用它自身的解釋系統，嘗試指示人一個走向幸福的方向，但它提出的解釋系統本身並無任何可信性，即不符合科學，亦無法在任何哲學理論上被認定是理性，所以他認為這只能稱為一個異端或膜拜團體，或非正統的教派。他說：「它隨意提一套不可知、不可證實的理論，去指引人做某一些無法辨別真偽的實踐，通過這些實踐讓人去購買它的商品，所以最後可以稱之為一個『宗教性的商業行為』。」
科學實證不適用於心靈修養
那麼，現代人真的需要科學幫助實證或探究心靈的世界嗎﹖梁博士認為科學實證指向的是可實證的現象，但主觀的修養或修練則不屬實證科學的範圍。他說：「科學實證是在實驗中可以重演，並且可以預測，例如H2+O會產生水，這樣重覆就產生水，這個叫做『預測』，這些才是科學實證。而他講的『科學實證』卻是通過一些修養方法達到一些體會，而他視之為實證，但其實這些不屬於科學實證。」
基督教也會憑著人們的主觀經驗去嘗試證明上帝的存在，如此的「見證」都是不靠譜嗎﹖據梁博士所說，若一些經驗有足夠的普遍性，則可說也具有更高度的真實性：「比如有100人通過同樣的修行方式得到同樣的經驗，可以說這是具有較多的普遍性的經驗，但也不是被證明是一個真理。」他舉例若要解釋一些通過修練達至的經驗或境界，則大可以用哲學方法去分析，例如現象學就是通過某些宗教修煉而達到某些境界諸如得到一些領悟，又如當基督徒打開心靈、並通過信心接受上帝是耶穌基督的同時所經歷到的喜樂、上帝的安慰都是普遍的經驗。這類的普遍經驗不能被視為科學的實證，只能說是具有普遍性的主觀經驗，並哲學上可說是具有更高的真實性，但絕不稱之為科學實證。
因此梁博士認為「幸福科學」的創辦者利用「科學」說項可說是看出他無受過真正訓練，只是提出來一個解釋系統，聲稱可以解決人生的某些問題，並將之推廣為一個膜拜系統，並加入宗教式的觀點讓人去跟從。
對此等以「大師」的高姿態來吸引信眾的「宗教」，梁博士認為見怪不怪：「這些所謂大師式的講法是時常有的，比如法輪亦然。他們大師身份來吹噓和自我宣傳，說自己是大師啊、活佛啊和古鲁（印度教的教主Guru）基本上是無牌照的。當你自稱為大師，或者是得道的活佛，事實是無檢定的機構發個憑證或給一個牌照說『啊！你真是達至大師！』沒有一個客觀標準衡量怎麼算是大師，很多大師型的宣稱都是自封的。所以街頭很多呃神騙鬼的各種的迷信用命理學術或風水來欺騙人的，通常他們都自詡為大師來增加自己的權威性。」
他又認為「幸福科學」的大川隆法亦是走這一種大師路線，因此將之視為非正統教派以宣揚某種宗教，並提出不可證實的實證系統來吸引人跟從。有的跟從者可能主觀地得到某些感覺，傳開去之後又吸引更多人去跟從。梁博士說：「世間上最厲害的邪教通常都是用這樣的方法，但達到邪教地步的會去殺人、或叫人自殺，或因等待某種的末日來臨而引致集體的性的放縱或集體的自殺，這些都叫做邪教。但他(大川隆法)這種未到邪教的地步，只是隨意胡亂提出一個解釋系統去引致某些人跟從。我相信這些非正統教派的只要對社會無害不算為邪教，但事實上它不具有任何可信的真實性。」
陳麗斯 / 基督日報記者
2011年06月17日02時06分 上午 Posted.
上月在港鐵及報章上都有廣告宣傳一種新興宗教心靈玩意，稱為「幸福科學」，其日本創辦人大川隆法蒞港傳教。
(採訪：于嘉豪、撰文：陳麗斯)
上月在港鐵及報章上都有廣告宣傳一種新興宗教心靈玩意，稱為「幸福科學」，其日本創辦人大川隆法蒞港傳教。「幸福科學」揚言「現代人需要從科學實證的角度，去探究心靈和覺悟世界究竟是什麼」。心靈的覺悟能用科學的方法實證嗎﹖「幸福科學」的本質是什麼呢﹖本報特地與對宗教文化有深厚研究的梁燕城博士作訪談，為這個新興的學說給一個說法。
訪問前半部梁博士逐剖析了「幸福科學」的本質，而第二部份則探討了信仰及科學的關係，以及宗教如何心靈的滿足，更分享了他對選擇自己信仰的看法。
缺乏科學實證的「偽科學」
梁博士指出引用「科學」去講幸福在本質上是對「科學」這個名詞的濫用。從其網站所見他並無對他說的「科學」下定義，亦欠缺對科學的基本認識。嚴格的科學不是用來追求幸福，這是與科學無關的。科學有其基本標準，當有人提出一些講法而又能通過客觀的實驗鑒證的，才能稱之為科學。
怎樣的說法才合符科學?他提到波柏爾提出科學要符合「證偽原則」，當中關鍵是當一樣東西自稱為科學，一定要提供一個被實驗所檢查的原則，意思是原則上可以證明是假的，這是相當重要的科學的標準。另外一些科學哲學家也提出所謂科學是可以提供一個「範式」解釋科學的現象，去指示未來科學的發展，比如牛頓所提出的物理學或愛恩斯坦提出的物理學，形成一種範式，以後可根據規則研究，提供各種實驗的根據。因此任何自稱為科學的若無這些原則基本上不能叫做「科學」。若有人用科學這個字但又不合乎原則，則只能視為偽科學，並且是妄稱科學這個名詞，濫用科學名詞。
就「幸福科學」而論，梁博士認為它的觀點本質上算是偽科學，因為它並未提供任何合乎科學原則的講法，只是隨意用科學這個名詞。整體來說，創辦者明顯是一個無受過基本訓練的人，亂用了一些名詞而形成一些觀點。
他舉例，幸福科學的網站內容裡涉及輪迴之說，並用輪迴解釋人；裡面的靈魂觀稱很龐大的靈界裡有很多靈，他們會通過輪迴投胎轉世成為某些人。「如果用科學去解釋則完全是偽科學，因為它無任何科學方式被否證，不能成為科學。如你要解釋一個完全觀察不到、又無法實驗的情況，並說這是科學，則只能是一個『偽科學』。」
傾向佛教異端
另一方面，精通佛學思想的梁博士又指出，「幸福科學」提出類似佛教式的解釋方法，但它的解釋不是正統的佛家，而是異端形態的佛教。
以輪迴的觀念為例，「幸福科學」強調科學能實證這一概念。對此梁博士表示幸福科學嘗試為這個世界有很多現象、比如家庭的現像用輪迴去作解釋系統，但用科學方法去解釋輪迴的做法早已被推翻，在科學界不再被重視。其實科學家已將所有輪迴的「科學證據」否決了，所謂「證據」指的是有人聲稱回憶起自己的「前世」，此現象曾被視為是科學家通過催眠的方法去達致的，並因此被視為一個科學的證據。後來這些「證據」亦被摒棄掉，因為科學家去考查那些所謂通過催眠術出來的幾千個記憶事件，沒有一個能被印證在歷史上曾經發生的，同時科學家也證實催眠術也不能喚起正確的回憶，由催眠所產的所謂「輪迴的回憶」都被證實為無效，因此那些輪迴的「證據」全都已被科學家推翻，不被視為真實。
梁博士甚至認為「幸福科學」利用輪迴理論去講靈界更接近法輪的觀點，而不是佛教正統的講法，因為佛教並不那麼強調靈界的觀點的，所「幸福科學」傾向是佛教的異端。例如法輪亦算此類，因為它自稱能讓人成佛，其實亦是提出一些理論，嘗試去解釋這世界有很多空間存在，並有各種靈進入這個世界，但這些都是隨意提出的講法，並無任何實證的基礎，因此這個理論一來不合符科學基本原則的要求，第二它提出的解釋系統亦無法被證明有任何的可靠性及公正性。
「幸福科學」聲稱能帶給人幸福，梁博士指出，此說隨意的運用它自身的解釋系統，嘗試指示人一個走向幸福的方向，但它提出的解釋系統本身並無任何可信性，即不符合科學，亦無法在任何哲學理論上被認定是理性，所以他認為這只能稱為一個異端或膜拜團體，或非正統的教派。他說：「它隨意提一套不可知、不可證實的理論，去指引人做某一些無法辨別真偽的實踐，通過這些實踐讓人去購買它的商品，所以最後可以稱之為一個『宗教性的商業行為』。」
科學實證不適用於心靈修養
那麼，現代人真的需要科學幫助實證或探究心靈的世界嗎﹖梁博士認為科學實證指向的是可實證的現象，但主觀的修養或修練則不屬實證科學的範圍。他說：「科學實證是在實驗中可以重演，並且可以預測，例如H2+O會產生水，這樣重覆就產生水，這個叫做『預測』，這些才是科學實證。而他講的『科學實證』卻是通過一些修養方法達到一些體會，而他視之為實證，但其實這些不屬於科學實證。」
基督教也會憑著人們的主觀經驗去嘗試證明上帝的存在，如此的「見證」都是不靠譜嗎﹖據梁博士所說，若一些經驗有足夠的普遍性，則可說也具有更高度的真實性：「比如有100人通過同樣的修行方式得到同樣的經驗，可以說這是具有較多的普遍性的經驗，但也不是被證明是一個真理。」他舉例若要解釋一些通過修練達至的經驗或境界，則大可以用哲學方法去分析，例如現象學就是通過某些宗教修煉而達到某些境界諸如得到一些領悟，又如當基督徒打開心靈、並通過信心接受上帝是耶穌基督的同時所經歷到的喜樂、上帝的安慰都是普遍的經驗。這類的普遍經驗不能被視為科學的實證，只能說是具有普遍性的主觀經驗，並哲學上可說是具有更高的真實性，但絕不稱之為科學實證。
因此梁博士認為「幸福科學」的創辦者利用「科學」說項可說是看出他無受過真正訓練，只是提出來一個解釋系統，聲稱可以解決人生的某些問題，並將之推廣為一個膜拜系統，並加入宗教式的觀點讓人去跟從。
對此等以「大師」的高姿態來吸引信眾的「宗教」，梁博士認為見怪不怪：「這些所謂大師式的講法是時常有的，比如法輪亦然。他們大師身份來吹噓和自我宣傳，說自己是大師啊、活佛啊和古鲁（印度教的教主Guru）基本上是無牌照的。當你自稱為大師，或者是得道的活佛，事實是無檢定的機構發個憑證或給一個牌照說『啊！你真是達至大師！』沒有一個客觀標準衡量怎麼算是大師，很多大師型的宣稱都是自封的。所以街頭很多呃神騙鬼的各種的迷信用命理學術或風水來欺騙人的，通常他們都自詡為大師來增加自己的權威性。」
他又認為「幸福科學」的大川隆法亦是走這一種大師路線，因此將之視為非正統教派以宣揚某種宗教，並提出不可證實的實證系統來吸引人跟從。有的跟從者可能主觀地得到某些感覺，傳開去之後又吸引更多人去跟從。梁博士說：「世間上最厲害的邪教通常都是用這樣的方法，但達到邪教地步的會去殺人、或叫人自殺，或因等待某種的末日來臨而引致集體的性的放縱或集體的自殺，這些都叫做邪教。但他(大川隆法)這種未到邪教的地步，只是隨意胡亂提出一個解釋系統去引致某些人跟從。我相信這些非正統教派的只要對社會無害不算為邪教，但事實上它不具有任何可信的真實性。」
Sunday, June 12, 2011
基督徒要等事業有成才返教會？
基督徒要等事業有成才返教會？ / 一牧者 : 眾議園 -《時代論壇》Christian Times
一牧者 : 眾議園
《時代論壇》Christian Times
表面上，「基督徒要等事業有成才返教會」這句話似乎十惡不赦，卻是不少基督徒的潛在思想，因香港基督教圈子內熱賣的見證，都是高官或跨國企業高級行政人員退休後，如何運用工作時的知識，為主作大事，而當中不少是年輕時已認識主，但到退休後才穩定返教會的。
若教會過份吹捧這類見證，其實等於鼓勵基督徒要等事業有成才返教會，按這邏輯，教會大可不必做成人事工，只用做兒童、青少年和長者事工便夠了，免得成年信徒不能全力為事業打拼，不能爬上高位，退休後不能為主作大事。
按這邏輯，教會也不應做兒童和青少年事工，因一樣會減少他們讀書的時間，影響他們入讀名牌大學的機會，以致將來不能成為高官或跨國企業高級行政人員。
按這邏輯，教會只做長者事工便夠，但當然不是街邊下棋的阿伯，而是提早退休的高官或跨國企業高級行政人員，這樣教會便會有龐大的人力物力，可以為主作大事，之後又可開教會增長講座，教人如何使教會興旺，正如private banking只做high net-worth individuals便夠。
這種培育信徒的觀念合乎聖經嗎？成年信徒為信仰生活犧牲事業，是沒價值的嗎（犧牲的意思是用了時間讀經、祈禱、傳福音、返教會，以致不能全力為事業打拼，最後事業發展不如人）？還是香港教會已中了資本主義效益至上的毒？
第一二四一期.二○一一年六月十二日
一牧者 : 眾議園
《時代論壇》Christian Times
表面上，「基督徒要等事業有成才返教會」這句話似乎十惡不赦，卻是不少基督徒的潛在思想，因香港基督教圈子內熱賣的見證，都是高官或跨國企業高級行政人員退休後，如何運用工作時的知識，為主作大事，而當中不少是年輕時已認識主，但到退休後才穩定返教會的。
若教會過份吹捧這類見證，其實等於鼓勵基督徒要等事業有成才返教會，按這邏輯，教會大可不必做成人事工，只用做兒童、青少年和長者事工便夠了，免得成年信徒不能全力為事業打拼，不能爬上高位，退休後不能為主作大事。
按這邏輯，教會也不應做兒童和青少年事工，因一樣會減少他們讀書的時間，影響他們入讀名牌大學的機會，以致將來不能成為高官或跨國企業高級行政人員。
按這邏輯，教會只做長者事工便夠，但當然不是街邊下棋的阿伯，而是提早退休的高官或跨國企業高級行政人員，這樣教會便會有龐大的人力物力，可以為主作大事，之後又可開教會增長講座，教人如何使教會興旺，正如private banking只做high net-worth individuals便夠。
這種培育信徒的觀念合乎聖經嗎？成年信徒為信仰生活犧牲事業，是沒價值的嗎（犧牲的意思是用了時間讀經、祈禱、傳福音、返教會，以致不能全力為事業打拼，最後事業發展不如人）？還是香港教會已中了資本主義效益至上的毒？
第一二四一期.二○一一年六月十二日
Saturday, June 04, 2011
'Sports are supposed to be fun': Jays' Jo-Jo Reyes shares his 5 lessons for success
TheStar 'Sports are supposed to be fun': Jays' Jo-Jo Reyes shares his 5 lessons for success
Jo-Jo Reyes
Special to the Star
A pie in my face. Gatorade dumped on my back. The fans chanting my name.
Then a big hug from teammate Ricky Romero, who said Monday after I went the distance — a complete game, pitching all nine innings — in a victory over the Cleveland Indians: “Hey man, you can smile now. It’s over.”
Finally, I was a winner again, this time as a Toronto Blue Jay.
For three years, I’d gone without a victory as a starter — string of losses and no decisions that made it a winless streak, not a losing streak. My last “W” — June 13, 2008, against the Anaheim Angels when I was a member of the Atlanta Braves. I was at 28 starts without a victory. Another loss on Monday would have set a Major League Baseball record at 29.
So how, after three years of hard luck, did I became a winner once more?
Did I use a special trick, a change in routine, a complete makeover to my pitching style?
No, is the short answer. The slightly longer answer is I never lost sight of how much I love baseball and that a good attitude is as important as good work habits in the gym or on the field.
The Star asked me to give readers my lessons on how to be a winner — even if you’re not a major leaguer. I’ve given it some thought and here are five basic steps that work for me:
No. 1: Have fun
I’ve said many times that my teammates are awesome and it’s true. Sports are supposed to be fun and we have some good laughs. For example, they kept the mood light for me before Monday’s game, which helped. Brandon Morrow sent out a Tweet that day, jokingly asking for a goat or a chicken to sacrifice to change my luck. Funny guy. Smiling is not a sign of weakness. Even when others think things look bleak, whether it’s at work or at school, a sense of humour can be valuable.
No. 2: Preparation
There is no shortcut to excellence at the park, in the classroom or in the boardroom. There is no substitution for hard work, day in and day out. The physical component is critical — core training and aerobic sessions are part of my routine — but so is the psychological prep.
The Jays have a great online video library, where pitchers can access research on any hitter to review. It’s my responsibility to be mentally prepared to go to work, just like everyone else.
No. 3: Forget yesterday
Shake it off. That’s a cliché, I know. But that’s what you have to do. You can’t bring disappointment from one game into the next because it’s mental baggage. Neither can you expect an easy outing just because the last game went well — that can be just as troublesome as negative thoughts. Each game is a fresh start, no matter what your game in life is.
No. 4: Confidence
While I wished I was winning over the past three years, it wasn’t like I was frustrated, gloomy or down about it. As I said in step No. 3, forget yesterday and focus on what you can control in the future. Be confident in your skill and your knowledge.
Confidence can be infectious. On Monday, the fans were chanting: “We believe, we believe.” Then they chanted my name through the entire ninth inning. It was incredible to have that kind of support.
I also pitched the first complete game of my career on Monday. That was because manager John Farrell let it happen. He believed I could finish the game and I went out there and proved I could.
No. 5: Don’t forget
To me, humility is vital to success. How I was raised, the people I chose as friends, my coaches along the way — I wouldn’t be pitching for the Blue Jays if all those generous people hadn’t invested their time in me. I didn’t get here by myself and it’s helpful to keep your achievements in perspective. It’s also good to give back to your community, reach out to those who could use a helping hand. Remember, someone helped you along the way.
So, that’s a little peek into my personal playbook. A win-loss record is one gauge of an athlete’s success and, of course, that’s important. That’s why we compete, that’s why we dream of winning championships from the time we’re little boys.
But how people feel about you — your family, friends, teammates and fans — is another indicator. You’re always a winner when you’re surrounded by people who care about you. The trade that brought me to Toronto last year did that for me.
Jo-Jo Reyes
Special to the Star
A pie in my face. Gatorade dumped on my back. The fans chanting my name.
Then a big hug from teammate Ricky Romero, who said Monday after I went the distance — a complete game, pitching all nine innings — in a victory over the Cleveland Indians: “Hey man, you can smile now. It’s over.”
Finally, I was a winner again, this time as a Toronto Blue Jay.
For three years, I’d gone without a victory as a starter — string of losses and no decisions that made it a winless streak, not a losing streak. My last “W” — June 13, 2008, against the Anaheim Angels when I was a member of the Atlanta Braves. I was at 28 starts without a victory. Another loss on Monday would have set a Major League Baseball record at 29.
So how, after three years of hard luck, did I became a winner once more?
Did I use a special trick, a change in routine, a complete makeover to my pitching style?
No, is the short answer. The slightly longer answer is I never lost sight of how much I love baseball and that a good attitude is as important as good work habits in the gym or on the field.
The Star asked me to give readers my lessons on how to be a winner — even if you’re not a major leaguer. I’ve given it some thought and here are five basic steps that work for me:
No. 1: Have fun
I’ve said many times that my teammates are awesome and it’s true. Sports are supposed to be fun and we have some good laughs. For example, they kept the mood light for me before Monday’s game, which helped. Brandon Morrow sent out a Tweet that day, jokingly asking for a goat or a chicken to sacrifice to change my luck. Funny guy. Smiling is not a sign of weakness. Even when others think things look bleak, whether it’s at work or at school, a sense of humour can be valuable.
No. 2: Preparation
There is no shortcut to excellence at the park, in the classroom or in the boardroom. There is no substitution for hard work, day in and day out. The physical component is critical — core training and aerobic sessions are part of my routine — but so is the psychological prep.
The Jays have a great online video library, where pitchers can access research on any hitter to review. It’s my responsibility to be mentally prepared to go to work, just like everyone else.
No. 3: Forget yesterday
Shake it off. That’s a cliché, I know. But that’s what you have to do. You can’t bring disappointment from one game into the next because it’s mental baggage. Neither can you expect an easy outing just because the last game went well — that can be just as troublesome as negative thoughts. Each game is a fresh start, no matter what your game in life is.
No. 4: Confidence
While I wished I was winning over the past three years, it wasn’t like I was frustrated, gloomy or down about it. As I said in step No. 3, forget yesterday and focus on what you can control in the future. Be confident in your skill and your knowledge.
Confidence can be infectious. On Monday, the fans were chanting: “We believe, we believe.” Then they chanted my name through the entire ninth inning. It was incredible to have that kind of support.
I also pitched the first complete game of my career on Monday. That was because manager John Farrell let it happen. He believed I could finish the game and I went out there and proved I could.
No. 5: Don’t forget
To me, humility is vital to success. How I was raised, the people I chose as friends, my coaches along the way — I wouldn’t be pitching for the Blue Jays if all those generous people hadn’t invested their time in me. I didn’t get here by myself and it’s helpful to keep your achievements in perspective. It’s also good to give back to your community, reach out to those who could use a helping hand. Remember, someone helped you along the way.
So, that’s a little peek into my personal playbook. A win-loss record is one gauge of an athlete’s success and, of course, that’s important. That’s why we compete, that’s why we dream of winning championships from the time we’re little boys.
But how people feel about you — your family, friends, teammates and fans — is another indicator. You’re always a winner when you’re surrounded by people who care about you. The trade that brought me to Toronto last year did that for me.
Friday, June 03, 2011
職場事奉的迷思 / 黃元山 : 經世理財 -《時代論壇》Christian Times
職場事奉的迷思 / 黃元山 : 經世理財 -《時代論壇》Christian Times
職場事奉的迷思
黃元山
電郵：wongcomment@yahoo.com.hk
從內地西北的城市短宣回來，配合當地的宣教士的服事；由於政治宗教關係，當地的宣教士都是帶職事奉的。可以這樣說，內地的宣教士是被迫帶職事奉的，因為他們沒有其他選擇。他們是全職宣教士，但同時又是學生、商人、專業人士等。這模式對時下流行談到的「職場事奉」，有沒有一定的啟發呢？
時下說的「職場事奉」，其中令人憂慮的一點，是這模式是否只是一個「卸膊」的藉口：「我已經在搞『職場事奉』，其他的事奉不用預我。」另外，這是否一個另類的權利鬥爭：「你們在教會事奉的，不懂我們『職場事奉』的難處，所以，你們少管我們吧。」
話雖如此，我認為一般的教牧同工是比較難理解一般信徒「職場事奉」的迷惑。
打個比喻，我們都知道向家人傳福音是最困難的，雖然我們最愛他們，最心急他們得救，但往往正因為太過「近」而增加難度。同樣地，向未信的同事傳福音，也具有同樣難度，特別是在一些講求效率的金融機構，可能你剛跟你的下屬談耶穌的愛，轉頭便要「逼迫」他們在「死線」內盡快交出業績。
有一位著名的學者（牧者），為研究了解「職場事奉」，於是「下海」做生意。之後他寫了很多書，講授有關職場事奉的神學。平信徒打工，是沒選擇地去「搵食」；神學教授下海，是有建制的支持，我懷疑這個打工實驗，對在每天職場掙扎的啟發有多少。也有全時間在教會事奉的朋友告訴我，他們也是打工的，所以了解職場事奉的種種迷惑；我希望他只是說笑而已，否則他便不知道他不知道甚麼。
不過，事實上我們不應濫用「信徒皆祭司」，這不是新約無中生有的發明，而是舊約的一個概念，就是以色列人是萬民中的祭司，傳遞上帝的救恩。我們基督徒也是一樣，「信徒皆祭司」不等於沒有祭司，我們仍然相信和接受牧師按立的傳統。大衛的帳幕中，祭司和利未人不一定要了解在前面打仗同僚的情況，重要是因人而異、各司其職。
國內宣教士的啟發，是他們先認定了自己祭司的身份，就是要使萬民得救，至於他們的方法、賺錢不賺錢、高調或低調、本地的教會接納與否，便成為次要的問題。我們平常在職場上，有多少時候仍然記得自己首先是甚麼身份呢？
（作者為中大全球政治經濟碩士課程客席講師）
第一二三九期.二○一一年五月廿九日
職場事奉的迷思
黃元山
電郵：wongcomment@yahoo.com.hk
從內地西北的城市短宣回來，配合當地的宣教士的服事；由於政治宗教關係，當地的宣教士都是帶職事奉的。可以這樣說，內地的宣教士是被迫帶職事奉的，因為他們沒有其他選擇。他們是全職宣教士，但同時又是學生、商人、專業人士等。這模式對時下流行談到的「職場事奉」，有沒有一定的啟發呢？
時下說的「職場事奉」，其中令人憂慮的一點，是這模式是否只是一個「卸膊」的藉口：「我已經在搞『職場事奉』，其他的事奉不用預我。」另外，這是否一個另類的權利鬥爭：「你們在教會事奉的，不懂我們『職場事奉』的難處，所以，你們少管我們吧。」
話雖如此，我認為一般的教牧同工是比較難理解一般信徒「職場事奉」的迷惑。
打個比喻，我們都知道向家人傳福音是最困難的，雖然我們最愛他們，最心急他們得救，但往往正因為太過「近」而增加難度。同樣地，向未信的同事傳福音，也具有同樣難度，特別是在一些講求效率的金融機構，可能你剛跟你的下屬談耶穌的愛，轉頭便要「逼迫」他們在「死線」內盡快交出業績。
有一位著名的學者（牧者），為研究了解「職場事奉」，於是「下海」做生意。之後他寫了很多書，講授有關職場事奉的神學。平信徒打工，是沒選擇地去「搵食」；神學教授下海，是有建制的支持，我懷疑這個打工實驗，對在每天職場掙扎的啟發有多少。也有全時間在教會事奉的朋友告訴我，他們也是打工的，所以了解職場事奉的種種迷惑；我希望他只是說笑而已，否則他便不知道他不知道甚麼。
不過，事實上我們不應濫用「信徒皆祭司」，這不是新約無中生有的發明，而是舊約的一個概念，就是以色列人是萬民中的祭司，傳遞上帝的救恩。我們基督徒也是一樣，「信徒皆祭司」不等於沒有祭司，我們仍然相信和接受牧師按立的傳統。大衛的帳幕中，祭司和利未人不一定要了解在前面打仗同僚的情況，重要是因人而異、各司其職。
國內宣教士的啟發，是他們先認定了自己祭司的身份，就是要使萬民得救，至於他們的方法、賺錢不賺錢、高調或低調、本地的教會接納與否，便成為次要的問題。我們平常在職場上，有多少時候仍然記得自己首先是甚麼身份呢？
（作者為中大全球政治經濟碩士課程客席講師）
第一二三九期.二○一一年五月廿九日
"Tell the Coming Generation" (ps 78)
5 因為他在雅各中立法度、在以色列中設律法、是他吩咐我們祖宗、要傳給子孫的． 6 使將要生的後代子孫、可以曉得．他們也要起來告訴他們的子孫． 7 好叫他們仰望 神、不忘記 神的作為．惟要守他的命令． 8 不要像他們的祖宗、是頑梗悖逆居心不正之輩、向著 神心不誠實。
18 他們心中試探 神、隨自己所欲的求食物． 19 並且妄論 神、說、 神在曠野豈能擺設筵席麼。 20 他曾擊打磐石、使水湧出、成了江河．他還能賜糧食麼．還能為他的百姓豫備肉麼。 21 所以耶和華聽見、就發怒．有烈火向雅各燒起、有怒氣向以色列上騰． 22 因為他們不信服 神、不倚賴他的救恩。 23 他卻吩咐天空、又敞開天上的門、 24 降嗎哪像雨給他們喫、將天上的糧食賜給他們。
32 雖是這樣、他們仍舊犯罪、不信他奇妙的作為。 33 因此他叫他們的日子、全歸虛空、叫他們的年歲、盡屬驚恐。 34 他殺他們的時候、他們才求問他、回心轉意、切切的尋求 神。 35 他們也追念 神是他們的磐石、至高的 神、是他們的救贖主。 36 他們卻用口諂媚他、用舌向他說謊。 37 因他們的心向他不正、在他的約上也不忠心。 38 但他有憐憫、赦免他們的罪孽、不滅絕他們．而且屢次消他的怒氣、不發盡他的忿怒。
65 那時主像世人睡醒、像勇士飲酒呼喊。 66 他就打退了他的敵人、叫他們永蒙羞辱。 67 並且他棄掉約瑟的帳棚、不揀選以法蓮支派、 68 卻揀選猶大支派、他所喜愛的錫安山． 69 蓋造他的聖所、好像高峰、又像他建立永存之地。 70 又揀選他的僕人大衛、從羊圈中將他召來． 71 叫他不再跟從那些帶奶的母羊、為要牧養自己的百姓雅各、和自己的產業以色列。 72 於是他按心中的純正、牧養他們、用手中的巧妙、引導他們。
18 他們心中試探 神、隨自己所欲的求食物． 19 並且妄論 神、說、 神在曠野豈能擺設筵席麼。 20 他曾擊打磐石、使水湧出、成了江河．他還能賜糧食麼．還能為他的百姓豫備肉麼。 21 所以耶和華聽見、就發怒．有烈火向雅各燒起、有怒氣向以色列上騰． 22 因為他們不信服 神、不倚賴他的救恩。 23 他卻吩咐天空、又敞開天上的門、 24 降嗎哪像雨給他們喫、將天上的糧食賜給他們。
32 雖是這樣、他們仍舊犯罪、不信他奇妙的作為。 33 因此他叫他們的日子、全歸虛空、叫他們的年歲、盡屬驚恐。 34 他殺他們的時候、他們才求問他、回心轉意、切切的尋求 神。 35 他們也追念 神是他們的磐石、至高的 神、是他們的救贖主。 36 他們卻用口諂媚他、用舌向他說謊。 37 因他們的心向他不正、在他的約上也不忠心。 38 但他有憐憫、赦免他們的罪孽、不滅絕他們．而且屢次消他的怒氣、不發盡他的忿怒。
65 那時主像世人睡醒、像勇士飲酒呼喊。 66 他就打退了他的敵人、叫他們永蒙羞辱。 67 並且他棄掉約瑟的帳棚、不揀選以法蓮支派、 68 卻揀選猶大支派、他所喜愛的錫安山． 69 蓋造他的聖所、好像高峰、又像他建立永存之地。 70 又揀選他的僕人大衛、從羊圈中將他召來． 71 叫他不再跟從那些帶奶的母羊、為要牧養自己的百姓雅各、和自己的產業以色列。 72 於是他按心中的純正、牧養他們、用手中的巧妙、引導他們。
His Comfort (Ps 77)
1 〔亞薩的詩、照耶杜頓的作法、交與伶長。〕我要向 神發聲呼求．我向 神發聲、他必留心聽我。 2 我在患難之日尋求主．我在夜間不住的舉手禱告．我的心不肯受安慰。 3 我想念 神、就煩燥不安．我沉吟悲傷、心便發昏。〔細拉〕 4 你叫我不能閉眼．我煩亂不安、甚至不能說話。 5 我追想古時之日、上古之年。 6 我想起我夜間的歌曲、捫心自問．我心裏也仔細省察。 7 難道主要永遠丟棄我、不再施恩麼． 8 難道他的慈愛永遠窮盡、他的應許世世廢棄麼． 9 難道 神忘記開恩．因發怒就止住他的慈悲麼。〔細拉〕 10 我便說、這是我的懦弱．但我要追念至高者顯出右手之年代。
11 我要提說耶和華所行的．我要記念你古時的奇事。 12 我也要思想你的經營、默念你的作為。 13 神阿、你的作為是潔淨的．有何神大如 神呢。 14 你是行奇事的 神．你曾在列邦中、彰顯你的能力。 15 你曾用你的膀臂贖了你的民、就是雅各和約瑟的子孫。〔細拉〕 16 神阿、諸水見你、一見就都驚惶．深淵也都戰抖。 17 雲中倒出水來．天空發出響聲．你的箭也飛行四方。 18 你的雷聲在旋風中．電光照亮世界．大地戰抖震動。 19 你的道在海中、你的路在大水中、你的腳蹤無人知道。 20 你曾藉摩西和亞倫的手、引導你的百姓、好像羊群一般。
11 我要提說耶和華所行的．我要記念你古時的奇事。 12 我也要思想你的經營、默念你的作為。 13 神阿、你的作為是潔淨的．有何神大如 神呢。 14 你是行奇事的 神．你曾在列邦中、彰顯你的能力。 15 你曾用你的膀臂贖了你的民、就是雅各和約瑟的子孫。〔細拉〕 16 神阿、諸水見你、一見就都驚惶．深淵也都戰抖。 17 雲中倒出水來．天空發出響聲．你的箭也飛行四方。 18 你的雷聲在旋風中．電光照亮世界．大地戰抖震動。 19 你的道在海中、你的路在大水中、你的腳蹤無人知道。 20 你曾藉摩西和亞倫的手、引導你的百姓、好像羊群一般。
Friday, May 27, 2011
"To err is human; to forgive, divine."
(From TSN, http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=367030 )
KERRY FRASER
5/27/2011 10:41:34 AM
Today marks the 18th anniversary of Game 6 of the Campbell Conference Final between the Los Angeles Kings and Toronto Maple Leafs. We all know what happened in that game and not a day goes by that a member of the TSN.ca community reminds Kerry about it (some of them nice, most of them not so nice) at cmonref@tsn.ca. So on this day, Kerry responds...
Kerry,
Do you remember what happened 18 years ago today? Have you cleared your mind of it since or do you carry it around with you like luggage?
Joe, Halifax
-----
Kerry,
Can you go one day without someone mentioning the Gilmour-Gretzky incident to you?
Cory Maas, Toronto
-----
Hey Kerry,
What can you say to me to make me stop hating your guts after the missed high stick in 93? You cost us the Cup because everyone knows we would have whupped the Habs!
Andrew, Toronto
-----
Hi Kerry,
Did Gilmour or Gretzky ever talk to you/confront you about you know what back in 1993? Is it a taboo subject?
Stephen Anderson - Oakville, Ontario
No official wants to make or miss a call that has an impact on a game or a series. It becomes a bitter pill to swallow.
On the 18th anniversary of the infamous "Missed Call," for many a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, the bitterness has never subsided.
Every year, right up to my final season as a referee in the NHL I was contacted by the media on this day and asked to rehash the play. They always ran with it and feelings were dredged up from old wounds that have never healed; especially from those that harbour hatred towards me. I devoted an entire chapter in my book (coming out in updated paperback and e-book versions this fall - nice plug!), "The Final Call" entitled, "The Missed Call" and put it all out there; including a sincere apology to Leafs fans everywhere for not having seen the play.
My dear wife, Kathy has always told us (our seven children and I) that feelings exist. They are real and for the person who holds onto them there is no right or wrong; just that they exist. I have never avoided the subject when asked and today won't be any different. I will respond to your questions and accept that your feelings exist as another anniversary passes.
Yes, Joe in Halifax, I do remember those aching feelings well. The helplessness of not knowing for sure what had just occurred as Doug Gilmour dabbed blood from his chin and prevented it from staining the Fabulous Forum ice lingers in my memory. While I don't carry it with me like "luggage," the baggage that many a Leafs fan continually pack, makes it impossible for the memory to ever go away. After all it was only 18 short years ago! Perhaps more time is required to close the wound?
Cory in Toronto, I live in New Jersey and nobody south of the 49th Parallel is really affected by this. Many events have occurred for me since that night in Los Angeles, both professionally and personally.
I worked several Stanley Cup Finals; the World Cup of Hockey; the Winter Olympics in Nagano; the 2000 All Star Game in Toronto; the Winter Classic in Boston's Fenway Park to mention a few in a record setting career.
On a personal level, I buried my father in 2001 - the same father that chased a Leafs fan from Kitchener up the street with an axe in the wee hours of the morning after the game in '93. The uninvited assailant drove away in haste after continually ramming into Dad's mini-motor home parked in the driveway of his Sarnia home. (Kitchener is close to a two-hour drive from Sarnia in Southern Ontario.) My mother has retired the referee whistle that hung on a skate lace by her telephone at the ready to blow into the phone whenever terribly obscene phone calls were received at their home.
We have witnessed our children's graduation from high school and university. Kathy and I shared in the joy at weddings for three of our children to this point, along with the current engagement of two others. We have been blessed with five beautiful grandchildren years after the missed call. Life is not static unless we chose it to be and mine has continually moved forward.
That being said, when I was in Toronto at the TSN studios for the first month of the Stanley Cup Playoffs every day someone would recognize me and ask me about '93. The supervising producer who coordinates the website at TSN sifts through all your questions and provides me with the ones I answer in this column. He tells me there is at least one a day on the Gretzky-Gilmour subject. In some camps the very mention of my name causes vitriol unlike no other.
Stephen Anderson in Oakville, I did speak to Doug Gilmour about the missed call in a telephone conversation he and I had last summer. It was most cordial, even friendly as we shared stories and different perspectives from our long careers. Doug Gilmour is a class act beyond being the tremendous player, captain and leader that he was throughout his career. Doug understands that plays are missed and mistakes are made by officials and players alike. In that conversation, 'Killer' shared something I have seen him state publicly in the past. Doug said, "Give me Game 7 back in my home building and I'd take it any time. We just didn't get it done."
Doug Gilmour retired as a Maple Leaf in the 2002-2003 season. During almost 10 years that we were on the ice together after May 27, 1993, I never heard Doug Gilmour reference that play with me. At no time did I ever discuss the incident with Wayne Gretzky. Why would I? Wayne knew what happened better than any of us.
And finally to all the "Andrews of Toronto" that need me to say something that might help make you "stop hating my guts." I don't really think there is much more that I can say that hasn't been already said. "I'm sorry, I missed the call, I blew it..." just don't seem to be helping you let go of it or the fact that the Leafs lost Game 7 back in Toronto.
Instead, please allow me to share with you a quote that Doug Gilmour gave to Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun on the occasion of my last game worked in the Air Canada Centre on March 27, 2010. Your captain said, "Please let it go. It's over. The man's retiring. For the sake of his sanity, let it go."
If that fails Andrew, I would like to offer the wisdom of Alexander Pope (even though he didn't play for the Toronto Maple Leafs) who said, "To err is human; to forgive, divine."
Peace be with you...
KERRY FRASER
5/27/2011 10:41:34 AM
Today marks the 18th anniversary of Game 6 of the Campbell Conference Final between the Los Angeles Kings and Toronto Maple Leafs. We all know what happened in that game and not a day goes by that a member of the TSN.ca community reminds Kerry about it (some of them nice, most of them not so nice) at cmonref@tsn.ca. So on this day, Kerry responds...
Kerry,
Do you remember what happened 18 years ago today? Have you cleared your mind of it since or do you carry it around with you like luggage?
Joe, Halifax
-----
Kerry,
Can you go one day without someone mentioning the Gilmour-Gretzky incident to you?
Cory Maas, Toronto
-----
Hey Kerry,
What can you say to me to make me stop hating your guts after the missed high stick in 93? You cost us the Cup because everyone knows we would have whupped the Habs!
Andrew, Toronto
-----
Hi Kerry,
Did Gilmour or Gretzky ever talk to you/confront you about you know what back in 1993? Is it a taboo subject?
Stephen Anderson - Oakville, Ontario
No official wants to make or miss a call that has an impact on a game or a series. It becomes a bitter pill to swallow.
On the 18th anniversary of the infamous "Missed Call," for many a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, the bitterness has never subsided.
Every year, right up to my final season as a referee in the NHL I was contacted by the media on this day and asked to rehash the play. They always ran with it and feelings were dredged up from old wounds that have never healed; especially from those that harbour hatred towards me. I devoted an entire chapter in my book (coming out in updated paperback and e-book versions this fall - nice plug!), "The Final Call" entitled, "The Missed Call" and put it all out there; including a sincere apology to Leafs fans everywhere for not having seen the play.
My dear wife, Kathy has always told us (our seven children and I) that feelings exist. They are real and for the person who holds onto them there is no right or wrong; just that they exist. I have never avoided the subject when asked and today won't be any different. I will respond to your questions and accept that your feelings exist as another anniversary passes.
Yes, Joe in Halifax, I do remember those aching feelings well. The helplessness of not knowing for sure what had just occurred as Doug Gilmour dabbed blood from his chin and prevented it from staining the Fabulous Forum ice lingers in my memory. While I don't carry it with me like "luggage," the baggage that many a Leafs fan continually pack, makes it impossible for the memory to ever go away. After all it was only 18 short years ago! Perhaps more time is required to close the wound?
Cory in Toronto, I live in New Jersey and nobody south of the 49th Parallel is really affected by this. Many events have occurred for me since that night in Los Angeles, both professionally and personally.
I worked several Stanley Cup Finals; the World Cup of Hockey; the Winter Olympics in Nagano; the 2000 All Star Game in Toronto; the Winter Classic in Boston's Fenway Park to mention a few in a record setting career.
On a personal level, I buried my father in 2001 - the same father that chased a Leafs fan from Kitchener up the street with an axe in the wee hours of the morning after the game in '93. The uninvited assailant drove away in haste after continually ramming into Dad's mini-motor home parked in the driveway of his Sarnia home. (Kitchener is close to a two-hour drive from Sarnia in Southern Ontario.) My mother has retired the referee whistle that hung on a skate lace by her telephone at the ready to blow into the phone whenever terribly obscene phone calls were received at their home.
We have witnessed our children's graduation from high school and university. Kathy and I shared in the joy at weddings for three of our children to this point, along with the current engagement of two others. We have been blessed with five beautiful grandchildren years after the missed call. Life is not static unless we chose it to be and mine has continually moved forward.
That being said, when I was in Toronto at the TSN studios for the first month of the Stanley Cup Playoffs every day someone would recognize me and ask me about '93. The supervising producer who coordinates the website at TSN sifts through all your questions and provides me with the ones I answer in this column. He tells me there is at least one a day on the Gretzky-Gilmour subject. In some camps the very mention of my name causes vitriol unlike no other.
Stephen Anderson in Oakville, I did speak to Doug Gilmour about the missed call in a telephone conversation he and I had last summer. It was most cordial, even friendly as we shared stories and different perspectives from our long careers. Doug Gilmour is a class act beyond being the tremendous player, captain and leader that he was throughout his career. Doug understands that plays are missed and mistakes are made by officials and players alike. In that conversation, 'Killer' shared something I have seen him state publicly in the past. Doug said, "Give me Game 7 back in my home building and I'd take it any time. We just didn't get it done."
Doug Gilmour retired as a Maple Leaf in the 2002-2003 season. During almost 10 years that we were on the ice together after May 27, 1993, I never heard Doug Gilmour reference that play with me. At no time did I ever discuss the incident with Wayne Gretzky. Why would I? Wayne knew what happened better than any of us.
And finally to all the "Andrews of Toronto" that need me to say something that might help make you "stop hating my guts." I don't really think there is much more that I can say that hasn't been already said. "I'm sorry, I missed the call, I blew it..." just don't seem to be helping you let go of it or the fact that the Leafs lost Game 7 back in Toronto.
Instead, please allow me to share with you a quote that Doug Gilmour gave to Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun on the occasion of my last game worked in the Air Canada Centre on March 27, 2010. Your captain said, "Please let it go. It's over. The man's retiring. For the sake of his sanity, let it go."
If that fails Andrew, I would like to offer the wisdom of Alexander Pope (even though he didn't play for the Toronto Maple Leafs) who said, "To err is human; to forgive, divine."
Peace be with you...
Thursday, May 26, 2011
愛 ‧ Love
喜悦、张海军 20110522 中国达人秀片段
「喜悅和張海軍，這是一對非常普通的中國夫妻。視頻中所表現的是在現今這個物質為上，扭曲價值觀的世界中最平凡但是最珍貴的一段真愛！在中國擺地攤是比較難以維持生活的，喜悅是一個平凡的女人，但是她的那一句"把愛情進行到底"，我承認我被她深深的感動了！」
愛就是這樣.
This is what we call "LOVE".
"Love" is not only about "feeling"...
but its so deep that its un-describable and only the sacrifices will tell others all about it...
「喜悅和張海軍，這是一對非常普通的中國夫妻。視頻中所表現的是在現今這個物質為上，扭曲價值觀的世界中最平凡但是最珍貴的一段真愛！在中國擺地攤是比較難以維持生活的，喜悅是一個平凡的女人，但是她的那一句"把愛情進行到底"，我承認我被她深深的感動了！」
愛就是這樣.
This is what we call "LOVE".
"Love" is not only about "feeling"...
but its so deep that its un-describable and only the sacrifices will tell others all about it...
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
笑話的哲理值得深思
蘋果日報 副刊
笑話的哲理值得深思 - 李怡
(11.05.24-25)
網上看到幾個笑話。笑話普通，但引申的道理卻大堪咀嚼。
某夫人對建築師說每當火車經過時，她的睡床就會搖動。
「這簡直是無稽之談，」建築師回答說，「我來看看。」建築師到達後，夫人叫他躺在床上，體會一下火車經過時的感覺。建築師剛上床躺下，夫人的老公就回來了。他見此情形，便厲聲喝問：「你躺在我太太的床上幹什麼？」
建築師戰戰兢兢地回答：「我說是在等火車，你會相信嗎？」
這笑話帶出的人生道理是：有些話是真的，卻聽上去很假；有些話是假的，卻讓人毋庸置疑。
× × ×
英國紳士與法國女人同乘一個火車包廂，女人想引誘這個英國人，她脫衣躺下後就抱怨身上發冷。紳士把自己的被子給了她，她還是不停地說冷。
紳士說：「我還能怎麼幫助你呢？」女人說：「我小時候媽媽總是用自己的身體給我取暖。」
「小姐，這我就愛莫能助了。我總不能跳下火車去找你的媽媽吧？」
這笑話的人生道理是：善解風情的男人是好男人，不解風情的男人更是好男人。
× × ×
麥克走進餐館，點了一份湯，服務員給他端了上來。
服務員剛走開，他就嚷嚷起來：「對不起，這湯我沒法喝。」
服務員重新給他上了一個湯，他還是說：「對不起，這湯我沒法喝。」
服務員只好叫來經理。經理畢恭畢敬地朝麥克點點頭，說：「先生，這道菜是本店最拿手的，深受顧客歡迎，難道您……」
「我是說，匙羮在哪裏呢？」
人生道理是：有錯就改，當然是好事。但我們常常卻改掉正確的，留下錯誤的，結果是錯上加錯。
× × ×
飯廳內，一個異常謙恭的人膽怯地碰了碰另一個顧客，那人正在穿一件大衣。
「對不起，請問您是不是皮埃爾先生？」
「不，我不是。」那人回答。
「啊，」他舒了一口氣，「那我沒弄錯，我就是他，您穿了他的大衣。」
人生道理：理直氣壯不多見。理直的人，往往謙恭；而我們看到許多理曲的人，往往反而氣壯。
× × ×
有一個人去倫敦，想順便探望一位老朋友，卻忘了他的住址，於是給父親發了一份電報：「您知道托馬的住址嗎？」當天，他就收到一份回電：「知道。」
人生道理：當我們終於找到最正確的答案時，卻發現它是最無用的。
× × ×
有三個人到紐約度假。他們在一座高層賓館的第 45樓訂了一個套房。一天晚上，大樓電梯出現故障，他們只好徒步走回房間，為了放鬆以減輕登樓的勞累，約定輪流說笑話、唱歌和講故事。
笑話講了，歌也唱了，好不容易爬到第 34層，大家都感覺精疲力竭。
「好吧，彼得，你來講個幽默故事吧。」
彼得說：「故事不長，卻令人傷心至極：我把房間的鑰匙留了在大廳。」
人生道理：痛苦縱不可免，幽默卻可以讓痛苦減輕，甚至轉為輕鬆一笑。
× × ×
一個很有名的作家要來書店參觀。書店老闆連忙把所有的書撤下，全部換上作家的書。作家來到書店後，心裏非常高興，問道：「貴店只售本人的書嗎？」
「當然不是。」書店老闆回答，「別的書銷路很好，都賣完了。」
人生道理：「恭維」是個奇怪的詞：你像是在奉承他，又像是在侮辱他。
× × ×
笑話很普通。但所引伸的人生道理卻值得深思。
笑話的哲理值得深思 - 李怡
(11.05.24-25)
網上看到幾個笑話。笑話普通，但引申的道理卻大堪咀嚼。
某夫人對建築師說每當火車經過時，她的睡床就會搖動。
「這簡直是無稽之談，」建築師回答說，「我來看看。」建築師到達後，夫人叫他躺在床上，體會一下火車經過時的感覺。建築師剛上床躺下，夫人的老公就回來了。他見此情形，便厲聲喝問：「你躺在我太太的床上幹什麼？」
建築師戰戰兢兢地回答：「我說是在等火車，你會相信嗎？」
這笑話帶出的人生道理是：有些話是真的，卻聽上去很假；有些話是假的，卻讓人毋庸置疑。
× × ×
英國紳士與法國女人同乘一個火車包廂，女人想引誘這個英國人，她脫衣躺下後就抱怨身上發冷。紳士把自己的被子給了她，她還是不停地說冷。
紳士說：「我還能怎麼幫助你呢？」女人說：「我小時候媽媽總是用自己的身體給我取暖。」
「小姐，這我就愛莫能助了。我總不能跳下火車去找你的媽媽吧？」
這笑話的人生道理是：善解風情的男人是好男人，不解風情的男人更是好男人。
× × ×
麥克走進餐館，點了一份湯，服務員給他端了上來。
服務員剛走開，他就嚷嚷起來：「對不起，這湯我沒法喝。」
服務員重新給他上了一個湯，他還是說：「對不起，這湯我沒法喝。」
服務員只好叫來經理。經理畢恭畢敬地朝麥克點點頭，說：「先生，這道菜是本店最拿手的，深受顧客歡迎，難道您……」
「我是說，匙羮在哪裏呢？」
人生道理是：有錯就改，當然是好事。但我們常常卻改掉正確的，留下錯誤的，結果是錯上加錯。
× × ×
飯廳內，一個異常謙恭的人膽怯地碰了碰另一個顧客，那人正在穿一件大衣。
「對不起，請問您是不是皮埃爾先生？」
「不，我不是。」那人回答。
「啊，」他舒了一口氣，「那我沒弄錯，我就是他，您穿了他的大衣。」
人生道理：理直氣壯不多見。理直的人，往往謙恭；而我們看到許多理曲的人，往往反而氣壯。
× × ×
有一個人去倫敦，想順便探望一位老朋友，卻忘了他的住址，於是給父親發了一份電報：「您知道托馬的住址嗎？」當天，他就收到一份回電：「知道。」
人生道理：當我們終於找到最正確的答案時，卻發現它是最無用的。
× × ×
有三個人到紐約度假。他們在一座高層賓館的第 45樓訂了一個套房。一天晚上，大樓電梯出現故障，他們只好徒步走回房間，為了放鬆以減輕登樓的勞累，約定輪流說笑話、唱歌和講故事。
笑話講了，歌也唱了，好不容易爬到第 34層，大家都感覺精疲力竭。
「好吧，彼得，你來講個幽默故事吧。」
彼得說：「故事不長，卻令人傷心至極：我把房間的鑰匙留了在大廳。」
人生道理：痛苦縱不可免，幽默卻可以讓痛苦減輕，甚至轉為輕鬆一笑。
× × ×
一個很有名的作家要來書店參觀。書店老闆連忙把所有的書撤下，全部換上作家的書。作家來到書店後，心裏非常高興，問道：「貴店只售本人的書嗎？」
「當然不是。」書店老闆回答，「別的書銷路很好，都賣完了。」
人生道理：「恭維」是個奇怪的詞：你像是在奉承他，又像是在侮辱他。
× × ×
笑話很普通。但所引伸的人生道理卻值得深思。
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Why do powerful men cheat? Because they can - CTV News
Why do powerful men cheat? Because they can - CTV News
From Bill Clinton to Tiger Woods to countless political leaders in Europe, Arnold Schwarzenegger is just the latest in a list of married celebrities caught in a sex scandal.
And while his affair shocked many, some say with all that power and fame, it's not only predictable that a man like Schwarzenegger would cheat, but highly likely.
Toronto-based clinical psychologist, Dr. Oren Amitay, says men (and women) with power tend to have an overinflated sense of confidence that allows them to think they'll get away with bad behaviour.
"It's not intelligence that's at issue; it's judgment," Amitay told CTV's Canada AM Thursday.
"If you've gotten away for so many years with doing pretty much whatever you want to do with very few consequences, why would you change?
While Schwarzenegger had plenty to risk with his extramarital dalliances -- his marriage, his family, his career and perhaps his legacy --he had also been able to weather similar scandalous storms before.
During Schwarzenegger's campaign for California governor, as many as 15 women stepped forward to allege that the then-actor groped, spanked, or touched them inappropriately.
"And what were the consequences? Nothing," said Amitay.
"So when your needs are so important, when you place your needs above everything else, you're not really thinking of the consequences or anticipating what could happen, or feeling any anxiety around it, because that's not part of your experience."
Amitay says it's worry that prevents most of us from doing naughty things -- the worry about getting caught, the fear of the consequences, of hurting somebody. But when powerful people get away with misdeeds for so long, it's not long before they don't bother to worry at all.
"Certain personalities just don't feel anxiety," he said.
Some of these people, if they were raised with power, get used to having parents or family swoop in and protect them, Amitay says. Others like Schwarzenegger, who is more of a self-made man, probably told themselves as young men that they were going to be a certain kind of personality.
Amitay believes Schwarzenegger is likely in a lot of ways just like Tiger Woods, who risked his family and career for his sexual peccadilloes.
"They've lived their lives being told by everyone around them they're special, they're entitled. ‘You deserve whatever you want; you're that great.' And if you're being told that, why wouldn't you believe it?"
From Bill Clinton to Tiger Woods to countless political leaders in Europe, Arnold Schwarzenegger is just the latest in a list of married celebrities caught in a sex scandal.
And while his affair shocked many, some say with all that power and fame, it's not only predictable that a man like Schwarzenegger would cheat, but highly likely.
Toronto-based clinical psychologist, Dr. Oren Amitay, says men (and women) with power tend to have an overinflated sense of confidence that allows them to think they'll get away with bad behaviour.
"It's not intelligence that's at issue; it's judgment," Amitay told CTV's Canada AM Thursday.
"If you've gotten away for so many years with doing pretty much whatever you want to do with very few consequences, why would you change?
While Schwarzenegger had plenty to risk with his extramarital dalliances -- his marriage, his family, his career and perhaps his legacy --he had also been able to weather similar scandalous storms before.
During Schwarzenegger's campaign for California governor, as many as 15 women stepped forward to allege that the then-actor groped, spanked, or touched them inappropriately.
"And what were the consequences? Nothing," said Amitay.
"So when your needs are so important, when you place your needs above everything else, you're not really thinking of the consequences or anticipating what could happen, or feeling any anxiety around it, because that's not part of your experience."
Amitay says it's worry that prevents most of us from doing naughty things -- the worry about getting caught, the fear of the consequences, of hurting somebody. But when powerful people get away with misdeeds for so long, it's not long before they don't bother to worry at all.
"Certain personalities just don't feel anxiety," he said.
Some of these people, if they were raised with power, get used to having parents or family swoop in and protect them, Amitay says. Others like Schwarzenegger, who is more of a self-made man, probably told themselves as young men that they were going to be a certain kind of personality.
Amitay believes Schwarzenegger is likely in a lot of ways just like Tiger Woods, who risked his family and career for his sexual peccadilloes.
"They've lived their lives being told by everyone around them they're special, they're entitled. ‘You deserve whatever you want; you're that great.' And if you're being told that, why wouldn't you believe it?"
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
輸得起
(知信行 - 靈修勵語)
我輸得起，因為在基督裡沒有甚麼是輸不起的！
著名的靈修大師級人物茱莉安，在她《愛的啟示》一書中表示，神給祂所愛的人的一個煉淨生命的場所，就是失敗，而且是敗完又敗！一個人若受得起失敗，他才有基督的生命事奉神，而且，輸了之後又能爬起來的，他的生命必然煥發光彩，在主裡他充滿神的愛！換句話說，我們需要學習去輸，而且要輸得起。
失敗並不可怕，甚至它是「好東西」，因為當你走出困厄之後，就成為了一個新造的人。問題只視乎一個人「承受挫敗」的勇氣，倘若不肯認輸，他就因此牢困一世。
若人在面對困境時，能夠把自己放輕一點，目光看遠一點，把人生的意義放在神國度上多一點，就會發現人生是充滿希望的。放眼世界，即使只看見一線陽光，你會感到人生很美！在輸得起的人身上，心胸是開放闊大的。因為他常常看到神的同在。
「凡從神生的，就勝過世界；使我們勝了世界的，就是我們的信心。」（約壹五4）在新約世界中活著的眾多信徒，大部分都是活在水深火熱之中，忍受著各式各樣的逼迫困苦，然而，基督榮耀而充滿喜樂平安的生命，就在這班飽受欺壓的人身上彰顯出來的。
不過，當我執著於我的苦，就算我只失去了一塊錢，我也會覺得很苦！所以放開一點，只要生命還在，機會就還在；當你還肯祈求主的同在，那你的人生意義就出現。
失敗是一項心靈的打擊，原本擁有的鬥志都給挫敗了，這份抬不起頭來面對世界的感覺，使人無地自容。無能、羞愧、丟臉是如斯難受，我還可以作甚麼？我已經一無所有了！當我們來到這一刻，答案就出來了 我們根本就是一無所有的。看看耶穌，耶穌在客西馬尼園中，祂在軟弱時多麼坦然、多麼真實，而真實的我是不用掩藏的！
在安靜中，細細吸吮內心傷痕的痛，那是真實的我！人活得真時，人生就顯得充滿份量了。然後，在挫敗中和哭泣中，呼求主耶穌的安慰，打開胸懷，讓主耶穌進入你心內與你同哭，你會發現，原來，淚是主和你一起流的！
只要放開一點胸懷，看遠一點世界，失敗根本不重要。當人說得出：「我輸得起！」他就成長了。
我輸得起，因為在基督裡沒有甚麼是輸不起的！
我輸得起，因為在基督裡沒有甚麼是輸不起的！
著名的靈修大師級人物茱莉安，在她《愛的啟示》一書中表示，神給祂所愛的人的一個煉淨生命的場所，就是失敗，而且是敗完又敗！一個人若受得起失敗，他才有基督的生命事奉神，而且，輸了之後又能爬起來的，他的生命必然煥發光彩，在主裡他充滿神的愛！換句話說，我們需要學習去輸，而且要輸得起。
失敗並不可怕，甚至它是「好東西」，因為當你走出困厄之後，就成為了一個新造的人。問題只視乎一個人「承受挫敗」的勇氣，倘若不肯認輸，他就因此牢困一世。
若人在面對困境時，能夠把自己放輕一點，目光看遠一點，把人生的意義放在神國度上多一點，就會發現人生是充滿希望的。放眼世界，即使只看見一線陽光，你會感到人生很美！在輸得起的人身上，心胸是開放闊大的。因為他常常看到神的同在。
「凡從神生的，就勝過世界；使我們勝了世界的，就是我們的信心。」（約壹五4）在新約世界中活著的眾多信徒，大部分都是活在水深火熱之中，忍受著各式各樣的逼迫困苦，然而，基督榮耀而充滿喜樂平安的生命，就在這班飽受欺壓的人身上彰顯出來的。
不過，當我執著於我的苦，就算我只失去了一塊錢，我也會覺得很苦！所以放開一點，只要生命還在，機會就還在；當你還肯祈求主的同在，那你的人生意義就出現。
失敗是一項心靈的打擊，原本擁有的鬥志都給挫敗了，這份抬不起頭來面對世界的感覺，使人無地自容。無能、羞愧、丟臉是如斯難受，我還可以作甚麼？我已經一無所有了！當我們來到這一刻，答案就出來了 我們根本就是一無所有的。看看耶穌，耶穌在客西馬尼園中，祂在軟弱時多麼坦然、多麼真實，而真實的我是不用掩藏的！
在安靜中，細細吸吮內心傷痕的痛，那是真實的我！人活得真時，人生就顯得充滿份量了。然後，在挫敗中和哭泣中，呼求主耶穌的安慰，打開胸懷，讓主耶穌進入你心內與你同哭，你會發現，原來，淚是主和你一起流的！
只要放開一點胸懷，看遠一點世界，失敗根本不重要。當人說得出：「我輸得起！」他就成長了。
我輸得起，因為在基督裡沒有甚麼是輸不起的！
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
A time for renewal
An excerpt from The Star reports (link)
Last week's electoral bloodbath has led to an existential crisis for the Liberals, who were once known as Canada's "natural governing party."
They find themselves being squeezed by the NDP on the left and the Conservatives on the right, with many suggesting it's time for the two parties to consider merging.
Both current MPs and former MPs are brushing aside merger talk and are calling for a period of renewal, saying that Canada needs a strong centralist party.
Part of that renewal is figuring out what exactly went wrong on Election Day.
Former Liberal MP Gerard Kennedy said the party is "humbled by the election . . . and the parties that did better.
"There's a yearning there we didn't capture and the NDP did for the present moment," he told CTV's Power Play.
He suggested the party did not put enough "solutions out there for specific issues" during the campaign.
Brison, a Nova Scotia MP, said the party needs a hard look at policy, something it didn't do after the last leadership race in 2006.
He said the Liberals need to re-engage with the grassroots of their party.
But Brison said that the two-year Conservative attack-ad campaign on Ignatieff can't be overlooked.
"The die was cast by two years of negative ads . . . they were very successful," he said. "He was effectively torpedoed before the campaign even began."
He said while on the campaign trail he heard many Canadians repeating some of the Conservatives attacks on Ignatieff.
Another Liberal heavyweight MP who lost his job, Mark Holland, said the party must look beyond its leader.
"It's not about quick fixes, it's not about one person who is going to paint over everything and make it OK," he told Power Play. "The Liberal Party has a choice; it either makes reforms and it changes . . . or we've got even darker days ahead of us."
John Manley, a former Liberal finance and foreign affairs minister, said the party has to get away from the "natural governing party" attitude.
"There was an attitude and voters can smell that sense of entitlement a mile away and I think the party failed to really tackle that," Manley told Power Play.
"You have to have some core beliefs and know what they are. I happen to believe there's a big piece of the centre of Canadian politics that is up for grabs and I define that centre as being economically prudent . . . but socially progressive."
Last week's electoral bloodbath has led to an existential crisis for the Liberals, who were once known as Canada's "natural governing party."
They find themselves being squeezed by the NDP on the left and the Conservatives on the right, with many suggesting it's time for the two parties to consider merging.
Both current MPs and former MPs are brushing aside merger talk and are calling for a period of renewal, saying that Canada needs a strong centralist party.
Part of that renewal is figuring out what exactly went wrong on Election Day.
Former Liberal MP Gerard Kennedy said the party is "humbled by the election . . . and the parties that did better.
"There's a yearning there we didn't capture and the NDP did for the present moment," he told CTV's Power Play.
He suggested the party did not put enough "solutions out there for specific issues" during the campaign.
Brison, a Nova Scotia MP, said the party needs a hard look at policy, something it didn't do after the last leadership race in 2006.
He said the Liberals need to re-engage with the grassroots of their party.
But Brison said that the two-year Conservative attack-ad campaign on Ignatieff can't be overlooked.
"The die was cast by two years of negative ads . . . they were very successful," he said. "He was effectively torpedoed before the campaign even began."
He said while on the campaign trail he heard many Canadians repeating some of the Conservatives attacks on Ignatieff.
Another Liberal heavyweight MP who lost his job, Mark Holland, said the party must look beyond its leader.
"It's not about quick fixes, it's not about one person who is going to paint over everything and make it OK," he told Power Play. "The Liberal Party has a choice; it either makes reforms and it changes . . . or we've got even darker days ahead of us."
John Manley, a former Liberal finance and foreign affairs minister, said the party has to get away from the "natural governing party" attitude.
"There was an attitude and voters can smell that sense of entitlement a mile away and I think the party failed to really tackle that," Manley told Power Play.
"You have to have some core beliefs and know what they are. I happen to believe there's a big piece of the centre of Canadian politics that is up for grabs and I define that centre as being economically prudent . . . but socially progressive."
Sunday, May 08, 2011
His Plan
Psalm 33:11 (NIV) 11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion
"The LORD's plans stand firm forever." Are you frustrated by inconsistencies you see in others, or even in yourself? God is completely trustworthy-his intentions never change. There is a promise that good and perfect gifts come to us from the Creator who never changes. When you wonder if there is anyone in whom you can trust, remember that God is completely consistent. Let him counsel you, and trust in his plans for your life.
Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion
"The LORD's plans stand firm forever." Are you frustrated by inconsistencies you see in others, or even in yourself? God is completely trustworthy-his intentions never change. There is a promise that good and perfect gifts come to us from the Creator who never changes. When you wonder if there is anyone in whom you can trust, remember that God is completely consistent. Let him counsel you, and trust in his plans for your life.
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