Peter, Paul and MARY!

Here’s the other thing heavy on my mind (see below). Mary Travers of Peter, Paul and Mary fame passed away recently. In earlier posts, I write about the influence of this folk singing group, leading to the formation of The Salvation Singers (June, July, Aug 2008 left) or www.joenoland.blogspot.com for those reading this from a different site. In many ways we patterned ourselves after them, Doris assuming the Mary role. It also reminded me that I haven’t finished those 60’s era autobiographical sketches as promised. Watch for them in days ahead.

Here are some of the parallels. Mary and I are 72 years of age. Their rise to fame began in 1963, the same year Doris and I entered The Salvation Army School for Officer Training in San Francisco. Quoting from an AP article, “And they were vehement in their opposition to the Vietnam War, managing to stay true to their liberal beliefs while creating music that resonated in the American mainstream… “Blowin’ in the Wind became another civil rights anthem, and Peter, Paul and Mary embraced the cause. They marched with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, Ala., and performed with him in Washington.” Our music (SS), liberal in message and style, was likewise a protest against every form of evil and inhumanity, also resonating with both the counter culture and religious mainstream. I too marched for civil rights, as documented in those same sketches.

I’ve just posted some thoughts on the liberalism of Jesus over at The Rubicon (www.rubicon.org), which will raise a few eyebrows I’m sure. And in future posts I will continue to develop that theme. This reminder of Mary Traver’s life and what she stood for only strengthens my resolve. “If I Had a Hammer” became another anthem for racial equality. Those who stood firm and tall for this and all equality issues then and now, speaking and singing out against every form of inhumanity, were/are labeled liberals. And I’m proud to be counted among them.

Another of their hits, featuring Mary as a soloist, was “Jesus Met the Woman at the Well.” The Salvation Singers also performed it, featuring Doris. Just think about the statement this Biblical musical rendition is making. Perhaps it further supports and strengthens my claim: “Jesus Christ: Flaming Liberal!”

Thanks Mary.

JN

ACORN!

I’ve been a bit lax in keeping this column up to date because of other creative projects consuming my every waking moment, but a couple of things on my mind today. The first has to do with ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now - http://www.acorn.org/), a partially federally funded organization, under attack here in America. It appears that two conservative, ultra right-wing filmmakers uncovered a couple of bad acorns in the very large ACORN pile (The majority are good ones). Interestingly, it took them awhile, because in other ACORN offices the undercover filmmakers were asked to leave and on occasion the police were even called in. Here’s the thing, this is a big organization and if you dig deep enough, a little dirt can always be found no matter how squeaky clean it is, the federal government not withstanding, right?

Here’s the other thing, making my main point. By and large, The Salvation Army is a squeaky clean organization doing a lot of good, but dig deep enough and a little dirt is sure to be found. As Territorial Commander in the USA Eastern Territory, my greatest fear was that some overly ambitious investigative reporter or filmmaker would dig deep exposing a little dirt beneath the surface, because it is there in every large bureaucratic institution, no matter how hard you work to keep it out (Contrary to some thinking, TC’s are not omniscient and omnipresent, omnipotent perhaps). History is replete with examples, in TSA and out, with many a head offered up on the chopping block. My sleepless night prayers were that it wouldn’t happen on my watch. Alas but it did! James Dobson, Focus on the Family, and other conservative, right wing groups had a heyday with it. They found a crack in our armor. It’s all detailed in my book, Lean Right, Love Left: Balancing the Body, www.joenoland.com, including the reasons why I elected never to initiate a Federal Contract in any appointment.

ACORN mostly is a conscientious organization doing good, but way too liberal for the conservative right. Dig deep enough and you will no doubt find a little dirt both left and right. Right? There is always a Judas lurking somewhere. Not even Jesus was immune, his whole body being offered up…betrayed by one bad acorn (The majority were good ones), enticed to go undercover by the religious right of that day.

What is the second thing on my mind? I’ll get to that in the next post.

JN

The Rubicon!

Some exciting stuff over at The Rubicon (www.therubicon.com): Audition opportunities posted for our pilot film project, "Camp Wattabunchaphun: Treasure Hunt." Also my next post, "Covenant Demands It!" coming up on Monday and a very interesting, perhaps controversial post from Geoff Ryan titled, "The Next General," going up on Wednesday. Make this site one of your "must reads" and pass it on.

JN

Camp Wattabunchaphun!

Would you like to join a ministry that can affect the lives of children worldwide? Do you believe that God has gifted you with the art of acting, singing and dancing? Hallowed Ground Productions, a faith based film Production Company is producing a children's show pilot titled “Camp Wattabunchaphun: Treasure Hunt,” slated for national distribution and possible syndication. This film celebrates the summer camp experience with loveable characters, songs of praise and valuable lessons.

More detail along with audition instructions can be found at www.hallowedgroundproductions.com. We are anticipating the shoot to take place in October in the Los Angeles/Malibu area. Also click on the reel at the top of the webpage for a more detailed description of the project, along with the other icons that will give you a sense of the breadth and width of it all. We already have some amazing Army and Hollywood professional talent involved in this unique, innovative endeavor.

Do me a favor and spread the word on your own websites and blogs, will you?

Thanks.

JN