tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110573242008-07-03T03:16:02.739-05:00Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comBlogger296125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-60929079337064255852008-06-13T14:55:00.003-05:002008-06-13T16:04:53.272-05:00

Once again, the Obama campaign proves that it is intelligent and quick on its feet. The new Fight the Smears site launched by them in the past few days ensures that "swift boat" types of smear campaigns against Obama -- whether by web site, mail-outs, Rush Limbaugh types, or emails -- will be responded to within hours, maybe minutes. An astonishing -- and persistent -- twelve percent of

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-70811303482862966912008-06-02T14:28:00.004-05:002008-06-02T14:43:52.476-05:00

Depending on how many superdelegates today and tomorrow announce their votes for Obama, it is quite possible that my homestate of Montana will be his margin to win the Democratic Nomination. He's expected to easily win Montana's majority, but that fact is dwarfed by what else he could win: The Nomination. The craziest year of primary politics ever ends tomorrow, June 3, with Montana the last

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-83820330767047933412008-05-14T22:21:00.005-05:002008-05-28T13:56:37.982-05:00

Larry McKeon, our 13th (formerly 34th) district state congressman, has died of a stroke related to his long-time struggle with both cancer and AIDS. Larry was the first openly gay congressman elected in Illinois (1997-2007). I personally knew Larry as someone vitally interested in the poor in our neighborhood, and was able to tell him "Thank you" for that work just a few months back.His

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-16291430650381181472008-05-12T14:55:00.005-05:002008-05-12T15:59:27.576-05:00

Short and sweet, as a staffer / teacher in Jesus People USA's Project 12 discipleship training program, I was off for the past few weeks on an outreach to New Orleans and elsewhere with the whole of Project 12. That deserves a blog itself, but I can't promise I'll get there. What I missed -- regarding the elections and regarding other faith-related issues -- while driving nails in New Orleans,

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-10861055135473601622008-04-17T16:21:00.005-05:002008-04-17T17:01:01.606-05:00

As many of you know, bluechristian (a.k.a. Jon Trott) is part of the community Jesus People USA, in turn the sponsor of Cornerstone Festival. This year's line-up of outstanding speakers can be found on the official CornerstoneXchange Seminar program page. Cornerstone Festival, by the way, has been Christianity's premier arts festival for nearly three decades, and we're just getting started. A

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-22733993819152794622008-04-17T10:26:00.012-05:002008-04-17T11:45:34.261-05:00

Here I thought it was just me, screaming at the television set as ABC News -- hosts of the debate -- proved they were FOX News' long lost twin. Did Rupert Murdoch buy Disney, or what? No substantial questions for at least the first hour of the debate, and the ABC "moderators" (Charlie Gibson and former Clinton Communications Director George Stephanopoulos) adopted a "gotcha" questioning style

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-50027282563355824872008-04-16T14:43:00.007-05:002008-04-16T16:46:47.256-05:00

That would be Kentucky Congressman Geoff Davis, not Danny Davis of Chicago, Illinois. The latter, after all, is black. The former is white. What made the comment particularly classic was that it took place at a self-described Kentucky "Lincoln Day Dinner." Davis compared Obama to a "snake oil salesman," and claimed Obama participated in a "highly classified" national security simulation with

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-11967836942424768882008-04-16T11:16:00.005-05:002008-04-16T11:54:55.119-05:00

Sometimes, there's a truth hovering just outside one's own consciousness. Chris Hedges, a harsh critic of the Christian Right, has taken the conversation in a new direction by examining the "New Atheism" in his book, I Don't Believe in Atheists. By "new atheists" Hedges refers to the currently popular voices of Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, and Richard Dawkins, among others. An interview with

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-29144818309831902742008-04-15T16:43:00.004-05:002008-04-15T17:01:57.979-05:00

I'm treating myself to another exploration on God damning America, what is "correct" critique of a nation vs. "incorrect" critique, and why so many find it necessary to react as they have -- largely in ignorance of either history or theology -- to Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Folks expect Wright to be Obama's biggest "burden" as far as reaching mainstream America. By "folks," what I really mean is the

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-42865100179595345132008-04-04T10:30:00.004-05:002008-04-04T11:57:30.806-05:00

Forty years ago today, I was four days short of my eleventh birthday, a young boy in an unusually loving family growing up in Fort Benton, Montana. Fort Benton was a beautiful tiny microcosm of rugged individualism and American middle-class values. It was also virtually an all-white town, as were most towns in Montana then. The day I remember was cool but not coat weather; I stood in our front

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-14324243307074115262008-04-04T09:44:00.007-05:002008-04-04T10:21:11.170-05:00

One of many reasons I personally am drawn to Barack Obama is how he affects those younger than I am. I often forget I am fifty years old. I still feel young, full of hope, even if hope is seasoned with sorrow. The Obama folks recently posted the below discussion among some Bronx high school students, which says better than I can why there's just something different about Barack Obama. It's a

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-28183159821724869592008-04-03T15:58:00.005-05:002008-04-04T10:22:47.563-05:00

As I mentioned a few weeks back, my dearling Carol was nominated as a finalist for Chicago's "Woman of the Year" contest, one of ten finalists out of some twelve hundred entries. Well, the results are in.... Drum roll.... And she did *not* win the award... dangling chads, lawsuits and court battles pending. [Audience reaction: AAAAWWWWWWWWWWW...] But seriously, I think she's relieved. I

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-29883476345247246012008-04-01T12:31:00.002-05:002008-04-01T19:23:58.904-05:00

When it comes to religion, Barack Obama just can't seem to win. First he's attacked for allegedly being a Muslim, despite overwhelming evidence that he's a Christian. Then he's attacked for being a Christian... a black Christian with roots in a church tradition few whites (including me, mind you!) fully comprehend. (If you want to try, I suggest reading for starters James Baldwin's searing and

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-67188964204629832002008-03-18T13:47:00.009-05:002008-03-18T16:40:27.066-05:00

. Below is the entire text of Barack Obama's speech on his pastor's controversial comments, his own beliefs and life, and the burden of America's racial past plus our opportunity to face it now. Barack gave this speech this morning, starting around 10:30 a.m. Chicago time. Already, many are stating it ranks with the great speeches of Martin Luther King. You be the judge... [Photo above: Barack

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-47507504770159106932008-03-18T12:30:00.006-05:002008-03-18T12:36:57.523-05:00

The speech on Race this morning by Barack Obama will, according to a wide variety of sources, go down as the most important speech on America's racial relations since the days of Martin Luther King. I have much to say about the speech, but for now will let the speech, uh, speak for itself. tag: Barack Obama, racism, healing race, racial issues, Jeremiah Wright, trinity chicago, Black

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-65502006281616493762008-03-17T09:44:00.007-05:002008-03-17T10:54:09.892-05:00

. This blog is all about voting. But for once, I'm not talking Obama. Carol Elaine Trott has been chosen from around 1200 Chicago women as one of 10 finalists. Oh, did I mention she's my wife? If she wins, a sizable donation will be made to Cornerstone Community Outreach, the shelter program she's part of and which serves hundreds of homeless women, children, and intact

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-74382348662050293752008-03-14T00:41:00.004-05:002008-03-14T01:07:00.514-05:00

. This was a response to friend and fellow JPUSA community member Chris Rice's blogging on "Consensus." Very slight edits, and it almost stands alone... so here it is. I agree with you on your point re JPUSA’s refusal to issue “policy statements” on Iraq and many related issues. Yet we have "officially" spoken out on some issues. There has been consensus on homelessness and issues such as

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-66607676174235227892008-03-13T22:07:00.010-05:002008-03-14T00:23:31.694-05:00

. So Chris Rice and I were on one of our power walks (only a four miler today), and between us we addressed my anxiety issues over the Clinton spin machine, the growing rend in the Democratic Party, and various other issues involving rude former vice presidential candidates.... "You need an Obama for your pocket," replied Chris. To which I responded with a grunt of surprise. My apparently

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-16689789988803917132008-03-12T22:43:00.000-05:002008-03-12T23:48:27.185-05:00

How ugly can this campaign get? Apparently, we don't know that answer yet. One thing is for sure, though... Hillary Clinton's failure to immediately distance herself from highly divisive comments with racial overtones made by Geraldine Ferraro has placed her campaign in jeopardy. Further, Hillary's refusal to apologize -- ever -- reminds one more and more of the Karl Rove / George Bush White

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-53091481126043188682008-03-12T14:26:00.011-05:002008-03-12T23:33:08.144-05:00

. Fear’s a Drug (The Trouble with Politics) “This war’s unjust,” he said She disagreed, and spoke him dead Pacifism fails again No measure taken of our sin The smile outside but dark within Each life a war each death a win Jesus used by a filthy grin As Empire arms to rape again Fix New Orleans or just pretend Gotta stop this -- don’t know when… That’s the trouble with politics. Andy fought

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-33919730807848908142008-03-11T11:12:00.006-05:002008-03-11T11:23:57.341-05:00

For those interested in the intentional community where I live, JPUSA (Jesus People USA), you may find Chris Rice's thoughts on "consensus" illuminating. In fact even if you are not interested in JPUSA, you may find them illuminating. I left a long comment of my own there, and as usual my thoughts relate only somewhat to the post Chris offered (I went a bit more existentialist than he did... just

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-76721222520962510692008-03-10T14:58:00.009-05:002008-03-11T10:00:52.408-05:00

A good friend of mine with differing political views recently voiced, and repeated, his exasperation with me and my fellow progressive/liberal types. "I'm tired of you all slamming the troops over there! I have friends in Iraq, and I'm sick of hearing them put down." I was dumbfounded. It is of course true that during and even after the Viet Nam conflict, many war vets were treated terribly. A

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-32496935106929401342008-03-10T13:55:00.007-05:002008-03-11T09:57:06.093-05:00

Yes, this All-American patriot, this brilliant and scintillating intellect, this compassionate (above all, compassionate and Christian!) soul... is guilty of inciting voter fraud. Let me explain. Right before the Texas and Ohio primaries, Rush Limbaugh went on the air and urged his listeners to cross party lines and vote for Hillary Clinton. Like this: "I want Hillary to stay in this, Laura.

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-16112116001493008312008-03-08T13:22:00.014-06:002008-03-08T22:17:07.541-06:00

I haven't seen anyone mention this bit from a speech Hillary gave today in Wyoming. So I TiVo'd it, typed it in, and here ya go. Is there a parallel between gutting fish and running for President? Well... in Hillary Clinton's case, according to her own words, yes. "The best job I ever had in preparation for running for office was a job I had sliming fish. It was in Valdez, Alaska. I was in a

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11057324.post-22345148555270701052008-03-07T15:51:00.005-06:002008-03-08T16:33:29.481-06:00

Barack Obama got whacked in the Texas / Ohio / Rhode Island / Vermont primaries by the kitchen sink Hillary Clinton (with her pals John McCain and Rush Limbaugh) whipped his direction. Temptation? To whack back. Today, one Obama aide unwisely did that, calling Clinton a "monster" and immediately publicly apologizing as well as stepping down from her job. Barack Obama reminded his camp that he

Jon Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05269111052515857956noreply@blogger.com