Author: scottpetersen

Lawyer, guitar player (the Blues), magic man, chess player, father, grandfather, husband, linguist, etc.

Letter to a Friend

On By scottpetersenIn PoliticsLeave a comment

We have an email group. A couple of friends have sent around “political” emails that offend some in the group. Frankly – everyone is offended these days. I sure am – by certain people. Politicians. Groups. Anyway – I responded with comments of my own.

I’m not a fan of some of the demeaning emails that are sent around – but I brush them aside.  Why?  In part because each one of us comes from a different place.  Different education.  Different life experience.  Different upbringing.  Different filters.  You are not always “right” in your opinions.  Or assessments.  Or conclusions.

Neither am I. . . .

As to forgiveness?  I’d leave doors open. All we see today in politics is closed doors.  That’s just ducky. I am exhausted by the fact that everyone is offended by something.   I am and you obviously are too.  We all are.  That’s the sadness.  You feel you are right.  But so do I.  So do our friends.

As Jonathan Haidt said in his book – everyone has a Righteous Mind. . . . . And that leaves no room for considering alternative opinions.  The door is closed.  Anger boils.  I could go on but it would not be productive.  That’s why I believe issues can be more uniting than political labels. And to me – friendship can and should trump (I do NOT like that word) political disparity.  It’s all the more reason to be civil in our discourse. And it’s all the more reason to be generous in forgiveness. That said – hopefully we will cross paths one of these days soon.  And if we talk about politics – we will agree to engage in civil discourse.  And I will forgive you for your opinions. 

And you will forgive me for mine. . . .

The N.R.A.

On By scottpetersenIn NRALeave a comment

[Another timely repeat – from February 22, 2018] When I was a kid, my father sent me down to the local creek to shoot rats.  Big Norway rats.  I used a BB gun or a single shot .22 loaded with CB shorts.  When I was 14, I was on staff at a Boy Scout camp in Wisconsin.  I got on the school bus for the ride up north with my knapsack and my Stevens Model 416 .22 caliber bolt action target rifle.  Plus two boxes of ammunition.  Art T. brought pistols to camp since he was on a pistol team back home.  Since we arrived on Sunday, we put our guns under our bunks and on Monday checked them in to the rifle range for the duration of the summer.  No one ever thought of doing something violent or hurtful to another person.  Many of the boys were junior members of the NRA.  I was for a couple years.  But never since. 

I believe that folks who want guns for hunting, target shooting or protection should have them.  But I oppose semi-automatic weapons, bump stocks, massive clips or military-style weapons.  They are not necessary.  Nor are they contemplated by the Second Amendment.  The NRA is no more.  It is not the National Rifle Association.  It is now the National Assault Rifle Association.  Maybe the National Bump Stock Association.  The current NRA seems to ignore the gun violence that suffocates our nation.  Instead, they preach the same sermon that most weapons should be legal.  With little limitation.  Easy on the background checks.  As we all know, some NRA members crave automatic weapons.  And bazookas.  And RPG’s.  “Pry my cold dead fingers. . . . .”   

But one should at least understand the NRA’s position since there are those on the other side who believe that by confiscating all weapons, violence will come to an end.  But then there are some [probably the same folks] who proclaim that even those who are mentally ill and prone to violence (as we have seen in the recent mass shootings) cannot be forced to take meds or have institutional treatment unless the individual agrees.  That’s just ducky.   Toxic attitudes. Toxic agendas.  Toxic results.

With such extreme positions – competing for legitimacy – it is tough to find common ground.  And common sense.  We need to do something.  But sanity and compromise seem to have gone out the window.  

The Sikhs

On By scottpetersenIn Sikh religionLeave a comment

[A repeat from August 8, 2012, with relevance today]  The terrible shooting last weekend at the Sikh Temple in Milwaukee [now Indianapolis] prompts me to offer a few words on the Sikh religion.  First of all — Sikhs are not Muslim . . . . .  

The Sikh religion began in the early 1600’s  and today is found mainly in the Punjab area of India.  The three tenets of the religion are:  equality of humankind; universal brotherhood of man; and one supreme God (though there is belief in the teachings of 10 gurus or teachers).   All Sikh men have the name “Singh” and all Sikh women are named “Kaur.”   There is a belief in reincarnation and there is an emphasis on ethics, morality and values.  Sikhs abstain from alcohol, drugs and tobacco and they do not believe in “miracles.”   During WWI and WWII, Sikh regiments served bravely in the British Army – suffering more than 200,000 casualties.   

Generally, Sikhism has had cordial relations with other religions though there has been strife in India with Muslims (after the partition of India in 1947) and Hindus (over possible creation of a Punjabi state).   There are 5 exemplars of faith which all begin with the letter “K”:  Kesh – uncut hair that is wrapped in a turban; Kanga – a wooden comb; Katchera –  cotton underwear worn to remind one of purity; Kara – an iron bracelet symbolizing eternity; and Kirpan – a curved sword of varying lengths.   It’s the Kesh (and turban) that gets Sikhs confused with Muslims among the uneducated.  

The Hindu greeting in Hindi is namaste (recognizing divinity in the other person).  In the Punjabi language – and among Sikhs – one says sat sri akal (“God is the ultimate Truth“).   Both phrases are offered with hands together.  Sounds pretty ecumenical to me . . . .

Bowling

On By scottpetersenIn BowlingLeave a comment

[A repeat from July 12, 2013] My father used to go bowling when I was a kid.  Gunnell’s Bowling Alley in Mt. Prospect. Sometimes he’d take me along.  He’d want me to watch – and learn – but I always brought a supply of dimes to play the pinball machines over by the exit.  Ready to make a fast getaway.    My dad’s team members all wore the same color short-sleeved gray shirt with the team name and their names stitched in pink.  “Pete” “Dave” “Carl” “Al” and so on.  I still have my father’s bowling shirt in the closet.  Or attic.  Somewhere.  

Does anyone “bowl” anymore?  And if so, for what purpose?   You throw a big heavy ball — trying to knock down “pins.”  You spend time in the alley.  And then you’re in the gutter.   You do well and you get a “strike.”  But that’s what unions do — which is always bad.  Three strikes and you have a “turkey.”  Next best is a “spare.”  Like a spare tire.  Which you want to avoid around your midsection.  And if you do poorly, and don’t knock any pins down, people avoid looking at you (like this dude is really bad. . . . .).

I haven’t bowled in years.  I may never again.  The last attempt was a neighborhood gathering 35 years ago (“Let’s all go bowling“).  Donna looked at me and said “oh let’s go” so I smiled, drove to the bowling alley, rented the shoes (have you ever smelled the shoes they rent at bowling alleys?) and then didn’t bowl.  I drank some Dos Equis beer and looked at the pinball machines.  But I had the shoes on.  And a Hawaiian shirt.  I guess I looked like a bowler.  But my feet haven’t been the same since.  I can’t understand.  You try to aim a big, heavy black ball.  And then roll it.  Trying to hit some far off target.  Makes no sense whatsoever.  I’m gonna go golfing. . . . .

Motion to Kiss My .. . .

On By scottpetersenIn Lawyer jokesLeave a comment

As a lawyer, I have been on the receiving end of more than a few lawyer jokes. And have laughed at them. I’ve actually posted a few on my blog due to the high demand, broad appeal and grudging accuracy of some.

I’ve seen my share of weird things in and out of court but I thought I would let you know that not all humor is inspired by lawyers. Some is initiated by litigants. For example. . . .

Washington v. Alaimo, 934 F.Supp.1395 (S.D. GA 1996) featured an angry plaintiff in federal court who filed a motion titled “Motion to Kiss My ***” True

U.S. ex. rel Mayo v. Satan & his Staff 54 F.R.D. 282 (1971) a prisoner filed a class action lawsuit in federal court against the devil “and his staff.” Yep.

A really good one – that won the Criminal Lawyers Award Contest – involved a Charlotte, NC lawyer who bought 24 rare and expensive cigars, insured them against fire, smoked them and submitted a claim against the insurance company. It gets better. Spend 2-1/2 minutes and watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mP-bd2_Ysg

Try? Win. Don’t Try? Lose.

On By scottpetersenIn Try? Win. Don't try? Lose1 Comment

[A repeat from April 12, 2015] My father was born in 1913. In the late 1920’s, he was a caddy at North Shore Country Club in Glenview. He would take the “train” (streetcar) from Portage Park up to Waukegan Road and Glenview Road. From there, he and his chums would hoof east to the Club.  He would do one – or two – “loops” and then go home on the streetcar which ran down the middle of Waukegan Road.  His best tip as a caddy was a five dollar bill from one wealthy (and apparently grateful) member.  My Dad said he felt rich. 

What’s interesting was my dad’s clear recollection of what happened after work.  He and several other neighborhood boys would exit from the west end of the Club onto Glenview Road and walk around the corner.  Streetcars ran every hour or two.  Thus if a streetcar was approaching – or there – there was lots of incentive to traverse the quarter mile or so as quickly as possible.  My father said it was often the same conductor.  If he saw the boys — and he saw them running — he would look at his watch and hold the other arm in the air.  Holding up the streetcar.  Standing on the pavement.  Arm in the air.  One eye on the watch.  One eye on the boys.   However if one of the boys lagged, or slowed to walk, Mister Conductor would look up.  Twirl his arm in the air (“go!”) and hop on the streetcar.  And off it went.  And the boys would have to wait for an hour for the next streetcar home. 

If they tried, and ran, or at least made an effort, the streetcar would be held up for a few minutes for the boys to arrive.  And then go.  My father said he learned a lesson here.  About trying.  That nameless conductor of nearly a century ago appreciated effort.  He also knew something about charity.  It was simple.  Try?  Win.  Don’t try?  Lose.        

Cancelled

On By scottpetersenIn Cancel CutureLeave a comment

Should a young man who is sentenced to a year in prison for stealing a car be allowed to return to society? To have a job?  Go to school?  To be forgiven? What about the serial thief who shoplifts food to feed her family? And after serving her fourth sentence for theft – she is released.  How about the 68 year old man who served 45 years in prison for killing a man in a bar fight? Forgiveness? Allowed to get a job? What if the 68 year old became a deacon of the church while in prison? And schooled young men on how not to behave? Can we forgive individuals who are accused of saying bad words — but not charged with crimes?  I’m just askin’ . . . . .

More and more people are being “canceled.” For speech or acts that are not illegal but are “offensive” to some. Should we forgive them?  Redemption?  A second chance?  Many on the left spring to forgive those in prison.  Even those who commit violent crimes.  Those who violate the law.   But those who use a bad word?  Or say something stupid? Even as a teenager?  Never.   As we know, people can be falsely accused. And freedom of speech is no longer a right according to some.

Did you ever do or say something you regret? I believe that each one of us is more than the worst thing we ever did.  Or said.  And that forgiveness — “Mulligans” if you will (see May 7, 2018) — can be justified.  Mercy – is one of the highest attributes of mankind.  So why not be generous in its dispensing?  Do you ever forgive a family member or friend for hurtful things said or done?  Then why not strangers when there is genuine contrition.  Sincere apology.  If you don’t believe that each one of us is more than the worst thing we ever did or said, then — may you be judged accordingly. . . . .    

Christianity, Judaism and Islam

On By scottpetersenIn Uncategorized2 Comments

[It is a holy time of year for the three Abrahamic faiths, – a repeat of March 17, 2018] Islam, Judaism and Christianity all trace their lineage to a common ancestor  — Abraham.  And before that, Adam and Eve.  Abraham had two sons:  Isaac (by Sarah) and Ishmael (by Hagar).  Isaac begat the Line of David from which Jewish and Christian traditions derive.  Ishmael was the forefather of Muhammad — the Messenger of Islam.  God promises in Genesis 21:18 to make a “great nation” of Ishmael.   

Jesus (Isa) is revered in Islam as a Messiah and is mentioned nearly a hundred times in the Quran.  Mary (Maryam) is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran.  She even has her own surra (19).  Islam accepts the Old Testament as “The Word of God.”  And most of the prophets are mentioned by name in the Quran.   

Common heritage, common prophets, beliefs and commands.  Yet many view the differences as irreconcilable.  Islam has 72 insular sects.  Christianity has its own islands of belief and Judaism has various divisions.  Despite common origin, there is distrust, misunderstanding and even violence — all in the name of religion.    While most Christian and Jewish traditions accept and tolerate competing denominations and other religions, violence seems to be confined to Islam.  I previously reported that statistically between 85% and 97% of all violence by Islamic terrorist groups is directed at Muslims.   

In my post of August 25, 2016, I commented on the ecumenical role the Archangel Gabriel – the Divine messenger.  Gabriel has been a messenger in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Mormonism, and Bahai.   Each faith urges “Shalom” [Peace]; “As-salamu Aleikum” [Peace]; “Peace be with you” [Peace].  Perhaps God, Allah, Jehovah is trying to give us mere mortals an ecumenical message.   

14 Years

On By scottpetersenIn Uncategorized1 Comment

[A repeat from October 21, 2018] In 1972, Donna and I took an extended honeymoon to Spain and Portugal. In Spain, we traveled around – sightseeing and attending the corridas of famed matador Diego Puerta in Madrid, Cordoba and Sevilla.  And we took pictures galore. In Ayamonte Spain, I traded three ice cream cones for a photo of three little boys (“It’s okay – he’s a tourist” said the woman working the open air shop). Then there was the fishing boat where the six men were quick to pose following my request. And in Lisbon, we walked the gardens of Jeronimos Monastery.  A gardener – wearing a black turtleneck and jeans – was suspended on a board over a large circular clock garden.  Clipping flowers.  He smiled, tipped his beret and posed.  Snap.  Snap.  Snap.  

Fast forward nearly 15 years.  Donna and I returned to Spain and Portugal with our 10 year old daughter, and friends, Diane and David and their son Dave.  Before leaving, I had the photograph assemblage mentioned above blown up to eight by tens.     

In Ayamonte, we went back to the same ice cream shop and I showed the same (now older) woman the photo of the three little boys.  She gasped.  And identified each one.  She asked us to be at her store in the morning.  And we were – greeted by a crowd.  And the three little – now grown – boys.  We gave each one an 8″ x 10″.   One mother cried on seeing the photo as she had no pictures of her son as a little boy.  

The fishing boats were gone – replaced by a small office of the Guardia Civil — the national police who sport the tri-cornered hat.  An officer identified one fisherman as the father of Ayamonte’s head of Guardia Civil – who marched over.  And began weeping when I gave him some 8″ x 10’s”.  His father had died a few years before.  He handed me his card – “if you ever need help in Spain, you call me.”  I still have his card. . . . .

And in Jeronimos, we found the gardener — now in a drab gray uniform.  Raking leaves.  And three weeks from his retirement.  He saw his photograph.  And his eyes filled with tears.  At his request, we buzzed through two rolls of Polaroid film taking pictures for our gardener friend – and each member of his entire gardening crew.

Creating memories. . . . .  

I’m Walkin’ . . . .

On By scottpetersenIn Ricky NelsonLeave a comment

Some who receive this blog may remember “Ozzie & Harriet” – the sitcom that ran 14 seasons from 1952 to 1966. Ozzie and Harriet’s two sons – Dave and Ricky – also starred in the show. In 1957, Fats Domino wrote and produced a song – “I’m Walkin‘.” It was a smash hit that reached Number 1 on the R&B Chart – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqs5gkyH930

Months later, at the ripe old age of 17, Ricky Nelson picked up the song and sang it on an episode of “Ozzie & Harriet.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwSwlkxHSnY And Ricky’s musical career took off. . . .

If I had a theme song for this last year of pandemic, it would likely be “I’m Walkin‘.” Walking. Donna and I have been walking 2 to 4 miles daily. Donna’s goal is 10,000 steps which is encouraged by her FitBit. Interestingly Amish men average about 18,000 steps daily. Amish women a mere 14,000. I suspect that in this last year, many folks have been walking since (a) it’s something to do; (b) it gets you out of the house; (c) it’s good for you. But how good?

George Halvorson is the Chair and CEO of the Institute for Intergroup Understanding and the CEO of Kaiser Permanente. He serves on several not-for-profit boards and commissions designed to help children and encourage education. Mr. Halvorson has produced a 6 minute YouTube video on “The Gift of Walking.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce0yxolt0Cw And it is a gift. The health benefits of walking 30 minutes 5 days a week are truly amazing. The benefits are physical, mental and social. Do me a favor and take 6 minutes out of your day and watch this video.

Then – go take a walk. . . .