The Rev. Chuck Currie

Is Ted Kulongoski The Next Joe Lieberman?

When John McBush McCain came to Oregon this week advancing his platform of extending the Bush presidency another four years he was welcomed by none other than HRC super delegate and Oregon governor Ted Kulongoski.

Yes, Senator McCain came to talk about the environment and how he differs on this issue from his allies in the Bush White House. But the symbolism of Governor Kulongoski putting his office behind the senator is a little too much.

Steve Duin wrote today in The Oregonian:

Before we ask what John McCain would do on wind energy, maybe it's time to ask what Barack Obama ever did to Gov. Ted Kulongoski.

It would have been embarrassingly difficult for McCain to find a prominent Oregon Republican to introduce him at the Vestas training facility in Northeast Portland on Monday, and the GOP's presumptive presidential nominee didn't need to. Kulongoski, a Democrat and a Hillary Clinton fan, was happy to do the honors, wrapping his figurative arms around McCain before the Arizona senator delivered a policy speech on climate change…

Global warming is the rare issue in which Kulongoski has a little gravitas, so the governor could make the argument that some policy matters rise above partisanship.

But that is McCain's mantra, particularly while campaigning in blue heavens like Oregon. If he returns during the fall campaign to remind us he regularly crosses the aisle when conscience demands, McCain will have Monday's photo op with Kulongoski to prove it.

Championing Clinton in the primary wasn't enough for you, Ted? You're now looking to stick it to Obama in the general?

Sticking it to Senator Obama seems the way of the Clinton folk. They’ve lost the nomination but seem happy to do anything in their power to damage Senator Obama’s fall chances. We’ll just have to work a little harder to make sure they don’t succeed.

Obama For America Seeking Religious Affairs Interns

The Religious Affairs Department of Obama for America is seeking to fill six full-time summer internship positions immediately. Positions are based out of the Obama for America headquarters in downtown Chicago. Applicants should be college graduates or rising seniors in college. Preference will be given to those previously involved in some form of religious outreach or those with a background in journalism, communications and/or media. Strong research and writing skills are required and proficiency with Microsoft Office and database management is preferred. Some of these internships require applicants to demonstrate experience with youth organizing and a familiarity with national and community-based faith organizations. The internships are unpaid; however, assistance with housing is provided and limited scholarships may be available. To apply, please submit a resume, brief statement of interest and two writing samples to Paul Monteiro, Deputy Director of Religious Affairs, at pmonteiro@barackobama.com.

I'm Chuck Currie, and I Support Steve Novick Too

Related Link:  Steve Novick Endorsed by Rev. Chuck Currie

Oregon Bookstores May Face Economic Downturn

I, The Rev. Charles S. Currie, Jr., do herby solemnly swear not to purchase any additional books until the ones currently on my desk have been completed in full.

Oregon bookstores may suffer from this decision but all I can do is ask that people stop writing books until I have time to catch up.

A Prayer for Mother's Day

 

Gracious and loving God, this Mother’s Day – which also falls on the day of Pentecost when we celebrate the birth of your church – we stop to give you thanks for our mothers. We remember the times that they have set-aside their own needs to tend to ours. We remember those moments where they have expressed love for us when no one else would. Creator God, we give you praise for the gift of human creation. And on this day we remember moms that we have lost and ask that your spirit hold them fast – and that you watch over us as we still grieve. We also ask for your healing touch for mothers who have lost children and for women who have tried to conceive but been unable to. Help us in different ways to be the family for those that have no other. God of Justice, we also lift up to you today those mothers who are struggling to provide shelter, food and medical care for their children. Use us as instruments of your will as we seek to build the Kingdom you have promised – a place where all such inequities are washed away. We also acknowledge, O God, that not every mother is perfect. Help us to forgive those that have wronged us. Forgive us to, dear Lord, for the times we have not shown our mothers the love and appreciation they deserve for all the mighty gifts they have given us. In the name of Jesus Christ, born of Mary, we pray. Amen.

- The Rev. Chuck Currie

(Pictured above:  Judith F. Bright, ARNP, CNM, MPA.  My mom.)

Mayor Tom Potter Endorses Barack Obama

Portland Mayor Tom Potter today threw his support behind Senator Barack Obama.

As mayor of Portland, I want to let my fellow Oregonians know that I will be casting my vote on May 20th for Barack Obama.

Senator Obama is the only presidential candidate who has the right combination of strength, integrity and wisdom needed to bring reconciliation and hope to our nation.

We need a change after eight years of Bush’s wars and disastrous economic policies that have called into question our commitment to democracy and divided our country. Senator John McCain has promised another four years of the ruinous policies undertaken by President Bush. We cannot afford that. We need Barack Obama to show ourselves, and the world, that America can be the country we have always wanted it to be.

During the course of this campaign we have watched Senator Obama come under fire and work through difficult issues with grace and integrity. At each step of the way he has responded by unifying our diverse communities and inspiring us to be part of something bigger than ourselves.

Obama has articulated detailed plans to address our nation’s most pressing problems, such as ending the war, closing the achievement gap in our schools, expanding health care coverage, and making the economy work for every American – not just the privileged few.

Most importantly, millions of Americans – white, brown, black, wealthy and poor, urban, suburban, and rural – have for the first time been moved to join the political process and have rallied to his vision. Senator Obama will bring fresh leadership and new ideas to make our nation and our world a better place.

I am confident that Obama will show the same leadership in the White House that he has on the campaign trail. At last, we will have someone on our side at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

I am asking people who want real change to vote for Barack Obama.

- Mayor Tom Potter

Change is coming to America and Oregon will be the place where it all begins on May 20th.

Related Post:  Why I’m Joining Obama For America: “People of Faith for Barack”

CWS appeal: Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone Nargis response

Action Alert from Church World Service

Thousands of people have been killed or are missing in Myanmar (Burma) as Tropical Cyclone Nargis pushed ashore over the weekend. BBC News reports three-quarters of structures in the Irrawaddy region were destroyed by fierce winds, rain and storm surge. A United Nations relief worker in Yangon tells the Associated Press villages in the Irrawaddy Delta have been completely flattened. On Haing-gyi Island, along the country’s southwest coast, an estimated 20,000 homes have been destroyed, leaving at least 90,000 homeless.

Profiteering is already starting to grip those coping in the storm’s aftermath, with prices on food, fuel and building supplies shooting up 300 percent. CWS partners report communication abilities throughout Burma have been compromised.

RESPONSE: Immediate relief operations are underway with a comprehensive assessment on-going. The CWS Asia Regional Office is in direct contact with partners in Myanmar, and in coming days this initial appeal will be expanded to reflect needed support for longer-term recovery efforts in Myanmar.

Contributions to support this emergency appeal may be made online, sent to your denomination, or to Church World Service, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN, 46515. Please designate: MYANMAR (BURMA) CYCLONE NARGIS RESPONSE (#699-A). 

Tonight Was A "Steve Novick" Night

We've just returned from a fund raising event for Steve Novick, one of two leading candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate from Oregon.  Former Governor John Kitzhaber was the host.  We saw many friends from various parts of our lives there.  If you haven't voted yet be sure you do.  Steve Novick is the only candidate standing up for progressive values with detailed plans for legislation.  That's why I support him.  We need his voice in the United States Senate.

Katherine and Frances, by the way, have become mini-celebrities during this senate race.  A photo of the two of them can be seen on Steve's website and several people came up tonight not to talk to us - the parents - but to shake hands with the twins.

Steve and the twins

Steve and Governor Kitzhaber

Liz talked with long-time friend Marie.

Frances and Katherine do a little dance and show how fun political events can be.

Obama Wins Big; Time For Clinton To Leave Race

North Carolina voters gave Barack Obama a huge win tonight and in Indiana, a state that has always been in Hillary Clinton’s column, the race is still too close to call hours after the polls have closed. Regardless of how Indiana turns out the race for the nomination is effectively over.

Barack Obama has won the popular vote, the most states, and the most delegates.

Republicans cannot be happy. In Indiana, Rush Limbaugh asked right-wing listeners of his show to cross party lines and vote for Clinton and it appears his followers did just that in record numbers. The GOP knows that Clinton would be an easy target come November.

Working class voters turned out for Obama tonight in North Carolina. Exit polls show he won those making under $50,000 and people without a college degree. Clinton was said to be doing well with this group. It is time for the New York senator to leave the race and make room for Senator Obama to unify the party and set the stage for the November election.

America cannot afford another four years of George W. Bush’s policies and that is what John McCain is promising. We need to end the war, fix our schools, expand health care coverage, and make the economy work for every American – not just the rich.

Clinton Promises Not To Listen To Experts

"I'm not going to put my lot in with economists." - Hillary Clinton

When told economists were saying her gas tax plan was a gimmick that wouldn't work Hillary Clinton responded with the above quote.  She's the new George W. Bush.