Someone was asking me this question recently. If God decides whether or not we are saved, then do we have free will or not? I found a good article by John Hendryx regarding this. Click here.
I'll try to summarize it later.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Thursday, December 21, 2006
There's no Place Like Home for the Holidays
It's almost 11am. Helen and I have been up for awhile getting ready to go back to Texas. We decided it'd be much easier to come back to Louisville if the house was clean and there was nothing for us to do around the house when we got back. So we've been cleaning and packing and getting ready to go.
We're so excited to come home and we can't wait to spend time with our family and friends. Our flight leaves at 6:20, so keep us in prayer if you read this before then. Adios!
We're so excited to come home and we can't wait to spend time with our family and friends. Our flight leaves at 6:20, so keep us in prayer if you read this before then. Adios!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
First Anniversary Weekend Extravaganza with Pictures
We got back a few hours ago. Helen uploaded the pictures to the computer, so now we can give the full account.
We left Louisville about 10am and arrived in Indianapolis a little after noon. The first place we went was the NCAA Hall of Champions.
We walked in and the first thing we saw was a picture of someone Helen knew...
She was a finalist for NCAA Woman of the Year. So that was funny. The next thing we saw was a statue of an old football formation called the flying wedge. Basically, the ball carrier would get behind these guys who would then smash anyone who got in their way. This led to a ton of injuries and deaths, and it led to the formation of the NCAA.
We also got to visit a half-court replica of a gym from the 1930's. It reminded me of some gyms I played in in high school. Here's some pictures of me shooting and also the first official "Fair Play" clock used in the NCAA. Apparently, there was a discrepancy over how much time was left in games, and this happened a lot. So they decided it would be best to have an official clock that everyone could see.
Some other cool things that we saw were some of John Wooden's "coaching shoes" and a page out of his playbook with his handwriting on it.
We were able to find something about Texas A&M. It was a picture of the Red, White, and Blue Out Game. I was at that game my freshmen year. Unfortunately, this picture was in the corner and covered by a fake tree. So, being good ags, we decided to move the tree in front of another display and leave Aggieland visible.
So A&M did make the Hall of Champions. After this we went back to our hotel and stayed for two hours. This is where I typed the first update. I promised a picture of Helen's funny sleeping position... so here it is...
After she woke up, we walked to the zoo. It was less than a mile and it wasn't too cold.
The above bear is asleep. He was sleeping on his back and snoring. He kept moving around and even put his thumb in his mouth. Pretty funny. We had a good time at the zoo.
After we left the zoo, we went to eat at the Olive Garden. No pictures from that, but we did have a delicious meal. After we ate, we went back to the hotel, got our camera, and went down to Circle Center. They were supposed to have an amazing lights display, but it was false advertisement. They did have a huge tree and downtown was really busy.
After the circle of lights, we went back to the hotel for the night. We woke up in the morning and ate at McDonalds for breakfast. We left about 10 in the morning and got home after noon.
We left Louisville about 10am and arrived in Indianapolis a little after noon. The first place we went was the NCAA Hall of Champions.
We walked in and the first thing we saw was a picture of someone Helen knew...
She was a finalist for NCAA Woman of the Year. So that was funny. The next thing we saw was a statue of an old football formation called the flying wedge. Basically, the ball carrier would get behind these guys who would then smash anyone who got in their way. This led to a ton of injuries and deaths, and it led to the formation of the NCAA.
We also got to visit a half-court replica of a gym from the 1930's. It reminded me of some gyms I played in in high school. Here's some pictures of me shooting and also the first official "Fair Play" clock used in the NCAA. Apparently, there was a discrepancy over how much time was left in games, and this happened a lot. So they decided it would be best to have an official clock that everyone could see.
Some other cool things that we saw were some of John Wooden's "coaching shoes" and a page out of his playbook with his handwriting on it.
We were able to find something about Texas A&M. It was a picture of the Red, White, and Blue Out Game. I was at that game my freshmen year. Unfortunately, this picture was in the corner and covered by a fake tree. So, being good ags, we decided to move the tree in front of another display and leave Aggieland visible.
So A&M did make the Hall of Champions. After this we went back to our hotel and stayed for two hours. This is where I typed the first update. I promised a picture of Helen's funny sleeping position... so here it is...
After she woke up, we walked to the zoo. It was less than a mile and it wasn't too cold.
The above bear is asleep. He was sleeping on his back and snoring. He kept moving around and even put his thumb in his mouth. Pretty funny. We had a good time at the zoo.
After we left the zoo, we went to eat at the Olive Garden. No pictures from that, but we did have a delicious meal. After we ate, we went back to the hotel, got our camera, and went down to Circle Center. They were supposed to have an amazing lights display, but it was false advertisement. They did have a huge tree and downtown was really busy.
After the circle of lights, we went back to the hotel for the night. We woke up in the morning and ate at McDonalds for breakfast. We left about 10 in the morning and got home after noon.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Update on First Annual Extravaganza
I'm writing this from our Marriott Hotel room in Indianapolis, Indiana. Last night Helen and I went to the Actor's Theatre performance of "A Christmas Carol." Unfortunately, flash photography was not allowed, so there won't be any pictures. It was a good show and I was really impressed. We woke up this morning and left from our apartment around 10:15 and headed North on I 65. We got to Indianapolis a little afternoon, checked in to our hotel and then had lunch at Wendy's. Our hotel is in an awesome location. It's right downtown, so we're in walking distance from just about everything.
After lunch, we walked to the NCAA Hall of Champions. It's basically the headquarters and museum of the NCAA. It was pretty interesting. We'll put some pictures up later and give details about what we saw.
As I'm typing this, Helen is asleep on our hotel bed, face down with her feet sticking up in the air. Pretty hilarious. I'll see if I can get a picture in a minute. We didn't bring our cord to put the pictures on our computer, so that won't happen until we get home.
If you would have told me last year that Helen and I would be spending our anniversary in Indianapolis within walking distance from Canseco Field House and RCA Dome, I would have told you that you were crazy. It's weird how much things change in just a few months.
More coming soon!
After lunch, we walked to the NCAA Hall of Champions. It's basically the headquarters and museum of the NCAA. It was pretty interesting. We'll put some pictures up later and give details about what we saw.
As I'm typing this, Helen is asleep on our hotel bed, face down with her feet sticking up in the air. Pretty hilarious. I'll see if I can get a picture in a minute. We didn't bring our cord to put the pictures on our computer, so that won't happen until we get home.
If you would have told me last year that Helen and I would be spending our anniversary in Indianapolis within walking distance from Canseco Field House and RCA Dome, I would have told you that you were crazy. It's weird how much things change in just a few months.
More coming soon!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Anniversary Weekend Extravaganza 2006
On Friday, Helen and I will begin our first annual Anniversary Weekend Extravaganza! As soon as we get back, I'll let you know where we went. Most of it is a surprise, and Helen doesn't know! Yes sir! So look forward to that!
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Post UCLA Comments
I said before this week that after these last two games, we would know how good our basketball team is. It's safe to say that our team is up there with the best. Yes we lost both games, but we were in them both and had a chance to win them both.
We got to see how the Ags responded to adversity. They were down in the second half in both and came back and made it a game. I'm proud of their never-quit attitude.
Unfortunately we lost both games. Our offense is stagnant at times, and we need to find a way to get the ball down low. Joseph Jones has got to have some touches early and throughout.
Acie got it going, but he turned the ball over too much and only had four assists. He's got to get back in the groove.
Josh Carter needs to be looking for his shot instead of deferring to Acie so much. I'd also like to see some set plays for him to shoot the ball.
With all that said, I am not the coach (thank goodness). I think BCG knows what's going on better than I do, and I really think we'll be a major contender by the end of the year. We are a top 20 team, if not top 15.
I'm excited about basketball season.
We got to see how the Ags responded to adversity. They were down in the second half in both and came back and made it a game. I'm proud of their never-quit attitude.
Unfortunately we lost both games. Our offense is stagnant at times, and we need to find a way to get the ball down low. Joseph Jones has got to have some touches early and throughout.
Acie got it going, but he turned the ball over too much and only had four assists. He's got to get back in the groove.
Josh Carter needs to be looking for his shot instead of deferring to Acie so much. I'd also like to see some set plays for him to shoot the ball.
With all that said, I am not the coach (thank goodness). I think BCG knows what's going on better than I do, and I really think we'll be a major contender by the end of the year. We are a top 20 team, if not top 15.
I'm excited about basketball season.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Things I noticed from last night's LSU game
1. Chants of "overrated" were incredibly accurate. There's no way our team is the 6th best in the country right now. We're good, but that ranking is too high.
2. Our offense becomes stagnant too often. Acie needs to take control, and he was nowhere to be found last night.
3. We foul too much. We get a lot of questionable calls, but if you look at it from the officials perspective... we foul a lot, so if it's close, we probably did it. The officials were terrible last night. We got homered big time, even the TV announcers mentioned that at least twice.
4. We have a lot of young players, so the future looks bright, even though we lose Joseph Jones and Acie Law next year. I was excited to see them play. Of course they make costly mistakes, but they will be great players for us.
5. We lost for these reasons (in no particular order):
a. We got homered. Our guys got so cheap calls early and had to sit. Then they were in foul trouble and weren't allowed to guard that fat tub of lard. That put us in the hole early. They treated Davis like he was Jordan, and he got every single call.
b. We couldn't throw it in the ocean. Our shooting percentage was below 40% which is pathetic.
c. We didn't get the breaks when we needed them. Sometimes it just comes down to which way the ball falls. For example, at the end of the game, we were down six and it was LSU's ball. We forced a terrible pass, it bounced off of two of our guys and landed in that fat guy's hands right under the basket.
The best thing about college basketball is that one loss doesn't kill you. This was good for our guys. A hostile environment. Tough calls. Tough shooting night. And played with another top 10 program. We played awful and had a chance to win at the end. I'm excited about things to come.
2. Our offense becomes stagnant too often. Acie needs to take control, and he was nowhere to be found last night.
3. We foul too much. We get a lot of questionable calls, but if you look at it from the officials perspective... we foul a lot, so if it's close, we probably did it. The officials were terrible last night. We got homered big time, even the TV announcers mentioned that at least twice.
4. We have a lot of young players, so the future looks bright, even though we lose Joseph Jones and Acie Law next year. I was excited to see them play. Of course they make costly mistakes, but they will be great players for us.
5. We lost for these reasons (in no particular order):
a. We got homered. Our guys got so cheap calls early and had to sit. Then they were in foul trouble and weren't allowed to guard that fat tub of lard. That put us in the hole early. They treated Davis like he was Jordan, and he got every single call.
b. We couldn't throw it in the ocean. Our shooting percentage was below 40% which is pathetic.
c. We didn't get the breaks when we needed them. Sometimes it just comes down to which way the ball falls. For example, at the end of the game, we were down six and it was LSU's ball. We forced a terrible pass, it bounced off of two of our guys and landed in that fat guy's hands right under the basket.
The best thing about college basketball is that one loss doesn't kill you. This was good for our guys. A hostile environment. Tough calls. Tough shooting night. And played with another top 10 program. We played awful and had a chance to win at the end. I'm excited about things to come.
The Job Hunt Continues
I've interviewed for a few jobs so far. Here's what has turned out:
First, churches that are looking for worship leaders are looking for someone to lead their choir. I've known all along that would hinder me, it's just becoming incredibly obvious now. I have nothing against choirs, I just am unable to lead them in the way they need to be led.
Second, I've interviewed for two tutoring positions. These jobs fluctuate, which should have been obvious also. People sign their kids up to be tutored, then a few weeks later they may take them out. Hours in tutoring cannot be guaranteed.
Third, the more I interview, the more confidence I gain. I feel more in control now that I've interviewed for several jobs.
Fourth, the more I put things in perspective, the more confidence I gain. If I truly believe God has a plan and He will take care of us, I can be confident in interviews, not worrying that I will say the wrong things or not say the right things. I can rest in knowing He's in control.
So here's what I'm looking at. I am one of two people being considered to lead worship at Grace Community Baptist Church in Louisville. It seems like a good situation, and I really like the pastor. So I'm waiting to hear from them. They meet on Wednesdays, so maybe I'll hear today.
I am supposed to return a phone call to Educational Resources this morning. I interviewed there a couple of weeks ago, so I'm anticipating that I may have a job there. That would be a good situation as well.
Updates are coming soon, hopefully.
First, churches that are looking for worship leaders are looking for someone to lead their choir. I've known all along that would hinder me, it's just becoming incredibly obvious now. I have nothing against choirs, I just am unable to lead them in the way they need to be led.
Second, I've interviewed for two tutoring positions. These jobs fluctuate, which should have been obvious also. People sign their kids up to be tutored, then a few weeks later they may take them out. Hours in tutoring cannot be guaranteed.
Third, the more I interview, the more confidence I gain. I feel more in control now that I've interviewed for several jobs.
Fourth, the more I put things in perspective, the more confidence I gain. If I truly believe God has a plan and He will take care of us, I can be confident in interviews, not worrying that I will say the wrong things or not say the right things. I can rest in knowing He's in control.
So here's what I'm looking at. I am one of two people being considered to lead worship at Grace Community Baptist Church in Louisville. It seems like a good situation, and I really like the pastor. So I'm waiting to hear from them. They meet on Wednesdays, so maybe I'll hear today.
I am supposed to return a phone call to Educational Resources this morning. I interviewed there a couple of weeks ago, so I'm anticipating that I may have a job there. That would be a good situation as well.
Updates are coming soon, hopefully.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Why we will beat Cal...
Distinguished Cal alumni... she bangs! she bangs!
ps. borrowed this from someone else, i'm not this witty.
william hung
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Semester Over
I took my last final today. It was an essay test, but I was pretty well prepared. We'll see if Dr. Ware thinks the same way.
I suppose now I can start working on my January Term stuff. I'll be taking a four day course on the Psalms. It should be pretty good and interesting. We'll see how it goes.
Christmas is coming....
I suppose now I can start working on my January Term stuff. I'll be taking a four day course on the Psalms. It should be pretty good and interesting. We'll see how it goes.
Christmas is coming....
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Found this gem online today
(note: edited for content)
For those people who thought cart mccoy could be considered for the heisman... (yes, I have heard it from some sips).
Passing
McGee 2118 yards this year
McCoy 2262
Rushing
McGee 635
McCoy 167
Receiving
McGee 1 (completed a pass to himself)
McCoy 0
Total
McGee 2765
McCoy 2429
Punting
McGee 2 punts for 57 yards, 1 touchback and one pin inside the 1 yard line.
McCoy 0 punts 0 yards
Cries like a little baby on television
McGee 0
McCoy 2 (1 on national TV)
For those people who thought cart mccoy could be considered for the heisman... (yes, I have heard it from some sips).
Passing
McGee 2118 yards this year
McCoy 2262
Rushing
McGee 635
McCoy 167
Receiving
McGee 1 (completed a pass to himself)
McCoy 0
Total
McGee 2765
McCoy 2429
Punting
McGee 2 punts for 57 yards, 1 touchback and one pin inside the 1 yard line.
McCoy 0 punts 0 yards
Cries like a little baby on television
McGee 0
McCoy 2 (1 on national TV)
Monday, November 27, 2006
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Friday, November 24, 2006
Our First Snow
We woke up to this a few mornings ago... we're not in Texas anymore...
man, I should be a hand model. Maybe I'll give George Costanza a ring.
man, I should be a hand model. Maybe I'll give George Costanza a ring.
The Adventure of the Leaning Christmas Tree
Today we woke up around 9 and went to Lowe's to buy a Christmas tree. We don't have room in our house to store a fake one, so we have to buy live. Plus, Helen really likes the smell of a live tree. I do too, but Helen really does.
Anyway, we get to Lowe's and look around for the perfect tree. It was cold and there were tons of trees. We were looking through the $20 price range, and we found a great one.
We carried it to the people who worked there and they trimmed and baled it. The only problem is they cut it too short, which would cause problems later.
We put it in the truck, and instead of tying it down well, I decided I'd drive really slow. After an uneventful trip home (no flying trees or anything) we dragged the baled tree to the top of our stairs.
Anyway, we get to Lowe's and look around for the perfect tree. It was cold and there were tons of trees. We were looking through the $20 price range, and we found a great one.
We carried it to the people who worked there and they trimmed and baled it. The only problem is they cut it too short, which would cause problems later.
We put it in the truck, and instead of tying it down well, I decided I'd drive really slow. After an uneventful trip home (no flying trees or anything) we dragged the baled tree to the top of our stairs.
Once we got it inside, we set it up in the stand. As it turns out, the guys at Lowe's trimmed the bottom too short, and it wouldn't sit all the way down in the stand. So we had a leaning problem.
So very patiently and intelligently, we decided to use our bolt cutters to trim the bottom of the tree. You see, the branches at the bottom were thick, and we had nothing else. So we trimmed and trimmed and trimmed. But the tree just wouldn't sit right. So I got out the pliers and tightened those bolts down, hoping that the tree would finally give in to our persistence.
Eventually we won the struggle and the tree sits in our living room.
The next thing we had to was decorate it. It didn't take long, seeing as we don't have many ornaments. (Don't worry, this wasn't something we were disappointed about. Remember, the more you put on, the more you have to take off.) So we decorated the tree and prepared ourselves to watch the aggies BTHO tu.
Wouldn't you know it? during the game, the tree begins to lean... and not slighlty. So what did I do? I got out my pliers and tightened that bad boy down even more. The tree hasn't fallen yet, and the aggies prevailed against the dark side, 12-7.
Thanksgiving Feast picture
This was our first Thanksgiving together. Let's see...
It was our first time to cook a turkey, it didn't turn out too bad. I made a ton of mashed potatoes (which Brett has already almost finished off), some green bean casserole, corn, gravy, rolls, cranberry sauce, and sweet potatoes. And Brett bought some sparkling grape juice and brought out our chalices from our wedding. :-)
And, for the first time we used our fancy napkins that we got for our wedding!
Later that day the Bethancourts came over to hang out and eat some leftovers with us. It was a pretty good day. But, I agree with Brett, it definitely wasn't the same as being around our family! We're looking forward to Christmas for that reason.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Thanksgiving
Helen and I stayed in Louisville for Thanksgiving. We had a couple of invitations to eat with some people, but we chose to stay home and have our own Thanksgiving. Helen made a delicious Turkey Feast... with my favorite, mashed potatoes. We watched a movie or two, played cards, and watched the Cowboys massacre Tampa Bay. It has been a good day.
We miss home. I missed being made fun of for using ketchup with my turkey. (Helen's used to it by now. In fact, I think I've brought her over to the dark side.) I missed seeing all of my family act goofy. It wasn't the same this year. I suppose that's part of getting older. Not everything can stay the same all the time. Being away makes you appreciate things so much more, and it makes you realize how much you love your family. We're thankful for them, that's for sure.
Pictures are coming of our feast. (yes, we took pictures of our first thanksgiving.)
And one more day until the Aggies beat the ever livin, ever lovin, compound, complex, fightin' texas aggie 12th man, fightin' texas aggie stephen mcgee, fightin' texas aggie class of 2005 hell out of tu!!!!
brett
We miss home. I missed being made fun of for using ketchup with my turkey. (Helen's used to it by now. In fact, I think I've brought her over to the dark side.) I missed seeing all of my family act goofy. It wasn't the same this year. I suppose that's part of getting older. Not everything can stay the same all the time. Being away makes you appreciate things so much more, and it makes you realize how much you love your family. We're thankful for them, that's for sure.
Pictures are coming of our feast. (yes, we took pictures of our first thanksgiving.)
And one more day until the Aggies beat the ever livin, ever lovin, compound, complex, fightin' texas aggie 12th man, fightin' texas aggie stephen mcgee, fightin' texas aggie class of 2005 hell out of tu!!!!
brett
Friday, November 17, 2006
Job Hunt
I've been looking for a new job the last couple of weeks. FBC did some restructuring of staff, and decided my position would be a part of another full time position for which they've already called someone (or are about to call them). So, I need another part time job.
I've dropped some resumes, and honestly I'm realizing what a good job I've had the last few months. I've not found anything to match the hours and the pay and the actual job description.
I've looked into secular jobs as well. Tutoring, childcare, etc. I refuse to give in to the UPS machine here, though it seems like that might be the easiest route. I'd rather not have to choose between school, sleep, and time with Helen. So that's a no to UPS.
I've had an interview or two, and what churches are looking for are a more traditional worship leader. Not only is that something I don't want to do, it's also something I can't do. I don't know the first thing about leading a choir.
If you have any ideas or tips, send 'em my way! I have until December 31 at my current job, and then after that... yikes! The good news is that the Lord has always provided for me, and He's never given me a reason to worry about that. I've gone through about 3 years of money being tight and having to find the perfect job. It's always worked out fine.
Praise to the Lord who o'er all things so wondrously reigneth
Shelters thee under his wings, yea, so gently sustaineth
Hast thou not seen how thy desire e'er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?
I've dropped some resumes, and honestly I'm realizing what a good job I've had the last few months. I've not found anything to match the hours and the pay and the actual job description.
I've looked into secular jobs as well. Tutoring, childcare, etc. I refuse to give in to the UPS machine here, though it seems like that might be the easiest route. I'd rather not have to choose between school, sleep, and time with Helen. So that's a no to UPS.
I've had an interview or two, and what churches are looking for are a more traditional worship leader. Not only is that something I don't want to do, it's also something I can't do. I don't know the first thing about leading a choir.
If you have any ideas or tips, send 'em my way! I have until December 31 at my current job, and then after that... yikes! The good news is that the Lord has always provided for me, and He's never given me a reason to worry about that. I've gone through about 3 years of money being tight and having to find the perfect job. It's always worked out fine.
Praise to the Lord who o'er all things so wondrously reigneth
Shelters thee under his wings, yea, so gently sustaineth
Hast thou not seen how thy desire e'er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Insults flying from Austin to College Station
this classy article can be found here
let me know what you think...
COMMENTARY: JOHN KELSO
Hullabaloo, kaboom kaboom: Aggie president takes over Defense Department
Sunday, November 12, 2006
If you hear a lot of bleating in the distance coming from the east, it's because the sheep in Iraq are nervous today. Why? Because President Bush has picked an Aggie big shot to serve as this nation's Defense secretary.
If asked to step into that ticklish position, most normal people would have told Bush to go chase himself. But Aggies aren't normal people. Aggies are the kind of folks who rise to the challenge. Only an Aggie would be, uh, foolhardy enough to accept this unpopular and difficult job.
So you've got to admire the guts of Robert Gates, who expects to step down as Texas A&M president to take over for Donald Rumsfeld, whose main duty had become traveling about the country so that people could holler insults at him from across the room. What was Gates thinking? Boy, is he in for it. If he thought the Army game was tough, wait till he has to deal with the Mahdi Army.
On the other hand, Corps of Cadets, Abu Ghraib: What's the difference?
Not that I'm saying Gates getting the head Defense job is a bad thing. Aggies and defense go hand and hand. Before Dennis Franchione came along, A&M had one.
Gates served as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency before he moved to Bryan-College Station in 2002 to become the head of the, uh, Central Unintelligence Agency.
Some people think that the way to handle the Iraq problem would be to divide up the country and give equal chunks of land to the Kurds, Sunnis and Shiites. With an Aggie running the show, the fix might be to build a large bonfire and stick an outhouse on top.
Now, many may wonder if an Aggie leader is intellectually capable of dealing with the Iraqi situation, since most A&M graduates think Kurd has something to do with cheese. And, let's face it, putting an Aggie in charge of the war in Iraq could lead to the stockpiling of pitchforks and cloning the occasional companion animal.
But the job is a natural fit for Gates. Basically, A&M president and Defense secretary are the same darned position. When you're the head honcho at A&M, you're dealing with guys in burr haircuts, men who march and dudes who can really shine the heck out of a pair of shoes. When you're the boss at the Defense Department, you're dealing with guys in burr haircuts, men who march and dudes who can really shine the heck out of a pair of shoes. Plus, either job is a good one if you get the itch to make somebody drop and give you 20.
So Gates should love his new gig. And, you know, the restaurants in the Green Zone can't be a lot worse than the dining options in Bryan-College Station. Although I doubt if the Green Zone has a Dixie Chicken.
There are a lot of intellectual reasons why it's a good idea to have an Aggie in a spot that could reshape world history. A university where lofty thoughts are commonplace, A&M is the place where cutting-edge vegetable scientists developed the maroon carrot.
Plus, Aggies understand tribal hatred. I think most of them feel about the Teasips the way the Sunnis feel about the Shiites. So Robert Gates, get after it. You da man. Gig 'em.
John Kelso's column appears on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Contact him at 445-3606 or jkelso@statesman.com.
let me know what you think...
COMMENTARY: JOHN KELSO
Hullabaloo, kaboom kaboom: Aggie president takes over Defense Department
Sunday, November 12, 2006
If you hear a lot of bleating in the distance coming from the east, it's because the sheep in Iraq are nervous today. Why? Because President Bush has picked an Aggie big shot to serve as this nation's Defense secretary.
If asked to step into that ticklish position, most normal people would have told Bush to go chase himself. But Aggies aren't normal people. Aggies are the kind of folks who rise to the challenge. Only an Aggie would be, uh, foolhardy enough to accept this unpopular and difficult job.
So you've got to admire the guts of Robert Gates, who expects to step down as Texas A&M president to take over for Donald Rumsfeld, whose main duty had become traveling about the country so that people could holler insults at him from across the room. What was Gates thinking? Boy, is he in for it. If he thought the Army game was tough, wait till he has to deal with the Mahdi Army.
On the other hand, Corps of Cadets, Abu Ghraib: What's the difference?
Not that I'm saying Gates getting the head Defense job is a bad thing. Aggies and defense go hand and hand. Before Dennis Franchione came along, A&M had one.
Gates served as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency before he moved to Bryan-College Station in 2002 to become the head of the, uh, Central Unintelligence Agency.
Some people think that the way to handle the Iraq problem would be to divide up the country and give equal chunks of land to the Kurds, Sunnis and Shiites. With an Aggie running the show, the fix might be to build a large bonfire and stick an outhouse on top.
Now, many may wonder if an Aggie leader is intellectually capable of dealing with the Iraqi situation, since most A&M graduates think Kurd has something to do with cheese. And, let's face it, putting an Aggie in charge of the war in Iraq could lead to the stockpiling of pitchforks and cloning the occasional companion animal.
But the job is a natural fit for Gates. Basically, A&M president and Defense secretary are the same darned position. When you're the head honcho at A&M, you're dealing with guys in burr haircuts, men who march and dudes who can really shine the heck out of a pair of shoes. When you're the boss at the Defense Department, you're dealing with guys in burr haircuts, men who march and dudes who can really shine the heck out of a pair of shoes. Plus, either job is a good one if you get the itch to make somebody drop and give you 20.
So Gates should love his new gig. And, you know, the restaurants in the Green Zone can't be a lot worse than the dining options in Bryan-College Station. Although I doubt if the Green Zone has a Dixie Chicken.
There are a lot of intellectual reasons why it's a good idea to have an Aggie in a spot that could reshape world history. A university where lofty thoughts are commonplace, A&M is the place where cutting-edge vegetable scientists developed the maroon carrot.
Plus, Aggies understand tribal hatred. I think most of them feel about the Teasips the way the Sunnis feel about the Shiites. So Robert Gates, get after it. You da man. Gig 'em.
John Kelso's column appears on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Contact him at 445-3606 or jkelso@statesman.com.
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