I continue to be impressed that for the most part the list has addressed this rather inflammatory topic of the smoking ban with passion as well as restraint. Kudos to us.
I was going to make the subject "God's (Final) Word on the Smoking Ban" but God told me not to do that -- yet. I saw a Goldfinch -- one of the bright little birds Jon referred to -- outside yesterday. Seeing the little creature outside, free and against all of the colors of spring was a revelation to me. I was really suprized when God came up and tapped me on the shoulder. "Oh, my God!" I exclaimed. Usually we have our regular conversations while I am riding my tricycle, or sitting in a smoky Minneapolis bar where God likes to wind down with a couple of drinks and a smoke or two. "God," I said, "is there a smoking ban in Heaven?" She laughed. I just love God's laugh. It fills me right up, and makes me feel as free as that little finch (was it a finch?). "Of course there is no smoking ban in Heaven!" She said. "Silly boy, the only eternal smoking ban I know of is the one in Hell." Needless to say, I was stunned, and resolved to let this entire list, the Mayor, and all of our elected representatives know about this. I do hope you all appreciate my willingness to be so vulnerable. I mean, some of you will insist that I am either crazy or a liar -- or both. Believe me, I do have conversations with God all the time. These conversations are always full of suprizes. I said, "But God, do you let people smoke in Heaven?" God was busy watching that little bird. It took Her a moment to reply. "Oh, people can smoke whatever they like in Heaven. Not many people find a need to smoke much in Heaven, though. There are some wonderful rituals that involve smoking various things. Those rituals are evolved and evolving. Most people find no need for drugs in Heaven, because life itself is so intoxicating." Looking at God, standing there in Minneapolis, I could easily believe it. She exuded grace and truth from every pore. To look in her eyes was to know infinite wisdom and mercy. "Who needs drugs?" I thought. I might have said that out loud, I don't know. God laughed again. By the way, i think that the smoking ban in Hell might be something of a Cosmic Secret. I hope God will forgive me for letting you all in on it. Wicked, eh? Pray for me! -- pedaling for peace and justice from the Kingfield neighborhood...... Gary Hoover REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
