« The Common Man: Where's his Fanfare? IV. Radio...Just like Television Without Pictures. | amike's Blog | How Much Time and Attention does Democracy Take? »
God has a Lousy Job.
Should the position ever become open, I'm not applying. Lucifer might be a wanna be god, not aMike. I've known that for a long time, but it came home to me yesterday when I had to play god for a while. My nineteen year old cat, Mindy, was fading away. A bit over a week ago, she stopped eating, save to take a few kitty treats by hand. When her appetite did not return, I brought her to good old Dr. Burt, my veterinarian. He did the appropriate tests, all of which returned negative, and said it was old age-she might rally but if not, I would have to "make a decision". I made the decision yesterday. In my god-like moment, I said goodbye to Mindy and had her put to sleep. Euthanized. Oh, drop the euphemisms. I decided to have her killed.
Prescience might have made the decision easier. If I knew of a certainty that she would be her old self the next day, I would have made a different decision. If I knew of a certainty that she was suffering intolerably I would have made the decision with an easier mind. But she met her end purring.
This made me meditate on the difference between humans who rather enjoy playing god, whether they admit it or not-"deciders" like George Bush and his cabal, and those who don't. I'd put Abraham Lincoln in the second category...willing to make life and death decisions, but not enjoying it one iota. Consider the Second Inaugural peroration:
What a peroration to an address which is a trope on the ambiguity of life.
I believe that Barack Obama doesn't like playing god, either, and that he has, so far, chosen many of his cabinet and inner advisors from men and women of somewhat similar temperament. In the long run, this must be for the good. But we've been ruled by god-players for eight years, and this has come to make us impatient. We see caution and evolution of plans and programs as flailing around and wishy-washyness. Maybe it is. I don't know-I'm not in god-playing mode right now. But is may be because decent men and women are faced with the kind of decision with which I was faced yesterday-and see no decision which will not cause some pain. We hear the phrase "uncharted territory" used over and over. I was in uncharted territory myself. I'd never had to put down an animal before.
Obama comes to us again and again-to ask us what we're thinking, and to think with us. So does Joe Biden. So do the task forces he sets up. We're not used to that, either. He modifies his plans trying to thread the needle; producing programs which maximize the public good and minimize collateral damage. Personally, I prefer that form of governance. I've seen too much of its opposite in the last eight years. I hope that public cuts him some slack-I get the feeling it will. I also hope that the chattering classes, including the blogosphere, does the same thing. I have less optimism on that point.
R.I.P., Mindy Cat. I hope I did the right thing.
Prescience might have made the decision easier. If I knew of a certainty that she would be her old self the next day, I would have made a different decision. If I knew of a certainty that she was suffering intolerably I would have made the decision with an easier mind. But she met her end purring.
This made me meditate on the difference between humans who rather enjoy playing god, whether they admit it or not-"deciders" like George Bush and his cabal, and those who don't. I'd put Abraham Lincoln in the second category...willing to make life and death decisions, but not enjoying it one iota. Consider the Second Inaugural peroration:
With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.
What a peroration to an address which is a trope on the ambiguity of life.
I believe that Barack Obama doesn't like playing god, either, and that he has, so far, chosen many of his cabinet and inner advisors from men and women of somewhat similar temperament. In the long run, this must be for the good. But we've been ruled by god-players for eight years, and this has come to make us impatient. We see caution and evolution of plans and programs as flailing around and wishy-washyness. Maybe it is. I don't know-I'm not in god-playing mode right now. But is may be because decent men and women are faced with the kind of decision with which I was faced yesterday-and see no decision which will not cause some pain. We hear the phrase "uncharted territory" used over and over. I was in uncharted territory myself. I'd never had to put down an animal before.
Obama comes to us again and again-to ask us what we're thinking, and to think with us. So does Joe Biden. So do the task forces he sets up. We're not used to that, either. He modifies his plans trying to thread the needle; producing programs which maximize the public good and minimize collateral damage. Personally, I prefer that form of governance. I've seen too much of its opposite in the last eight years. I hope that public cuts him some slack-I get the feeling it will. I also hope that the chattering classes, including the blogosphere, does the same thing. I have less optimism on that point.
R.I.P., Mindy Cat. I hope I did the right thing.
Advertisement
My condolences on the loss of your cat, amike. Mindy was family. And it's one of the hardest decisions anyone can make. As a former teacher of young children and as a therapist, I can tell you that everyone breaks down if they truly loved their pet, when decisions like yours have to made or when a pet dies on its own.
I have a silly poem I wrote once about how I too would not want God's job. It's very poor verse, but I think it pertains. And maybe on some level it will be a comfort.
March 20, 2009 11:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
Beautiful, TheraP. And not silly at all. Thanks for sharing it with me.
March 20, 2009 11:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
Well, thank you amike! I've shared it with patients, always with a disclaimer. But it truly did come to me in the middle of the night. It really helped me to see a dimension of God that I hadn't fully recognized till then. It helped me to see that the suffering Christ is like a window into God. Not sure if you saw that wonderful poem of Justice Putnam's - of Christ as the man of tears, who has to keep moving, otherwise his tears will flood the land. It's a beautiful image. And true, I think.
In my work I have suffered so much, alongside others who were suffering. I've had to dig deep to be with them in their pain. And to find ways to reach them, when nothing seems worth it.
Peace be with you. This is a very hard loss. It was good of you to share it here. And to share your insight as well.
March 20, 2009 11:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
This is going to sound trite, but TheraP is hereby awarded the Dayly Poem of the Day at this TPMC site, given to all of her from all of me.
March 20, 2009 11:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you, dd! I really appreciate it. I'm not kidding! You're very kind, buddy! :)
March 20, 2009 11:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
TheraP.
This is beautiful. You never cease to amaze and impress...
Thank you for sharing. I am printing off a copy and sure I will take it to heart often.
March 20, 2009 11:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you, Aunt Sam. I'm honored! :-)
March 20, 2009 11:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
AMike, I lost my dog a couple three years ago. Sad day. She was my friend.
How many dogs go ahead and correct you when you are wrong? She would wake me when I overslept. She would yell at me when I delayed our exercise periods.
We are sad to lose our friends and we are reminded of our own mortality at the same time.
March 20, 2009 11:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
AMike, Terrific post. Condolences on your loss.
More than one important message is within these words. All needed and appreciated. Thanks.
March 20, 2009 12:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
God is doing a lousy job. It's hard to be effective at a job that doesn't exist. He could just do us all a favor and quit. I'm a long time atheist if you haven't guessed and mighty proud of it.
March 20, 2009 12:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
When are human beings going to lose this dependence on a god?
March 20, 2009 12:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
When they grow up and realize they don't need their imaginary friends. But think about what God also brings us: Creationism.
Now there's something imaginary that has made a lot of hucksters rich.
March 20, 2009 12:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Roughly the same time they lose their dependence on politicians to get it right yesterday,if not the day before. But not before they stop being attracted to men (and women) of action who promise to make perfect decisions on omniscient information (preferably information which doesn't challenge their own mindsets) and act instanter. This was rather the point of the body of the essay.
March 20, 2009 1:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Once you invoke the imaginary deity with your title you just have to put up with those of us who find it offensive to the intellect. That's fair I'd say. Public space and all that.
March 20, 2009 2:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, I don't find it offensive to the intellect, I simply don't believe that the people are dependent on politicians to get anything right.
March 20, 2009 4:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
I didn't mean you ! I meant WE grand army of atheists blessed by reason among the superstitious heathens.
March 20, 2009 4:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm not so sure that people are confident or dependent on their politicians' ability to get it right - in fact, polls show the very opposite. Which is more dangerous, I don't know.
Lincoln's greatest talent as a leader was his ability to articulate his vision of this nation, so far I haven't seen any evidence of Obama's talent in this. In fact, it's beginning to take on the monotonous drone of the pedestrian politico.
March 20, 2009 3:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lovely post amike, and I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your dear cat. It's the hardest thing to do, but if you love your pet, you don't want them to suffer needlessly.
March 20, 2009 1:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yup, great post, amike. Sorry about your cat. All of us who've been there know what you went through. Thanks for putting it into words.
TheraP, beautiful poem. Thanks.
March 20, 2009 1:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you kindly, Mr. Smith1. :)
March 20, 2009 2:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry for your loss. I think you used to comment that something was so funny it made your cat laugh or that your cat had typed out your reply walking across the keyboard, and I always pictured a kind of Cheshire cat (isn’t there a legend about Lincoln making his cat laugh?). When there is an uncertainty of outcomes, it’s impossible to know if a decision was “right.” But making a decision out of the “right” motivation (out of love or caring for the interests of those affected) makes the decision right regardless of woulda, coulda, shoulda outcomes, doesn’t it?
I don't know from God in man's image; unless He's one of those unknown unknowns. But there is no life without death and no love without loss. In hospitals across the country today, people will make life or death decisions about loved ones and whether to continue sustaining life when there will be no quality of life. I don’t think euthanasia is a euphemism for killing because it's motivated by mercy; with “malice toward none, with charity for all,” as Lincoln eloquently frames the country’s decision.
You’re a student and teacher of history and I defer to your wisdom here, but I disagree with assuming or projecting motives onto the President or government. When Obama makes a decision or a proposal, we should ask ourselves what we’d think of it if made by a President McCain or a Republican Congress or our red-necked uncle. Through everything, Bush had 25% of the country who believed in “Him.” Even though we elect a president largely on personality traits, IMHO, it’s a mistake to view them and their decisions through that lens whether you despise what they stand for or you’re a groupie in love with the image.
Lincoln’s decisions were made in a divided nation and under great pressure. We can look back and say he acted out of righteous intentions, but if it is only a Lincoln or Washington or FDR who can make the right decisions, we’re in trouble. Yesterday, Obama alleged some harsh truths, above and beyond the bonus controversy, about the Masters of the Universe and those who brought us to this ruin. He needed to acknowledge those things and keep them in mind going forward and making decisions for the country. He never would have done that without the fire lit by critics, the media and, especially, the blogosphere. Rightly or wrongly, Obama gets no honeymoon because the country is in dire straits from the last leader elected on personality.
March 20, 2009 3:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for the kind words, Don. I used to write that I laughed so hard I scared my cat. My guffaw is worse than my bite.
I probably wasn't as clear as I should have been in my post. Decision-making comes with the territory and Lincoln couldn't avoid having to make tough ones--unsatisfactory ones, even, where the best one can do is make things less worse. Obama won't be able to avoid those either. One of my favorite Lincoln quotes.
I think that Obama needs critics...so does he. He has asked for them, and he has deliberately courted the voices on the periphery. What I was saying was that this kind of decision making means a different kind of governing...on the face of it, it looks indecisive and flip-flopping. The path to the objective may be more that of a French Curve than a straight line.
We've become used to governance by wrong decision, deceitfully made, sprung on us by surprise and defended as if it came engraved on stone tablets. Actions were planned behind the scenes. No wonder the time between announcement and action seemed so short.
I don't particularly want him to have a honeymoon. I want the word deliberate in with all deliberate speed to be taken seriously, that's all. I'm still thinking about Henry (trust me, I'm Henry) Paulson and the first bailout. I don't want my team to act as rashly and pig-headedly as the other team did.
March 20, 2009 4:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe she was a Gumbie Cat not a Cheshire. I see what you’re saying now. And we have become an extremely impatient people. Maybe we always were, but we are a undoubtedly living in a world of instant gratification now.
Wasn’t Paulson the guy running for VP on the Smothers Brothers Show? I totally agree about the rashness of the Paulson bailout, which is one reason that I want to see a drastically different course before we’re cemented to this one (same with Afghanistan). I’m leery because Obama supported the TARP and I think led Congress in supporting it. Not to mention that the ball got rolling with Geithner and the Ceo of Goldman-Sachs (hmmm?), along with Paulson and Bernanke, deciding the AIG bailout.
You always have great (and pertinent) quotes to bolster your insightful analysis, Mike. And that Lincoln guy had a way with words, didn’t he? To better days.
March 20, 2009 5:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama didn't lead Congress on TARP. In fact he was heavily criticized for not stepping in and taking over the initial bailout.
March 20, 2009 6:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, you can quibble with the word “lead,” and as a Senator he could hardly take over. But Obama was going out of his way to show leadership on this and it worked for him politically. As presumptive pres-elect, Dem Congressinal leaders were looking to and listening to him. He was urging support, even in the debates and negotiating its parameters. And, of course, he did presss congress to release the "other 350."
March 20, 2009 8:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great post! And I think people who enjoy playing God never foresee the repercussions of their thunder and lightning. They are detached from the one ingredient all cultures attribute to their creators: compassion.
March 20, 2009 4:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry to hear about your cat amike.
Enjoyed the post.
Not all believe in a rule that says you must be dependent on God to believe in God. For some the concept is more along the lines of a security blanket or the little stuffed rabbit you slept with as a kid. It brings you comfort but you don't depend on it to execute the everyday realities of life, providing food, shelter, clothing, etc.
Of course it differs from one person to the next but people have their own individual beliefs or not. I've never understood the desire to criticize or ridicule, one way or the other. Then again, maybe if many of these beliefs (or non beliefs) didn't have a direct impact on the lives of others, there would not be a problem. (shrugs)
March 20, 2009 4:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
On the other hand, some of us feel that while a belief in gods at one time was a help in our evolution as a species, some of us now see it as a hindrance to our evolution. We cannot develop new paradigms of evolution by holding on the old. The fact that we are as a people dependent on gods or politicians makes me wonder if our days as a species are numbered. We wouldn't be the first species to go extinct though.
March 20, 2009 4:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
My point is, if that is what some people believe, that's ok. They will live their life according to those beliefs. The ones that believe differently will live their lives according to theirs. I see it as an individual choice.
I've never had a dead person come back to tell me what it's like being dead. I don't know who is right or wrong on the subject of God. I only know what works for me. I should be free to pursue what works for me as long as my beliefs don't interfere with the freedom of others. If we respected each others beliefs, would it really matter here on earth if, those beliefs may differ? If it doesn't matter, does it really need to be dissected, analyzed or criticized?
Sometimes I think humans make living ones life, more complicated than it really needs to be.
March 20, 2009 6:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Little stuffed rabbit sounds about right for me. Now if we could only have a little stuffed Pope and a little stuffed Imam. Lot's of little stuffies.
March 20, 2009 4:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for your thoughtful post Amike. Those are good correlations which you've drawn between rulers who like to play 'god', (deciders, and what not), and those who don't. When my oldest golden retriever reached an golden age for his breed, I began to ponder how I would 'know' when it would be the right time to put him down if necessary. An older more experienced woman friend of mine told me that when the time came, I 'would know'. Having reached that point now with more than one furry friend, I think I can sum up what making that decision looks like, for me, at least. In short, that time arrives when it hurts more to see your friend alive, than it does to make the choice to euthanize. I have no doubt that you made the right decision, and I understand the need to question such decisions we all must make at times. I don't have a beverage at hand at present, but when I do later this evening, I will toast Mindy. I'm sure she must have been a superior cat.
March 20, 2009 5:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Excellent post, Amike. The correlation you drew was insightful.
We have had 2 wonderful dogs euthanized. The first had cancer and we opted to try everything possible to save him. Ultimately, he looked up at me and I swear the look on his face was telling me "Mom, I tried as hard as I could, but I just can't get better and you need to let me go."
The 2nd, who was more child than dog had diabetes and we became experts in an attempt to make her life more comfortable. She got another 2 years that had good quality. When she got to the point where she no longer enjoyed the things that made her "her" we let her go, having sworn we would do what was best for her, not for us.
I've been where you are, and you did the right thing.
As for God, I believe in Him, love Him, and trust Him, and I wouldn't want His job, either. As for those who don't believe, that is your right...I just wish you could do it w/o questioning my intellect, just as I don't question yours.
March 20, 2009 6:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't take things so seriously. Crack a smile on that one. Some say this god fellow has a sense of humor.
March 20, 2009 7:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
He (or she) must. One couldn't invent humans without one.
March 20, 2009 8:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have been waxing eloquent these past few days at the Café but your post finds the limit of my poor ability to express noble thoughts on the truly important things. For that matter your post tests the limits of this medium, the blog, to support any dialogue of this gravity. So I will begin with a moment of silence and sit quietly, at your feet as it were, as your departed companion would have done, in that empathy among living things that is both the joy and the sorrow of this moment.
“She met her end purring.” The Irish have a saying that a cat purrs for itself. She was happy because she was with you. You did your part as others will do for you I hope. If this thing we humans calls conversation is any help let us know. I for one will prattle on about gods and governments and history and everything until you are sleeping like a cat or have wandered off to chase some imaginary thing as is the wont of cats everywhere.
Note to TheraP: What a magnificent heart you have.
March 20, 2009 9:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bless you, Larry. I feel the same about you.
March 20, 2009 9:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
(hugs amike)
March 20, 2009 10:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Amike, I'm sorry about Mindy Cat. It's a truly fine post.
March 20, 2009 10:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you for sharing that, amike. Our last cat developed an enlarged heart a few years ago and we were faced with a similar decision.
March 20, 2009 11:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
amike, what a wonderful post! I think you weaved the perfect--albeit unfortunate--sentiment into the reality of decision-making. Especially big decisions. The people within the previous administration seemed to boast, not necessarily on what decision they would make, but THAT they made a decision.
Man, I think you nailed it! This really is the gauge par excellence for leadership quality. Do you look forward to playing god?
amike, I hope you don't mind me following you...
P.S. 19 years is a great go at it, I know Mindy thanks you for the decision and all the years you spent together.
March 21, 2009 2:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Mind? I'm honored. I apologize in advance if you fall into any holes or cracks in my logic. :-) Bring them to my attention and I'll apply patches as necessary.
March 21, 2009 9:09 AM | Reply | Permalink