Friday, February 25, 2005
Chipotle Helps With Immigrant Integration
A model for faith-based groups in Austin?
Hill Country Views recently had an intriguing post on welcoming legal immigrants and deterring illegals.
Like Hill Country Views, I'm for improving border integrity for reasons of national sovereignty and social service solvency. Yet, I've long been in favor of adding an "integration approach" to our immigration policy, where new immigrants are actively mainstreamed into American society and fast tracked to self-sufficiency. This mainstreaming could include English language instruction, real US history (not the politically correct kind), guidance on finding jobs and private social service organizations. However, I've never heard of anyone actually doing it. Then, last night, I read in Business 2.0 about Chipotle Restaurants providing English instruction to immigrant employees. Chipotle Mexican Grill, a TexMex fast food chain that is quickly becoming omnipresent in Austin, has reduced their employee turnover to 1/3 the national average with this program. Maybe the feds and/or border state governments could provide a tax incentive for companies and private organizations that perform "immigrant mainstreaming services"?
Faith-based groups might also get in on the act as a way to grow their ministries, increase their financial support base and, in the case of Christian groups, help fulfill their Great Commission calling. Mission Possible, an Austin inner city ministry, recently announced that it is creating a community service initiative that provides food, clothing, job training and literacy to those in need....all for the purpose of supporting Mission Possible's mission. Groups like Mission Possible might look to expand these ministries into the "immigrant mainstreaming" space, coupling immigrant integration services with spiritual outreach and discipling that is appropriate for the particular people group.
Furthermore, Austin would be a prime spot for such initiatives. According the July/August 2004 edition of Hispanic Magazine, Austin is the number one city in the country for Hispanics to live in, as Austin's approximately 338,000 Hispanics will attest. (I've heard anecdotal reports about large, projected growth rates over the next 10 to 20 years for the Hispanic population in Central Texas, but am still digging up those numbers.)
I doubt the politicians' ability to realistically address America's immigration issue. Democrats cynically desire an increasing underclass that they can hook on government handouts in exchange for votes. Republicans are currently at war with each other over immigration and the solution they eventually develop (either through compromise or political fratricide) will likely favor the interests of the strongest faction. In any case listed above, state and local government needs may be only partially met and the individual immigrant's needs will be an afterthought.
But what a great opportunity for the church, particularly the church in Austin, to be a model! A large, and largely unreached, people group is being drawn to Austin's doorstep. Social and governmental systems are being strained by the large influx of unassimilated immigrants. The government's solution will be so-so at best.
If God is there and is not silent, the Austin church should take earnest counsel from His word and act.....
A model for faith-based groups in Austin?
Hill Country Views recently had an intriguing post on welcoming legal immigrants and deterring illegals.
Like Hill Country Views, I'm for improving border integrity for reasons of national sovereignty and social service solvency. Yet, I've long been in favor of adding an "integration approach" to our immigration policy, where new immigrants are actively mainstreamed into American society and fast tracked to self-sufficiency. This mainstreaming could include English language instruction, real US history (not the politically correct kind), guidance on finding jobs and private social service organizations. However, I've never heard of anyone actually doing it. Then, last night, I read in Business 2.0 about Chipotle Restaurants providing English instruction to immigrant employees. Chipotle Mexican Grill, a TexMex fast food chain that is quickly becoming omnipresent in Austin, has reduced their employee turnover to 1/3 the national average with this program. Maybe the feds and/or border state governments could provide a tax incentive for companies and private organizations that perform "immigrant mainstreaming services"?
Faith-based groups might also get in on the act as a way to grow their ministries, increase their financial support base and, in the case of Christian groups, help fulfill their Great Commission calling. Mission Possible, an Austin inner city ministry, recently announced that it is creating a community service initiative that provides food, clothing, job training and literacy to those in need....all for the purpose of supporting Mission Possible's mission. Groups like Mission Possible might look to expand these ministries into the "immigrant mainstreaming" space, coupling immigrant integration services with spiritual outreach and discipling that is appropriate for the particular people group.
Furthermore, Austin would be a prime spot for such initiatives. According the July/August 2004 edition of Hispanic Magazine, Austin is the number one city in the country for Hispanics to live in, as Austin's approximately 338,000 Hispanics will attest. (I've heard anecdotal reports about large, projected growth rates over the next 10 to 20 years for the Hispanic population in Central Texas, but am still digging up those numbers.)
I doubt the politicians' ability to realistically address America's immigration issue. Democrats cynically desire an increasing underclass that they can hook on government handouts in exchange for votes. Republicans are currently at war with each other over immigration and the solution they eventually develop (either through compromise or political fratricide) will likely favor the interests of the strongest faction. In any case listed above, state and local government needs may be only partially met and the individual immigrant's needs will be an afterthought.
But what a great opportunity for the church, particularly the church in Austin, to be a model! A large, and largely unreached, people group is being drawn to Austin's doorstep. Social and governmental systems are being strained by the large influx of unassimilated immigrants. The government's solution will be so-so at best.
If God is there and is not silent, the Austin church should take earnest counsel from His word and act.....
"...but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, ...nor the alien within your gates. " Exodus 20:10
"The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 19:34
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Dark Conspiracies, Real and Imagined
Russell and McCullough expose the possible Hollywood skullduggery around the upcoming "Chronicles of Narnia" movies. Somebody should explain to the Hollywood bigs at the Norman Lear Center of the University of Southern California that "The Passion of the Christ" and the "Lord of the Rings" movies did not achieve their far-reaching success by watering down the Christian imagery and content but by highlighting it.
One of the funniest blogs I've seen in a while is Tim Blair's hilarious send up of the latest, far-left conspiracy theory: Karl Rove arranged for CBS to use fake documents to attack George W. Bush. Oh man, I was rolling when I read this (Hat tip to Instapundit).
Russell and McCullough expose the possible Hollywood skullduggery around the upcoming "Chronicles of Narnia" movies. Somebody should explain to the Hollywood bigs at the Norman Lear Center of the University of Southern California that "The Passion of the Christ" and the "Lord of the Rings" movies did not achieve their far-reaching success by watering down the Christian imagery and content but by highlighting it.
One of the funniest blogs I've seen in a while is Tim Blair's hilarious send up of the latest, far-left conspiracy theory: Karl Rove arranged for CBS to use fake documents to attack George W. Bush. Oh man, I was rolling when I read this (Hat tip to Instapundit).
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
The Monumental Faith of Greg Abbott
Though wheelchair bound, the AG shows how to walk the talk
This week's World Magazine features an in-depth interview with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott discussing a bevy of topics including the Ten Commandments case, same-sex marriage, abortion, Christian involvement in politics, theology in policy making and the true intent of the First Amendment.
The hook for the article is that Abbott will defend the Ten Commandments monument on the Texas Capitol Grounds differently than how Alabama Judge Roy Moore pursued his case. Curiously, though, the story does not clearly delineate between Mr. Abbott's approach and Judge Moore's.
But what is clear is Mr. Abbott's convictions and purpose. Confined to a wheelchair by a jogging accident in 1984, the Attorney General understands he is still alive for a reason. His incisive and articulate comments in World's three page spread show that he is thoroughly committed to upholding the Judeo-Christian worldview in his position as Attorney General within the bounds set forth for a public official.
I think his most insightful comments are on the success of evangelical Christians engaging the political process over the last two decades. Says Abbott:
I am glad that he linked the practical, on-the-ground action to legislative activism. This seems to be an application of James 2:14-17:
Though wheelchair bound, the AG shows how to walk the talk
This week's World Magazine features an in-depth interview with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott discussing a bevy of topics including the Ten Commandments case, same-sex marriage, abortion, Christian involvement in politics, theology in policy making and the true intent of the First Amendment.
The hook for the article is that Abbott will defend the Ten Commandments monument on the Texas Capitol Grounds differently than how Alabama Judge Roy Moore pursued his case. Curiously, though, the story does not clearly delineate between Mr. Abbott's approach and Judge Moore's.
But what is clear is Mr. Abbott's convictions and purpose. Confined to a wheelchair by a jogging accident in 1984, the Attorney General understands he is still alive for a reason. His incisive and articulate comments in World's three page spread show that he is thoroughly committed to upholding the Judeo-Christian worldview in his position as Attorney General within the bounds set forth for a public official.
I think his most insightful comments are on the success of evangelical Christians engaging the political process over the last two decades. Says Abbott:
"Those who want to impact the direction of legislation and other public policies must stay engaged in the process long after the polls close. "As an example, he cites the increasing availability of crisis pregnancy centers, coupled with the success of recent pro-life legislation as an example of the persistent, multi-phase approach necessary to bring about positive change.
I am glad that he linked the practical, on-the-ground action to legislative activism. This seems to be an application of James 2:14-17:
"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
He who has ears, let him hear.
Monday, February 21, 2005
More Unreality from "The Real World"
Longhorn Mafia alerts readers to the continuing absurdity of "The Real World", now being shot in Austin. Apparently, an LM acquaintance happened upon a shoot where a sign with these words was posted
Longhorn Mafia alerts readers to the continuing absurdity of "The Real World", now being shot in Austin. Apparently, an LM acquaintance happened upon a shoot where a sign with these words was posted
"Come in & Go About Your Regular Business
Ignore the Cameras"
In other words, ignore the reality of the cameras while we create, manufacture, distort, and manipulate "reality" for our target audience. Now they are asking innocent bystanders to suspend their disbelief, in addition to the audience.
"Pot Smoker Busted by Own Dog"
The funniest post of the day goes to UrbanGrounds, who chronicles the can't-catch-a-break travails of north Texas dope smokers. He also outs local disc golf players at Pease Park as pot heads. I am shocked - shocked! - that those disc golf jokers and smokers are also mid-day tokers. All this time I thought they were just scruffy looking guys with a big appetite for junk food.
