PRESIDENT OBAMA's SPEECH ON INTELLIGENCE SECURITY REFORM..............

In the aftermath of the Edward Snowden release of millions of National Security Agency Documents of a confidential and diplomatic nature, which Snowden an independent contractor analyst absconded with illegally, President Barack Obama proposed NSA reforms today.  While calling for the ending of the Federal Government's unregulated control of collecting telephone data against our citizens in surveillance that accesses data without the permission of the FISA Court, President Obama defended the national intelligence and security community as, "not cavalier about the civil liberties of our fellow citizens".   He called for stopping spying on other World Leaders and of foreign citizens affording them proper privacy protections.  The reforms the President seeks are intended to bolster Americans confidence that their rights and privacy are being protected, even as necessary surveillance proceeds, with adjustments and changes in Section 215 of the Patriot Act governing these activities.  Today's reform proposals are viewed as a start in addressing the controversy, but as not going far enough in resolving the abuses, as the central debate over whether the actions of someone such as Snowden is a whistleblower or acting criminally in disseminating data, of such a sensitive domestic and international nature..............Father Troy David

ENSENADA MEXICO..............

Today I am in Ensenada, Mexico; the second of two ports of call on this four day Carnival 'Inspiration' cruise Fr. Ben and I have taken together.  We disembarked just before midday walking and powerchairing into Ensenada, soaking up the brilliant sunshine and the locals, including a throng of individual vendors hawking their wares.  We relaxed for a  good while in a community park and lunched on some local fare before returning to the ship.  After the farewell dinner tonight we will enjoy some of the musical entertainment onboard, which has included a splendorous Motown Hitsville Revue and the house band Rock n Roll of The StraitJackets.  We return to Long Beach in the morning and head home to Northern California in the afternoon..............fr.tdp

CATALINA ISLAND..............

I blog today from Catalina Island, in Southern California; my first visit to this beautiful enclave, the first of two ports of call on a four day cruise I am taking with my colleague, Father Ben DeLeon.  Catalina is everything I have always heard about it - a quaint, friendly, and relaxing, island community.  Having traveled with my powerchair, in order to disembark from the ship to tender across to Catalina Island, required that I stand and walk ten steps up onto the tender transport vehicle and ten steps down back onto the cruise ship which I did without incident.  It is a rejuvenating and very welcome few days escape. I proposed to Fr. Ben we take a cruise after Christmas in memory of our departed colleague, Fr. Steven Foppiano, who also enjoyed them. We cruise onward to Ensenada Mexico tomorrow, from where I will next blog..............fr.tdp

24...57...84... ..............

Twenty four years today the Catholic People of God in St. John the Baptist Parish in Folsom, California dedicated their current Church edifice the third church in the parish's now 157 year history.  It was brought to fruition by the ministerial and administration as was so much more by Reverend Father William P. Kinane, with whom I served for three and a half years at that time, during his pastorate of Folsom from 1973-1995.  Fifty seven years ago today, the Most Reverend Robert J. Armstrong, 5th Bishop of Sacramento from 1929-1957, died.  Bishop Armstrong, the longest serving Ordinary of the Diocese of Sacramento to date, was a prolific Shepherd of Souls, who was tapped for the See of Sacramento in 1929, while he was ministering as a Pastor in Spokane, Washington.  Eighty four years ago today, a Sacramento native was born who during the 70 years of his life was an outstanding Family man, an exemplary Catholic Christian man, and a hardworking and customer dedicated Business man, in Sacramento.  He was beloved Archie Bugatto.  From age 13 in 1943, until 1998, at age 68, when he closed his own store, which become Archie's Hardware & Gifts in 1964, and moved from Elvas Avenue to 56th and J Streets in 1979, Archie was a vital, hands on hardware provider and helper to his many, many, deservedly loyal customers.  So too, his wife and now widow Ramona, his daughter Teres, his son David, and the small band of employees who worked with him in making Archie's Hardware & Gifts an unforgettable East Sacramento entrepreneurial treasure.  Archie went to his eternal reward on January 3, 2000; but lives on in our hearts, memories, and prayers, for the truly wonderful man of Family, Faith, Commerce, Community, and Friendship, he was and continues to inspires us to be.  24...57...84... These three persons and events shape the significance and the numbers in this blog column title, that make this January 14, 2014; a vividly memorable day..............Father Troy David

ARIEL SHARON FORMER ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER SUCUUMBS AFTER EIGHT YEAR COMA..............

Ariel Sharon, the Israeli military and political leader of more than half a century. who was a hard as nails General who became Prime Minister of Israel, a dozen years ago and suffered a stroke during his fifth year in office which left him in a coma the last 8 years has died at age 85.  Prime Minister Sharon was party to every political and military endeavor from the founding of the State of Israel in 1948.  He will especially be remembered for leading the 1982 Israeli invasion into Lebanon, by which he garnered the derisive title, "Butcher of Beirut".  However, as Prime Minister he decided to hand over parts of the Gaza Strip and West Bank to the Palestinians, causing him to be rebuffed by his right wing Likud Party.  Sharon proceeded to form his own political party, Kadima - meaning Forward and continued governing until the onset of the stroke in 2006, from which he never regained consciousness. He was declared, "permanently incapacitated" in April 2006; but showed signs of brain activity as late as 2013, when hearing his son's voice and being shown pictures of his home.  The historical legacy and significance of Ariel Sharon for better or worse on behalf of his fellow Jewish People will be analyzed and debated for many more decades to come..............fr.tdp

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS IN NFC CHAMPONSHIP GAME FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR..............

Getting off to a slow start in their playoff game today against the Carolina Panthers finding them early in the game trailing by 7-6; the San Francisco 49ers came on strong and went on to win, adding a third Field Goal and 2 Touchdowns more to their score, to just one more Field Goal for the Panthers, for a final score of San Francisco 23 Carolina 10, for the right to face the Seattle Seahawks  in the National Football Conference Championship next Sunday, the winner of that faceoff gaining a   ticket to Super Bowl 48.  All the Best to them as they advance to the last step and a possible seventh NFC Champions appearance in the Super Bowl..............fr.tdp

THE BAPTISM OF JESUS AND OUR CHRISTMAS AND EASTER ENTRY INTO THE PASCHAL MYSTERY OF CHRIST..............

The Baptism of the Lord Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, took place not of necessity but the opportunity to teach us the its vital significance as the first requirement in answering God's Call to  Faith and embracing Discipleship in Jesus The Christ as our Lord and Savior.  Jesus' Baptism and His three year Public Ministry it inaugurated; is the bridge forward from His Holy Birth and Sacrificial Death, just as Jesus' Passion, and Death bridge back to His Holy Birth and Baptism.  The Christmas and Easter Events are intertwined together for the core purpose and mission of God's Co-Eternal Son being Born into the World and Baptized into the Ministry, was to attain for Humankind the fulfillment of the Paschal Mystery of His Life, Death, and Resurrection.  Thus on this closing day of the Christmas Season as we commemorate the full initiation of Jesus Mission and Ministry for our Redemption and the share in Eternal Life it will provide us, take time today to recognize and re- instill the primacy and purpose of your personal Baptism and a way in which you can minister to others by faithfully witnessing to your Discipleship in Jesus The Lord of Salvation..............Fr.  Troy David

REACHING OUT PROACTIVELY TO ALL OUR CATHOLIC-CHRISTIAN SISTERS AND BROTHERS..............

In addition to the NCPD - National Catholic Partnership for Disability, which I will support and sing the praises of for the rest of my life for their visionary leadership, advocacy, and empowerment, of the Disabled in the Catholic Church of the United States, some of the other groups I have joined ands will assist in promoting the Accessibility and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities are the Easter Seals Society of Northern California; with whom I have been related since I was 5 years old - Ministry Leaders With Compassion For The Disabled; The Cal-Pac Disabled Support Group; and The Ministry of Encouragement For Disabled Persons,  As the year progresses I will share much more on these and other organizations I am proud to affiliate with as a Disabled Catholic Priest, who is glad w=to join with other committed Catholic-Christians and conscientious Americans in the full empowerment of those of us with Special Needs..............Fr.  Troy David

COMING TO THE CLOSE OF CHRISTMAS SEASON 2013-2014..............

With two days left in the Christmas Season how are you keeping these annual days of commemorating the Holy Birth of the World's Savior ?  Are you keeping the Spirit of Faith and Self-Giving alive through your daily activities and actions; or are you submerged back into the workaday world, having packed away the Christmas Season and its Spirit and Truth, along with the holiday decorations and festivities ?  These last two days of the Christmas Season lead us to the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on Sunday.  As we conclude our celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ for this Year of the Lord, take time to ponder and commemorate your own Baptism.  Bring out your Baptismal certificate, gown, candle, and photographs.  Share them with family members or fellow believers, sharing your memories  and stories about your Baptism.  Pray and dedicate yourself anew to keeping the promises and  practicing your Catholic-Christian Faith, you were committed to on the day you were Baptized.  Then you will have kept the Christmas Season and be able to celebrate the Lord Jesus' Baptism with renewed and empowering impact to make the fruits of your Baptism and Discipleship present throughout 2014 A.D. ..............fr.tdp

GOVERNOR CHRISTIE ATTEMPTING TO BRIDGE ROILING WATERS CAUSED BY THE POLITICAL MANIPULATION OF SOME OF HIS STAFF..............

Coming before the New Jersey-New York media news reporters for a Press Conference this morning that lasted 1 hour and forty eight minutes, Governor Chris Christie, Republican of New Jersey addressed the traffic jamming of the George Washington Bridge in September as a supposed political vendetta he attests he only learned about on Wednesday morning of this week, Governor  Christie was intensely contrite for his unawareness using words such as, "sad, heartbroken, blindsided". to describe the scandal unfolding in his Administration.  He announced the termination of four of his appointees, including his Deputy Chief of Staff Bridget Ann Kelley, who reportedly made the decision to set the traffic problems in motion to strike back at a Democratic Mayor who did not endorse Christie's November re-election as Governor.  Governor Christie asserted this morning. "I knew nothing about this", and "I have nothing to hide".  During the 108 minute press conference in which he answered all the questions put to him by the assembled reporters, Christie went all in to insist he is disconnected from what occurred.  If true, his Governorship and prospective 2016 Republican Presidential campaign most likely survives; if not by virtue of being implicated by his fired  former colleagues or evidence discovered his political career may well be dismantled.  The New Jersey Legislature is summoning the key parties to the matter to testify and the State Assembly is scheduled to release 1,000 pages of documentation from their investigation into what transpired to cause the four day Bridge controversy in September, that may have seriously contributed to the death of a 94 year old woman, whose ambulance delayed in the traffic died after finally arriving at a hospital..............fr.tdp

PRESIDENT JOHNSON LAUNCHED THE AMERICAN "WAR ON POVERTY" FIFTY YEARS AGO TODAY..............

Forty years ago tonight in his first, 'State Of The Union' Address, less than seven weeks after the Assassination of President Kennedy, President Lyndon Baines Johnson declared an unconditional War On Poverty in America.  That effort that includes some seventy seven Federal programs to lift the poor up economically and educationally,  is being commemorated in a ceremony at the United States Capitol in Washington, being held by the Congressional Black Caucus, at which President Johnson's daughter, Linda Johnson Robb, the wife of former Virginia Governor and U.SS. Semator Chuck Robb, will be in attendance in this remembrance of her father's domestic legacy.  As Democrats celebrate the accomplishments a half century into this effort to eliminate poverty in the United States and are zeroing in on UnEmployment Insurance Benefits Extension, and Income InEquality as current facets of impoverishment needing to be addressed; Republicans are largely critical of its affect, declaring it a failure with 46 million Americans still now in poverty, and calling for dismantling the War On Poverty transferring it from the Federal Government back to the States.  Among their marking of this day will be a Speech by Florida U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who will speak from the Lyndon B. Johnson Room, at the Capitol  Building.  Senator Rubio is expected to propose his own Plan to replace the Johnson Program.  Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, is also scheduled to appear on the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams tonight, in an interview detailing his views and recommendations, as alternatives to the 50 year War On Poverty.  Succeeding or Failing, one thing is certain - the political debate will continue as it has the pasr half century as to what the best way to eradicate the reality of Poverty in America most effectively is tor the Poor among us..............Fr.  Troy David

SENATE VOTES 60-37 TO PREVENT FILIBUSTER ON EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS EXTENSION..............

The United States Senate has just passed a procedural vote by 60-37, that will prevent a filibuster over the Reed-Heller Emergency UnEmployment Insurance Extension Bill.  Democratic Senator Reed of Rhode Island was  joined by all 54 Democratic Senators present in voting Yes; and Republican Senator Heller of Nevada was joined by 5 other Republicans Senators, Ayotte of New Hampshire, Collins of Maine, Murkowski of Alaska, and Coats of Indiana, and Portman of Ohio.  The passage of this 3 month extension by both chambers of Congress, will resume $300.00 payments to 1.3 million unemployed Americans who lost them on December 28th.  The $6.5 billion cost is about a quarter of the cost a more comprehensive extension to as many as another 9.1 unemployed citizens by June.  Prospects for passage of the current Reed-Heller in the House of Representatives is murky at best, as there are mixed signals emitting from Speaker Boehner and Majority Leader Cantor..............Fr.  Troy David

FIRST WOMAN TO CHAIR THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD..............

Janet Yellen, age 67, was confirmed on Monday as th new Chairwoman of the Federal Reserve Board, becoming the first female to head up the American Government's central bank in its 100 year history.  She assumes the position succeeding eight year, two term, Fed Chairman Bern Bernaake, whom she has served as  Vice Chair since 2010.  Yellen was confirmed by a 26 of 56-26; with 45 Democratic and 11 Republican Senators voting Yes - 26 Republican Senators voting No - 18 Senators Absent or Abstainng.  On Federal Reserve Board Policies, Chairwoman Yellen is a strong advocate for fighting UnEmployment and through Fed practices that produce Low interest Rates and Extensive Bond Purchases.  Addressed and followed she believes they advance the greatest possibility for Economic Growth..............fr.tdp

A SPIRITUAL START TO SUPER BOWL SUNDAY WEEKEND TONIGHT..............

LAST NIGHT's SEASON 4 PREMIERE OF "DOWNTON ABBEY" ON PBS 'MASTERPIECE'..............

The fourth season premiere of the British period drama series, "Downton Abbey", by Arthur Fellowes, aired on American television's PBS 'Masterpiece', last night to a record high viewership in the USA, with an audience of 10.2 million viewers.  It was indeed a finely written, produced, and acted two hour episode in the transition of the popular series following the departure from the cast of a leading character of the previous three seasons in taking the storyline forward.  Creator-Writer Fellowes did an outstanding job of providing fresh and surprising twists and turns and character to keep this fan and many many others interested and engaged.  And  legendary actress Maggie Smith in her matriarchal role of the Dowager, was succulently entertaining with her aptly crisp quips spread throughout the season premiere.  It looks to be another wonderful ten episode season on Sunday nights through February 23.  I gladly recommend  "Downton Abbey", Season 4, to you..............fr.tdp

THE EPIPHANY OF CHRISTMAS - THE MAGI COME AND ADORE HIM WHO IS CHRIST THE LORD.............

The 12th day of Christmas brings us the Solemnity of the Epiphany. The Christmas feast of the Epiphany is the occasion when the Christ Child is seen and shown to Three Kings from the East who come to worship and adore Him, acknowledging Jesus as more than just any baby.  Their royal  gift offerings of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh, denoting His Kingly, Priestly, and Prophetic, Mission and Ministry, as the Messiah of God's People, Jewish and Gentile alike.  Today as Believers in and Followers of that Holy Child Who was manifested and paid homage to, by the Magi is the Universal King and Redeemer of Humankind, Jesus The Christ.  May we too, acknowledge and adore Him as Christmas-Epiphany People today and moving through the Year of Our Lord 2014.  May the Holy Birth of the Savior we celebrate shine forth as something greater than a seasonal observance - showing its presence and power over lives each day as bear witness and serve Him as our Savior in our outreach to and inclusion of others, enlightened by God's Grace..............fr.tdp

THE REED-HELLER UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS EXTENSION BILL..............

The expiration of UnEmployment Insurance Benefits to 1.3 Americans which happened one week ago today due to a lack of Congressional action before the start of the Christmas Recess, will be taken up on Monday in the United States Senate in a bi-partisan Bill offered through the sponsorship by Senator Jack Reed, Democrat of Rhode Island, and Senator Dean Heller, Republican of Nevada.  It will extend UnEmployment Benefits by 3 months, at a cost of $6 billion.  The Bill requires passage by 60 votes, to avoid a filibuster.  As of Friday night Senator Heller, whose State of Nevada has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, is the only Republican Senator to publicly support the effort, meaning even with unanimous Democratic Senators support, means at least four more Republican Senator votes will be necessary  for passage.  On Friday, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia released the immediate House Legislative Agenda for 2014, that does not include the Unemployment Benefits Extension Bill.  However, Speaker of the House John Boehner of Ohio, has stated he is open to taking up and passing the Bill, as long as it is  paid for by other Budget cuts.  Thus if passed  by the Senate, whether the Bill will be addressed and passed is very questionable..............fr.tdp

WHAT WILL THE GOOD NEWS BE FOR YOU AND ME IN 2014 ???.............

Believing our Lord Jesus The Christ is the supremely greatest Good News for Humankind from the foundation of the World and the onset of fallen human nature due to the selfishness of sin, as we proceed with our continuing observance of the Christmas Season, in addition to the Salvation attained for us by Jesus, what will be the most abundant Good News for us in 2014 A.D. ?  I firmly believe it is not What, But Who, will be that Good News in our lives. Rooted in a real interpersonal spiritual relationship with Jesus helps us To develop and grow shared experiences and outreach to others that are a vital component in bringing and keeping the Good News burning in our lives during this year.  But second only to Jesus in being the best possible Good News we can receive and experience is the Vicar of Christ - Pope Francis.  Pope Francis has only begun to reach out to all Peoples, and to cleanse and return the Church to its proper and imperative purpose to serve and to lead God's People to more proactively embrace and productively live  the Gospel Values of Jesus our Lord and Savior.  Take heart and remember despite the hardships, obstacles, or derision, we may experience on our journey through 2014, if we maintain trust in Jesus and the Gospel and choose to follow the direction Pope Francis is serving and leading us to, the Good News will sustain and renew us, and the Church and the World will be redirected and reformed..............fr.tdp

A NEW HOPEFUL YEAR FOR DISABLED CATHOLICS IN THE UNITED STATES..............

One of a the few true high points of my personal and priestly life last year was my interactions with the National Catholic Partnership for Disability.  The NCPD and the indispensable work they do in advocating and actualizing for the 14 million Catholics in the United States who are Disabled and are in large measure being underserved, even excluded from full accessibility and inclusiveness in the Catholic Church.  Thirty Five Years and progressing since the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a Pastoral Statement On Persons With Disabilities and more than 32 years after establishment of the NCPD and its stellar efforts a great number of Dioceses and Parish lag far behind in implementing the 1978 teaching, which predated the Americans With Disabilities Act by a dozen years. The moral imperative to do what is right and just for all, and to equally and unconditionally address the empowerment and inclusion of those with Special Needs is a right inherent in our human dignity.  The Hope Disabled Catholics in the United States can have in 2014 is that the NCPD will continue to enlighten, inspire, empower, and underscore, a pro active voice and support for the accessible presence and  inclusive participation of Disabled Catholics in the Parishes and Dioceses of the United States.  A deeply impacted proponent for the NCPD and my mutual Disabled Catholic-Christians, I will proceed to unfold here on my blog, "Insights Into Life And Faith By Father Troy David Powers, reports on the NCPD and Disability Ministry as it is experienced and necessary in the American Church.  A lifelong supporter of the Disabled, as a disabled person myself from birth; I am becoming an ever more committed advocate for those with Special Needs, particularly in and by the Catholic Church, confirmed in that commitment by Pope Francis and Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, of Galeveston Houston, the Episcopal Moderator of the NCPD, who in his Visionary Award Address to the NCPD Partnership 2013 in Houston on November 2nd, declared himself a, "Cheerleader" for the Disabled.  I. like millions more are also leading the cheers for Cardinal DiNardo and the NCPD, in their advocacy  and leadership on behalf of Disabled Catholics throughout the Church in the United States...More Coming Soon And Very Soon..............Father Troy David Powers

ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS AND FIRST DAY OF NEW YEAR 2014 THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY MOTHER OF GOD..............

On this 8th day of Christmas, the Octave Day of the Holy Nativity of the Messiah of Humankind; as Catholic-Christian Disciples we concentrate our attention on the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of God.  We start the New Year of the Lord 2014 remembering and  honoring the exemplary responsive Discipleship of the Mother of The Christ definitively illustrated by her nine word response to God, "Be it Done unto me according to Your Word".  Thus she accepted the Heavenly Father's invitation to become the ChristBearer and embraced a faith filled and loyal lifetime on earth of Discipleship in Jesus her Saving and Redeeming Son.  The Blessing enunciated in the First Reading from the Mass of today's Christmas-New Year Solemnity Mary Mother of God, from the Book of Numbers speaks to the fruitful of Faith and Fidelity to our own Believing in and Following of Messiah as Blessed Mother Mary did, and is my personal hope and prayer for all as we traverse through 2014 A.D. - "The Lord bless you  and keep you !  The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you !  The Lord look upon you and give you Peace".  
..............fr.tdp