The 2-minte drill... and my political decision.

When I played high school football in Dell Rapids eons ago (okay, 15 years ago), we played Elk Point at home. Elk Point had embarassed us the year before at their field, 60-6 and it looked like we were going to go down in defeat, 14-0.

But in the final two minutes, we scored a touchdown, recovered a fumble on the kickoff and scored again to force overtime. And in Overtime, my buddy Pantusso caught a pass in the endzone to give us the win. It was stressful, it looked like all was lost, but in those final two minutes all was made right.

I feel that way right now with Father Gallagher.

Last night, I felt like it was "Game Over" in Father Gallagher's plight to stay in this country. I was ready to denounce my government and say for the first time in my life, I was ashamed of our federal goverment. I even sent Father a farewell letter, wishing him the best of luck and thanking him for all he did for my family.

But just like that football game over 15 years ago, the two-minute drill came into play once again....

Father received a call from Senator Johnson’s office informing him of positive progress with his immigration case. Father was instructed a) NOT to leave the country, b) that consideration of his case is progressing in communication with Washington DC, and c) that he should schedule an appointment to get his fingerprints and updated photos taken in Sioux Falls on July 14 (two weeks).

Orignally posted on HelpFather.com, July 1, 2008

Even if Father's case is reviewed and he's given permanent residency, he won't be allowed to return to DeSmet. But I would imagine that the Sioux Falls Diocese would keep him in South Dakota, perhaps working in Sioux Falls, or even going to another parish in the area. They'd be foolish not too!

But the damage is done and I'm afraid there are a lot of sore folks up in DeSmet. Father Gallagher gave his last mass this weekend in a service that had tears, hugs, and a standing ovation. I'm sure Father Stevens will be a good servant to the people of Kingsbury County, but I fear he has his work cut out for him. He'll have the spector of Father Gallagher to contend with, not to mention parishioners who have some ill opinions not only of the Federal Government, but also of Bishop Swain and the Diocese. Those sore feelings are warranted, but not at the expense of Father Stevens.

The heart of a community has been broken... I hope our government, who let all 20 hijackers that attacked the World Trade Center in the country.... who can't find bin Laden but can spend nearly a Trillion dollars on a poorly-run war... who are more concerned about covering their collective asses than doing what's right IN THE FIRST PLACE... is proud of itself.

For the first time in my life, I have been ashamed of my government. Because of the United States Goverment's inflexibility, arrogance and overall incompetence, a town and a beloved spiritual leader have been torn apart.

I'm happy that Father may get to stay. But I'll never forget the government's incompetence. And believe you me, I'll still remember when it comes to vote in November...

Because of this episode, I have decided to drop my "Independent" status and join a political party. NEITHER the Republicans or the Democrats are without blame in this cock-up. I will vote for neither McCain nor Obama, no matter how much lip service they play to the idea of CHANGE. Effective today, I now consider myself a LIBERTARIAN. I now realize that the government is a necessary evil and the least amount of it we have, the better off we'll be!