Quick Takes for May

Keep trying to write short. Keep failing. Gonna try again.

-- How do you like your politics? Do you want your elected officials to work toward compromise? Or do you want them to hold fast to their principles, even if it means a lesser chance of accomplishing something for the common good? Tim Rutten of the Los Angeles Times has an interesting column, pointing out that American voters are increasingly pushing themselves to opposite poles and that's only encouraging our politicians to put ideology over problem-solving. I, for one, would rather have our elected officials in most cases working toward solutions that satisfy most, if not all.

-- Ever heard of the Q conference? It's an annual gathering of young Christians who are trying to find answers to faith-based questions in a post-Christian cultural climate. The conference was held in Portland in late April and thanks to my friend, Kristen, you can read a good account of the event on her blog. Now comes a followup by The Oregonian's religion writer, Nancy Haught, including a video clip featuring Q conference organizer Gabe Lyons' interview with two Portland participants --  Tom Krattenmaker, an author and contributor to USA Today, and Kevin Palau, who runs the Luis Palau Association founded by his evangelist father and is a big force behind the Season of Service that puts church volunteers to work on public service projects.

Pfc. Lori

-- Has the Army relaxed its recruiting standards? Not exactly. When Jordan came down to visit last weekend, we saw the gear he carries in his car -- helmet, vest, gas mask, boots. Lori slipped on the helmet to see how much it weighed (a lot!) and I snapped a quick photo. Next thing you know, she'll be heading over to the Recruiting Office to enlist.

Illustration by Kevin Kreneck, Tribune Media Services