Klaus Smedegaard Bjerre (Imperialbari)

[WakinAZ]

He's such a rascal sometimes.

Takes one to know one.

If I had the guts, there would be a picture of food or beverage here.

[windshieldbug]

I, for one, am glad to hear that there is nothing untoward, and it is just a pause! And I am neither in the loop or out of the loop, and since the Pope (Sir, to us Americans) has banned Limbo, I guess I'm not.

[Steve Inman]

The only "Holy Father" or "Your Holiness" I know of (Biblically speaking) is God. That's where the train stops. Everyone else can get off. "Sir" is quite appropriate if you understand God's word and instruction. The Pope is human like the rest of us, and he is born into sin like the rest of us. The only human that can claim "holiness" is Christ himself. Of course, if people don't believe, they can say whatever they want. That's your right in our wonderful country.

I don't think our President BLUNDERED this one, as the media frequently accuses. "Sir" was on purpose. The Pope is just a man, not God. Despite apparent bumbling sometimes, even the Prez understands that NO man can be called the "Holy Father" or "Your Holiness", despite what is customary or expected. Now, if he had said, "Howdy, Mr. Pope," or "How's the old Pontiff today?" or "Nice robe," I would have laughed my *** off.

Doc (wondering when DK will enter)

Amen. (He says, with no DISrespect intended to the Pope, but quite agreeing with Doc's understanding, and probably risking getting this thread quickly moved to "off topic" ... or worse -- TubeNet Limbo!)

[Alex F]

I hope Klaus is doing well and also hope that he will grace us with some of his knowledge and wisdom.

As to the tack this thread has taken in the last few posts, the term "Your Holiness" is an honorific and really has nothing to do with one's personal belief regarding the Pope's holiness or lack thereof. Under long recognized customs and protcols of diplomatic communication, the address "Your Holiness" is used with regard to the head of the Roman Catholic Church, the Dalai Lama, the Patriarch of Constantinople (actually "Your All Holiness"), certain other high ranking monks of Buddhist tradtions, and others. Unlike the others, the Pope is also a head of state (Vatican City) and this is the form of address for persons holding that position. If the President can't figure that out, he has protocol officers with him that should spell it out for him - or at least draw a picture.

As a private citizen, you can call the Pope what you want. When you are the head of state, failing to follow protocol will be regarded as a blunder.

[Steve Inman]

Well said, Alex (good clarification) and Rob (good observation).

If the President chose his words accidentally, then shame on him and his handlers. If he chose his words intentionally, based on HIS theological position, then "good for him" (personally) and "bad for U.S." (politically).

It shows the true nature of the political arena -- it can be difficult to take a principled stand, because there is always a pressure to compromise for some reason -- protocol, the next bill you'll need support for, the press will accuse you of being an idiot, etc. Difficult to do, but not impossible.

Back on topic -- I, too, hope Klaus is doing well in Denmark!

Cheers,

[tubarepair]

Catholics are Christians? I was always amazed as a Catholic youth when people would question wheter I as a Catholic was a Christian or not. A guess the Crucifix didn't explain it well enough.

Now, I am merely a "Submarine Catholic" - surfacing only at Christmas and Easter (for paying gigs of course).

I too miss Klaus and his Euro-centric views of music and brass instruments.

Daryl

[MartyNeilan]

' anyone need any holy water...??

Did you say holy war?

[windshieldbug]

[Rick Denney]

Klaus is fine, more or less.

Next time you correspond with him, send him my best wishes.

Rick "who sent another Dane to him for advice just a few days ago" Denney