Fucking Comcast

Here's a great big "Fuck You!" to Comcast, the nation's second-largest provider of internet service. They won't let me link to it, but this video, entitled: "Witches Sweep DC Clean for Obama," is the top one in their "News of the Weird" right now. "News of the Weird" shows up when you open your internet browser if you use Comcast. Other videos in today's "News of the Weird" include: "Wife Sues for Lack of Sex" and "Fisherman Lost at Sea for Month in Icebox."

Of course, what the video shows is a religious ritual and magic working conducted by three rather-well-known and respected local Pagans. There's absolutely nothing "weird" about it. Here, for example, is the lovely prayer offered by my friend Angela, who priestesses a Pagan group in DC:

I open my heart to the heart of the Universe and
call upon the power of the sacred living Waters
to be with us.

I call to the tears of the Goddess to wash through us
To cleanse and heal our nation’s wounds
To wash away all that stands in our way
All that keeps us from reaching out and fully connecting with each other.

I call to the spirits of the rivers that flow through this land
to bring abundance and joyful life
to all beings who live here, work here, and play here.
to keep the heart of our nation
flowing strong and clean and free.

I ask the spirits of the rain that nourishes our land
to bring compassionate awareness and action
to the heart of our nation.
Help our leaders to actually care about those they lead
Help each of us here at this ritual, attending the inauguration, or watching it on TV
to open our hearts more fully
to embody the sacredness, and love, and healing that
we all so desperately need.

I call on the power of the sacred living Waters
to be with us here and now in this sacred circle,
in this sacred city, for this sacred event.

Blessed be.

Comcast, exactly what is it about that blessing that you find "weird"? What does that have in common with a wife suing for lack of sex?

Another blessing offered at the "weird" religious ceremony welcomed President Obama to Washington, D.C.:

I love Washington, DC. These are not words you hear very often. There are bumper stickers that say, I “heart” New York, but not DC. I love Washington, DC. This is a beautiful city. She is green and vibrant. She sings the subtle harmonies of jazz and the exuberant tones of go-go. She is Ben’s Chili bowl and Michel Richard’s Citronelle. She may never be trendy, but she is beautiful. She has been my home for the past 12 years, and is now the home of the Obama family. But, those of us who live in this city are often very aware that the world is focused on us, and usually not with thoughts of love and praise. This is why today I ask you to join me in blessing the spirit of our city, the nation’s city, Washington, DC.

Shaddai is a name my tradition uses when calling on the nurturing, creatix energy of the Divine. Shaddai is usually translated as God of the Mountains, but it is clearly related to “shaddayim,” the Hebrew word for breasts. It is a mother name. It is a name we use to tap into the most primal connection between mother and child. Shaddai can be nurturer or destroyer. Today I ask for the blessing of Shaddai on this city and those who live here.

May the Eternal bless you and keep you a vibrant and open city.

May the Eternal shine the Divine faces on you and show you grace that you may be a loving home for our new president and his family.

May the Eternal shine the Divine faces on you, and grant you wholeness and peace that you may support the work of tikkun hanefesh, repairing of the soul, that our country so badly needs.

President Obama, welcome to Washington. May this city embrace and support you and your family on this journey. Blessed Be and Amen.

Maybe Comcast's happy to be on record as calling it "weird" for someone with a Hebrew name to welcome the Obama family to DC?

It's safe to say that there is not one other religious group that Comcast would even consider treating this way. I don't care how small, how fringey, how different, no other religious group's prayer service or festival for the new administration would be listed under "News of the Weird." You could have a fundie minister lathering himself up into an eye-rolling, arm waving frenzy, you could have people from Appalachia handling snakes, you could have Native Americans burning sage, you could have Hindus burning demonesses and throwing colored water and powder at each other, you could have Quakers sitting in silence and quaking. No way Comcast would label a story about that "News of the Weird."

Comcast's CEO is Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Comcast Corporation. Comcast is located at 1 Comcast Center, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Their phone numbers are: 215-286-1700 and Toll Free: 800-266-2278.