Trenton inauguration almost had to sub in a digital bible
A misplaced Bible led almost to the Word of God being replaced by an IPhone application last Friday during a swearing-in of city government officials.
God apparently showed up in prayer but his book, the Bible, needed for ceremonial hand pledges for Mayor Reed Gusciora and seven City Council members, arrived a tad late.
As officials waited for a Bible to appear inside the Trenton War Memorial, a quick-thinking attendee suggested using his Bible app. Can you imagine the Bible being replaced by an iPhone? That’s right, just put your left hand on this
IPhone 14 Pro Max, raise your right hand and repeat after me.
‘I, (fill in the blank) do solemnly swear, yada, yada, yada…….So help me, Apple.’
OMG, hard to believe this ginormous moment occurred without me being there to witness an attempt to exile God, or, at least his word, with a 5g device.
The ‘Bible’ aptly receives high praise as the Internet’s most popular App. An online review notes the app lets you customize your reading experience, adding themes or images to your favorite verses. It also lets you explore the Bible with your closest friends: share honest conversations about Scripture with a community of people you know and trust.
Just when the inauguration script seemed headed for infamy, an angel of the Lord said, “Hark, someone has a Bible in their possession.”
Divine intervention had saved the Inauguration of 2023. Somebody say hallelujah. Hallelujah. Amen. ************
South Ward Councilwoman Jenna FigueroaKettenberg continues to attract flashpoints of derision. The first-term representative identified herself and At-large Councilwoman Yazminelly Gonzalez as the city’s first Latina members on Council.
Except Figueroa-Kettenberg remains under scrutiny for adding Figueroa to her name, allegedly to connect with a significant Latino population in the South Ward. Plus,
Figueroa-Kettenberg receives significant support from the Latino Merchant Association.
So, Figueroa-Kettenberg, who did not employ the hyphenated Latina part of her name during an unsuccessful run against incumbent George Muschal four years ago, did connect the name in a November race against Damian Malave. FigueroaKettenberg won in court after the Malave camp attempted to have Kettenberg remove “Figueroa” from her name. Next, she won the South Ward election.
Reliable sources said several people moaned when Figueroa-Kettenberg attempted to connect with Gonzalez while others continue to reference the councilwoman as a “fake Latina”. Anyway, the ridicule appeared overwhelming for Figueroa-Kettenberg as witnesses claimed she showed teary eyes after Gonzalez spoke.
Gonzalez claimed the top prize as the first Latina/Puerto Rican on City Council belongs to her. The offspring of former community activist Juan Martinez delivered a bilingual message that she would not allow anyone to overshadow her historical moment.
Things moved toward feisty as Figueroa-Kettenberg loyalists had small words with several detractors. Nothing serious, just that they felt the reaction and other words were inappropriate.
Complete agreement here as the behaviors appeared in the wrong setting. While Washington, D.C. politics cultivate similar activity, Trenton must not head down that road of acrimony. Sure, Figueroa-Kettenberg’s name change appears duplicitous but it’s time to move on.
Hold up. What’s that? The Malave camp may head back to court in another last-ditch attempt to knock off Figueroa-Kettenberg? And Algernon Ward makes a court appearance to determine the fate of three uncounted votes that could oust North Ward Councilwoman Jennifer Williams.
Oh, God no. Let us pray that this election ends soon.