There has been quite a bit of discussion lately regarding the topic of gun ownership and legality. Both sides of the aisle have been trying to make their voice heard, and are using current events to support their cause.
As for me, my dad was a cop for 23+ years, so I grew up around guns. He wasn't a nut about them or anything though - he mainly had his service revolver and one or two others, that I was aware of anyway. They were a familiar sight to me, not only because he wore one when coming and going to work, but also because he usually wore a concealed weapon anytime we left the house. I also watched him clean them once in a while, after he used them for practicing at the range.
So guns have never been a big deal to me. My dad sternly taught me to respect them, but also to accept them. When I was old enough and physically able to operate his service weapon (at the time it was a Smith and Wesson .38 revolver), he unloaded it, let me hold it, then showed me how to operate it. After that I will never forget what he told me "You are never to fucking touch my guns on your own. Never." "However, if you do ever want to look at them or touch them, then you just tell me and I'll pull them out for you." Problem solved. Even as curious as I was about most things, once I knew that I could access them whenever I wanted to (under his supervision), I never really felt much of a need to.
Now my dad is gone and I'm an adult with kids of my own. I ended up inheriting a few of his weapons when he passed away, but have never purchased any of my own (although I've thought about it). I don't have a permit to carry one, and I don't see a great need to either. As with purchasing one though, I have given it serious consideration.
All of the recent discussions have caused me to ponder the perspective of both sides of the political spectrum. Why don't liberals feel a need to protect themselves at all? Why don't I feel the need to take that next step to purchase another one and/or carry it on me? What would the world look like if gun purchases were banned altogether? Didn't most men carry them once upon a time, in the days of the wild wild West? How did we move away from that? Can the same principals that moved us away from that be applied to today's society, and if so then to what effect? And on, and on...
The more thought I gave it, the more I thought that maybe I could sufficiently summarize the main differences between people who support using guns and those who support banning them. This is what I believe to be each of their perspective (told from a first person narrative):
Gun rights advocates believe in preparation and prevention:
Even if I never run into a person who will threaten my life and/or my family, I absolutely do not want to be a victim, and I believe that if the situation arose that I would need to protect myself or my family, then carrying or owning a gun will help tremendously to do so.
I don't necessarily dislike or distrust the government, but I want to rely on them as little as possible. The more self sufficient that I'm able to be, the better. As such, I want to be able to protect myself (not depend on the police to be there when I need them), provide for myself (be able to kill food, if necessary), and prevent those in power from over extending their boundaries into my own rights and privacy. No, I don't expect to ever need to use my guns against the government, but the mere fact that so many law abiding citizens own them helps to prevent the authorities from ever considering over-extending or abusing their power.
I don't know when or if the civilized world is coming to an end. It might be next week, or the next decade, or in the next generation. But I want to be ready for it, when or if it ever comes.
In short, I will do my best to prevent myself from ever being caught unprepared, or with my pants down, so to speak.
Gun control advocates prefer relegation and passivity:
First of all, I've never owned or used a gun, so frankly they freak me out and/or scare the crap out of me. Sure, I've seen them used in movies, but I don't want to further promote or explore this dark sides of humanity.
I don't really think that anyone will ever threaten me such that I would need a weapon.either. Or, if such a threatening situation were to arise then I would rather run, submit, or surrender (myself, my money, whatever they ask) than to fight back and risk getting hurt. I think these options (running, submitting, or surrendering) will always prove to be sufficient enough methods that I can use them to avoid any harm to myself or my family. I would rather risk the odds of being attacked (which seem infinitely slim), than risk having an accident with firearms, especially if my children were involved.
The world already has too much violence, and by learning to defend myself I am only increasing the level of violence that exists and also increasing the likelihood that I would have to use it. Speaking of using it, whenever a firearm is used, whether for attacking or defending, someone is likely to get killed. If I choose instead to just give them (whoever) what they want, then everyone lives and we're all better off that way.
Yes, I mostly trust law abiding citizens to own guns, but I trust the government much more. In fact, those employed by the government are must more likely to make the right decisions with guns, because (a) they make the laws regarding them and (b) they are much more highly trained on how or when to use them (weapons).
Our society is stable enough and its people civilized enough to survive any doomsday scenario that we will realistically encounter (seriously, zombies?). Preparing for society's collapse is therefore a waste of time and money, and those who do so look like paranoid rednecks.
My current position , practices, and ponderings:
I doubt I will ever realistically run into a person who will threaten my life and/or my family. In fact, I'm certain that the odds are highly in my favor. But I don't want to ever be a victim either, and I believe that if the situation arose that I would need to protect myself or my family, then carrying or owning a gun will tremendously help to do so. That being the case, why don't I carry though, so that I can be prepared enough just in case the situation ever arises? The only answers I have is that (a) it takes a considerable amount of effort and cost, (b) even though I observed this practice with my dad, it's still completely unfamiliar to me, and (c) can't imagine it's comfortable to carry (heavy, bulky), and the places to hide them (ankle, shoulder) seem completely unrealistic when doing anything except wearing a full suit and standing completely still.
I don't think that our government will ever actually try to increase its power to the extent that they would restrict our rights enough to warrant a possible uprising. And accordingly, I don't think the American people will ever need to utilize our weapons to rise up against it. But is it really a bad thing to be in such a position that we (citizens) could do so? In other words, just because we trust the government to usually do the right thing doesn't mean that we always will, or that it always will either. So why not be prepared accordingly? Doesn't having an armed citizen militia help prevent the government from considering expanding its power beyond what it should?
I'm not a doomsday prepper. I don't have a stock pile of anything. Not food, not water, not a bunker, and not ammunition either (just a little left over from my dad). I honestly don't believe that these preparations would ever be utilized or necessary. But I can't help to sometimes feel a little short sighted when I hear, read, or talk to someone who is prepared for whatever the future may hold. While it may seem a bit odd and paranoid, is it ever a bad thing to be overly prepared?
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
Gun Control Laws in the Face of Tragedy
I know incidents like today's in Connecticut seem to make it clear that we need to reduce or eliminate the ability to purchase guns, that we "need better gun control laws". I understand why people would think that, and I wish it would work too. But unfortunately I don't think it will, and here is a well written article that explains why better than I can:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2012/12/14/connecticut-school-shooting-gun-control/1770345/
http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2012/12/14/connecticut-school-shooting-gun-control/1770345/
Saturday, December 08, 2012
Employment Entitlements
This is from a response I made to a friend's brother on Facebook, but I thought it might be worth saving, so I copied it here (with minor changes).
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Here is the problem with today's employment and income expectations for people like those striking at Wal-Mart or at Hostess (who caused the company to close their business). Somehow it has been determined in their mind that any company that chooses to hire them should be required to pay every single one of its employees sufficient income to provide for a family. Oh, and the working conditions must be on their own terms, not the employers.
But since the beginning of time, people have had to work to get to the point where they can provide for their family. They have either had to learn a skill or a trade (such as a blacksmith, or a woodworker), get an education (a scribe or an architect), or perform manual labor (a farmer or a general laborer). Another option would be that they pursue a career that has high risk, such as a sheriff, soldier, knight, etc. Or, they can take a different kind of risk by starting their own business, in which case they have to invest a lot of money and often sacrifice most of their life (excessively long work days) for many months or years to make their business aspirations come to fruition. It has been this way for generations upon generations, probably as long as organized civilizations (cities, towns, etc) existed.
But now, all of a sudden, people are seeking employment anywhere they can find it without bothering to pursue anything that would make them employable or desirable in the free market exchange. Then, once in that job (one that any high schooler or even a drop out can perform), they complain about their employer, their income, their benefits, and anything else they can think of to whine about. And they insist that they should be able to make a living in this occupation, that they should be able to "support their families".
If you are in a position that requires none of the previously mentioned qualifications though (trade skill, education, labor, bravado/risk, or financial risk/sacrifice), then you have no business requesting ANYTHING from your employer, except perhaps receiving the agreed upon wages when you were hired and safety from harm. Your only focus should be to (a) work hard, and (b) be thankful for the job you have while or until you can pursue something that makes you valuable enough to be more competitive in the free market economy that we live in.
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Here is the problem with today's employment and income expectations for people like those striking at Wal-Mart or at Hostess (who caused the company to close their business). Somehow it has been determined in their mind that any company that chooses to hire them should be required to pay every single one of its employees sufficient income to provide for a family. Oh, and the working conditions must be on their own terms, not the employers.
But since the beginning of time, people have had to work to get to the point where they can provide for their family. They have either had to learn a skill or a trade (such as a blacksmith, or a woodworker), get an education (a scribe or an architect), or perform manual labor (a farmer or a general laborer). Another option would be that they pursue a career that has high risk, such as a sheriff, soldier, knight, etc. Or, they can take a different kind of risk by starting their own business, in which case they have to invest a lot of money and often sacrifice most of their life (excessively long work days) for many months or years to make their business aspirations come to fruition. It has been this way for generations upon generations, probably as long as organized civilizations (cities, towns, etc) existed.
But now, all of a sudden, people are seeking employment anywhere they can find it without bothering to pursue anything that would make them employable or desirable in the free market exchange. Then, once in that job (one that any high schooler or even a drop out can perform), they complain about their employer, their income, their benefits, and anything else they can think of to whine about. And they insist that they should be able to make a living in this occupation, that they should be able to "support their families".
If you are in a position that requires none of the previously mentioned qualifications though (trade skill, education, labor, bravado/risk, or financial risk/sacrifice), then you have no business requesting ANYTHING from your employer, except perhaps receiving the agreed upon wages when you were hired and safety from harm. Your only focus should be to (a) work hard, and (b) be thankful for the job you have while or until you can pursue something that makes you valuable enough to be more competitive in the free market economy that we live in.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Why I Didn't Vote Today
Amanda and I have voted in probably 9 out of 10 elections. Usually, we sit down with the mailed out information booklets, read through all of the proposition and candidates, and decide what/who we want to vote for. Most of the time our decisions are identical, but not always.
Leading up to this year's primary elections though, we have been up to our ears getting ready for Vacation Bible School (VBS) at our church. Amanda is in charge of the drama portion of it, and besides helping her as much as possible in the preparation, I have also volunteered to be the actor/character for 2 of the 5 nights.
Because of VBS, I am going to bed later (11:30+), and therefore getting up later, which leads to me getting to work later. Then on top of that I have to leave work early so I can be home by 4:30pm. So my work hours are going to be significantly short this week. Not only that, but we haven't had time to read through the informative material that we received in the mail.
Ok, now that the whine-fest is over, my co-worker pointed out that I can just swing by the voting station on the way home from work. While this is true, there is still one more reason why I refuse to just stop in and check those decision boxes.
I am completely opposed to people voting when uninformed. I don't care if you're a communist liberal or a nazi conservative, as long as you know what the hell you're voting for when you check those boxes, then more power to you. But it is my belief that many (most?) people go to the polls and just go straight down along party lines. Or at best they may carry a suggestion card with them from some organization and just follow their guidelines to the tee.
Admittedly, in the past I have been one of them. In 1993, at the age of 22 (yes, I am getting old), I voted for Bill Clinton because I thought he seemed cool. That's right, for no other reason but that.
In my opinion, there should be a screening process of some sort (a mail-in questionnaire?) which demonstrates that each person has an actual reason why they are making their voting decisions. And only then would they be allowed to make their choices count.
All of that to say that I didn't vote today because a) lack of time, and b) to do so would be in violation of my own principal of informed voting.
Leading up to this year's primary elections though, we have been up to our ears getting ready for Vacation Bible School (VBS) at our church. Amanda is in charge of the drama portion of it, and besides helping her as much as possible in the preparation, I have also volunteered to be the actor/character for 2 of the 5 nights.
Because of VBS, I am going to bed later (11:30+), and therefore getting up later, which leads to me getting to work later. Then on top of that I have to leave work early so I can be home by 4:30pm. So my work hours are going to be significantly short this week. Not only that, but we haven't had time to read through the informative material that we received in the mail.
Ok, now that the whine-fest is over, my co-worker pointed out that I can just swing by the voting station on the way home from work. While this is true, there is still one more reason why I refuse to just stop in and check those decision boxes.
I am completely opposed to people voting when uninformed. I don't care if you're a communist liberal or a nazi conservative, as long as you know what the hell you're voting for when you check those boxes, then more power to you. But it is my belief that many (most?) people go to the polls and just go straight down along party lines. Or at best they may carry a suggestion card with them from some organization and just follow their guidelines to the tee.
Admittedly, in the past I have been one of them. In 1993, at the age of 22 (yes, I am getting old), I voted for Bill Clinton because I thought he seemed cool. That's right, for no other reason but that.
In my opinion, there should be a screening process of some sort (a mail-in questionnaire?) which demonstrates that each person has an actual reason why they are making their voting decisions. And only then would they be allowed to make their choices count.
All of that to say that I didn't vote today because a) lack of time, and b) to do so would be in violation of my own principal of informed voting.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Diminished Sympathy
While my political opinions are generally conservative, I fall somewhat close to the middle ground regarding my stance on numerous issues, including illegal aliens.
I can see the human sympathy side of them wanting to support their families. I also know they work hard at the mostly labor-intensive jobs that they fill, and in doing so are contributing to the economy by lowering the costs of the goods and services of the companies that they work for.
However, since my political views tend to lean in the conservative direction, I can certainly see the arguments against illegal aliens as being valid too (increased crime, use of taxpayer's resources, failure to integrate into our culture, etc).
I learned something new and interesting about the issue today though. Did you know that there is a fairly quick way for all immigrants, illegal included, to gain citizenship to the United States through service in the military?
I must admit that this diminishes the sympathy side of my opinion by a substantial amount.
I can see the human sympathy side of them wanting to support their families. I also know they work hard at the mostly labor-intensive jobs that they fill, and in doing so are contributing to the economy by lowering the costs of the goods and services of the companies that they work for.
However, since my political views tend to lean in the conservative direction, I can certainly see the arguments against illegal aliens as being valid too (increased crime, use of taxpayer's resources, failure to integrate into our culture, etc).
I learned something new and interesting about the issue today though. Did you know that there is a fairly quick way for all immigrants, illegal included, to gain citizenship to the United States through service in the military?
I must admit that this diminishes the sympathy side of my opinion by a substantial amount.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Observations of Political Attitudes
One thing I've observed about liberals is that they are generally a bitter lot. In fact, I think the more liberal an individual is, the more bitter they are about life, politics, their circumstances, just about everything.
Liberals are also generally blame shifters - they are usually the last ones to blame when something goes wrong in their life. As for me, I am usually the most critical of myself, and when things go wrong I get frustrated with my own actions that were taken to encourage the situation, or not taken to prevent it. Only after scrutinizing my own decisions will I look elsewhere for blame.
Another thing I've observed about liberals is that they generally think they are owed something - from their company, their family, their friends, and (since we're talking about politics) especially from the government. Maybe this is the cause of the bitterness, or maybe they feel they are owed something as a result of the source of their bitterness (you owe me because you let me down, etc). Either way, they probably go hand in hand.
As for me, I have high expectations for no one but myself. I only expect my employer to fulfill their promises of what was in the paperwork that I signed for employment - namely a paycheck, whatever benefits they agreed to, and hopefully a fair review for my performance every year. Anything else they choose to provide (bonuses, Christmas parties, lunch, etc) is above and beyond that, and I am thankful for whatever that may be.
I also expect my government only to provide me with just a few basics necessities - freedom (to speak my mind, move about at will, pursue my dreams, etc) and an orderly society, such as protection from other individuals looking to take my life, liberty, or property. Anything above or beyond that I expect to have to provide for myself.
The big question for me is this: Is there a right and a wrong here, or is it just differences of opinions? I don't know for sure, but I can tell you this - having lower expectations of others and conversely higher levels of gratitude generally promotes a much better attitude.
Liberals are also generally blame shifters - they are usually the last ones to blame when something goes wrong in their life. As for me, I am usually the most critical of myself, and when things go wrong I get frustrated with my own actions that were taken to encourage the situation, or not taken to prevent it. Only after scrutinizing my own decisions will I look elsewhere for blame.
Another thing I've observed about liberals is that they generally think they are owed something - from their company, their family, their friends, and (since we're talking about politics) especially from the government. Maybe this is the cause of the bitterness, or maybe they feel they are owed something as a result of the source of their bitterness (you owe me because you let me down, etc). Either way, they probably go hand in hand.
As for me, I have high expectations for no one but myself. I only expect my employer to fulfill their promises of what was in the paperwork that I signed for employment - namely a paycheck, whatever benefits they agreed to, and hopefully a fair review for my performance every year. Anything else they choose to provide (bonuses, Christmas parties, lunch, etc) is above and beyond that, and I am thankful for whatever that may be.
I also expect my government only to provide me with just a few basics necessities - freedom (to speak my mind, move about at will, pursue my dreams, etc) and an orderly society, such as protection from other individuals looking to take my life, liberty, or property. Anything above or beyond that I expect to have to provide for myself.
The big question for me is this: Is there a right and a wrong here, or is it just differences of opinions? I don't know for sure, but I can tell you this - having lower expectations of others and conversely higher levels of gratitude generally promotes a much better attitude.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Lucious Links
I recently finished reading two more books, and the reviews for them are on my web page at:
http://www.thelomonacofamily.com/thoughts/reviews_books.html
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A 30 minute video from my co-worker Heath, about the current financial crisis of the U.S:
http://www.iousathemovie.com
No matter where you stand politically,
EVERYONE IN AMERICA REALLY NEEDS TO SEE THIS!
==============================================
The link below is to a chilling true story, as told by the man who experienced it. http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2008/11/10/657854/bloodyelbow-com-exclusive
Reading his account is more powerful to me than listening to the 911 call, but the two parts tell the whole story well. Since I have a boy about the same age as his, reading about his son's reaction to the incident got me teary eyed.
It's definitely inspirational to improve on my home's security and on my personal self-defense.
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Amanda and I went to see this movie on Saturday.
While it had a few cheesy moments, I thought it was excellent overall.
http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/
http://www.thelomonacofamily.com/thoughts/reviews_books.html
==============================================
A 30 minute video from my co-worker Heath, about the current financial crisis of the U.S:
http://www.iousathemovie.com
No matter where you stand politically,
EVERYONE IN AMERICA REALLY NEEDS TO SEE THIS!
==============================================
The link below is to a chilling true story, as told by the man who experienced it. http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2008/11/10/657854/bloodyelbow-com-exclusive
Reading his account is more powerful to me than listening to the 911 call, but the two parts tell the whole story well. Since I have a boy about the same age as his, reading about his son's reaction to the incident got me teary eyed.
It's definitely inspirational to improve on my home's security and on my personal self-defense.
==============================================
Amanda and I went to see this movie on Saturday.
While it had a few cheesy moments, I thought it was excellent overall.
http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Voting With Your Spirit
Ok, I admit that the title is bit of a gimmick to get you to read this. However, it's not completely irrelevant either.
I was praying and thinking about the election on the way to work today, and I noticed people on several street corners holding up signs both for and against Proposition 8 (about gay marriage). I smiled and realized that while it can sometimes seem like a curse, we really are blessed to be so inundated with influence and attempted persuasion during the election seasons. We can do almost whatever we want to express and promote our political preferences and opinions - stand on street corners, send promotions in the mail, post internet content (blogs, web sites, videos, etc), have news and opinion shows on radio and TV, newspapers - you name it. Praise God - we have freedom!
Then I was praying for God's will to be done, for His hand and blessings to be upon this nation. And I realized that maybe the best results that could occur aren't really what is best for the American people, or even for the nation as a whole - but the best case scenario regarding the party and people that would be elected for our country would be the ones that are best for God's kingdom.
By that I mean that we should be hoping and praying for the people, influence, and laws to occur that would best promote the cause of Christ. The circumstances that would help the most people seek to know Jesus and/or for existing Christians to grow stronger in their faith.
I've heard it asked whether Constantine might have been the worst thing to happen to Christianity, because he helped to legitimize it, to legalize it. He removed the oppression from the cause that was growing like wildfire at the time. Of course, whether it was good or bad is only speculative, but we as fragile and limited people never really know what's best for God's purpose - only He does. What could on the surface seem beneficial could really be stifling, or vice versa.
So even though the laws and people that come to power this election may or may not reflect our political views or preferences, our ultimate hope is that through their words and actions more people would somehow be saved. And I believe that should be our prayer.
But feel free to stand on street corners and yell at the top of your lungs in the mean time.
I was praying and thinking about the election on the way to work today, and I noticed people on several street corners holding up signs both for and against Proposition 8 (about gay marriage). I smiled and realized that while it can sometimes seem like a curse, we really are blessed to be so inundated with influence and attempted persuasion during the election seasons. We can do almost whatever we want to express and promote our political preferences and opinions - stand on street corners, send promotions in the mail, post internet content (blogs, web sites, videos, etc), have news and opinion shows on radio and TV, newspapers - you name it. Praise God - we have freedom!
Then I was praying for God's will to be done, for His hand and blessings to be upon this nation. And I realized that maybe the best results that could occur aren't really what is best for the American people, or even for the nation as a whole - but the best case scenario regarding the party and people that would be elected for our country would be the ones that are best for God's kingdom.
By that I mean that we should be hoping and praying for the people, influence, and laws to occur that would best promote the cause of Christ. The circumstances that would help the most people seek to know Jesus and/or for existing Christians to grow stronger in their faith.
I've heard it asked whether Constantine might have been the worst thing to happen to Christianity, because he helped to legitimize it, to legalize it. He removed the oppression from the cause that was growing like wildfire at the time. Of course, whether it was good or bad is only speculative, but we as fragile and limited people never really know what's best for God's purpose - only He does. What could on the surface seem beneficial could really be stifling, or vice versa.
So even though the laws and people that come to power this election may or may not reflect our political views or preferences, our ultimate hope is that through their words and actions more people would somehow be saved. And I believe that should be our prayer.
But feel free to stand on street corners and yell at the top of your lungs in the mean time.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Voting, Web Page, Supercar
Amanda and I have officially voted, via absentee ballot.
==================================
Last week I finally posted a picture update to our family web page and posted the link in my previous blog. Unfortunately our domain name registration expired at about the same time. So if anyone tried to look at the pictures before but the web site was down, I have re-registered it and the link should work now.
==================================
I was surfing through the videos on Jay Leno's Garage tonight, when I came across his review of the SSC Ultimate Aero. While I was familiar with the car before, and I knew it was the world record top speed holder, I didn't know that it was made in America, and I didn't realize how awesome it looked and sounded until watching this video.
It has now officially surpassed the Pagani Zonda, Koenigsegg CCX, Bugati Veyron, and maybe even the mighty McClaren F1 as my favorite car.
For more information on this incredible vehicle, check out the links below.
http://www.shelbysupercars.com/
http://www.supercars.net/cars/3621.html
==================================
Last week I finally posted a picture update to our family web page and posted the link in my previous blog. Unfortunately our domain name registration expired at about the same time. So if anyone tried to look at the pictures before but the web site was down, I have re-registered it and the link should work now.
==================================
I was surfing through the videos on Jay Leno's Garage tonight, when I came across his review of the SSC Ultimate Aero. While I was familiar with the car before, and I knew it was the world record top speed holder, I didn't know that it was made in America, and I didn't realize how awesome it looked and sounded until watching this video.
It has now officially surpassed the Pagani Zonda, Koenigsegg CCX, Bugati Veyron, and maybe even the mighty McClaren F1 as my favorite car.
For more information on this incredible vehicle, check out the links below.
http://www.shelbysupercars.com/
http://www.supercars.net/cars/3621.html
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Routine Random Ramblings
I finally have some new pictures from several recent events posted on our family web page. You can check them out here: http://www.thelomonacofamily.com/pictures.html, under the "2008 Events" column.
I've been listening to a great series about spiritual warfare after another blogger recommended it. It's from a church in Seattle called Mars Hill, and it is some crazy stuff. Maybe it won't surprise you and maybe it will. Heck, maybe you won't believe the stories, but I for one do. http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/spiritual-warfare. Highly recommend.
This is an interesting commentary from Pat Buchanan about the media's double standard for politics: http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=78921
I used to go daily to a website called Parents Behaving Badly. The stories are often horrific and it's not uncommon for me to get both angry and a little watery eyed when reading them. But besides depressing myself, I make it a point to pray for the people in each of the stories. Since they haven't had an update since June though, I started to go to Bad Breeders instead. Unfortunately, there has been no shortage of stories there lately. If you're a Christian reading this blog, I encourage you to check it out if you can stomach it (no gore, just sorrow), and pray for people (both the kids and the parents) in the stories.
Adam Sandler's new movie "You Don't Mess With the Zohan" was pretty funny, even if it did almost completely revolve around sex with old ladies and had entirely too much screen time of his naked arse.
I've been listening to a great series about spiritual warfare after another blogger recommended it. It's from a church in Seattle called Mars Hill, and it is some crazy stuff. Maybe it won't surprise you and maybe it will. Heck, maybe you won't believe the stories, but I for one do. http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/spiritual-warfare. Highly recommend.
This is an interesting commentary from Pat Buchanan about the media's double standard for politics: http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=78921
I used to go daily to a website called Parents Behaving Badly. The stories are often horrific and it's not uncommon for me to get both angry and a little watery eyed when reading them. But besides depressing myself, I make it a point to pray for the people in each of the stories. Since they haven't had an update since June though, I started to go to Bad Breeders instead. Unfortunately, there has been no shortage of stories there lately. If you're a Christian reading this blog, I encourage you to check it out if you can stomach it (no gore, just sorrow), and pray for people (both the kids and the parents) in the stories.
Adam Sandler's new movie "You Don't Mess With the Zohan" was pretty funny, even if it did almost completely revolve around sex with old ladies and had entirely too much screen time of his naked arse.
Monday, October 20, 2008
My Thoughts About CA's Prop 8 (the marriage amendment)
I have been in favor of Proposition 8 from the beginning, but admittedly not passionate about it at all. I think Hollywood and society's mockery of marriage does more to damage our family structure and to the institution of marriage than homosexuals do. And the Libertarian in me thinks that if two consenting adults want to get together then that's their business, even if it isn't a preference of mine.
But I also know that clearly God doesn't like homosexual relationships period, and encouraging them is definitely not what I want either. My friend Nathan sent me a link to a YouTube video that helped solidify and encourage my opinion on the matter though. You can check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zbpDe_QhS0&feature=related
The video is pretty simple, straightforward, and explanatory. It demonstrated how legalizing gay marriages can potentially affect my life and my kids' by showing some of the cases that are occurring in Massachusetts as a result of legalizing gay marriage there.
At first I thought that since California is a predominantly liberal state, failure for the proposition is more or less a predetermined outcome. But my friend Tyler reminded me that the voters did pass Proposition 22 in 2000 (by 61%, but the CA Supreme Court decided it was unconstitutional).
Since California is such a large and somewhat influential state, if this passes then it can make a big difference not only for our state, but also possibly nationwide. So I'm enthusiastically voting yes for proposition 8.
But I also know that clearly God doesn't like homosexual relationships period, and encouraging them is definitely not what I want either. My friend Nathan sent me a link to a YouTube video that helped solidify and encourage my opinion on the matter though. You can check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zbpDe_QhS0&feature=related
The video is pretty simple, straightforward, and explanatory. It demonstrated how legalizing gay marriages can potentially affect my life and my kids' by showing some of the cases that are occurring in Massachusetts as a result of legalizing gay marriage there.
At first I thought that since California is a predominantly liberal state, failure for the proposition is more or less a predetermined outcome. But my friend Tyler reminded me that the voters did pass Proposition 22 in 2000 (by 61%, but the CA Supreme Court decided it was unconstitutional).
Since California is such a large and somewhat influential state, if this passes then it can make a big difference not only for our state, but also possibly nationwide. So I'm enthusiastically voting yes for proposition 8.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Pieces of Politics
I have talked to several people of the liberal political persuasion who have criticized Sarah Palin's lack of international experience, as well as questioning whether being the Governor of a state with such a low population makes her qualified to be the Vice President of our nation.
To this I have come up with the following question - Before he became president, wasn't Bill Clinton the Governor of Arkansas? And isn't he arguably the most loved Democrat President of this generation?
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This is a pretty interesting and informative video:
http://www.youtube.com/themouthpeace
To this I have come up with the following question - Before he became president, wasn't Bill Clinton the Governor of Arkansas? And isn't he arguably the most loved Democrat President of this generation?
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This is a pretty interesting and informative video:
http://www.youtube.com/themouthpeace
Monday, September 29, 2008
DON'T PANIC!
I have been hearing many people expressing their concern over the economy lately. Since the bailout bill didn't pass and the markets plunged through the floor, rumors are abounding about another Great Depression looming, and some people have even decided to withdraw some of their money from the bank.
I can certainly understand people's concern about the current state of affairs, however - WTF IS THAT GOING TO ACCOMPLISH!? ISN'T THAT THE VERY SAME ACTION AND ATTITUDE THAT HELPED TO CAUSE THE GREAT DEPRESSION IN THE FIRST PLACE?
Maybe things are going to get worse, and maybe we are headed for another depression. But first of all we got through a similar slump (at least in the technology industry) in 2001-2003. Secondly - God is in control. I know that bad things still happen to Christians too, but let's look at the worst case scenario.
Sure, life would suck for a while. But we would make the best of it and we would get through it. And if we don't get through it then we'll go to heaven when we die anyway.
The biggest problem I have with the kneejerk reaction of doomsday predictors is this - withdrawing your money from the bank, selling your stocks, and spreading your fears to others (however justifiable they may seem to be) only serves to hurt the economy further. And besides that, THERE. IS. NO. BENEFIT. TO. IT.
Sure stocks and funds are lower than they've been in a long time. But you won't actually lose any money on them unless you sell them, and they will eventually go back up - almost guaranteed. And if your portfolio is diversified then in the long run you'll be fine, even if it takes a little while. Just hang on tight and ride it out. If anything, we should all put some more money in the market now that the prices are so low.
If there really are things that you can do to help yourself (such as tightening your financial belt, reducing your own debt, increasing your income, or stabilizing your job situation further), then by all means that seems wise and prudent.
Otherwise calm down, take a deep breath, say a prayer, take whatever action you can (besides actions that will exacerbate the situation), and just keep on truckin'.
I can certainly understand people's concern about the current state of affairs, however - WTF IS THAT GOING TO ACCOMPLISH!? ISN'T THAT THE VERY SAME ACTION AND ATTITUDE THAT HELPED TO CAUSE THE GREAT DEPRESSION IN THE FIRST PLACE?Maybe things are going to get worse, and maybe we are headed for another depression. But first of all we got through a similar slump (at least in the technology industry) in 2001-2003. Secondly - God is in control. I know that bad things still happen to Christians too, but let's look at the worst case scenario.
- Let's say that we struggle financially and have a hard time paying our bills (which isn't too far from the truth).
- We attempt to rent out the bonus room of our house to get extra income (we already rent out one of our bedrooms).
- We can try to sell as much junk as we can think of that we don't really need.
- Let's say that I lose my job.
- Then what if we lose our house through foreclosure.
- We would maybe have to declare bankruptcy.
- We may have to then liquidate all of our savings and retirement accounts.
- We would either move into an apartment, get a joint place with another family that is struggling, or beg our immediate family to let us move in with them - perhaps my mom or Amanda' parents would have mercy on us and let us live with them for a while.
Sure, life would suck for a while. But we would make the best of it and we would get through it. And if we don't get through it then we'll go to heaven when we die anyway.
The biggest problem I have with the kneejerk reaction of doomsday predictors is this - withdrawing your money from the bank, selling your stocks, and spreading your fears to others (however justifiable they may seem to be) only serves to hurt the economy further. And besides that, THERE. IS. NO. BENEFIT. TO. IT.
Sure stocks and funds are lower than they've been in a long time. But you won't actually lose any money on them unless you sell them, and they will eventually go back up - almost guaranteed. And if your portfolio is diversified then in the long run you'll be fine, even if it takes a little while. Just hang on tight and ride it out. If anything, we should all put some more money in the market now that the prices are so low.
If there really are things that you can do to help yourself (such as tightening your financial belt, reducing your own debt, increasing your income, or stabilizing your job situation further), then by all means that seems wise and prudent.
Otherwise calm down, take a deep breath, say a prayer, take whatever action you can (besides actions that will exacerbate the situation), and just keep on truckin'.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Election Suggestions and Observations
Well, this year's presidential election (at least the primaries at this point) are starting to look a lot like the recently completed college football season - completely unpredictable.
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Does it say somewhere in the Constitution that the job of our government is to manage sports organizations? If not, then why on earth is Congress involved in monitoring baseball and the usage of steroids by its players?
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The more reasons I hear of why people have chosen one particular opponent over another, the more I agree with the idea that there should be some limitations or requirements as to who can vote. I'm not the first to suggest this. In fact, there are plenty of forums filled with people discussing this idea. But I'm going to go ahead and vent about it here anyway.
I read that one woman voted for John Edwards in the primaries because she "liked his hair". I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I voted for Bill Clinton back in 1993 because of his charisma and even more (and ashamedly) so because I saw a picture of him that reminded me of myself a little. I admittedly knew nothing about politics at the time, but I was of legal age to vote. So ignorant as I was, to the voting booth I went.
Today, I make an effort to be much more informed, and I can usually defend my opinion if someone asks about or disagrees with it. But the issue isn't whether another voter agrees with me or not, it's that they are marginally informed and can state why he or she is voting for their candidate.
For example, my car pool buddy and I are completely polar opposites politically. We've had many lively discussions about what we think and why. But I completely support him voting, because he has demonstrated the fact that he is well informed.
In fact, I would honestly prefer that my candidate lose and have all of the votes be cast by people who have a rational and educated opinion than to win due to uninformed people voting based on someone's looks, popularity, home state, theme song, etc.
===========================
Does it say somewhere in the Constitution that the job of our government is to manage sports organizations? If not, then why on earth is Congress involved in monitoring baseball and the usage of steroids by its players?
==========================
The more reasons I hear of why people have chosen one particular opponent over another, the more I agree with the idea that there should be some limitations or requirements as to who can vote. I'm not the first to suggest this. In fact, there are plenty of forums filled with people discussing this idea. But I'm going to go ahead and vent about it here anyway.
I read that one woman voted for John Edwards in the primaries because she "liked his hair". I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I voted for Bill Clinton back in 1993 because of his charisma and even more (and ashamedly) so because I saw a picture of him that reminded me of myself a little. I admittedly knew nothing about politics at the time, but I was of legal age to vote. So ignorant as I was, to the voting booth I went.
Today, I make an effort to be much more informed, and I can usually defend my opinion if someone asks about or disagrees with it. But the issue isn't whether another voter agrees with me or not, it's that they are marginally informed and can state why he or she is voting for their candidate.
For example, my car pool buddy and I are completely polar opposites politically. We've had many lively discussions about what we think and why. But I completely support him voting, because he has demonstrated the fact that he is well informed.
In fact, I would honestly prefer that my candidate lose and have all of the votes be cast by people who have a rational and educated opinion than to win due to uninformed people voting based on someone's looks, popularity, home state, theme song, etc.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Torture, and Accomplishing Automotive Impossibilities
I really appreciate and wholeheartedly agree with what Neal Boortz has to say about waterboarding, which is in the news again with the recent nomination of Judge Michael Mukasey for the position of attorney general:
I'm sorry but making someone think that they are drowning is not torture. And if it takes making a terrorist think he is drowning to save this country, then I don't see any reason why it should be stopped.
I'm sorry but making someone think that they are drowning is not torture. And if it takes making a terrorist think he is drowning to save this country, then I don't see any reason why it should be stopped.
One more thing about torture ... just so there is no question of where I stand (as if it matters). If we know that there is a nuclear bomb in downtown Chicago set to go off in hours; and if we have somebody in our custody who can tell us where that bomb is, we can (you might not want to read this) drive bamboo shoots up under his fingernails, nails into his eyes, crush his knees, and then, for good measure, drive a glass rod up his bin Laden and break it into tiny pieces, and then cut off anything we don't' think this guy is ever going to need again in his entire miserable life just to get him to talk ... if that's what it takes. Let's stop this asinine moral exhibitionism on the issue of torture. If you wouldn't torture some worthless piece of human debris to save the live of someone you love .. .than step aside and let someone else do the job.
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Also, here is a very interesting article about a man who is accomplishing feats in the automotive world that are supposedly impossible - combining high performance and high gas mileage, all while using biodiesel fuel. And here is the longer, more detailed article.
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