Do we know why we are in mourning this day, September 11, 2010? It is because 2, 996 American civilian and rescue worker lives were lost nine years ago. That is the reason today is a day of national mourning, and remembering.
We have not been allowed to forget, not that we would want to, that this event shook our country to its core. What bothers me, is that the those responsible for this attack upon our nation still, nine years later, have not paid for their deeds. We can wave flags, make music tribute videos, debate the issue of "who" is really responsible; until we have avenged the lives of the innocent, we are dishonoring their memory.
We were pacified by some lame excuse, "they hate freedom," as an explination for the attacks. We watched as our government turned its back on finding those responsible for the deaths of these near 3,000 people and waged war with a country that had nothing to do with the attacks on that fateful day.
Why does this not bother any of you? Why do you insist that I am wrong for remembering that our government betrayed the memory of those who died nine years ago today? Why am I wrong for insisting that we must demand answers? Is it just easier to wave your flag then to show real respect? Is it just easier to blame Obama, someone who wasn't even in office when the towers fell? Is it easier to let the government do your thinking? Order your troops, your protectors, your children, brothers, and sisters into harms way without knowing why?
I cry shame upon you America! Shame on you for waving your flags in faux patriotism without demanding truth and justice! Shame on you for allowing the memory of those who died nine years ago to be used to wage a war that has cost over 4,000 more lives of American military men and women! Shame on you for giving in to fear, hate, and separation by partisanship! Shame on you for allowing the wants of the few out weigh the needs of the many!
I choose to honor the memory of those who lost their lives nine years ago by telling you, the ones who say you care, that you are full of shit! That you wave your flag today, and go about your life tomorrow! I honor their memory by remembering their families, who still to this day do not know why their sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers died nine years ago! I honor their memory by reminding you of your shame in not demanding the truth. Lies and willful ignorance does not honor their memory. So, which one are you guilty of? Accepting what you know to be a lie, or accepting that you are ignorant of the truth!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Kant vs Aristotle
I did this as an assignment in my ethics class. I thought it made a very good point about partisanship, so I decided to post it here. Also, I think it can be related to other insignificant differences, such as religion, culture, etc.
Kant's theories of austere ethics make high demands. Kant insisted that "one must be motivated exclusively by rational commitment to the universal moral law" (Waller, 2008, pg 188). He attributed this capacity to the powers of will and reason. Kant believed that humans must strive to "rise above all natural feeling and inclinations" (Waller, 2008, pg 188). To Kant, moral activity in human beings was a special, unnatural ability honed by the use of reason. He asked human beings to rise above what he believed to be our natural state and behave in a moral and ethical fashion.
Aristotle believed that human being were naturally moral and good, and that we only needed to develop this natural tendency in us. This development of our moral goodness, according to Aristotle made the high demand that our actions be what he called "virtuous." To Aristotle, "the ideal of virtuous behavior is doing the right thing because you want to do the right thing, because you desire to act virtuously” (Waller, 2008, pg 189). Aristotle asked human beings to do good for its sake, and not to do good for hope of reward or fear of punishment.
These two theories, while seemingly founded in opposite beliefs about the state of human nature, make nearly the exact demand upon human beings. To act in a moral and ethical fashion for the sake of doing a moral or ethical act. To not take into account reward, punishment, or any other middle ground consequence. Kant says to do good to escape natural human immorality; Aristotle says to do good to develop natural human virtue. It is my opinion that this common thread in these two theories is what we must take from them, to do good for the sake of doing good. The foundation of mysterious powers or natural order of human beings is nearly irrelevant at this point. We know that doing good for the sake of doing good is the right thing, and it is my opinion that we must move on with that as the new foundation. Are we naturally ethical? I really do not know. On one hand I see in the news, human beings doing the most evil things to each other. On another, I see people doing the most kind things to complete strangers without asking for reward. In my opinion, it is less important to know what we are "naturally" inclined towards then it is to strive to do good. We already have an answer to both suggested theories of how we develop our moral and ethical capacity. Use reason or use virtue, either way the goal is to become a good, moral, and ethical person or society.
Reference:
Waller, B. (2008). Consider ethics: theory, readings, and contemporary issues. New York: Pearson Longman
Kant's theories of austere ethics make high demands. Kant insisted that "one must be motivated exclusively by rational commitment to the universal moral law" (Waller, 2008, pg 188). He attributed this capacity to the powers of will and reason. Kant believed that humans must strive to "rise above all natural feeling and inclinations" (Waller, 2008, pg 188). To Kant, moral activity in human beings was a special, unnatural ability honed by the use of reason. He asked human beings to rise above what he believed to be our natural state and behave in a moral and ethical fashion.
Aristotle believed that human being were naturally moral and good, and that we only needed to develop this natural tendency in us. This development of our moral goodness, according to Aristotle made the high demand that our actions be what he called "virtuous." To Aristotle, "the ideal of virtuous behavior is doing the right thing because you want to do the right thing, because you desire to act virtuously” (Waller, 2008, pg 189). Aristotle asked human beings to do good for its sake, and not to do good for hope of reward or fear of punishment.
These two theories, while seemingly founded in opposite beliefs about the state of human nature, make nearly the exact demand upon human beings. To act in a moral and ethical fashion for the sake of doing a moral or ethical act. To not take into account reward, punishment, or any other middle ground consequence. Kant says to do good to escape natural human immorality; Aristotle says to do good to develop natural human virtue. It is my opinion that this common thread in these two theories is what we must take from them, to do good for the sake of doing good. The foundation of mysterious powers or natural order of human beings is nearly irrelevant at this point. We know that doing good for the sake of doing good is the right thing, and it is my opinion that we must move on with that as the new foundation. Are we naturally ethical? I really do not know. On one hand I see in the news, human beings doing the most evil things to each other. On another, I see people doing the most kind things to complete strangers without asking for reward. In my opinion, it is less important to know what we are "naturally" inclined towards then it is to strive to do good. We already have an answer to both suggested theories of how we develop our moral and ethical capacity. Use reason or use virtue, either way the goal is to become a good, moral, and ethical person or society.
Reference:
Waller, B. (2008). Consider ethics: theory, readings, and contemporary issues. New York: Pearson Longman
Monday, August 16, 2010
Do NOT abolish the 14th Amendment!!
There is a lot of talk about abolishing the 14th amendment. This talk is mainly coming from Republican Conservatives. They are telling you that it is nothing more then a loophole for illegal immigrants to drop "anchor babies." Well, if you actually support this movement, then you have been convinced by the rhetoric and fear mongering to think against your better interests.
The 14th amendment does more then say that anyone born in the US is a US citizen. It protects your rights from being violated by the state you live in. Here is the text of section 1 of the 14th amendment.
"All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."
Still think that the Republicans are right in saying, "get rid of the 14th amendment?" Still think its a good idea to allow the state you live in to deny you all the rights granted to you by the constitution?
Its original purpose was to protect freed slaves. But that does not mean it doesn't also protect everyone else as well. Too many people want to tell what they think the founding fathers "intended" and then take away your rights.
But wait, there's more...
Section 2 of the 14th amendment states the following:
"Representatives shall be apportioned among the several states according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each state, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the executive and judicial officers of a state, or the members of the legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such state, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such state."
So, you still think its a good idea? You know, to get rid of your right for "fair" representation?
We're not done yet. Section 3 of the 14th Amendment
"No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any state legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any state, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability."
You think its a good idea to allow previous enemies of the United States to run for and hold governmental office positions? Those who want to abolish the 14th amendment do...
Section 4 of the 14th amendment.
"The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any state shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void."
Uh oh...looks like those who want to abolish the 14th amendment also want anyone who is owed money for defending the nation to get screwed over. They also seem to want those who are traitors to the nation to be paid for their service of domestic enemies....
Its a sad day when you have to be told that you are thinking against your own interests by giving in to the fear mongering of the government and media. They make you afraid of the immigrants babies and convince you to allow your state to take away your rights and freedoms.
The 14th amendment does more then say that anyone born in the US is a US citizen. It protects your rights from being violated by the state you live in. Here is the text of section 1 of the 14th amendment.
"All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."
Still think that the Republicans are right in saying, "get rid of the 14th amendment?" Still think its a good idea to allow the state you live in to deny you all the rights granted to you by the constitution?
Its original purpose was to protect freed slaves. But that does not mean it doesn't also protect everyone else as well. Too many people want to tell what they think the founding fathers "intended" and then take away your rights.
But wait, there's more...
Section 2 of the 14th amendment states the following:
"Representatives shall be apportioned among the several states according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each state, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the executive and judicial officers of a state, or the members of the legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such state, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such state."
So, you still think its a good idea? You know, to get rid of your right for "fair" representation?
We're not done yet. Section 3 of the 14th Amendment
"No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any state legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any state, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability."
You think its a good idea to allow previous enemies of the United States to run for and hold governmental office positions? Those who want to abolish the 14th amendment do...
Section 4 of the 14th amendment.
"The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any state shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void."
Uh oh...looks like those who want to abolish the 14th amendment also want anyone who is owed money for defending the nation to get screwed over. They also seem to want those who are traitors to the nation to be paid for their service of domestic enemies....
Its a sad day when you have to be told that you are thinking against your own interests by giving in to the fear mongering of the government and media. They make you afraid of the immigrants babies and convince you to allow your state to take away your rights and freedoms.
Friday, August 13, 2010
The little things.
A recent post by no less then two friends on facebook, who do not know each other but somehow linked the same story none-the-less, has cause me some unease of temper. When reading the story, getting the feeling that it is a work of fiction, I find myself almost offended by it. So, I'll tell my own story, how I learned the same lesson, and perhaps those who read it can at least understand why a great lesson watered down by rhetoric and fear tactics offends me personally. The following is absolutely true, as I remember it.
She wasn't the most physically attractive woman on the planet. She was certainly not rich in money either. But I loved her more then I have ever loved anyone before, and since. I know this to be true because before I met her, I really didn't know how to love; that is one of the many things she taught me.
She was disabled, had become so by way of a terrible car accident. She was in the hospital for months before she was well enough to be released. I knew her before the accident, had worked with her briefly at a retail store. She worked in the section with the towels and other bathroom accessories. I worked in electronics. We had a lot in common, as far as interests went. She liked to read fantasy novels, stories of daring knights and powerful wizards. So did I. So, we became fast friends. Then, she left the store, and I saw her very little afterward, and eventually not at all.
It was through a mutual friend that I had heard about her accident, but it was not until she had recovered some. I found out what hospital she was in and decided to pay her a visit. I brought her flowers in a crumbled glass vase. You could tell she at least liked the vase. We talked for a couple hours, then I had to go. I wasn't able to visit her again.
A few months after that visit, she came by the store. She did not get out of the car because she was unable to use her legs, let alone walk. She was embarrassed by this and being bound to a wheel chair. So, I went outside and said hi, talked for a few minutes, then got back to work.
One day, a few months later, my relief was a half hour late getting in. I was upset by this to say the least, because it was slowly turning into habit. As soon as they arrived I rushed to turn in my cash drawer and be on my way. While driving home I saw a lone woman pushing herself down a busy road in a wheel chair. I watched her as I passed by and saw that it was my friend. So, I stopped and offered her a ride, which she graciously accepted, fussing over how embarrassed she was. She gave me directions to her house and as we drove, caught up on what we've been up to. The thought of how I would have missed her that day if my relief had showed up on time did not escape my notice.
After dropping her off, I started to go home. She had given me her phone number so we could keep in touch, and I promised I would call. On my way home, I got lost. After two stops for directions, I finally made it to where I knew where I was. Unfortunately, I couldn't remember how to get back to my friend's house, but I had her phone number, so no big loss.
A couple days went by and on my day off, I decided to call her. A man answered the phone, and when I asked for her, he seemed bothered by it, and told me she wasn't home. (I found out later that he liked her, but they had never dated, he was a friend of her mother's who was staying with her to help with her two kids). I asked him to tell her I called, and he said he would. I never heard back from her. So, I assumed the man was her boyfriend and didn't want to call again, risking upsetting the balance of their relationship.
Life went on, I found a new job making a lot more money, working for a rent to own furniture store. I liked it because I was able to leave the store and deliver furniture every day, all day. One day, after about a year of working there, I was on a delivery run with a coworker. I missed a turn so pulled into a parking area for an assisted living apartment alcove. Something about it seemed familiar, but I attributed that to having delivered furniture to people living in such places. Then I saw her, my friend, sitting outside in front of one of the houses reading.
No time schedule or coworker protests could have kept me in that truck. I jumped out and nearly ran up to her. She didn't recognize me at first, but about ten feet or so from her she did, and then she stood up! I was surprised by that, and that is when I noticed she was sitting in a lawn chair, not a wheel chair. The last year had gone by so fast, I hardly recognized how long it had been since I last saw her. We talked for about ten minutes, and exchanged phone numbers. I told her now that I know the area a lot better, I would not fail to visit. I did not fail to notice that had I made my turn, I would have not run into her again. Coincidence started to look like fate after a while....
I stopped by for a surprise visit on my next day off. She was shocked that I had actually showed up. We spent the day together, I got reacquainted with her kids, who had grown quite a bit since I last saw them. Over the next few weeks, we grew very close, and ended up dating. That turned into being in a relationship, which eventually ended up us living together.
Living with her, I was a lot closer to work, so I would come home for lunch. Eventually it came to me calling before I left work, and she would have a sandwich made before I got there. She made the best sandwiches. No, I never expected her to make them for me, but she did it anyway. When I'd get home from a particularly rough or busy day, she would rub my shoulders. There were even times she would rub my sore feet; after I washed them of course. All the while, listening to me complain about my rough day. Imagine that, being disabled, barely able to walk, listening to how long someone had to be on their feet...
On my days off, she would still make me sandwiches, even offer to make them when she wasn't making one for herself! She would rub my shoulders on the days off too. After being treated so well, I finally asked her why she did these things, when I was perfectly capable of doing them myself. After all, she was still disabled. She said it was because she loved me. I was thinking that it should be me doing these things for her. She sometimes had a tough time even standing, let alone keeping up with the house, the kids, and other motherly duties. Yet, she still went out of her way to do things for me.
I on the other hand, did not do the little things in return. Every once in a while, I'd rub her feet, or get her a drink if I was getting up for one. But I would take her and the kids out a lot, to dinner, movies, or just to the park to fly kites. Yes, we actually flew kites at the park. Most of the time she would sit an watch me and the kids though. She was in a lot of pain most of the time, but hid it well.
After a while, her habit of doing these little things became expected. It became weird when she didn't do them. I was getting spoiled, I was not returning the little favors. I was buying gifts, but not really doing anything for her. My work schedule was partially to blame, but if I had tried, I could have found all the time I needed to do those little things that count. She eventually started doubting my love. I didn't understand why. I thought because I was there, paying bills, buying gifts, etc, that, that was enough for her to see that I loved her. It wasn't. At least when you combined it with my busy schedule, settled mood, and comfort zone life style. I had eventually become boring, stopped taking them out, stopped flying kites. I was in a comfort zone, and my casual little things became none. Her little things kept going. Eventually, they started to become less common.
We needed a fresh start. We noticed our life together had become a boring routine. So, we packed everything up, and moved to a new city. Instead of some crappy apartment with tiled floor throughout, we moved into a real house. A tiny blue one behind the bulk of the houses on our street. It had a small yard, and wooded area in the back. It was our first real house. We didn't buy it, but to us, it was a real home. The excitement didn't last long. I eventually went back into the same routine of working too much and being moody when I was home. Everything had changed, yet it remained the same. Trying to figure out what the problem was, I came to the conclusion that it was my job. After all, it was the only thing about our life that was really the same as it was before. So, I found a new job, one that paid significantly less, but gave me less stress and more time at home.
The new job did not help. I was still moody. She was becoming less and less happy with our life. Eventually, we became more roommates then a loving couple. Eventually, she decided to throw in the towel, and soon after, she was gone. She moved several states away. I was left there, in that tiny blue house, alone. In my misery I did a lot of soul searching. I eventually learned the truth of what made our relationship sour. It was my fault, not my jobs, not where we lived. It was me. It was my lack of activity within the relationship. I did everything to maintain a house, paid rent, bought food, provided entertainment. But I did nothing to maintain the relationship I had with her. I also noticed how she struggled to keep it going. How she showed patience, understanding, and love. But, eventually, she just let go, and allowed it to sour too.
I asked myself what made me so moody, so boring, so unloving to the one woman in the world I had ever loved. It wasn't hard to find the answer, but it was difficult to accept it. I was selfish. I took, and took more then I ever really gave to the relationship. She gave and gave until she couldn't give anymore. I did not do those little things she did that made me know she loved me without ever having to hear her say it. I told her all the time, but I never showed her. I lost her to my own selfishness. Then I lost my independence, which soon stole my dignity. She even stayed my friend after she had left. But eventually I screwed that up too.
From all this I learned what love is, what it truly is. It is those sandwiches, foot rubs, and trips to the park. It is those nights of listening to someone complain about their bad day, just so they can let it out. It is that encouraging the other to do what they should, even if it means doing something they do not want to do.
In the end, I finally was able to show her how much I really loved her. I stopped calling her, knowing she wouldn't answer anyway, but more because I wanted her to know that I still loved her enough to sacrifice my desire to have her in my life for her desire to just move on with hers. Love is, not calling when your not wanted.
Yes, I know, it doesn't end in tragedy. I know it doesn't entertain. But that is my story of how I learned that it is the little things we do for each other that really matter, that really show love. It is those little things that show love, that help keep a relationship strong.
There is a good note to the end of this story. That note is, that I actually learned this lesson, and keep it with me. Yes, it makes me sad at times, to remember her, think about her, but I cannot let go of what she taught me for the sake of my own heart. By keeping this lesson with me, I know that when I finally get my life back together, my dignity back, and my independence, I will be ready. I will be ready to find someone, and show them that I know how to love. That lucky woman in my future will have never experienced what I am now capable of. But like I said, I still have to pull myself back together first.
She wasn't the most physically attractive woman on the planet. She was certainly not rich in money either. But I loved her more then I have ever loved anyone before, and since. I know this to be true because before I met her, I really didn't know how to love; that is one of the many things she taught me.
She was disabled, had become so by way of a terrible car accident. She was in the hospital for months before she was well enough to be released. I knew her before the accident, had worked with her briefly at a retail store. She worked in the section with the towels and other bathroom accessories. I worked in electronics. We had a lot in common, as far as interests went. She liked to read fantasy novels, stories of daring knights and powerful wizards. So did I. So, we became fast friends. Then, she left the store, and I saw her very little afterward, and eventually not at all.
It was through a mutual friend that I had heard about her accident, but it was not until she had recovered some. I found out what hospital she was in and decided to pay her a visit. I brought her flowers in a crumbled glass vase. You could tell she at least liked the vase. We talked for a couple hours, then I had to go. I wasn't able to visit her again.
A few months after that visit, she came by the store. She did not get out of the car because she was unable to use her legs, let alone walk. She was embarrassed by this and being bound to a wheel chair. So, I went outside and said hi, talked for a few minutes, then got back to work.
One day, a few months later, my relief was a half hour late getting in. I was upset by this to say the least, because it was slowly turning into habit. As soon as they arrived I rushed to turn in my cash drawer and be on my way. While driving home I saw a lone woman pushing herself down a busy road in a wheel chair. I watched her as I passed by and saw that it was my friend. So, I stopped and offered her a ride, which she graciously accepted, fussing over how embarrassed she was. She gave me directions to her house and as we drove, caught up on what we've been up to. The thought of how I would have missed her that day if my relief had showed up on time did not escape my notice.
After dropping her off, I started to go home. She had given me her phone number so we could keep in touch, and I promised I would call. On my way home, I got lost. After two stops for directions, I finally made it to where I knew where I was. Unfortunately, I couldn't remember how to get back to my friend's house, but I had her phone number, so no big loss.
A couple days went by and on my day off, I decided to call her. A man answered the phone, and when I asked for her, he seemed bothered by it, and told me she wasn't home. (I found out later that he liked her, but they had never dated, he was a friend of her mother's who was staying with her to help with her two kids). I asked him to tell her I called, and he said he would. I never heard back from her. So, I assumed the man was her boyfriend and didn't want to call again, risking upsetting the balance of their relationship.
Life went on, I found a new job making a lot more money, working for a rent to own furniture store. I liked it because I was able to leave the store and deliver furniture every day, all day. One day, after about a year of working there, I was on a delivery run with a coworker. I missed a turn so pulled into a parking area for an assisted living apartment alcove. Something about it seemed familiar, but I attributed that to having delivered furniture to people living in such places. Then I saw her, my friend, sitting outside in front of one of the houses reading.
No time schedule or coworker protests could have kept me in that truck. I jumped out and nearly ran up to her. She didn't recognize me at first, but about ten feet or so from her she did, and then she stood up! I was surprised by that, and that is when I noticed she was sitting in a lawn chair, not a wheel chair. The last year had gone by so fast, I hardly recognized how long it had been since I last saw her. We talked for about ten minutes, and exchanged phone numbers. I told her now that I know the area a lot better, I would not fail to visit. I did not fail to notice that had I made my turn, I would have not run into her again. Coincidence started to look like fate after a while....
I stopped by for a surprise visit on my next day off. She was shocked that I had actually showed up. We spent the day together, I got reacquainted with her kids, who had grown quite a bit since I last saw them. Over the next few weeks, we grew very close, and ended up dating. That turned into being in a relationship, which eventually ended up us living together.
Living with her, I was a lot closer to work, so I would come home for lunch. Eventually it came to me calling before I left work, and she would have a sandwich made before I got there. She made the best sandwiches. No, I never expected her to make them for me, but she did it anyway. When I'd get home from a particularly rough or busy day, she would rub my shoulders. There were even times she would rub my sore feet; after I washed them of course. All the while, listening to me complain about my rough day. Imagine that, being disabled, barely able to walk, listening to how long someone had to be on their feet...
On my days off, she would still make me sandwiches, even offer to make them when she wasn't making one for herself! She would rub my shoulders on the days off too. After being treated so well, I finally asked her why she did these things, when I was perfectly capable of doing them myself. After all, she was still disabled. She said it was because she loved me. I was thinking that it should be me doing these things for her. She sometimes had a tough time even standing, let alone keeping up with the house, the kids, and other motherly duties. Yet, she still went out of her way to do things for me.
I on the other hand, did not do the little things in return. Every once in a while, I'd rub her feet, or get her a drink if I was getting up for one. But I would take her and the kids out a lot, to dinner, movies, or just to the park to fly kites. Yes, we actually flew kites at the park. Most of the time she would sit an watch me and the kids though. She was in a lot of pain most of the time, but hid it well.
After a while, her habit of doing these little things became expected. It became weird when she didn't do them. I was getting spoiled, I was not returning the little favors. I was buying gifts, but not really doing anything for her. My work schedule was partially to blame, but if I had tried, I could have found all the time I needed to do those little things that count. She eventually started doubting my love. I didn't understand why. I thought because I was there, paying bills, buying gifts, etc, that, that was enough for her to see that I loved her. It wasn't. At least when you combined it with my busy schedule, settled mood, and comfort zone life style. I had eventually become boring, stopped taking them out, stopped flying kites. I was in a comfort zone, and my casual little things became none. Her little things kept going. Eventually, they started to become less common.
We needed a fresh start. We noticed our life together had become a boring routine. So, we packed everything up, and moved to a new city. Instead of some crappy apartment with tiled floor throughout, we moved into a real house. A tiny blue one behind the bulk of the houses on our street. It had a small yard, and wooded area in the back. It was our first real house. We didn't buy it, but to us, it was a real home. The excitement didn't last long. I eventually went back into the same routine of working too much and being moody when I was home. Everything had changed, yet it remained the same. Trying to figure out what the problem was, I came to the conclusion that it was my job. After all, it was the only thing about our life that was really the same as it was before. So, I found a new job, one that paid significantly less, but gave me less stress and more time at home.
The new job did not help. I was still moody. She was becoming less and less happy with our life. Eventually, we became more roommates then a loving couple. Eventually, she decided to throw in the towel, and soon after, she was gone. She moved several states away. I was left there, in that tiny blue house, alone. In my misery I did a lot of soul searching. I eventually learned the truth of what made our relationship sour. It was my fault, not my jobs, not where we lived. It was me. It was my lack of activity within the relationship. I did everything to maintain a house, paid rent, bought food, provided entertainment. But I did nothing to maintain the relationship I had with her. I also noticed how she struggled to keep it going. How she showed patience, understanding, and love. But, eventually, she just let go, and allowed it to sour too.
I asked myself what made me so moody, so boring, so unloving to the one woman in the world I had ever loved. It wasn't hard to find the answer, but it was difficult to accept it. I was selfish. I took, and took more then I ever really gave to the relationship. She gave and gave until she couldn't give anymore. I did not do those little things she did that made me know she loved me without ever having to hear her say it. I told her all the time, but I never showed her. I lost her to my own selfishness. Then I lost my independence, which soon stole my dignity. She even stayed my friend after she had left. But eventually I screwed that up too.
From all this I learned what love is, what it truly is. It is those sandwiches, foot rubs, and trips to the park. It is those nights of listening to someone complain about their bad day, just so they can let it out. It is that encouraging the other to do what they should, even if it means doing something they do not want to do.
In the end, I finally was able to show her how much I really loved her. I stopped calling her, knowing she wouldn't answer anyway, but more because I wanted her to know that I still loved her enough to sacrifice my desire to have her in my life for her desire to just move on with hers. Love is, not calling when your not wanted.
Yes, I know, it doesn't end in tragedy. I know it doesn't entertain. But that is my story of how I learned that it is the little things we do for each other that really matter, that really show love. It is those little things that show love, that help keep a relationship strong.
There is a good note to the end of this story. That note is, that I actually learned this lesson, and keep it with me. Yes, it makes me sad at times, to remember her, think about her, but I cannot let go of what she taught me for the sake of my own heart. By keeping this lesson with me, I know that when I finally get my life back together, my dignity back, and my independence, I will be ready. I will be ready to find someone, and show them that I know how to love. That lucky woman in my future will have never experienced what I am now capable of. But like I said, I still have to pull myself back together first.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The Failings of Public School
You see and hear people shining a negative light on the U.S. public school system everywhere you go. Some take it to extreme views saying that public school should be outlawed and that we don't have the "right" to an education. This is just absurd in my opinion. Education is required to understand all your other rights and freedoms as they were intended to be. So, it becomes a part of them, at least in my opinion. This is a moot point and a little off subject. The subject being WHY the public school system has failed. That reason is, because it is designed to fail. It is purposely designed not to create free thinking, innovative, creative, independent adults. It is designed to create workers and laborers, that's it.
Some people laugh or get angry with others for having a sense of entitlement over a job. But to be honest, one cannot blame those who feel entitled to jobs, after all, they're whole life, starting with the education they received in public school has created a worker out of them. And, when the schools and system create workers but take away the jobs, you have lost and confused people out there who have no idea what to do next, so they get on unemployment and hope to find another job before that runs out.
This is why the whole conservative bias was allowed in the history books in Texas. Not to have a more conservative focus, but because it didn't matter. It didn't change the system. In truth, it helped it. Conservative thinkers are prone to keep things as they are, not to question the status quo unless it disagrees with conservative ideology. Liberals, and unreasonable as they are, have a leg up on conservative thinkers because they tend to question everyone and distrust everything. They take it a bit too far, some to the point of obnoxiousness. But, you get the point.
The education system in public schools IS designed to create unthinking laborers and here's how. First, in grades 1-6 the students are encouraged to dream, and asked what they want to be when they grow up. They are usually allowed to say anything. At this point it doesn't matter. Grades 7-8 they are asked the same questions, but told to be more "realistic." They are told things like, "Not everyone can be a football star," or, "not everyone can be rich and famous." So the Jr. High student settles for a more "realistic answer. "I want to be an auto mechanic, doctor, vet, join the military, farmer, etc. etc. etc. This kind of worker mentality is drilled into them with visits to the high school vocational schools, giving them tours of all the little classes. By grades 9-12 students are encouraged to go to these vocational schools for HS credits. They are encouraged to plan their "career," and apply to colleges. Go to school, get good grades, so you can get a good job.
So, in college these same worker bees study hard. They get their degrees. They join the work force. Seek to climb the ladder. Or they get a "head start" and go right into working and skip college all together. Then...all the jobs that public schools have molded these laborers into setting as goals are stripped away from them. Millions of people are told that their jobs no longer exist, or are going to a new hire because it'll be cheaper for the company. We are taught that those looking to help us get out of this laborer mentality are nothing but scam artists. In school, business math turned into consumer math, where students are taught how to pay bills, balance a checkbook, etc. Business and Economics class changed into government and economics. All these changes, the entire system is designed to make laborers out of American citizens.
So, is there anything that can be done? Yes. Educate yourself outside of what the schools teach you. Do not read some best selling author on how to get rich through what ever business. Read actual laws, read the real US history without religious, or otherwise, bias. Read history books written by people who were actually there! Autobiographies of the founding fathers are available! Read books written by those who actually know what they are talking about. Read several books on the same subject. For example, you want to learn how to start a business? Read 5-6 books on how. Then read 5-6 books on how to run that business. Then 5-6 books on every other aspect of owning a business. Truly KNOW, do not THINK you know. Do this with everything! Not just things you WANT to learn about. Remember, if you went to public school, you have been left out of a lot of informational loops and been programmed to be a worker bee. Ignore what you think is true, in most cases, you're wrong. The more true information you acquire, the better off you'll be. The more study outside of school you do, the more prepared you'll be to deal with life and its little hiccups.
Some people laugh or get angry with others for having a sense of entitlement over a job. But to be honest, one cannot blame those who feel entitled to jobs, after all, they're whole life, starting with the education they received in public school has created a worker out of them. And, when the schools and system create workers but take away the jobs, you have lost and confused people out there who have no idea what to do next, so they get on unemployment and hope to find another job before that runs out.
This is why the whole conservative bias was allowed in the history books in Texas. Not to have a more conservative focus, but because it didn't matter. It didn't change the system. In truth, it helped it. Conservative thinkers are prone to keep things as they are, not to question the status quo unless it disagrees with conservative ideology. Liberals, and unreasonable as they are, have a leg up on conservative thinkers because they tend to question everyone and distrust everything. They take it a bit too far, some to the point of obnoxiousness. But, you get the point.
The education system in public schools IS designed to create unthinking laborers and here's how. First, in grades 1-6 the students are encouraged to dream, and asked what they want to be when they grow up. They are usually allowed to say anything. At this point it doesn't matter. Grades 7-8 they are asked the same questions, but told to be more "realistic." They are told things like, "Not everyone can be a football star," or, "not everyone can be rich and famous." So the Jr. High student settles for a more "realistic answer. "I want to be an auto mechanic, doctor, vet, join the military, farmer, etc. etc. etc. This kind of worker mentality is drilled into them with visits to the high school vocational schools, giving them tours of all the little classes. By grades 9-12 students are encouraged to go to these vocational schools for HS credits. They are encouraged to plan their "career," and apply to colleges. Go to school, get good grades, so you can get a good job.
So, in college these same worker bees study hard. They get their degrees. They join the work force. Seek to climb the ladder. Or they get a "head start" and go right into working and skip college all together. Then...all the jobs that public schools have molded these laborers into setting as goals are stripped away from them. Millions of people are told that their jobs no longer exist, or are going to a new hire because it'll be cheaper for the company. We are taught that those looking to help us get out of this laborer mentality are nothing but scam artists. In school, business math turned into consumer math, where students are taught how to pay bills, balance a checkbook, etc. Business and Economics class changed into government and economics. All these changes, the entire system is designed to make laborers out of American citizens.
So, is there anything that can be done? Yes. Educate yourself outside of what the schools teach you. Do not read some best selling author on how to get rich through what ever business. Read actual laws, read the real US history without religious, or otherwise, bias. Read history books written by people who were actually there! Autobiographies of the founding fathers are available! Read books written by those who actually know what they are talking about. Read several books on the same subject. For example, you want to learn how to start a business? Read 5-6 books on how. Then read 5-6 books on how to run that business. Then 5-6 books on every other aspect of owning a business. Truly KNOW, do not THINK you know. Do this with everything! Not just things you WANT to learn about. Remember, if you went to public school, you have been left out of a lot of informational loops and been programmed to be a worker bee. Ignore what you think is true, in most cases, you're wrong. The more true information you acquire, the better off you'll be. The more study outside of school you do, the more prepared you'll be to deal with life and its little hiccups.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Just an attempt at humor.
Ok, because my last couple posts have been on the serious side, I decided to lighten up my blog a bit with an attempt at humor.
Ever read personal ads? If you have, or do, you'll notice a lot of repetitiveness. You'll see a lot of woman saying the same thing, and a lot of men saying the same thing. The funny thing is about these popular things to say is they are vague. Bellow I'll list them and provide what they really mean.
Warning: NOT intended to be viewed by children. Some of these JOKES are a bit crude.
WHAT WOMEN REALLY MEAN...
They say, "I'm looking for a man who knows how to treat a woman"
They mean, "I'm looking for a man who will buy me things."
They say, "I'm looking for a real man."
They mean, "I'm looking for a man who has a job and will buy me things."
They say, "I'm a proud bbw."
They mean, "I'm a lazy fat woman with no intentions of ever trying to lose any weight."
They say, "I am strong willed and speak my mind"
They mean, "I am opinionated and never shut up."
They say, "I am like no other woman you've met."
They mean, "I have a weird hair cut and act 15 years old."
They say, "I am an independent woman."
They mean, "I work at Wal-Mart and collect child support."
WHAT MEN REALLY MEAN...
They say, "I am driven and focused on achieving my goals in life."
They mean, "I still live with my parents."
They say, "I just want to be friends first and see where it goes from there."
They mean, "I want to see if you are hot first."
They say, "I am financially secure."
They mean, "I think all women only want a man for his money."
They say, "Seeking Mrs. Right."
They mean, "Seeking a woman who swallows."
They say, "I have a good sense of humor."
They mean, "I still laugh at farts."
They say, "Just looking for a friend."
They mean, "I am trying to get into your panties by making it look like I'm not."
They say, "I love BBW's"
They mean, "I'm a boob man."
They say, "I am sensitive, caring, and willing to listen."
They mean, "I will make the perfect gay friend."
Ever read personal ads? If you have, or do, you'll notice a lot of repetitiveness. You'll see a lot of woman saying the same thing, and a lot of men saying the same thing. The funny thing is about these popular things to say is they are vague. Bellow I'll list them and provide what they really mean.
Warning: NOT intended to be viewed by children. Some of these JOKES are a bit crude.
WHAT WOMEN REALLY MEAN...
They say, "I'm looking for a man who knows how to treat a woman"
They mean, "I'm looking for a man who will buy me things."
They say, "I'm looking for a real man."
They mean, "I'm looking for a man who has a job and will buy me things."
They say, "I'm a proud bbw."
They mean, "I'm a lazy fat woman with no intentions of ever trying to lose any weight."
They say, "I am strong willed and speak my mind"
They mean, "I am opinionated and never shut up."
They say, "I am like no other woman you've met."
They mean, "I have a weird hair cut and act 15 years old."
They say, "I am an independent woman."
They mean, "I work at Wal-Mart and collect child support."
WHAT MEN REALLY MEAN...
They say, "I am driven and focused on achieving my goals in life."
They mean, "I still live with my parents."
They say, "I just want to be friends first and see where it goes from there."
They mean, "I want to see if you are hot first."
They say, "I am financially secure."
They mean, "I think all women only want a man for his money."
They say, "Seeking Mrs. Right."
They mean, "Seeking a woman who swallows."
They say, "I have a good sense of humor."
They mean, "I still laugh at farts."
They say, "Just looking for a friend."
They mean, "I am trying to get into your panties by making it look like I'm not."
They say, "I love BBW's"
They mean, "I'm a boob man."
They say, "I am sensitive, caring, and willing to listen."
They mean, "I will make the perfect gay friend."
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Concerning God in Government and Schools.
I am writing this to once and for all state my standing or opinion on the growing issues of God in government, schools, etc. I have been in a friendly discussion/debate with some people online who while they voice their opinions well and with courtesy, I am forced to disagree with and am choosing this outlet as a source for stating my entire opinion and the reasons for it. If you do not agree with me, that is perfectly ok, but please respect my right as a human being to have my own opinions.
CONCERNING THE FOUNDING FATHERS:
A popular argument used by proponents of getting God in schools, government, etc. Is that our country was founded on Christian beliefs. While our "founding fathers" may have been Christian, or claim to have been, this is actually a great distance from the truth of the historical events leading to the creation of the United States of America.
The United States was not founded based on Christian beliefs. It was created through the use of violence, murder, and conquest. When Europeans first landed in the "new world" they were welcomed by the local natives and in fact only survived their first winter because the natives helped them. This very brotherly and loving gesture was answered with blankets infested with small pox. That is where the murder comes in. This is not the actions of Christian men.
Continuing with U.S. history we move forward to the actual creation of the colonies. This was achieved by stealing land through conquest from the natives of this land. The founding fathers waged war with the natives, killing thousands. This is historical fact. This is also is not the actions of Christian men.
Now we come to the founding of the United States. After having adequately gotten rid of the people who were inconveniently here before them, the founding fathers decided it was necessary to separate the colonies from Great Britain and form a country of their own. Thomas Jefferson wrote a long, eloquently worded document condemning King George of Great Britain as a tyrant and oppressor of the people. He wrote in this document that all men are created equal. Meanwhile he owned over 80 African slaves. He raped some of the female slaves that led to many illegitimate children. This hypocrisy aside, the Declaration of Independence, while not an actual legal document, contained many words of wisdom and displayed an ethical standard to be strived for.
These are the founding fathers as they truly were. They were conquerors, murders, pillagers, rapists, and prone to acts of evil. They were not the great, wise, and Christian men we are sometimes taught they were. They founded this country in blood and violence, not Christian or any moral beliefs.
CONSERNING THE 1ST AMENDMENT
Setting aside the murderous habits of the founding fathers we can see that they did have some wisdom and fore sight that is rare among the world today. The pertinent part of the first amendment concerning religion and government is as follows:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."
1. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion:
- This means that no law can be passed that is based in or upon a specific religious belief. This gives the citizens of the U.S. freedom FROM religion. Its intent is to keep any and all religions from gaining any power within the U.S. government
2. ..or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;
-This prohibits congress from passing any laws that disallow any and all religious practices that do not violate another citizens rights (i.e. human sacrifice would still be murder even if done in the name of religious practice). This gives U.S. citizens freedom OF religion.
(Note: The remaining portion of the first amendment protects and/or provides the freedom of speech and press, and protects the right of the citizens to peaceably assemble to petition the government to answer for any and all grievances)
What this first portion of the first amendment does is make sure that no one can use their religion to oppress fellow US citizens and to make sure that the government cannot oppress any religious group. This means that the "Defense of Marriage Act" is unconstitutional and thereby not a truly legal document. It is a law that respects the religious belief that marriage is defined as between a man and a woman. As a Christian I can honestly say that this law offends me in every way possible. It does the exact opposite of what Christ taught us to do. As an American it still offends me because it violates the constitution and oppresses my fellow Americans for no reason other then that they are a minority group.
CONCERNING THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
I have touched on this already in discussions, but will briefly discuss it here for any reader who was not privy to the afore mentioned debates and conversations.
The term "under God" was not in the pledge of allegiance until 1954. It being there is not valid support of the argument that our nation was founded upon Christian beliefs because of its very recent addition. Also, the original pledge itself was not written until 1892, over 100 years after the U.S. Constitution was written.
That being said, I can see no reason to remove it. I can see no rational thinker being offended by its presence. One, it does not violate the 1st amendment because the pledge is not a law, nor was it written or authorized by congress. Two, "under God" does not imply any specific religion. In fact, it implies nearly all religions because nearly all religions believe in God, even though they may refer to Him by a different name or title. Three, it is just a very stupid battle to fight. It is based on nothing more then a dislike of religion in general, not on any real moral or ethical judgment. Fighting to remove it from the pledge is no better then fighting to have evolution removed from science class curriculum. Certain things just need to be left alone and as they are because changing them serves no purpose. This is one of those things.
I do not know, nor wish to research the origins of "In God we trust" being on the U.S. currency. Fighting to remove or keep it falls in the same category as the pledge. A stupid and pointless waste of time that serves no real or tangible purpose other then for the winning side to get their way. Keep it, get rid of it, a dollar will still be worth a dollar. Not to mention that their really isn't a lot of people that read their money for, divine or otherwise, inspiration.
CONCERNING GOD IN SCHOOLS
On this I ask, exactly who's God should the schools teach our children about? My God? The Jewish God? The Muslim God? The Hindu God?
The children of this nation should not be subjected or forced to deal with the childish bickering between adults. This is one of those cases where children are being objectified and put on posters and forced to hold protest signs in the name of a specific religion. Teaching alternatives to evolution is not the responsibility of the schools. The schools are there to teach academia, not religion. If you want your child to learn about God then it is your responsibility to teach your child. Asking a school to teach your version of the origins of man violates the rights of the students, teachers, and parents of the student that do not share your religious beliefs. Evolution has nothing to do with religion. It is a Darwinian theory that has opened the doors to many discoveries about human mental development and disorders that changed the history of psychological medicine. The origin of man, by Charles Darwin, was a result of Darwin's studies in human development. It was not the catalyst. It belongs in science class, and to remove it is to rob children of priceless knowledge. To remove it also robs children of the ability to be open minded and objective thinkers (something that is sorely needed these days).
No one's religion has any place in public schools. This does not mean that a school official, teacher or otherwise, has any right to tell any student that they are not allowed to pray while in class, at lunch, before a test, etc. etc. A student has the right to practice their religion anywhere they choose as long as it does not violate the rights of fellow students. Quietly praying before beginning a test or eating lunch does not hurt anyone. Insisting that a student's praying violates the 1st amendment shows nothing but ignorance in the insister. If you want your child's academic studies to be based also in your religious beliefs, there are private schools for this, send your child there. If you cannot afford to do this, then I think that you are concerning yourself with something that should be on the bottom of your to do list.
FINAL NOTES
I am a Christian. Yes, my faith is not as strong as some. Yes, it has been rattled lately, but his is due mostly to the actions of fellow "Christians." Christ, as a man, taught the world to be humble, loving, compassionate, and forgiving. He taught us to have integrity, morality, and ethics. He came to the world in a time of desperate need. He left in a symbolic way that shows mankind that sacrifice is a more honorable and worthy cause then selfish acquisition. I use the bible, and the teachings of Christ as a guide to how I make decisions, and treat others.
However, I do not think that these lessons are strictly Christian. I believe, no not believe, I know that these values and lessons are attainable and learnable outside of church. I know that a person does not need to know Christ in order to live by his teachings. I believe that Christ and his teachings are the way and path to heaven. I do not know that he is the only path. To say that you know Christ is the one and only path negates the need for faith. God and Christ taught to have faith, not knowledge that God is out there.
I hope that this clearly explained my stand on this issue. I hope that it some how made those who would disagree think about it more and consider their own opinions a little more critically. I hope that it inspired other Christians to think and act more on the teachings of Christ, and to not pick and choose what passages tells them its ok to oppress a certain type of person. This is the last time I will address this issue in writing. Thank you to any who decided to read it and I apologize for any grammatical errors that may have cause complications in understanding what I have said.
CONCERNING THE FOUNDING FATHERS:
A popular argument used by proponents of getting God in schools, government, etc. Is that our country was founded on Christian beliefs. While our "founding fathers" may have been Christian, or claim to have been, this is actually a great distance from the truth of the historical events leading to the creation of the United States of America.
The United States was not founded based on Christian beliefs. It was created through the use of violence, murder, and conquest. When Europeans first landed in the "new world" they were welcomed by the local natives and in fact only survived their first winter because the natives helped them. This very brotherly and loving gesture was answered with blankets infested with small pox. That is where the murder comes in. This is not the actions of Christian men.
Continuing with U.S. history we move forward to the actual creation of the colonies. This was achieved by stealing land through conquest from the natives of this land. The founding fathers waged war with the natives, killing thousands. This is historical fact. This is also is not the actions of Christian men.
Now we come to the founding of the United States. After having adequately gotten rid of the people who were inconveniently here before them, the founding fathers decided it was necessary to separate the colonies from Great Britain and form a country of their own. Thomas Jefferson wrote a long, eloquently worded document condemning King George of Great Britain as a tyrant and oppressor of the people. He wrote in this document that all men are created equal. Meanwhile he owned over 80 African slaves. He raped some of the female slaves that led to many illegitimate children. This hypocrisy aside, the Declaration of Independence, while not an actual legal document, contained many words of wisdom and displayed an ethical standard to be strived for.
These are the founding fathers as they truly were. They were conquerors, murders, pillagers, rapists, and prone to acts of evil. They were not the great, wise, and Christian men we are sometimes taught they were. They founded this country in blood and violence, not Christian or any moral beliefs.
CONSERNING THE 1ST AMENDMENT
Setting aside the murderous habits of the founding fathers we can see that they did have some wisdom and fore sight that is rare among the world today. The pertinent part of the first amendment concerning religion and government is as follows:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."
1. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion:
- This means that no law can be passed that is based in or upon a specific religious belief. This gives the citizens of the U.S. freedom FROM religion. Its intent is to keep any and all religions from gaining any power within the U.S. government
2. ..or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;
-This prohibits congress from passing any laws that disallow any and all religious practices that do not violate another citizens rights (i.e. human sacrifice would still be murder even if done in the name of religious practice). This gives U.S. citizens freedom OF religion.
(Note: The remaining portion of the first amendment protects and/or provides the freedom of speech and press, and protects the right of the citizens to peaceably assemble to petition the government to answer for any and all grievances)
What this first portion of the first amendment does is make sure that no one can use their religion to oppress fellow US citizens and to make sure that the government cannot oppress any religious group. This means that the "Defense of Marriage Act" is unconstitutional and thereby not a truly legal document. It is a law that respects the religious belief that marriage is defined as between a man and a woman. As a Christian I can honestly say that this law offends me in every way possible. It does the exact opposite of what Christ taught us to do. As an American it still offends me because it violates the constitution and oppresses my fellow Americans for no reason other then that they are a minority group.
CONCERNING THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
I have touched on this already in discussions, but will briefly discuss it here for any reader who was not privy to the afore mentioned debates and conversations.
The term "under God" was not in the pledge of allegiance until 1954. It being there is not valid support of the argument that our nation was founded upon Christian beliefs because of its very recent addition. Also, the original pledge itself was not written until 1892, over 100 years after the U.S. Constitution was written.
That being said, I can see no reason to remove it. I can see no rational thinker being offended by its presence. One, it does not violate the 1st amendment because the pledge is not a law, nor was it written or authorized by congress. Two, "under God" does not imply any specific religion. In fact, it implies nearly all religions because nearly all religions believe in God, even though they may refer to Him by a different name or title. Three, it is just a very stupid battle to fight. It is based on nothing more then a dislike of religion in general, not on any real moral or ethical judgment. Fighting to remove it from the pledge is no better then fighting to have evolution removed from science class curriculum. Certain things just need to be left alone and as they are because changing them serves no purpose. This is one of those things.
I do not know, nor wish to research the origins of "In God we trust" being on the U.S. currency. Fighting to remove or keep it falls in the same category as the pledge. A stupid and pointless waste of time that serves no real or tangible purpose other then for the winning side to get their way. Keep it, get rid of it, a dollar will still be worth a dollar. Not to mention that their really isn't a lot of people that read their money for, divine or otherwise, inspiration.
CONCERNING GOD IN SCHOOLS
On this I ask, exactly who's God should the schools teach our children about? My God? The Jewish God? The Muslim God? The Hindu God?
The children of this nation should not be subjected or forced to deal with the childish bickering between adults. This is one of those cases where children are being objectified and put on posters and forced to hold protest signs in the name of a specific religion. Teaching alternatives to evolution is not the responsibility of the schools. The schools are there to teach academia, not religion. If you want your child to learn about God then it is your responsibility to teach your child. Asking a school to teach your version of the origins of man violates the rights of the students, teachers, and parents of the student that do not share your religious beliefs. Evolution has nothing to do with religion. It is a Darwinian theory that has opened the doors to many discoveries about human mental development and disorders that changed the history of psychological medicine. The origin of man, by Charles Darwin, was a result of Darwin's studies in human development. It was not the catalyst. It belongs in science class, and to remove it is to rob children of priceless knowledge. To remove it also robs children of the ability to be open minded and objective thinkers (something that is sorely needed these days).
No one's religion has any place in public schools. This does not mean that a school official, teacher or otherwise, has any right to tell any student that they are not allowed to pray while in class, at lunch, before a test, etc. etc. A student has the right to practice their religion anywhere they choose as long as it does not violate the rights of fellow students. Quietly praying before beginning a test or eating lunch does not hurt anyone. Insisting that a student's praying violates the 1st amendment shows nothing but ignorance in the insister. If you want your child's academic studies to be based also in your religious beliefs, there are private schools for this, send your child there. If you cannot afford to do this, then I think that you are concerning yourself with something that should be on the bottom of your to do list.
FINAL NOTES
I am a Christian. Yes, my faith is not as strong as some. Yes, it has been rattled lately, but his is due mostly to the actions of fellow "Christians." Christ, as a man, taught the world to be humble, loving, compassionate, and forgiving. He taught us to have integrity, morality, and ethics. He came to the world in a time of desperate need. He left in a symbolic way that shows mankind that sacrifice is a more honorable and worthy cause then selfish acquisition. I use the bible, and the teachings of Christ as a guide to how I make decisions, and treat others.
However, I do not think that these lessons are strictly Christian. I believe, no not believe, I know that these values and lessons are attainable and learnable outside of church. I know that a person does not need to know Christ in order to live by his teachings. I believe that Christ and his teachings are the way and path to heaven. I do not know that he is the only path. To say that you know Christ is the one and only path negates the need for faith. God and Christ taught to have faith, not knowledge that God is out there.
I hope that this clearly explained my stand on this issue. I hope that it some how made those who would disagree think about it more and consider their own opinions a little more critically. I hope that it inspired other Christians to think and act more on the teachings of Christ, and to not pick and choose what passages tells them its ok to oppress a certain type of person. This is the last time I will address this issue in writing. Thank you to any who decided to read it and I apologize for any grammatical errors that may have cause complications in understanding what I have said.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
A bit off the norm for a minute.
Will any and all the people who see this copy and paste onto any social networking sites you use. This company needs to be taught that America will not tolerate unethical business practices and word play to convince people it does not support cruelty to animals. So please, copy and paste to all your social sites the report below. thank you.
http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/puppy_mills/timelines/petland_investigation.html
The above link is general information on how petland has been proven to be supporters and customers of puppy mills.
Here's is information specifically on the NC Petland in Charlotte.
http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/pets/puppy_mills/petland_state_data_north_carolina.pdf
No matter how you look at it, this company supports legal cruelty to puppies and breeder dogs. They tell you that they only buy from USDA approved breeders...ok, lets look at the USDA regulations:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100525/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_puppy_mills_no_enforcement
hmm...doesn't seem like the USDA is very tough on these large kennel breeders, or puppy mills...
One regulation is that the dogs must have 6 inches of space to move around in. Meaning, that if a dog puts its butt on one side of the cage, kennel, or whatever, they must have 6 inches between their nose and the other side of the cage. The USDA does NOT require these kennels to take the dogs out of the cages, EVER. So, no exercise for these dogs until the lucky ones are able to find a home. And NONE what so ever required for the breeder dogs.
Now, go to the local, Charlotte, NC Pet land and tell them that they need to stop selling Puppies and they will laugh at you. Puppies are big ticket items for them. They sell them for up to $3-$4 THOUSAND dollars a puppy. They excuse this obviously huge mark up by saying they provide vet visit discounts, shots, etc.. Really Pet land? You think the public is THAT stupid? Lets take a look at average cost of a puppy from a breeder.
Lets say you want a French Bulldog, a relatively popular little dog. Here's a breeder in NC: http://www.puppyfind.com/french+bulldog.php
As you can see, one sells for $900.00 the other $1300.00
Pet land sells this same type of puppy mill bred puppy for over $3000.00 and you KNOW they pay less then the $900 price tag.
Now, lets see how much it costs for the shots that Petland provides (Up to 12 weeks old).
http://www.fetchdog.com/learn-connect/dog-resource-library/life-stages/The-Cost-of-a-Puppy/D/300600/P/1:5:55:54/I/AR000010697
The above link to Fetchdog.com says that the cost of the shots petland provides varies from $100 - $500, with and average of $200. Lets try to give them a chance and add together the $1300 puppy with the high end Shots of $500, you get $1800. hmmm. Still doesn't add up to Petland's asking price of $3000. In fact, Petland's price is almost double what it would cost you to pay for the shots yourself when you buy a puppy from a small breeder. How big of a profit margin does this company need?
Oh, you say they have to pay their employees? Well, they do have to, but the truth of it is, most of their staff works on commission or get paid minimum wage. Not Both, one or the other, which ever is higher. Now, how long do you think this very greedy company that is willing to support puppy mills would keep an employee that doesn't sell enough puppies or pet supplies to breach the mark and get paid commission instead of minimum wage? A month? Two months? Who knows? All I know, is if you go in their store today, and then a month from now, you'll see a lot of different faces. Here's an interesting fact. The NC Petland has been through THREE managers in the last year alone. Now, if they are so willing to trade managers out like baseball cards, it shows how willing they are to get rid of staff they see as inadequate.
They tell their customers that the animals care is their primary concern...Really Petland? Is it? Or is it the money you make from buying puppies for cheap from puppy mills that breed their female dogs twice a year? Or the money you earn from keeping a revolving door for your always temporary staff? Or the money you get from charging your customers $1200 extra on the price of a puppy for an average cost of $200 shots which anyone with common sense would know that you most likely work with select vets to get a discount on that cost too?
So, Petland is not only evil because they support large kennel, or puppy mill breeders who basically torture their breeder dogs, but they are evil because they are too focused on profit, instead of what they claim to be focused on, the health and care of the animals.
So, why am I posting this? Well, to get the word out on this company that is a stain upon the landscape of NC for one. And two, in hopes that you, the reader, will continue to spread the word and if the people of NC, specifically Charlotte have the level of compassion or pride that I would imagine it does, we can drive this company from our state, never to return. And if you are worried about the people that work there losing their jobs, don't be; like I said, they are destined for that revolving door anyway. Any regular customer of theirs, like I used to be, can tell you that they go threw staff like dogs go through chew toys.
http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/puppy_mills/timelines/petland_investigation.html
The above link is general information on how petland has been proven to be supporters and customers of puppy mills.
Here's is information specifically on the NC Petland in Charlotte.
http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/pets/puppy_mills/petland_state_data_north_carolina.pdf
No matter how you look at it, this company supports legal cruelty to puppies and breeder dogs. They tell you that they only buy from USDA approved breeders...ok, lets look at the USDA regulations:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100525/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_puppy_mills_no_enforcement
hmm...doesn't seem like the USDA is very tough on these large kennel breeders, or puppy mills...
One regulation is that the dogs must have 6 inches of space to move around in. Meaning, that if a dog puts its butt on one side of the cage, kennel, or whatever, they must have 6 inches between their nose and the other side of the cage. The USDA does NOT require these kennels to take the dogs out of the cages, EVER. So, no exercise for these dogs until the lucky ones are able to find a home. And NONE what so ever required for the breeder dogs.
Now, go to the local, Charlotte, NC Pet land and tell them that they need to stop selling Puppies and they will laugh at you. Puppies are big ticket items for them. They sell them for up to $3-$4 THOUSAND dollars a puppy. They excuse this obviously huge mark up by saying they provide vet visit discounts, shots, etc.. Really Pet land? You think the public is THAT stupid? Lets take a look at average cost of a puppy from a breeder.
Lets say you want a French Bulldog, a relatively popular little dog. Here's a breeder in NC: http://www.puppyfind.com/french+bulldog.php
As you can see, one sells for $900.00 the other $1300.00
Pet land sells this same type of puppy mill bred puppy for over $3000.00 and you KNOW they pay less then the $900 price tag.
Now, lets see how much it costs for the shots that Petland provides (Up to 12 weeks old).
http://www.fetchdog.com/learn-connect/dog-resource-library/life-stages/The-Cost-of-a-Puppy/D/300600/P/1:5:55:54/I/AR000010697
The above link to Fetchdog.com says that the cost of the shots petland provides varies from $100 - $500, with and average of $200. Lets try to give them a chance and add together the $1300 puppy with the high end Shots of $500, you get $1800. hmmm. Still doesn't add up to Petland's asking price of $3000. In fact, Petland's price is almost double what it would cost you to pay for the shots yourself when you buy a puppy from a small breeder. How big of a profit margin does this company need?
Oh, you say they have to pay their employees? Well, they do have to, but the truth of it is, most of their staff works on commission or get paid minimum wage. Not Both, one or the other, which ever is higher. Now, how long do you think this very greedy company that is willing to support puppy mills would keep an employee that doesn't sell enough puppies or pet supplies to breach the mark and get paid commission instead of minimum wage? A month? Two months? Who knows? All I know, is if you go in their store today, and then a month from now, you'll see a lot of different faces. Here's an interesting fact. The NC Petland has been through THREE managers in the last year alone. Now, if they are so willing to trade managers out like baseball cards, it shows how willing they are to get rid of staff they see as inadequate.
They tell their customers that the animals care is their primary concern...Really Petland? Is it? Or is it the money you make from buying puppies for cheap from puppy mills that breed their female dogs twice a year? Or the money you earn from keeping a revolving door for your always temporary staff? Or the money you get from charging your customers $1200 extra on the price of a puppy for an average cost of $200 shots which anyone with common sense would know that you most likely work with select vets to get a discount on that cost too?
So, Petland is not only evil because they support large kennel, or puppy mill breeders who basically torture their breeder dogs, but they are evil because they are too focused on profit, instead of what they claim to be focused on, the health and care of the animals.
So, why am I posting this? Well, to get the word out on this company that is a stain upon the landscape of NC for one. And two, in hopes that you, the reader, will continue to spread the word and if the people of NC, specifically Charlotte have the level of compassion or pride that I would imagine it does, we can drive this company from our state, never to return. And if you are worried about the people that work there losing their jobs, don't be; like I said, they are destined for that revolving door anyway. Any regular customer of theirs, like I used to be, can tell you that they go threw staff like dogs go through chew toys.
Friday, May 14, 2010
The Empty Chair
This is dedicated to Josh Sickels, who just lost his mother too soon... Your friends, those who knew you well, and those, like me, who didn't have the fortune or good sense to get to know you well enough, express our saddness and sympathies over your loss.
The Empty Chair
Glancing, where she;
use to sit. Relaxed...content.
She only wanted love, to give it
and to receive it. In the end....
In the end she found it.
In the end, she knew...
she was loved. She was mother;
and.
And in all but signature;
wife...
She was care giver, she
was mother. So I glance.
I glance where she use...
to sit. I still see her...,
there, in her vacated seat. In
my grief, over her empty chair.
The Empty Chair
Glancing, where she;
use to sit. Relaxed...content.
She only wanted love, to give it
and to receive it. In the end....
In the end she found it.
In the end, she knew...
she was loved. She was mother;
and.
And in all but signature;
wife...
She was care giver, she
was mother. So I glance.
I glance where she use...
to sit. I still see her...,
there, in her vacated seat. In
my grief, over her empty chair.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Have Faith, Know Nothing.
Fulfilling life's prophecy,
sympathetic hearts are needed.
Nay, not sympathetic;
but empathetic. You must
know how to feel the pain and joy of others.
Be like the lion, survive by one
another.
Eat the flesh of prey, make not prey of
each other. Man, to woman, to child;
care must be given and received by all.
Build joy in your hearts;
upon a foundation of love.
Call no man creature, thing;
or nothing but brother. It is by
unionized effort that thriving thrives.
Use matured minds to refrain;
from judgment.
Own your deeds, undone needs,
and unspoken thoughts. It is the child
that casts his faults on others.
sympathetic hearts are needed.
Nay, not sympathetic;
but empathetic. You must
know how to feel the pain and joy of others.
Be like the lion, survive by one
another.
Eat the flesh of prey, make not prey of
each other. Man, to woman, to child;
care must be given and received by all.
Build joy in your hearts;
upon a foundation of love.
Call no man creature, thing;
or nothing but brother. It is by
unionized effort that thriving thrives.
Use matured minds to refrain;
from judgment.
Own your deeds, undone needs,
and unspoken thoughts. It is the child
that casts his faults on others.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Life Not Grown
I don't know why,
But my eyes are forever aimed at the earth.
Grounded by what may be shame, or doubt;
Or maybe fear, never any mirth.
Flagged or labeled;
Avoided by all, I sit alone.
Watching the shadows slowly move;
The walls of my Hollow where they always roam.
Counting the hours grows tiresome;
At best I'll slightly laugh at a funny show.
My vision blurs, with tired eyes;
As I hear the morning rooster crow.
Up all night, yet again;
Wasting my life away.
Watching old movies, black and white,
Forever looking backwards, at yesterday.
When I try to look forward,
At the future my life may hold.
I am blinded by the whiteness;
a blank, empty space, bright and bold.
Not bold from promise,
But at the sheer unknown;
So I look down again,
At the grass not grown.
But my eyes are forever aimed at the earth.
Grounded by what may be shame, or doubt;
Or maybe fear, never any mirth.
Flagged or labeled;
Avoided by all, I sit alone.
Watching the shadows slowly move;
The walls of my Hollow where they always roam.
Counting the hours grows tiresome;
At best I'll slightly laugh at a funny show.
My vision blurs, with tired eyes;
As I hear the morning rooster crow.
Up all night, yet again;
Wasting my life away.
Watching old movies, black and white,
Forever looking backwards, at yesterday.
When I try to look forward,
At the future my life may hold.
I am blinded by the whiteness;
a blank, empty space, bright and bold.
Not bold from promise,
But at the sheer unknown;
So I look down again,
At the grass not grown.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Note: A poem by me.
I wrote this a few years ago. No, I am not suicidal, but for some reason I felt the need to write something for those who had taken their own lives without leaving a note of explination on why. (Note: The reason is a personal one involving the death of a friend, sorry I could not be more specific.)
The Note
For all the bad I couldn’t do;
For all the wrongs I didn’t right.
For all the good I didn’t do;
For all my love I kept from sight.
For all the hate I didn’t hide;
For all the pain I couldn’t stop.
For all the rage I kept inside;
For all the failings I couldn’t top.
For all the evil I wished to do;
For all the devils that take flight.
For all and one and all of you;
I end my life tonight.
The Note
For all the bad I couldn’t do;
For all the wrongs I didn’t right.
For all the good I didn’t do;
For all my love I kept from sight.
For all the hate I didn’t hide;
For all the pain I couldn’t stop.
For all the rage I kept inside;
For all the failings I couldn’t top.
For all the evil I wished to do;
For all the devils that take flight.
For all and one and all of you;
I end my life tonight.
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