An Apology

To all my faithful readers, sorry it has too long since my last post. I am suffering from writers block. Recently, some ideas have started bouncing around, but they have not made it to paper as of yet. With the holiday bustle and everything I just have not gotten around to writing. However, this is no excuse. I will try to have something up soon. Thank you for taking the time to read, and for being patient with me when I fail to post regularly~

A Christmas Thought

My sister forwarded this to me, and I thought it was a wonderful idea. Therefore, I pass it on to you as a easy, painless way to spread the kindness this Christmas season....

GREAT IDEA!! When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one cardand send it to the address listed below. If we pass this on and everyonesends one card, think of how many cards these special people who havesacrificed so much would get.
When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, pleaseconsider including the following:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20307-5001

Post Election Day Blues?

Ah, the day after Election Day, a day that is customarily filled with exceeding joy where one group is concerned and reluctant resignation with the other. However, should it truly be so? Consider the examples of Senator John McCain and President George W. Bush. These men are an example to the nation of what true character does, even while experiencing a less than desirable outcome.
Personally, I hoped the election would have a different outcome. Watching the news in anticipation, I held onto hope even when they started mentioning the fact that it would take a miracle for McCain to win. I knew that such miracles had occurred; therefore, I continued to believe it was possible. Ironically, I left the room for a short time, and that was when everything happened. By the time I returned, it was over. Barak Obama was now President Elect. John McCain had lost the 2008 presidential election. It had happened.
It seemed to take a while for the whole thing to sink in. I sat there, wondering at the rapidity with which things can happen, and realizing that all my hopes and dreams lay at my feet in complete ruin. To my surprise however, I was not depressed and upset. I was not angry or irate. I did not bemoan the fate of our nation. As I said, my reaction was a shock even to myself. I did not know what to make of it. Was something wrong with me?
Then I understood. No, there was not anything wrong with me. I was not a traitor to my candidate, my country, or even to myself. In fact the exact opposite was true. My love of country and patriotism were overcoming all frustration. True, the outcome was not my desire. But to the very core of my being I am an American, I love my country, I respect her leaders. Barak Obama went from being the opponent to being the elected leader of my beloved nation. That changes things. No, I still don’t agree with many of his policies. I wonder what will change in this great nation throughout the next four years. But as far as President Elect Obama is concerned, I respect him, I honor him, and I will pray for him, as all those willing to take on the burden of leading this country deserve.

2008 Presidential Election

We are only weeks away from a historic election. It would be amusing to view the desperation of the two presidential candidates if there was not so much at stake. How refreshing and exciting to live in a democracy where we the people get the chance to make a difference! However is it not alarming that some people are going to put their rights under a democracy to use, by voting to elect a man who seems to wish to undermine that very foundation? Barak Obama and his running mate, Joe Biden, have both assured us that they will attack certain aspects of our democracy. Universal health care and redistribution of wealth to ensure “fairness,” are not democratic policies, instead they are socialistic. If I remember correctly, socialism has not done anyone any good lately. Usually it results in oppression of the people. I for one, plan on voting to continue a democracy, instead of voting to undermine it. Perhaps we should remember President Gerald Ford’s words, “A government big enough to give you what you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have.”

Cruelty to Animals vs. Cruelty to Humans

During the past few weeks, there have been several stories reported in the newspaper and on the radio regarding the mistreatment of animals. A man jailed for throwing a kitten against the wall, that later had to be euthanized, another kicking his ex-girlfriend’s pit bull off a balcony, he too facing prosecution, and yet another case concerning the Hormel pig farm, where among other things, the employees killed piglets by throwing them against the ground.
It should be obvious that treating a living thing with such gross inhumanity is wrong. Just look at the outcry of the public at the exposure of these incidents. The disgust is rampant and the cry for prosecution is becoming deafening. Many are asking the question: what kind of people can do these horrendous things? Evidently, those guilty have violated a universally accepted, and expected, value of life .
Personally, I am shocked and disgusted by these stories. No living creature deserves such treatment. But here is where our nation has a double standard. I was recently shown a five minute video that changed my life. It had no words, merely classical music accompanying photos. However, by the time that five minutes had concluded, I was in tears and sick to my stomach, even as I write about the experience, I feel the tears and the sickness returning. What I saw will never leave me, the pictures are engrained into my very being, and painful though they are, I would not want it any other way. I am extra-sensitized to anything at all regarding this issue. A word brings an image. The images that made up that five minute presentation were of abortions and aborted children. Yes, children. One cannot look at the picture of an infant’s head, a perfect head, complete with tiny eyes, nose, mouth, ears, even hair, a face you could kiss and croon over, laying detached from the body in the hands of a physician, and not be moved. A doctor did this unthinkable, inhumane thing; a doctor had killed this child, and justified it by calling it a mere lump of tissue.
Does no one else see how skewed our society is! There is a stream of public outcry against people who have mistreated animals. I agree that animals should be treated with kindness, but which is more valuable, and animal life, or a human life? Several years ago a horrendous crime was committed. Scott Peterson murdered his wife Lacy, who was pregnant with their unborn child. Caught and convicted, he was charged with two murders, and rightly so, for he took two lives. However, doctors are allowed to kill millions of unborn children a year, and it is not considered a crime. It seems the only difference between a murder and a choice is whether or not the subject was wanted. I tremble for a society in which worth is based entirely on desire. If the child is wanted, it is protected, if not, it is disposed of. How long will it take for this attitude to permeate our society? When will it become the norm for an adult child to decide between paying for their parents to go to a nursing home, and having them disposed of as too great a burden? If we take this attitude to the extreme, the value of our own lives relies merely on how loved we are by our family and friends. Once they decide we are no longer worth it, our value is gone, and we may as well be exterminated. Consider well. Save the piglets, kill the children? I think not. Value based on the feelings and desires of others? I shrink and tremble at the thought.

Away For a While....

Faithful readers, I apologize that I haven't posted for some time. I have let life get the better of me. In the meantime I leave tomorrow and will not be back for three weeks, during which time I do not belive I will have internet access. Therefore I have posted several more 'old' articles that I have written in the past when an issue grabbed me. Enjoy and I look forward to writing more for you again.

Illegal Immigration... Let's Think Again

Immigration, mention that word and people immediately jump to their guns ready for a hot argument. The controversy is rampant across the nation, should illegal immigrants be allowed to stay in America? Should they be punished? Is it cruel to send them back or not allow them the same privileges as legal citizens?
From many countries immigrants are traveling to the United States of America. Craving safety and a chance to make something of their lives, they come in hope of a new life. No other nation is quite equal to America in opportunities, freedoms, and rights. Is it a surprise that people wish to relocate here? Seeing this, the government has created a way for people to apply to become residents. It is not easy; in fact it can take an extended periods of time. Many have taken advantage of this and become legal citizens of America. Others have not.
The main controversy concerning immigration focuses on those who immigrate to America illegally. Without following the legal requirements of the government, they arrive and settle in America anyway. What should be cone? Some politicians have suggested that after living in America for a certain period of time illegal immigrants should receive citizenship. Others believe that all those in the country illegally should be shipped back to where they came from. Which is the right choice? What should be done?
Although it is heart wrenching to think of families being sent back, awarding citizenship will only compound the problem. If this is done then all immigrants have a choice. First, they could apply for residence and wait years perhaps to enter the country; or they can illegally enter immediately, take up residence and in a certain number of years they will receive citizenship free and clear. Which option seems easier? If a citizenship is awarded to illegal immigrants, it will encourage all immigrants to enter illegally.
Praising those that break our laws, and seemingly penalizing all who obey the law, does not seem to be a wise move. Compounding the immigration problem, America will be overrun with illegal immigrants. Sadly, if this occurs, there may be so many illegal immigrants in the country that those who apply legally will have to be refused. Think of the results of this policy. Does it not seem more profitable to reward those who do the right thing?

Make a Difference

There is a position in the government that is being rudely ignored. Those in this position are shirking their duty. Determining all other government positions and rulings, a job of this enormity should not be treated so. In 1856, 78.9% of those in this position fulfilled their duty. 1904 saw only 65.2%, while the year 2000 showed only 51%. It is time to stand against such disregard, it is time to vote.
In America we are privileged to have democracy. Uniquely, a democracy creates laws and has rulers as all governments, however, those rulers and laws are approved by the people. Unlike other governments, people desire to live under a democracy and experience the freedoms that they established. Living under a democratic government is taken for granted.
Unfortunately, people neglect to exercise the right of voting. Excuses range from inconvenience, to the misconception that only candidates with money win. While it may seem that only the rich reach political offices, the votes of people place them there. It is also stated that one vote will not matter. If all voters decided this, none would vote. One close election was the 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore. Amazingly, the popular vote statistics showed not even a percentage point separated the men. Contrariwise Bush had 271 of the electoral votes contrasted to Gore’s 266. In this election only 51% of the eligible voters voted. The outcome of the election could have been drastically different had more voted.
While most voters believe that choosing whether or not to vote is a preference, they fail to realize that it is not only a right, but a duty. It is no small matter that Americans are given the right to vote, it is an honor that many tarnish. Carrying the responsibility of this nation on their shoulders, people must understand the weight of their task.
Voting is one of the most vital positions in the nation. Putting into place leaders that will in turn make decisions that could alter the course of history, this job is taken too lightly. The people populating America are suffering from apathy. It is time for patriotism to rule again. Fellow Americans have fought, giving their lives for freedom and the right to vote. Yet, their bravery and honor are disregarded when one refuses to vote. Take on the responsibility, take on the challenge, and when given the opportunity, vote, for yourself, for your children, for the men and women that died to give you that right, and last of all for your nation.

Adoption: should everyone be able to adopt?

As a Minnesotan I often turn on WCCO radio when I am near a radio. One of my favorite programs to listen to is Jack Rice in the early afternoon. In actuality, I disagree with almost all his conclusions; however I enjoy thinking through the issues he addresses in order to better understand where I stand myself. This is how the following article came about. I was listening to Jack Rise discussing the subject and an argument came to mind.

Recently John McCain discussed a controversial subject, namely that of homosexual adoption. Should those couples of the same sex be allowed to adopt children? Many say that there are so many children in foster homes, it is unreasonable to refuse those who are willing to take a child into their home. McCain disagreed. Of course his campaign was quick to announce that he also felt this decision was for each state to make and that he would not impose his views on anyone. But think about it. Is it discrimination? Is it right? What is best for a child, to be just another kid in a foster home, or to be in a loving home with two moms or two dads?
With the rising numbers of foster children, it is important to find nurturing and encouraging homes. It would seem that refusing anyone who was willing to accept a child into their very family, providing for their every need, was foolish. Does the gender of the parents cause such a problem that a home should be refused to a small child? It seems that this may be an extreme does it not?
When this issue is discussed, people often describe those opposing homosexual adoption as intolerant and ridiculous. Announcing that, those people must just be afraid that homosexuals with children will only breed more homosexuals, they shun the opposition as ignorant. Yet, it does seem likely that this would happen. And from a purely practical viewpoint, if homosexuals adopt children, who themselves become homosexuals; the population of America will diminish rapidly.
Meanwhile the United States tends to be a leader in many ways. There is a loud voice calling for the preservation of natural resources and habitats. National parks, forest reserves, and the like are scattered across the nation dedicated to preserving natural wonders and homes for wildlife. It has become of the utmost importance to save for our animals their natural environment. For nothing can be expected to grow and thrive outside of its rightful home. Even when animals are taken to zoos great care is taken to recreate their homes, so that they can live naturally and well. Yes, this is still about homosexual adoption. Think about it. If natural environments are so vital to the healthy growth, life, and even happiness of animals, is it not the same for humans? The natural habitat, so to speak, of a child is in a home with a mother and a father. The very fact that homosexual couples cannot have children on their own makes them unfit to raise children. How can a child thrive in an unnatural environment?
In our attempt to sound politically correct, we are disregarding standards that are required for mere animals. Is this ethical?

The American Flag

Until I get a recent article up, here is a tast of my writing. This is one of my favorites...

Nothing fills an American heart with more pride and thankfulness than the sight of the stars and stripes of our flag. Pride concerning this nation that they live in, and thankfulness that it is their nation.
The flag of the United States of America stands for freedom, justice, and many other rights. When glimpsed the gratefulness for these freedoms can almost overwhelm one. True patriots honor the flag and reverence it for the symbol it is. While it may be forgotten or dismissed at times, it is always remembered again. Soldiers throughout the ages have fought for Old Glory. It stands for all that Americans hold dear.
Although it is impossible for some to comprehend how anyone could wish to burn the symbol of the nation, there are those living that do. It seems that if such are their thoughts they should leave the nation they fail to appreciate. Perhaps after living in another nation without those rights and freedoms they take for granted they may come to fully appreciate the benefits they had. Many take the flag and those things it stands for too lightly. Why is America having such great difficulties with illegal immigrants? Because others see what a privilege it is to live in America and do anything in their power to establish themselves there.
The current issue however is whether an amendment should be made criminalizing the burning of the American flag. As stated previously burning the flag is a horrendous offence to Americans. Yet, would not creating an amendment against such actions violate the very freedoms the flag stands for? The freedoms so precious that men and women have died fighting to preserve them? As much as burning the flag ignites anger for such unpatriotic acts, legislating such acts may send the country on a downward spiral of eliminating freedoms for political security.
I love Old Glory. Seeing my flag sends chills down my spine it means so much to me. Yet, I do not love it for the cloth and stitching it is made up of. I love it for the freedom, security, and rights it assures me of as a symbol. It hurts deep inside when that symbol is desecrated by unpatriotic acts of burning, yet, burning cloth with never destroy what it that cloth stood for, while legislating the burning of that cloth symbol may destroy the very things it stands for.