As Things Become More Gray

I know, it has been over a year since I have written anything.  But something, not sure what exactly, has inspired me to begin again.  This has been a year of a lot of changing ideas.  I blame it on reading too much philosophy.  Truth be told, I am not sure what I believe about some things now, although it is easier to put up a front that says I do.  My mind has already changed about some of the things that I have written.  Such is the internet, your views are out there FOREVER.  For those that wonder, I am still a conservative, although my views have moderated.  My religious views are in fluctuation, which is the part I have trouble talking about.

Compared to the people I was brought up with I am a raging liberal.  As I have written previously, I enjoy some things that would put me into potentially "liberal, heretic, backslidden" category.  Doesn't bother me, though because I am seeing that the world does not operate in black and white.  My views would get me kicked out of any religious right gathering.  Here are some samplings:

*I am in favor of comprehensive sex ed.  People don't stop having sex just because you tell them too.  Abstinence pledging has over an 80% failure rate.  Time to be realistic.  If you are serious about reducing abortions then you need to be serious about birth control.
*I am in favor of separation of church and state.  Christians wouldn't like it if Islam were established as the national religion and that is how a lot of people feel about Christianity.  People can feel free to practice their religion in their own place on their own time.  Simple as that.
*I am in favor of allowing gay couples full civil rights.  Marriage, at least to me, is a religious label.  Churches or other places of worship can make their own rules about marriage.
*I am in favor of allowing people to live their lives in their own way, even if I think it is absolutely immoral and something I would never do.  I care that people are not harmed by someone else's actions.

So what does all this make me?  Am I really a liberal in conservative clothing?  Nope, I think I just looked at reality and saw something lacking in absolutist views.  Life isn't one side or the other.  It is constantly reevaluating and realizing that sometimes you are wrong and things are far from black and white.

GOP "War on Women"

I am sure everyone has heard about the "war on women."  The one where a lot of women on the left claim that republicans want to take away their birth control and force them to give birth to tons of children.  Obama wanted to make it required for all employers to provide coverage for birth control.  This included religious organization, many of which were opposed to covering birth control as per their beliefs.  Thankfully, Obama backed down and allowed them to be excluded.  I don't blame Catholics for being angry, I would be angry too if I had to pay for something I found to be morally objectionable.

Now, for those on the left, mainly feminists, birth control is viewed as a right.  They often use this to appeal to pro lifers, by saying that if conservatives would help make birth control more available then the abortion rate would go down.  Nice thought, but I am looking at the wider picture here.  Nobody has a right to have sex.  Sure, do things happen?  Yes, they do but that does not excuse us.  People make bad choices and end up getting pregnant when they had no intentions of that happening.  Truth is when opposite sex people have sex there is always a chance of pregnancy, always.  It doesn't matter if the people use two types of birth control at the same time.  The possibility remains.

Really this all boils down to the issue of personal responsibility.  If someone is insistent that they are going to engage in an activity that could lead to pregnancy when they do not want that outcome then they must take steps to reduce this risk, while recognizing that this is still a possibility.  Hey, liberals are always begging that we stay out of their bedroom so I figure I shouldn't get too involved by paying for their birth control, and forcing employers to pay for their birth control.

As a side note, I see no problem with insurance companies covering birth control for medical reasons, but if someone just wants to prevent pregnancy then I say pony up the money or well everyone knows the other suggestion...

Snow Update and Myths about Conservatives

Well, the big "nor'easter" was a total fail.  Our predicted 4-6 inches of snow was more like an inch, and is already melting.  The less snow, the less I have to shovel!

Now to my real point.  Myths about conservatives.

Myth 1: Conservatives are racist
Truth: Conservatives want race to become less of an issue.  When it comes to affirmative action, we view that as increasing the focus on race rather than merit.  We want a system where everyone can succeed based on their qualifications.  The most level playing field is one where, as Martin Luther King Jr. would say: "not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." Or in this case,  qualifications.    

Myth 2: We don't care about the poor.
Truth: Conservatives don't want more government involved in people's lives and yes that means less welfare.  We believe that handing people money does not solve the problem.  People must be provided with jobs and have the incentive to go after those jobs.  When welfare in some states pays more than minimum wage jobs, we have a problem.  We believe that people want to be self-sufficient and are capable of bettering themselves.  Of course, conservatives want a safety net, and conservatives are big supporters of private charities that help people to get back on their feet.  In fact, even the nytimes has to admit that conservatives are more charitable!

Myth 3: We want a Christian theocracy
Truth: Yes Christians are more likely to be conservative, so maybe this is where this myth stems from?  Conservatives have always been champions of religious freedom.  Liberals are the ones that want to restrict religion by taking it out of everyday public life.  Such as the extremists that want to take "under God" out of the pledge of allegiance and take "In God We Trust" off of our money.  Many of these people are atheists that want to take away the freedom of everyone else to openly practice their religion.

Myth 4: Conservatives are against women's rights
Truth: Oh yes, the old stereotype about conservatives wanting women to stay in the kitchen barefoot and pregnant.  How is it then that females are entering the GOP race for president?  It seems it is liberals that want to limit women.  They are the ones that put down stay at home moms, and call it "oppressive."  Conservative believe that having a strong family means that wives and mothers are very important for this country.  The things that have become women's rights are actually very destructive.  Things like abortion, sexual "freedom", and the right to be a single mother.  Conservatives believe in the rights of women to be respected for being wives, mothers, and yes whatever else they choose.

Myth 5: Conservatives are against immigration
Truth: This relates back to the first one.  Conservatives are against illegal immigration because of the fact that it reflects poorly upon those who came here legally.  We are concerned about the safety of our country and want to know who is coming in and out.  We want to keep our jobs and benefits for our citizens so we can have a strong country.  Once someone becomes a legal citizen they are an American, period.

Those were the ones that came to mind.  There are ton more and I just came with some new blog ideas, I think.

Occupy Wall Street

I thought this video summed it up pretty well.

I would also like to point out that many conservatives, especially tea part conservatives were against these bank bailouts just as these self-described socialists are.  I realize that not all these people are socialists or even far left liberals, although I would argue that anyone who wants to redistribute wealth falls into that category, no matter what they call themselves.  I have even read articles that describe the movement as conservative.  Obviously, I do not totally agree with that but there are some similarities that they would not be so fond of mentioning:
*Both are not happy with the way government and business have become intertwined.  Both believe the government is neglecting the needs of the people.
*Both have staged protests.  Of course the tea party protests were never this big, but both movements have been affected by sweeping generalizations.  Who hasn't heard: Tea Party= racist, or fascist and Occupy Wall Street= hippies and anarchists.
*Both believe that things must change because Americans are becoming fed up.

Of course, ideologically these groups are far apart otherwise.  Occupy Wall Street wants more redistribution of wealth while the Tea Party wants less government involvement in individual finances.  Now before you think I have grown soft about this Occupy Wall Street thing, I will say that I have seen some pretty bad behavior come from this crowd, and I am having a hard time seeing how these protests are actively doing anything productive.  As much as I respect anyone willing to stand up for what they believe in, I think this is the wrong idea.  The fact that they are being supported by unions to basically be homeless is something I find ridiculous.  They are asking for donations when there are legitimately homeless people.  I understand it is to make a point, but when they take from others in need I can't support that.

Surely, every group has its "bad apples" or those who do not represent the group well.  But my, oh my, have these occupiers had some interesting, shall I say, moments.  From invading banks to debating whether to police public sexual behavior these occupiers keep us "interested."  Apparently, they provide their own "basic medical care," and handle rape allegations themselves.  Sounds good.  For all the signs people didn't like at Tea Party rallies, I think this is worse.  At least the Tea Party rallies had an actual organization to them and were peaceful.  Wonder how long this will last?

Lying About Military Medals

That is right folks, there is actually going to be a court case about whether lying about obtaining military medals is a crime.  Here it is for your reading pleasure.

I will summarize, with my commentary of course.  A man from California is going around saying that he won the Medal of Honor.  Did I mention this guy is a public official?  The 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals thought that his free speech rights were being violated, of course veteran's groups were outraged.  But it also clear that they think the guy is not right in the head.  Even better, the guy has a history of lying about himself.  He went around and told people that he was a professional hockey player and a police officer.  I don't see the problem with this unless he impersonates a police officer.  Thin line there, I know.

That is the very short synopsis.  Interesting case if I do say so myself. In the past, it seems that the Supreme Court has been split over cases concerning whether false statements like this are free speech  so I guess we will have to wait and see.  Of course I think this guy is off the rails.  Makes me wonder if there is some type of mental disorder here?  Of course, I think it is offensive at best to claim that you are a war hero when you are no such thing, but on the other hand the guy might be protected under the First Amendment.  Never thought I would see a case like this.

Thoughts?

Protect Life Act

You know the bill otherwise known as "Let Women Die Act." When I saw Nancy Pelosi on CNN saying that I couldn't help but think how dramatic that sounded.  Despite what the left may say this bill would not leave women to die on the floor in emergency rooms.  The whole point of the bill is not to "let women die" but rather to control how federal funds are spent.

To put a few things straight this bill still contains exemptions for incest, rape and health of the mother.   This bill just makes it so federal funds cannot be used to cover abortion in elective cases.  Like it or not, taxpayers should not have to cover elective medical procedures, especially ones they may find immoral.  I totally back not having federal funding for abortion.

Further more, I think it is great that this bill does not allow federal funds to go towards health care plans that would cover abortions, except in the cases mentioned above.  Also, it allows for physicians to maintain their own personal beliefs on abortion.  A physician should never be forced to perform a procedure they would have ethical and/or moral opposition to.

The bill also states that the insurers must provide the same coverage they would have otherwise, only without the elective abortion coverage.  So it's not like people are going to get ripped off on actual healthcare because of this bill.  If anything, this bill protects people's health and yes women's health without paying for not medically necessary abortions.

As far as pro-life legislation goes this is a bill that I could support.  I think that it is both fiscally and morally responsible, no matter what Nancy Pelosi says.  Obama says that he will veto this bill if it comes across his desk.  Kind of makes you wonder what happened to his promise that Obamacare wouldn't cover elective abortions.  If he doesn't veto it then he goes against his pro-choice stance.  Quite a conundrum he has there I would say.

Thanks to: http://sistertoldjah.com/archives/2011/10/13/dear-nancy-pelosi-kiss-my-grits/ for writing such a well thought out piece.

A Little Political Humor...

How to be a good...

...Democrat:	...Republican:
You have to believe that the AIDS virus is spread by a lack of federal funding.	You have to believe that the AIDS virus is spread because people are evil and should be punished.
You have to believe that the same teacher who can't teach 4th-graders how to read is somehow qualified to teach those same kids about sex.	You have to believe that evolution is a myth (despite the evidence of biochemistry and the fossil record) but that Intelligent Design theory should be taught in schools.
You have to believe that guns in the hands of law-abiding Americans are more of a threat than U.S. nuclear weapons technology in the hands of Chinese & North Korean communists.	You have to believe that there is no causal link between legal, easily-obtainable handguns and high murder rates.
You have to believe that there was no art before Federal funding.	You have to believe that unfunded arts and school programs are still subject to government control.
You have to believe that global temperatures are less affected by cyclical, documented changes in the earth's climate and more affected by soccer moms driving SUVs.	You have to believe that global temperatures are completely unaffected by fossil fuel emissions, that the best way to save the national forests is to allow logging companies to cut down old-growth timber, and the best way to save endangered species is to allow trophy hunters and wildlife traders to import more of them.
You have to believe that gender roles are artificial but being homosexual is natural.	You have to believe that homosexuality is evil (despite the fact that it occurs in nature) and that women should stay at home to cook and bear children.
You have to be against capital punishment but support abortion on demand.	You have to be against abortion but support capital punishment.
You have to believe that businesses create oppression, and governments create prosperity.	You have to believe that corporations never purposely hurt anyone to make money.
You have to believe that hunters don't care about nature, but loony activists who have never been outside of San Francisco do.	You have to believe that hunting requires an automatic rifle.
You have to believe that self-esteem is more important than actually doing something to earn it.	You have to believe that middle class income should be taxed, but capital gains and inherited wealth should not be.
You have to believe that the military, not corrupt politicians, start wars.	You have to believe that war is an acceptable solution to any economic or social problem.
You have to believe that the military is another political porkbarrel for wealthy campaign contributors of certain politicians.	You have to believe that everyone should support the troops - except when it comes to pay or benefits.
You have to believe the NRA is bad because it supports certain parts of the Constitution, while the ACLU is good because it supports certain parts of the Constitution.	You have to believe the NRA is good because it supports certain parts of the Constitution, while the ACLU is bad because it supports certain parts of the Constitution.
You have to believe that taxes are too low, but ATM fees are too high.	You have to believe that taxes are for poor and middle class people, not the rich.
You have to believe that Margaret Sanger and Gloria Steinem are more important to American history than Thomas Jefferson, Gen. Robert E.Lee, and Thomas Edison.	You have to believe that Oliver North and Monica Lewinsky are more important to American history than Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy.
You have to believe that standardized tests are racist, but racial quotas and set-asides are not.	You have to believe that affirmative action is wrong, because everyone knows there's no more racism in America.
You have to believe that Hillary Clinton is normal and really a very nice person.	You have to believe that Ann Coulter is normal and really a very nice person.
You have to believe that the only reason socialism hasn't worked anywhere it's been tried is because the right people haven't been in charge.	You have to believe that the only reason supply-side economics hasn't worked anywhere it's been tried is because the right people haven't been in charge.
You have to believe conservatives telling the truth belong in jail, but a liar and sex offender belonged in the White House.	You have to believe liberals telling the truth belong in jail, but a liar and draft-dodger belongs in the White House.
You have to believe that homosexual parades displaying drag, transvestites, and bestiality should be constitutionally protected, and manger scenes at Christmas should be illegal.	You have to believe that all Americans should be white heterosexual Christians.
You have to believe that illegal Democratic Party funding by the Chinese government is somehow in the best interest of the United States.	You have to believe that illegal Republican Party funding by corporations is somehow in the best interest of the United States.
You have to believe that this letter is part of a vast, right-wing conspiracy.	You have to believe that the media are biased toward liberals, despite the fact that all the major media outlets are owned by ultra-rich conservatives.