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.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Sunday, March 4, 2012
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...
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...
Friday, December 30, 2011
Why I Will Never Be a "Good" Christian
Wait...this is not as depressing as it sounds.
There are some reasons why according to some I will never be a good Christian. I listen to secular music. I occasionally drink a wine cooler. Talk about some Christian subjects do not excite me (such as "end times" stuff). In a weird way it sends my anxiety level up. I don't actively try to convert people unless the subject comes up and even then I prefer to have a conversation and listen to the person. I think that sometimes we miss the point of treating people as individuals loved by God. So what does all this make me? Someone who has faith in Christ but someone who is human.
I am opinionated. I check everything I hear, even if it comes from a Christian source. I believe that God expects me to discern right from wrong not just follow the teaching of another human. I don't believe that following more rules makes me more a better person, if not done in the right spirit. I can never prove to God that I deserve his love. Truth is none of us are deserving of that.
I could never become a hardcore Christian that shuns society. I believe that I make my biggest impacts on society when I am actually participating in society. When I did Habitat for Humanity I experienced God more in doing that than I ever have trying to live a strict Christian life, with all the "rules." I finally knew what it was love your neighbor in action.
Although I am far from an ideal, striving is my goal. My faith does waiver at times. I have never lost faith even during times when it was weak. There was a strange sense that God wanted me back. I can't describe faith as something that I generated because there were times in my life when God was the one pulling me back. I couldn't bear the thought of never communicating with God again. When I read the Gospels I knew those were for me.
Sure I don't put up Christian facebook statuses everyday or try to convert everyone I meet, but I am not looking to be a "good" Christian. There is no such thing. I may listen to secular music and drink wine coolers but I have faith, although imperfect, that I couldn't stay away from God if I wanted to (and I wouldn't!). There are no "good" Christians. There are only those that put their faith in Christ and live their lives according to that. Faith is something that is only real when you apply it to real life.
To me this means that my decisions are based upon what God would want. Everyday I pray for the strength to do the right thing no matter the situation and everyday I fail in some way. This is not meant to be discouraging but rather shows the mercy that God has upon us. Everyday I ask for guidance in my decisions and how I can be a Christian to those around me. I will never forget the time someone told me that I the first "real" Christian that had met because I spent more time caring rather than condemning. Of course, I can only do this by the grace of God but sometimes I recall that when I struggle in my faith. I hope that they remember that when they meet another Christian and it will help them to see a small portion of the love of God.
Well, there you have it. I am not a "good" Christian. I don't follow all the rules. All I know is God loves me and everyone else and my sins have been taken care of. All I have to do is have faith, which God supplies me with everyday.
There are some reasons why according to some I will never be a good Christian. I listen to secular music. I occasionally drink a wine cooler. Talk about some Christian subjects do not excite me (such as "end times" stuff). In a weird way it sends my anxiety level up. I don't actively try to convert people unless the subject comes up and even then I prefer to have a conversation and listen to the person. I think that sometimes we miss the point of treating people as individuals loved by God. So what does all this make me? Someone who has faith in Christ but someone who is human.
I am opinionated. I check everything I hear, even if it comes from a Christian source. I believe that God expects me to discern right from wrong not just follow the teaching of another human. I don't believe that following more rules makes me more a better person, if not done in the right spirit. I can never prove to God that I deserve his love. Truth is none of us are deserving of that.
I could never become a hardcore Christian that shuns society. I believe that I make my biggest impacts on society when I am actually participating in society. When I did Habitat for Humanity I experienced God more in doing that than I ever have trying to live a strict Christian life, with all the "rules." I finally knew what it was love your neighbor in action.
Although I am far from an ideal, striving is my goal. My faith does waiver at times. I have never lost faith even during times when it was weak. There was a strange sense that God wanted me back. I can't describe faith as something that I generated because there were times in my life when God was the one pulling me back. I couldn't bear the thought of never communicating with God again. When I read the Gospels I knew those were for me.
Sure I don't put up Christian facebook statuses everyday or try to convert everyone I meet, but I am not looking to be a "good" Christian. There is no such thing. I may listen to secular music and drink wine coolers but I have faith, although imperfect, that I couldn't stay away from God if I wanted to (and I wouldn't!). There are no "good" Christians. There are only those that put their faith in Christ and live their lives according to that. Faith is something that is only real when you apply it to real life.
To me this means that my decisions are based upon what God would want. Everyday I pray for the strength to do the right thing no matter the situation and everyday I fail in some way. This is not meant to be discouraging but rather shows the mercy that God has upon us. Everyday I ask for guidance in my decisions and how I can be a Christian to those around me. I will never forget the time someone told me that I the first "real" Christian that had met because I spent more time caring rather than condemning. Of course, I can only do this by the grace of God but sometimes I recall that when I struggle in my faith. I hope that they remember that when they meet another Christian and it will help them to see a small portion of the love of God.
Well, there you have it. I am not a "good" Christian. I don't follow all the rules. All I know is God loves me and everyone else and my sins have been taken care of. All I have to do is have faith, which God supplies me with everyday.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Nor'easter in October!
A little different post from normal, but I am kind of a weather enthusiast. I am a resident of the northeast, so we are expecting a big snow storm. It seems like we didn't even have fall, and now we are being forced into winter. Of course, in the northeast we are not immune to long winters and lots of snow. From the forecasts it looks like 4-6 inches, maybe more with possible power outages. We will have to wait and see about this unusual storm.
A nice mix of fall and winter. Bundle up everyone!
Friday, October 28, 2011
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?
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?
Monday, October 17, 2011
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?
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?
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