Flawed GOP Logic

As I consider myself a Semi-Conservative and vote Republican, I am sorry but I have to call the GOP out on this.

So I watched the debates last night (Loved Newt by the way!) and I kept hearing 3000 years bantered around several times. It is in response to the idea of Gay Marriage, as a way to denounce the very idea. Here is the problem, we know certain extreme religious groups believe the Earth is a mere 10,000 years old. For this argument let’s say that is so, then what occurred for the 7,000 years before that? You see what I am saying? They are indicating marriage did not exist then! So apparently for 7,000 years a man (or woman) could go and find a partner bed them and be off. They had nothing to hold them to their sexual partner. Marriage came along and made people be more responsible in rearing of children; of sharing responsibilities in maintaining a home; of sharing the cost of living! So, a group of old farts got together and decided it was time for people to share their lives with the person they bedded. Made them understand commitment, responsibility and what love really means.

There is nothing wrong with Tradition. Tradition holds a community together, keeps every one grounded. Traditions can remind us of where we came from or some great event that occurred. Churches use the tradition of the sacraments to remember certain commands of their god. The United States has the tradition of the 4th of July, as a reminder of the Declaration of Independence. But not all traditions are a good thing, and either must end or be modified. Example slavery was a tradition we brought from England to the colonies, eventually it had to end. And before you get blustery, religious people made excuses for its continuation by pointing to certain verses in their holy book. Now slavery has been in existence for nearly the beginning of human civilization, which obviously lasted for thousands of years. We in the modern world have done away with it largely. Though there are some small pockets where it is said to still be practiced.

Now for the other half of their flawed logic; States rights versus Federal Law. The GOP Frequently argue for states having the right to determine their course. The people have the right to decide what they want and don’t want. The Federal government under President Barky wants every citizen to have Health Coverage, and wants to make everyone that does not have insurance, purchase some. The GOP are naturally outraged at this, as they should be. They have gone on the defence of states having the right to not participate in this new law and are fighting vigorously with states to defeat it. Yet when states wish to allow Gay Marriage (the people’s will) they demand a Federal law banning it! So, when it is something they are in agreement with then the states can make their own determination. But if it is something the far right does not like, then let’s have a Federal Law over ride state law!! How Friggin Hypocritical! You cannot have it both ways! Either you are for states rights, or you are for big government! Now this is not to let DemonRats off the hook, as they do the same thing! The DemonRats tout that big government is the solution to everything, yet are pro-states rights when it comes to Gay Marriage and Abortion and fight any Federal legislation that would out law either one! hypocrites!

Look I know the argument that if society allowed Gay Marriage, then it would eventually be challenged to allow Marriage for Polygamists as well. And then where does it end? I do not have an answer for that. Logic dictates that we can deny people who want to marry say a goat, as the goat cannot consent to it. We can deny people who want to marry an underage child, as the child legally cannot consent. And those want to marry their siblings or cousins, well we know that incest causes issues in the offspring, therefore logically we cannot allow them marriage. But, I do not have logic to deny polygamists the right to marry multiple partners, as they are all obviously consenting adults.

That being said, if the people decide vis a their state legislature to allow Gay Marriage, then they have that right. And I am tired of Republicans flip-flopping on what they stand for, either you are Pro-states rights no matter what they decide or you are for big government and Federal control of the states and people’s lives! Make up your ever-loving minds!!

Santa Claus

Is Santa Claus Real?

I have never in my life actually written a letter to Santa, and at around eight stopped believing in him when I recognized my mom’s handwriting on a present. I still loved Christmas, but I left Santa out of my life for a long time. But as my boyfriend points out that Santa is more than just a person. He is an idea! An Idea can be manifested in a person for Children and manifested in Joy, & Love for Adults. The idea of decorating, and buying presents for those whom we love, as well as making a Christmas dinner and dessert expresses this very Idea.

Making cookies to munch on while decorating, singing carols and other favorite Christmas tunes; and for those of a religious bent, going to church to see a Christmas pageant or to a Midnight Mass. Being extra nice to others because of that good feeling you get inside when you do, the giving of money to a charity. These are the things that Santa as an Idea inspires in us all. He inspires us to be better people, not only during Christmas, but all year long. For some he inspires us to participate and volunteer at their Church more.

That smile and joy brought to a child’s face as they open a gift to them is immeasurable, and to think that someone in this world goes around doing just that is not impossible to believe. Watch a kid as he/she opens that present he/she gets from Santa and see how excited they get! See also the love that parent gets when their child(ren) are happy, this is the Idea of Santa. This is how we know that Santa Claus is not a myth created by retail stores to make a buck. While they do use his likeness for their purposes, we know Santa does not mind, as long as child(ren) are happy and as long as it inspires them to be better behaved.

I do not care what you think or say, nor do I care what you believe, for me Santa Claus is real. Santa brings happiness and love to all.

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Ok, so once I believed in Christianity. I think it may have been because it is what you are expected to believe, just like in olden days if you lived in Rome, you believed in the Roman gods & goddesses. I first started out in a Southern Baptist church that I barely remember as it was where my parents took us. Then when we moved out of Texas and moved to Arizona the first time around, we did not actually go to church, and I really do not know why. I guess my parents weren’t really religious. Well, then after we lost everything due to their habits, we moved to Nevada in Henderson for a short time and this nice family took us in. We went to the Salvation Army church they had for a bit, then when we got our own place we stopped going to church yet again.

After a fashion we moved back to Arizona to Glendale and lived in an Apartment. Again I will tell you we didn’t go to church. Now as you might imagine one not growing up in a non-religious atmosphere, that I did not feel as if those I was missing out on any thing. When I moved out on my own, and got my own apartment, for some reason I had a notion that I ought to go to church again.

At first it was good, I volunteered to come in before service and straighten bibles and hymnals. Occasionally I made it in on Saturdays to do some cleaning. I even at one point helped make up communion, at which point I would help pass it out during service. I felt great, and welcome there. So much so that I decided to be baptized there. Yet I never felt anything, never once was there a “connection” to god. Soon the church was involved in internal politics (no not the Dem vs. Rep kind), first there was another church that had petitioned to join the Denomination (Disciples of Christ). One problem, this church did not denounce Homosexuality, in fact the had the audacity (sarcasm) to minister to them! Well, at a church meeting about it, and the possibility of gays coming to our church for ministry, caused such a fraction that I could not believe it! We weren’t asked to perform marriages for them, or have sex or something, yet the people in my church got into shouting matches and used rather hateful language. Shortly after the meeting everyone went to the “Fellowship Hall” for dinner, at this point I looked around and could not believe that these people were the same people who just argued and lost control a few moments before. I could not believe that the message of Salvation on pertained to those who were perfect!

Second the church elders decided that the pastor Micro-managed too much and booted him out. We had an interim pastor come through that made it quite clear where he stood on the issue of Homosexuality. I don’t know about the vote, I left before it took place I guess, I didn’t care after that. I would also point out that it was at this point that I was struggling with my Sexuality. My mother and sister were the ones that got me out of the closet so to speak, and helped me accept who I was and gave me love.

My sister had found out about this Church over in Dallas that catered to Gay people, in fact it was a Gay church. I gave it a try and found that I enjoyed it, as I went on Saturday nights and attended the “come as you are” set up. We could dress in jeans and a T-Shirt and it did not matter. It was a relaxed setting, and I met some very nice people, and of course volunteered some. That is until several senior pastors decided that they had a problem with the pastor who gave sermons on Saturday and got rid of her, then canceled that service. The moved it to Sunday, with similar them of come as you are but not the same atmosphere. As you can guess, I did not stay long.

I eventually found my way towards Wicca. After having read the Bible and disbelieving in all the violence of the god in it, I felt I needed something else. And a friend of mine was teaching a small class and I kind of got into it. It worked for me for a time. The class eventually broke up, and I can’t remember why. But I tried staying as a solitary for sometime there after.

Of course it too never felt right, I did not have any “connection”. So I decided it was time for me to accept something that did fit with what I thought, and felt. Deism. Deism can be defined greatly and no doubt at length, But the short version is: There is a creator (god if you will) that brought everything thing in to being. However this creator does not, nor ever has interacted with humanity.I like this as there is no doctrines, there is no “holy book” that has countless acts of violence through out, and full of hypocrisy.

I miss Christianity, I miss the idea that there is a caring fatherly figure god out there that is concerned for your wellbeing. But reading the Bible has shown me violence, and lack of concern by this same god in the “old” testament. As much as I would like to pray and feel that someone is listening and answers, I know in my heart and mind that this is not true. Sometimes I wish it were, and that the bible had not been written like it was with violence, and apathy from their god. That this so-called “unchanging” god, suddenly does a 180 and decides that he cares for our wellbeing and therefore sent his “son” to die for us.

There are times that I feel the loss so much that I just want to join a church again, but as I say I remember what I have read in the Bible and that keeps me from accepting it. That god in there is not a loving god, and nothing can convince me of that. Well, this is my opinion and you can disagree strongly, but I can have my opinion.

Freedom Law Anarchy

So I decided I wanted to look up the definition of Freedom, as you here some conservatives throw the word around rather a lot. Here is part of the definition of Freedom:

: the quality or state of being free: as

a: the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action

c: the quality or state of being exempt or released usually from something onerous

h: unrestricted use

Hence the lack of Law or rules. The ability to do as you please. This means no Government large or small, period. It is also allowing you to decide what is right and what is wrong. So why do we not live like this instead? Isn’t this the so-called reason for Free Will? The ability to self determine? Well in a manner of speaking yes. However in practice we know what happens when there are No rules or Law: Anarchy -

a: absence of government

b: a state of lawlessness or political disorder due to the absence of governmental authority

c: a utopian society of individuals who enjoy complete freedom without government

2a: absence or denial of any authority or established order

b: absence of order : disorder

Total and complete Freedom. No one telling you what to do, you deciding what is right or wrong. so why do we not live that way then? Look at definition 2b, absence or order: disorder. So, now let’s define disorder: I am going with 2: breach of the peace or public order. There is no peace without order. To have order, we must have rules, or Law.

So now let’s define Law:

1a (1): a binding custom or practice of a community : a rule of conduct or action prescribed or formally recognized as binding or enforced by a controlling authority

(2): the whole body of such customs, practices, or rules

(3): common law

b (1): the control brought about by the existence or enforcement of such law

(2): the action of laws considered as a means of redressing wrongs; also : litigation

(3): the agency of or an agent of established law

c: a rule or order that it is advisable or obligatory to observe

d: something compatible with or enforceable by established law e: control, authority

2a often capitalized : the revelation of the will of God set forth in the Old Testament

b capitalized : the first part of the Jewish scriptures : pentateuch, torah — see bible table

3: a rule of construction or procedure <the laws of poetry>

4: the whole body of laws relating to one subject

5a: the legal profession

b: law as a department of knowledge : jurisprudence

c: legal knowledge

6a: a statement of an order or relation of phenomena that so far as is known is invariable under the given conditions

b: a general relation proved or assumed to hold between mathematical or logical expressions

— at law

: under or within the provisions of the law <enforceable at law>

 

I know kind of long huh? But it is important to read this definition. Law establishes order, creates rules of conduct and behavior. It also prevents Anarchy & Chaos. However it also limits Freedom, which as we know is the lack of constraint, or rules: such as Law. This is why we should not throw the term Freedom around so casually. So, we do need Government in as much as we need something to enforce rules & Law. The thing is we Humans need limitations otherwise we revert to natural anarchy. We cannot live without some sort of rules. The trick is to limit the size of Government, as it is controlled and manned by Humans. And when left to our own devices, we gravitate towards Power.

Let’s define Power, here is what I am looking at: a: possession of control, authority, or influence over others: and c: a controlling group : establishment. Unfortunately power left unchecked continues to grow. And Absolute power or unchecked power will corrupt. This is a belief that no one stands over you and can tell you what to do, you rule over all. Fortunately our founding fathers knew this all too well and thus established a Republican form of Government. Let’s define Republic: a (1) : a government having a chief of state who is not a monarch and who in modern times is usually a president (2) : a political unit (as a nation) having such a form of government b (1) : a government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them and governing according to law (2) : a political unit (as a nation) having such a form of government.

A Republic limits the Power or Government. It establishes rules and Law to direct how Government is to be operated. It does also limit Freedoms, but does not erase said freedoms completely. They chose a Republican form of Government as the alternative is what is known as Pure Democracy, which is: : democracy in which the power is exercised directly by the people rather than through representatives. In such a scenario the people have no constraint. If the majority of people decide they don’t like you and decide that you need to be put to death, they can do it. No, Democrats do not truly want that. They like Government, because with it they can control others.

Now you see why we need a Republican form of Government, & Laws. While this limits Freedom, it also limits Power, and prevents a Pure Democracy. We need rules; otherwise there is nothing but chaos & Anarchy. You may have heard from time to time, that we do not have a perfect Government, but it is the best one out there. This is not true. We DO have a perfect Government, provided the people remain involved. We the people decide our fate and our future. We tell our Government what is and is not acceptable, by redresses, and by voting. If our leaders fail, we replace them. If we dislike what is happening in the Legislature we redress our grievances to them. If they ignore us, we vote them out and start again. We have the perfect system of checks & balances. Not only in the Government itself, but in our daily lives. There is a balance to freedom. Too much and you have chaos, too little and you have totalitarianism. Have a problem with what is going on in the Government? Stand up and say something about it. Get others involved. And for goodness sakes, get out there and Vote!

Parent(s)

I think we can all agree that children need the face to face interaction with their parent(s) to lead healthy lives. There is nothing quite like getting a hug when a child is feeling blue. And how great is it when they can sit right next to mom and/or dad and tell them all of your feelings or thoughts. In fact most children continue this into adulthood. But how sad it is when the parent(s) is too busy for their child(ren) to make face time for them. Instead they get a note on the things to be done. In some instances the parent(s) even goes as far as to tell the child(ren) what is right and what is wrong in paper form! After sometime the child(ren) can collect all these notes and make a book! How does this book take the place of the parent? And if the parent(s) has a major career that requires an assistant or two, how sad if the parent(s) sends that assistant to the child(ren) to reiterate what was written in that now book? An intercessor between the parent(s) and child(ren)? Really? Would it not be better for the parent(s) [& the child(ren)] to take a break from that oh so important job and stand in front of the child(ren) and at the very least hug them? It would also be great for that oh so busy parent(s) to not have a condescending attitude toward the child(ren), especially if said child(ren) did not follow the rules set forth in a book! What is sad is that the lack of face time with a parent(s) can last into adulthood. It causes great resentment of the parent(s), and mostly leads to bad or deadly behavior. Even worse still, the child(ren) that has the resentment may pass it down to their child(ren) and so forth. It is by far better for the parent(s) to not have excuses why they cannot be there face to face for their child(ren)! Love is more than words in a book, it is an expression felt in a hug, or a kiss on the cheek. It is a pat on the back or an ear to hear. No book no matter how well written, can take the place of the parent(s).

Gay Relationship Stories

I want to gather stories of Gay Relationships. I want stories from Conservatives, Liberals, Independents, Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, you get the idea. But I want to say that I do not need or want Vulgarity, details of your sex lives, or Political bashing. This is to be a story of how you met, what drew you together, what makes you stay together, how long have you been together. Do you believe in commitment no matter how things are financially, health wise, etc. Do you believe in Monogamy, Triads, or just open? Do you share a religion, or separate? Do you share finances or have separate accounts? These are but a few ideas to work off of. Obviously your stories will end up here. Please bear in mind that your stories may touch someone’s lives and help them out. I also want to stress that this is not meant to be a place for you to vent if you are having issues in your relationship.

If you want info on me, see my About Me page, just know that it is sparse.

Thanks to all who respond!

Just Decoration?

So, one has to wonder: Is the entire Universe just there for decoration? There are billions of stars in each Galaxy, and Billions of Galaxies in our Universe. Now nearly every star has a planet. So there has to be a least another star with a planet like ours. And with so many Galaxies, the likelihood that there is life similar to ours in intelligence, increases.

Listening to most religions, you would think that we are it. There is no other life out there, and that the billions of galaxies and stars are just there for decoration. Three of the big religions talk about “End times”, this period revolves around us solely. You never hear about other life on planets, just us. Another fact I have not mentioned, is that new stars are always forming. Therefore new planets are always forming, and one can certainly surmise that there are new civilizations forming on a few of those new planets. So what, is that new life not important? Are we all that matters? Or is just our world going to blow up and the rest will ignore us?

To me is just seems that the Big Three ignore the rest of the Universe and speak as if though it is just there for decoration. It will come to an end when our planet does. Really? Then why did god create an entire universe? Why all the stars, planets, nebulae and etc? Just for show? For our entertainment?

I think one of the main reasons people lost faith in the old religions – what today we call myths – is because people started to realize that the gods did not interact with them. They began noticing that their gods did not talk with them. When praying and following rituals did nothing to save them or help them, they stopped believing. Perhaps there had been prophecies about things that were supposed to happen that did not. Even in ancient times there were prophecies that partially came true so to speak, as they do today. Perhaps when the world does not end like people think, they will stop believing in the big three religions, like our ancestors did in their religions of multiple gods.

I believe there is a God. But I do not believe it interacts with people. It created all of creation and set certain laws into motion and itself learns. It learns though us and our experiences, and it learns more about itself. I also believe there is still much for us and other life out there to learn. Hey it would be great for us all to get along and not kill each other, but that may never happen. We are a stubborn species and that is how we survive. In our own little worlds.

2012 win or fail?

This needs to be said: when the candidate is selected, no matter who it is will Conservatives stand with the party or will they sit it out like in ’08? I think everyone on the Right will agree unanimously that Obama has been nothing but a nightmare as President. But the question is: Would McCain have been worse? Many didn’t (and still don’t) like McCain, as he has on occasion not been a solid Conservative.

I have heard from several sources that say the reason he lost, was because he did not have the support of the Hard core Right. So we were left with Obama and where we are today. Does this mean that if someone like Sarah Palin is nominated that there will be factions on the Right that sit ’12 out? I do not think America can handle another 4 years of Obama or of ANY Liberal. Trillions in debt, Trillions of Deficit, Massive Spending, High Taxes, Government Expansion, Foreign & Military weakness, Failing Market, Businesses & people hurting financially, And ETC.

This needs to be addressed and on the forefront of Everyone’s mind during the next two years. Just because your candidate was not selected, does not mean you start pouting and threaten to take your ball & go home. The Right must unite or America will Fall. I do not feel this is over-dramatic or over stating our dire situation. We cannot fail this time around.

Tis the Season…

Tis the season to war over words. Once again the media is setting aside time to discuss the “war on Christmas” From what I understand it is an annual “war” around this time of year. On one extreme side is group of people who feel their rights are being trampled on by having to see the words “god”, “Christmas”, or even “Christ” everywhere when they do not believe in any of it. On the other extreme side are those who would joyfully shove their beliefs down everyone’s throat, but demand special rights not to be attacked back. It is interesting how Christians are willing to verbally attack others, but not so willing to accept verbal attacks back.

Where do I stand? Stuck in the middle of course, for I do not side with either, but nor do I feel it right to force either side to follow the edicts of the other. If someone comes up to me and says “Merry Christmas!” I have no issue returning the greeting. I am not Christian, but as long as it is said with love, then I have no issue saying it. It is a saying to offer love, peace, and joy and this time of the year. It is not merely the time of year to celebrate religious faith, but a time to celebrate life, family, love, joy, friendship and so much more.

I would think it would behoove the “Religious Right” to focus on more important matters this time of the year rather than writing columns or appearing on news programs discussing this so called war.  Now is the time of year to focus on those who do not have homes, or food, or enough money for Christmas. We should focus on kids who have suffered from mistreatment, abuse, neglect, etc. This is the time of the year for the “Religion of Love” to really shine. Instead we are getting them going on T.V. griping because some stores are trying to cater to everyone – which is Business – and not just one group of people. Or griping because there are those who have taken advertisements out declaring a “Secular Holiday”.

Conversely I think it also behooves “Secularists” to remember those who do not have a home, food, or money to buy their kids presents. You want to complain about the Religious, when they are celebrating a holiday that is a very large affair. It is a part of our society, however no one is forcing you to say Merry Christmas. Take heart in the Holiday, by giving of your time. Giving gifts to others, hugging a friend or family member. This is the time of the year for the positives in Humanity to shine. One does not have to be Christian to celebrate in the joy of the season.

So basically I am trying to say to both sides “Shut Up” and quit your whining! Everyone has a right to see what they wish to say…that’s one of the many freedoms of being American. Christians have a right to say Christ, and secularists have to right to say there is no god.

Merry Christmas

Happy Holidays

The. Worst. Ever.

Our Leaders in Government have lost their ever loving minds. They are already beginning to ration Health care. Raising taxes, reducing medicare, Bowing to everyone out there, Giving abortions to everyone who wants one. We are now Trillions of dollars in debt, over 10% unemployment….Tell me, is this Change we can believe in? Democrats are destroying America! I so hope the twit that was on here trashing me is grinding his teeth at the stupidity of his vote, and kicking himself for believing in the promises of the Democratic Party. I bet you he regrets leaving the Republican Party! Politics is more than someone’s skin color, it’s about experience, leadership, and strength.  All of which the current President lacks.  America Bows to no one!