Tonight, I'd like to speak about Canadian federal politics. For those unaware this month alone we've seen the foolish Justin Trudeau claim that Quebec Separatism was more favourable than in his fear that there may actually be a day when Canadian women didn't murder their children in the womb. Then we have Vic Toews who had personal details on his life leaked via a Twitter account that is said to be linked back to the Canadian House of Commons (similar to Congress for you Americans). And now there are allegations of election fraud and that certain elements may have influenced the Conservative Party of Canada getting a majority.
All things considered I really don't see what the fuss is about. This is actually pretty typical of Canadian federal politics (minus allegations of election fraud). It really doesn't matter whether the Conservatives (centre right) have power, or the Liberals(centre left), or even the NDP (left). At the end of the day, there isn't much difference between them any ways. This is why I laugh at anyone who actually voted for any of these parties because they only enabled these shenanigans. The people who elect these people to office are just as much a part of the problem as those who are actually in office! And when you ask them why they voted for this person or that person you're lucky if you get a person who can describe and contrast the platform their person ran on. Usually you get people who voted Conservative because the idea of a Liberal-NDP Coalition scared them. And then you get people who voted Liberal or NDP because the prospects of a Conservative majority was even scarier to them than the platforms of their own parties! As you can see, few people in Canada actually vote according to issues that matter to them- it's really more about being on the winning team. So if you voted for any of these parties put a sock in it because with your vote you only enabled the behaviour you claim to detest.
I think the question that needs to be asked is what is the role of government? What does the government do? Well, the government certainly doesn't create jobs or create a strong economy. Government doesn't fight climate change or promote various definitions of marriage. Government doesn't create a national daycare or give you an allowance to go to post secondary school. Government doesn't try to influence or control religious beliefs. Have you figured out what government does yet? It protects your rights. It doesn't give you rights - rights don't come from government- government merely protects your rights. What rights do you have? Well, the same rights that ultimately everyone across the globe has - the right to life, liberty, the pursuit of having meaning in your life.
A lot of people confuse rights with privileges, by the way. Marriage is a privilege. Having a job is a privilege. Minimum wage is a privilege. Retirement is a privilege. Having a home is a privilege. The kind of food you eat is a privilege. You have the right to eat as that falls under life, and you have the right to choose to eat organic or GMO as that falls under liberty, but it is not your right to make your government rob other people so that you can have caviare every night. That's what "redistribution of wealth" means by the way - having the government rob other people on your behalf.
So, my fellow Canadians and others who may be reading this, meditate on these things and test them to see if they are true. And maybe, just maybe common sense will make a comeback some day.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Memories
I've been thinking about life and death a lot lately. Of course, one cannot contemplate their own mortality without looking back over their past. What happened, what could of happened, and what should of happened. It's amazing isn't it, this journey of life? Tonight though, the topic is memories.
There's a show on tv called Alcatraz and this psychiatrist is of the impression that it's bad memories that caused the criminals to become deviant. While I haven't actually done any research into this, it is a very interesting hypothesis that seems to stand. Are we not formed by what we experience? At the same time, being February, I've been meditating as it were on the letters of Mother Teresa. She believed in a sense that the past was not important and what mattered most was loving Jesus to the full of your ability now. That actually brings to mind another old show I used to watch, "7th Heaven." There was a particular episode where one of the characters goes to Heaven and has to pick gifts to give to his family. He chose to give an eraser to one of his children who had made many mistakes in the hope that she could start anew. He pondered then what it means to forget. The key being to remember what you learned and to let the burden of the memory go. I then think of the Bible, and what God says of memory. While it is true that when forgiven our slate is wiped clean, at the same time God does remind the Israelites of what he's done for them at many points.
Learn from your memories. This is why you have them. "Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." (Proverbs 4:7)
There's a show on tv called Alcatraz and this psychiatrist is of the impression that it's bad memories that caused the criminals to become deviant. While I haven't actually done any research into this, it is a very interesting hypothesis that seems to stand. Are we not formed by what we experience? At the same time, being February, I've been meditating as it were on the letters of Mother Teresa. She believed in a sense that the past was not important and what mattered most was loving Jesus to the full of your ability now. That actually brings to mind another old show I used to watch, "7th Heaven." There was a particular episode where one of the characters goes to Heaven and has to pick gifts to give to his family. He chose to give an eraser to one of his children who had made many mistakes in the hope that she could start anew. He pondered then what it means to forget. The key being to remember what you learned and to let the burden of the memory go. I then think of the Bible, and what God says of memory. While it is true that when forgiven our slate is wiped clean, at the same time God does remind the Israelites of what he's done for them at many points.
So I guess in all of this, we shouldn't curse our memories. At the same time, we shouldn't dwell on what we maybe should have/could have done. Our memories, good or bad, are nonetheless intended to be a blessing to us and teach us. Most important of all, they often teach us to love. Some of us are blessed with memories of loving family, friends or perhaps even fictional characters. Others may have a few more skeletons in their closet than most. But do not think it's all for naught. While it's tempting to dream of ideals of the future and of our lives, " don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." (Matthew 6:34) Your life is beautiful be it tragedy, comedy or both. Enjoy it, and play your part well.
Learn from your memories. This is why you have them. "Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." (Proverbs 4:7)
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
A Piece of Education
A lot of people associate post secondary education with higher learning. this is a correct assumption. However, a lot of people believe this higher learning is only associated with job training and this is in fact false.
You see, colleges and universities were never intended to be places where one goes to train for this job or that job. They were places of theory and philosophy - where all things across all spectrums' of thought were convened and discussed.
Sadly, this idea that one goes to college and university to get a degree that gets you a job is the whole reason why the quality of a vast majority of institutions is such dire shape. Colleges and universities have become flooded with persons who are not inclined towards higher learning and thinking and so the information shared must now be dumbed down to reflect this.
No longer are colleges and universities places where theories and philosophies are openly discussed. Rather, each institution puts forth its own select theories and philosophies as absolute truth. Instead of providing students with the skills to test many solutions to a problem to find the one that works best for them, they are instead made to memorise a set check-list with only on predetermined solution.
Job training should not be the job of the colleges or universities. Job training should be handled by the private companies and individuals. Those who should like to entertain a mode of higher thinking foreseeing its application to wide spectrum should only do so freely - not because of some mythical and arbitrary necessity.
Doing this, the quality of not just post-secondary education would vastly increase, but quality across all spectrums' would increase.
You see, colleges and universities were never intended to be places where one goes to train for this job or that job. They were places of theory and philosophy - where all things across all spectrums' of thought were convened and discussed.
Sadly, this idea that one goes to college and university to get a degree that gets you a job is the whole reason why the quality of a vast majority of institutions is such dire shape. Colleges and universities have become flooded with persons who are not inclined towards higher learning and thinking and so the information shared must now be dumbed down to reflect this.
No longer are colleges and universities places where theories and philosophies are openly discussed. Rather, each institution puts forth its own select theories and philosophies as absolute truth. Instead of providing students with the skills to test many solutions to a problem to find the one that works best for them, they are instead made to memorise a set check-list with only on predetermined solution.
Job training should not be the job of the colleges or universities. Job training should be handled by the private companies and individuals. Those who should like to entertain a mode of higher thinking foreseeing its application to wide spectrum should only do so freely - not because of some mythical and arbitrary necessity.
Doing this, the quality of not just post-secondary education would vastly increase, but quality across all spectrums' would increase.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Why I Joined The Ron Paul Revolution
The Ron Paul Revolution is otherwise known as the Liberty Movement and it is indeed worldwide. While not all of us, such as myself can vote Ron Paul as President of the US, we can certainly support him in other ways.
My conversion story actually begins back when I was sort of playing with the idea of socialism and communism. It's claim that it would eliminate suffering was very attractive at the time. Within that culture is the Green Movement. Connected to the Green Movement is the Animal Rights Movement and this is where you would find me. Rather, PETA found me first and so began the long march. After being exposed to horrible videos of animals being abused and tortured I swore off meat for about a year. It's true I haven't been much of a meat eater since and I still try to eat vegetarian when I can because it's healthy. The key point about this experience was that things are not always as they seem. Corporations sometimes don't consider the needs of the consumer and government corruption particularly at the EPA, FDA, and USDA is systemic. I later realised that the real reason the food industry doesn't always take into consideration the will of the consumer is not necessarily because of money, but because the food industry -especially that which is related to animal husbandry- is heavily subsidised by the government. So already the seed was sown that government wasn't necessarily there to safeguard the interests of the people but rather its own self interests.
A year into my casual involvement with PETA I also became acquainted with the Green Movement or more particularly the fringe which heralded man-made climate change (or man-made global warming as it was called at the time). While I easily grasped and began to parrot the supposed evidences for man-made climate change a particular hypocrisy on part of its members prevented me from getting tangibly involved. Given that approximately 17% of global carbon emissions is caused by livestock it would make sense that those sounding the alarm about man-made global warming would do everything necessary to reduce their own carbon emissions. Basically, it would be reasonable to conclude that a large number of those supporting and promoting such a cause would likewise also be vegetarian. It's actually an incredibly rare find in the man-made climate change throngs.This single hypocrisy would eventually lead to more hypocrisy. These include big names such as Al Gore and David Suzuki living in mansions, flying around in private jets and convoys, etc. Even Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party of Canada is hypocritical by travelling via rail on diesel trains for 4 days one trip (since Canada is large) instead of flying non-stop which is actually greener. It didn't take much research to find this out on my own as I considered modes of travel. The hypocrisy would later lead me to actually look at the evidence for man-made global warming right when Climategate happened and so I soon realised that the evidence just was not there. This whole ordeal showed me that supposed experts and leaders were not only fallible but that it is common for them to seek their own gain instead of the good of the whole. I also discovered that it wasn't enough to just listen to a so called expert but that you actually had to do your own research and ask your own questions. It also showed me how powerful an influence politics has on academia.
This in turn led me to question the quality of education I had received from the public school system. See, with all this reading and learning I had been doing I came to wonder why the same was not happening in school. Why were we never taught to examine even established facts instead of just accepting them? Why was I learning so much more outside of the classroom than I could ever dream of? I started then to examine what I was taught and some how I was still surprised to discover that what I had been taught didn't have much substance or real world application. Some of it wasn't even accurate information. For example, I was taught how the current system worked under a bias that it was the best system as opposed to examining political and economic theory. It boggles my mind how we can be taught advanced mathematics and science and yet the education in humanities I received was at best only basic. This led me to opt out of immediately pursuing post-secondary education due to the fact that I could not be assured of it's quality. Having been out of school for some time and having only increased my studies it has been confirmed to me that while tuition fees continue to rise the actual quality and accuracy of post-secondary education only continues to decrease.
My tussle with public education led me to question the ability for government to provide the goods and services it claims to. Springing from this flair for the alternative I actually walked some of my old paths with the FDA again. Only this time it was on the topic of health freedom. See my choice to eat vegetarian for health reasons led me to actually research those health reasons. This eventually led to researching nutritional science as a whole as well as the many theories and fad diets that accompany it. Learning about how beneficial this wholesome natural food was eventually led to a study of the detriments pharmaceuticals have on health. Through this I discovered for example that although for FDA approval a company need only submit two favourable trials of it's product these same companies in reality produce hundreds of trials and then simply hand pick the best ones. It also led me to see how basically anything the government touches eventually stagnates. It's through the Health Freedom Movement and in particular http://www.naturalnews.com/ which introduced me to Ron Paul and from there the rest is history!
Looking back at all this time I guess I could say this story of liberty was years in the making!
My conversion story actually begins back when I was sort of playing with the idea of socialism and communism. It's claim that it would eliminate suffering was very attractive at the time. Within that culture is the Green Movement. Connected to the Green Movement is the Animal Rights Movement and this is where you would find me. Rather, PETA found me first and so began the long march. After being exposed to horrible videos of animals being abused and tortured I swore off meat for about a year. It's true I haven't been much of a meat eater since and I still try to eat vegetarian when I can because it's healthy. The key point about this experience was that things are not always as they seem. Corporations sometimes don't consider the needs of the consumer and government corruption particularly at the EPA, FDA, and USDA is systemic. I later realised that the real reason the food industry doesn't always take into consideration the will of the consumer is not necessarily because of money, but because the food industry -especially that which is related to animal husbandry- is heavily subsidised by the government. So already the seed was sown that government wasn't necessarily there to safeguard the interests of the people but rather its own self interests.
A year into my casual involvement with PETA I also became acquainted with the Green Movement or more particularly the fringe which heralded man-made climate change (or man-made global warming as it was called at the time). While I easily grasped and began to parrot the supposed evidences for man-made climate change a particular hypocrisy on part of its members prevented me from getting tangibly involved. Given that approximately 17% of global carbon emissions is caused by livestock it would make sense that those sounding the alarm about man-made global warming would do everything necessary to reduce their own carbon emissions. Basically, it would be reasonable to conclude that a large number of those supporting and promoting such a cause would likewise also be vegetarian. It's actually an incredibly rare find in the man-made climate change throngs.This single hypocrisy would eventually lead to more hypocrisy. These include big names such as Al Gore and David Suzuki living in mansions, flying around in private jets and convoys, etc. Even Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party of Canada is hypocritical by travelling via rail on diesel trains for 4 days one trip (since Canada is large) instead of flying non-stop which is actually greener. It didn't take much research to find this out on my own as I considered modes of travel. The hypocrisy would later lead me to actually look at the evidence for man-made global warming right when Climategate happened and so I soon realised that the evidence just was not there. This whole ordeal showed me that supposed experts and leaders were not only fallible but that it is common for them to seek their own gain instead of the good of the whole. I also discovered that it wasn't enough to just listen to a so called expert but that you actually had to do your own research and ask your own questions. It also showed me how powerful an influence politics has on academia.
This in turn led me to question the quality of education I had received from the public school system. See, with all this reading and learning I had been doing I came to wonder why the same was not happening in school. Why were we never taught to examine even established facts instead of just accepting them? Why was I learning so much more outside of the classroom than I could ever dream of? I started then to examine what I was taught and some how I was still surprised to discover that what I had been taught didn't have much substance or real world application. Some of it wasn't even accurate information. For example, I was taught how the current system worked under a bias that it was the best system as opposed to examining political and economic theory. It boggles my mind how we can be taught advanced mathematics and science and yet the education in humanities I received was at best only basic. This led me to opt out of immediately pursuing post-secondary education due to the fact that I could not be assured of it's quality. Having been out of school for some time and having only increased my studies it has been confirmed to me that while tuition fees continue to rise the actual quality and accuracy of post-secondary education only continues to decrease.
My tussle with public education led me to question the ability for government to provide the goods and services it claims to. Springing from this flair for the alternative I actually walked some of my old paths with the FDA again. Only this time it was on the topic of health freedom. See my choice to eat vegetarian for health reasons led me to actually research those health reasons. This eventually led to researching nutritional science as a whole as well as the many theories and fad diets that accompany it. Learning about how beneficial this wholesome natural food was eventually led to a study of the detriments pharmaceuticals have on health. Through this I discovered for example that although for FDA approval a company need only submit two favourable trials of it's product these same companies in reality produce hundreds of trials and then simply hand pick the best ones. It also led me to see how basically anything the government touches eventually stagnates. It's through the Health Freedom Movement and in particular http://www.naturalnews.com/ which introduced me to Ron Paul and from there the rest is history!
Looking back at all this time I guess I could say this story of liberty was years in the making!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
For or Against Prop 8: Neither Is The Solution
If you haven't heard, Proposition 8 -which is a law in California which upholds the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman- has been recently repealed by the 9th Circuit Court. This was a law voted on by the people of California. The repeal can itself be repealed by either being sent back to the 9th Circuit again or sent up to the Supreme Court.
You may know from elsewhere on my blog that on natural law, religious, and moral grounds I oppose same-sex marriage, correct? Now, the main argument I've heard in supporting the State's recognition of same-sex marriage is that it was really about getting the Church out of the bedroom. Apparently, said people haven't thought this through. While you may think you're getting the Church out of the bedroom all you're really doing is replacing the Church with the State. Your bedroom still isn't your own.
Marriage has traditionally been a religious institution. Some may claim that marriage was set up in order to pass ownership of land. This certainly was the case on the occasion but typically bloodlines and particularly the males of said blood lines is how land was passed. Marriage has more or less been a bonus or product of a contract or exchange, not the contract itself.
Now this day in age, the State's recognition of marriage is really just another way to tax the people. Not a lot of people are aware but married people typically pay higher taxes than non-married persons so in a way State recognised marriage is a bit of a cash cow for the Government. By broadening the definition of marriage to same-gender and eventually multiple persons the State stands to gain a lot more revenue. Has nothing to do with equality. Equality is just the fun slogan - the well marketed blurb to get more people to buy in to it.
If you really want the freedom to live your lives however you see fit, granted that you don't violate the rights of others to do the same, then the solution is not to get the State to recognise and redefine but rather get rid of the State altogether -that is, abolish all federal laws which define and have to do with marriage.
Currently there are laws in place that allow you to form contracts with people so you can actually in a contract agree on the same benefits and privilege one gets under State recognised marriage and civil unions. This contract allows you for example to bypass hospital policies which have family only visitor periods.
You want to adopt? In a free market system there would be adoption organisations that would service all sorts. This means you wouldn't bully a Catholic or Christian adoption agency into violating their conscience because there would be other secular adoption agencies or perhaps even special adoption agencies specializing in homosexual adoptions.
I'm not saying I like this idea, I'm just saying that this thing we do where we force our will on others just isn't right and it is not working out.
You may know from elsewhere on my blog that on natural law, religious, and moral grounds I oppose same-sex marriage, correct? Now, the main argument I've heard in supporting the State's recognition of same-sex marriage is that it was really about getting the Church out of the bedroom. Apparently, said people haven't thought this through. While you may think you're getting the Church out of the bedroom all you're really doing is replacing the Church with the State. Your bedroom still isn't your own.
Marriage has traditionally been a religious institution. Some may claim that marriage was set up in order to pass ownership of land. This certainly was the case on the occasion but typically bloodlines and particularly the males of said blood lines is how land was passed. Marriage has more or less been a bonus or product of a contract or exchange, not the contract itself.
Now this day in age, the State's recognition of marriage is really just another way to tax the people. Not a lot of people are aware but married people typically pay higher taxes than non-married persons so in a way State recognised marriage is a bit of a cash cow for the Government. By broadening the definition of marriage to same-gender and eventually multiple persons the State stands to gain a lot more revenue. Has nothing to do with equality. Equality is just the fun slogan - the well marketed blurb to get more people to buy in to it.
If you really want the freedom to live your lives however you see fit, granted that you don't violate the rights of others to do the same, then the solution is not to get the State to recognise and redefine but rather get rid of the State altogether -that is, abolish all federal laws which define and have to do with marriage.
Currently there are laws in place that allow you to form contracts with people so you can actually in a contract agree on the same benefits and privilege one gets under State recognised marriage and civil unions. This contract allows you for example to bypass hospital policies which have family only visitor periods.
You want to adopt? In a free market system there would be adoption organisations that would service all sorts. This means you wouldn't bully a Catholic or Christian adoption agency into violating their conscience because there would be other secular adoption agencies or perhaps even special adoption agencies specializing in homosexual adoptions.
I'm not saying I like this idea, I'm just saying that this thing we do where we force our will on others just isn't right and it is not working out.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The Sweater-Vest Sweep: Colorado, Minnesota, and Missouri
As much fun as it was watching the folks on CNN scratch their heads completely dumbfounded at what went down this previous 7th of February, it is now time to put things into perspective.
If you've read some of my other posts you probably already know that I'm not much of a fan of Santorum. I'm not interested in living through World War Three. However, it is a huge relief to see that Romney absolutely did not win. Willard "Mitt" Romney would only continue the legacy of the last few US Presidents. When you examine his tax policy which is on his website(http://www.mittromney.com/jobs), it is essentially the same as President Barack Obama's policies (http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/taxes). In fact, there is little difference between the two. Really, if Obama was in the Republican Party without a shadow of a doubt he'd be Mitt Romney. If Romney wins the nomination you may as will just go ahead and re-elect Obama.
Now what about Rick Santorum? While it's still early to say, it seems that ultra Conservative/Tea Partiers have decided to rally behind him. Newt Gingrich is unfortunately damaged goods. It's sad because of Romney and Santorum, Newt is the only one who makes an effort to try to work out how to fix the debt and the deficit. Rick Santorum is a big government guy and he proves it by wanting double amendments (Life Begins At Conception Amendment, Traditional Marriage Amendment) in the Constitution. These amendments by the way would never actually pass the House/Senate. Santorum is really just blowing a lot of hot air and it's sad so many are falling for it. What's probably most scary is that he's the favourite of many religious leaders (Christian Leaders Endorse Santorum). I'd be seriously questioning the wisdom of said leaders. A couple of them should probably be put out to pasture about now. What enrages me is his claim to be pro-life. Much like many other so-called "Catholics" in power right now, Rick Santorum is Pro-life when it best suits him (Click Here). Of course, it's a far cry from Romney becoming pro-life because a pro-choice Republican will never be President (Click Here). Santorum voted to fund Planned Parenthood when he liked the other goodies in a spending bill. Speaking of spending, Santorum voted to raise the debt ceiling about 5 times (Click Here). Y'know, voting once or twice is forgivable but 5 times? He knew what he was doing and he's only regretting it now because it shows that he's a hypocrite. He clearly isn't wise enough to be a President. Come on, he clearly has no foresight whatsoever. It's all about what he can do in the moment hence why he's in a hurry to pick a fight with Iran (Click Here) when Iran isn't even interested in fighting the United States (Click Here). I know you Americans like to nurse your egos constantly but seriously, Iran is not interested in wasting its time fighting you. Rick Santorum at best is highly emotional and is particularly motivated by fear and this is just not good for a President.
Last, but certainly not least, Ron Paul. Ron Paul only seems to be improving as time goes on and that's another good reason why Santorum won because it means the whole process will be more drawn out which gives Ron Paul more chances to shine. By the way, apart from Romney nationally Ron Paul is the best candidate to beat Obama. Don't believe me? Check it out: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/us/general_election_paul_vs_obama-1750.html Instead of spending the rest of the post repeating all that Ron Paul stands for I direct you to this very thorough speech he gave in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Click Here).
So yeah, my take from it all is that at least Romney didn't win.
If you've read some of my other posts you probably already know that I'm not much of a fan of Santorum. I'm not interested in living through World War Three. However, it is a huge relief to see that Romney absolutely did not win. Willard "Mitt" Romney would only continue the legacy of the last few US Presidents. When you examine his tax policy which is on his website(http://www.mittromney.com/jobs), it is essentially the same as President Barack Obama's policies (http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/taxes). In fact, there is little difference between the two. Really, if Obama was in the Republican Party without a shadow of a doubt he'd be Mitt Romney. If Romney wins the nomination you may as will just go ahead and re-elect Obama.
Now what about Rick Santorum? While it's still early to say, it seems that ultra Conservative/Tea Partiers have decided to rally behind him. Newt Gingrich is unfortunately damaged goods. It's sad because of Romney and Santorum, Newt is the only one who makes an effort to try to work out how to fix the debt and the deficit. Rick Santorum is a big government guy and he proves it by wanting double amendments (Life Begins At Conception Amendment, Traditional Marriage Amendment) in the Constitution. These amendments by the way would never actually pass the House/Senate. Santorum is really just blowing a lot of hot air and it's sad so many are falling for it. What's probably most scary is that he's the favourite of many religious leaders (Christian Leaders Endorse Santorum). I'd be seriously questioning the wisdom of said leaders. A couple of them should probably be put out to pasture about now. What enrages me is his claim to be pro-life. Much like many other so-called "Catholics" in power right now, Rick Santorum is Pro-life when it best suits him (Click Here). Of course, it's a far cry from Romney becoming pro-life because a pro-choice Republican will never be President (Click Here). Santorum voted to fund Planned Parenthood when he liked the other goodies in a spending bill. Speaking of spending, Santorum voted to raise the debt ceiling about 5 times (Click Here). Y'know, voting once or twice is forgivable but 5 times? He knew what he was doing and he's only regretting it now because it shows that he's a hypocrite. He clearly isn't wise enough to be a President. Come on, he clearly has no foresight whatsoever. It's all about what he can do in the moment hence why he's in a hurry to pick a fight with Iran (Click Here) when Iran isn't even interested in fighting the United States (Click Here). I know you Americans like to nurse your egos constantly but seriously, Iran is not interested in wasting its time fighting you. Rick Santorum at best is highly emotional and is particularly motivated by fear and this is just not good for a President.
Last, but certainly not least, Ron Paul. Ron Paul only seems to be improving as time goes on and that's another good reason why Santorum won because it means the whole process will be more drawn out which gives Ron Paul more chances to shine. By the way, apart from Romney nationally Ron Paul is the best candidate to beat Obama. Don't believe me? Check it out: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/us/general_election_paul_vs_obama-1750.html Instead of spending the rest of the post repeating all that Ron Paul stands for I direct you to this very thorough speech he gave in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Click Here).
So yeah, my take from it all is that at least Romney didn't win.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Lover Dearest
NOTE: This is the prelude to a series of short stories. Check back once in a while to see how the entire story unravels.
I'm very disappointed in you. You let me down. Time and time again you've let me down. I've tried to understand you, but you won't let me in. I don't know if I can do this anymore.
Have these years all been for nothing? Don't you see that it's tearin' up my heart? It feels like we're running out of time. Do you remember all that time we spent together? Playing hide n' seek and catching all kinds of critters. We used to climb mountains together and slash through jungle vines. Remember that talkin' snake that almost gotcha? How about the huge bonfires we used to have on the beach? Yeah, those were some good times. It's then when I realised that God must have spent a little more time on you.
If I could read your mind love, what a tale your thoughts could tell. I swear to you, I've always been there for you. We traveled through the midnight prairie together. From sea to golden sea we've laughed and cried. We've fought monsters and hunted demons together. We used to get lost in the forest, and giggle as jumbo jets came in to land just above our heads. There were no illusions on the summer side of life, only tenderness. We made many nights to remember - even tried to count the stars. Remember the northern lights? Things were different then, but the spell of youth was wearing off.
I don't know what happened, but you drifted away from me. And into the darkness, no less. You faded into the blackness. Life seemed to fade away, and you drifted further every day. Some where along the way you got lost within yourself and nothing else mattered. No one else. I know it's a strange thing, death. I accept it, understand it, and yet I still don't really believe. I feel almost like a perpetual infant, and some one is playing peek-a-boo with me. Life is there one moment and gone the next. It's just some weird thing. I know now how badly I let you down. How the last thing I ever wanted was to be the hero of the day. The hours stand still now, but they aren't worth it.
You reached for me. Well, you reached for the stars, rather. When the world was on your shoulders then, you just smiled and let it go. We drew close again, like two in a million. I'll swear it all over again, I'll never walk away. But we both know that, that was the beginning of the lies. After all I showed you, I thought you'd be fine. I know you never had a dream come true, and I tried to show you that dreams really do come true. You were starting to let go of who you tried to be and began to hold on to your individuality. You began to bloom out from the wall and spread your sunshine. But then all you ever said was, "I'm fine." You never could tell a lie without a sly smile.
Now look at you. You've become disillusioned. And afraid. Of all the things that you've been through, you have decided to fear now?! Why do you so feign success? I know you think you don't belong. In fact, I'm beginning to see that you really don't. One thing for sure is that you're beginning to become a good story teller. What are you waiting for? Get out there and tell the stories that need to be heard! It's your purpose, you know it's true. It's why God gave me to you. You know what needs to be done. Why have you done nothing? Why think yourself a failure before you've even begun? I've got news for you. As long as you continue on this path of destruction, of going no where soon - you are a failure.
I've stared for a while and waited for words. Seen but not heard and struggle to try. Take my hand love, and let's be real. You've never been alone. The sand isn't trying to drown you, it's merely passing away. You've gotta start some day, why not today?
I'm very disappointed in you. You let me down. Time and time again you've let me down. I've tried to understand you, but you won't let me in. I don't know if I can do this anymore.
Have these years all been for nothing? Don't you see that it's tearin' up my heart? It feels like we're running out of time. Do you remember all that time we spent together? Playing hide n' seek and catching all kinds of critters. We used to climb mountains together and slash through jungle vines. Remember that talkin' snake that almost gotcha? How about the huge bonfires we used to have on the beach? Yeah, those were some good times. It's then when I realised that God must have spent a little more time on you.
If I could read your mind love, what a tale your thoughts could tell. I swear to you, I've always been there for you. We traveled through the midnight prairie together. From sea to golden sea we've laughed and cried. We've fought monsters and hunted demons together. We used to get lost in the forest, and giggle as jumbo jets came in to land just above our heads. There were no illusions on the summer side of life, only tenderness. We made many nights to remember - even tried to count the stars. Remember the northern lights? Things were different then, but the spell of youth was wearing off.
I don't know what happened, but you drifted away from me. And into the darkness, no less. You faded into the blackness. Life seemed to fade away, and you drifted further every day. Some where along the way you got lost within yourself and nothing else mattered. No one else. I know it's a strange thing, death. I accept it, understand it, and yet I still don't really believe. I feel almost like a perpetual infant, and some one is playing peek-a-boo with me. Life is there one moment and gone the next. It's just some weird thing. I know now how badly I let you down. How the last thing I ever wanted was to be the hero of the day. The hours stand still now, but they aren't worth it.
You reached for me. Well, you reached for the stars, rather. When the world was on your shoulders then, you just smiled and let it go. We drew close again, like two in a million. I'll swear it all over again, I'll never walk away. But we both know that, that was the beginning of the lies. After all I showed you, I thought you'd be fine. I know you never had a dream come true, and I tried to show you that dreams really do come true. You were starting to let go of who you tried to be and began to hold on to your individuality. You began to bloom out from the wall and spread your sunshine. But then all you ever said was, "I'm fine." You never could tell a lie without a sly smile.
Now look at you. You've become disillusioned. And afraid. Of all the things that you've been through, you have decided to fear now?! Why do you so feign success? I know you think you don't belong. In fact, I'm beginning to see that you really don't. One thing for sure is that you're beginning to become a good story teller. What are you waiting for? Get out there and tell the stories that need to be heard! It's your purpose, you know it's true. It's why God gave me to you. You know what needs to be done. Why have you done nothing? Why think yourself a failure before you've even begun? I've got news for you. As long as you continue on this path of destruction, of going no where soon - you are a failure.
I've stared for a while and waited for words. Seen but not heard and struggle to try. Take my hand love, and let's be real. You've never been alone. The sand isn't trying to drown you, it's merely passing away. You've gotta start some day, why not today?
Thursday, February 2, 2012
The Man Who Controls A Woman
While likely the last place for inspiration, I was watching Maury earlier during commercials of a movie I was watching. The show featured three men who believe that women couldn't think for themselves and had to therefore be controlled. They would control these women by making them bow to them and one man even hit his woman. So I've decided to write a piece on this, since there is a lot of confusion.
First of all, God created man in His image, woman and man He created them. (Genesis 1:27). It is to be understood that although man and woman are created with equal value, they are still nonetheless different. This fact has unfortunately gotten a bad wrap. I honestly don't see why women can't celebrate being women and men can't celebrate being men. Both sexes have their own unique strengths and weaknesses and this is why men and women work so well when they come together. Or, in biblical terms, "Wherefore a man shall leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they shall be two in one flesh." (Genesis 2:24)
Now, it should be understood that respect is not a gender thing. Respect is a people thing. If you want respect, you must first give respect. Now as a woman, I know that if I want a man to respect me, I must first respect myself. This means taking good care of myself, dressing modestly, and developing the beautiful character within myself. The same goes for men. If a man wants a woman to respect him he must first take care of himself, be chaste, and develop the strong character within himself.
I have a natural desire to be submissive and to go out on a limb here I'd say most women do. But this doesn't mean I'm incapable to take charge. Women are very good a taking charge when they need to but in a relationship especially, we don't really want to. If a woman has to take charge in the relationship, it often means the man is being a coward.
You guys out there need to realise that the woman you care for is not your mother. Think about it, do you want to marry your mother? Have sex with your mother? Good, so grow up and actually be a man. Don't just act the part, be the part. While women are naturally suited to keeping a house and caring for children (because let's face it, we're kinda awesome like that) this doesn't mean you magically lose all ability to feed and pick-up after yourselves. I repeat men, we women are not your mothers!
When there is disharmony in the relationship on part of the woman doing everything, the man needs to step up and take control. What does control mean? It means you shouldn't have to be mothered. You as a man, should know what to do. You shouldn't have to be informed by your wife or nagged, you need to pick up and do what needs to be done. Kitchen tap leaking? Get off the couch you fat b*****d and fix it! You shouldn't even have been doing your best impression of a beached whale on the couch in the first place!
Now, what you'll see when you start pulling your weight for once, is that the woman will start naturally being submissive to you. You see submissiveness is intricately linked to trust. If she doesn't trust you enough to do your duty, she certainly won't be submissive because she's too busy doing both her job and yours. When you see that she's busy bathing the kids and the sink is full from dinner, do your duty - do the dishes for her. Be there for your kids and her by taking the kids to the park while she has time to herself. Ensure your wife is well cared for and well rested and she'll definitely return the favour. In fact, when you do these things you'll find that the two of you will be free to love deeper, be more affectionate, and intimate.
First of all, God created man in His image, woman and man He created them. (Genesis 1:27). It is to be understood that although man and woman are created with equal value, they are still nonetheless different. This fact has unfortunately gotten a bad wrap. I honestly don't see why women can't celebrate being women and men can't celebrate being men. Both sexes have their own unique strengths and weaknesses and this is why men and women work so well when they come together. Or, in biblical terms, "Wherefore a man shall leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they shall be two in one flesh." (Genesis 2:24)
Now, it should be understood that respect is not a gender thing. Respect is a people thing. If you want respect, you must first give respect. Now as a woman, I know that if I want a man to respect me, I must first respect myself. This means taking good care of myself, dressing modestly, and developing the beautiful character within myself. The same goes for men. If a man wants a woman to respect him he must first take care of himself, be chaste, and develop the strong character within himself.
I have a natural desire to be submissive and to go out on a limb here I'd say most women do. But this doesn't mean I'm incapable to take charge. Women are very good a taking charge when they need to but in a relationship especially, we don't really want to. If a woman has to take charge in the relationship, it often means the man is being a coward.
You guys out there need to realise that the woman you care for is not your mother. Think about it, do you want to marry your mother? Have sex with your mother? Good, so grow up and actually be a man. Don't just act the part, be the part. While women are naturally suited to keeping a house and caring for children (because let's face it, we're kinda awesome like that) this doesn't mean you magically lose all ability to feed and pick-up after yourselves. I repeat men, we women are not your mothers!
When there is disharmony in the relationship on part of the woman doing everything, the man needs to step up and take control. What does control mean? It means you shouldn't have to be mothered. You as a man, should know what to do. You shouldn't have to be informed by your wife or nagged, you need to pick up and do what needs to be done. Kitchen tap leaking? Get off the couch you fat b*****d and fix it! You shouldn't even have been doing your best impression of a beached whale on the couch in the first place!
Now, what you'll see when you start pulling your weight for once, is that the woman will start naturally being submissive to you. You see submissiveness is intricately linked to trust. If she doesn't trust you enough to do your duty, she certainly won't be submissive because she's too busy doing both her job and yours. When you see that she's busy bathing the kids and the sink is full from dinner, do your duty - do the dishes for her. Be there for your kids and her by taking the kids to the park while she has time to herself. Ensure your wife is well cared for and well rested and she'll definitely return the favour. In fact, when you do these things you'll find that the two of you will be free to love deeper, be more affectionate, and intimate.
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