It's only law if God says it is ...

I read the following Facebook headline/recommendation and wanted to hit my head on something concrete ....

"Pray for Kim Davis! Late last night the Supreme Court denied our emergency appeal to keep Kim out of jail. Even though they can go to any of 137 other clerks, today the militant homosexuals who sued her will be on her front step FORCING her to choose between obeying Scripture or going to jail."

Okay.

Well first of all, Kim is exercising her freedom of CHOICE. Which as we all know, merely means you can't prosecuted for your beliefs. So on the first test, yes - Kim is exercising her freedom of religion.

But ...

She also took an oath of office which specifically states she'll uphold the laws that are made. So ....

Kim Davis is standing firm on something she should recuse herself from. If you can't do the job as dictated by the highest court in the land, she simply should stand aside so that someone can do her job for her.

This isn't about the "militant homosexuals," nor does it have anything to do with the other 137 clerks. It has everything to do with doing your job, even if you don't agree.

As with most things conservative, there's a blatant hypocrisy here. If I was being forced to do something against my personally held beliefs, these same conservatives would be the first to say: "just find another job if you're not happy." Well ... why isn't that the same thing here?

Seriously folks, if you're going to attack something for persecuting your beliefs, then maybe it's time you take your own medicine ... do your job, recuse yourself or step down to become a Walmart greeter Ms. Davis.

Republican Skew

According to the Republican mantra:

It's not okay to marry if you're gay or lesbian ...
- but it's perfectly okay to marry your cousin or get divorced 4 times

It's not okay to give to the poor ...
- but it's perfectly okay to continually help out the rich

It's not okay to nationalize our energy needs ...
- but it's okay to leave that to corporations who continually abuse the public trust - all in the name of profit while industries, families and our government continue to pay for inflated gas prices.

It's not okay to complain about Republican hypocrisies ...
- but it's okay to attack those that are liberal minded who actually have good sound ideas that happen to conflict with the Republican ideology.

It's okay to espouse a moral Republican agenda ...
- but it's not okay to be free to do as you please ... so as long as it has a stamp of approval from the Republican overlords.

It's okay to tax the lower class who have nothing ...
- but it's not okay to take the upper class because they pay for everything.

It's okay to put an innocent man to death ...
- but it's not okay to afford that man a reasonable appeal process in an effort to exonerate him or prove his/her innocence.

It's okay to own, possess and carry firearms ...
- but just not everybody.

It's okay to criticize a black president and claim it has nothing to do with race ...
- but it's not okay to point out their racial blinders if it was a white man who was opined the same idea and they agree with the idea.

It's okay to repeal laws that help equality ...
- but it's not okay to refer to it as "the war on women"

It's okay to end affirmative action ...
- but it's not okay to call out the racially charged statement if a Republican says that because a black man became president, that's why we can repeal affirmative action.

It's okay to enact laws to do away with labor unions ...
- but it's not okay to enact laws to help protect against corporate abuse at the expense of American jobs, wages and way of life.

It's okay to drill baby drill ...
- but it's not okay to hold corporations accountable when they drive up gas prices because they rest their laurels on "it's what the market will bear."


A woman's right ends the moment she has sex with a man ...

- but it's okay to cut social programs while allowing churches to hold the right to dismiss health insurance simply because they offer/cover women's health coverage as it pertains to her vagina.

It's okay to vaginally rape a woman to guilt her into not having an abortion ...
- but it's not okay to hold the man who impregnated her to be bound by his obligation.

It's okay to practice social/economic Darwinism ...
- but you can't teach its science equivalent in class because it clashes with the Christian belief structure...

It's okay to say things you don't mean ...
- but it's not okay to hold them accountable for it.

Do as I say ...
- ...not as they do.

It's not that I don't believe that democrats aren't capable of their own hypocrisy - they are.  But when the Republicans keep hammering home their hypocrisy draped with the American flag and a bible in their hand ... well - then I think that speaks volumes.  Trusting someone with so many faults - becomes nearly comical.

Folks wonder why Americans hate religion and hate politics.  When one's word carries nothing ... then they could be the most articulate person on the planet ... and it won't mean a single damn thing....

A bigger problem than Prop 8

Fundamentally -- I think Prop 8 is illegal.

When laws are created to specifically remove the rights of a group of people -- it's unconstitutional. It's a legal argument that will play out for a long time to come. In my mind -- religion has no place in the laws of man. The two should remain separate and I'm hopeful the courts follow that wisdom by making Prop 8 the unconstitutional law that it's become.

But while the courts wrangle with that elephant, there's a much larger problem in today's society that has gone relatively un-noticed and ignored for quite awhile now. Specifically, it happened in the 2000 and 2004 elections. A movement that was mentioned by name, but never really put under the glass of scrutiny. It's affectionately known as the religious right. A cascading tidal wave of politically motivated campaigns, propositions and referendums. Religion + politics. Oh, I don't think it takes that much of a thinker to see that there could be some real problems with that.

For instance: let's say that one day we get a real radical in the White House. All of a sudden he decides that his native beliefs of Mormonism should be the top religion in the United States. He might actually go as far as to say that all Americans should practice from the fundamentals of Joseph Smith and the other prophets. Would you be offended if he denounces your belief? Don't you think the Catholics may have a word or two to say about this?

That's the problem I have with the founders of Prop 8.

What gave the Mormons the *right* to cross that mythical boundary that separates church and state? Oh, they're just practicing their right to congregate and decide what issues are in their best interests, right? Says them. I don't think I need anyone making that determination for me -- nor do I think it's exceedingly prudent to have any one denomination -- even coupled together on like-minded issues making that determination for America.

Proposition 8 breeds intolerance at a time when it was met against a pretty significant historical precedent wherein the first African American -- despite the enormity of history against the plight of the black man -- was elected to become President of the United States. You'd think that the moment Barack Obama was elected -- the country had officially turned another corner. But when you look back to the west coast -- you've got to wonder what part of the caboose fell off its track.

When I would later learn that it was the churches INVESTING heavily on the California ballot initiative -- my mind went back to 2000 and 2004 all over again. It was the ugliness of the religious right spewing its intolerant hate-filled agenda for the masses to be afraid of the gay man or the gay woman. Who - in this land - has become the likes of God - telling people who they can or can't associate with? Please explain this.

It's the fanatics of the right fringe that thought it was a good idea to try to force feed an initiative in Colorado to determine when the moment "life" began. Even some REPUBLICANS came out against the moment a sperm came in contact with an egg because even THEY realized that this was completely stupid and nuts.

And if anything -- it solidified for me the single premise that religion has a place in our lives -- OUR PRIVATE LIVES -- but it has absolutely no business being in the world of politics. No Church in this land was threatened by homosexuals because there was NO LAW that would mandate every church to marry a gay or lesbian couple in the confines of their sacred ground. No Church was being FORCED to conduct these ceremonies or even RECOGNIZE them within the context of their religious beliefs.

Legalizing gay and lesbian marriages gave basic, human, fundamental RIGHTS to those people who cannot get health care for their loved ones, cannot be by their bedside in their dying moments, cannot adopt children who aren't wanted by hetero-sexual couples and a lot of other basic rights. It had nothing to do with the Church, but the Church made damn sure it had something to do with gay and lesbian relationships.

If folks don't start realizing the problem with mixing religion and the government -- then this is just going to be the small apple on the tree. Unless I missed that day in social studies class -- we have the right in this country to practice our religious beliefs privately and without any such intervention from the government. But that changes when a religious sect (or major denomination) decides that their beliefs somehow stand above all others. Oh - Christians and Catholics may be on the same side of Mormons on this go'round ... but there's a reason why we have so many different forms of Christianity in this country. That's why there's so many different points of view in how the basic fundamental practice of God and Jesus in the lives of Americans will eventually cause that "unity of spirit" to be looked at with scorn and then we'll have a much bigger problem on our hands.

Just look at the "holy war" that goes on the moment you mention the phrase: "Merry Christmas." That's pretty darn offensive to the Jewish faith, no? Isn't that why they have at least extended the "Happy Holidays" greeting instead -- so that it doesn't tread on their belief structure? So then why are the likes of Bill O'Reilly and other religious fanatics say they are for Israel, but dammit - it's always going to be "Merry Christmas."

Oh - no one considers the big "problems" with religion and government. That's why we still have ongoing issues with school prayer, the 10 commandments and holiday displays that constantly tax our court systems. Already -- there's a lot of uneasiness between our various religious sects and this doesn't even begin to account for the incredible fear generated by the far right religious fanatics when they tried to invoke the fear of Islam with Obama during the recent Presidential Election. So you seriously can't believe that we're all living in peaceful, spiritual harmony from shore to shore.

The Mormons took it upon themselves to overturn a law that was voted in BY the people of California legalizing gay and lesbian marriages. I'm sorry -- but the moment a church -- any church decides that they have the "right" to politicize their agenda (ahem ... erm) beliefs on the rest of us -- resonates a clear and present danger to our democracy. What gave the Mormons the "right" to decide what MY belief should be? What gives the Mormons the "right" to create laws to govern how *I* choose to live my life?

From where I stand -- if a church wants to go ahead and start politicizing their points of view in the form of propositions and laws -- then I think it's time to taxing these churches for crossing a very visible line between church and state. The Mormons had every right to do what they did in California -- and we have every right to tax every single cent they bring in and make this a tax-revenue machine for our ailing economy. It's time that these religions realize that their "safe haven" status has officially ended the moment they got involved in the political process in this country.

When Churches have PAID STAFF to work the Proposition, or a candidate -- then they have done more than just "suggest" that their congregation support a cause or a person -- they've crossed that line by a few hundred miles by the looks of it.

Let's just hope that someone in the process has the courage to see it as well -- and finally do something about it.

Palin's Religious Problem...

...and we think Jeremiah Wright was bad??

Funny how we don't hear about her denouncing 3 out of 4 of her churches that promote the startling "Jesus Camp" approach to religion...

Oh - I guess we're just picking on the Republican Veep nominee, aren't we...

(ironic how all of those critics about Obama's pastor are seemingly silent about militarizing teenagers to fight on behalf of the Lord...)

Palin button

Ironic...

The lunacy of our reality around us....

I started something new a week or so ago -- I started saving all of the articles I collected that I wanted to blog about.. I had no idea this folder would be getting so LARGE so QUICKLY...

What's the deal with YOGA?? I couldn't believe this little diddy from my favorite television pastor Pat Robertson who actually believes that when you're engaging your body in the ritual of stretching and other manipulations - "you are actually praying to Hindu gods Vishnu and Krishna and you're not even aware of it!"

Oh you've got to be kidding me!!! When I rub my belly after a full and satisfying meal, am I also praying to Budha?? It's things like this - and the reaction from the neo-cons in the far far Christian Right that scare me to death.. Because deep down, Pat believes this.. Never mind the fact that during our daily routines we may actually be engaging in several "praying stances" to one god or another!! It's folks like Pat that spread this non-sense so that we can all go running back to the cave..

And while we're running back into the cave.....

I think Sherri Shepherd from "The View" has a really good heart.. I know she means well.. I know she is desperate to try to do the right thing.. But when she recently disavowed the entire meaning behind "B.C." - the reference of time "Before Christ" or before the Christian Era.... No.. Sherri firmly believes in the whole 7 day thing - and that Jesus was the first person in the world.. Okay - I don't even think the Bible does that because of the whole Adam and Eve story -- but when you look at what Pat is doing - and when you listen to what Sherri is saying .... then it's no stretch of the imagination to rationalize why we have developed a very peculiar sense of reality.. It's the reality brought to us by the Bush administration to re-write history and to have the "equality" of religion vs. science -- when it's the reality of science that gives us the electrons for you to SEE this posting through your electron-based COMPUTER to begin with... I don't ever recall hearing how God created Microsoft on Day 8 -- but maybe that was included somewhere else..

And the idiot of the world award goes this week to Presidential hopeful, former Republican Governor Mike Huckabee who proudly declared in 1992 that "I feel homosexuality is an aberrant, unnatural, and sinful lifestyle, and we now know it can pose a dangerous public health risk." And this little gem as well: "If the federal government is truly serious about doing something with the AIDS virus, we need to take steps that would isolate the carriers of this plague." He recently went on Fox News to reiterate his stance and not recant his statement about homosexuality..

Amazing.. All we have to do is round up all the homosexuals in the United States so that the spread of AIDS stops.. I would imagine that all of the heterosexual infected would need to be included -- as well as the children of those who were born with HIV or received HIV through a blood transfusion.. Forgive me, but the best way to combat the disease is through education, through knowledge, and through societal changes.. Simply rounding up all the Huckabee defined "queers" will not get rid of AIDS -- because when you look at its origins in Africa .... they aren't gay down there.....

But the Sherri Shepards of the world -- it's gospel.. They link to it because Huckabee says so, therefore it must be right.. But our own present history teaches us that we shouldn't necessarily believe every single thing our anointed leaders tell us -- because more than not -- they are worse than wrong as their respective view points only serve to endanger our awareness of the world around us instead of properly educating people like Sherri so that she has a better understanding in her place in life..

Have we stooped down to a very despondent layer wherein our Yoga exercises are seen as praying to someone else's deity?? Have we stooped to the point of agreeing that the earth may have been created in just 7 days like it says in the bible when there's a great deal of scientific evidence to the contrary?? Where does that line start and end??

I've had it with the head in the sand mentality that our anointed few think is necessary for us to believe in.. Because if we all need to go back into the cave - then we're in absolute denial about the way the world works.. We believe that it's "faith" stored in those weapons that protect our borders and all we need to do is pray extra hard so that no one ever does anything bad to our schools, malls, and armed forces overseas..

Was it a simple matter of not praying enough?? Was it a matter that the Omaha mall shooter was just possessed by some demon or are we going to sit back and blame our video games again?? Maybe it would be much better to take a empirical and scientific approach to resolving such issues..

Maybe a Yoga class is responsible for un-doing the Christian spectrum of prayer by inadvertently praying to the praying mantis or some other orthopod out there....

No....

Maybe we can't bring world peace by prayer alone..
Maybe we need to have balance in our lives that can rationally look at science as a means - and have our faith in whatever deity we choose to guide our morality..
Maybe we need competent leadership-type folks who aren't afraid to say to the American populace that "balance is good.."

Balance is good..

Don't follow these folks into the cave.. It's really dark in there and I'm really sure there aren't any prayers out there that can provide you light inside the cave...

"All we need is a little more faith..."

All we need to do is trust our President..

All we need to do is trust his judgment..

All we have to do ..... is have a little more faith..

*sighs*

We blindly followed this man as he and his administration wove the most elaborate P.R. message to further their respective causes.. Where did that leave us??

- I've already blogged about the fact that Bush's unilateral policies have set forth the way science is considered in our country.. Religion is now considered an equal to science -- even though there doesn't appear to be any schematics for the electron so that we could develop electronics.. And I didn't really notice if there were any step by step instructions on how to build a gas-powered motor -- nor do I see it written anywhere that we should be justified for choosing our wars so that we protect our national interests..

- So it's no mystery that Bush once again - chose to unilaterally dismiss the U.N. demand for climate change.. After all, it's not written in the Bible that we should be worried about it -- we're not in the middle of a locust storm or anything like that, so why worry??

- And the saber rattling continues against Iran.. Bush and Cheney continue to concoct a war plan to invade Iran.. And remember, all we need is a little more faith and trusting the blind leading us into yet - another precarious regional conflict in an area WE'RE ALREADY HATED......

- But thank God we have the likes of Admiral William Fallon who honestly believes that invading Iran is a really big mistake.. "It seems to me that we don't need more problems. It astounds me that so many pundits and others are spending so much time yakking about this topic [of war against Iran]."

So please forgive me if I continue to not ride on the coat tails of faith that so many people seem to have for this administration..

I'm glad we have people of REASON and RATIONALE that are willing to address the problems we continually face.. Regardless if it's about the environment, regardless if it's about Iraq, Iran or privacy..

Are we seriously meant to believe that Jesus sat down with Bush to give him his marching orders to go into Iraq?? Do we honestly think that Jesus would be so profoundly blind about the plight of the people of the Sudan in the Darfur?? Are we expected to believe that it's in God's plan for us to invade Iran now too??

Is it really rational to believe that it's God's will for America to reign supreme -- almost in complete defiance of the teachings of the Bible to begin with the basic principle of brotherhood and thy fellow neighbor??

No -- I really don't think that's the case either..

And that's I've started to have faith in an America that continues to wake up from its slumber ... so that we can correct the extreme errant course this administration has set out for our country..

That's the faith I choose to believe in.. I just hope others follow..

Imagine That: Americans want change....

It's a really bad indication for George Bush and his "legacy" when seventy-four percent (74%) of Americans think the nation needs a new direction.. Oh wow.. I thought the argument by every conservative out there is that America is just fine, we don't need any changes to the way things are ... those folks fall into the 24 percentile of those polled..

So the argument that things are just fine under Bush is gently floating away like a gentle feather on the wind.....

....a trend that I've been seeing for a very long time because Bush's incredibly thick-headed ambitions for his administration..

Now the conservatives are already rounding up the wagons (seeing that they have HUGE problems in 2008) and shaking out the same scare tactics that the Democrats want "bigger government" and "more tax money" -- which is very ironic considering we have a REPUBLICAN sitting President, supported by the very same conservatives who has expanded government, devalued the dollar while sustaining an endless overseas conflict while cutting taxes that continues to expand the national debt that continually out-paces the INTEREST on the money we've borrowed..

So - the scare tactic doesn't work anymore.. The Republicans can't even use the infamous "terrorism" monikers anymore because Americans are slow to learn -- but they are learning..

We're learning that Bush's "head in the sand" approach to the environment is much more detrimental than the "it's debatable" approach conservatives want us to believe.. I make mention of this - because NBC is starting a "Green Is Universal" awareness project that highlights the major environmental problems.. Fmr. Vice President and current Nobel laureate Al Gore will be starring on the Today show this week while the anchors report from the Arctic, the Equator and Antarctica this week..

Awareness.. Wow.. I would imagine that the Bush administration is leading the charge on this, right??

Um... No...

Because it's SCIENCE and SCIENCE needs to be thought about... Let's dismiss the fact that most scientists say: "it's a problem.." Let's dismiss the facts outlined in An Inconvenient Truth.. Let's dismiss science because it happens to disagree with your personally held belief of how the earth was created...

“In order to avoid offending religious fundamentalists, our National Park Service is under orders to suspend its belief in geology,” stated PEER Executive Director Jeff Ruch. “It is disconcerting that the official position of a national park as to the geologic age of the Grand Canyon is ‘no comment.’”

I kid you not...

So while it's convenient not to "offend religious fundamentalists" by opining the approximate age of the Grand Canyon we should remain scientifically illiterate because it's better to explain the forces of the universe by way of the Bible -- while completely dismissing the complete compilation of science in general.. Consider what we'd be missing out on:

- The light bulb
- The electric motor
- Computers
- TV
- Telephones
- Medical Centers
- Preventive medicine
- The automobile

....just to name a few inventions that began with a single scientific principle.. To dismiss the science of our existence is an extreme hypocritical stance given the historical reference of such inventions to begin with..

Change is *definitely* good when one does not self-identify as being in the 21st century.. I'm just glad Americans are slowly realizing that we're better off than the days of the pony and cart.. Bush was a mistake in the making, but he was electable because Americans wanted change following Clinton's mishaps in the White House.. Blame the Democrats for being unable to effectively challenge Bush in 2004 and for continuing to lead us down this very weary path...

And to the 24% that believe we're on the right road -- I urge you to relocate to some third-world country to understand what it means to "go back in time.." Maybe then you can truly appreciate the "path" of the "right road" from your experiences..

We're moving to Pennsylvania

Finally..

The people of Dover, Pennsylvania used their common sense, rather than succumbing to the pundits who believe in "Intelligent Design.."

For those that think that term sounds familiar, but they don't know why - it's the belief that the universe is so complex, we're unable to figure it out - hence, God must've done it....

Now let's think about that just a little closer..

Pat Robertson wants Intelligent Design to be taught in schools to basically offer that when it can't be explained, God must've done it.. But hold on Pat.. All of the physicists that explored the concept of the electron actually benefited you directly because, without this exploration there would be no power, no television and hence, no 700 Club..

So let's consider that there are some things that we can't explain.. I'm cool with that.. Scientists are cool with that.. Because there is the commonly held belief that our understanding evolves with time, with education, with experience.. When we consider that everyone in the world believed the earth was flat -- it took the courage of Aristotle to say: "no, I believe the earth is round.." This is compelling because by holding onto the belief so tightly -- it restricts our ability to explore and the better understand our own existence..

Which I guess is the key considering that Pat Robertson and others like him have no desire for science to better explain where we came from and why.. That's why "Intelligent Design" seem to be a popular one for those that believe that we should not explain everything in the universe because it would dramatically affect the biblical writings which is supposed to be the "end all" of everything..

Unfortunately, no amount of praying would have helped the flood victims in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.. Unfortunately for "Intelligent Design" - science eventually has to intervene so that we can institute as many preventive measures as possible to secure the safety and well being of our society.. This is key because of the necessity of science in our lives to help combat drought conditions, social-economic planning, building and infrastructure -- not to mention seeking new alternative fuels, invention and inspiration.. On a global scale, science seeks answers that may someday help alleviate or lessen the effect of earthquakes, floods, hurricanes - not to mention epidemics like that continually evolve..

So..

If we stop exploring..

If we stop dreaming..

If we stop trying to find answers..

We will succumb..

And it will be then that Pat Robertson's prophesy will finally come true: "I'd like to say to the good citizens of Dover: If there is a disaster in your area, don't turn to God. You just rejected him from your city."

Spoken from someone who has ordained that feminism encourages women to "kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians."

Guess what Pat - sometimes the letter of the book is not as important as the spirit in which it was written.. So far, your Intelligent Design agenda isn't looking very smart right now..

Kudos to the folks in Dover, Pennsylvania for making a stand and by doing the smart thing..

Wait - what - hold on...

A recent study shows that there is more sex on TV than there was in 1998..

Now hold on a second..

Think this through..

We have a group of people, a family foundation, who actually sits with a bean counter to chart how much sex is on TV..

Now how screwed up is that??

Oh - wait - a little under-reported factoid I learned this week that there are conflicting studies suggesting that video-game violence is actually going *down* even with all of these video games out there.. So if violence is actually going down - contrary to the pundits who believe that video-game violence promotes the youth of today from committing crime..

Oh - wait - that goes against the sterilization of America that groups like the Kaiser Family Foundation because we need to think alike, be alike, and live alike..

So what does sex have to do with it?? Because if kids see it, they will want to do it... But wait - kids don't have to see it on Desperate Housewives in order to do it... They are going to do it regardless if Teri Hatcher is doing it - so I'm thinking "what's the big diff??" It's not as though there has been a pregnancy BOOM since 1998..

Look, kids are going to get pregnant if they have unprotected sex.. End of story..

And if adults are offended by the content -- guess what -- it's called "change the channel.." A novel concept invigorated in the 1950's when the advent of the television spread across the U.S.. The little clicker works much the same way -- and if the Kaiser Family Foundation can't figure out how to run the little clicker - then they have no right to conduct a study on the merits and demerits of the programming that is coming out..

Because it still comes down to a right to choose.. And that's what gets lost in the study.. Because if the FAMILY Foundation can't teach the FAMILY on the merits of making good programming choices for their FAMILY to watch, then I really don't care that there is an increase in sex scenes, because I CAN make that choice myself... More importantly, I AM responsible enough to make that choice so that I live a nice moral life - without the blessing of the Family Foundation and it's idiotic study..

It always amazes me that groups like this make it a societal problem when it's an individual's responsibility in the upbringing on one's family.. Moreover, it wants to intercede in the lives of everyone to make their message: "Kids who have repeated exposure to sexual content become sexually active at an earlier age." Wow, my first-immediate-knee-jerk reaction was: "in all of this talk about values and family, where are the parents and why did this go undetected on their radar screens??" Oh wait - it's not the PARENT's fault, it's ABC, NBC and Fox's fault....

But what this report fails to mention is that SEX - IS - EVERYWHERE.. There's sex in the music that your children purchase from WalMart, there's depictions of sex in most famous art works, there's sex in movies, in videos, on DVD's.. Sex is mentioned in video games, it's being taught in schools, sex is even being discussed in church on Sundays.. It's online, in magazines, in our newspapers, on the radio, on our billboards, in our advertisements and in almost every aspect of our day to day activities.. Where are those bean counters when they walk to get their latte from Starbucks??

So my point is: why aren't they attacking Cosmo?? Why aren't they going after the church for the Christmas services?? Why aren't they trying to re-write the school's curriculums, blowing up libraries, ripping text books, banning CD's, burning DVD's and breaking art pieces.. Why not make a law prohibiting sex at all??

Because if I can't screw like the Kaiser Family Foundation wants me to, then I should be sent to jail because of it.. Because the Kaiser Family Foundation obviously knows the life I should lead better than I do...

Bush is talking to God....

Never in our times have we seen such a religious purge to be pressed upon the American people.. There is a level of disillusionment that goes beyond the likes of how some regimes were able to score victories by way of the word.. Let's not forget the history of the world - and in particular the latter half of the 20th century when world witnessed the slaughter of millions for the sake of a difference in morality, a difference in belief, a difference in religion..

Now - in today's world, we're witnessing the same thing over again.. We have a world leader who has had conversations with God..

Um..

Okay..

Let's see if I have this right: We invaded Iraq because God told him to..

No, no.. It wasn't the Weapons of Mass Destruction..

God told him to..

Now God apparently is telling George that he needs to get the Palestinian people their state while giving Israel their security "...[A]nd by God I'm gonna do it."

Okay..

Take a step back..

Breathe..

Now..

I'm not against the efforts to stabilize the Middle East region.. In fact, the security of the world may come to depend on what happens on the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea.. For this, I'm in agreement.. Yet, I still look at the last 30 years and I begin to wonder exactly how possible this is given how both sides are so incredibly weary of the other.. So part of me says: "yeah, peace is good, very good.. But not let's have a party just yet.."

Meaning: peace is fragile, takes eons to work through - and every starting point in the peace process is just as vulnerable as the other steps were before.. Still - it's a step.. How long it lasts is anyone's guess..

That's not my concern..

My concern is that we have a President who admits outright that he listens to God.. Almost as dangerous as whenever Frank Sinatra dials into my head and I start singing "New York, New York..."

Listening and otherwise talking to God..

Listening..

Talking..

Okay - now I'm worried..

The leader of the free world.. The man who has complete control of the world's largest nuclear arsenal - is saying he's having conversations with God..

Competency first comes to mind..

Because anyone who is basing a policy, a long-reaching judgment, a life-or-death decision based on conversations with a deity ... needs to be called into question.. Now I'm not trying to say that religion is bad.. I'm not suggesting that people couldn't use a little bit more morality in the world.. I'm not suggesting that having faith in a seemingly complicated story is a bad thing..

I am however, concerned when people have conversations (apparently interactive) with God.. I simply cannot understand or believe how we have the single most powerful man of the world - having conversations with someone who may or may not exist!! I took theology, philosophy, history and science in school.. I doubt very seriously even the POPE admits having interactive conversations with God..

People like the Pope - derive inspiration through message of God's word, the Bible to become the basis of their decision-making capability.. That's okay.. Deriving influence and inspiration is a healthy, moral progression in life.. That's natural.. That's understandable.. That's reasonable..

Having received word from God to invade Iraq and kill tens of thousands of people does not seem to be a word from God.. In fact, it seems like an "anti-God-like" message.. It seems pretty contradictive to the whole Bible-view way of life because I doubt it very serious if God would condemn the "sacrifice" of those that have been killed..

Especially since nothing mentions in the Bible that "America is number one" or "In America, we trust" or anything of that sort.. If we really looked back at our history - we see a lot of things we've screwed up on.. God doesn't like it when we're bombing others.. God doesn't approve of such things.. So how is it that God told George to invade Iraq??

See?? That doesn't make sense.. Why would God tell George to do something completely against the morals of God?? We keep hearing how the Iraqi people are most grateful for being liberated - yet - I don't recall God telling George that he needed to install a democracy government..

Assuming that God approves of democracy versus a monarchy versus a republic versus a socialistic, versus a oligarchy..... No where that I'm aware - does God put forth: "you will assemble and make this government..." No where does it state that we should seek representative government.. No where does the Bible refer having permission to release people from tyranny..

Therefore either:
a.) We have a delusional President -or-
b.) We have a manipulative President

Either way -

We have an administration that believes it know what's "right" for the rest of us.. Based on whether we have a delusional leader or a manipulative one - the point remains that we have an unfit leader.. Many people have come forward with the "impeachment" word - and I'm in agreement.. I've lost faith in this administration's outlook and perceptive ability..

Moreover, this Republican regime is adamant about remaining hypocritical about the need to be invasive in our personal lives - yet - preaching that the government needs to get out of our lives.... We need to be moral, according to what the government says.. According to the Bible?? According to the word of God??

Shouldn't we be concerned that the government who wants to put God into our lives is the same government who can't seem to practice what God preaches??

I found some irony over the past couple of days..

I noticed how many who voiced their opinions about what the next Pope should be like -- actually were speaking volumes even if they weren't really aware..

Most notably: the need for change..

Meaning, that many people *within* the Christian, Catholic religion -- believe that Pope John Paul II was a bit too conservative for the times.. Interesting..

So it proves that we can mindlessly follow someone who may be "out of touch" with our inner prohibitions - yet we're going to follow him off the cliff like some sort of lemming..

Secondly, was the need for the next Pope to be more in touch with the kids of today.. Again, very interesting considering this is the Pope that coordinated World Youth Day - for several years: a gathering of youth in a Catholic/Christian setting to find inner-spiritualism..

And to say that this Pope was out of touch.... Considering this Pope was doing something so unprecedented.... Considering others signalling a change in how the Papacy is considered....

It further proves that we may "go along" with those that we feel can lead us, but it doesn't necessarily mean we agree with them.....

Interesting....

The Passing...

I remember back in 1993 all of the fuss about his arrival to Denver.. The preparations that went into the week-long conference were *intense*.. The security.. The venues.. The excitement.. The fear.. The energy..

I didn't go..

But I marveled in the seemingly gentle nature of a man that minded no clock, touched whoever's hand he wanted, and be as carefree and easy going as a gentle whisper of a breeze..

The poise.. The grandeur.. The careful nature of his being.. The vulnerability.. The sage.. The intensity of what he represented..

The leader of one of the largest religions today..

In reflecting on what to say in this entry -- I considered a number of avenues.. I see a man who almost single handedly guided mankind to the dedicated Path - true to the Bible.. I also see a man who was so heavily rooted in his beliefs that anything that created one inconsistent doctrine after another..

I respect the man who lived for the common good and did everything in his power to spread that common good.. Even if I disagreed with many of his views, I admire the man who endured several hardships, scandals and unpopular opinions that would be a divisive wedge in many communities and across the world..

I realize that many look to the Bible and to the Pope as centers of reason.. A moralistic compass in the chaos of the world.. He may have been that - but most of his followers are not.. As what was brought out during the Bill Maher show recently - I find it problematic that followers can "pick and choose" what they want, when it suits their purpose.. O'Reily's attachment of the Christian Dogmas only reinforced the problem with religion today - that we can arbitrarily pick and choose -- for the convenience of what will apply to our lives..

I believe the Pope did what he thought was right.. He stood by his convictions.. Relied upon his understanding of the religious tenets that guided him for the 84 years of his life..

Those who looked up to him as their spiritual leader - will feel his loss.. We'll discover in the coming years, exactly how well he threaded the various religious segments together as one continuous quilt..

I cannot jump on the bandwagon that points fingers at the Pope's political/social beliefs.. His job is an incredibly demanding one.. While it's my ultimate choice to subscribe to those beliefs, it shouldn't be reflective of the man who fought valiantly on the side of man.. He treated every soul as sacred.. He was adamant about the death penalty as much as he was impassioned about the right to life..

I may not subscribe to all of his beliefs or ways of thinking, but I can admire the morality this guy had inside -- and how articulate, how persuasive and how passionate he was about humanity..

Pope John Paul II will be missed..

The Right To Die...

I don't know where I'm coming from on the Schiavo matter.. I'm partial to her well-being which no one can seem to understand.. Now that it's "gone political" - I have real disdain for those that want to further their political lobbying on someone else's hardship -- who probably never wanted to have the attention she's getting..

Euthanasia is one of those issues that I really believe resides in the individual.. It's assisted suicide.. Now if we're going to legalize suicide -- which by itself seems to be an oxymoron because if one really is successful in suicide, the law is really meaningless....

...but if we're going to make a law saying it's okay to take one's life - then shouldn't we be examining "all life" (i.e. those on death row, abortion, etc)?? I know I'm cutting across the grain on this one, but if someone doesn't like it here - I'm not really inclined to keep them alive to make me feel better.. It's not MY choice to make, it's not YOUR choice in the matter, -- it's THEIRS -- Michael and Terri.. In Terri's case, we don't know what her choice is -- or what she ultimately would want.. Her husband says that they talked about it before the accident and she said then she didn't want to be kept alive by artificial means.. And if that were true, and if she said don't keep me alive, then this shouldn't be an issue..

Opponents believe that it will become an elderly free-for-all.. Old people, young people, every person on the planet will spontaneously go out and take their life.. Well guess what?? That happens on a daily basis anyway.. Making it a law doesn't mean God is going to reconsider sending someone back down from heaven because we've said so!! Even if that was the case, what government has the right to ordain that it's proper for a person to kill themselves or not??

A very personal example: my grandmother was very sick of living.. Her friends were dead, she couldn't care for herself anymore, and there was parts of her life that were dead already.. She wasn't active as she once was, and she wasn't adjusting that well to being an elderly citizen.. She was alone.. She was sick.. She was prone to accidents.. She became incontinence.. She was alive, but she wasn't living..

I remember when her and I talked several years before she died that she didn't understand why God was keeping her alive.. In her eyes, God was really pissed at her for some reason because she really wanted to go - she felt tired and no longer wanted to be here.. Spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically.. When we explore the whole aspect of "quality of life" ... what are we really saying?? Are we even listening?? What about the part of a kind and compassionate God?? If we're to be absolutely protective of all life - regardless, shouldn't we be re-writing the laws that condone the death of people who are incarcerated?? What about those thousands of people in Iraq, in the Sudan, in the Congo?? What about the Right to Live in those countries??

And which definition do we care to use to determine "quality of life??" Just because my grandmother wasn't hooked up to a feeder tube 24 hours a day doesn't mean her life wasn't miserable.. She *wanted* to go.. She felt her time in this existence was over and she wanted to be up in heaven.. No one assisted in her death - and she had a DNR on her chart.. When she reached that point - she was going to die, and she did..

On the otherhand, my other grandmother really lived life to its fullest - despite the fact she was legally blind and was going through many of the struggles my other grandmother was going through.. She managed to do what she could, and was very happy with that.. She was active, seemingly happy, and enjoying what she could manage.. Clearly we can measure the differences in the quality of life between them and I think it's totally appropriate that they have the choice as to how they wanted to live the remaining years of their life..

Even though it's a purely personal decision to make, why are we allowing the government to step in to make the choice for us?? And why?? It should be a personal decision to make.. No one should be forced to stay alive for the benefit for the rest of us.. That's intolerably cruel..

Here's what it boils down to for me:

-Terri's been alive for the last 14 years.. The quality of her life hasn't been the greatest.. She's been classified as "permanently vegetative.." What kind of quality of life is that??

-If I were to subscribe to the belief that Terri would get better if she was going under more intense treatment, I do not know it's our choice to make.. That's something that had to have been considered by Terri and her husband.. Because if there had been this miracle treatment that was never pursued - why?? No promise, not a very good percentage, no real guarantee??

-Moreover, I haven't heard much, if at all - about this "intensive treatment" and what it would ultimately mean.. If this therapy has been available, then WHY hasn't it been given to her?? Too expensive?? If they can't afford it - then they can't afford it.. Forcing her to live isn't going to solve the fact they can't afford the intensive treatment..

-It's not as though her husband has been denying her medical treatment.. She's being fed through a feeding tube for the last 14 years, hello!

-If Terri really measured out that it's not worth the struggle she has gone through for 14 years, then is anyone really listening to her?? We've preserved her life 14 years beyond that which was probably her time to go.. Regardless of all the treatments, surgeries, and options - nothing has made Terri better..

Are we playing God here??
Are we going places we really shouldn't be going??

When we can keep someone alive beyond their personal capability, beyond their desire to live, then why must we mandate that she must live?? Why must the Congress, the Presidency, all of the various religions and the rest of the world intervene on behalf of the life of one woman who is in a permanent vegetative state??

This really shouldn't be a political issue.. Nor should it be a religious issue.. It's a personal issue.. A personal issue between one person and her fate.. If she wants to live - then the tube should go back in; end of story.. But if she doesn't - then let her live the remaining days of her life so that she can move on..

Drop the political subpoena bullshit..
Cut all the media hype, the radio pundit rhetoric, and the evangelical manipulations..
Rip the religious duct tape from your hypocritical mouths and let's strongly, deeply consider what Terri wants..

It's her life..

If she's spoken - then let it go..

A typical day in today's life:

(no wonder Bush never reads the paper - I'd be a bit depressed too...)

Bush: Lift Roadblocks to Faith-Based Help Programs.. Very interesting.. Skewing that very fine line between church and state..

Bush Accused of Playing 'Chicken' Over Judge Picks.. I don't even know why this should bother people anymore.. Look at his record - no matter what conventional wisdom says, Bush just doesn't fool around; he takes what he wants and that's that.. Some people find that to be appealing because it's a "tough," "no non-sense" kind of approach is what we need at the helm of our nation.. But like any spoiled child who doesn't get his way - all he has to do is wait for the right time to do what he wanted to do to begin with.. This President lacks the moral fortitude, that frontal lobe speed bump that most people have.. I'm not surprised by this, nor should anyone else.. It's who he is - and that by itself is a scary prospect..

Lastly, Judge, Lawyer on Saddam Tribunal Killed.. Okay, anyone else NOT surprised about this?? Look, they kept his name private for a reason.. This is why anyone who looks even remotely favorable for the Americans is TARGETED.. Justice for Saddam?? Right.. Are there marches over in Iraq over the slain Judge and lawyer who were going to prosecute this matter?? Any vigils?? No..

That's how you gauge whether or not you have a society that is backing your propaganda machine.. It's not happening in Iraq - yet let's continue to delude ourselves from reality...

I think I'm going back to bed - it's much safer there..

Signs....

The great thing about going on vacation, one tends to not be in touch with current events as much as one would be.. Obviously the tsunami in India and Thailand was a shock.. I haven't gauged Bush's response except that he's sorry that it happened and ordered our flags at half-mast.. I could be sarcastic, but it's still a tragedy.. Nothing changes the fact that over 100,000 people are dead or missing..

It raises a whole host of philosophical issues..

We started to watch a program about the Apocalypse - Armageddon - the end of the world on the History Channel last week.. I had no idea that it's the Christian religion that focuses so much on the end of life.. There's been a lot of discussion about this being a clear sign that the Rapture is coming.. Again, not sure if I have an opinion on it.. If it happens, it happens.. I can't really do or say anything to stop it.. It'll happen if it's destined to.. At most, all I can do is control that which is in front of me..

Still..

I recall that which I studied in college.. I started out an Astronomy major before settling in History.. Much to my mom's and Gram's chagrin - religion was something that was going to be difficult for me to venture towards.. Yes.. Having faith in Christianity - the Bible is a historical record of what happened, how people should live, and give a basic framework into what life is going to be like.. Now - not everyone is Christian and a lot of people do not subscribe to the Bible, its teachings or even the outlook as stated in Revelations..

Yet there are those that absorb themselves in Revelations as though it's the TV Guide for what's going to happen.. When history reflects the likes of Jim Jones, David Koresh, and others - I can't help but wonder exactly how healthy it is to immerse every fiber of your being into planning what may or may not happen tomorrow.. I recall (not that long ago) when the late night air waves had the likes of Dr. Jack Van Impe out that the end of the world was coming.... and coming..... (taps foot) ...... coming soon........ (sighs) ...... (long pause) ...... still coming........

You get the point..

But Van Impe is probably relishing a bit in this news.. Because when there's hardship - the book of Revelations says so.... Afterall, these are clear and visible signs that Christ is coming back.. I recall a number of years ago, about how some sort of terrorist act happened in the Middle East - is now understood as a "tell tale sign" that the rapture is coming.. (this was over 10 years ago....)

*sighs*

Okay - I'll go ahead and assume for just a moment that he's right.. I'll assume that the book of revelations is right.. What does Van Impe say one should do in preparation of the rapture: "millions need to be alerted to the fact that Jesus is coming soon-perhaps today!" I just went to his webpage and pulled up just a sampling of their writings.. Wow.. Interesting.. Even his question of the week was nothing short of bizarre: With so many increasing demonstrations against the war around the world, do you think Russia or China could use this as an excuse to attack America with nuclear bombs, on the pretense of stopping it? Either that, or get Korea to do their dirty work for them? Before that should happen, could the Rapture take place? Hope so!"

His response: "I think you heard enough today through what I said about Russia and China, to note the answer already. They might use any kind of excuse to get their hydrogen bombs moving across the globe, but will we be gone? Yes. The Bible teaches that the Rapture comes first. Revelation 4 verse 1, “Come up hither”, and the Tribulation only begins in chapter 6. We're gone. Two chapters ahead of that. So forget the fox holes. Trust Jesus. "

Whoa.. All I have to do is believe in Jesus and somehow I leave two chapters before the hydrogen bombs?? Then why didn't he send out a warning before the planes hit the towers?? Why wasn't there a siren that warned the 100,000 people in India of the impending danger that was about to happen?? Why don't we have the proper guidance according to the Bible as to what needs to happen in Iraq?? Moreover, if the rapture is going to happen soon, really soon, like .... today.. Then why aren't we making preparations?? Getting the family together so that we can all go together?? Why do we have to be alerted to the fact that Jesus is coming soon - instead of finalizing our affairs so that we're going to be ready for the big day??

Why is there an obsession that gays and lesbians aren't treated as humans, but are castaways who are damaged in some way?? That's very Hitler-esque if one thinks about it.. The Jews weren't particularly popular - even to the degree that they were the "cause" of the decline of German blood.. So what is the difference to what we're doing to gays and lesbians than what Hitler did to the Jews??

Well, Van Impe and others will say that all of these things are just signs to what is to come.. Okay.. I like the signs analogy.. I can run with this one.. But let's consider that maybe we're reading the sign wrong.. Perhaps this is God's way of saying "look, straighten up or I'm kicking everyone out of the pool.." Perhaps it's a sign that what we're doing in Iraq is wrong.. Perhaps it's a sign that we should be making the planet a calmer place to live instead of beating every hornets nest from here to the Middle East and beyond..

Remember: Hitler had the belief of God on his side when he believed he was the chosen one.. Napoleon believed that he was the chosen one to lead his country onto a dominant power.. Let's not forget that Bush himself believes he was selected to bid God's will.. But when we look at how the world powers have fared during history: we're in big time trouble because all of the biggest, most dominant nations in world history eventually fail and fall very hard.. This is recorded history; well documented, verifiable, and scary recent history.. Hell - take just the last 1000 years of which we can see where all of the other "successful" countries and how they fared..

Let's not forget that it was less than 70 years ago - just over a generation - when there was significant fear of Hitler and Hirohito of Japan.. When England was burning, we stuck to the Monroe Doctrine that kept everything in the western hemisphere.. It wasn't until Pearl Harbor that we finally got involved.. And back then - we were strong, but we weren't the strongest military.. It took 4 years to complete World War II after 1941.. So, let's be careful when we're saying we're the biggest, baddest, nation in the world and that everyone wants to be just like us.. September 11th proved that we are vulnerable and this administration continues to prove it..

We have a leader who is so focused on the theological reasoning of life - that it's leading us into a precarious position where our weaknesses are exploited.. Relying on faith didn't stop those planes from crashing into the towers.. Believing that we are doing in God's will won't stop the earthquakes, the next terrorist event, or the next plague.. Sometimes we have to rely on the tangible evidence and stop waiting for signs that are very likely not to come.. What if it was God's will that sent those planes into the towers?? What if He is really pissed at us and this is his way of showing us??

*sighs*

So.. What do folks like Van Impe do with the news of the tsunami disaster?? It boils down to an intricate, painfully distorted "Interpretation of Events..."

It's trying to apply today's news into passages from the Bible - as though there is a clear and present prophecy that is just about ready to happen today!! (um, yeah..) I did a quick google news search and found an interesting article from the Rabble which accurately portrays Van Impe for who he is: "an imbecile trying to shoehorn reasonably unpanicked headlines into the restrictive lunacy of the Book of Revelations. " Ouch, can't do better than that..

And that brings me to a larger question mark: exactly how can I trust that the separation of Church and State is facilitated so that we don't have someone like Van Impe trying to steal the launch codes so that he can fulfill his his interpretation of the prophecies on his own?? Not to mention what would happen if Benny Hinn or (god forbid) if Dr. Gene Scott was our Secretary of State..... *shudders* I've listened and watched all 3 and I get very afraid when I think that the highest office in this country, the leader of the free world may be influenced on an incomprehensible level as the three ministers I've listed here..

Not to mention, everyone can identify that Bush is not the smartest apple in the cart -- yet he was elected.. Are we comfortable with him because Jesus came to him and said he would be President?? Since when did God get interested in politics?? What would God gain from getting into politics?? He has the following of every Christian as it is ..... He has a number one best seller for the last thousand plus years...... He has a following which continues to grow and prosper....... What would God's need be with a President??

Okay..

I need to reiterate something..

Religion can be good.. The basis of religion to lay down a foundation of morality is a good thing.. We can't be running around in anarchy, can we?? I understand the need for faith and understand for some people - it's very important.. I'm not saying religion should be banned.. But I do have issues when it becomes a guiding principle in our policies and how it's going to evolve the world climate..

History demonstrates how wars usually are waged as a result of differing opinions about faith and religion.. Even our war on "terror" is rooted in a difference between Christianity and Islam.. Bin Laden has called for a Jihad - a holy war against us.. Look at the ongoing Palestinian/Israeli conflict -- rooted not just in land, but in theology.. Even the ongoing struggle for peace in Iraq is rooted in the fact that the country by and large has no desire to become a democracy -- because it's in direct conflict with their religion of Islam.. So instead of forcing the Iraqi people into something they do not want, there should be a more consistent, realistic approach to defining the world around us and to stop trying to build the Garden of Eden according to the book of Job.. The inconsistencies alone are enough to convince me that religion and the practicality in society is distinctly problematic..

We have to face the fact that we are hated not because they are jealous - but because we are a threat.. We represent a threat to their religion and when we turn that argument around the other way - we're afraid of Islam much the same way..

So does it make sense for us to perhaps root our faith in the realistic solutions to a problem instead of relying on faith as our guide?? Shouldn't we have a better balance of morality and reality?? I'm not suggesting that we shouldn't have a President who does not believe in God, but imposing one's will on another is much different than what previous administrations have done.. A quick success (if one can call it that) in Afghanistan should not automatically dictate that our will should be the will of every country in the world..

It's a precarious, dangerous, hazardous outlook for 2005 and beyond..

Is the tsunami some sort of sign as the religious pundits will explore?? Yeah, I think it could be..

But I don't think it's the sign everyone thinks it could be.. I just hope that I'm wrong..