Merry Christmas
聖誕快樂
メリークリスマス
Feliz Navidad
Joyeux Noël
عيد ميلاد سعيد
С Рождеством Христовым!
Buon Natale
Feliz Natal
메리 크리스마스
Frohe Weihnachten
Καλά Χριστούγεννα
Vrolijke Kerstmis
I'm sure that there are languages I missed but from the heart I wish you one and all the Merriest of Christmases and joyous tidings of peace on earth and good will to men.
That's all for now. May the Lord bless you and may the Lord keep you, may He make His Face to shine upon you. Amen and amen.
End of line.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Hatred
Each and every one of us has had to face hatred at some point in our lives. Its an isidious thing that can be as simple as someone making a snide comment about your choice of clothing, or as blatant as using racial epitaphs and violence. In any case it is not just wrong its evil. The problem is that we've run into in recent years is confusing real hate with politcal disagreements or diferences in philosophical and religious beliefs. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be an end in sight for that particular problem. What's most bothersome about it all is that so many problems could be solved if people just talked to one another.
The reason I'm talking about this is because of recent events at a site where I am a frequent poster. Gamepolitics.com is a site that talks about the gaming industry and how it relates to politics.( I mentioned them in an earlier post for those who are interested) A fellow poster there takes every opportunity he can to denigrate religion in general and Christianity in particular; even when religion has nothing to do with the news story in question. He has been asked, repeatedly, to knock it off only to have him turn around and tell us that, those of us who are Christians, are just too ignorant and superstitious to understand him and if we only gave up the things we believe in then we'd see everything his way.
Now don't get me wrong, the guy has every right to his beliefs; and I'd never claim otherwise. He's made his choice and, as a Christian, all I can really do is accept that he's made that choice and pray for him. He accuses Christians of being full of hate and wanting to legislate their faith into being the law of the land. Despite being shown the error of his logic, nope he's right and we're all just too stupid to realize it.
I'll be honest, there are things I disagree with and I'll make it known that I think certain behaviours are right or wrong. That doesn't mean I hate the person doing them, and that doesn't mean that I hate them for thinking differently than me. I actually rather like people most of the time.
My caution to everyone is this. Don't get so caught up in the "us vs. them" mentality that you lose sight of trying to actually solve problems. Remember the first rule of the fanatic: "When you become obsessed with the enemy you become the enemy". You don't have to agree with someone, but at least have the decency to listen to their arguments. Don't berate them for thinking differently than you, you can see where they might be coming from without agreeing with their philosophies. If people were more honest about that kind of thing there would be a lot fewer problems in the world.
That's all for now all. May the Lord bless you and may the Lord keep you, may He make His Face to shine upon you. Amen and amen
End of line.
The reason I'm talking about this is because of recent events at a site where I am a frequent poster. Gamepolitics.com is a site that talks about the gaming industry and how it relates to politics.( I mentioned them in an earlier post for those who are interested) A fellow poster there takes every opportunity he can to denigrate religion in general and Christianity in particular; even when religion has nothing to do with the news story in question. He has been asked, repeatedly, to knock it off only to have him turn around and tell us that, those of us who are Christians, are just too ignorant and superstitious to understand him and if we only gave up the things we believe in then we'd see everything his way.
Now don't get me wrong, the guy has every right to his beliefs; and I'd never claim otherwise. He's made his choice and, as a Christian, all I can really do is accept that he's made that choice and pray for him. He accuses Christians of being full of hate and wanting to legislate their faith into being the law of the land. Despite being shown the error of his logic, nope he's right and we're all just too stupid to realize it.
I'll be honest, there are things I disagree with and I'll make it known that I think certain behaviours are right or wrong. That doesn't mean I hate the person doing them, and that doesn't mean that I hate them for thinking differently than me. I actually rather like people most of the time.
My caution to everyone is this. Don't get so caught up in the "us vs. them" mentality that you lose sight of trying to actually solve problems. Remember the first rule of the fanatic: "When you become obsessed with the enemy you become the enemy". You don't have to agree with someone, but at least have the decency to listen to their arguments. Don't berate them for thinking differently than you, you can see where they might be coming from without agreeing with their philosophies. If people were more honest about that kind of thing there would be a lot fewer problems in the world.
That's all for now all. May the Lord bless you and may the Lord keep you, may He make His Face to shine upon you. Amen and amen
End of line.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Tom Smith
I'd like to talk about something different today. I've gotten a little heavy and deep recently so here's something a little lighter if only to lift some spirits.
Several years ago one of my very best friends, and brother in every way that matters, introduced me to the music of Tom Smith. He played Tom's "Debasement Tapes", and I think "And They Say I've Got Talent" on our way to my first Origins. I became a fan that very day. I hadn't heard much from him in a long time and I had figured that he'd either simplly stopped recording or life had just gotten in the way. Then I found his web page www.tomsmithonline.com , to say the least I was thrilled. It was then I remebered that he had been referenced in the webcomic Something Positive by R.K. Milholland, of which I am a regular reader by the way.
I had wanted to pick up more of Tom's cds but just never had the money. Then I attended the 2007 Gen Con in Indianapolis, IN. I was walking through the dealer hall when I happened upon a musicians alley. There at a booth was Tom Smith. He was friendly, congenial, smiling and seemed to be having a great time. It was also here that I bought a copy of every cd he had with the exception of "Debasement Tapes" and "Plugged". Of the cds I bought that day his Marcon 2005 live cd is my favorite.
In Tom's music I find all the passion, and genuine love of music that is present in many of the old school (and by this I mean Hank Williams Sr, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash) artists of country and folk music. I found a musical home in Tom's music, if I may wax the poetic. To be sure there are modern cds that I like, but I always come back to Tom's music because its so enjoyable to listen to. You can feel the joy coming off of the music as he sings the playful song and you can feel the loss and sense of mourning in songs like "A Boy and His Frog". Actually, listening to that particular song it almost feels like the kind of thing that Jim Henson would have written himself. I can't really think of higher praise than that.
I want to take this moment to say thank you to Tom Smith for his music. Thank you for the songs and thank you for the laughs. Thank you for the tears and thank you for the memories that spring up when I listen to your music. My mother and I would watch old Peter Lorre movies, and The Muppet Show, and many other things together. Many of your songs referance these and I remember those times through the songs.
Hearing Tom's music, to me anyway, is like a visit from an old friend. So thank you again Tom for the music and thank you for sharing it with us. You've got the love of the people, and to my mind, that's one of the best things possible.
That's all for now. May the Lord bless you and may the Lord keep you, may He make His Face to shine upon you. Amen and amen.
End of line.
Several years ago one of my very best friends, and brother in every way that matters, introduced me to the music of Tom Smith. He played Tom's "Debasement Tapes", and I think "And They Say I've Got Talent" on our way to my first Origins. I became a fan that very day. I hadn't heard much from him in a long time and I had figured that he'd either simplly stopped recording or life had just gotten in the way. Then I found his web page www.tomsmithonline.com , to say the least I was thrilled. It was then I remebered that he had been referenced in the webcomic Something Positive by R.K. Milholland, of which I am a regular reader by the way.
I had wanted to pick up more of Tom's cds but just never had the money. Then I attended the 2007 Gen Con in Indianapolis, IN. I was walking through the dealer hall when I happened upon a musicians alley. There at a booth was Tom Smith. He was friendly, congenial, smiling and seemed to be having a great time. It was also here that I bought a copy of every cd he had with the exception of "Debasement Tapes" and "Plugged". Of the cds I bought that day his Marcon 2005 live cd is my favorite.
In Tom's music I find all the passion, and genuine love of music that is present in many of the old school (and by this I mean Hank Williams Sr, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash) artists of country and folk music. I found a musical home in Tom's music, if I may wax the poetic. To be sure there are modern cds that I like, but I always come back to Tom's music because its so enjoyable to listen to. You can feel the joy coming off of the music as he sings the playful song and you can feel the loss and sense of mourning in songs like "A Boy and His Frog". Actually, listening to that particular song it almost feels like the kind of thing that Jim Henson would have written himself. I can't really think of higher praise than that.
I want to take this moment to say thank you to Tom Smith for his music. Thank you for the songs and thank you for the laughs. Thank you for the tears and thank you for the memories that spring up when I listen to your music. My mother and I would watch old Peter Lorre movies, and The Muppet Show, and many other things together. Many of your songs referance these and I remember those times through the songs.
Hearing Tom's music, to me anyway, is like a visit from an old friend. So thank you again Tom for the music and thank you for sharing it with us. You've got the love of the people, and to my mind, that's one of the best things possible.
That's all for now. May the Lord bless you and may the Lord keep you, may He make His Face to shine upon you. Amen and amen.
End of line.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Takingf a Stand
I'd like to take this moment to talk about a few things. Its likely to be a hot one today so be forewarned.
I am disgusted with the current administration. There was a point where the United States could claim the moral high ground. There was a time when we could stand proud in that fact and have confidence that there were some things we'd never do because they were wrong. Yet more and more it seems like we've left that morality behind us in the name of expediency and trying to do "the smart thing". The moral thing has become an inconvience to getting what the government says we need.
Looking back its easy to see where they've been able to justify some of this. We've slowly experienced a softening of our language to make certain terms less offensive or to gloss over the facts. I blame the media and the PC police for much of this nonsense. I blame Bill Clinton and his demand to know the definition of "is" during his depostion in a perjury defense. I blame us, as a society, for not stopping it when we could.
We have to take a stand on this. We have to demand the cessation of waterboarding as a means of "intense interrogation". We must demand that our leaders and abide by the rule of law. Whether or not our enemies do so is irrelevant. It is the right and morally correct thing to do.
As a Christian citizen and a conservative I DEMAND that the republican party denounce this practice for the barbaric and inhumane thing that it is. I encourage my fellow citizens on both sides of the political aisle to start writing emails and letters to our representatives and demand that this stop. We are a nation of laws and a nation of morals waterboarding violates both of these.
Our nation is built upon the idea that all mean are created equal and endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We must stand together as a nation and let it be known that we cannot and will not abide the travesties that have been commited in the name of "gathering information" any longer.
Ask ALL the current candidates the tough questions. Ask them if they will abide by the rule of law. Ask them if they will cease the unlawful and immoral act of waterboarding. Ask they if they will abide by the constituion in all things.
It might not be the "smart thing" to do; but it is the moral thing to do, and that's more important than anything else. It is by no means easy, but doing the moral thing never is.
That's all for now. May the Lord bless you and may the Lord keep you, may He make His Face to shine upon you. Amen and amen.
End of line.
I am disgusted with the current administration. There was a point where the United States could claim the moral high ground. There was a time when we could stand proud in that fact and have confidence that there were some things we'd never do because they were wrong. Yet more and more it seems like we've left that morality behind us in the name of expediency and trying to do "the smart thing". The moral thing has become an inconvience to getting what the government says we need.
Looking back its easy to see where they've been able to justify some of this. We've slowly experienced a softening of our language to make certain terms less offensive or to gloss over the facts. I blame the media and the PC police for much of this nonsense. I blame Bill Clinton and his demand to know the definition of "is" during his depostion in a perjury defense. I blame us, as a society, for not stopping it when we could.
We have to take a stand on this. We have to demand the cessation of waterboarding as a means of "intense interrogation". We must demand that our leaders and abide by the rule of law. Whether or not our enemies do so is irrelevant. It is the right and morally correct thing to do.
As a Christian citizen and a conservative I DEMAND that the republican party denounce this practice for the barbaric and inhumane thing that it is. I encourage my fellow citizens on both sides of the political aisle to start writing emails and letters to our representatives and demand that this stop. We are a nation of laws and a nation of morals waterboarding violates both of these.
Our nation is built upon the idea that all mean are created equal and endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We must stand together as a nation and let it be known that we cannot and will not abide the travesties that have been commited in the name of "gathering information" any longer.
Ask ALL the current candidates the tough questions. Ask them if they will abide by the rule of law. Ask them if they will cease the unlawful and immoral act of waterboarding. Ask they if they will abide by the constituion in all things.
It might not be the "smart thing" to do; but it is the moral thing to do, and that's more important than anything else. It is by no means easy, but doing the moral thing never is.
That's all for now. May the Lord bless you and may the Lord keep you, may He make His Face to shine upon you. Amen and amen.
End of line.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Tragedy
There are tragic times in life. I think we can all agree on that point. Bad things happen and hit us in the heart, it makes us angry, depressed and sometimes it makes us feel like ending it all. Sorrow is a natural part of life, its a part of what makes us human. The ability to feel emotional pain is part of what makes us appreciate the good times in life.
As a Christian, this holds especially true to me. God never promised us an easy life. never said that there wouldn't be hard times while we were alive. I accept that, and most times I readily embrace it. Over the years I've developed a personal philosophy on the matter that goes a little something like this. "There are storms in life, this we cannot avoid. What matters isn't the storm you face, but how you face it. You can either stand up and look straight into the eye of the storm saying I am a child of the Living God, bring it; or you can crumple into a ball and just hope to survive." Lately it seems like there's just been one storm after another, after another in succession; and it is hard to maintain the faith that's seen me through so much.
From being bullied and emotionally abused for my entire time in school, to the trouble I've always had finding and holding a job, to my current situation of trying to get medical assistance to help pay for a hospital stay from earlier this year. I've come through them all, by the grace of God, and become the person I am. I wouldn't change any of it, because I wouldn't be who I am without those things that happened.
I mention all this because my sister was pregnant with her second child recently. She lost the child, and that's what it was, a child. (Don't go there in trying to say anything about that.) In some ways this storm is harder for me because its not me that's facing it. As much as my sister and I don't get along I've always had her back. This is something that I can't really help with and I hate it, but its a storm of life so I can either face it as above or I can retreat.
If you take nothing else away from this post take this. God loves us. He doesn't allow these things to happen in order to cause us harm. We have to trust that God, our Abbah Father, knows what's going on and that there are reasons for them that we are unaware. Its hard sometimes, and its never truly easy; but it is what it is.
That's all for now all. May the Lord bless you and may the Lord keep you, may He make His Face to shine upon you. Amen and amen.
End of line.
As a Christian, this holds especially true to me. God never promised us an easy life. never said that there wouldn't be hard times while we were alive. I accept that, and most times I readily embrace it. Over the years I've developed a personal philosophy on the matter that goes a little something like this. "There are storms in life, this we cannot avoid. What matters isn't the storm you face, but how you face it. You can either stand up and look straight into the eye of the storm saying I am a child of the Living God, bring it; or you can crumple into a ball and just hope to survive." Lately it seems like there's just been one storm after another, after another in succession; and it is hard to maintain the faith that's seen me through so much.
From being bullied and emotionally abused for my entire time in school, to the trouble I've always had finding and holding a job, to my current situation of trying to get medical assistance to help pay for a hospital stay from earlier this year. I've come through them all, by the grace of God, and become the person I am. I wouldn't change any of it, because I wouldn't be who I am without those things that happened.
I mention all this because my sister was pregnant with her second child recently. She lost the child, and that's what it was, a child. (Don't go there in trying to say anything about that.) In some ways this storm is harder for me because its not me that's facing it. As much as my sister and I don't get along I've always had her back. This is something that I can't really help with and I hate it, but its a storm of life so I can either face it as above or I can retreat.
If you take nothing else away from this post take this. God loves us. He doesn't allow these things to happen in order to cause us harm. We have to trust that God, our Abbah Father, knows what's going on and that there are reasons for them that we are unaware. Its hard sometimes, and its never truly easy; but it is what it is.
That's all for now all. May the Lord bless you and may the Lord keep you, may He make His Face to shine upon you. Amen and amen.
End of line.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Testing the Teaching
Well I haven't written anything in a bit but given some recent events in my life I believe that it's time that I share some of my religious views. What I'm about to say may offend but I'm not going to apologize for that. I wouldn't be honest if I did,and if there's one thing I cherish it's honesty and integrity.
I'd been posting on a certain message boad claiming to be Christian in its content and belief system. I hadn't really paid much attention to some things as I didn't really post there all that often. Well I finally started doing some digging and I was pretty appauled at what I saw. For example they teach that there is no rapture of church and no seven year tribulation period. The second part of that is expressly false if you have any knowledge of the book of Revelation. As to the first, well there are people with differing beliefs and for the most part I can let things go, well at least if what they're saying can even remotely be backed up. Another example is there adherence to the "dead bloodline" belief that states Eve had a child by Satan (btw this claim cannot be backed up by scripture, despite their claims to the contrary).
I tired to call them on this, only to be rebuffed and to have my posts summarily deleted. Their claim was that I could not provide scripture to back up what I was saying. The problem with that argument is that I did in fact refer to scripture, I just didn't quote it. I knew that doing so would be useless because I know the type of people that they are. Any interpretation other than their own would be labeled false because their minds are already made up.
Now I'd to leave you, my honored readers and friends, with some advice that I've learned over the years concerning scripture and teachings based on scripture. Let me preface this with telling you all that I am a literalist when it comes to the Bible. I believe it to be the inerrant, infallible, perfect Word of the Living God.
1. If someone uses one sentance out of a chapter and tries to tell you what it means, stop them and ask for the context. Better yet go to that chapter yourself and read it in its entirety. If what the teacher/preacher/pastor is telling you doesn't line up with what's being said then the teaching is wrong.
2. If someone tries to tell you have to be enlightened to understand the deeper mysteries of the Bible, walk away. While its true that God will, at times, open someone's eyes to something they might not have noticed; it is not in His nature to hide things in the way that intelectuals seem to think He does.
3. If something doesn't seem right about what you're being told. Stop the person and ask questions. If their response is to tell you to just listen to them, walk away. A good indication of a false teaching is the unwillingness to be asked probative questions about it. Chances are that if you're having that feeling then its the Holy Spirit letting you know that something's up.
4. Remember that logic and faith are not anathema to each other. Deductive reasoning can help you see through a lie to the truth. For example if a teaching says one thing, and you know that logically it doesn't follow the nature of God call them on it.
5. Be wary of phony discussion. If someone asks a question and you answer it in a reasonable manner, explaining your meaning as you do and they return with three iterations of the same question, walk away. They've shown that they have no desire to hear and are only trying to goad you into saying something in anger so they can say "see this person isn't a Christian". Its manipulative and its deception, these things are not of God.
6. Anyone telling you that they and only they have the correct interpretation of scripture and is unwilling to tell you how they were able to reach that conclusion is a false teacher. They don't want those things asked and they don't desire reason. These are the people who demand blind and unthinking obedience. They ignore that Christ said "come now and let us reason together".
Knowing all this if people persist in attacking you then they've made it clear that they don't want you there. (I was actually told to stop posting at this particular board). With that knowledge you should do what the Bible teaches about moments like that, don't let the dust settle on the soles of your feet. Wish them well and tell them you'll pray for them; but don't stick around to be trapped in a never ending cycle of foolish arguments.
That's all for now all. May the Lord bless you and may the Lord keep you, may He make His Face to shine upon you. Amen and amen.
End of line
I'd been posting on a certain message boad claiming to be Christian in its content and belief system. I hadn't really paid much attention to some things as I didn't really post there all that often. Well I finally started doing some digging and I was pretty appauled at what I saw. For example they teach that there is no rapture of church and no seven year tribulation period. The second part of that is expressly false if you have any knowledge of the book of Revelation. As to the first, well there are people with differing beliefs and for the most part I can let things go, well at least if what they're saying can even remotely be backed up. Another example is there adherence to the "dead bloodline" belief that states Eve had a child by Satan (btw this claim cannot be backed up by scripture, despite their claims to the contrary).
I tired to call them on this, only to be rebuffed and to have my posts summarily deleted. Their claim was that I could not provide scripture to back up what I was saying. The problem with that argument is that I did in fact refer to scripture, I just didn't quote it. I knew that doing so would be useless because I know the type of people that they are. Any interpretation other than their own would be labeled false because their minds are already made up.
Now I'd to leave you, my honored readers and friends, with some advice that I've learned over the years concerning scripture and teachings based on scripture. Let me preface this with telling you all that I am a literalist when it comes to the Bible. I believe it to be the inerrant, infallible, perfect Word of the Living God.
1. If someone uses one sentance out of a chapter and tries to tell you what it means, stop them and ask for the context. Better yet go to that chapter yourself and read it in its entirety. If what the teacher/preacher/pastor is telling you doesn't line up with what's being said then the teaching is wrong.
2. If someone tries to tell you have to be enlightened to understand the deeper mysteries of the Bible, walk away. While its true that God will, at times, open someone's eyes to something they might not have noticed; it is not in His nature to hide things in the way that intelectuals seem to think He does.
3. If something doesn't seem right about what you're being told. Stop the person and ask questions. If their response is to tell you to just listen to them, walk away. A good indication of a false teaching is the unwillingness to be asked probative questions about it. Chances are that if you're having that feeling then its the Holy Spirit letting you know that something's up.
4. Remember that logic and faith are not anathema to each other. Deductive reasoning can help you see through a lie to the truth. For example if a teaching says one thing, and you know that logically it doesn't follow the nature of God call them on it.
5. Be wary of phony discussion. If someone asks a question and you answer it in a reasonable manner, explaining your meaning as you do and they return with three iterations of the same question, walk away. They've shown that they have no desire to hear and are only trying to goad you into saying something in anger so they can say "see this person isn't a Christian". Its manipulative and its deception, these things are not of God.
6. Anyone telling you that they and only they have the correct interpretation of scripture and is unwilling to tell you how they were able to reach that conclusion is a false teacher. They don't want those things asked and they don't desire reason. These are the people who demand blind and unthinking obedience. They ignore that Christ said "come now and let us reason together".
Knowing all this if people persist in attacking you then they've made it clear that they don't want you there. (I was actually told to stop posting at this particular board). With that knowledge you should do what the Bible teaches about moments like that, don't let the dust settle on the soles of your feet. Wish them well and tell them you'll pray for them; but don't stick around to be trapped in a never ending cycle of foolish arguments.
That's all for now all. May the Lord bless you and may the Lord keep you, may He make His Face to shine upon you. Amen and amen.
End of line
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Hurt
Sometimes I really don't understand my sister.
We've never really gotten along but looking back on my life it seems like she's taken every opportunity to snipe at me or act ugly towards me. For the life of me I can't figure out what I ever could have done to deserve being treated like that. I'll admit that I wasn't always the best brother I could have been; but I always stood up for her and I always had her back. I don't know if she ever had mine.
I remember that she always stood with her friends, even when they were being, well I suppose unkind would be one way of putting it. I realize that I don't even know who my sister is, at least not really. She wears so many masks and has so many walls up that I don't think I've ever seen the real her.
I understand that part of it is that we're both very different people. We think differently, we have different priorities, we have different likes and dislikes. Something more is going on though, and I have no idea what that might be.
Maybe she just doesn't like me, maybe she resents the fact that I still live at home, maybe its any number of things. Whatever it is, she needs to stop. I have faith that things will work out, but its very hard when you think that your own sister may hate you for no reason.
That's all for now everyone
End of line
We've never really gotten along but looking back on my life it seems like she's taken every opportunity to snipe at me or act ugly towards me. For the life of me I can't figure out what I ever could have done to deserve being treated like that. I'll admit that I wasn't always the best brother I could have been; but I always stood up for her and I always had her back. I don't know if she ever had mine.
I remember that she always stood with her friends, even when they were being, well I suppose unkind would be one way of putting it. I realize that I don't even know who my sister is, at least not really. She wears so many masks and has so many walls up that I don't think I've ever seen the real her.
I understand that part of it is that we're both very different people. We think differently, we have different priorities, we have different likes and dislikes. Something more is going on though, and I have no idea what that might be.
Maybe she just doesn't like me, maybe she resents the fact that I still live at home, maybe its any number of things. Whatever it is, she needs to stop. I have faith that things will work out, but its very hard when you think that your own sister may hate you for no reason.
That's all for now everyone
End of line
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thanksgiving
Its that time of year ladies and gentleman. Thanksgiving is upon us and I thought I'd share those things that I'm thankful for in my life.
For staters I'm thankful that I'm still alive after a very bad health scare back in April.
I'm thankful for Christ who is my Lord and Saviour.
I'm thankful that I live in the United States of America, the greatest country (next to Israel) in the world.
I'm thankful for friends and family who care about me and actually like having me around.
I'm thankful for having the freedom to write my blog here and express my distaste for so much of what's going on in the country and in the world.
I'm thankful that people have the freedom to disagree with me.
I'm thankful for my two very best friends, Mike and Al. You're both my brothers in spirit and you'll never know how much your frienship has helped me survive some of the darker times in my life.
I'm thankful for my friend Claudia who's brought love and joy into Mike's life. He's happier than I've ever seen him and for that you've got a friend for life.
I'm thankful for the future and what it holds.
I'm thankful for all the little things that most people never think of, nor consider.
And I'm thankful to you, my readers. Sometimes I don't understand why people read what I write, but I'm thankful that you're out there.
That's all for now. God bless you all and have a joyous Thanksgiving.
End of line.
For staters I'm thankful that I'm still alive after a very bad health scare back in April.
I'm thankful for Christ who is my Lord and Saviour.
I'm thankful that I live in the United States of America, the greatest country (next to Israel) in the world.
I'm thankful for friends and family who care about me and actually like having me around.
I'm thankful for having the freedom to write my blog here and express my distaste for so much of what's going on in the country and in the world.
I'm thankful that people have the freedom to disagree with me.
I'm thankful for my two very best friends, Mike and Al. You're both my brothers in spirit and you'll never know how much your frienship has helped me survive some of the darker times in my life.
I'm thankful for my friend Claudia who's brought love and joy into Mike's life. He's happier than I've ever seen him and for that you've got a friend for life.
I'm thankful for the future and what it holds.
I'm thankful for all the little things that most people never think of, nor consider.
And I'm thankful to you, my readers. Sometimes I don't understand why people read what I write, but I'm thankful that you're out there.
That's all for now. God bless you all and have a joyous Thanksgiving.
End of line.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Veteran's Day
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the men and women of the United States armed forces for their courage and sacrifice. If not for their bravery and dedication we wouldn't have the freedoms we so cherish and hold to be sacred.
Thank you for you dedication to God, family and country. Thank you for being there to defend us and our constitution. Yours is a task that takes a very special kind of person to accomplish. The ability to fight, die and kill for people you'll never know is something to be respected. Doublly so since there are so many in our country who hate you for the simple reason that you joined the military.
Allow me to thank you all once again for what you do for our country. Know that there are many, many people like me who love you and honor the sacrifices you make for the rest of us to be free.
I'll close this with a quote from G.K. Chesterton: "The true soldier fights, not because he hates what is in front of him; but because he loves what is behind him."
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
That's all for now and God bless
End of line.
Thank you for you dedication to God, family and country. Thank you for being there to defend us and our constitution. Yours is a task that takes a very special kind of person to accomplish. The ability to fight, die and kill for people you'll never know is something to be respected. Doublly so since there are so many in our country who hate you for the simple reason that you joined the military.
Allow me to thank you all once again for what you do for our country. Know that there are many, many people like me who love you and honor the sacrifices you make for the rest of us to be free.
I'll close this with a quote from G.K. Chesterton: "The true soldier fights, not because he hates what is in front of him; but because he loves what is behind him."
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
That's all for now and God bless
End of line.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Manhunt 2 and Parent Groups
As a 34 year old gamer I've seen some moronic behaviour in my time but the recent dust up over Manhunt 2 really takes the cake.
A number of parental and child advocacy groups are urging parents not to buy their little ones Manhunt 2 because of the graphic violence the game portrays. *sigh* I'm going to explain this so that everyone can understand.
*ahem* Manhunt 2 is NOT for children! That little M 17+ in the corner of the box is an indicator of this. The content descriptors on the back that detail gore, graphic violence, strong sexual situations and the like should be another major clue.
Parents, I'm talking to you, stop being pinheads about this. Learning what the ratings mean isn't some epic quest. Its as easy as looking at the letter and asking a store clerk what it means. Failing that look at the back of the box and ask what the descriptors mean, even though most are fairly self explanatory.
It might even surprise you to know that I find the game extremely distasteful and I don't plan on buying it at all. There are many of us who feel the same way. So the next time an M rated game comes out. instead of jumping to conclusions and making assumptions, do the research and be a parent for crying out loud.
That's all and God bless
End of line.
A number of parental and child advocacy groups are urging parents not to buy their little ones Manhunt 2 because of the graphic violence the game portrays. *sigh* I'm going to explain this so that everyone can understand.
*ahem* Manhunt 2 is NOT for children! That little M 17+ in the corner of the box is an indicator of this. The content descriptors on the back that detail gore, graphic violence, strong sexual situations and the like should be another major clue.
Parents, I'm talking to you, stop being pinheads about this. Learning what the ratings mean isn't some epic quest. Its as easy as looking at the letter and asking a store clerk what it means. Failing that look at the back of the box and ask what the descriptors mean, even though most are fairly self explanatory.
It might even surprise you to know that I find the game extremely distasteful and I don't plan on buying it at all. There are many of us who feel the same way. So the next time an M rated game comes out. instead of jumping to conclusions and making assumptions, do the research and be a parent for crying out loud.
That's all and God bless
End of line.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Bullying
We have a big problem in this country. Well actually we have several big problems but the one I'd like to discuss today is bullying. I don't mean the schoolyard, pick on the weird and different kid kind of bullying, though that too is a major issue with me. What I mean is the mentality that you can sue someone until they do what you want.
You see it more and more as the years go on and its getting ridiculous. By way of a for instance lets look at one John Bruce "Jack" Thompson. He's made a career, what little of it there is, out of filing lawsuits against people and companies he doesn't like in order to get what he wants. He sued Howard Stern and the parent company of his earth bound radio staion until it became such hassle that Stern moved to satelite radio where there no constraints on what Stern can say or do. Thompson proclaims this a victory because he got what he wanted by being a bully. Now Thompson has filed a lawsuit against Best Buy and the ESRB (for full details see http://www.gamepolitics.com/). He's done this before with Best Buy and other retailers. He's tried to bully Microsoft, Take Two and Rockstar games, and other game manufacturers as well.
Of course Thompson isn't the only legal bully there is either. Atheists have, over the years, tried to sue the word God out of every facet of government and the public square, regardless of what the majority wants. In the past few years we've seen a concerted effort to try and remove "one nation under God" from the pledge of allegiance, "In God we trust" from the money, and any number of other lawsuits that are in direct opposition to the will of the people. The majority want those things to stay as they are, but a small group of people have decided that their will is more important and are attempting to use the courts to bully the rest of us into accepting their vision of America instead of our own.
This nonsense has to stop and it has to stop now! This kind of moronic behaviour isn't what the founding fathers intended America to be. Instead of trying to force the people to do what you want, why not actually try and change the culture on the level of the people. Government and law won't change anyone and all this kind of legal bullying does is make more enemies. Of course some people like having lots of enemies, I don't really understand it but eh.
I understand that many will not agree or may take the second example I gave poorly, but this is how I see things. Its how I understand them. Feel free to disagree, but I ask that you do so respectfully.
That's all for now
End of line.
You see it more and more as the years go on and its getting ridiculous. By way of a for instance lets look at one John Bruce "Jack" Thompson. He's made a career, what little of it there is, out of filing lawsuits against people and companies he doesn't like in order to get what he wants. He sued Howard Stern and the parent company of his earth bound radio staion until it became such hassle that Stern moved to satelite radio where there no constraints on what Stern can say or do. Thompson proclaims this a victory because he got what he wanted by being a bully. Now Thompson has filed a lawsuit against Best Buy and the ESRB (for full details see http://www.gamepolitics.com/). He's done this before with Best Buy and other retailers. He's tried to bully Microsoft, Take Two and Rockstar games, and other game manufacturers as well.
Of course Thompson isn't the only legal bully there is either. Atheists have, over the years, tried to sue the word God out of every facet of government and the public square, regardless of what the majority wants. In the past few years we've seen a concerted effort to try and remove "one nation under God" from the pledge of allegiance, "In God we trust" from the money, and any number of other lawsuits that are in direct opposition to the will of the people. The majority want those things to stay as they are, but a small group of people have decided that their will is more important and are attempting to use the courts to bully the rest of us into accepting their vision of America instead of our own.
This nonsense has to stop and it has to stop now! This kind of moronic behaviour isn't what the founding fathers intended America to be. Instead of trying to force the people to do what you want, why not actually try and change the culture on the level of the people. Government and law won't change anyone and all this kind of legal bullying does is make more enemies. Of course some people like having lots of enemies, I don't really understand it but eh.
I understand that many will not agree or may take the second example I gave poorly, but this is how I see things. Its how I understand them. Feel free to disagree, but I ask that you do so respectfully.
That's all for now
End of line.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Under rated games
We've all played them. Games that we loved that for some inexplicable reason never succeeded like they should have. Games with stellar stories and good game play that never took off, dooming them to the bargain bins of doom. I'd like to take a moment or two and talk about some of the games that I was fortunate enough to come across that were woefully overlooked by the gaming community. I hope for this to be a semi-regular feature with each one talking about a different game or games.
For this instalment Primal. I can't say enough about how good this game is. Gorgeous visuals, a great story and fantastic voice acting by none other than Andreas Katsulas (G'Kar of Babylon 5) and Hudson Leik (Calisto from Xena: Warrior Princess). Its a shame that a game as good as Primal flopped like it did. It deserved much better for trying to tell a mature story and actually using the shoulder buttons for combat instead of the standard fare. If you happen to find this one pick it up and give it a go. Just be aware that the game is rated M, in case you happen to be a minor.
That's all for this instalment. If you have any ideas of your own feel free to share.
End of Line
For this instalment Primal. I can't say enough about how good this game is. Gorgeous visuals, a great story and fantastic voice acting by none other than Andreas Katsulas (G'Kar of Babylon 5) and Hudson Leik (Calisto from Xena: Warrior Princess). Its a shame that a game as good as Primal flopped like it did. It deserved much better for trying to tell a mature story and actually using the shoulder buttons for combat instead of the standard fare. If you happen to find this one pick it up and give it a go. Just be aware that the game is rated M, in case you happen to be a minor.
That's all for this instalment. If you have any ideas of your own feel free to share.
End of Line
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Israel and Where I Stand
I'd like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt and abject apologies to the Jewish people and the nation of Israel for the centuries of anti-Semitism that was born in the misguided teaching of the early Church fathers. I never knew some of the things I do now and I humblely ask their forgiveness for our mistakes.
To those of you wondering what I'm talking about: I just finished reading "In Defense of Israel" by Pastor John Hagee. To say that it was eye-opening would too soft a turn of phrase. I learned more about the history of our two peoples, Christians and Jews, in the two days it took to read than I ever have from a single pastor of any other church I've been to in my 34 years of life.
I want to let my Jewish brothers and sisters know that I stand with them in defending and supporting Israel and its right to exist. I support them in their desire to see Jeruselem undivided. I support their absolute right to defend themselves from the terrorist attacks of their neighbors. No longer should the people of Israel be forced to give up land or make concessions in the name of peace. Time and time again their neighbors have shown themselves to be unwilling to cease their attacks with no reaction from the rest of the world. Should Israel defend itself, however, suddenly everything becomes Israel's fault. This MUST stop.
I look to the pages of history and I see a trend. Every empire or imperial wannabe that has tried to destroy Israel and her people are dust in the wind. From Pharoh in ancient Egypt, who tried to work the children of Israel to death, to the Babylonians, the Ottomans, the Romans, Hitler and his Nazi goons, ALL of them have fallen to dust. Lord Jehovah looks after His people.
I stand with my Jewish brothers and sisters in praying for the peace of Jersusalem and to them I say don't lose hope. Israel and Jerusalem will endure and survive. Both history and the Bible teach us this.
That's all for now all.
"End of line."
To those of you wondering what I'm talking about: I just finished reading "In Defense of Israel" by Pastor John Hagee. To say that it was eye-opening would too soft a turn of phrase. I learned more about the history of our two peoples, Christians and Jews, in the two days it took to read than I ever have from a single pastor of any other church I've been to in my 34 years of life.
I want to let my Jewish brothers and sisters know that I stand with them in defending and supporting Israel and its right to exist. I support them in their desire to see Jeruselem undivided. I support their absolute right to defend themselves from the terrorist attacks of their neighbors. No longer should the people of Israel be forced to give up land or make concessions in the name of peace. Time and time again their neighbors have shown themselves to be unwilling to cease their attacks with no reaction from the rest of the world. Should Israel defend itself, however, suddenly everything becomes Israel's fault. This MUST stop.
I look to the pages of history and I see a trend. Every empire or imperial wannabe that has tried to destroy Israel and her people are dust in the wind. From Pharoh in ancient Egypt, who tried to work the children of Israel to death, to the Babylonians, the Ottomans, the Romans, Hitler and his Nazi goons, ALL of them have fallen to dust. Lord Jehovah looks after His people.
I stand with my Jewish brothers and sisters in praying for the peace of Jersusalem and to them I say don't lose hope. Israel and Jerusalem will endure and survive. Both history and the Bible teach us this.
That's all for now all.
"End of line."
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Gaming Culture
The gaming culture is nothing new. We've been around since the 1970's when Dungeons and Dragons was first published and its been an evolving culture ever since. The problem is, that, when some of our more, how should I say this, immature members speak out it does more harm than good.
When our more immature memebers speak out its usually to the tune of somebody sucks, or someone should die, or someone's gay and should shut up. It tends to degenerate into a nonsensical tirade of vulgarity and personal attacks from there. We're not going to win anyone to our side with behaviour like that. It took comic books more than forty years to break the stigma that they were the cause of moral decline and turpitude. Rock music STILL hasn't broken that stigma; and you think that the gaming culture is going to break it in only a few years? Its time to grow up and realize that the only way we're going to be able to break the stigma that gamers have is by showing people that we're not supportive of those kinds of tactics.
I'm not saying that people don't have the right to speak their mind, because they do and its an important right. However I am saying that we can and should chasitse those among us who are doing more harm to the cause than help. We should take companies to task whenever they publish a game that is purely exploitative and made solely for the sake of controversy (Rockstar I'm looking in your direction). We have to take the initiative because if we don't others WILL try to take it for us, and then we've lost.
That's all for now.
"End of line."
When our more immature memebers speak out its usually to the tune of somebody sucks, or someone should die, or someone's gay and should shut up. It tends to degenerate into a nonsensical tirade of vulgarity and personal attacks from there. We're not going to win anyone to our side with behaviour like that. It took comic books more than forty years to break the stigma that they were the cause of moral decline and turpitude. Rock music STILL hasn't broken that stigma; and you think that the gaming culture is going to break it in only a few years? Its time to grow up and realize that the only way we're going to be able to break the stigma that gamers have is by showing people that we're not supportive of those kinds of tactics.
I'm not saying that people don't have the right to speak their mind, because they do and its an important right. However I am saying that we can and should chasitse those among us who are doing more harm to the cause than help. We should take companies to task whenever they publish a game that is purely exploitative and made solely for the sake of controversy (Rockstar I'm looking in your direction). We have to take the initiative because if we don't others WILL try to take it for us, and then we've lost.
That's all for now.
"End of line."
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Racism
Yup I'm about to go there.
As a Christian conservative I got heat in my college days from people who automaticly assumed I was a racist because of my faith and political beliefs. It always confused me because I knew I was anything but a racist. I detest bad behaviour from anyone, regardless of their background. Looking back on it now I realize that the racism was, in fact, coming from people that had more of a liberal perspective.
Now let me finish and show you my train of thought. I don't think that all liberals are racist; but I do see how someone could slip down that path if they aren't careful. Just like I see how somone who's a conservative could start down that path unintentionally.
The argument I hear, and I could be very much wrong here, is that someone who's a minority can't make it without the help of government and liberals because they're minorities and the deck is stacked against them.
I never really stopped to think about what was being said here but now that I do it sounds a tad racist doesn't it? Why can't someone make it through faith, hard work and determination? I was always taught that the measure of a person isn't what they were born into, but the way that they reacted to their circumstance. If we tell kids in low income areas that their only way out is rap or sports aren't we feeding a pretty negative stereotype? Why not encourage some of these kids to find ways to help the community? Become a pastor, a teacher, a doctor. Anything is possible if you work for it and believe on God to show you the way.
I believe that anyone can rise above their situation and circumstance. It just takes work and dedication.
To tell someone that they can't make it because of their birth is not only racist, its downright evil.
That's all for now all.
"End of line."
As a Christian conservative I got heat in my college days from people who automaticly assumed I was a racist because of my faith and political beliefs. It always confused me because I knew I was anything but a racist. I detest bad behaviour from anyone, regardless of their background. Looking back on it now I realize that the racism was, in fact, coming from people that had more of a liberal perspective.
Now let me finish and show you my train of thought. I don't think that all liberals are racist; but I do see how someone could slip down that path if they aren't careful. Just like I see how somone who's a conservative could start down that path unintentionally.
The argument I hear, and I could be very much wrong here, is that someone who's a minority can't make it without the help of government and liberals because they're minorities and the deck is stacked against them.
I never really stopped to think about what was being said here but now that I do it sounds a tad racist doesn't it? Why can't someone make it through faith, hard work and determination? I was always taught that the measure of a person isn't what they were born into, but the way that they reacted to their circumstance. If we tell kids in low income areas that their only way out is rap or sports aren't we feeding a pretty negative stereotype? Why not encourage some of these kids to find ways to help the community? Become a pastor, a teacher, a doctor. Anything is possible if you work for it and believe on God to show you the way.
I believe that anyone can rise above their situation and circumstance. It just takes work and dedication.
To tell someone that they can't make it because of their birth is not only racist, its downright evil.
That's all for now all.
"End of line."
The Violent Videogame Debate
Sometimes it seems like you can't turn on the news without seeing someone chiming in on the debate over violent videogames. The subject has been approached by multiple sides, all with different beliefs and ideas about how it should be handled. Some think that they should be banned all together, some think nothing needs to be done, and still others think that it should be a felony crime to sell a child an M rated game.
The problem is that we've gotten so caught up in the "us vs them" mentality that we're not seeing the common ground. Most gamers, myself included, don't think that children should be playing M rated games. Its not meant for their age bracket and we're cool with that. If a parent chooses to buy such a game for their kid then the onus is on the parent, not the industry as a whole.
We don't disagree on the problem, just the solution. Suing people into doing what you want is not the answer. Trying to make laws that fine stores several thousand dollars and lable a cashier a felon are not good solutions either. What has to happen is that we and our critics need to meet and have a civilized talk about what we can do to make the system work better or at least more efficiently.
The ESRB really isn't that hard to understand. The back of every videogame has a content descriptor that explains why a game is rated the way it is. If you find yourself unable to interpret what the descriptors mean, by all means ask someone working in the videogame section of your local store, most of them will be glad to explain what they mean.
We all have to work together here. Its the only way problems are going to be solved.
That's all for now.
To quote the movie: "End of line."
The problem is that we've gotten so caught up in the "us vs them" mentality that we're not seeing the common ground. Most gamers, myself included, don't think that children should be playing M rated games. Its not meant for their age bracket and we're cool with that. If a parent chooses to buy such a game for their kid then the onus is on the parent, not the industry as a whole.
We don't disagree on the problem, just the solution. Suing people into doing what you want is not the answer. Trying to make laws that fine stores several thousand dollars and lable a cashier a felon are not good solutions either. What has to happen is that we and our critics need to meet and have a civilized talk about what we can do to make the system work better or at least more efficiently.
The ESRB really isn't that hard to understand. The back of every videogame has a content descriptor that explains why a game is rated the way it is. If you find yourself unable to interpret what the descriptors mean, by all means ask someone working in the videogame section of your local store, most of them will be glad to explain what they mean.
We all have to work together here. Its the only way problems are going to be solved.
That's all for now.
To quote the movie: "End of line."
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Christians and Gamers
Its rough, at times, being a Christian in the gaming community. The bulk of the reasons behind this lie in misconceptions and mis-steps on both sides of the aisle. I'll be trying to, in this post at least, help to build a bridge between the two groups that will help us understand each other.
Misconception about Christians the first: "Christians want to force their beliefs onto everyone and make them believe as they do."
Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, we Christians DO want people to come to the knowledge of Christ and accept Him as Saviour, and witnessing to people and evangelizing are part of what we do. That being said, however, we don't want to force people into it. People are free to choose one way or the other; if they were forced into accepting Christ as Saviour then it wouldn't mean anything. Redemption must be chosen and while we do favour one choice over the other we know that, in the end, the choice must be a willing one. One made with a person's whole heart, mind and soul.
Misconceptions about Gamers the first: "Gamers are a bunch of kids."
Like the above this is a misconception that is more than a little incorrect. The average gamer's age is somewhere between 18-33. I wouldn't exactly call that a kid, would you? The idea that gamers are kids comes from the notion that videogames are only for children. This hasn't been true for a very long time. Even in the days of the Atari 2600 there were some decidedly adult titles out there if you knew where to look. You might be surprised at some of the adults who play videogames, especially things like World of Warcraft or games like Madden '08.
Misconception about Christians the second: "Christians are a bunch of killjoys and want to ruin everyone's fun."
Again this really isn't true, at least from my perspective. It IS true that there are a number of things that Christians believe that you shouldn't do because they believe those actions to be immoral. We don't believe that people are truly happy or can be truly happy living lives filled with immoral activity. Things like premarital sex, drug use, and the like are all things that we feel to be wrong. We do speak out against them, but as with the first point, we also say that, ultimately the choice is up to the individual. Whether they choose for good or for ill, the choice is theirs and we pray that they choose the better path; because we love people and want them to be able to live happy and joy filled lives.
Misconception about gamers the second: "Gamers are just one game away from going out and killing a bunch of people."
This little misconception I'm sure you're all very much aware of. Gamers are often portrayed as evil, game obsessed mad youths out to kill people because they think "life is like a videogame". I, for one, and more than a little bit tired of seeing this false portrayal used so often. It doesn't help matters much that there are certain lawyers who use tragedies as a means to push their own social agendas. They try to excuse violent behaviour in people by saying that its not their fault they killed someone, nope, it was those evil videogames that made them do it. It gets worse when these self proclaimed "champions" use their faith as an excuse for mean, and sometimes down right spiteful, behaviour. We're not a bunch of psychopaths, ready to go off at a moment's notice. Most of us are average everyday citizens, just looking for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Get to know some of us, who knows, maybe you'll find some of the most loyal friends you've evern known.
Those are just a few of the misconceptions that exist about each other. Its long past time that we stopped insulting each other and came together to reason with one another. After all Christ Himself supported that kind of thing.
That's all for now all.
To quote the movie: "End of line."
Misconception about Christians the first: "Christians want to force their beliefs onto everyone and make them believe as they do."
Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, we Christians DO want people to come to the knowledge of Christ and accept Him as Saviour, and witnessing to people and evangelizing are part of what we do. That being said, however, we don't want to force people into it. People are free to choose one way or the other; if they were forced into accepting Christ as Saviour then it wouldn't mean anything. Redemption must be chosen and while we do favour one choice over the other we know that, in the end, the choice must be a willing one. One made with a person's whole heart, mind and soul.
Misconceptions about Gamers the first: "Gamers are a bunch of kids."
Like the above this is a misconception that is more than a little incorrect. The average gamer's age is somewhere between 18-33. I wouldn't exactly call that a kid, would you? The idea that gamers are kids comes from the notion that videogames are only for children. This hasn't been true for a very long time. Even in the days of the Atari 2600 there were some decidedly adult titles out there if you knew where to look. You might be surprised at some of the adults who play videogames, especially things like World of Warcraft or games like Madden '08.
Misconception about Christians the second: "Christians are a bunch of killjoys and want to ruin everyone's fun."
Again this really isn't true, at least from my perspective. It IS true that there are a number of things that Christians believe that you shouldn't do because they believe those actions to be immoral. We don't believe that people are truly happy or can be truly happy living lives filled with immoral activity. Things like premarital sex, drug use, and the like are all things that we feel to be wrong. We do speak out against them, but as with the first point, we also say that, ultimately the choice is up to the individual. Whether they choose for good or for ill, the choice is theirs and we pray that they choose the better path; because we love people and want them to be able to live happy and joy filled lives.
Misconception about gamers the second: "Gamers are just one game away from going out and killing a bunch of people."
This little misconception I'm sure you're all very much aware of. Gamers are often portrayed as evil, game obsessed mad youths out to kill people because they think "life is like a videogame". I, for one, and more than a little bit tired of seeing this false portrayal used so often. It doesn't help matters much that there are certain lawyers who use tragedies as a means to push their own social agendas. They try to excuse violent behaviour in people by saying that its not their fault they killed someone, nope, it was those evil videogames that made them do it. It gets worse when these self proclaimed "champions" use their faith as an excuse for mean, and sometimes down right spiteful, behaviour. We're not a bunch of psychopaths, ready to go off at a moment's notice. Most of us are average everyday citizens, just looking for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Get to know some of us, who knows, maybe you'll find some of the most loyal friends you've evern known.
Those are just a few of the misconceptions that exist about each other. Its long past time that we stopped insulting each other and came together to reason with one another. After all Christ Himself supported that kind of thing.
That's all for now all.
To quote the movie: "End of line."
What's a Chrsitan to Do?
As we enter into yet another election cycle I find myself asking an important, to me anyway, question. What's a Christian to do? I don't find Rudy Guliani to be a very appealing candidate for a number of reasons. Yet if I vote for a third part candidate, as many Christian voters are threatening to do this year, then the odds are we'll be looking at the Clintons being in office again; and I really don't want to see that again.
I think that Christians have become too attached to a singular party these days. We do need to have representation that reflects our beliefs but these days the republican party is moving further and further away from that model. The Democratic party, too, seems to be pandering more and more to the fringe of their movement as well. I truly want to believe that most Democrats don't think like the minds behind Moveon.org or Media Matters.
So, again, I ask the question, what's a Christian to do? The answer is really quite simple. Vote your conscience and vote your principals. We've compromised enough for the sake of "electability". I encourage voters to stop with the "electability" nonsense and vote what your conscience demands.
As for me? Well that's easily answered. MY criteria are as follows:
1. Be a PUBLICLY practicing Christian, 2. Be Pro-Israel, 3. Be Pro-Life, 4. Be ready to defend our country from all threats both foreign and domestic with or without the United Nations backing us, 5. Be against poverty, 6. Be against racism, 7. Be for finding common sense solutions to our common problems.
There are other criteria, to be sure, but those are my top seven. I'm sure there are those who won't agree with me. Doesn't mean I'm wrong though.
Until next time all.
To quote the movie: "End of line".
I think that Christians have become too attached to a singular party these days. We do need to have representation that reflects our beliefs but these days the republican party is moving further and further away from that model. The Democratic party, too, seems to be pandering more and more to the fringe of their movement as well. I truly want to believe that most Democrats don't think like the minds behind Moveon.org or Media Matters.
So, again, I ask the question, what's a Christian to do? The answer is really quite simple. Vote your conscience and vote your principals. We've compromised enough for the sake of "electability". I encourage voters to stop with the "electability" nonsense and vote what your conscience demands.
As for me? Well that's easily answered. MY criteria are as follows:
1. Be a PUBLICLY practicing Christian, 2. Be Pro-Israel, 3. Be Pro-Life, 4. Be ready to defend our country from all threats both foreign and domestic with or without the United Nations backing us, 5. Be against poverty, 6. Be against racism, 7. Be for finding common sense solutions to our common problems.
There are other criteria, to be sure, but those are my top seven. I'm sure there are those who won't agree with me. Doesn't mean I'm wrong though.
Until next time all.
To quote the movie: "End of line".
Pinheads One and All
I have offically had it with BOTH political parties. There's no difference anymore between Republicans and Democrats, with the noted exception of the lies they tell the American People.
The capitulation of the Republican party in actually raising Michigan income taxes, at a time when businesses are already leaving the State in droves, is nearly unforgivable. I know it was too much to hope that the greedy, money and power hungry pinheads in our state capital would actually do something right, but this is just ridiculous.
I'm calling on the voters of Michigan to rise up and demand accountability from our elected officials. We the People DEMAND that the legislature and Govenor cut their salary by 50%. Learn what it means to live off a budget like normal people. We DEMAND that you stop wasting our money and find real, common sense solutions to the problems we face. Once you've done something to EARN more money we'll revisit the issue of your pay.
That is all ladies and gents.
To quote my favorite movie: "End of line."
The capitulation of the Republican party in actually raising Michigan income taxes, at a time when businesses are already leaving the State in droves, is nearly unforgivable. I know it was too much to hope that the greedy, money and power hungry pinheads in our state capital would actually do something right, but this is just ridiculous.
I'm calling on the voters of Michigan to rise up and demand accountability from our elected officials. We the People DEMAND that the legislature and Govenor cut their salary by 50%. Learn what it means to live off a budget like normal people. We DEMAND that you stop wasting our money and find real, common sense solutions to the problems we face. Once you've done something to EARN more money we'll revisit the issue of your pay.
That is all ladies and gents.
To quote my favorite movie: "End of line."
Thoughts on Government
Fasten your seatbelts everyone, we're in for a bumpy ride. This is my first blog and I actively look forward to letting everyone know what I think about things; and what better way to introduce myself than to lash out at Government stupidity.
I believe in common sense solutions to problems. I also happen to believe that part of that involves We the People, holding our elected officials accountable for the things that they do. That being said I hold the Michigan elected elite, on both sides of the political ailse, accountable for the state of our beloved State. All this talk about a balanced budget and not one person raises the notion of cutting the salary of the legislature. Personally I think they all deserve a 50% paycut. That would put some money back in the bank. After all I'd like to think that they'd be all for cutting wasteful spending. Maybe We the People need to look into demanding that kind of action, it would certainly put them on notice as to our state of mind.
Second thought. Stop writing stupid laws. Case in point, some time ago our "beloved" Govenor Granholm the 1st signed a law making it illegal to sell violent video games to minors. On the surface that doesn't sound so bad right? However it turns out that the law itself was unconstitutional as it was a violation of Free Speach. Now guess who gets to pay the legal fees for the court hearing that declared the law unconstituitonal? Why that would be you and me, the tax paying public. Here's a thought why not take the money for the court payments out of the salary of the legislature and Govenor.
Thought the third. There are psychotic people in both parties. Lets not pretend otherwise. We all know that both parties are beholden to special interests. John Edwards can talk all he wants about removing that influence but until he stops taking money from trial lawyers he has absolutely no moral high ground. If the Democrats ever hope to reconnect with the people then they need to stop associating with nuts like Michael Moore and the MoveOn crowd. Most people don't buy into the extreme left agenda, and I'd like to think that they don't buy into the real radical right. We are going to disagree with each other but that doesn't mean we can't find common ground upon which we can solve problems.
Its that common ground that makes us We the People; and when we finally figure out that We the People have the power to make real and abiding change will be the day that the politcos stop being stupid and do the job we elected them to do.
I believe in common sense solutions to problems. I also happen to believe that part of that involves We the People, holding our elected officials accountable for the things that they do. That being said I hold the Michigan elected elite, on both sides of the political ailse, accountable for the state of our beloved State. All this talk about a balanced budget and not one person raises the notion of cutting the salary of the legislature. Personally I think they all deserve a 50% paycut. That would put some money back in the bank. After all I'd like to think that they'd be all for cutting wasteful spending. Maybe We the People need to look into demanding that kind of action, it would certainly put them on notice as to our state of mind.
Second thought. Stop writing stupid laws. Case in point, some time ago our "beloved" Govenor Granholm the 1st signed a law making it illegal to sell violent video games to minors. On the surface that doesn't sound so bad right? However it turns out that the law itself was unconstitutional as it was a violation of Free Speach. Now guess who gets to pay the legal fees for the court hearing that declared the law unconstituitonal? Why that would be you and me, the tax paying public. Here's a thought why not take the money for the court payments out of the salary of the legislature and Govenor.
Thought the third. There are psychotic people in both parties. Lets not pretend otherwise. We all know that both parties are beholden to special interests. John Edwards can talk all he wants about removing that influence but until he stops taking money from trial lawyers he has absolutely no moral high ground. If the Democrats ever hope to reconnect with the people then they need to stop associating with nuts like Michael Moore and the MoveOn crowd. Most people don't buy into the extreme left agenda, and I'd like to think that they don't buy into the real radical right. We are going to disagree with each other but that doesn't mean we can't find common ground upon which we can solve problems.
Its that common ground that makes us We the People; and when we finally figure out that We the People have the power to make real and abiding change will be the day that the politcos stop being stupid and do the job we elected them to do.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)