Who Acted Stupidly?

I admit, I haven't been watching much news lately...so I was a bit confused about all the hoopla surrounding yesterday's Presidential involvement in a tiff between a cop and a guy who was arrested.  Is it me, or are people being arrested each and every day...why is the leader of the free world getting involved this time?  Surely something really big must have happened.

I flipped through the channels during late night news trying to get a more complete story - I saw a tidbit of the "beer summit" (gimme a break), a clip of Obama saying that the "police acted stupidly", and the mug shot of the guy who'd been arrested.

What the heck happened?! (if you'd like the officer's report, here you go)

I'd been out of the loop too long, so I decided to dig around the web to try and piece this thing together.  You know, since the web is full of truth and unbiased news reporting ;-)

From what I can tell, a woman saw a man trying to get into a house.  He didn't have keys, and it looked like he was trying to break in. She called the police.  The police responded.  By the time the police arrived, the man was in the house.  He was actually the owner of the house, and produced ID to prove it.  Sounds fine, right?

Well, except for the part where the owner of the home starts screaming and yelling and being uncooperative.  

Why couldn't the guy just calmly explain the situation, produce his ID, and answer the officer's questions?

Instead, he started hollering about racism (he's black, the officer is white), refusing to do what the officer asked of him, and even threatened action against the officer.  He was getting so belligerent that the officer actually arrested him for being disorderly.

I have a few questions for anyone who wants to consider them:

1.  Do you think the owner of the home would have reacted the way he did if a black officer had arrived at the scene?

2.  If a man or a woman (or a child or a 3 headed monster) is screaming at a police officer and refusing to cooperate, do you think it's fair that the individual (or 3 individuals in the case of a 3 headed monster) be arrested?

3.  If it appears that someone is breaking into your home, would you like someone to call the police?  Would you like for the police to arrive, secure the situation, verify that everyone is safe and accounted for?

4.  Do you think that if you're a professor, a friend of the president, a black man, a white man, or a super star football player....that you should be treated differently than anyone else? 

5.  Do you think that the President of the United States has any business commenting publicly, especially when he admits that he wasn't there and doesn't know all the facts?

6.  How do you feel about our President after he stated that the police acted stupidly?  

7.  I wonder...has the President told his friend that HE acted stupidly in screaming at the police and refusing to cooperate?

8.  I wonder...has the first lady told the President that HE acted stupidly in getting involved in this in the first place?

9.  Do you think it was racist for the officer to assume that there might be trouble at that home, considering the fact that someone had reported a possible break in?

10.  Do you think it was racist for the officer to arrest a man who was being uncooperative and acting disruptively?

11.  Do you think it was racist for the owner of the home to start hollering "THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS TO BLACK MEN IN AMERICA!" when the officer arrived at his home and asked him to step out?

12.  Do you think that it was racist of President Obama to assume that the police were the ones acting stupidly?

Racism...what is it really?  It seems that at least one definition of racism could be "automatically assuming a derogatory or negative intent or action based on a person's race".  In other words, when a person doesn't have the whole story, he/she assumes the worst of someone because of their race.

The President assumed that the police acted stupidly (why?).

The man arrested assumed that the police officer was questioning him because the police officer was racist (why?).

The officer assumed that someone was breaking into the house (why?).

The only "why?" I can answer from the facts I've found is the third one.  The officer assumed that someone was breaking into the home....because someone called 911 and said "Hey, someone's breaking into the house."

As for the President and the Mr. Gates (the guy who was arrested) - hasn't anyone told you what happens when you A$$ U ME??  

Okay - I've said my piece.  This seems so cut and dry to me - am I missing something, or am I (ahem) assuming too much?

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Right To Choose

We've been excited about spring around here.  Normally I'd go to the nursery around Mother's Day, pick up the relatively mature garden plants I want, and plop them in the garden.  I'd also pay from $2-5 per plant.

I'm feelin' cheap this year (who isn't?), so decided to have a little forethought instead and plant my garden in the house from seeds.  I'll transplant them into the garden when they're a little bigger.

Here are my tomato plants.  But how do you know, you ask?  They sure don't look much like tomato plants.

It's true.  They don't look like tomato plants one bit yet.  They look a lot like most other plants as they sprout from the ground.  But that little one poking it's head out of the dirt?  It is a tomato plant.

And do you know what?  If I put this plant outside right now, it would die.  It's far too fragile to live through the cold nights and sunny days quite yet.  We'll have to let it grow a bit before it can live on it's own outside the safety of my home.  But still, it is a tomato plant.

Well, would you look at that...these bigger plants are starting to resemble tomato plants just a little bit!  If you've seen a mature tomato plant, you could compare leaves and conclude that this little plant is, indeed, a tomato plant.  

It can't be a tomato plant, you say?  Because it doesn't have any tomatoes on it.  It's true.  This little plant doesn't have any tomatoes yet.  In fact, it might never!  It might whither under the hot sun and die.  It might freeze one night.  It might even grow healthy and strong, and still not produce fruit.  And if it does...who knows what kind of fruit it will produce...big tomatoes?  small tomatoes?  red? orange? yellow?  

It doesn't matter though.  Regardless of it's future fruit (or lack of fruit).  It is a tomato plant right NOW.

But what if I don't WANT a tomato plant?  I'd rather it be a different kind of plant - strawberry maybe.  Actually, maybe I don't want a plant at all.  I'll have to water, weed, and otherwise care for this little plant if it's to grow healthy and strong.  Ack - responsibility.  I have better things to do.

Still.  Whether I want it to be a tomato plant or something else, doesn't change the fact: this is a tomato plant.

And even still.  Whether I want to take responsibility to care for this little plant or not, doesn't change the fact: this is a tomato plant.

Still not convinced that those are tomato plants?  Here's a good way to figure out what it is:

I took plain potting soil, added some seeds from this packet, and watered them.  A few days later, the number of little plants that sprouted up matched the number of seeds I'd put in each little plot of soil.  

Sure enough.  These are tomato plants.

They're growing.

They're maturing.

They're taking nutrients from the soil, air, water, and sun.

They're more recognizable as mature tomato plants every day.

Tomato.  Plants.

So now I have a choice.  What to do?

I may choose to nurture these little plants and to allow them to grow to their full potential.

I may choose to end their life.  I can pluck them right out of the ground, and toss them in the compost bin.

What I may NOT choose, however, is to simply rename these little plants "strawberry plants" or "weeds" or "nothing" or "inconvenient"...and expect the facts to change.  It's a tomato plant no matter what I call it or how badly I want it to be different.

I have a choice, yes.  A "Right To Choose" some might even call it.  But my choice is to end the life of this tomato plant or not.  

Nothing more (as if there could be something more), and nothing less.  

Please choose very carefully.

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My Trillion Cents...

Oh wait - that's supposed to be "My Two Cents".  The word "trillion" is on my brain with all this federal budget talk of late.  

Let me get this straight - the budget that our President is proposing will put us in $1.845 trillion this year?  Can that even be called a budget?  I'm no economist.  In fact, I have a hard enough time trying to deal with our family's personal financial plan sometimes.  That said...I've always thought of a budget as a plan to spend the available money.  Notice the word "available", please.

Dictionary.com gives several meanings for the word "budget".  One of them is: "A systematic plan for the expenditure of a usually fixed resource, such as money or time, during a given period."

Yep, it seems that even the dictionary considers money a fixed resource. In fact, there was a time when I thought Obama had a similar philosophy about what a budget should be.  I guess the days of campaign promises are over and we're seeing the real Obama now.  So much for our "New Era of Responsibility" and "Renewing America's Promise."

So if a budget is a plan to spend available money, I don't think we should be calling Obama's plan a budget.  What should we call it? 

How about "Obama's plan to go frighteningly deep in to debt."

Or maybe "Obama's plan to spend all I want - I'll print more."

Oh, I know..."Obama's plan to make it look like he's fulfilling campaign promises...except the 'reduce the national debt' one."

Hee Hee - this is fun!

Here's another: "I'm the president darn it, and I'll do whatever I please" Budget.

Ooo, how about "I'm handsome, I'm not Bush, I can charm your pants off.  Now please give me your money without concern for the future.  What?  You are concerned for the future?  No need to worry cuz I'M KING OF THE WOOOORRRLLLLDDD!" Budget.

Or "Good thing I have a plan to create jobs (that may or may not work) because by the end of my presidency, we'll need lots of great paying American jobs since every American will need to pay a 60% income tax rate to pay for my nifty new "budget"" Budget.

Or maybe even "I have a plan - I'll just go ahead and destroy our country before all those newly released terrorists come and do it for us" Budget.

Okay, I'll stop.  He is my President, and I'm called to pray for him even if I do think he's off his rocker.  So I'll pray.  I'll also write to my representatives to let them know that I do not support Obama's plan.  I hope you'll do the same.

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Christianity vs. Yoga?

I was paging through a trial issue of Parenting Magazine's new "school age" rag.  I loved being able to read articles that are more pertinent to what's going on in my older kids' lives.  I even saw a cute quote from one of my all time favorite bloggers (Rocks In My Dryer).  Cool...maybe I'll subscribe.

But then...

I came across an article about yoga in schools.  To quote the magazine:

"OH PLEASE!  A school in New York has renamed yoga: Kids can sign up for a "relaxation" class instead because parents complained that yoga would promote Hinduism and therefore violate the church-state separation at school.  Clearly, somebody out there needs to take a yoga class and chill." (April 2009, p. 16)

Wow.  Really?  Now if you don't want spiritual practices being taught in school, you're just supposed to "chill"?  

Before I let my feathers get too ruffled, I decided to check into it a bit more.  I did a Google search, and came across a post in the Yoga Journal.  The post itself was journalistic style - fairly neutral and fact driven (but short).  The comments to the post?  Completely different story.  Apparently, if someone who is not a Christian wants separation of church and state it's cool and enlightened...obvious even.  But if a Christian parent doesn't want their child exposed to spiritual teachings that are contrary to their beliefs? Definitely not cool.  In fact, according to the comments to that post, we are "brainwashed", "afraid", "so called educated", "strange", "judgmental", "ignorant", "stupid", "fundamentalist bullies", "warped", "foes", and even "d*heads".  

How very enlightened.

There has to be more to find...

So what is yoga, exactly?  

I once had a concerned friend comment on my blog when I mentioned that I was doing Yoga on the Wii.  But was I?  There was not a single word spoken on the Wii program about spirituality or "oneness" or "stillness" or "knowledge" of "union of human to the divine".  It was a basic "put your arm here, your feet here, and hold that position for 10 seconds."  Is that yoga?  No.  That's stretching in my book.

The Hindu Wisdom site says that "there is no Yoga without Hinduism and no Hinduism without Yoga".  It also says "The aim of Yoga is the transformation of human beings from their natural form to a perfected form.  Yoga is a precise practical method of spiritual training..."  Hmm...sound like more than stretching and deep breathing to me.  Not something I'd want my kids taught in their public school (if that makes me "warped", so be it).

About.com finally gave me some clearer insight: "Asana" refers to the practice of physical postures or poses.  Asana and Yoga are often used interchangeably, hence the confusion.  "Asana is only one of the eight limbs of yoga, the majority of which are more concerned with mental and spiritual well being than physical activity".

Okay - so maybe that New York school was teaching "Asana" instead of "Yoga".  In which case, it makes perfect sense to rename it, right (although they didn't name it "Asana")?  It's simply misrepresenting what's actually being taught to call it yoga.  If it's more than that...if there is a spiritual aspect to the class, then don't folks have a right to demand the separation between the spiritual and the public domain that has some of us missing school prayer?  

 

What do you think?  

Here's more info if you're interested:

Yoga at NY High School Causes Stress Among Critics - The Christian Post article

"Massena High School allows yoga, calls it 'Raider Relaxation'" - Syracuse.com

"Yoga Classes Challenged at Upstate NY High School" - blog article

What is Yoga: Definition of Yoga and the Six Branches of Yoga

Yoga - The Art of Living

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Our Tax Dollars At Work

There's a kid in Virginia who's not doing the best in school.  His parents had him tested for any sort of condition that might be holding him back - thankfully, he's fine...just "bored" with school and not working at it.

They've tried every type of discipline they can think of, but nothing worked.  So they got creative.  They offered him the choice to either give up his beloved cell phone for 2 weeks OR stand on a street corner with a sign displaying his grades for a couple of hours.  The kid chose the street corner.  

It seems to have worked better than any other form of discipline they'd ever tried.  Strangers stopped and talked to the kid, and their words sunk in like his parents' hadn't.  He's doing better in school.  Yippee.  Interesting story.  Let's all move on with our lives, right?

Um, no.

Child Protective Services are investigating the parents now.  Apparently, they're all kinds of concerned for this kid's mental state after his horrible discipline.  Could this be mental abuse?  Puh-leez.

I'd like to draw CPS's attention to one of the government's favorite words: CHOICE.  This block-head chose his own discipline.  He chose the street corner over giving up his phone.  

Can I just make one more observation?  A child's (under 18) right to choose is fully respected and protected under abortion laws.  In that same state, a child can go to Planned Parenthood, and they'll work with girls to get a judge to waive the requirement that a pregnant girl's parents be notified that she's about to abort her baby.

So a girl can choose to end her inconvenient pregnancy (without CPS involvement, I might add)...but a boy of the same age can't choose to stand on the corner telling the world of his academic status?

I just can't think of anything more messed up.  

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The UN's CRC ~ Bad News for US Families

Imagine your 10 year old coming home from school and announcing that he'd like to start going to church with his friend instead of with your family.  You ask him which church, he tells you, and you immediately recognize that the church he'd like to attend teaches things that are radically different from your family's values and beliefs...so you tell him that he is not allowed to go to church with that friend.

Conversation over?

Now imagine that son of yours telling his buddy that he can't go because his mom and dad said he couldn't.  That little friend's parent over-hears the conversation.

And the next thing you know...officials are on your doorstep informing you that you MUST allow little Johnny to go to that church and if you don't that more suitable living situations will be found for your child.

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Now imagine your 13 year old wanting to watch a movie that all her friends are raving about, but that you don't think is suitable for a young girl to watch.  Your daughter is very upset about it, and she talks to her school counselor about it.

There are those pesky officials agin...telling you that your daughter must have access to any and all mass media that is appropriate for her.  AND that you, as her parent, don't get to decide what's appropriate.

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Imagine your two year old reaching across the shopping cart and pulling his sister's hair.  She screeches in protest.  You slap the two year old's hand and say "No!".   A nearby shopper is watching, and calls the authorities.  The police meet you as you're leaving the store to inform you that "corporal punishment" is against your child's human rights and that you are now at risk of losing your children.

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Your son plays for the school's football team, and they have a big game coming up.  Your agreement with him has always been that he can play ONLY if he gets B's or better on his school work.  Two days before the big game, he comes home with a C.  It's heartbreaking for you, but you feel it's important that you stick to your guns and tell him that he must be benched until his grades come up.  He's furious...he begs...he pleads...he bargains.  You stand your ground for the sake of his important education.  

Your son's coach is mad too.  He calls the officials to review your son's case, and you're informed that you had not made a decision that was in your son's "best interest", and that he will be playing in the game.  Period.

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This all sounds ridiculous doesn't it?  Like a nightmare?  Well, these imaginary situations can (and likely will) become reality if President Obama ratifies the United Nations Children's Human Rights Treaty, called the "Convention on the Rights of the Child" or CRC.  These types of situations are not mentioned specifically in the document, but it opens the door wide to these types of invasions.

Folks, we MUST let our representatives know that we do not want this treaty ratified in the United States.  It might seem like a long shot that this kind of thing could become the law of the land, but consider this: EVERY nation except Somalia and the US has ratified it, and President Obama is considering ratification.

Want more info?

Article: "United Nations' threat: No more parental rights", World Net Daily

Article: "The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child - The Most Dangerous Attack on Parent's Rights In the History of the United States", National Center for Home Education

Website: "The Threat from International Treaty Law", ParentalRights.org

Website: "Convention on the Rights of the Child", Unicef.org

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Seeking My Rock

(cross posted at Moms In The Right)

Well, here I am again this week for STLS...and once again, for the third week in a row, I'm not writing what I'd planned.  I love it when God speaks to my heart and gives me direction...but I sure wish he'd send me a memo in advance or something so I can stop changing my mind at the last minute.  Despite my plans, the Lord determines my steps.  And it's a good thing, or you'd be stuck with another enlightening and uplifting post about Hell this week!  Oh, come on.  I know you were looking forward to it ;)  

This whole week hasn't quite been what I'd planned.  I've been dealing with some painful personal struggles that have had me crying rivers.  I'm thankful that his grace is made perfect in my weaknesses...his grace has plenty of opportunity to show itself though my weakness lately!  Although I'd love for this thorn of mine to be removed, the gentle (yet still painful) answer from my Lord has been much like the one Paul got.  I'm not sure if it's a "not now" or a flat-out "no".  Either way, I'll just hang tight and know that I'm his.  He's in control of me and my life.  He's in control of my suffering.  He's in control of my dreams and my future.

Our new President isn't helping matters any either (I know...where did that come from?).  The fact is that my initial excitement and hope of something new and fresh...well, those warm and fuzzy feelings were short lived.  His first few days in office have been productive, to be sure.  He signed executive orders to use my tax dollars toward abortions, which both breaks my heart and makes me feel furious (At what point are we giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and at what point are we enabling evil?  Wanna move to Canada anyone?).  And if that wasn't bad enough, he's closed Guantanamo Bay...hmmm, what to do with all these suspected terrorists?  No one really seems to know, but at least our international reputation looks "nicer".  Lovely.  I'd rather the whole word see us as tough SOBs that they know they'd better not mess with.  

I fear that our new president's legacy is going to be a fresh wave of attacks.  But don't worry.  I'm sure there will be a way to blame Bush for whatever bad happens.

We can change.  Yes we can.  But I don't have to like it.  And judging by the increase in gun sales around the country, I'm not the only one who's anxious.

I don't mean to get wrapped up in a political discussion.  I don't really even know what I'm talking about - certainly no political expertise here.  Maybe in the big picture, this all still looks rosy and hopeful and optimistic.  Maybe I'm just not bright enough to see it.  Please?  I hope that's what it is.  I've never wanted to be stupid so badly in my life.  Please...someone tell me that I just don't fully understand.

My point...my point is about the state of my crazy brain this week.  We have crying.  We have depression.  We have anger.  We have overwhelming frustration.  We have keep-me-up-at-night anxiety.  And apparently, we have a problem using pronouns properly.

But do you know what?  Amidst all this change and turmoil and anxiety that "we" have lately, there's something that has never changed...something that will never change.  Some-ONE to be more specific.  It's comforting to know that despite whatever I have going on, He never changes.  His love for me never changes.  Nothing can snatch me from His capable hands.  Not even my worry or doubt or fear.  

Even if the mountains literally fall down around me, the true Rock of my life and future will remain solidly in place.

So that's what I'm going to try and focus on this coming week.  That, and praying for wisdom and courage for our new President to make good choices...and a humble heart in seeking the Lord while he's our President (not to say that his heart's in the wrong place, I can't know...but some prayers from little old me can't hurt).

Along those lines, this song has been such a blessing to me lately.  Enjoy:

If you'd like to share the ways that the Lord has worked in your life this week, please write a post about it on your blog and link up:

Seek The Lord Sunday Participants

1. Vanessa

2. Janet

Powered by... Mister Linky's Magical Widgets.

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Call To Action

Well, as I've been busy bawling my eyes out and writing a depressing "woe is me" post for you all to enjoy...our new President has been busy too.    

He's busy planning to sign an Executive Order that will allow federal funds to go to international organizations that promote and/or perform abortions.

That's your money.  That's my money.  The money we so faithfully pay in taxes is going to be used for abortions, and I'm angry about it.  

I'm going to drop President Obama a quick note to let him know that I do not approve, and to respectfully ask him to reconsider.  I encourage you to do the same.    

You can write a quick note by clicking HERE.  Keep it civil, folks.

PS.  Do you know how many babies have been killed since Roe v. Wade?  Over 38 million.

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I Haven't Laughed This Hard In Ages!

I lifted this from Moms In The Right.  Hilarious!  I especially love the Italian vs. Chinese food comment.  Enjoy while you eat that homemade guacamole:

Someth

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Changefest '09 - Obama's Inaugural Speech

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

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There's Something About This Guy...

I admit, I did not vote for him.  I don't agree with many of his plans or philosophies.  But this guy...there's something about him that so powerfully inspires hope in me.  

Hope that he can turn our economy around.  Hope that he can bring peace (what will his take on Israel be, I wonder?).  Hope that he and his family remain safe.  Hope that he can deliver...

On election day my tears were tears of dread and disappointment.  Today, the tears were entirely different.  All those people, all those flags, all those powerful people up on that podium (along with bunches of security, I'm sure), all that beautiful music (although, the HAT, Aretha...what where you thinking?), all those powerful words, all that HOPE.

I'm so thankful to be an American.

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Let's Talk About California's Prop 8

Okay, first and foremost, a disclaimer. I don't really know what I'm talking about here. I'm not an expert and haven't really studied both sides of this issue.

But I just got back from California (lots of pictures are on the way...stay tuned), and it is a HEATED debate, this whole same-sex marriage thing. So I've been thinking a lot about it, and would love to hear your take on it.

Please forgive me if I say something insensitive or non-PC. I never have been very good at being politically correct anyway. And if I say something hurtful, feel free to correct me. But when you do, please keep in mind that whatever insensitivities I might have are due to ignorance and most certainly not hate. With that, I'll just jump right in...

If you read this blog or know me at all, then you must know that I am a Bible-believing, Jesus loving Christian. If you voted "no" on Prop 8 (or believe you would have if you lived in CA), then you're probably rolling your eyes right about now. Hang in there, please.

As a Christian, I have a belief about homosexuality that is most definitely not PC. I believe homosexuality is a sin. But me? I too, am a sinner. I am nothing more than a lowly sinner saved by Gods incredible grace and mercy. He loves me. He loves every sinner. His salvation is equally available to everyone, hetero or homosexual. And sin is sin...is sin. Murder is no worse sin than hating as far as God is concerned. I am heterosexual, but that most certainly does not make me "better" in any way than someone who is not.

As a Christian living in "One nation under God", I would have serious issues voting in a way that clearly contradicts God's teachings. We are blessed by God in ways that we're probably not even aware of. But history shows that there has never been a civilization to turn it's back on God and his ways...and continue to be under his blessing. I want to stay a nation "under God".

So why am I even writing this post? It seems I've made up my mind, right? Well, not really.

The fact that this issue is being voted on makes it a LEGAL issue, not a moral issue. So let's look at it from a legal perspective.

I believe strongly that "law" has a very specific place in our lives. If we try to legislate parts of our lives that fall outside that specific place, then we'll see our rights trampled every single time. We'll lose freedom. We'll lose choice. I'm not willing to lose those things. I doubt you are either.

What is that "specific place"? Laws exist to protect us from each other...NOT from ourselves. For example. You can be a raging alcoholic and damage your physical, mental and spiritual self. It's within your legal right to do so. But the minute your alcohol consumption brings you to a place where you're hurting someone else (or might hurt someone else), then the law steps in and says, "Whoah, that's far enough. You're infringing on someone else's freedoms now and I'm going to stop you."

It's my view of the law's place in our lives that is one of the reasons that has me confused about why Proposition 8 even made it on a ballot. Who are we protecting? Who is hurt by homosexual union? Are we trying to legislate morality with this proposition? If so, I'm not willing to go there. There are too many Americans that disagree with my beliefs to allow morality issues to make it onto a ballot. What's next? Is the law going to tell me that I can't tell my children about Jesus until they're of legal age to decide for themselves? This is a very slippery slope, folks.

I keep hearing about "protecting marriage" with this proposition. Honestly, I'm not even sure what that means! My marriage is not affected one iota if a homosexual union is allowed to take place. As for the Institution of marriage - what are we talking about here? From what I can see, the Institution of marriage is a mess already...with "open" marriages and adultery and convenience marriages and abuse and divorce running rampant. None of that will be fixed by anything we can vote on.

And if it's a moral issue..."we don't like it that people are homosexual"...well, that's not going to change with a ballot measure either. Voting against same sex marriage will not make same sex couples cease to exist.

The Institution of marriage & the moral debate about homosexuality....there are some things that the law can't do anything for...only Jesus can heal in these areas.

On the other hand...what if Prop 8 was shot down and same-sex marriages were allowed to continue? What would that look like?

The only thing that really would concern me (from a purely "me" perspective) is what it would mean to public schools. Would public schools then be required to teach that marriage between same-sex couples is okay? It seems to me that they would - it would be law after all. Now, all of a sudden, we're getting into my religious freedoms as a parent. If I teach my children that the Bible is God's Truth, and therefore that homosexuality is a sin...suddenly I'd be "hateful", "intolerant", and maybe in need of some special government mandated counseling (there are good reasons I love California, but could never live there). Again, we're getting into some pretty slippery territory!

Oh, what a mess.

And of course, there are the daily life questions that keep popping up. Generally speaking, a hospital will allow "immediate family" to be with a patient who is seriously ill. Should someone be able to have their partner visit them in the hospital and make medical decisions for them? Absolutely. If someone's loved one wants to be there and the patient wants them to be there, then that's a patient's rights issue, and the patient's wishes should be respected. But folks, that's not a legal issue. That's hospital policy issue (unless I'm missing something, which is entirely possible). Get the paperwork done to express your wishes in the event that you can't make your own decisions. Get the paperwork done to make it clear who you want with you and who you want making your decisions for you.

Alright. This has become entirely too long. I'd love to hear from you. What do you think? What are your concerns? I know that there are people who I love and respect who feel strongly that Prop 8 should have been shot down (Esther?!)...I'd love to have you weigh in. I promise I won't beat you with my Bible :)

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The Results

What's not cool:
- His tax policy
- His health care policy
- His international policy
- His opinions about abortion & homosexuality

What is cool:
- My children will never know a time when it was considered impossible for a black man to be the President of the United States
- It's OVER

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The Big Election Day

It's a cold and rainy day here. The mountains can't be seen through the cloud cover. I'll bet we have snow-capped peaks tomorrow.



There really aren't many sweeter sights:







It was pretty painless...quiet, peaceful, smiles all around. Moms and dads, infants and elderly, clean cut and scruffy...all gathered to add their 2 cents. So this is what democracy looks like. I'm so thankful that we don't have to have armed guards and barricades to protect our right to vote.

I couldn't take my eyes off of this soldier.

The ballots here were simple - a piece of paper with bubbles and a felt-tipped pen to do the marking. There will be no "hanging chad" problems here!

That's it? It seemed almost too simple...no dramatic music in the background? No fireworks? Nope, just a quiet yet firm "Daiquiri has voted" from the ballot gatherer. Yes. Yes she has.

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To Take Into Consideration...

Once again, my Ben had a few enlightening words to share while we drove in the car tonight.

"Mom!"

"Yeah Ben! Please don't scream!"

"Sorry"

"It's okay, what's so exciting?"

"Well, did you know that one of the maybe Presidents thinks it's okay to kill babies when they're in their mommies' tummies?!"

"Wow. Where'd you hear that?"

"Kids at school were talking about it because they heard their parents talking about it."

"Oh. Okay."

"It's true you know!"

"Yeah, I know. Some people think that it should be okay to do that. What do you think?"

"NO. I don't think that's okay!"

"Yeah, me either."

"Okay, well I just wanted to make sure you knew so you don't vote for that guy!"

"Good reminder. Thanks."

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Seeking The Lord On Election Day

(This post cross-posted at Moms In The Right)

Well, this is going to be a big week! It might be my arrogant and self-centered American attitude...but dare I say that the entire world is looking to Tuesday with a bit of apprehension?

As I sat in church tonight worshipping, praying and learning...I was struck with an overwhelming peace about the political event on our horizon. When I came home, I dug out the following verses:

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." Romans 13:1

"For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him." Colossians 1:16

I'd love to say that these verses tell me that "my guy" is going to be president...since, obviously, he's the best choice and I'm sure God knows it! But no, that's not at all what I'm saying. These verses remind me of who the ultimate ruler is. They remind me that even if the "other guy" is voted President, we're gonna be okay because God will have established him. I don't have to like God's choices all the time, but I will honor them. Not necessarily because I love the way things might be happening...but because I love Him.

That said, how does God establish rulers here on earth? It's pretty obvious: through our votes. I believe that we, as Christians, have a moral responsibility to pray about this election and to VOTE our conscience. Is God interested in politics? It seems so petty when put that way...but the above Biblical evidence can only bring us to one conclusion...Yes, God is very interested in this election!

And sure, God can do amazing supernatural things. We're talking God...you know the One who merely spoke and everything we know came into existence? I'm sure he can change a few ballots if needed. (And Lord, if it looks like that one guy is going to win, please do something!)


The end of the day always brings the same revelation though...God is God. No matter the president or policy, God is God. He always has been, he still is, and he will always be. Unfailing. Unchanging. Forever. The King of kings...my King. Praise God and Amen!

Now get out there and vote!

"keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen." 1 Timothy 6:14-16

Some links that you might find helpful:

State specific voting info

Some basic info on a few presidential candidates

Some more basic info that might help you make a decision (by issue)

Did you seek the Lord this week? Please share what you learned!

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Can't Imagine Why...

I'm sure you've seen it - maybe you've even been on the short end of the job-cut-stick. I just read this on CNN.com:

"Job cuts: Who's next
Employees from Wall Street to Main Street are feeling nervous about their jobs, but certain industries are more at risk than others."

The full article can be found HERE if you're interested.

This whole mess just makes me feel so uneasy and unsettled...and just plain afraid. And very thankful for my husband's good job, even if it means he has to travel more than I'd like.

In other news, Benjamin is in the Boy Scouts program for his first year. It's so cute to see him all dressed in his uniform (One of the moms at the first meeting made the mistake of calling it an "outfit"..."Please, ma'am, it's a uniform" said the Pack leader. Well ok then!).

At the last pack meeting, Ben got his very first patch. The pride on his little glowing face was priceless!

I rushed home to immediately iron his new patch on his uniform. Oh, who am I kidding, I ironed it on just minutes before he needed his uniform for his next meeting. Anyhoo...went to iron the thing on, and look what I found on his Boy Scouts of America badge:

Front of the badge:

Back of the badge:

Hmmmm....

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Daiquiri's Economic Plan

Isn't that funny? You know, I like my name, I really do. But I think it probably limits me a bit. Really, can you imagine voting for something called "Daiquiri's Economic Plan"?!

There are other reasons you wouldn't vote for it. The facts that I'm not an economist...and that I've never even taken an economy class...are probably two good reasons. But I can do simple math, so here's my "Daiquiri's Simple Math Economic Plan".

The basic facts as my little brain understands them:
1. This nation is deeply in debt.
2. There are businesses that are deeply in debt.
3. Our government is working on a "bailout" or "rescue" or "save them from their own bad decisions" plan as we speak (for said businesses).
4. Who will pay for the plan? We will...the taxpayers.

Here's what I propose:
1. Nip this "bailout" plan thing in the bud. If a business is going under, let it go under.
2. Put those negotiating brains to work on balancing the budget. Get that bottom line to be in the black. Stop the bleeding.
3. Tally up the debt.
4. Divide said debt by the number of people in this nation who are paying taxes.
5. Figure out a reasonable time frame for getting out of debt...a year, five, fifteen, fifty?
6. Increase taxes accordingly to pay down the debt.
7. If the experts agree (and they don't) that we *MUST* rescue these companies, then I guess we'd just better add that number to our debt total.

How can we bail anyone out when we are already broke? We'd essentially be using one credit card to pay on another! Like I said, I'm no economist. And personally? Hubby and I have made our share of really lousy financial decisions. But I KNOW (maybe from painful experience (ahem)?) that using one source of debt to pay for another is B. A. D. Bad.

And one other thing...I keep hearing about all the economic hardship we'd see if we don't do this bailout plan...all the jobs we'd lose. I gotta say, I think I know where we might find some of those jobs. How about overseas...you know, where so many jobs have been heading for the past 20 years because of our stupid tax laws?! If our government is so concerned about jobs, how about they start there? How about they figure out how to motivate companies to keep Americans working? China's a lousy place to build toys anyway. They might be cheap, but they'll be covered in lead.

I'm just sayin'...

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So Now What Do We Do?

The "Bailout" didn't pass. The market took a serious tumble. What is your first inclination? Do you gather up some cash and buy low? Or do you hunker down...maybe stuff some 20's under your mattress?

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Sarah Palin ~ My Two Cents

I am not an expert on politics. I repeat: I am no expert on politics! But I do have an opinion. And this is my blog. So here you go...my two cents on Sarah Palin.

I keep hearing the question, "Is she experienced enough?" from everyone. AND their dog. So I was curious. What sort of experience does she have? And what sort of experience do the other guys have? In very general and over simplified terms, here's what I found:

Sara Palin
- City Council 1992-96

- Mayor of small town (about 7,000) 1996-02

- On the Alaska Oil & Gas Conservation Commission 2003-04

- Governor of Alaska 2006-present

- From 1992-present = 16 years

John McCain

- Vietnam POW 1967-73

- US House of Representatives 1982 (two terms)

- US Senator 1986-present

- From 1982-present = 26 years

Total between them = 42 years

Barak Obama

- Illinois State Senator 1997-2004

- US Senator 2005-present

- From 1997-present = 11 years

Joe Biden

- US Senator 1973-present = total of 35 years

Total between them = 46 years

Okay, so let's break it down a bit more. (I know, I never know when to stop)

Presidential Candidates:

- 11 years of service vs 26 years of service = McCain wins my vote here

- no military service vs service and self sacrificing, noble choices during time as a POW = McCain wins my vote here

- Neither of them seem to have experience with actual governing of people = it's a wash here

- pro choice vs. pro life = McCain wins my vote here

- ummm...national health care? = McCain wins my vote here

- Iraq - I don't know which end is up here = it's a wash

Vice Presidential Candidates:

- 16 years of service vs 35 years = Biden wins my vote here

- experience vs. no experience with foreign affairs (typically a primary role of the VP) = Biden wins my vote here

- experience vs. no experience with actually governing people instead of just working on legislation = Palin wins here

- Superhero figure vs. no superhero figure = Palin wins my vote here

I mean really...how can I not vote for a woman who inspires this kind of artwork?

Is this degrading to women? I don't know. Last time I checked, I'm a woman...and I think it's pretty dang funny! ($29.95 + S&H)

In all seriousness...at least as serious as I get around here...when I consider Presidential candidates, McCain is the clear winner in my book.

When I consider Vice Presidential candidates it's a little less cut and dry for me. Biden has lots of experience in government, but it's all legislation stuff. Palin has fewer years experiences, but it's all in the trenches of actually governing.

In fact...I find it pretty ironic that Palin is the only one getting slammed for not having experience...when she's the only one of the four who actually has any when it comes to governing!

My general impression of Sarah Palin is that she's a total go-getter. The woman can do pretty much anything she sets her mind to (including going back to work just 3 days after giving birth..hello! I was still in the hospital eating jello!).

I was reassured when I saw a recent interview, and when asked if she was ready, her response was something like, "If I'm so honored as to be elected VP, I most certainly WILL be ready." I like that. She knows she has work to do...and she's gonna do it.

And what if the worst happens and the VP has to step into the Presidency? Is she ready? No more or less than Biden. But I feel confident that if she needs to be...she WILL be ready.

I have a question for YOU now. Do you think that she could be President of the United States? If the worst happened, and she had to step up, do you think having her...or any woman...in the Oval Office would be good or reassuring or comforting to this country? Or would it just freak everyone out? Are we ready for a female POTUS?

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Did The Women's Movement Hurt Women?

I just watched a positively fascinating video over at Like Merchant Ships. It's a video of a lecture done by Elizabeth Warren, author of The Two Income Trap. It's a long video...about an hour, but I really enjoyed it. It's filled with lots of **data**. Oooo baby. Those of you who know me, know how I love data. Give me some numbers...show me a graph...I love it! It's the engineer in me, what can I say?

She speaks on a topic that impacts my life every single day. She talks about how women entering the work force has changed the finances of families today.

On the surface, the women's movement was a very healthy thing. I'm all for women's equal rights, and their ability to choose to do whatever they want to do with their lives. I'm fully aware and appreciative of the efforts made by my "foremothers" to ensure my right to go to whichever college I wanted to, to choose a field of study that was typically only for the guys, and to be able to get a job in said field making really great money.

And I can also choose to stay home from the office to raise my children full time. Of course, it's financially painful...but for me and my husband it's well worth the trade-offs.

But every now and then, hubby and I look around and say to ourselves, "How is it possible that things feel 'tight' when hubby makes such good money?" Or, "How on earth do people make a go of it on less than we earn?"

And every now and then, when I really think about what it takes to raise a family in today's economy I wonder...do women really still have the ability to choose to stay home with their children if they want to? Or are they trapped? Are they forced to work, not only by their own purchasing choices, but by what's happened to our economy because women entered the professional work force in huge numbers some 30 years ago?

Before I tell you much about what Ms. Warren said, some basic info:
- She adjusted everything for inflation. So if you see numbers, don't go thinking that it's all about inflation...she essentially took inflation out of the picture so she could compare apples to apples.
- She studied only one segment of the population: a married couple with 2 children.
- The data she looked at was across the time from ~1970 to ~2003 (basically one generation)

For those of you who don't have an hour to spare, here's a list of some of my favorite points she made:
- Overall, a family's income went up, BUT men's income dropped by $800 per month! Women's incomes increased steadily over time, but men's incomes essentially dropped...or saw no increase over time as is usual.
- In 1970, families were saving roughly 11% of their incomes. In 2003, families are saving less than zero (spending more than they make).
- In the 70's, families were spending about 1/2 their income on "big" expenses (cars, taxes, child care, homes).
- In 2003, we were spending about 3/4 of our income on those same big expenses. We have less money left over after the "biggies".
- The bottom line is that now, families need two jobs to make ends meet.

You know, I always assumed that we, as a one income family, are at greater financial risk since we only have that one source of income. If hubby loses his job, we're in trouble, right? But let's assume that most 2 income families need both of those jobs, or face a financial crisis (and the statistics show that that's the case). Ms. Warren makes some really great points:

- The two income family sees twice the risk of a one income family. They see more risk, not less.
- We have a "backup" worker. If something happens to hubby or his job, I'm available to pitch in. In a two income family, both workers are already "used". If something happens to one of them or their job, they're just out the income provided by that person.
- What happens if a child gets sick? In a one income family, there is one parent available to sit by that child's bedside. In a two income family, when mom or dad goes to sit by that bedside it usually means a lost job. A lost job that was required for that family to keep their head above water.

I'm beginning to understand why she calls it the "Two Income Trap"!

And this is the most amazing statistic yet...I was shocked...ready for this?? Here it is:

This year, more families with children will file for bankruptcy than will file for divorce!!

So think about how many couples you know who have divorced. Statistically speaking, you probably know more people who have filed for bankruptcy.

Well, I've already made this post too long for most of you to still be reading. I encourage you to go check out the video (she's a great speaker), or to check out her book. I'd like to talk more about this though...what do you think of these statistics?

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