As a nation, we fought to free millions from the horrible killings under Adolf Hitler. We defeated Saddam Hussein in part, because of his killing of innocent civilians in his own country. We've fought numerous times in foreign lands to free oppressed people and liberate many from atrocities most consider unthinkable. Yet here in America, we've lost our backbone.
Think about the sacrifices made by our ancestors to free themselves from the tyranny of England. Yet here in 2015, we have video evidence that unborn babies are killed and their body parts distributed or sold. I challenge anyone to prove these are not living beings. The simple fact the body parts must be functioning is, by definition, an admission that they are alive. How could they be functioning if they were just "tissue?"
I say we've lost our backbone because I see no evidence of a society willing to rise up in defense of those unable to defend themselves; the babies.
Where are the clergy on this? I'm sure many will say the clergy stay out of politics and I say that is pure bullshit. First, this isn't a political issue. It is an issue of life. Second; if the clergy stay out of political issues, how do you explain them jumping in knee-deep to the gay marriage issue long before it was decided by the Supreme Court? If there's ever an issue the clergy should be championing the cause of, I'd think it would be protection of the unborn; "whatever you do to the least of these you do to me." I mean no disrespect to the members of the clergy that are fighting this battle, but it just seems the silence is deafening.
Technology has come a long way since Roe v. Wade. We have the ability today to see, via 3-D sonograms, the unborn child inside the womb as it develops. How can we deny the evidence that is right before our eyes? Yet we do.
As I've posted on facebook, this abortion issue is one I've been willing to sit on the sidelines over, leaving the decision to the parents and medical professionals that knew much more than me. We justify it and use the word abortion to make ourselves more comfortable than if it was called murder. I even went so far as to consider those who protested outside abortion clinics, lunatics and no better than those they opposed. Now, after seeing Planned Parenthood's own doctors admitting they send out functioning body parts of the unborn babies, I have to admit we've failed in protecting these children.
So many people march when a policeman shoots some bad guy, but where's the outcry over these children being killed? What's even worse is our tax dollars are used to fund Planned Parenthood under the guise of "women's health." But what "women's health" services does Planned Parenthood offer that aren't made available due to Obamacare? In fact, the President and his administration argued the need for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), in part, on the need to provide birth control and other services to women.
As a member of the military, I took an oath to defend the country against all enemies foreign and domestic. How do we turn our back on this domestic enemy of the unborn child?
We may only need to voice our opinions to elected officials or we may need to do more. Do we have the will to go to war?
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Gay Marriage
I figured since there are so many people out there trying to ride the middle of the road on this issue, I'd post my position and why I feel this way. I'm writing this on the fly without letting it sit the normal day or two and making edits/revisions.
My position is simple, but not for the same reasons so many spout off about. I'm against it. Pure and simple, there is no reason for it and there are many reasons for not having it.
Some people say; "people should be free to love whoever they want." Well, it's "whomever," but that's besides the point. Nobody ever said you couldn't love whomever you want. In fact, even the hard-core religious would agree we are called by God to love everyone.
But what will you say to the 30+ year old who wants to marry a 15 year old? If they both profess their love for each other, who are we to say they aren't in love? What about the guy or gal who wants to marry 15 brides or husbands? Why is that so ridiculous? If they all agree, who are we to condemn or deny their legal marriage? This is no more ridiculous or outrageous than gay marriage was considered 20-30 years ago.
Some people say that same sex marriages allow for benefits and property sharing not otherwise allowed. Not true! I worked for a company that as of 1999 had implemented health insurance benefits for same-sex couples without any marriage license being required. Many companies, hospitals and other institutions have made changes as this became more of an issue. Also, legal documents can be drawn up that specify beneficiaries/legal partnerships. But even still, where will we draw the line? What if where we draw the line today is deemed too strict by a future generation?
The real reason most people want gay marriage legalized (which apparently it now is) is so that they can now be a "married" couple and recognized as such by the entire world. Well good for you. What does that accomplish? If you are a God-fearing person, do you think it changes the way God sees you? If you believe God loves us all, the court-sanctioned marriage doesn't matter. If you believe churches should conduct same-sex marriages, that's a whole different discussion I won't go into here.
The United States of America has been a nation that, until recently, had a way of life that was very unique. People who came here, didn't forget their heritage, but they assimilated and ours was a uniquely moral culture. This is quickly deteriorating.
Here's the thing; I am supposed to love my neighbor regardless of their differences from me. I attempt to do that and sometimes I'm good at it and sometimes I fall short. I believe God made us all and each of us is a child of God. Therefore there is nothing about me that makes me any better than anyone else as a child of God. And so, I love you no matter what your sexual orientation/preference is. My prayer is that you will know God and be known by Him.
My position is simple, but not for the same reasons so many spout off about. I'm against it. Pure and simple, there is no reason for it and there are many reasons for not having it.
Some people say; "people should be free to love whoever they want." Well, it's "whomever," but that's besides the point. Nobody ever said you couldn't love whomever you want. In fact, even the hard-core religious would agree we are called by God to love everyone.
But what will you say to the 30+ year old who wants to marry a 15 year old? If they both profess their love for each other, who are we to say they aren't in love? What about the guy or gal who wants to marry 15 brides or husbands? Why is that so ridiculous? If they all agree, who are we to condemn or deny their legal marriage? This is no more ridiculous or outrageous than gay marriage was considered 20-30 years ago.
Some people say that same sex marriages allow for benefits and property sharing not otherwise allowed. Not true! I worked for a company that as of 1999 had implemented health insurance benefits for same-sex couples without any marriage license being required. Many companies, hospitals and other institutions have made changes as this became more of an issue. Also, legal documents can be drawn up that specify beneficiaries/legal partnerships. But even still, where will we draw the line? What if where we draw the line today is deemed too strict by a future generation?
The real reason most people want gay marriage legalized (which apparently it now is) is so that they can now be a "married" couple and recognized as such by the entire world. Well good for you. What does that accomplish? If you are a God-fearing person, do you think it changes the way God sees you? If you believe God loves us all, the court-sanctioned marriage doesn't matter. If you believe churches should conduct same-sex marriages, that's a whole different discussion I won't go into here.
The United States of America has been a nation that, until recently, had a way of life that was very unique. People who came here, didn't forget their heritage, but they assimilated and ours was a uniquely moral culture. This is quickly deteriorating.
Here's the thing; I am supposed to love my neighbor regardless of their differences from me. I attempt to do that and sometimes I'm good at it and sometimes I fall short. I believe God made us all and each of us is a child of God. Therefore there is nothing about me that makes me any better than anyone else as a child of God. And so, I love you no matter what your sexual orientation/preference is. My prayer is that you will know God and be known by Him.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Charleston Shooting/Racism
The recent murders in Charleston, SC have lots of people screaming about how racism is persistent in America. People are calling for stricter gun laws and some are even saying we won't do anything.
First, we all know the shooter was motivated by some racism and hate in his heart. However, is it really fair to say America hasn't done anything about racism? Is racism really as prevalent in America as it used to be?
I submit America has come a long way regarding racism. Overwhelmingly we live and work together across many races. You see it in offices, hospitals, laboratories, call centers, automotive service centers and just about anyplace else you do business. I recall visiting the Mall of America (Minneapolis, MN) some years ago and noticing a significant number of muslims working there. Talk about an area you'd not expect to see that.
During my early military years many black Americans were rising to positions of leadership and authority. I dare say the US Military was one of the earliest institutions to aggressively promote minorities to higher level positions.
Here in America you can venture into any middle or upper class neighborhood and find all different races and ethnic backgrounds. Go to any hospital for care and you're likely to see doctors from all races.
I make all these points to show how we are doing something about racism in America. I believe America does most things better than any other nation in the world. Even race relations have improved significantly since the Civil War and even as recent as the Civil Rights movement.
First, we all know the shooter was motivated by some racism and hate in his heart. However, is it really fair to say America hasn't done anything about racism? Is racism really as prevalent in America as it used to be?
I submit America has come a long way regarding racism. Overwhelmingly we live and work together across many races. You see it in offices, hospitals, laboratories, call centers, automotive service centers and just about anyplace else you do business. I recall visiting the Mall of America (Minneapolis, MN) some years ago and noticing a significant number of muslims working there. Talk about an area you'd not expect to see that.
During my early military years many black Americans were rising to positions of leadership and authority. I dare say the US Military was one of the earliest institutions to aggressively promote minorities to higher level positions.
Here in America you can venture into any middle or upper class neighborhood and find all different races and ethnic backgrounds. Go to any hospital for care and you're likely to see doctors from all races.
I make all these points to show how we are doing something about racism in America. I believe America does most things better than any other nation in the world. Even race relations have improved significantly since the Civil War and even as recent as the Civil Rights movement.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Hagerstown Experience
I usually wouldn't post about this, but I just had to air this.
My wife received a citation for speeding that was issued via mail, using three photos (of the rear of the car) from a city we visited. This wasn't a case of running a red light, merely speed enforcement. My wife couldn't have been driving as she was somewhere else at the time (and yes, there are witnesses to her whereabouts), but she received the citation as the owner of the vehicle. The ticket was for $40 for doing 40mph in a 25mph zone.
Although I may have been driving the car, it could've been anyone as the photos have no front views. Seeing as we were in from out of town for a wedding, we could've let someone else use the car who was driving. Being a very good driver with no citations in over 20 years, I find it hard to believe I would've knowingly been doing 15 miles over the speed limit. Of course if we want to defend ourselves, we must travel to the city (900+ miles away) and make our case. Since it doesn't go against anyone's driving record it isn't worth the cost of fighting it. And that's where I think municipalities have figured out this money-making opportunity.
What is infuriating is this method of "speed monitoring" is done for the sole purpose of revenue generation. There clearly is not an interest in using speed enforcement as a safety matter as there's no officer involved and no warnings issued of potential dangers in that area (if any exist). Also, I grew up in that town and as long as I lived there, I couldn't tell you what the posted speed limit is on any of the roads anymore. For all I know there may not have even been a posted speed limit.
As a matter of principle, what the City of Hagerstown, Maryland doesn't realize is that I will no longer purchase any goods or services from businesses there. Which means no taxes collected from me. While I have reasons to visit there on occasion, I will be certain to refrain from contributing anything to their tax base. Also, I have no interest in buying anything from a community that supports money grabbing tactics like this.
I may only be one person. But I recognize greed pretty quickly and it is apparent to me that the city where I grew up is more interested today than ever, in greedy tactics to feed their government coffers.
You'll get my $40 City of Hagerstown, but it'll be the last $40 anyone in Hagerstown gets from me.
My wife received a citation for speeding that was issued via mail, using three photos (of the rear of the car) from a city we visited. This wasn't a case of running a red light, merely speed enforcement. My wife couldn't have been driving as she was somewhere else at the time (and yes, there are witnesses to her whereabouts), but she received the citation as the owner of the vehicle. The ticket was for $40 for doing 40mph in a 25mph zone.
Although I may have been driving the car, it could've been anyone as the photos have no front views. Seeing as we were in from out of town for a wedding, we could've let someone else use the car who was driving. Being a very good driver with no citations in over 20 years, I find it hard to believe I would've knowingly been doing 15 miles over the speed limit. Of course if we want to defend ourselves, we must travel to the city (900+ miles away) and make our case. Since it doesn't go against anyone's driving record it isn't worth the cost of fighting it. And that's where I think municipalities have figured out this money-making opportunity.
What is infuriating is this method of "speed monitoring" is done for the sole purpose of revenue generation. There clearly is not an interest in using speed enforcement as a safety matter as there's no officer involved and no warnings issued of potential dangers in that area (if any exist). Also, I grew up in that town and as long as I lived there, I couldn't tell you what the posted speed limit is on any of the roads anymore. For all I know there may not have even been a posted speed limit.
As a matter of principle, what the City of Hagerstown, Maryland doesn't realize is that I will no longer purchase any goods or services from businesses there. Which means no taxes collected from me. While I have reasons to visit there on occasion, I will be certain to refrain from contributing anything to their tax base. Also, I have no interest in buying anything from a community that supports money grabbing tactics like this.
I may only be one person. But I recognize greed pretty quickly and it is apparent to me that the city where I grew up is more interested today than ever, in greedy tactics to feed their government coffers.
You'll get my $40 City of Hagerstown, but it'll be the last $40 anyone in Hagerstown gets from me.
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