Which of the following scenarios is more likely to occur in your life? What is reasonable fear? Fear of --well, you decide.
You get struck by lightning.
Twice.
You get kidnapped for a ransom. Not nearly as likely in today's economy because no one can afford to pay a ransom..
You are mugged on the street of your hometown. Okay, if you live in Chicago, you might be more likely to experience this than in Center of Nothing Much, or another small town.
You are accosted by missionaries and forced to convert to a cult religion.
You are accosted by members of a religion and told that your own beliefs, which are supposedly the same as your assailant's, are a travesty and you are an embarrassment to your own faith.
You are accused of engaging in religious heresy, condemned to burn somewhere, including but not limited to Hell, for having a friend(s) that are members of an allegedly "heathen" religion. Or a satanic faith.
Yeah. It was that last one. Well, really the last two. And I did it without speaking a single word. But what I wrote, well...
All for saying that we ought, all of us, be kind, courteous and respectful of members of that supposedly heathen, satanic, horrific faith. And, while being courteous, there were also those encouraging words of, if you want someone to share the joy of your own faith or religion, a good way to do that is to show, by your own life example, that your own chosen path is the one of greatest happiness. You know, sort of giving someone something to think about, and to think they might also want what you have. Grass is greener and all of that.
Or if your friend is of a different faith and they don't want to change what they believe, well that is their choice. It's a free country, worship wise, here in these United States. And, truth to tell, we can all learn something from people that aren't all just like us. We can even learn sometimes that people that we thought held one belief about our own religions, did not, do not, and never did, hold those thoughts. But, I digress.
Heaven help me, I actually said that, on top of being courteous, Americans should realize that our own Constitution prohibits us from preventing any group from worship in accordance with their faith. And, if their putting up a house of worship is in all other respects legal, as to zoning and so on, there should be no prohibition on it.
Silly me. I am now, officially, going to Hell. No word on basket, hand basket or Hula Hoop as the mode of transport. But, I am hell bound, for encouraging we all be a little more like Miss Manners. And that we be courteous.
Yes, gulls and buoys, I have been banned by the Christians for supporting the fact of our President issuing a courteous Ramadan greeting to the Muslims among us. And, for supporting the construction of the community center in NYC, because it is legal under zoning laws, and being two blocks away from Ground Zero, could actually help people realize that, if the hijackers really did the deed, there is no reason to condemn 1.5 Billion people for the actions of less than 0.00000001 percent of them.
The Mafia didn't cause us to condemn all Italian Americans. The gangs of LA didn't make us condemn all, well you get my drift.
Anyway, it is now official I am officially persona non grata with people of my own faith, for supporting courtesy directed to people that are not of my faith. And, for the record, I am not going to stop being courteous. I will not dump my friends that are not of my faith. And, I will continue to support the lawful assembly for purposes of worship anywhere in this country. Period. No exceptions.
It do get curiouser and curiouser. But I am not going to fear. Any of them. Except the ones sending me to Hell for believing that all God's children are all God's children. No exceptions there either.
I am consoled though, in remembering the words of Einstein, now that I have been judged. "Whoever undertakes to set himself up as judge in the field of truth and knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the Gods."
Fear, it turns out, is an enemy of good manners. And the fear that leads to prejudice can set the gods off on a giggle jag. Let us all laugh at hypocrisy, laugh at prejudice, laugh especially at irrational fears.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Off to Work We Go
 | ||
| icanhascheezburger.com, thanks! |
Since I misplaced Einstein's favorite tie and shirt collar, this will have to do. The Management here is caught in a rather lengthy project, and will be back tomorrow. So, enjoy the day, keep up with the world, and let's get thinking about what is going on in that world. And, how we can make the world a better place. Einstein and I are off to edit, write and edit some more.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Alice, That Rabbit Hole Is Getting Crowded or, Unwell Orwell
The Atlantic published an article on the subject of Genetically Modified Organisms that become the very food on your table, and the labeling requirements of the FDA.
People understandably want to know lots of information about their food. Information such as Organic or Conventionally Produced. People also want to know if there are pesticides in the food, and some want to know if the food they eat is from GMO sources. Those GMO sources include genetically modified foods that have incorporated animal, fish or bacterial genes, the ability to make pesticides and herbicides within the very cells of the food, including the food that you put into your stomach. Some people just want to know if the corn on the cob they are eating at the Labor Day Picnic will be cranking out Monsanto Roundup (Reg. TMs of Monsanto), or not.
But this is what the Atlantic wrote.
So, full labeling is misleading to people that want full labeling.
Change? I think not.
Alice, step aside. We've fallen totally into that rabbit hole.
People understandably want to know lots of information about their food. Information such as Organic or Conventionally Produced. People also want to know if there are pesticides in the food, and some want to know if the food they eat is from GMO sources. Those GMO sources include genetically modified foods that have incorporated animal, fish or bacterial genes, the ability to make pesticides and herbicides within the very cells of the food, including the food that you put into your stomach. Some people just want to know if the corn on the cob they are eating at the Labor Day Picnic will be cranking out Monsanto Roundup (Reg. TMs of Monsanto), or not.
But this is what the Atlantic wrote.
Months ago there was the appointment of big-time GM/GE advocate (and former Monsanto lobbyist) Islam Siddiqui to Office of the United States Trade Representative as the country's chief agricultural negotiator . Now comes a position paper from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that opposes labeling for genetically modified food. The U.S. claims that letting consumers know whether or not food contains GM/GE products is "false, misleading, or deceptive."
You read that correctly. In Obama Newspeak, telling the public the truth is false, misleading, or deceptive, while concealing facts is not. Incidentally, the language is identical to that used by previous administrations. How's that for change? Atlantic
So, full labeling is misleading to people that want full labeling.
Change? I think not.
Alice, step aside. We've fallen totally into that rabbit hole.
Secret to their Success: Feds finally admit NOT testing seafood from oiled areas (VIDEO)
Secret to their Success: Feds finally admit NOT testing seafood from oiled areas (VIDEO)
We all know that if you don't look for something, you will not find that something. There is a corollary to that, which is, if you look in the wrong place for something, as in any place except where that something could be, you also will not find that something. Simple logic.
Lose your keys in the garage, don't look in the bedroom or the living room for them. Especially if you heard the keys hit the cement floor just before you realized they were lost.
Similarly, he Feds are NOT testing for oil in seafood in the oiled areas of the Gulf.
Of course, they won't find oil in seafood with those sorts of searching techniques.
Let us hope the FBI does a better job than the FDA at searching. Or, perhaps we should hope the FBI give lessons to the FDA on how to find something.
If people are sickened from oil in seafood, it won't be the federal government that will take the brunt of the blame. It will be the fishermen.
HT Alexander Higgins Blog
We all know that if you don't look for something, you will not find that something. There is a corollary to that, which is, if you look in the wrong place for something, as in any place except where that something could be, you also will not find that something. Simple logic.
Lose your keys in the garage, don't look in the bedroom or the living room for them. Especially if you heard the keys hit the cement floor just before you realized they were lost.
Similarly, he Feds are NOT testing for oil in seafood in the oiled areas of the Gulf.
Of course, they won't find oil in seafood with those sorts of searching techniques.
Let us hope the FBI does a better job than the FDA at searching. Or, perhaps we should hope the FBI give lessons to the FDA on how to find something.
If people are sickened from oil in seafood, it won't be the federal government that will take the brunt of the blame. It will be the fishermen.
HT Alexander Higgins Blog
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Buy A Book!
Our lives are so overloaded these days, we forget the simple pleasures of the dog days of summer. The thermometer is boiling, the sunshine blinding, the beaches crowded, and ice tea is barely cold enough to do the job of cooling anything.
As the ice cubes melt, at lightning speed, pick up a book, head outside and sit under a tree, and read.
So much of our reading is done on the computer, that we often forget about books. There are also those other devices, such as the Kindle, available from Amazon, other electronic reading devices from Apple.
Are you interested in a topic such as the origins of ice cream?
How about the breeding of dogs?
If you're interested in politics, you might want a book that teaches various methods of herding cats. [Little joke there, except of course to the cats. They never are herded...too much individuality to even think about joining a herd.]
Could you answer a question about the current status of Noah's Ark?
How about the myriad applications of poetry to improving your love life?
A perennial favorite subject of mine is the Constitution, and its incredible versatility to have functioned in an 18th Century newly formed nation, all the way through moon landings and the Internet.
If you want to learn about it, find a book. read a book. Make books your friends. You can read them without electricity, without any extra devices at all. Then again, if you like gadgets, there are electronic readers.
So, don the thinking cap, put on your reading glasses if you need them, and read. Then come back here and discuss those newly learned ideas and facts, new ways of looking at the history of ancient Greece to the history of your own hometown. Enjoy.
And, if fiction is your interest, then by all means escape into a book. Think of it as a vacation that you can enjoy for little more than the cost of a designer cup of coffee. With or without the brownie. In fact, get that coffee, the brownie, and the book. Afternoon delight, indeed!
As the ice cubes melt, at lightning speed, pick up a book, head outside and sit under a tree, and read.
So much of our reading is done on the computer, that we often forget about books. There are also those other devices, such as the Kindle, available from Amazon, other electronic reading devices from Apple.
Are you interested in a topic such as the origins of ice cream?
How about the breeding of dogs?
If you're interested in politics, you might want a book that teaches various methods of herding cats. [Little joke there, except of course to the cats. They never are herded...too much individuality to even think about joining a herd.]
Could you answer a question about the current status of Noah's Ark?
How about the myriad applications of poetry to improving your love life?
A perennial favorite subject of mine is the Constitution, and its incredible versatility to have functioned in an 18th Century newly formed nation, all the way through moon landings and the Internet.
If you want to learn about it, find a book. read a book. Make books your friends. You can read them without electricity, without any extra devices at all. Then again, if you like gadgets, there are electronic readers.
So, don the thinking cap, put on your reading glasses if you need them, and read. Then come back here and discuss those newly learned ideas and facts, new ways of looking at the history of ancient Greece to the history of your own hometown. Enjoy.
And, if fiction is your interest, then by all means escape into a book. Think of it as a vacation that you can enjoy for little more than the cost of a designer cup of coffee. With or without the brownie. In fact, get that coffee, the brownie, and the book. Afternoon delight, indeed!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Compromise Without Comprimising Our Values, Morals or Principles
"For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support." George Washington
Oh that pesky Mosque!
Some devout Christian people are running around like the nation is bound to turn into a Sharia law nation, despite the overwhelming number of Christians here and the clear Constitutional restrictions on any religion running this nation.
Some politicians are saying the mosque shouldn't be built, because it is a tough election year. That is a sure sign of how tightly the moral and democratic principles that undergird our Constitution are held by them.
Others are saying that, in principle, they have nothing against those Muslim people, but come on, Ground Zero? Just too much for a nation to take, even blocks away from the former WTC site.
It is time for a reality check.
The values this nation holds dear will only change if the people allow those values to change.
In the First Amendment, there shall be no law made prohibiting the free exercise of any religion by any coreligionists. Period. that means that government here cannot restrict the Methodists, the Buddhists, the Hindus, the Seventh Day Adventists, the Catholics, the Jewish (whether Orthodox, Conservative, or otherwise), or even Muslims from practicing their faith. And practicing faith requires a place for that practice, such as a sanctuary, a building, a synagogue, a room, a center, a parish house, or whatever -- makes it possible for members of the faith to come together in corporate worship of the deity, god, God, or Supreme Being, no matter how the subject of worship is defined.
Others have claimed that any mosque in NYC that is close to the WTC will be used as training ground for making more terrorists. Think back to before 911. None, not a one, of the alleged hijackers were trained within spitting distance of the WTC. Most received their training in other places, including that most notorious 'architect' of the whole day of horrors, who got his training in the buckle of the Bible Belt, aka Minnesota.
The reality is this. Any building, of any description, in any location, can be used as a training ground for any group. One can even take ground school for flight training in any third floor walk up, through the magic of computer programs for training. Similarly, one can learn any language in any location. One can also study peace in any location. And peace is what this mosque is going to be about. You can be certain of that.
The WTC area mosque will be preaching peace, cooperation, respect for others of any religion, and means and methods to assist people in coming together to solve their problems through discussion and understanding. This mosque and community center will be watched by everyone. There will be nothing done in that building that won't be known on the outside, and that is a good thing. We need to hear more about peace from all people. The Imam who is associated with the project has a history of preaching peace. Islam also has a history of respect for people of the Book and people that worship Christ.
After all the attention that has been given this project, the neighbors will also be watching. Eventually, reality will settle in, and the watching won't be so obvious. As a community center, there will be outreach into the community, and as a part of the surrounding community, it is pretty clear that the Cordoba Mosque will have to be very open, because that is what their mission is about. Openness to the community is what community centers are.
By definition.
So, my suggestion to all who are so upset about the WTC area mosque is this. Ask, request, and if necessary to soothe your own ruffled feathers, demand (but be aware the demand statement will only help label you as a person seeking governmental repression of Muslims in a certain part of the USA under the US Constitution), openness. Request the Cordoba Center also be open for many community services, such as support groups to assist addicts and their families, arts programs for children of any faith, activities for seniors of any faith, continuing education programs about local history, literacy programs and so on.
Ask the Cordoba Center to open its doors for prayer meetings where people can gather, from any faith, and openly pray for peace.
By ensuring the doors are open to all, and ensuring the community center is not just a gathering place behind closed doors as are so many secret societies, such as Skull and Bones, or even the Masonic Lodges, the understanding sought by the builders of this mosque and community center will be assured.
John F. Kennedy said that America is naturally opposed to closed societies and secrecy. We are a society that values openness in all organizations because openness increases trust. Most Americans know precious little about Islam, except what they hear in the news or read in the papers. And what they were told in the run-up to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Even our then President didn't know the difference between Sunni and Shiite in Iraq, and we all are still paying for that disastrous war of choice.
Too many Americans are still operating on the Us or Them, pick a side, politics. It goes double for religion, because we all tend to believe our own religion is the one, true and perfect faith. When the Cordoba Center is built, openness and welcoming the entire population of persons of good will to participate in its programs, will go far to making Islam welcome everywhere, even near a former center, emblematic of all moneymaking, banking, stock brokering, and commerce.
As for allowing the Cordoba Center to be a foothold into converting the US into a Muslim nation? You have to be kidding. The only way to make the US into a Sharia law nation, is to have all of us ignore the very bedrock of our Constitutional freedoms. That would be the First Amendment rights, which is the constitutional amendment upon which all other rights depend, relate or are affected by, based upon our long legal and judicial history.
Do not let the shrill voices demanding the Cordoba Center be banned sway you. The only effect that will come from our openly learning about adn living with Muslims, 99.99999 percent of which are people of peace, will be more peaceful relations among people in all places. Even in New York. The fact that the Cordoba Center is in the heart of New York, and has attracted so much attention, will ensure it receives more attention in the future for its good works. And if the works of that center turn out to be detrimental to any group or people, the good people of New York will arise as one in protest, a protest that will likely include Muslims of good heart and peaceful demeanor. That protest will then limit bad acts or ill intent, if any, are even contemplated.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Religious Freedom USA?
Lately, we've heard a lot about that troublesome Mosque, the Cordoba Center, in New York City.
Local authorities found that the project, slated for construction near, but not exactly on, the site of the former World Trade Center, was permissible under zoning laws.
Many of the supporters of the project noted that the Imams in New York City have assisted in the very difficult work of mending broken fences, broken walkways, and broken paths to dialogue between Christians, Jews, the non-religious and the Muslims. Add to the mix the fact that this is the month of Ramadan. It is that holy month in the Islamic religious calendar, and as such, has only drawn more attention to the fact that Muslims live and worship in America. And, some want to set up a community center and mosque in New York City.
The outcry against the mosque has been disheartening.
Based upon the terrorism of the few, the most minuscule portion of Muslims in terror activity, the entire population of Muslims have been labeled terrorists. Or violent. Or irrational. Or, and this is a personal un-favorite, Un-American. That last one goes for US citizens and not, without distinction.
Now, this may not make sense to those spouting hatred at an entire population for the acts they had nothing to do with, did not participate, would not participate in, and share no ideology with, those 'terrorists.' But, ever willing to crawl out on a limb, I am crawling here.
If we don't value religious freedom for Muslims, or any religious creed we do not share, or know little about, then we don't value religious freedom for anyone. That includes the Christians.
The Cordoba Center can be built wherever local authorities find that it can be built based on zoning laws.
Whether it is in good taste is another matter, and not one that I am touching with a ten foot pole.
But, please don't protest Islam as Islam. The Imams of New York didn't fly the planes in September, nine years ago. None of them gave the terrorists the papers which allowed those terrorists into this country without much question.
Some of the protests have even stated that our 'Christian' society is being dragged down into the depths of depravity, lo these past decades since Hugh Hefner brought Playboy into the mainstream press, and the Supreme Court still maintains that it cannot define porn, except to say they know it when they see it. And so, our movies, television and other entertainment goes further and further into that territory where the conscience can be, and will be shocked.
Seeing these protests, and hearing the fearful cries that the Muslims want to turn this into a Sharia law driven theocracy, I have to laugh. The Pew Center has conducted surveys of religious thought and distribution of various faiths in the US population, and Christians are still the clear majority. You can view the results here.
If this country becomes ruled by Sharia law, then our lawmakers are really more out of touch than I would think possible.
In other words, we don't have anything to fear from the Cordoba Center in New York. Is building this center a good idea? That is a question that won't be answered for a long time, and after much debate. But, if we don't recognize that Islam as a religion has as much freedom to be part of the US religious landscape, then we shall surely lose all religious faith.
Someone ought to ask the protesters that want Islam run out of the US, for good, one question. What will you do if the government of this nation decides that no religious faith gets any tax, assembly or other benefits? What will happen then?
Where will your mega-churches and blow-dried ministers be then? Where will your leaders, who have blamed everything from tornadoes to hurricanes wiping out major cities on the sins of film makers, parades by certain groups or whatever attack on marriage is the debauchery du jour?
Freedom of religion means freedom for all religions. No one is forcing anyone in the US to participate in any faith. Americans are free to worship in any way they see fit, or not to worship at all. Personal faith cannot be imposed on anyone, and only the individual can make that decision.
That is, unless we go back to state sponsored religion. And then, there will be no individual faith, no choice, no rights. Do we want to start on the path to exclude one religion based on the illegal and reprehensible acts that that religion has already decried?
It could be analogized to government condemning Catholicism due to the criminal actions of the Mafia. There was not overt connection, the Catholic Church decried the criminality of the Mob, and the analogy holds.
Do we want to mark the twenty-first century with a new form of Crusade or Inquisition?
Local authorities found that the project, slated for construction near, but not exactly on, the site of the former World Trade Center, was permissible under zoning laws.
Many of the supporters of the project noted that the Imams in New York City have assisted in the very difficult work of mending broken fences, broken walkways, and broken paths to dialogue between Christians, Jews, the non-religious and the Muslims. Add to the mix the fact that this is the month of Ramadan. It is that holy month in the Islamic religious calendar, and as such, has only drawn more attention to the fact that Muslims live and worship in America. And, some want to set up a community center and mosque in New York City.
The outcry against the mosque has been disheartening.
Based upon the terrorism of the few, the most minuscule portion of Muslims in terror activity, the entire population of Muslims have been labeled terrorists. Or violent. Or irrational. Or, and this is a personal un-favorite, Un-American. That last one goes for US citizens and not, without distinction.
Now, this may not make sense to those spouting hatred at an entire population for the acts they had nothing to do with, did not participate, would not participate in, and share no ideology with, those 'terrorists.' But, ever willing to crawl out on a limb, I am crawling here.
If we don't value religious freedom for Muslims, or any religious creed we do not share, or know little about, then we don't value religious freedom for anyone. That includes the Christians.
The Cordoba Center can be built wherever local authorities find that it can be built based on zoning laws.
Whether it is in good taste is another matter, and not one that I am touching with a ten foot pole.
But, please don't protest Islam as Islam. The Imams of New York didn't fly the planes in September, nine years ago. None of them gave the terrorists the papers which allowed those terrorists into this country without much question.
Some of the protests have even stated that our 'Christian' society is being dragged down into the depths of depravity, lo these past decades since Hugh Hefner brought Playboy into the mainstream press, and the Supreme Court still maintains that it cannot define porn, except to say they know it when they see it. And so, our movies, television and other entertainment goes further and further into that territory where the conscience can be, and will be shocked.
Seeing these protests, and hearing the fearful cries that the Muslims want to turn this into a Sharia law driven theocracy, I have to laugh. The Pew Center has conducted surveys of religious thought and distribution of various faiths in the US population, and Christians are still the clear majority. You can view the results here.
If this country becomes ruled by Sharia law, then our lawmakers are really more out of touch than I would think possible.
In other words, we don't have anything to fear from the Cordoba Center in New York. Is building this center a good idea? That is a question that won't be answered for a long time, and after much debate. But, if we don't recognize that Islam as a religion has as much freedom to be part of the US religious landscape, then we shall surely lose all religious faith.
Someone ought to ask the protesters that want Islam run out of the US, for good, one question. What will you do if the government of this nation decides that no religious faith gets any tax, assembly or other benefits? What will happen then?
Where will your mega-churches and blow-dried ministers be then? Where will your leaders, who have blamed everything from tornadoes to hurricanes wiping out major cities on the sins of film makers, parades by certain groups or whatever attack on marriage is the debauchery du jour?
Freedom of religion means freedom for all religions. No one is forcing anyone in the US to participate in any faith. Americans are free to worship in any way they see fit, or not to worship at all. Personal faith cannot be imposed on anyone, and only the individual can make that decision.
That is, unless we go back to state sponsored religion. And then, there will be no individual faith, no choice, no rights. Do we want to start on the path to exclude one religion based on the illegal and reprehensible acts that that religion has already decried?
It could be analogized to government condemning Catholicism due to the criminal actions of the Mafia. There was not overt connection, the Catholic Church decried the criminality of the Mob, and the analogy holds.
Do we want to mark the twenty-first century with a new form of Crusade or Inquisition?
You Wanted What, When?
It's happened to all of us. We say we're going to do something and forget that one of the following options in having made that promise was, well excessive.
As in too optimistic for words.
Like, the time you said it was not a problem to finish that ten page paper, buy you forgot that you'd be playing a gig that night and you also forgot you only owned 1 page of knowledge for said paper.
Or, the time you told your Mum you'd happily come over and weed the garden, but then the day of weeding approached, and the thermometer was breaking out of the 90's, heading toward 110, and the humidity was giving the temperature a run for its money. And, you don't do well in heat.
Plus, that cute guy you wanted to have ask you out, or the girl you really wanted to ask out, told you they'd be free for a picnic that day, and high temperatures and humidity were suddenly not too much of a problem.
Or, you got into a book and you couldn't put it down, even if you've not had more than an hour of sleep in the past three nights, due to that very book. Plus, you didn't want anyone to know it was War and Peace that caused your insomnia.
Okay, those are all excuses for the younger group. After all, in the work world, there aren't many excuses that get you out of doing something or other.
Except possibly this one.
You are a week away from homeless, you've not been paid in five months, and the idiot that's not writing checks wants more and more free labor.
Now, what would you do? Go to work on that "other" job? Do an additional paying gig? Tell the nonpaying idiot that you are not really up for much more indentured servitude?
Well, which is it?
In this economy, jobs are tight. But, what would you do, only to hang onto the title "employed?"
Inquiring minds and all that.
As in too optimistic for words.
Like, the time you said it was not a problem to finish that ten page paper, buy you forgot that you'd be playing a gig that night and you also forgot you only owned 1 page of knowledge for said paper.
Or, the time you told your Mum you'd happily come over and weed the garden, but then the day of weeding approached, and the thermometer was breaking out of the 90's, heading toward 110, and the humidity was giving the temperature a run for its money. And, you don't do well in heat.
Plus, that cute guy you wanted to have ask you out, or the girl you really wanted to ask out, told you they'd be free for a picnic that day, and high temperatures and humidity were suddenly not too much of a problem.
Or, you got into a book and you couldn't put it down, even if you've not had more than an hour of sleep in the past three nights, due to that very book. Plus, you didn't want anyone to know it was War and Peace that caused your insomnia.
Okay, those are all excuses for the younger group. After all, in the work world, there aren't many excuses that get you out of doing something or other.
Except possibly this one.
You are a week away from homeless, you've not been paid in five months, and the idiot that's not writing checks wants more and more free labor.
Now, what would you do? Go to work on that "other" job? Do an additional paying gig? Tell the nonpaying idiot that you are not really up for much more indentured servitude?
Well, which is it?
In this economy, jobs are tight. But, what would you do, only to hang onto the title "employed?"
Inquiring minds and all that.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Some Days Are Just Some Days
The house looks no better than it did the first day you moved in, and you've still got the same boxes, some half unpacked, to prove it.
The cat is threatening to go on strike if there isn't a really big change really soon.
You find said feline moving the vacuum from the closet to the center of the living room.
You notice little notes written in the dust on top of the piano.
And, to cap it off, you know you had a book that was overdue at the library, and it's now disappeared for the fifth time in two weeks.
The laundry is about the height of Mount Everest, and the hamper has three trash bags of dirty stuff waiting for a wash.
The kitchen sink remains full of the same dishes that were there a week ago.
And now, you find this note on the fridge.
Okay, I get the hint. Time to clean up the joint.
Thanks to http://icanhascheezburger.com/ for the fun with cats. They really are better than television.
The cat is threatening to go on strike if there isn't a really big change really soon.
You find said feline moving the vacuum from the closet to the center of the living room.
You notice little notes written in the dust on top of the piano.
And, to cap it off, you know you had a book that was overdue at the library, and it's now disappeared for the fifth time in two weeks.
The laundry is about the height of Mount Everest, and the hamper has three trash bags of dirty stuff waiting for a wash.
The kitchen sink remains full of the same dishes that were there a week ago.
And now, you find this note on the fridge.
 | |
| I didn't know the cat knew how to operate the camera, print the pics, and still he managed to tape it to the door! |
Thanks to http://icanhascheezburger.com/ for the fun with cats. They really are better than television.
Back In The Day...
There are many things about America that make this country the greatest in the world. The ability to adjust to changing circumstances is one of them. The failure to change wisely is, sadly, also among our characteristics.
In looking back, we can see our media and communications have affected our views, which have changed as the times have changed. Those changes are obvious to anyone approaching or living in the land of double nickels and beyond.
We have become a nation, perhaps so different from the 1950's America that a person who traveled in time from the days of the Eisenhower presidency to today's government by an immensely more powerful presidency, headed by Barack Obama. Or, is it the Rahm Emmanuel presidency? The Wall Street presidency?
There is, in this post, no intention to compare and cry out, 'get us back to the fifties!' Not at all.
So, forget about finding declarations of gooder or badder. Just ignore that debate, lets look at one of those "then and now" comparison lists. And when you have, send a comment and let us know what you think.
Here at "A WIT", we're not endorsing the list. The only endorsement here is one of seeking your thoughts on the comparisons. So, the keys are under your fingers. Take a moment, and comment below. Thanks.
Note: Images from Google images
In looking back, we can see our media and communications have affected our views, which have changed as the times have changed. Those changes are obvious to anyone approaching or living in the land of double nickels and beyond.
We have become a nation, perhaps so different from the 1950's America that a person who traveled in time from the days of the Eisenhower presidency to today's government by an immensely more powerful presidency, headed by Barack Obama. Or, is it the Rahm Emmanuel presidency? The Wall Street presidency?
There is, in this post, no intention to compare and cry out, 'get us back to the fifties!' Not at all.
So, forget about finding declarations of gooder or badder. Just ignore that debate, lets look at one of those "then and now" comparison lists. And when you have, send a comment and let us know what you think.
1950: The total U.S. national debt is about 257 million dollars.
2010: The U.S. national debt is increasing by over 4 billion dollars per day.
1950: If a member of Congress doesn't tell the truth it is a felony.
2010: If a member of Congress doesn't tell the truth they are just playing politics.
1950: Americans dress up in suits and dresses to get on an airplane.
2010: Americans are forced to walk through full body security scanners that give gawking security workers a clear view of their naked bodies before they can get on an airplane.
1950: American schoolchildren openly read the Word of God and pray in public schools.
2010: Attempting to read your Bible or pray in a public school will get you slapped with a lawsuit by the ACLU.
1950: Wealth redistribution is considered communist and anti-American.
2010: Wealth redistribution is the official policy of the U.S. government.
1950: The U.S. Constitution is deeply loved and highly revered.
2010: Federal authorities are instructed to be on the lookout for anyone who talks about the U.S. Constitution too much because they might be a domestic terrorist.
1950: Mass murderers are executed and unborn babies are protected by law.
2010: Unborn babies are being mass murdered and mass murderers are protected by law from being executed in many states.
1950: We mobilize the entire U.S. military to protect the borders of South Korea.
2010: The U.S. government barely lifts a finger to do anything about the millions of gang members, drug dealers and serial criminals that are pouring across America's borders.
1950: We actually attempt to parent our children.
2010: We pump our kids full of Ritalin and let video games and television raise our children.
The list is from the Truth Wins website. I found it by chance, after searching for a 'compare and contrast' list,, all as part of my getting my brain ready for the New Year that we prepare for every August. It's the start of the school year, and in order to find where you are going, you have to know where you have been. After all, by looking back, you can at least figure out the general direction you are going --whether north to south, or east to west.
1950: If a company makes too many bad decisions they go out of business.
2010: If you have connections in high places or you are "too big to fail" your business gets bailed out by the U.S. government.
Here at "A WIT", we're not endorsing the list. The only endorsement here is one of seeking your thoughts on the comparisons. So, the keys are under your fingers. Take a moment, and comment below. Thanks.
Note: Images from Google images
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Hail the King Of New York Hacks, Cabbie Royalty-- Worth A Visit
This blog caught my attention because of the name. I'll be honest. I've ridden in a few NY cabs, and never once was I thinking I was in the presence of royalty.
This cabbie though has the royal thing down to a science. He has a big heart, is able to separate the useless foolish from foolishness that demands a change or repair.
Check it out. He can be found at King of New York Hacks
Recognizing the hazard of working as a bike messenger, and as a cab driver, likely the participant in many close calls with bikers racing to get documents and stuff from one office to another location, his post on ghost bike memorials touched me. I've lost friends in bike accidents, and have had a few very close calls myself.
For example, it is unlikely that this memorial is the cause of anything other than a moment of thought for the poor biker that died on that spot.
Bicycling for a living can be dangerous. Chicago is fortunate. We have Mayor Daley and the Mayor likes his bike. Thus, Chicago has lots of bicycle lanes, but we need more. The Second City has too many places where memorials, like this from New York, could be erected to the memory of a biker whose life was taken too soon in an encounter with a car, truck or bus.
The New York Sanitation Department, as is true in most cities, also picks up bikes that are abandoned on the street, sometimes getting a very expensive bit of work equipment for those bike messengers. Bikes, used by professionals like messengers, can cost an arm or a leg, and one bad accident can literally remove the appendage from the biker.
It might not look like much here, but it could be valuable. If such a bike is truly abandoned, or hasn't been used in days and days, it could be one of those random acts of kindness to try connecting the bike with its owner before the garbage man sends it to rot in a landfill.
I found a beloved bike just that way, though I was strolling through an alleyway when good fortune struck me in the form of the perfect city bike for just riding around. After it was overhauled, repaired and got new tires (mine still had wheels), I was suddenly the proud owner of a new bicycle for everyday trips to the grocery, the library and for riding along Lake Michigan.
Keep an eye out for those abandoned bicycles, because sometime you are looking at a thousand dollars of bike frame (wheels and other bits are extra), and keeping those abandoned bikes out of landfills is a service. It keeps a good machine from being wasted, and sometimes a grateful biker will have a day of happiness when they are reconnected with their frame.
On the other hand, sometimes bikes are on the street, locked up, and are just a funny bit of sculpture. Mayor Bloomberg, lighten up! Realistic sculpture doesn't have to be a Rodin to be beautiful.
Thank you Your Excellency, King of the New York Hacks. The post you wrote reminds us all, no matter where we live, that bikers are part of the transportation system and need our respect. Respect keeps us all safe.
And best wishes to you. To all readers, get the bike out. Go for a ride. Be safe, and enjoy the road.
This cabbie though has the royal thing down to a science. He has a big heart, is able to separate the useless foolish from foolishness that demands a change or repair.
Check it out. He can be found at King of New York Hacks
Recognizing the hazard of working as a bike messenger, and as a cab driver, likely the participant in many close calls with bikers racing to get documents and stuff from one office to another location, his post on ghost bike memorials touched me. I've lost friends in bike accidents, and have had a few very close calls myself.
For example, it is unlikely that this memorial is the cause of anything other than a moment of thought for the poor biker that died on that spot.
Bicycling for a living can be dangerous. Chicago is fortunate. We have Mayor Daley and the Mayor likes his bike. Thus, Chicago has lots of bicycle lanes, but we need more. The Second City has too many places where memorials, like this from New York, could be erected to the memory of a biker whose life was taken too soon in an encounter with a car, truck or bus.
The New York Sanitation Department, as is true in most cities, also picks up bikes that are abandoned on the street, sometimes getting a very expensive bit of work equipment for those bike messengers. Bikes, used by professionals like messengers, can cost an arm or a leg, and one bad accident can literally remove the appendage from the biker.
It might not look like much here, but it could be valuable. If such a bike is truly abandoned, or hasn't been used in days and days, it could be one of those random acts of kindness to try connecting the bike with its owner before the garbage man sends it to rot in a landfill.
I found a beloved bike just that way, though I was strolling through an alleyway when good fortune struck me in the form of the perfect city bike for just riding around. After it was overhauled, repaired and got new tires (mine still had wheels), I was suddenly the proud owner of a new bicycle for everyday trips to the grocery, the library and for riding along Lake Michigan.
Keep an eye out for those abandoned bicycles, because sometime you are looking at a thousand dollars of bike frame (wheels and other bits are extra), and keeping those abandoned bikes out of landfills is a service. It keeps a good machine from being wasted, and sometimes a grateful biker will have a day of happiness when they are reconnected with their frame.
On the other hand, sometimes bikes are on the street, locked up, and are just a funny bit of sculpture. Mayor Bloomberg, lighten up! Realistic sculpture doesn't have to be a Rodin to be beautiful.
Thank you Your Excellency, King of the New York Hacks. The post you wrote reminds us all, no matter where we live, that bikers are part of the transportation system and need our respect. Respect keeps us all safe.
And best wishes to you. To all readers, get the bike out. Go for a ride. Be safe, and enjoy the road.
President Obama's Ramadan Statement--What's The Big Deal?
President Obama made a statement about Ramadan, saying:
This has angered some, and made others concerned. Others feel that it is just common courtesy in a secular society, which the US has been since its inception, that recognizes that some of the US population are celebrating a holiday. Period. The US is about 80 percent Christian. Of the remaining 20 percent, there are people celebrating a large number of other religions, including Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Islam.
The Muslims have been with us since before the founding of the Republic. In those times, the Muslims that came here often came a slaves. Slaves in any society are not a powerful group, and the small numbers of Muslims were not all centered in discreet communities, but mingled among us, and among the Native Americans.
Muslims are here, were here, and will remain in the US. They are US citizens, and our society values all members of our society, even if that value is truly only found on paper, in a bank account, or is evidenced by lip service.
Those that are angry about the presence of Muslims in the US bring up September 11 as a reason for hating the entire group. Collectively, those that distrust or dislike Muslims, are tarring the entire group for the actions of a fanatic few. Now, I am not addressing the issue of whether or not there were 19 Muslim fanatics that hijacked planes, drove them into buildings and caused those buildings to disintegrate into fine dust, falling to earth at freefall speed, all while the defense systems in this great nation failed simultaneously and spectacularly on that horrific day. In other words, we're not going to discuss who did 911 here and now. Hold that thought for later, please.
Let's get back to the topic at hand.
Considering that Muslims constitute 0.6 percent of the American populace, they are hardly a massively frightening bloc in our society.
The Founders of this nation also recognized that Muslims, or as they called them then, Mahometans, and did not do anything to block or impede their participation in society. Also, many of the early Muslims that came to this nation did convert to Christianity.
From Wikipedia: [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_in_the_United_States"]Islam in the United States[/url]
[quote]An early Egyptian immigrant is mentioned in the accounts of the Dutch settlers of the Catskills Mountains and recorded in the 1884 History of Greene County, New York. According to this tradition, an Egyptian named "Norsereddin" settled in the Catskills in the vicinity of the Catskill Mountain House. He befriended the Indian chief, Shandaken, and sought the hand of his daughter Lotowana in marriage. Rejected, he poisoned Lotowana and in consequence was caught and burned alive.
In 1776, John Adams published "Thoughts on Government," in which he praises the Prophet Mahomet (Mohammed) as a "sober inquirer after truth" alongside Confucius, Zoroaster, Socrates, and other "pagan and Christian" thinkers.
In 1785, George Washington stated a willingness to hire "Mahometans," as well as people of any nation or religion, to work on his private estate at Mount Vernon if they were "good workmen."
In 1790, the South Carolina legislative body granted special legal status to a community of Moroccans, twelve years after the Sultan of Morocco became the first foreign head of state to formally recognize the United States.[27] In 1796, then president John Adams signed a treaty declaring the United States had no "character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen".
In his autobiography, published in 1791, Benjamin Franklin stated that he "did not disapprove" of a meeting place in Pennsylvania that was designed to accommodate preachers of all religions. Franklin wrote that "even if the Mufti of Constantinople were to send a missionary to preach Mohammedanism to us, he would find a pulpit at his service."[29]
Thomas Jefferson defended religious freedom in America including those of Muslims. Jefferson explicitly mentioned Muslims when writing about the movement for religious freedom in Virginia. In his autobiography Jefferson wrote "[When] the [Virginia] bill for establishing religious freedom... was finally passed,... a singular proposition proved that its protection of opinion was meant to be universal. Where the preamble declares that coercion is a departure from the plan of the holy author of our religion, an amendment was proposed, by inserting the word 'Jesus Christ,' so that it should read 'a departure from the plan of Jesus Christ, the holy author of our religion.' The insertion was rejected by a great majority, in proof that they meant to comprehend within the mantle of its protection the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and Mahometan, the Hindoo and infidel of every denomination." While President, Jefferson also participated in an iftar with the Ambassador of Tunisia in 1809.[/quote]
If you explore the areas of engineering, architecture and the sciences, many of the developments were first done in Muslim nations, such as Iran. The same can also be said of the many contributions of engineers, doctors, scientists and architects here in the US.
From [url="http://www.muslimsinamerica.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=28"]Muslims In America, a non-profit organization[/url]:
Muslims were retained to assist the US Cavalry in the rearing, breeding and management of horses. In 1775 Peter Salem fought in the battle of Bunker Hill. On our side. Morocco was one of the first countries to recognize the US as independent.
[quote]In 1797 the Treaty of Tripole in Article 11 reads:
Article 11. As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.
The treaty was signed at Tripoli on November 4, 1796 and at Algiers on January 3, 1797, finally receiving ratification from the U.S. Senate on June 7, 1797 and signed by President John Adams on June 10, 1797.[/quote]
In all, there are many pages of facts about the contributions of Muslims in the development of this nation. Sure, they weren't as many or as powerful as the Christians, but back then, it was more likely that a Muslim would be from Africa, and as such, they would most likely be slaves. Slaves generally hold little if any power in themselves due to their status as slaves.
At present, we are a secular nation. It is not in the American character to go after a group, to criticize a group, or to ostracize a group based upon their religion. I don't fear Islam at all in America. I believe that the greatest threat to this nation is anti-Christian behavior and policies, which is totally off topic here.
One of my heroes in the building of the United States is Thomas Jefferson.
[quote]n 1791 Thomas Jefferson led the fight for religious freedom and separation of church and state in his native Virginia. This brought him into conflict with the Anglican Church, the established church in Virginia. After a long and bitter debate, Jefferson's statute for religious freedom passed the state legislature. In Jefferson's words, there was now "freedom for the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and the Mohammedan, the Hindu and infidel of every denomination." The bill guaranteed, in Jefferson's own words, "that no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place or ministry whatsoever." It guaranteed, too, that no one should suffer in any way for his "religious opinions or belief." Introduced in 1779, the bill did not become law until 1786, when, through the leadership of Legislator James Madison, it was enacted by the General Assembly. When the First Amendment to the Constitution went into effect in 1791, Jefferson's principle of separation of church and state became part of the supreme law of the land. [/quote]
As a result of his efforts to make America an inclusive society, guaranteeing freedoms and rights to all, we have the First Amendment. That simple paragraph is the very bedrock of freedom in this country.
The reality is that this is a nation that doesn't prevent any religion from existing here, nor does the US ever prevent anyone from practicing their religion. The reality is also that, for the less than one percent of the populace that Islam represents in the US, they cannot be a threat to the Christian nature of this country unless we allow them to take over our laws. The problems that Europe has had with Islamization of their laws and the effects upon their culture have come about because the nations there did not stand up and insist that Islamization not occur, when matters such as removal of Christian symbols, or demeaning Christian morals and values arose. A small issue such as retaining the word "God" in the pledge is simply this. No one can take away our right to hold "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, unless we stand silently by and allow it.
The only way Sharia law will come to the statute books of the US is if legislators are crooked enough to allow it to happen. Or, if the people are silent enough not to cause the discomfort to legislators forcing laws to remain in an American vs. Sharia form and focus. Reelection fears drive more policy than anything else. Make an elected official fear for his/her job, and they will do whatever they are able to hold their office.
I don't have a problem with Presidential recognition of various religious holidays. It is a political act and statement, akin to kind words and playing nice with the other kids on the ball field. I would be more offended if he hadn't said anything nice about this major holiday of Islam. After all, we are trying to win hearts and minds, and political fluffery like this is pretty non-offensive when you think about it.
Presidents have always recognized other religions than what is the majority in the nation. We are still a Christian nation, judging by the identification of the majority of the populace (approximately 80-85 percent), identifying themselves as Christian, whether by true belief in the chapter by chapter, verse by verse variety, or the more culturally popular, Rapture-Crapture variety.
Now, most all of the Christians aren't going to be the hard-line variety. Like Judaism, which in this country is usually referring to cultural members of the Jewish community, rather than strict followers of that faith, Christian identification in surveys often allows those that label themselves as such, based on family background, not current church affiliation or belief in their hearts and souls.
Every year, the President acknowledges the Jewish faith at Yom Kippur and Hanukkah. He recognizes the Christians at Christmas and Easter. (Arrrgh! on Easter, but I digress based on my views relating to the whole false doctrine of Rapture, but I digress. Again.) Presidents have noted Buddhism and Hinduism. Our leaders have also given polite statements and speeches regarding religions such as the Baha'i faith, or the Sikh religion when leaders of those faiths show up at the White House.
Do Presbyterians get upset when the Pope is given the red carpet treatment while the Moderator of the General Assembly merely gets a handshake in the Oval Office? I think not.
Mr. Obama's statement was not an endorsement of the Muslim faith, but a nod to note that we can open our hearts to the people that believe in Islam, because that is a civilized thing to do in a secular country with a prohibition on any particular state religion.
Of course, none of this stops any of presently irate Christians that view Mr. Obama's statement as an endorsement of Islam, from letting Muslims know how they feel in a polite fashion. If they believe that Islam is missing something in its doctrines, because Christians believe that Christ is the only one way to God, that's okay. Christians are free in this country to witness, without even speaking a word, through their daily actions. I am not encouraging these enraged Christians to go and preach every day to every Muslim they meet or know.
I am only saying that sometimes the most effective witness a member of any community of faith has is to show, by their actions, what their faith is about. If one is a faithful Christian, the believing that Christians have 'something' others will never experience without getting what real Christian faith, then let actions speak louder than words.
So, let Mr. Obama be nice to the Muslims. And may the month of Ramadan be a blessing to us all.
On behalf of the American people, Michelle and I want to extend our best wishes to Muslims in America and around the world. Ramadan Kareem.
Ramadan is a time when Muslims around the world reflect upon the wisdom and guidance that comes with faith, and the responsibility that human beings have to one another, and to God. This is a time when families gather, friends host iftars, and meals are shared. But Ramadan is also a time of intense devotion and reflection—a time when Muslims fast during the day and pray during the night; when Muslims provide support to others to advance opportunity and prosperity for people everywhere. For all of us must remember that the world we want to build—and the changes that we want to make—must begin in our own hearts, and our own communities.
These rituals remind us of the principles that we hold in common, and Islam’s role in advancing justice, progress, tolerance, and the dignity of all human beings. Ramadan is a celebration of a faith known for great diversity and racial equality. And here in the United States, Ramadan is a reminder that Islam has always been part of America and that American Muslims have made extraordinary contributions to our country. And today, I want to extend my best wishes to the 1.5 billion Muslims around the world—and your families and friends—as you welcome the beginning of Ramadan.
I look forward to hosting an Iftar dinner celebrating Ramadan here at the White House later this week, and wish you a blessed month.
May God’s peace be upon you.
Photo courtesy of LA Times
This has angered some, and made others concerned. Others feel that it is just common courtesy in a secular society, which the US has been since its inception, that recognizes that some of the US population are celebrating a holiday. Period. The US is about 80 percent Christian. Of the remaining 20 percent, there are people celebrating a large number of other religions, including Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Islam.
The Muslims have been with us since before the founding of the Republic. In those times, the Muslims that came here often came a slaves. Slaves in any society are not a powerful group, and the small numbers of Muslims were not all centered in discreet communities, but mingled among us, and among the Native Americans.
Muslims are here, were here, and will remain in the US. They are US citizens, and our society values all members of our society, even if that value is truly only found on paper, in a bank account, or is evidenced by lip service.
Those that are angry about the presence of Muslims in the US bring up September 11 as a reason for hating the entire group. Collectively, those that distrust or dislike Muslims, are tarring the entire group for the actions of a fanatic few. Now, I am not addressing the issue of whether or not there were 19 Muslim fanatics that hijacked planes, drove them into buildings and caused those buildings to disintegrate into fine dust, falling to earth at freefall speed, all while the defense systems in this great nation failed simultaneously and spectacularly on that horrific day. In other words, we're not going to discuss who did 911 here and now. Hold that thought for later, please.
Let's get back to the topic at hand.
Considering that Muslims constitute 0.6 percent of the American populace, they are hardly a massively frightening bloc in our society.
The Founders of this nation also recognized that Muslims, or as they called them then, Mahometans, and did not do anything to block or impede their participation in society. Also, many of the early Muslims that came to this nation did convert to Christianity.
From Wikipedia: [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_in_the_United_States"]Islam in the United States[/url]
[quote]An early Egyptian immigrant is mentioned in the accounts of the Dutch settlers of the Catskills Mountains and recorded in the 1884 History of Greene County, New York. According to this tradition, an Egyptian named "Norsereddin" settled in the Catskills in the vicinity of the Catskill Mountain House. He befriended the Indian chief, Shandaken, and sought the hand of his daughter Lotowana in marriage. Rejected, he poisoned Lotowana and in consequence was caught and burned alive.
In 1776, John Adams published "Thoughts on Government," in which he praises the Prophet Mahomet (Mohammed) as a "sober inquirer after truth" alongside Confucius, Zoroaster, Socrates, and other "pagan and Christian" thinkers.
In 1785, George Washington stated a willingness to hire "Mahometans," as well as people of any nation or religion, to work on his private estate at Mount Vernon if they were "good workmen."
In 1790, the South Carolina legislative body granted special legal status to a community of Moroccans, twelve years after the Sultan of Morocco became the first foreign head of state to formally recognize the United States.[27] In 1796, then president John Adams signed a treaty declaring the United States had no "character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen".
In his autobiography, published in 1791, Benjamin Franklin stated that he "did not disapprove" of a meeting place in Pennsylvania that was designed to accommodate preachers of all religions. Franklin wrote that "even if the Mufti of Constantinople were to send a missionary to preach Mohammedanism to us, he would find a pulpit at his service."[29]
Thomas Jefferson defended religious freedom in America including those of Muslims. Jefferson explicitly mentioned Muslims when writing about the movement for religious freedom in Virginia. In his autobiography Jefferson wrote "[When] the [Virginia] bill for establishing religious freedom... was finally passed,... a singular proposition proved that its protection of opinion was meant to be universal. Where the preamble declares that coercion is a departure from the plan of the holy author of our religion, an amendment was proposed, by inserting the word 'Jesus Christ,' so that it should read 'a departure from the plan of Jesus Christ, the holy author of our religion.' The insertion was rejected by a great majority, in proof that they meant to comprehend within the mantle of its protection the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and Mahometan, the Hindoo and infidel of every denomination." While President, Jefferson also participated in an iftar with the Ambassador of Tunisia in 1809.[/quote]
If you explore the areas of engineering, architecture and the sciences, many of the developments were first done in Muslim nations, such as Iran. The same can also be said of the many contributions of engineers, doctors, scientists and architects here in the US.
From [url="http://www.muslimsinamerica.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=28"]Muslims In America, a non-profit organization[/url]:
Muslims were retained to assist the US Cavalry in the rearing, breeding and management of horses. In 1775 Peter Salem fought in the battle of Bunker Hill. On our side. Morocco was one of the first countries to recognize the US as independent.
[quote]In 1797 the Treaty of Tripole in Article 11 reads:
Article 11. As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.
The treaty was signed at Tripoli on November 4, 1796 and at Algiers on January 3, 1797, finally receiving ratification from the U.S. Senate on June 7, 1797 and signed by President John Adams on June 10, 1797.[/quote]
In all, there are many pages of facts about the contributions of Muslims in the development of this nation. Sure, they weren't as many or as powerful as the Christians, but back then, it was more likely that a Muslim would be from Africa, and as such, they would most likely be slaves. Slaves generally hold little if any power in themselves due to their status as slaves.
At present, we are a secular nation. It is not in the American character to go after a group, to criticize a group, or to ostracize a group based upon their religion. I don't fear Islam at all in America. I believe that the greatest threat to this nation is anti-Christian behavior and policies, which is totally off topic here.
One of my heroes in the building of the United States is Thomas Jefferson.
[quote]n 1791 Thomas Jefferson led the fight for religious freedom and separation of church and state in his native Virginia. This brought him into conflict with the Anglican Church, the established church in Virginia. After a long and bitter debate, Jefferson's statute for religious freedom passed the state legislature. In Jefferson's words, there was now "freedom for the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and the Mohammedan, the Hindu and infidel of every denomination." The bill guaranteed, in Jefferson's own words, "that no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place or ministry whatsoever." It guaranteed, too, that no one should suffer in any way for his "religious opinions or belief." Introduced in 1779, the bill did not become law until 1786, when, through the leadership of Legislator James Madison, it was enacted by the General Assembly. When the First Amendment to the Constitution went into effect in 1791, Jefferson's principle of separation of church and state became part of the supreme law of the land. [/quote]
As a result of his efforts to make America an inclusive society, guaranteeing freedoms and rights to all, we have the First Amendment. That simple paragraph is the very bedrock of freedom in this country.
The reality is that this is a nation that doesn't prevent any religion from existing here, nor does the US ever prevent anyone from practicing their religion. The reality is also that, for the less than one percent of the populace that Islam represents in the US, they cannot be a threat to the Christian nature of this country unless we allow them to take over our laws. The problems that Europe has had with Islamization of their laws and the effects upon their culture have come about because the nations there did not stand up and insist that Islamization not occur, when matters such as removal of Christian symbols, or demeaning Christian morals and values arose. A small issue such as retaining the word "God" in the pledge is simply this. No one can take away our right to hold "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, unless we stand silently by and allow it.
The only way Sharia law will come to the statute books of the US is if legislators are crooked enough to allow it to happen. Or, if the people are silent enough not to cause the discomfort to legislators forcing laws to remain in an American vs. Sharia form and focus. Reelection fears drive more policy than anything else. Make an elected official fear for his/her job, and they will do whatever they are able to hold their office.
I don't have a problem with Presidential recognition of various religious holidays. It is a political act and statement, akin to kind words and playing nice with the other kids on the ball field. I would be more offended if he hadn't said anything nice about this major holiday of Islam. After all, we are trying to win hearts and minds, and political fluffery like this is pretty non-offensive when you think about it.
Presidents have always recognized other religions than what is the majority in the nation. We are still a Christian nation, judging by the identification of the majority of the populace (approximately 80-85 percent), identifying themselves as Christian, whether by true belief in the chapter by chapter, verse by verse variety, or the more culturally popular, Rapture-Crapture variety.
Now, most all of the Christians aren't going to be the hard-line variety. Like Judaism, which in this country is usually referring to cultural members of the Jewish community, rather than strict followers of that faith, Christian identification in surveys often allows those that label themselves as such, based on family background, not current church affiliation or belief in their hearts and souls.
Every year, the President acknowledges the Jewish faith at Yom Kippur and Hanukkah. He recognizes the Christians at Christmas and Easter. (Arrrgh! on Easter, but I digress based on my views relating to the whole false doctrine of Rapture, but I digress. Again.) Presidents have noted Buddhism and Hinduism. Our leaders have also given polite statements and speeches regarding religions such as the Baha'i faith, or the Sikh religion when leaders of those faiths show up at the White House.
Do Presbyterians get upset when the Pope is given the red carpet treatment while the Moderator of the General Assembly merely gets a handshake in the Oval Office? I think not.
Mr. Obama's statement was not an endorsement of the Muslim faith, but a nod to note that we can open our hearts to the people that believe in Islam, because that is a civilized thing to do in a secular country with a prohibition on any particular state religion.
Of course, none of this stops any of presently irate Christians that view Mr. Obama's statement as an endorsement of Islam, from letting Muslims know how they feel in a polite fashion. If they believe that Islam is missing something in its doctrines, because Christians believe that Christ is the only one way to God, that's okay. Christians are free in this country to witness, without even speaking a word, through their daily actions. I am not encouraging these enraged Christians to go and preach every day to every Muslim they meet or know.
I am only saying that sometimes the most effective witness a member of any community of faith has is to show, by their actions, what their faith is about. If one is a faithful Christian, the believing that Christians have 'something' others will never experience without getting what real Christian faith, then let actions speak louder than words.
So, let Mr. Obama be nice to the Muslims. And may the month of Ramadan be a blessing to us all.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Global Climate Change
Global Warming.
Global Climate Change.
Human Induced Climate Change.
Too Much Guck in the Air Makes Warmth.
Global Weather Getting Really Weird.
If you're going to start a blog, start big. Big issues. Issues that are, or aren't reality based.
Let's start on a biggie. Global Climate Change is the new moniker for what has been touted as the effect end of change induced by the industrialization of the world. Carbon dioxide is the current culprit, although I think the real culprit is money. Climate change may not be real, but there is a real reality. Industry spews forth pollution, which may or may not affect weather as it fouls the air.
So, there are two competing problems. We have too much junk coming out of smokestacks, tailpipes and chimneys. Agreed. We also have too much of that junk being carbon dioxide, which is making the planet into a giant greenhouse, and causing the land and oceans to warm. Not so clear on that particular effect.
The way out is for a global system to be put into place where the rich nations pay through their collective noses, for the reason that they have in the past, had industry that polluted and made all that carbon float around 'up there' which makes the planet warm.
Some say it's the smoke, some say it is the effect of the activity on the Sun. Sunspots affect warmth that goes from Sun to planet, which has meant in the past couple of decades, planets without any known carbon-burning industry are also getting warmer.
So, which is it? And what should we do about it?
There are papers and videos on both sides. John Coleman, founder of the Weather Channel, had this to say. Check out: Al Gore Sued by 30,000 Scientists for Global Climate Change Fraud
Then again, the National Geographic has this to say: National Geographic on Climate Change
Recent videos also show points that do not point to carbon dioxide based climate change. Climate Change Air Con
There are inconvenient truths on both sides. Yet the question must be asked, which is the good science? which facts are true facts, and which facts are merely propaganda?
There are some among us looking forward to the next Ice Age, or more likely, Mini-Ice Age. That would put us back into the cooler climes of the Middle Ages to the early 1800s. Cooling is Coming
I could link sites until the cows come home, and beyond. This is not a simple question I have asked.
But, in all of this is another question. Even if Climate Change isn't happening, shouldn't we clean up what comes out of industries, cars and smokestacks, so as to keep the air from being polluted in general?
Probably yes.
Is it an inconvenient truth that the Sun's activity changes, making planets like Mars, Jupiter and Uranus, none of which are covered in factories making cars or furniture, just happened to coincide with the Industrial Revolution? And, if that coincidence is all that is going on, climate change wise that is, then isn't it a better thing to prevent all the other junk factories produce from fouling the air? That wouldn't be a problem that cannot be solved by purchasing a swap, such as is being proposed with the carbon swaps.
Applying bad science to the wrong problem is not the way to achieve a good result that makes sense. CO2 pumping into the atmosphere, while a problem, might not be the problem that made the temperatures around the world go up, and up, and up.
Well, that's the question. Check back for updates, but do check back.
And remember, we can get all sorts of answers to questions, but if those answers are to the wrong questions, the policy we make will be fatally flawed.
Global Climate Change.
Human Induced Climate Change.
Too Much Guck in the Air Makes Warmth.
Global Weather Getting Really Weird.
If you're going to start a blog, start big. Big issues. Issues that are, or aren't reality based.
Let's start on a biggie. Global Climate Change is the new moniker for what has been touted as the effect end of change induced by the industrialization of the world. Carbon dioxide is the current culprit, although I think the real culprit is money. Climate change may not be real, but there is a real reality. Industry spews forth pollution, which may or may not affect weather as it fouls the air.
So, there are two competing problems. We have too much junk coming out of smokestacks, tailpipes and chimneys. Agreed. We also have too much of that junk being carbon dioxide, which is making the planet into a giant greenhouse, and causing the land and oceans to warm. Not so clear on that particular effect.
The way out is for a global system to be put into place where the rich nations pay through their collective noses, for the reason that they have in the past, had industry that polluted and made all that carbon float around 'up there' which makes the planet warm.
Some say it's the smoke, some say it is the effect of the activity on the Sun. Sunspots affect warmth that goes from Sun to planet, which has meant in the past couple of decades, planets without any known carbon-burning industry are also getting warmer.
So, which is it? And what should we do about it?
There are papers and videos on both sides. John Coleman, founder of the Weather Channel, had this to say. Check out: Al Gore Sued by 30,000 Scientists for Global Climate Change Fraud
Then again, the National Geographic has this to say: National Geographic on Climate Change
Recent videos also show points that do not point to carbon dioxide based climate change. Climate Change Air Con
There are inconvenient truths on both sides. Yet the question must be asked, which is the good science? which facts are true facts, and which facts are merely propaganda?
There are some among us looking forward to the next Ice Age, or more likely, Mini-Ice Age. That would put us back into the cooler climes of the Middle Ages to the early 1800s. Cooling is Coming
I could link sites until the cows come home, and beyond. This is not a simple question I have asked.
But, in all of this is another question. Even if Climate Change isn't happening, shouldn't we clean up what comes out of industries, cars and smokestacks, so as to keep the air from being polluted in general?
Probably yes.
Is it an inconvenient truth that the Sun's activity changes, making planets like Mars, Jupiter and Uranus, none of which are covered in factories making cars or furniture, just happened to coincide with the Industrial Revolution? And, if that coincidence is all that is going on, climate change wise that is, then isn't it a better thing to prevent all the other junk factories produce from fouling the air? That wouldn't be a problem that cannot be solved by purchasing a swap, such as is being proposed with the carbon swaps.
Applying bad science to the wrong problem is not the way to achieve a good result that makes sense. CO2 pumping into the atmosphere, while a problem, might not be the problem that made the temperatures around the world go up, and up, and up.
Well, that's the question. Check back for updates, but do check back.
And remember, we can get all sorts of answers to questions, but if those answers are to the wrong questions, the policy we make will be fatally flawed.
Welcome!
This is a new blog designed for you, the reader, to think about matters that affect us in our communities, our states, regions, nations and the world at large.
Issues that will be discussed here will include the deadly duo -- politics and religion.
And, we'll discuss matters of health, eating, customs, traditions, the weather, future plans and industry. We'll touch on business, education and the news. Matters that matter to you will be fair game for discussion.
Here are the rules, which are few and pretty simple.
First, and most important is this. You MUST be polite.
Everyone will be welcome here, and there are no age limits. Yet. If you want to start a topic, email the Administrators, and it will happen.
Comments will be posted after the blog post that they reference.
If you are making a comment, please feel free to link to pictures, videos, articles published elsewhere. If you are quoting, you must include attribution. This is not negotiable. And, if you are quoting, please keep the quotes as small as possible to avoid copyright infringement.
Finally, when you post here, please include a way to get back to you by using the same identity for all posts on this blog. If your name on your drivers license is not Anonymous, don't use it here.
Plus, according to many historians, Anonymous was a woman. So, keep that in mind too. (That woman thing was a popular bit of graffiti in the late 60s and early 70s, so there is no attribution possible, except if you go to the Student Union building at the University of Minnesota, you can find it on the walls of the restrooms located nearest the streets leading to the Medical Center. That is, if the various rounds of redecorating haven't taken all that ancient graffiti out by now.
So, let's get going. Let's add in our voices to the conversation.
Issues that will be discussed here will include the deadly duo -- politics and religion.
And, we'll discuss matters of health, eating, customs, traditions, the weather, future plans and industry. We'll touch on business, education and the news. Matters that matter to you will be fair game for discussion.
Here are the rules, which are few and pretty simple.
First, and most important is this. You MUST be polite.
Everyone will be welcome here, and there are no age limits. Yet. If you want to start a topic, email the Administrators, and it will happen.
Comments will be posted after the blog post that they reference.
If you are making a comment, please feel free to link to pictures, videos, articles published elsewhere. If you are quoting, you must include attribution. This is not negotiable. And, if you are quoting, please keep the quotes as small as possible to avoid copyright infringement.
Finally, when you post here, please include a way to get back to you by using the same identity for all posts on this blog. If your name on your drivers license is not Anonymous, don't use it here.
Plus, according to many historians, Anonymous was a woman. So, keep that in mind too. (That woman thing was a popular bit of graffiti in the late 60s and early 70s, so there is no attribution possible, except if you go to the Student Union building at the University of Minnesota, you can find it on the walls of the restrooms located nearest the streets leading to the Medical Center. That is, if the various rounds of redecorating haven't taken all that ancient graffiti out by now.
So, let's get going. Let's add in our voices to the conversation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)