I never understood why people would want to live in any area that may get decimated every year.
I think about the constant question people ask about natural disasters "why would God do such things to innocent people?"
God isn't anything if he isn't predictable
These disasters happen every year just about.
mudslides, fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, etc.
It's not like it's a big surprise.
It's like these people are gambling
Why would you build a house and cross your fingers hoping you won't be the next victim of an inevitable disaster?
I guess I don't blame insurance companies now. I was kinda pissed when I first learned that I'd have to buy separate policies for flooding and earthquakes. Those policies costing more than my entire homeowner's package.
22 March 2009
13 March 2009
Economic solution: Split 'em up
We're getting screwed by banks that are "too big to fail"
Put them all on the chopping block.
If I had my way, all companies would be local. There wouldn't be any companies that had nationwide service.
The most I would allow is franchising.
I'd enact a law stating that a company can only operate within a city.
I would, once again, separate retail banks, investment banks, and insurance companies.
Put them all on the chopping block.
If I had my way, all companies would be local. There wouldn't be any companies that had nationwide service.
The most I would allow is franchising.
I'd enact a law stating that a company can only operate within a city.
I would, once again, separate retail banks, investment banks, and insurance companies.
12 January 2009
Power of Myths
I believe all sacred texts are myths in the literal sense of the word.
This does not mean they are false, made-up or fiction.
A traditional, typically ancient story dealing with supernatural beings, ancestors, or heroes that serves as a fundamental type in the worldview of a people, as by explaining aspects of the natural world or delineating the psychology, customs, or ideals of society
A myth is like a legend in being possibly historical and certainly unverifiable, but its chief distinction is that it claims to explain or account for some natural phenomenon or religious or other human convention or institution.
06 January 2009
Tort Reform
Simple. Loser Pays
I'm not going to pretend I made this up
Civil Suits: "Loser-Pays makes lawsuits fairer in Europe.
Law Blog - WSJ.com : A Look at Loser-Pays Litigation
I believe this is the case in a few states. I think it should be the rule throughout America.
My basic stolen idea is that the loser of any lawsuit pays court fees. I'm not going to go so far as to say they should pay lawyer fees.
I'd also allow judges to make exceptions to the loser-pay rule as they see fit. This includes making the loser pay lawyer fees.
I don't think there should be any other restrictions on lawsuits. If you wanna sue someone, you should be able to sue whomever you want, for whatever reason, and for however much you want.
But, if you lose, you pay the full bill.
Though I do wonder where they come up with some of these figures in lawsuits.
Like in a car accident. I can understand the cost of repairing or replacing the car. Medical expenses. Wages lost due to time off work (in hospital and recuperation)
In medical malpractice. All medical costs. Wages lost due to time off work. The kicker is if the procedure was permanently debilitating. How do you put a price on that. The cost of living for the rest of that person's life? The yearly salary for that person for the rest of their life?
I'm not going to pretend I made this up
Civil Suits: "Loser-Pays makes lawsuits fairer in Europe.
Law Blog - WSJ.com : A Look at Loser-Pays Litigation
I believe this is the case in a few states. I think it should be the rule throughout America.
My basic stolen idea is that the loser of any lawsuit pays court fees. I'm not going to go so far as to say they should pay lawyer fees.
I'd also allow judges to make exceptions to the loser-pay rule as they see fit. This includes making the loser pay lawyer fees.
I don't think there should be any other restrictions on lawsuits. If you wanna sue someone, you should be able to sue whomever you want, for whatever reason, and for however much you want.
But, if you lose, you pay the full bill.
Though I do wonder where they come up with some of these figures in lawsuits.
Like in a car accident. I can understand the cost of repairing or replacing the car. Medical expenses. Wages lost due to time off work (in hospital and recuperation)
In medical malpractice. All medical costs. Wages lost due to time off work. The kicker is if the procedure was permanently debilitating. How do you put a price on that. The cost of living for the rest of that person's life? The yearly salary for that person for the rest of their life?
04 January 2009
Universal Health Care
Quality, Affordable Health Care for All
Don't know what that should look like though
The best option would be individual health care savings accounts.
That would be great if health care was actually affordable.
Utopia would be that I would only pay for health care when I need it and it would be affordable.
I'd get rid of insurance companies
Health care insurance says we know that health care costs too much so we'll pool together money from many different people and use that money to pay for care of patients.
I would rather health care insurance be democratic. Ran by those who pay into it.
Hospitals competing for business
Upfront competitive costs
Patients actively shop for health care. Not just take what they are given
Deregulate health care. It's a practice not an exact science
Allow alternative medicine providers more freedom in the market.
With that comes the increased responsibility of giving the patient more information as to what they are getting themselves into
Don't know what that should look like though
The best option would be individual health care savings accounts.
That would be great if health care was actually affordable.
Utopia would be that I would only pay for health care when I need it and it would be affordable.
I'd get rid of insurance companies
Health care insurance says we know that health care costs too much so we'll pool together money from many different people and use that money to pay for care of patients.
I would rather health care insurance be democratic. Ran by those who pay into it.
Hospitals competing for business
Upfront competitive costs
Patients actively shop for health care. Not just take what they are given
Deregulate health care. It's a practice not an exact science
Allow alternative medicine providers more freedom in the market.
With that comes the increased responsibility of giving the patient more information as to what they are getting themselves into
Green Party: Ten Key Values
1. GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY
Every human being deserves a say in the decisions that affect their lives and not be subject to the will of another. Therefore, we will work to increase public participation at every level of government and to ensure that our public representatives are fully accountable to the people who elect them. We will also work to create new types of political organizations which expand the process of participatory democracy by directly including citizens in the decision-making process.
2. SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
All persons should have the rights and opportunity to benefit equally from the resources afforded us by society and the environment. We must consciously confront in ourselves, our organizations, and society at large, barriers such as racism and class oppression, sexism and homophobia, ageism and disability, which act to deny fair treatment and equal justice under the law.
3. ECOLOGICAL WISDOM
Human societies must operate with the understanding that we are part of nature, not separate from nature. We must maintain an ecological balance and live within the ecological and resource limits of our communities and our planet. We support a sustainable society which utilizes resources in such a way that future generations will benefit and not suffer from the practices of our generation. To this end we must practice agriculture which replenishes the soil; move to an energy efficient economy; and live in ways that respect the integrity of natural systems.
4. NON-VIOLENCE
It is essential that we develop effective alternatives to society’s current patterns of violence. We will work to demilitarize, and eliminate weapons of mass destruction, without being naive about the intentions of other governments. We recognize the need for self-defense and the defense of others who are in helpless situations. We promote non-violent methods to oppose practices and policies with which we disagree, and will guide our actions toward lasting personal, community and global peace.
5. DECENTRALIZATION
Centralization of wealth and power contributes to social and economic injustice, environmental destruction, and militarization. Therefore, we support a restructuring of social, political and economic institutions away from a system which is controlled by and mostly benefits the powerful few, to a democratic, less bureaucratic system. Decision-making should, as much as possible, remain at the individual and local level, while assuring that civil rights are protected for all citizens.
6. COMMUNITY-BASED ECONOMICS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE
We recognize it is essential to create a vibrant and sustainable economic system, one that can create jobs and provide a decent standard of living for all people while maintaining a healthy ecological balance. A successful economic system will offer meaningful work with dignity, while paying a “living wage” which reflects the real value of a person’s work.
Local communities must look to economic development that assures protection of the environment and workers’ rights; broad citizen participation in planning; and enhancement of our “quality of life.” We support independently owned and operated companies which are socially responsible, as well as co-operatives and public enterprises that distribute resources and control to more people through democratic participation.
7. FEMINISM AND GENDER EQUITY
We have inherited a social system based on male domination of politics and economics. We call for the replacement of the cultural ethics of domination and control with more cooperative ways of interacting that respect differences of opinion and gender. Human values such as equity between the sexes, interpersonal responsibility, and honesty must be developed with moral conscience. We should remember that the process that determines our decisions and actions is just as important as achieving the outcome we want.
8. RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY
We believe it is important to value cultural, ethnic, racial, sexual, religious and spiritual diversity, and to promote the development of respectful relationships across these lines.
We believe that the many diverse elements of society should be reflected in our organizations and decision-making bodies, and we support the leadership of people who have been traditionally closed out of leadership roles. We acknowledge and encourage respect for other life forms than our own and the preservation of biodiversity.
9. PERSONAL AND GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY
We encourage individuals to act to improve their personal well-being and, at the same time, to enhance ecological balance and social harmony. We seek to join with people and organizations around the world to foster peace, economic justice, and the health of the planet.
10. FUTURE FOCUS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Our actions and policies should be motivated by long-term goals. We seek to protect valuable natural resources, safely disposing of or “unmaking” all waste we create, while developing a sustainable economics that does not depend on continual expansion for survival. We must counterbalance the drive for short-term profits by assuring that economic development, new technologies, and fiscal policies are responsible to future generations who will inherit the results of our actions.
*I'm still an independent, but this spiel sure sounds good*
Every human being deserves a say in the decisions that affect their lives and not be subject to the will of another. Therefore, we will work to increase public participation at every level of government and to ensure that our public representatives are fully accountable to the people who elect them. We will also work to create new types of political organizations which expand the process of participatory democracy by directly including citizens in the decision-making process.
2. SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
All persons should have the rights and opportunity to benefit equally from the resources afforded us by society and the environment. We must consciously confront in ourselves, our organizations, and society at large, barriers such as racism and class oppression, sexism and homophobia, ageism and disability, which act to deny fair treatment and equal justice under the law.
3. ECOLOGICAL WISDOM
Human societies must operate with the understanding that we are part of nature, not separate from nature. We must maintain an ecological balance and live within the ecological and resource limits of our communities and our planet. We support a sustainable society which utilizes resources in such a way that future generations will benefit and not suffer from the practices of our generation. To this end we must practice agriculture which replenishes the soil; move to an energy efficient economy; and live in ways that respect the integrity of natural systems.
4. NON-VIOLENCE
It is essential that we develop effective alternatives to society’s current patterns of violence. We will work to demilitarize, and eliminate weapons of mass destruction, without being naive about the intentions of other governments. We recognize the need for self-defense and the defense of others who are in helpless situations. We promote non-violent methods to oppose practices and policies with which we disagree, and will guide our actions toward lasting personal, community and global peace.
5. DECENTRALIZATION
Centralization of wealth and power contributes to social and economic injustice, environmental destruction, and militarization. Therefore, we support a restructuring of social, political and economic institutions away from a system which is controlled by and mostly benefits the powerful few, to a democratic, less bureaucratic system. Decision-making should, as much as possible, remain at the individual and local level, while assuring that civil rights are protected for all citizens.
6. COMMUNITY-BASED ECONOMICS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE
We recognize it is essential to create a vibrant and sustainable economic system, one that can create jobs and provide a decent standard of living for all people while maintaining a healthy ecological balance. A successful economic system will offer meaningful work with dignity, while paying a “living wage” which reflects the real value of a person’s work.
Local communities must look to economic development that assures protection of the environment and workers’ rights; broad citizen participation in planning; and enhancement of our “quality of life.” We support independently owned and operated companies which are socially responsible, as well as co-operatives and public enterprises that distribute resources and control to more people through democratic participation.
7. FEMINISM AND GENDER EQUITY
We have inherited a social system based on male domination of politics and economics. We call for the replacement of the cultural ethics of domination and control with more cooperative ways of interacting that respect differences of opinion and gender. Human values such as equity between the sexes, interpersonal responsibility, and honesty must be developed with moral conscience. We should remember that the process that determines our decisions and actions is just as important as achieving the outcome we want.
8. RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY
We believe it is important to value cultural, ethnic, racial, sexual, religious and spiritual diversity, and to promote the development of respectful relationships across these lines.
We believe that the many diverse elements of society should be reflected in our organizations and decision-making bodies, and we support the leadership of people who have been traditionally closed out of leadership roles. We acknowledge and encourage respect for other life forms than our own and the preservation of biodiversity.
9. PERSONAL AND GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY
We encourage individuals to act to improve their personal well-being and, at the same time, to enhance ecological balance and social harmony. We seek to join with people and organizations around the world to foster peace, economic justice, and the health of the planet.
10. FUTURE FOCUS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Our actions and policies should be motivated by long-term goals. We seek to protect valuable natural resources, safely disposing of or “unmaking” all waste we create, while developing a sustainable economics that does not depend on continual expansion for survival. We must counterbalance the drive for short-term profits by assuring that economic development, new technologies, and fiscal policies are responsible to future generations who will inherit the results of our actions.
*I'm still an independent, but this spiel sure sounds good*
03 January 2009
Gender Subversion Kit
FOR EVERY GIRL WHO IS TIRED OF ACTING WEAK WHEN SHE IS STRONG, THERE IS A BOY TIRED OF APPEARING STRONG WHEN HE FEELS VULNERABLE.
FOR EVERY BOY WHO IS BURDENED WITH THE CONSTANT EXPECTATION OF KNOWING EVERYTHING, THERE IS A GIRL TIRED OF PEOPLE NOT TRUSTING HER INTELLIGENCE.
FOR EVERY GIRL WHO IS TIRED OF BEING CALLED OVER-SENSITIVE, THERE IS A BOY WHO FEARS TO BE GENTLE, TO WEEP.
FOR EVERY BOY FOR WHOM COMPETITION IS THE ONLY WAY TO PROVE HIS MASCULINITY, THERE IS A GIRL WHO IS CALLED UNFEMININE WHEN SHE COMPETES.
FOR EVERY GIRL WHO THROWS OUT HER E-Z-BAKE OVEN, THERE IS A BOY WHO WISHES TO FIND ONE.
FOR EVERY BOY STRUGGLING NOT TO LET ADVERTISING DICTATE HIS DESIRES, THERE IS A GIRL FACING THE AD INDUSTRY’S ATTACKS ON HER SELF-ESTEEM.
FOR EVERY GIRL WHO TAKES A STEP TOWARD HER LIBERATION, THERE IS A BOY WHO FINDS THE WAY TO FREEDOM A LITTLE EASIER.
Adapted from a poem by Nancy R. Smith. CrimethInc. Gender Subversion Kit #69-B. Copies of this poster are availble individually and in bulk quantities from CrimethInc. Genders Anonymous / PO Box 1963 / Olympia WA 98507 or if waiting ain’t your thing, go to www.crimethinc.com.
FOR EVERY BOY WHO IS BURDENED WITH THE CONSTANT EXPECTATION OF KNOWING EVERYTHING, THERE IS A GIRL TIRED OF PEOPLE NOT TRUSTING HER INTELLIGENCE.
FOR EVERY GIRL WHO IS TIRED OF BEING CALLED OVER-SENSITIVE, THERE IS A BOY WHO FEARS TO BE GENTLE, TO WEEP.
FOR EVERY BOY FOR WHOM COMPETITION IS THE ONLY WAY TO PROVE HIS MASCULINITY, THERE IS A GIRL WHO IS CALLED UNFEMININE WHEN SHE COMPETES.
FOR EVERY GIRL WHO THROWS OUT HER E-Z-BAKE OVEN, THERE IS A BOY WHO WISHES TO FIND ONE.
FOR EVERY BOY STRUGGLING NOT TO LET ADVERTISING DICTATE HIS DESIRES, THERE IS A GIRL FACING THE AD INDUSTRY’S ATTACKS ON HER SELF-ESTEEM.
FOR EVERY GIRL WHO TAKES A STEP TOWARD HER LIBERATION, THERE IS A BOY WHO FINDS THE WAY TO FREEDOM A LITTLE EASIER.
Adapted from a poem by Nancy R. Smith. CrimethInc. Gender Subversion Kit #69-B. Copies of this poster are availble individually and in bulk quantities from CrimethInc. Genders Anonymous / PO Box 1963 / Olympia WA 98507 or if waiting ain’t your thing, go to www.crimethinc.com.
26 December 2008
They almost got me
Libertarian Platform Preamble
As Libertarians, we seek a world of liberty; a world in which all individuals are sovereign over their own lives and no one is forced to sacrifice his or her values for the benefit of others.
We believe that respect for individual rights is the essential precondition for a free and prosperous world, that force and fraud must be banished from human relationships, and that only through freedom can peace and prosperity be realized.
Consequently, we defend each person's right to engage in any activity that is peaceful and honest, and welcome the diversity that freedom brings. The world we seek to build is one where individuals are free to follow their own dreams in their own ways, without interference from government or any authoritarian power.
As Libertarians, we seek a world of liberty; a world in which all individuals are sovereign over their own lives and no one is forced to sacrifice his or her values for the benefit of others.
We believe that respect for individual rights is the essential precondition for a free and prosperous world, that force and fraud must be banished from human relationships, and that only through freedom can peace and prosperity be realized.
Consequently, we defend each person's right to engage in any activity that is peaceful and honest, and welcome the diversity that freedom brings. The world we seek to build is one where individuals are free to follow their own dreams in their own ways, without interference from government or any authoritarian power.
Gladwell's Five Steps to Success
1. Find meaning and inspiration in your work.
2. Work hard.
3. Discover the relationship between effort and reward.
4. Seek out complex work to avoid boredom and repetition.
5. Be autonomous and control your own destiny as much as possible.
Malcolm Gladwell
2. Work hard.
3. Discover the relationship between effort and reward.
4. Seek out complex work to avoid boredom and repetition.
5. Be autonomous and control your own destiny as much as possible.
Malcolm Gladwell
RD: How does a kid become the next Bill Gates or Tiger Woods?
Gladwell: Both of these men had parents who allowed their children to focus almost exclusively on what brought them joy and what they were good at. And both of them were able, as children, to invest an extraordinary amount of time in pursuing that particular passion. Again, not just a little time. The magic number for them, for Mozart, and for so many outliers, as I call them, appears to be 10,000 hours.
21 December 2008
The Pluralism Project
Mission
I'm very interested in this project. Hopefully, I can get involved one day.
Our mission is to help Americans engage with the realities of religious diversity through research, outreach, and the active dissemination of resources.
I'm very interested in this project. Hopefully, I can get involved one day.
20 December 2008
Wiccan Rede
Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust.
Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.
For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.
Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name,
let love and light be our guides again.
Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune.
Widdershins go when the moon doth wane,
and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.
When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek.
Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.
When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest.
Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows.
Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's
insight. Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower.
Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland.
Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye.
Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility.
Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen.
Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark.
As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows watch for flowers through the snows.
When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lamas night power is brought to magick rite.
Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules.
In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached it's height time for Oak and Holly to fight.
Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the Lady blessed you'll be.
Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.
With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow wear the star upon your brow.
Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you.
These Eight words the Rede fulfill:
"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"
05 December 2008
Presidential Speeches
Every presidential speech, press conference, or any statement to the public should include 3 components
Inform the people, give them a brief summary and then tell them where to go to get more info
Tell the people how you are going to address the issue
Give the people mandates.
The last being the most important. The people need a leader. The people need someone to give them direction. The people need to feel empowered and clear tasking is one way to do this.
I wish the president would stick to their constitutional duty of Commander and Chief; but I doubt anybody is going to give up the power that we, in our ignorance, allowed them to have. They use this power to lead the government and the military; but not the people.
I think the best thing that could ever come out of this administration is to get the people fully involved. People seem to believe that voting is the most important civic duty. I believe voting is pretty important; but more important is being informed and making choices that will aid in the progression of our country. I think our most important civic duties are laid out in the first amendment. Freedom of speech, Freedom of assembly and freedom to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
"Ask not what your country can do for you..."
As president it is vital to start telling the people what they can do for their country.
I know President-Elect Obama has addressed this idea; but I think it should be given a lot more importance over the next four to eight years. I honestly don't think He can fix this country by himself. We all need to get our hands dirty and work for true progress.
Inform the people, give them a brief summary and then tell them where to go to get more info
Tell the people how you are going to address the issue
Give the people mandates.
The last being the most important. The people need a leader. The people need someone to give them direction. The people need to feel empowered and clear tasking is one way to do this.
I wish the president would stick to their constitutional duty of Commander and Chief; but I doubt anybody is going to give up the power that we, in our ignorance, allowed them to have. They use this power to lead the government and the military; but not the people.
I think the best thing that could ever come out of this administration is to get the people fully involved. People seem to believe that voting is the most important civic duty. I believe voting is pretty important; but more important is being informed and making choices that will aid in the progression of our country. I think our most important civic duties are laid out in the first amendment. Freedom of speech, Freedom of assembly and freedom to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
"Ask not what your country can do for you..."
As president it is vital to start telling the people what they can do for their country.
I know President-Elect Obama has addressed this idea; but I think it should be given a lot more importance over the next four to eight years. I honestly don't think He can fix this country by himself. We all need to get our hands dirty and work for true progress.
Isn't it Ironic
So, the whole reason we're in this economic mess is because banks gave loans to people who they KNEW couldn't afford it or didn't know how to manage their money.
Then the govt.'s solution is to give loans to banks that don't know how to manage their money
People complain about socialism
The govt. can't own businesses because they'll just fuck it up
The American people allowed banks to own America... and they fucked it up
People complain about bureaucracy and bloated govt.
How do you let banks get so bloated that their failure causes the downfall of our economy?
And wasn't the great depression partially caused by the banks loaning people money to invest in the stock market? Now banks are loaning people money to invest in real estate...
Then the govt.'s solution is to give loans to banks that don't know how to manage their money
People complain about socialism
The govt. can't own businesses because they'll just fuck it up
The American people allowed banks to own America... and they fucked it up
People complain about bureaucracy and bloated govt.
How do you let banks get so bloated that their failure causes the downfall of our economy?
And wasn't the great depression partially caused by the banks loaning people money to invest in the stock market? Now banks are loaning people money to invest in real estate...
15 November 2008
Bank Socialism
Bank ownership of property
Do you own your house that you pay mortgage on? No the bank owns it
Do you own your car that you make payments on? No the bank owns it
Do you own the items you purchased on your credit card that is not payed off. no the bank owns it
Our credit based economy has turned us into a form of socialism
Where the means of production and distribution are controlled by the banks.
With the option for private ownership or the option for state ownership.
Are we really living in a capitalist society?
Do you own your house that you pay mortgage on? No the bank owns it
Do you own your car that you make payments on? No the bank owns it
Do you own the items you purchased on your credit card that is not payed off. no the bank owns it
Our credit based economy has turned us into a form of socialism
Where the means of production and distribution are controlled by the banks.
With the option for private ownership or the option for state ownership.
Are we really living in a capitalist society?
12 November 2008
Gay the new Black?
A Blogger compared the current fight for gay rights to the civil rights movement of the 60's and was told by her friend that we, as gays, had no business comparing our struggle to that of African Americans.
Her reply was... well, I'll just link it from SheWired
I would have approached the comment a little differently.
First stating that we are all United States citizens who are guaranteed equal protection of the law. The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states.
This country was founded on the idea that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
And since the inception of this country, our society (including our government) has not been living up to that ideal.
Realize that this fight for equal rights has been fought over and over again for each marginalized group in this country. The fight has been slightly different for each. We've all come out of it wounded. Some worse than others. Some are still healing. Some of us are still hurting.
I know it is difficult to see past my own suffering to see someone else suffer. But if we can do that then we'll realize that we can aid in healing each other.
The only way we can end this fight is if we come together.
I would assume it would be painful to carry such a tumultuous history and have to deal with such injustices today; and then see those same injustices that your ancestors fought against, used against someone else.
I'd assume that seeing the fight in the gay community would cause some old wounds to open up and compel you to fight with us.
They're using the same tactics and the same arguments to deny our equality. To even deny our humanity.
They're destroying our families, our livelihoods, our dreams. They're taking our lives.
We can't let this continue in America, for anyone. We have to come together so that EVERYONE can pursue the life, liberty, and happiness we are entitled to.
Her reply was... well, I'll just link it from SheWired
I would have approached the comment a little differently.
First stating that we are all United States citizens who are guaranteed equal protection of the law. The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states.
This country was founded on the idea that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
And since the inception of this country, our society (including our government) has not been living up to that ideal.
Realize that this fight for equal rights has been fought over and over again for each marginalized group in this country. The fight has been slightly different for each. We've all come out of it wounded. Some worse than others. Some are still healing. Some of us are still hurting.
I know it is difficult to see past my own suffering to see someone else suffer. But if we can do that then we'll realize that we can aid in healing each other.
The only way we can end this fight is if we come together.
I would assume it would be painful to carry such a tumultuous history and have to deal with such injustices today; and then see those same injustices that your ancestors fought against, used against someone else.
I'd assume that seeing the fight in the gay community would cause some old wounds to open up and compel you to fight with us.
They're using the same tactics and the same arguments to deny our equality. To even deny our humanity.
They're destroying our families, our livelihoods, our dreams. They're taking our lives.
We can't let this continue in America, for anyone. We have to come together so that EVERYONE can pursue the life, liberty, and happiness we are entitled to.
Prop 8 and the Black Church
The Bible and Slavery.
The Bible is a very tricky book. The Bible was used to justify slavery. BUT, at the same EXACT time, the Bible was used by the Black community to overcome. Black spirituality was key in helping blacks survive slavery. The Bible and The Church was used to overcome segregation.
People use the Bible in whatever way they can to help their OWN agenda.
Gay rights isn't a part of the Black community's agenda. It's just not. Why not? Many gay black people are in the closet and if they do come out they are shunned by most black church goers. And that's a lot of people to be shunned by. That's life.
I never really wanted to see it; but now I think many white people really do have a hard time understanding (or don't want understand) the black community.
For some odd reason, I wanted to give people the benefit of the doubt. To say that being black in America really isn't that hard to understand. That the black experience really wasn't all that different than the white experience; but from what I'm hearing... I was way off.
The Bible is a very tricky book. The Bible was used to justify slavery. BUT, at the same EXACT time, the Bible was used by the Black community to overcome. Black spirituality was key in helping blacks survive slavery. The Bible and The Church was used to overcome segregation.
People use the Bible in whatever way they can to help their OWN agenda.
Gay rights isn't a part of the Black community's agenda. It's just not. Why not? Many gay black people are in the closet and if they do come out they are shunned by most black church goers. And that's a lot of people to be shunned by. That's life.
I never really wanted to see it; but now I think many white people really do have a hard time understanding (or don't want understand) the black community.
For some odd reason, I wanted to give people the benefit of the doubt. To say that being black in America really isn't that hard to understand. That the black experience really wasn't all that different than the white experience; but from what I'm hearing... I was way off.
After thinking about it a while, I stand by my original idea. Being black in America isn't that hard to understand. I realized that there aren't too many people actually trying to understand it. Too many people coming to conclusions about the black community when they haven't bothered studying the history.
You can't be disappointed when you already know what's going to happen. I KNEW that black church goers were NOT/NEVER/NO Way going to vote to support gay rights. Not going to happen.
It was a no-brainer. ESPECIALLY, when the no on prop 8 activist blatantly excluded the black community from their campaign.... WTF did you expect to happen?
I'm hearing a lot of people who thought they were automatically going to get a majority of the black vote because of some shared sense of oppression... that's pretty f'in naive.
A community isn't going to go against the religious institution that has been their ROCK since their ancestors came to this country in chains.
If the Church brought the black community out of it's oppression; they aren't going to go against the church. ESPECIALLY, if the church is the main force that his bringing them throuh their current troubles.
"The disappointment many of us (white People) feel is that we were able to rise above our prejudices and vote for Obama, but many in the black community stuck by their prejudices against us"
I'm going to have to call bullshit on that one or Ask you to take a really deep look at that comment.
Did people REALLY overcome prejudices and vote for Obama? How many people who were prejudice against black people voted for Obama? Really?
OR did 66 million people really not care about Obama's race? Are you really saying that 43% of white voters overcame their prejudice to vote for Obama?
I really doubt that a great percentage of white voters went to the polls thinking, "I really don't trust/like black people; but I'm going to vote for Obama anyway." What I think really happened is that a majority of white's who voted for Obama really didn't care if he was black or not.
But, again, maybe I'm wrong. I could have too much faith in people in this instance.
You can't be disappointed when you already know what's going to happen. I KNEW that black church goers were NOT/NEVER/NO Way going to vote to support gay rights. Not going to happen.
It was a no-brainer. ESPECIALLY, when the no on prop 8 activist blatantly excluded the black community from their campaign.... WTF did you expect to happen?
I'm hearing a lot of people who thought they were automatically going to get a majority of the black vote because of some shared sense of oppression... that's pretty f'in naive.
A community isn't going to go against the religious institution that has been their ROCK since their ancestors came to this country in chains.
If the Church brought the black community out of it's oppression; they aren't going to go against the church. ESPECIALLY, if the church is the main force that his bringing them throuh their current troubles.
"The disappointment many of us (white People) feel is that we were able to rise above our prejudices and vote for Obama, but many in the black community stuck by their prejudices against us"
I'm going to have to call bullshit on that one or Ask you to take a really deep look at that comment.
Did people REALLY overcome prejudices and vote for Obama? How many people who were prejudice against black people voted for Obama? Really?
OR did 66 million people really not care about Obama's race? Are you really saying that 43% of white voters overcame their prejudice to vote for Obama?
I really doubt that a great percentage of white voters went to the polls thinking, "I really don't trust/like black people; but I'm going to vote for Obama anyway." What I think really happened is that a majority of white's who voted for Obama really didn't care if he was black or not.
But, again, maybe I'm wrong. I could have too much faith in people in this instance.
Blacks vote Democrat
I'm so sick of this "black people who voted for Obama are racists"
FactCheck.org: When did blacks start voting Democratic?
A Majority of Black people have been voting Democratic since
Obama Broke Johnson's 1964 record of 94% of the Black vote by 1%.
Gore came in third with 90% of the vote.
So can you really say that black people voted for Obama JUST because he's black? Or is it because they historically vote democratic?
And if it was really about racism, why didn't black people vote for Cynthia McKinney?
Why didn't they vote for poor old Alan Keyes?
And I guess the "Real America" doesn't include the black America; 'cause I don't remember McCain campaigning in predominately black areas.
G.O.P. Tries Hard to Win Black Votes, but Recent History Works Against It
FactCheck.org: When did blacks start voting Democratic?
A Majority of Black people have been voting Democratic since
Obama Broke Johnson's 1964 record of 94% of the Black vote by 1%.
Gore came in third with 90% of the vote.
So can you really say that black people voted for Obama JUST because he's black? Or is it because they historically vote democratic?
And if it was really about racism, why didn't black people vote for Cynthia McKinney?
Why didn't they vote for poor old Alan Keyes?
And I guess the "Real America" doesn't include the black America; 'cause I don't remember McCain campaigning in predominately black areas.
G.O.P. Tries Hard to Win Black Votes, but Recent History Works Against It
10 November 2008
A Cynic's Guide to Civil Rights
First of all, Civil rights are not granted by popular vote.
I'll let you crunch the numbers. In America's history, what percentage of civil rights were denied by popular vote? I bet it's a fucking lot.
Historically, what is the most effective way to protect civil rights? The courts and the legislature
With the courts, you just have to be persistent. You gotta cover for the cases that are going to be dropped and the ones that will be lost. Eventually, the courts will realize that it's their job to protect the rights of citizens...
With the legislature, you have to protest. Congress only hears the loud and multiple voices. A healthy dose of boycotting never hurt anyone.
But if you insist on wasting your time trying to get people to vote for your cause then you have to learn how to campaign. From what I've seen, gay rights activists suck at campaigning.
They suck because they don't seem to put any thought in their campaigns... it's a lot of preaching to the choir. And for gay rights, the choir's pretty small.
And a whole lot of too little too late. I think I've heard more about prop 8 AFTER it passed than I did before it was voted on.
Word of advice... Don't fuck yourself.
Do You know the best way to fuck yourself? Alienation.
Common sense. If you alienate people, they won't vote for your causes.
I love Rachel Maddow; but I was a little disappointed in her for questioning Obama for Campaigning in Red states. She thought he was wasting his time. So, what would have happened if Obama just campaigned in Blue states? He would have lost. Why, because he would have been alienating Republicans, independents, and democrats who were ripe for the picking.
What happened to McCain who picked a running mate that was very attractive to the conservative base... he lost. Why? Because she alienated democrats and independents.
First mistake, you don't just assume that people are going to vote for your cause because it seems glaringly obvious to you that your cause is just. People don't work that way.
First obstacle, people are selfish. (With the exception of animals and babies)If a cause doesn't affect them or someone they know personally, they're going to be apathetic at most. At worse, those who oppose your cause are going to fill them with all types of reasons why your cause will affect them negatively. They will tell them that you are a threat to their way of life. And they will believe them.
Second obstacle, people are ignorant. Of course, this can be attributed to their apathy.
You have to educate the people about your cause. Regarding issues that are seen as moral, education comes in the form of intimate conversations. It's putting a FRIENDLY face on your cause. It's going door to door. It's having real conversations with ALL of your friends about the issue (Don't just assume that they support your cause just because they're your friend). It means coming out to your family and showing them that you are not a threat to their way of life.
Second mistake, the whole "my people are more oppressed than your people" is just so fucked up. When someone tells you the story of their oppression, you don't try to drown them out with, "Well, I've been oppressed too, you're not special."
What you're supposed to say is, "I'm sorry to hear about your oppression. I too have suffered oppression. LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO STOP OPPRESSION."
Try it one day. It's not so hard.
I can't believe I'm going to address this race issue; but it's so fucking stupid I can't resist. First of all, ANYBODY can be a bigot. When you talk shit about a group of people because they're not like you... that makes you a bigot. When you don't support a group because they're not like you... that makes you a passive aggressive bigot. And IMO, a majority of people are passive aggressive bigots.
When you try to blame an entire group for the failure of your cause...that just makes you a stupid bigot. And... calling people bigots... doesn't make them sympathetic to your cause.
So let's be realistic. Say you live in a community that has the church as its base. The best way you can organize this community is through the church. AND their church don't like the gays.
So, what happens if you're a gay person in this community? You keep it to yourself. (Side note, how feasible is same-sex marriage when you can't even come out of the closet?)
If you keep it to yourself, then how many of the people in this community are going to be truly educated about gay life? How many are going to be sympathetic to something they really know nothing about?
But, let's say you do come out to your family. What do you think the family dynamics look like when the church is telling your family that you are morally wrong? Do you really expect conversations that focus on truly understanding the gay family member?
And if these people don't know any out gay people, who are they going to get their information about homosexuality from? The church. And we've established that the church doesn't like gay people.
How do you reach out to these people? You teach them that their church doesn't know what the fuck they're talking about. How do you do that without alienating them? Encourage the gay people in their community to come out. How do you do that? This is the part where people outside of their community have to come in and show them support. This support will give them the courage to come out. Hopefully they can then use their intimate relationships and show their community that you're not of the Devil.
Food for thought...
You can't have true equality unless you achieve true unity.
I'll let you crunch the numbers. In America's history, what percentage of civil rights were denied by popular vote? I bet it's a fucking lot.
Historically, what is the most effective way to protect civil rights? The courts and the legislature
With the courts, you just have to be persistent. You gotta cover for the cases that are going to be dropped and the ones that will be lost. Eventually, the courts will realize that it's their job to protect the rights of citizens...
With the legislature, you have to protest. Congress only hears the loud and multiple voices. A healthy dose of boycotting never hurt anyone.
But if you insist on wasting your time trying to get people to vote for your cause then you have to learn how to campaign. From what I've seen, gay rights activists suck at campaigning.
They suck because they don't seem to put any thought in their campaigns... it's a lot of preaching to the choir. And for gay rights, the choir's pretty small.
And a whole lot of too little too late. I think I've heard more about prop 8 AFTER it passed than I did before it was voted on.
Word of advice... Don't fuck yourself.
Do You know the best way to fuck yourself? Alienation.
Common sense. If you alienate people, they won't vote for your causes.
I love Rachel Maddow; but I was a little disappointed in her for questioning Obama for Campaigning in Red states. She thought he was wasting his time. So, what would have happened if Obama just campaigned in Blue states? He would have lost. Why, because he would have been alienating Republicans, independents, and democrats who were ripe for the picking.
What happened to McCain who picked a running mate that was very attractive to the conservative base... he lost. Why? Because she alienated democrats and independents.
First mistake, you don't just assume that people are going to vote for your cause because it seems glaringly obvious to you that your cause is just. People don't work that way.
First obstacle, people are selfish. (With the exception of animals and babies)If a cause doesn't affect them or someone they know personally, they're going to be apathetic at most. At worse, those who oppose your cause are going to fill them with all types of reasons why your cause will affect them negatively. They will tell them that you are a threat to their way of life. And they will believe them.
Second obstacle, people are ignorant. Of course, this can be attributed to their apathy.
You have to educate the people about your cause. Regarding issues that are seen as moral, education comes in the form of intimate conversations. It's putting a FRIENDLY face on your cause. It's going door to door. It's having real conversations with ALL of your friends about the issue (Don't just assume that they support your cause just because they're your friend). It means coming out to your family and showing them that you are not a threat to their way of life.
Second mistake, the whole "my people are more oppressed than your people" is just so fucked up. When someone tells you the story of their oppression, you don't try to drown them out with, "Well, I've been oppressed too, you're not special."
What you're supposed to say is, "I'm sorry to hear about your oppression. I too have suffered oppression. LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO STOP OPPRESSION."
Try it one day. It's not so hard.
I can't believe I'm going to address this race issue; but it's so fucking stupid I can't resist. First of all, ANYBODY can be a bigot. When you talk shit about a group of people because they're not like you... that makes you a bigot. When you don't support a group because they're not like you... that makes you a passive aggressive bigot. And IMO, a majority of people are passive aggressive bigots.
When you try to blame an entire group for the failure of your cause...that just makes you a stupid bigot. And... calling people bigots... doesn't make them sympathetic to your cause.
So let's be realistic. Say you live in a community that has the church as its base. The best way you can organize this community is through the church. AND their church don't like the gays.
So, what happens if you're a gay person in this community? You keep it to yourself. (Side note, how feasible is same-sex marriage when you can't even come out of the closet?)
If you keep it to yourself, then how many of the people in this community are going to be truly educated about gay life? How many are going to be sympathetic to something they really know nothing about?
But, let's say you do come out to your family. What do you think the family dynamics look like when the church is telling your family that you are morally wrong? Do you really expect conversations that focus on truly understanding the gay family member?
And if these people don't know any out gay people, who are they going to get their information about homosexuality from? The church. And we've established that the church doesn't like gay people.
How do you reach out to these people? You teach them that their church doesn't know what the fuck they're talking about. How do you do that without alienating them? Encourage the gay people in their community to come out. How do you do that? This is the part where people outside of their community have to come in and show them support. This support will give them the courage to come out. Hopefully they can then use their intimate relationships and show their community that you're not of the Devil.
Food for thought...
You can't have true equality unless you achieve true unity.
05 November 2008
Do as ye will
I honestly believe in freedom. That people have the right to life, liberty, and property (pursuit of happiness). In my mind, people have the right to do anything they want and society (or govt.) can only curtail these freedoms if that freedom imposes on the life, liberty, property of another citizen.
People are going to do whatever they want.
Many things can happen in relation to human urges
people will repress the urges
which usually causes internal harm and they tend to redirect the urge. Sometimes in a good way, most times in a bad way.
I believe the good way only comes when they seek help for their urge and are taught healthy ways to redirect.
Then there is Expressing those urges despite the conflicts it may create in the community, family, religion
Expressing those urges and finding a community that accepts that behavior
Eliminating the urge. For innate biologically predisposed urges, it's virtually impossible to eliminate the urge. This is where redirection comes in.
For urges caused by nurture, trauma... it is possible to eliminate an urge.
If it is an urge that is supported by a group, they will often times segregate themselves from the rest of the community and create their own space
People are always looking for information that confirms their desires. Often ignoring or invalidating info that goes against their urges.
Defense mechanisms
Fantasy, when used as a defense mechanism, is the channeling of unacceptable or unattainable desires into imagination. This can protect ones self esteem as when educational, vocational or social expectations are not being met, one imagines success in these areas and wards off self condemnation.
Acting out - The individual copes with stress by engaging in actions rather than reflecting upon internal feelings.
Affiliation - Involves turning to other people for support.
Aim inhibition - The individual accepts a modified form of their original goal (i.e. becoming a high school basketball coach rather than a professional athlete.)
Altruism - Satisfying internal needs through helping others.
Avoidance - Refusing to deal with or encounter unpleasant objects or situations.
Compensation - Overachieving in one area to compensate for failures in another.
Humor - Pointing out the funny or ironic aspects of a situation.
passive-aggression - Indirectly expressing anger.
-About.com
planetpsych.com
www-usr.rider.edu
People are going to do whatever they want.
Many things can happen in relation to human urges
people will repress the urges
which usually causes internal harm and they tend to redirect the urge. Sometimes in a good way, most times in a bad way.
I believe the good way only comes when they seek help for their urge and are taught healthy ways to redirect.
Then there is Expressing those urges despite the conflicts it may create in the community, family, religion
Expressing those urges and finding a community that accepts that behavior
Eliminating the urge. For innate biologically predisposed urges, it's virtually impossible to eliminate the urge. This is where redirection comes in.
For urges caused by nurture, trauma... it is possible to eliminate an urge.
If it is an urge that is supported by a group, they will often times segregate themselves from the rest of the community and create their own space
People are always looking for information that confirms their desires. Often ignoring or invalidating info that goes against their urges.
Defense mechanisms
Denial: You completely reject the thought or feeling.
Suppression: You are vaguely aware of the thought or feeling, but try to hide it.
Reaction Formation: You turn the feeling into its opposite.
Projection: You think someone else has your thought or feeling.
Displacement: You redirect your feelings to another target..
Rationalization: You come up with various explanations to justify the situation (while denying your feelings).
Intellectualization: A type of rationalization, only more intellectualized.
Undoing: You try to reverse or undo your feeling by DOING something that indicates the opposite feeling. It may be an "apology" for the feeling you find unacceptable within yourself.
Isolation of affect: You "think" the feeling but don't really feel it.
Regression: You revert to an old, usually immature behavior to ventilate your feeling.
Repression is the blocking of unacceptable impulses from consciousness.
Intellectualization is the use of a cognitive approach without the attendant emotions to suppress and attempt to gain mastery over the perceived disorderly and potentially overwhelming impulses. An example might be an individual who when told they had a life threatening disease focuses exclusively on the statistical percentages of recovery and is unable to cope with their fear and sadness.Fantasy, when used as a defense mechanism, is the channeling of unacceptable or unattainable desires into imagination. This can protect ones self esteem as when educational, vocational or social expectations are not being met, one imagines success in these areas and wards off self condemnation.
Compartmentalization is a process of separating parts of the self from awareness of other parts and behaving as if one had separate sets of values. An example might be an honest person who cheats on their income tax return and keeps their two value systems distinct and unintegrated while remaining unconscious of the cognitive dissonance.
Compensation is a process of psychologically counterbalancing perceived weaknesses by emphasizing strength in other arenas. The "I'm not a fighter, I'm a lover" philosophy can be an example of compensation as can the Napoleonic complex.
Acting out - The individual copes with stress by engaging in actions rather than reflecting upon internal feelings.
Affiliation - Involves turning to other people for support.
Aim inhibition - The individual accepts a modified form of their original goal (i.e. becoming a high school basketball coach rather than a professional athlete.)
Altruism - Satisfying internal needs through helping others.
Avoidance - Refusing to deal with or encounter unpleasant objects or situations.
Compensation - Overachieving in one area to compensate for failures in another.
Humor - Pointing out the funny or ironic aspects of a situation.
passive-aggression - Indirectly expressing anger.
Not a big fan of Freud but I'll ride with him on this theory.
In Sigmund Freud's topographical model of personality, the ego is the aspect of personality that deals with reality. While doing this, the ego also has to cope with the conflicting demands of the id and the superego. The id seeks to fulfill all wants, needs, and impulses while the superego tries to get the ego to act in an idealistic and moral manner.
What happens when the ego cannot deal with the demands of our desires, the constraints of reality, and our own moral standards? According to Freud, anxiety is an unpleasant inner state that people seek to avoid. Anxiety acts as a signal to the ego that things are not going right.
Frued identified three types of anxiety:
1. Neurotic anxiety is the unconscious worry that we will lose control of the id's urges, resulting in punishment for inappropriate behavior.
2. Reality anxiety is fear of real-world events. The cause of this anxiety is usually easily identified. For example, a person might fear receiving a dog bite when they are near a menacing dog. The most common way of reducing this anxiety is to avoid the threatening object.
3. Moral anxiety involves a fear of violating our own moral principles.
In order to deal with this anxiety, Freud believed that defense mechanisms helped shield the ego from the conflicts created by the id, superego, and reality.
-About.com
planetpsych.com
www-usr.rider.edu
05 October 2008
01 October 2008
Contradiction of personality
"The deeper and richer a personality is, the more full it is of paradox and contradiction. It is only a shallow character who offers us no problems of contrast."
- Madeleine L'Engle, Circle of Quiet
- Madeleine L'Engle, Circle of Quiet
09 September 2008
Devil's greatest tool
Time suck
Filling our time with wasteful and meaningless issues
Time is diverted from bettering ourselves and bettering the world
Filling our time with wasteful and meaningless issues
Time is diverted from bettering ourselves and bettering the world
Four Agreements
1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
2. Don't Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.
3. Don't Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.
-Miguel Ruiz
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
2. Don't Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.
3. Don't Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.
-Miguel Ruiz
04 September 2008
True Feminism
"We are talking about a society in which there will be no roles other than those chosen or those earned. We are really talking about humanism."
Gloria Steinem ...
Gloria Steinem ...
03 September 2008
Memo To Mommy
In the September '08 issue of Parents Magazine.
Words of Wisdom from your child...
"Stop freaking out about the mess! There's always time to clean - but how often do we get to make mud pies?"
"Love me, even when I'm naughty. I'll only be this age once."
"Be patient. I do everything for a reason, but I don't know enough words yet to give you an explanation."
"Let me do it. I know you can do it faster and better, but sometimes experience is the best teacher."
"Don't expect too much of me. I want to do what you ask and make you happy, but I'm still little."
"Don't try to reason with me when I'm having a tantrum. Trust me - I can't hear you over my own screaming."
"Keep your promises. It's all about trust. When I'm a teenager, you'll understand why it's so important."
"Don't keep asking me if I've been good. I'm not even sure what that means, but if I was bad, I'd never admit it."
"Don't let me think that you're perfect. I feel a lot better knowing I'm not the only one who makes mistakes sometimes."
"Set limits. I can't actually eat a whole box of cookies - I just want to see if I'd get away with it."
hmmm... I think I could have used this on a couple of girlfriends... I'll keep it in mind for the future.
Words of Wisdom from your child...
"Stop freaking out about the mess! There's always time to clean - but how often do we get to make mud pies?"
"Love me, even when I'm naughty. I'll only be this age once."
"Be patient. I do everything for a reason, but I don't know enough words yet to give you an explanation."
"Let me do it. I know you can do it faster and better, but sometimes experience is the best teacher."
"Don't expect too much of me. I want to do what you ask and make you happy, but I'm still little."
"Don't try to reason with me when I'm having a tantrum. Trust me - I can't hear you over my own screaming."
"Keep your promises. It's all about trust. When I'm a teenager, you'll understand why it's so important."
"Don't keep asking me if I've been good. I'm not even sure what that means, but if I was bad, I'd never admit it."
"Don't let me think that you're perfect. I feel a lot better knowing I'm not the only one who makes mistakes sometimes."
"Set limits. I can't actually eat a whole box of cookies - I just want to see if I'd get away with it."
hmmm... I think I could have used this on a couple of girlfriends... I'll keep it in mind for the future.
01 September 2008
MLC Recordings
If you pay any attention to this blog and need any assistance in studio recording, live recording, or any other recording...check 'em out
MLC Recording
MLC Recording
23 August 2008
22 August 2008
Voting
I'm tired of having to vote for asshats. I know voting for a third-party candidate is just going to give one of the asshats a better chance at being elected. In our voting system now, I've essentially wasted my vote because my candidate has no chance in winning. So now I have to vote for the "lesser evil" and that really sucks.
The asshat may still win, but at least I got to vote for who I really wanted.
I'm tired of this two party system controlling everything.
Approval voting
Instant runoff voting
Fairvote.org
Here's a good site that interactively explains IRV
As a side note, I wonder if electronic cash register technology can be used for voting. I mean, your choices are entered into the computer (like in the self-checkout line). You get a receipt (paper copy of computer ballot) . The information goes to the main computer for tallying. If any problems arise, citizens can submit their copy to be recounted. (remembering to always make multiple copies of any important documents)
The asshat may still win, but at least I got to vote for who I really wanted.
I'm tired of this two party system controlling everything.
Approval voting
Citizens for Approval Voting
Instant runoff voting
Fairvote.org
Here's a good site that interactively explains IRV
As a side note, I wonder if electronic cash register technology can be used for voting. I mean, your choices are entered into the computer (like in the self-checkout line). You get a receipt (paper copy of computer ballot) . The information goes to the main computer for tallying. If any problems arise, citizens can submit their copy to be recounted. (remembering to always make multiple copies of any important documents)
04 August 2008
The Way
The way is long...
let us go together
The way is difficult...
let us help each other
The way is joyful...
let us share it
The way is ours alone...
let us go in love
The way grows before us...
let us begin
-anon
let us go together
The way is difficult...
let us help each other
The way is joyful...
let us share it
The way is ours alone...
let us go in love
The way grows before us...
let us begin
-anon
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