I haven't posted awhile- my life has been crazy. But I just saw this article and I had to share it- because it's exactly how I feel.
Burning the Koran is WRONG. It's insulting and small minded.
Killing innocent people because some idiot in Florida burned a Koran is WRONG. The punishment does not fit the crime- heck the punishment doesn't even touch the person who wronged them. Dozens of people lost family members this week because of an overreaching view of justice.
Seriously people- It's time to grow up.
Here's the article from the Huffington Post. I have to say, part of the reason I have to post this is that the LDS church is portrayed in a positive light by a left leaning paper. :)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-grenell/the-koran-in-florida-and-_b_844374.html?ref=fb&src=sp
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Monday, November 1, 2010
Election Opinions
Here are some of my random thoughts about the election/feel of the country right now.
#1Spending- Most papers are reporting today that spending on this election for both parties is around four billion dollars. I can not tell you how much this annoys me. What could we REALLY change in this country if we used that money to feed the poor? Create a few jobs? Update our schools? Clean up the streets? Why do elections have to cost SOOO much money- and mostly on negative ads that attack their opponents? If I ever run for office I wouldn't accept any donations- I'd tell my supporters to give their money to the charity of their choice. (Yes, I know that's not realistic, and I'll prob never run for office, but in an ideal world...)
#2Jon Stewart/People are Good- I watched the video of the serious part of the Restoring Sanity Rally. And... I agreed with him. I had actually been thinking about the same topic for a couple of weeks. 95% (totally made up number) of Americans are good people, who want to live their lives and want others to be able to do the same. They want everyone to have food, and shelter, and education, and freedom. Republicans and Democrats, liberals and conservatives- they ALL want everyone to be happy. They just have different ways of bringing that about. Democrats put more of the responsibility on the government; Republicans put in on the people and charities/religious establishments. I think it should be somewhere in the middle. But we all want children to eat, have a coat, and a bed to sleep on. No one party has a monopoly on that. I think the disagreement on HOW gets in the way of actually getting IT done.
We're all different, we come from different places, but most us work together, support each other, and contribute to our community. The other 5%, I contend, are either crack pots or power hungry. They seem to be the ones stirring up division and hatred, slinging lies and extreme positions. And they have the money (see point #1) and so their voice is heard the loudest.
#3If the Republicans win, is it a good thing? Ok so you probably think that I'd say yes to this, the right leaner that I am, but I tell you what- I'm scared of it. I'm scared because I don't trust them much more than I trust the Democrats. The Republicans have screwed up this country just as much as the Democrats. I'd love for them to do the things that they say they will- bring spending down, create jobs, bring down the deficit, take the corruption out of the government... but once they taste that power, will they too become part of the 5%? Are they already part of the 5%? Will the ideas work? Will the ideas even have a chance when President Obama has veto power? Will it even matter, since I predict that the election wins will just swing from party to party every 2 years as the American people voice their disappointment?
The one thing this election for sure has proven is that Americans want change- not from dems or the GOP, but from the government as it is run today. We are tired of Washington not playing by the rules. We are tired of nothing being fixed. And we are tired of the money used to not fix it.
Still, you should go vote tomorrow. It's your right and you should use it.
#1Spending- Most papers are reporting today that spending on this election for both parties is around four billion dollars. I can not tell you how much this annoys me. What could we REALLY change in this country if we used that money to feed the poor? Create a few jobs? Update our schools? Clean up the streets? Why do elections have to cost SOOO much money- and mostly on negative ads that attack their opponents? If I ever run for office I wouldn't accept any donations- I'd tell my supporters to give their money to the charity of their choice. (Yes, I know that's not realistic, and I'll prob never run for office, but in an ideal world...)
#2Jon Stewart/People are Good- I watched the video of the serious part of the Restoring Sanity Rally. And... I agreed with him. I had actually been thinking about the same topic for a couple of weeks. 95% (totally made up number) of Americans are good people, who want to live their lives and want others to be able to do the same. They want everyone to have food, and shelter, and education, and freedom. Republicans and Democrats, liberals and conservatives- they ALL want everyone to be happy. They just have different ways of bringing that about. Democrats put more of the responsibility on the government; Republicans put in on the people and charities/religious establishments. I think it should be somewhere in the middle. But we all want children to eat, have a coat, and a bed to sleep on. No one party has a monopoly on that. I think the disagreement on HOW gets in the way of actually getting IT done.
We're all different, we come from different places, but most us work together, support each other, and contribute to our community. The other 5%, I contend, are either crack pots or power hungry. They seem to be the ones stirring up division and hatred, slinging lies and extreme positions. And they have the money (see point #1) and so their voice is heard the loudest.
#3If the Republicans win, is it a good thing? Ok so you probably think that I'd say yes to this, the right leaner that I am, but I tell you what- I'm scared of it. I'm scared because I don't trust them much more than I trust the Democrats. The Republicans have screwed up this country just as much as the Democrats. I'd love for them to do the things that they say they will- bring spending down, create jobs, bring down the deficit, take the corruption out of the government... but once they taste that power, will they too become part of the 5%? Are they already part of the 5%? Will the ideas work? Will the ideas even have a chance when President Obama has veto power? Will it even matter, since I predict that the election wins will just swing from party to party every 2 years as the American people voice their disappointment?
The one thing this election for sure has proven is that Americans want change- not from dems or the GOP, but from the government as it is run today. We are tired of Washington not playing by the rules. We are tired of nothing being fixed. And we are tired of the money used to not fix it.
Still, you should go vote tomorrow. It's your right and you should use it.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
My Religion and My Politics
I am a coward.
Seriously. I haven't written for a while because I am afraid to. I'm afraid I'll offend- I'm afraid someone will offend me. Kinda silly since most of my friends are very civil and kind- even when they don't agree. So, I'm forcing myself to push ahead.
I thought I would feel better by laying out my perspective so that it is clear where my opinions are coming from. My foundation, if you will. You still might not agree, but maybe you'll understand.
I am a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have lived in many areas of the country, as well as a year in France. I graduated from the University of Arizona (fairly liberal school) with a degree in communication, and a minor in French. My husband is in economics and finance, so I have a basic understanding of the markets as well. There's my resume.
I developed my taste for politics when I was in France, funny enough. When I had free time I would often go to the library when they had the Time and Newsweek magazines. It was a way for me to keep up with the happenings of home, which at the time focused on the upcoming 2000 presidential elections. I had decided I wanted John McCain to win the Republican primary. He lost.
My religion has always been important to me. It is more of a lifestyle/life choice for me. But it is a choice. I don't feel tied down or pressured in any way. I am not brainwashed. I find that by forgoing some things in this life, such as alcohol, smoking, drugs, coffee, extramarital sex, I am able to avoid their negative consequences, such as addiction, health problems, and depletion of funds. Also dedicating time to spiritual development helps me grow as a person and learn how to love others better. I don't pressure anyone to live the way I do. I just choose to live my life as I desire and ask that others show me the same courtesy.
So where do my religion and my politics collide? Mostly on social issues. I don't agree with abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, or the health of the mother. I don't agree with same-sex marriage, but I would never attack anyone who made that choice. And like, my religion teaches me, I don't hate anyone for their choices that might be contrary to my belief system. I don't hate a homosexual any more than I hate a smoker, or someone who drinks alcohol. I'd be out of a lot of family if I did. I just respectfully disagree.
And I disagree because I strongly believe that there is a God. A Heavenly Father who watches over all His children and loves them. I believe that God has given us rules, commandments. I believe that He has sent us to this earth to learn to overcome our weaknesses, and that He will help us do that. So to me, Thou shalt not kill, applies to abortion. Thou shalt not lie with a man as with a woman, is a condemnation of homosexuality. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy might, mind, and strength, means to follow Him, even when it's hard- even when the world is telling you there is no God, that the Bible is outdated, and that man's judgments are wiser than any 'so-called' God's. I don't begin to understand why all the rules were given to us, except that they were meant to help us; but I trust that in the next life we will understand everything.
So that is why my politics align with my religion. I understand the arguments against it- really I do. So I try to not argue. I try to maintain my opinion without forcing it on others. I share my views in what I hope is a non-confrontational, unoffensive way. I realize that it is sometimes impossible. But I hope that the main teaching of my religion- that we are all children of God and need to love each other as such- is what comes across most in my interactions with others.
Hopefully after this I can hit on more issues and less on me :) Thanks for putting up with me.
Seriously. I haven't written for a while because I am afraid to. I'm afraid I'll offend- I'm afraid someone will offend me. Kinda silly since most of my friends are very civil and kind- even when they don't agree. So, I'm forcing myself to push ahead.
I thought I would feel better by laying out my perspective so that it is clear where my opinions are coming from. My foundation, if you will. You still might not agree, but maybe you'll understand.
I am a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have lived in many areas of the country, as well as a year in France. I graduated from the University of Arizona (fairly liberal school) with a degree in communication, and a minor in French. My husband is in economics and finance, so I have a basic understanding of the markets as well. There's my resume.
I developed my taste for politics when I was in France, funny enough. When I had free time I would often go to the library when they had the Time and Newsweek magazines. It was a way for me to keep up with the happenings of home, which at the time focused on the upcoming 2000 presidential elections. I had decided I wanted John McCain to win the Republican primary. He lost.
My religion has always been important to me. It is more of a lifestyle/life choice for me. But it is a choice. I don't feel tied down or pressured in any way. I am not brainwashed. I find that by forgoing some things in this life, such as alcohol, smoking, drugs, coffee, extramarital sex, I am able to avoid their negative consequences, such as addiction, health problems, and depletion of funds. Also dedicating time to spiritual development helps me grow as a person and learn how to love others better. I don't pressure anyone to live the way I do. I just choose to live my life as I desire and ask that others show me the same courtesy.
So where do my religion and my politics collide? Mostly on social issues. I don't agree with abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, or the health of the mother. I don't agree with same-sex marriage, but I would never attack anyone who made that choice. And like, my religion teaches me, I don't hate anyone for their choices that might be contrary to my belief system. I don't hate a homosexual any more than I hate a smoker, or someone who drinks alcohol. I'd be out of a lot of family if I did. I just respectfully disagree.
And I disagree because I strongly believe that there is a God. A Heavenly Father who watches over all His children and loves them. I believe that God has given us rules, commandments. I believe that He has sent us to this earth to learn to overcome our weaknesses, and that He will help us do that. So to me, Thou shalt not kill, applies to abortion. Thou shalt not lie with a man as with a woman, is a condemnation of homosexuality. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy might, mind, and strength, means to follow Him, even when it's hard- even when the world is telling you there is no God, that the Bible is outdated, and that man's judgments are wiser than any 'so-called' God's. I don't begin to understand why all the rules were given to us, except that they were meant to help us; but I trust that in the next life we will understand everything.
So that is why my politics align with my religion. I understand the arguments against it- really I do. So I try to not argue. I try to maintain my opinion without forcing it on others. I share my views in what I hope is a non-confrontational, unoffensive way. I realize that it is sometimes impossible. But I hope that the main teaching of my religion- that we are all children of God and need to love each other as such- is what comes across most in my interactions with others.
Hopefully after this I can hit on more issues and less on me :) Thanks for putting up with me.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Burning of the Qu'ran
How awesome that I get to start out my blog in agreement with the White House! Here's a link to the current headline here.
I think that the burning of the Qu'ran, or any religion's holy scripture is disrespectful, close-minded, and immature. The pastor probably thinks that he is sending a strong message about Islam, but in effect he is mostly telling the world what kind of man he is (and it's not a very positive description). If you disagree with Islam, that's fine. But you need to respect what people hold sacred and you need to think beyond yourself. People all over the world, including in America, could be put in harms way if terrorists decided to react to this. Not to mention it hurts our diplomatic efforts for peace. Our soldiers who already put themselves at risk every day for us will be in even more danger.
Instead of burning a book, go out in the world and do some good. Be kind to someone. Donate your time to a good cause. Spend some quality time with your family. Make the world a better place, not a more divisive one. Live up to the best of your religion or value system- inspire others to do the same. Make a real stand; not an attention- getting ploy.
I think that the burning of the Qu'ran, or any religion's holy scripture is disrespectful, close-minded, and immature. The pastor probably thinks that he is sending a strong message about Islam, but in effect he is mostly telling the world what kind of man he is (and it's not a very positive description). If you disagree with Islam, that's fine. But you need to respect what people hold sacred and you need to think beyond yourself. People all over the world, including in America, could be put in harms way if terrorists decided to react to this. Not to mention it hurts our diplomatic efforts for peace. Our soldiers who already put themselves at risk every day for us will be in even more danger.
Instead of burning a book, go out in the world and do some good. Be kind to someone. Donate your time to a good cause. Spend some quality time with your family. Make the world a better place, not a more divisive one. Live up to the best of your religion or value system- inspire others to do the same. Make a real stand; not an attention- getting ploy.
Friday, September 3, 2010
A Divided Nation
(I posted this first on my family blog, but figured it belonged over here.)
I love politics. I love being educated about issues in our country and trying to find the best solution for the problems that we face. I love our Founding Fathers and I appreciate their sacrifices made on our behalf.
And... I hate politics. I hate how politicians make promises while on the campaign but then get into office and do whatever it takes to stay in office, instead of keeping their word. I hate how every issue seems to break down party lines. Actually I hate the party system. I agree with our first president George Washington when he warned against them saying, "It serves to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble the Public Administration... agitates the Community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one... against the other... it opens the door to foreign influence and corruption... thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another." (For the full text visit http://www.earlyamerica.com/earlyamerica/milestones/farewell/ ).
My beliefs are not contained within one party, though I'll admit I lean Republican, I wouldn't call myself one. I am conservative. I love the constitution. I love this country. I love my religion and my freedom to practice it. Most of all I feel that I am tolerant (no that does not contradict my religiousness). I understand that what I believe might be different than what others do. I might disagree with something that you do, but I wouldn't dislike you because of it unless it was something that hurt me or my family. I try to keep my discussions respectful and mature. I try to listen to the other side. But even I walk on eggshells, or maybe broken glass, as I try to engage in debate and discussion, since every issue is explosive and often hurtful.
So what is going on in the country today? A line has been drawn and everyone seems to be picking a side (myself included). Why is every issue argued until we hate each other a little more? Why is there no issue that the whole of America can agree on? Ok, that's asking a lot, let me rephrase: why is there no issue that we can discuss, vote on, and live with the outcome even if we lose? There is no finding the best solution- there is only 'MY' solution.
Has it always been this way and I'm just too young to remember, or has it in fact erupted as I have reached adulthood? Is this the new 1969? Or the new 1861? Are we so different that it will take civil war or a complete divide of the country to resolve the issues? Honestly I don't see it getting better. Both sides are entrenched in their ideas, and the rest are too apathetic to care. No one is backing down anytime soon. Looking at the cycles of history, I fear that violence is not far away.
I love politics. I love being educated about issues in our country and trying to find the best solution for the problems that we face. I love our Founding Fathers and I appreciate their sacrifices made on our behalf.
And... I hate politics. I hate how politicians make promises while on the campaign but then get into office and do whatever it takes to stay in office, instead of keeping their word. I hate how every issue seems to break down party lines. Actually I hate the party system. I agree with our first president George Washington when he warned against them saying, "It serves to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble the Public Administration... agitates the Community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one... against the other... it opens the door to foreign influence and corruption... thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another." (For the full text visit http://www.earlyamerica.com/earlyamerica/milestones/farewell/ ).
My beliefs are not contained within one party, though I'll admit I lean Republican, I wouldn't call myself one. I am conservative. I love the constitution. I love this country. I love my religion and my freedom to practice it. Most of all I feel that I am tolerant (no that does not contradict my religiousness). I understand that what I believe might be different than what others do. I might disagree with something that you do, but I wouldn't dislike you because of it unless it was something that hurt me or my family. I try to keep my discussions respectful and mature. I try to listen to the other side. But even I walk on eggshells, or maybe broken glass, as I try to engage in debate and discussion, since every issue is explosive and often hurtful.
So what is going on in the country today? A line has been drawn and everyone seems to be picking a side (myself included). Why is every issue argued until we hate each other a little more? Why is there no issue that the whole of America can agree on? Ok, that's asking a lot, let me rephrase: why is there no issue that we can discuss, vote on, and live with the outcome even if we lose? There is no finding the best solution- there is only 'MY' solution.
Has it always been this way and I'm just too young to remember, or has it in fact erupted as I have reached adulthood? Is this the new 1969? Or the new 1861? Are we so different that it will take civil war or a complete divide of the country to resolve the issues? Honestly I don't see it getting better. Both sides are entrenched in their ideas, and the rest are too apathetic to care. No one is backing down anytime soon. Looking at the cycles of history, I fear that violence is not far away.
Open and free debate is good- but when antagonism overrules tolerance and no verdict can be reached, doesn't it just become a heated, unresolvable argument?
Welcome Inside My Head
As a mother of three I don't get a lot of self- development time. The time that I do have, often I am too tired, worn out, brain-fried to even think about thinking. My husband started noticing this augment with each child born, and encouraged me to do something for myself- develop a talent, go see something that interested me, stimulate my brain. I've always retorted back, with what money, free time, and brain power, am I suppose to accomplish this with? And honestly, up until now, I don't think I could have. It takes a lot of adjusting to manage a family of 3 little girls (and one daddy), and it has taken me about 6 years to figure it out. But I think now I know what I would like to do with myself.
I can write- I'm not trying to be boastful, but I like to string words together, and I have been told that I do it well. I want develop that talent. (Check 1 for Kaylon's checklist.) I also like to read and study topics that interest me. Topics that interest me right now are politics and religion. (Check 2.) So why not stimulate my brain at least once a week by studying a topic of my choice, writing about it, and declaring my opinion to the world on this blog? This will also educate me for day to day discussions, reduce confusion from conflicting stories from media and competing parties, and serve as a way to get me out of my shell. (Check 3! Oh, Kaylon is going to be so happy with me!)
I need to note that my perceptions are first based on one premise- that God lives. I won't waste my words trying to prove this- if you need logic, I defer to C.S. Lewis and his explanation. For me it is simply a peace withing my soul and repeated evidence of a Higher Hand guiding my life. Not that my life is perfect, just that He has demonstrated time after time that He is there for me. Just know that all my views start there and that one premise will never change.
So here's my blog. My opinions. You don't have to agree with me, but if you choose to respond to any posts, I ask for civility. I promise the same. Maybe we can educate each other.
I can write- I'm not trying to be boastful, but I like to string words together, and I have been told that I do it well. I want develop that talent. (Check 1 for Kaylon's checklist.) I also like to read and study topics that interest me. Topics that interest me right now are politics and religion. (Check 2.) So why not stimulate my brain at least once a week by studying a topic of my choice, writing about it, and declaring my opinion to the world on this blog? This will also educate me for day to day discussions, reduce confusion from conflicting stories from media and competing parties, and serve as a way to get me out of my shell. (Check 3! Oh, Kaylon is going to be so happy with me!)
I need to note that my perceptions are first based on one premise- that God lives. I won't waste my words trying to prove this- if you need logic, I defer to C.S. Lewis and his explanation. For me it is simply a peace withing my soul and repeated evidence of a Higher Hand guiding my life. Not that my life is perfect, just that He has demonstrated time after time that He is there for me. Just know that all my views start there and that one premise will never change.
So here's my blog. My opinions. You don't have to agree with me, but if you choose to respond to any posts, I ask for civility. I promise the same. Maybe we can educate each other.
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