Wednesday, November 5, 2008
11/5/2008 - Day's events
Long day today. Worked, ate lunch with my darling and a friend. And was able to spend a relaxing evening at home. I'm tired tonight. And morning comes early.
11/5/2008 - My Heart Sings When...
I'm up early in the morning, driving somewhere with people I love, to do something fun, and I feel like they accept me and are happy to be with me. Something about the open road and people who love you that makes it feel like anything is possible.
11/4/2008 - Did it snow much when you were a child - tell something about it. What did you do?
When I was young we got some snow. Still rather infrequently, I think. I remember enough snow to build snow forts upon occasion. And one time snowdrifts that seemed mountainous. (they were probably 4 ft or so but to my childhood eyes, they looked huge)
11/4/2008 - Day's events
Election day dawned early for me. I started the new work schedule and got to the office at 5:30 AM. It makes for a long day, but I was able to leave sooner than usual. Left work and participated in the General Election for the first time in my life. I was glad to vote with knowledge on every race that pertained to me. Attended a Wycliffe Associates banquet for the evening meal. Raced home and spent the rest of the evening glued to the election returns.
A few of my thoughts...
The Good:
A new president
A new direction for the country, and the enthusiastic celebration on display
Democratic gains in House and Senate Seats
Sen. McCain's gracious concession speech
A President Elect who is ready to step forward to meet the challenges that wait
Several initiatives easing marijuana restrictions passed
The Bad:
In at least 4 states, homophobic ballot initiatives appear to have passed
Democrats fall just short of a filibuster proof margin in the Senate.
The Ugly:
Nastiness from crowd during McCain's concession speech
Ted Stevens coming close to retaining his senate seat
I'm happy the nasty part of the campaign is over. I'm impressed with Mr. Obama's enthusiasm and leadership potential. I'm glad that many people seem to grasp the hope and endless possibilities that lie just around the corner. This election seems like just that - turning a corner. The future is bright, and the next government should easily be an improvement on the last 8 years.
A few of my thoughts...
The Good:
A new president
A new direction for the country, and the enthusiastic celebration on display
Democratic gains in House and Senate Seats
Sen. McCain's gracious concession speech
A President Elect who is ready to step forward to meet the challenges that wait
Several initiatives easing marijuana restrictions passed
The Bad:
In at least 4 states, homophobic ballot initiatives appear to have passed
Democrats fall just short of a filibuster proof margin in the Senate.
The Ugly:
Nastiness from crowd during McCain's concession speech
Ted Stevens coming close to retaining his senate seat
I'm happy the nasty part of the campaign is over. I'm impressed with Mr. Obama's enthusiasm and leadership potential. I'm glad that many people seem to grasp the hope and endless possibilities that lie just around the corner. This election seems like just that - turning a corner. The future is bright, and the next government should easily be an improvement on the last 8 years.
Monday, November 3, 2008
11/3/2008 - Day's events
We returned home from Ohio late last night, and this morning I started a new work schedule. One day each week, I'll work for 4 hours from home, then the remaining 4 days will be 9 hour days at the office. I took today as the half day from home. That helped alleviate the exhaustion of a short night. (Bearing in mind that with the Steelers playing tonight, it's not like I'm going to bed early)
So I got up this morning, finished cleaning out the van, hit the gas station for $2.05 / gallon, and returned it to Mom and Dad's. I put in 4 hours from my basement office, had a nice visit with an old friend who stopped by, and took the trash and recycle to their appropriate destinations. My darling wife surprised me with french toast for breakfast, and Rice and Beans for lunch. This evening, before the game, I'll practice singing in a quartet for an upcoming wedding, then Monday night Football. Go Steelers!!!!
So I got up this morning, finished cleaning out the van, hit the gas station for $2.05 / gallon, and returned it to Mom and Dad's. I put in 4 hours from my basement office, had a nice visit with an old friend who stopped by, and took the trash and recycle to their appropriate destinations. My darling wife surprised me with french toast for breakfast, and Rice and Beans for lunch. This evening, before the game, I'll practice singing in a quartet for an upcoming wedding, then Monday night Football. Go Steelers!!!!
11/03/2008 - Do you really have to care?
Well, about some things I suppose.
Caring about the people who are closest to us is important. Caring about leading consistent lives and doing what we can to make the world a better place are admirable things to care about. Politics lends itself to caring deeply, and sometimes in a misplaced manner. It's probably a good idea to care about your chosen career or vocation. Caring about religion gets some people through the day, and caring about money and success motivates others. Caring about other people's perception of us is a dangerous concept, and caring for others who don't seem to return the sentiment can be discouraging. There are lots of things I care about but realize that in the long run they are pretty secondary. Things like sports, movies, books, Coffee, etc...
You can certainly make the choice to "not care", many people have. For me though, if I don't care for people, then all I'm left with are a bunch of things and experiences that matter little if you're alone.
So you don't "really have to care." But it makes life a hell of a lot better.
----------------
Now playing: Band of Horses - Is There a Ghost
via FoxyTunes
Caring about the people who are closest to us is important. Caring about leading consistent lives and doing what we can to make the world a better place are admirable things to care about. Politics lends itself to caring deeply, and sometimes in a misplaced manner. It's probably a good idea to care about your chosen career or vocation. Caring about religion gets some people through the day, and caring about money and success motivates others. Caring about other people's perception of us is a dangerous concept, and caring for others who don't seem to return the sentiment can be discouraging. There are lots of things I care about but realize that in the long run they are pretty secondary. Things like sports, movies, books, Coffee, etc...
You can certainly make the choice to "not care", many people have. For me though, if I don't care for people, then all I'm left with are a bunch of things and experiences that matter little if you're alone.
So you don't "really have to care." But it makes life a hell of a lot better.
----------------
Now playing: Band of Horses - Is There a Ghost
via FoxyTunes
Sunday, November 2, 2008
11/2/2008 - Day's events
Slept in this morning, finally got up and around to church at 10:15. Visiting a friends church, one that has a reputation for appealing to young people and families. Lot's of energy and activity and programs. Meaningful worship and a youngish with-it pastor. Lots of things to recommend it for people who are seeking a more relevant church home.
Except....
Message this morning was entitled "Letters to a New President" and was almost pure regurgitation of standard evangelical talking points. It was the single most offensive sermon I have heard in person. His main points, with a short summary and my response.
1) Belief in a Sovereign God.
United States was founded with Christian principles guiding the founders, and functions best today if operating by Judeo-Christian principles.
Uh. No. Founding was done by a bunch of theists who didn't agree on everything but did feel that freedom to practice any religion was important to preserve. Their stance was that government should be separate from religion. To suggest that they intended government to be run by any specific religion is to invalidate their overall approach to freedom.
2) Marraige and Family Values
It's perverted for homosexual, lesbian, or gay people to love each other. Allowing gay marriage will destroy the very fabric of society.
Uh, love is love. Why is it a good thing for the government to get involved with telling who we can and can't love. Instead let's look for ways to encourage healthy relationships, loving families, and commitments that can make our society stronger. Isn't that better than demonizing people just because they see things differently than us.
3) Sanctity of Human Life
49 million abortions since Roe v. Wade. exponentially more than all the deaths by americans in war. This proves that abortion is the greatest moral threat of all time and must be countered at all cost.
Uh. While I am no fan of abortion and what it represents, I do recognize it as a choice that comes into play, particularly when the mother is poor and downtrodden to the point that she doesn't have any other recourse. I don't think the government should outlaw it. Rather they should do everything in their power to minimize abortion make it possible and advantageous for the mother to choose life.
4) Personal Responsibility
People shouldn't approach life with an entitlement attitude, and should instead focus on earning what they get. Free handouts only encourage people's sloth and greediness.
Uh, besides being the very antithesis of Jesus's work on earth, I find that this idea of Personal Responsibility is used most often as a way for the conservative, and especially the religious, crowd to absolve themselves from any responsibility in helping people. People want to help, but only on their terms. They want to only help people they deem worthy of receiving that help. This whole aspect of judging people and interacting only based on our morals or value judgements is odious to me.
The input from the pulpit was to pray (fine with that) and vote according to those four criteria (A little too formulaic for my tastes.)
So I sat and smiled, and carefully avoided indicating approval, or as is actually the case, massive disapproval of what was shared. In the same way that I don't want to accept political positions just because the powers that be say so, I recognize that it would be pretty self involved to expect every church to come out exactly where I do.
I respect each person's ability to decide for themselves. But not so much my idea of a good time this morning...
We left for home after lunch and are now on our way home. It's been a good weekend all around.
----------------
Now playing: Coldplay - Politik
via FoxyTunes
Except....
Message this morning was entitled "Letters to a New President" and was almost pure regurgitation of standard evangelical talking points. It was the single most offensive sermon I have heard in person. His main points, with a short summary and my response.
1) Belief in a Sovereign God.
United States was founded with Christian principles guiding the founders, and functions best today if operating by Judeo-Christian principles.
Uh. No. Founding was done by a bunch of theists who didn't agree on everything but did feel that freedom to practice any religion was important to preserve. Their stance was that government should be separate from religion. To suggest that they intended government to be run by any specific religion is to invalidate their overall approach to freedom.
2) Marraige and Family Values
It's perverted for homosexual, lesbian, or gay people to love each other. Allowing gay marriage will destroy the very fabric of society.
Uh, love is love. Why is it a good thing for the government to get involved with telling who we can and can't love. Instead let's look for ways to encourage healthy relationships, loving families, and commitments that can make our society stronger. Isn't that better than demonizing people just because they see things differently than us.
3) Sanctity of Human Life
49 million abortions since Roe v. Wade. exponentially more than all the deaths by americans in war. This proves that abortion is the greatest moral threat of all time and must be countered at all cost.
Uh. While I am no fan of abortion and what it represents, I do recognize it as a choice that comes into play, particularly when the mother is poor and downtrodden to the point that she doesn't have any other recourse. I don't think the government should outlaw it. Rather they should do everything in their power to minimize abortion make it possible and advantageous for the mother to choose life.
4) Personal Responsibility
People shouldn't approach life with an entitlement attitude, and should instead focus on earning what they get. Free handouts only encourage people's sloth and greediness.
Uh, besides being the very antithesis of Jesus's work on earth, I find that this idea of Personal Responsibility is used most often as a way for the conservative, and especially the religious, crowd to absolve themselves from any responsibility in helping people. People want to help, but only on their terms. They want to only help people they deem worthy of receiving that help. This whole aspect of judging people and interacting only based on our morals or value judgements is odious to me.
The input from the pulpit was to pray (fine with that) and vote according to those four criteria (A little too formulaic for my tastes.)
So I sat and smiled, and carefully avoided indicating approval, or as is actually the case, massive disapproval of what was shared. In the same way that I don't want to accept political positions just because the powers that be say so, I recognize that it would be pretty self involved to expect every church to come out exactly where I do.
I respect each person's ability to decide for themselves. But not so much my idea of a good time this morning...
We left for home after lunch and are now on our way home. It's been a good weekend all around.
----------------
Now playing: Coldplay - Politik
via FoxyTunes
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