Thought you might enjoy this interesting prayer given in Kansas at the opening session of their Senate. It seems prayer still upsets some people
( Read more... )
Cool, I’m glad I finally worked up the nerve to post this in my journal. I have been thinking about this issues for a while, and wondering how many of my friendships will be destroyed b/c I’m on a different side of the line than most of my friends (or most of the people in my age group, for that matter). First of all, let me begin with three disclaimers: 1) I do not intend to make any personal attacks, and I’m sorry for hurt feelings 2) I certainly am not as well-written as some of my socially-versed law school associates (or pre-law associates) and 3) it’s 3am, and I wanna go to bed.
But my intrigue prevents any such lassitude.
While I think politicians should be weary when making blanket statements such as these, I am grateful to have gotten this chain e mail for the fact that it sums the feelings of a majority of Americans today… well at least a majority of educated and practicing American voters… while it is dangerous to look upon the past as the Golden Age, it is certainly to our benefit that we may look upon the past to learn from both the mistakes and successes. I think that it’s perfectly valid for people to distrust politics - as a Kerry supporter, how COULD you trust him when he was supporting a different cause every time he opened his mouth? Likewise, the Clintons suddenly became buddy-buddy with Bush as soon as they realized that Kerry was going to severely lose the 2004 election and a democratic win would decrease Hillary’s chances in 2008. Politics has become a malicious game of “red light, green light 123” where a Machiavelian approach is the norm. However, I do not agree that the conservative trend is necessarily a wrong thing… instead it simply means that people will have to rely on their own wits and talent to be successful, instead of relying on adventitious income while they sit on their butt and get their 3rd girlfriend pregnant for the 7th time.
On abortion and pregnancy… I don’t agree that a woman who is raped should get an abortion. What that woman should realize (through community and privately funded counseling programs) is that this child is a part of her, and no matter how horrible an experience she went through, it still contains half of her DNA. If she still cannot deal with the unbearable pain that child will give her every day of its life, there is a 5-year wait list for an American babies that many nice couples are on (… Matthew and I may add our names to this list in the future). And, come on, nine months is not a long time. From the time I’ve spent at a low-income job working among pregnant single mothers, it is entirely possible to endure 9 months out of school while still working and preparing for a new life. One of my good friends right now is due tomorrow with her firstborn daughter. She deferred medical school b/c oops, she got preggy, and she’s signed up to begin school starting next fall. Luckily she went to a decent public college in California on a free scholarship and has saved enough over the past five years to pay for daycare for the first few years of her daughter’s life.
Anywho, for all the disbelievers… it can be done. As can long-distance relationships. The problem is that people are sooooo lazy in our generation, that any extra effort is too much. They want results now, hot food now, money now. They don’t want to work, don’t want to save, and they don’t want to plan for the future. Additionally, our society tends to treat the symptoms rather than eradicate the problems. What would happen if abortions and birth control were made illegal? I’m certain that more people would probably think twice about doing the deed. Also, look at some of the crazy Arab fundamentalists to our east… such a prude regard to sexuality results in their culture having the lowest number of STD’s on the planet!
(continued - I ran out of room)skandolousFebruary 2 2005, 11:59:17 UTC
I’m not sure if the purpose of this speech was to flaunt his own righteousness, for as citizens of a democratic republic, we elect the people who have decided to do these unfavorable acts. The reverend’s main point was probably to discourage those who are phlegmatic and to encourage self-reflection. In general, there are too many brainless Americans who think that they have every right in the world to feed off of the taxpayer’s money. In my 12 years of employment (yes, I started under the legal age allowed by our government b/c I was a ambitious little tater tot), in 5 minimum wage jobs that I’ve had, it’s been obvious to me that trying and a little effort can go a long way. I think that this powerful capitalist hand should be what drives an American out of a minimum wage job, so that more teenage American citizens (or English-speaking legal immigrants) can fill the void and develop a sense of responsibility.
It is the law of nature for the certain animals to succeed. These animals need not be the strongest or the most cunning… often times they may have a cuckhold-like strategy… but one things for sure, they aren’t waiting for an organized animal government to give free hand outs.
I’m sorry if this doesn’t make any sense. It’s 4am, and I’m very tired.
Re: (continued - I ran out of room)nattyclaireFebruary 3 2005, 03:51:15 UTC
Hey hon- no worries, I think we all know that we think differently, and I'll always love you for being the hardworking admirable beautiful girl you are. So, you don't ever have to worry about sharing your views, as long as I'm allowed to reply too :)
I can totally understand where you are coming from on the abortion issue. If I thought life started at conception, I would be right with you- I'm certainly not an advocate for murder and am anti death penalty. But I just have a different idea about when life starts, probably because I'm not religious. I've felt that way since who knows when- I remember putting together a booklet/presentation in 7th grade telling a very Baptist class how I was pro choice and anti-death penalty. Let's just say, I wasn't exactly loved in 7th grade.
But as I got older, people get more mature, and we all learned to relate to one another on different levels. I was very different from the people in my town- I remember having conversations with girls my age talking about how they would never date someone of another race, and would never let their kids date someone of another race either. I was completely shocked- and definitely expressed this view. But no matter how differently people do think (and in no way am I trying to say that you are against inter-racial couples) those kids were still willing to respect opposing views.... enough to vote an atheist French modern dance girl as the school's prom queen.
Anyway- I do hope you continue to share your views with me, and you really don't have to be afraid of destroying our friendship in the least- in fact I think it can only get stronger the more we share about our beliefs. It's always good to know that I can have an awesome friendship with someone who has a different value system. Just to let you know, at law school here, I have made friends w/ several Republicans(gasp!), and even some Mormans and military folk too.
While we may have our differences- we certianly have a lot in common. We both work really damn hard at whatever we're doing (and always do too much, as I start 2 part time jobs, dance class and law school......). But we know what's important in life- our friends and family- and the loves of our lives. Justin and I have gotten incredibly close- I feel so lucky to be with such an intelligent, generous, and silly guy- he makes me sane, and I know Matt does that for you. But we both were raised very differently, and those values we learned growing up will always be a part of us. Remember I'm half French (and my mom basically think she is French)- so socialism is in my blood, and I've seen it work in France- but they have a very different society from ours. I've been to church once in my life- with my best friend. But almost all of my high school friends are pretty religious and traditional- but like you, they still know how to have an awesome time, making fun of bad movies or playing silly games, or going out dancing. Knowing how to strike a balance between work, friendship, love and having a good time (however skewed that might be while we are students!)--- that's where we'll always have a common bond . Oh, and being able to make fun of the Cornell Dance Department (whom my new dance professor knows all about).
Anywho- no need to fret- I love you and always will- and you better keep being adamant about your views- I would expect no less from you!
But my intrigue prevents any such lassitude.
While I think politicians should be weary when making blanket statements such as these, I am grateful to have gotten this chain e mail for the fact that it sums the feelings of a majority of Americans today… well at least a majority of educated and practicing American voters… while it is dangerous to look upon the past as the Golden Age, it is certainly to our benefit that we may look upon the past to learn from both the mistakes and successes. I think that it’s perfectly valid for people to distrust politics - as a Kerry supporter, how COULD you trust him when he was supporting a different cause every time he opened his mouth? Likewise, the Clintons suddenly became buddy-buddy with Bush as soon as they realized that Kerry was going to severely lose the 2004 election and a democratic win would decrease Hillary’s chances in 2008. Politics has become a malicious game of “red light, green light 123” where a Machiavelian approach is the norm. However, I do not agree that the conservative trend is necessarily a wrong thing… instead it simply means that people will have to rely on their own wits and talent to be successful, instead of relying on adventitious income while they sit on their butt and get their 3rd girlfriend pregnant for the 7th time.
On abortion and pregnancy…
I don’t agree that a woman who is raped should get an abortion. What that woman should realize (through community and privately funded counseling programs) is that this child is a part of her, and no matter how horrible an experience she went through, it still contains half of her DNA. If she still cannot deal with the unbearable pain that child will give her every day of its life, there is a 5-year wait list for an American babies that many nice couples are on (… Matthew and I may add our names to this list in the future). And, come on, nine months is not a long time. From the time I’ve spent at a low-income job working among pregnant single mothers, it is entirely possible to endure 9 months out of school while still working and preparing for a new life. One of my good friends right now is due tomorrow with her firstborn daughter. She deferred medical school b/c oops, she got preggy, and she’s signed up to begin school starting next fall. Luckily she went to a decent public college in California on a free scholarship and has saved enough over the past five years to pay for daycare for the first few years of her daughter’s life.
Anywho, for all the disbelievers… it can be done. As can long-distance relationships. The problem is that people are sooooo lazy in our generation, that any extra effort is too much. They want results now, hot food now, money now. They don’t want to work, don’t want to save, and they don’t want to plan for the future. Additionally, our society tends to treat the symptoms rather than eradicate the problems. What would happen if abortions and birth control were made illegal? I’m certain that more people would probably think twice about doing the deed. Also, look at some of the crazy Arab fundamentalists to our east… such a prude regard to sexuality results in their culture having the lowest number of STD’s on the planet!
Reply
It is the law of nature for the certain animals to succeed. These animals need not be the strongest or the most cunning… often times they may have a cuckhold-like strategy… but one things for sure, they aren’t waiting for an organized animal government to give free hand outs.
I’m sorry if this doesn’t make any sense. It’s 4am, and I’m very tired.
Reply
I can totally understand where you are coming from on the abortion issue. If I thought life started at conception, I would be right with you- I'm certainly not an advocate for murder and am anti death penalty. But I just have a different idea about when life starts, probably because I'm not religious. I've felt that way since who knows when- I remember putting together a booklet/presentation in 7th grade telling a very Baptist class how I was pro choice and anti-death penalty. Let's just say, I wasn't exactly loved in 7th grade.
But as I got older, people get more mature, and we all learned to relate to one another on different levels. I was very different from the people in my town- I remember having conversations with girls my age talking about how they would never date someone of another race, and would never let their kids date someone of another race either. I was completely shocked- and definitely expressed this view. But no matter how differently people do think (and in no way am I trying to say that you are against inter-racial couples) those kids were still willing to respect opposing views.... enough to vote an atheist French modern dance girl as the school's prom queen.
Anyway- I do hope you continue to share your views with me, and you really don't have to be afraid of destroying our friendship in the least- in fact I think it can only get stronger the more we share about our beliefs. It's always good to know that I can have an awesome friendship with someone who has a different value system. Just to let you know, at law school here, I have made friends w/ several Republicans(gasp!), and even some Mormans and military folk too.
While we may have our differences- we certianly have a lot in common. We both work really damn hard at whatever we're doing (and always do too much, as I start 2 part time jobs, dance class and law school......). But we know what's important in life- our friends and family- and the loves of our lives. Justin and I have gotten incredibly close- I feel so lucky to be with such an intelligent, generous, and silly guy- he makes me sane, and I know Matt does that for you. But we both were raised very differently, and those values we learned growing up will always be a part of us. Remember I'm half French (and my mom basically think she is French)- so socialism is in my blood, and I've seen it work in France- but they have a very different society from ours. I've been to church once in my life- with my best friend. But almost all of my high school friends are pretty religious and traditional- but like you, they still know how to have an awesome time, making fun of bad movies or playing silly games, or going out dancing. Knowing how to strike a balance between work, friendship, love and having a good time (however skewed that might be while we are students!)--- that's where we'll always have a common bond . Oh, and being able to make fun of the Cornell Dance Department (whom my new dance professor knows all about).
Anywho- no need to fret- I love you and always will- and you better keep being adamant about your views- I would expect no less from you!
Reply
Leave a comment