Children abducted in the night, carried off to be abused and forced into becoming militia soldiers? Trudging miles after mile, scared, hungry, and killed if they try to escape. Bad fiction?
In Uganda, this is apparently a very real fear for children. Stories from some who have lived to tell of their ordeal are now being heard by the United Nations. The UN doesn’t have a great track record when it comes to atrocities, but yeah, they’ve “issued a statement.” Oh, boy.
Wonder why we haven't heard more about this?
There is a group, or more accurately a movement, trying to get the word out and put an end to this injustice. You can learn more at InvisibleChildren.com. There are videos and news items to help you get informed. They plan to take to the streets of the capital June 22-23 and lobby US “leaders.”
This organization was recently featured on Oprah. It sounds promising (still, I urge everyone to research any organization thoroughly for themselves before joining or donating).
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Stupid Government Tricks? Minting New Pennies
You’ve heard of Stupid Pet Tricks on Letterman. Well, at least those can be entertaining. Stupid government tricks aren’t generally that amusing.
I think Ron White said it best, “You can’t fix stupid.” While he may not have been talking about government, the sentiment certainly applies. With the economy in the crapper, the government in its infinite wisdom has decided we need new commemorative pennies.
Pennies. You know, the coins people complain about, or toss in little dishes near cash registers?
Well, apparently, there are four new designs to give tribute to old Honest Abe. I mean, I’ve got nothing against Abe Lincoln, but come on. We needed to spend God knows how much money to have little log cabins on the back of copper coins that some people actually throw in the trash? Coin collectors will probably enjoy them but damn (read more about the new designs at LA Times)...
What a fantastic way to spend our tax dollars, right?
Not so much, if you ask me.
But, hey, look something new and shiny! Just don't look at what's really going on in your world...
I think Ron White said it best, “You can’t fix stupid.” While he may not have been talking about government, the sentiment certainly applies. With the economy in the crapper, the government in its infinite wisdom has decided we need new commemorative pennies.
Pennies. You know, the coins people complain about, or toss in little dishes near cash registers?
Well, apparently, there are four new designs to give tribute to old Honest Abe. I mean, I’ve got nothing against Abe Lincoln, but come on. We needed to spend God knows how much money to have little log cabins on the back of copper coins that some people actually throw in the trash? Coin collectors will probably enjoy them but damn (read more about the new designs at LA Times)...
What a fantastic way to spend our tax dollars, right?
Not so much, if you ask me.
But, hey, look something new and shiny! Just don't look at what's really going on in your world...
Monday, April 13, 2009
One-sided Tolerance
Hmmm... One-sided tolerance. Well, that’s an oxymoron for sure but all too prevalent nonetheless. Tolerance basically means tolerating that with which one does not agree. So, how can it be one-sided? I guess it depends on who you are. Just like “redneck” jokes are fine and dandy, yet other jokes based on stereotype are politically incorrect.
Yesterday was Easter. Sure, people did the egg hunt thing and the typical stuff, probably ate too much, and had some time to enjoy the family. Yet, some people were also celebrating the biggest holiday in regard to their beliefs. Jesus having died on the cross and risen from the grave, so that our sins could be forgiven. Obviously, a huge day for Christians.
Yet, while many people were being oh so careful not to offend those who don’t share those beliefs, some went out of their way to mock believers. Don't you love it when the ones who are the first to scream intolerance turn around and attack someone else? Some truly disgusting jokes and comments were made. When asked to tone it down, one person in a chat said, “It’s not disrespectful; it's just Christians.”
I guess that makes it okay. You know, since it’s only those people.
I’m not an easily offended type. I really don’t do politically correct. But, if you’re going to preach tolerance, then it’s probably a good idea to actually be tolerant… especially of those you don’t agree with... isn’t that the point?
Yesterday was Easter. Sure, people did the egg hunt thing and the typical stuff, probably ate too much, and had some time to enjoy the family. Yet, some people were also celebrating the biggest holiday in regard to their beliefs. Jesus having died on the cross and risen from the grave, so that our sins could be forgiven. Obviously, a huge day for Christians.
Yet, while many people were being oh so careful not to offend those who don’t share those beliefs, some went out of their way to mock believers. Don't you love it when the ones who are the first to scream intolerance turn around and attack someone else? Some truly disgusting jokes and comments were made. When asked to tone it down, one person in a chat said, “It’s not disrespectful; it's just Christians.”
I guess that makes it okay. You know, since it’s only those people.
I’m not an easily offended type. I really don’t do politically correct. But, if you’re going to preach tolerance, then it’s probably a good idea to actually be tolerant… especially of those you don’t agree with... isn’t that the point?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Back away from the Pistachios
Not another one! It's scary to think that our food supply is so vulnerable...
Not long ago it was peanuts; now it’s pistachios. Fortunately, in this case, it appears that those involved are working to react appropriately to potential contamination issues.
Risking Lives for Peanuts?
The peanut salmonella outbreak quickly caused outrage. It was alleged that serious sanitation issues were neglected and perhaps covered up, that products may have been knowingly sold despite contamination.
I can’t think of a punishment horrible enough for anyone (if proven) to have risked the lives of others just to make a buck.
Better Safe than Sorry
At this time, the source of possible salmonella contamination concerning pistachios is still being tracked. The FDA has advised all sources “not to sell or serve any pistachios or pistachio-containing products until the source of the pistachios can be determined.”
It may be best to avoid pistachio nuts or other products until more information is available, including previously purchased products.
While my faith in the FDA's ability to protect our food supply doesn't exactly make me rest easy, there is more information available at the FDA Website that may prove useful.
Not long ago it was peanuts; now it’s pistachios. Fortunately, in this case, it appears that those involved are working to react appropriately to potential contamination issues.
Risking Lives for Peanuts?
The peanut salmonella outbreak quickly caused outrage. It was alleged that serious sanitation issues were neglected and perhaps covered up, that products may have been knowingly sold despite contamination.
I can’t think of a punishment horrible enough for anyone (if proven) to have risked the lives of others just to make a buck.
Better Safe than Sorry
At this time, the source of possible salmonella contamination concerning pistachios is still being tracked. The FDA has advised all sources “not to sell or serve any pistachios or pistachio-containing products until the source of the pistachios can be determined.”
It may be best to avoid pistachio nuts or other products until more information is available, including previously purchased products.
While my faith in the FDA's ability to protect our food supply doesn't exactly make me rest easy, there is more information available at the FDA Website that may prove useful.
Friday, April 3, 2009
One Day at a Time
It doesn’t really matter from which source you have learned this principle, if you can learn to follow it. Live each day as it comes. Today is a good day.
You woke up, didn’t you? Then it’s good.
This simple yet at the same time profound bit of wisdom can be found in many sources including the Bible and various 12 step programs for addiction. It’s just common sense. This isn’t to say go crazy each day living it like it’s your last, yet if we learned to focus more on the here and now, we’d be happier and more relaxed.
Of course, some planning for the future is required. Yet, when we spend all of our time worrying about tomorrow and next week and next year, today passes by without living it to its full potential.
Today is a good day.
It might not be perfect; in fact, there may be many not so good things going on in a single day. However, there is something good about this day and we’d all be better off if we spent more time enjoying the good parts of life instead of letting stress take over. Worrying about things doesn’t make problems go away, it only compounds them.
Live your life… today.
You woke up, didn’t you? Then it’s good.
This simple yet at the same time profound bit of wisdom can be found in many sources including the Bible and various 12 step programs for addiction. It’s just common sense. This isn’t to say go crazy each day living it like it’s your last, yet if we learned to focus more on the here and now, we’d be happier and more relaxed.
Of course, some planning for the future is required. Yet, when we spend all of our time worrying about tomorrow and next week and next year, today passes by without living it to its full potential.
Today is a good day.
It might not be perfect; in fact, there may be many not so good things going on in a single day. However, there is something good about this day and we’d all be better off if we spent more time enjoying the good parts of life instead of letting stress take over. Worrying about things doesn’t make problems go away, it only compounds them.
Live your life… today.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Government, Economy, Freedom
This article was inspired by a reader comment. Yes, our government has grown too big. It is not what the founders intended. At all.
The US Government was designed to defend the nation and to protect the people, specifically to protect the people’s rights. The Constitution clearly defines the appropriate roles of the federal government. All else is to be left to the states and to the people. Keep in mind that power corrupts.
Also note that a distant, cold, central government cannot meet the needs of the individual. It wasn’t designed to do so (FEMA anyone?). It also cannot meet the needs of those in far away places with very different lifestyles.
People in rural communities have very different needs than people who live in cities. Each community is different and that is why universal decisions, even those with the best intentions, tend to hurt more than they help. A state government, better yet a local one, is more in touch with its people. There is also the fact that the people can keep a much better eye on local politicians, keep them on their toes, or elect someone else.
That is the main point of this discussion. A reader asked what we can do about our government. The first, best thing we can do is stop electing the same types of politicians. We need statesmen. We need people who are willing to protect freedom. We need leaders.
As it stands right now, there is way too much back-scratching, far too many deals made. Rarely is the Constitution mentioned, much less used as the standard. We have lawmakers signing legislation that they have not even read, often just to get someone else to go along with their agendas. Corruption abounds, yet we turn a blind eye.
We must educate ourselves and become informed voters. Don’t listen to campaign speeches, press conferences, or promises. Check their voting records. Check their track records. Fire them when they fail.
Vote for only those that stand for personal freedom. It is what has always set this country apart from others, made us prosperous, and made so many risk their lives to defend it, and risk their lives to come here. Yet, here we are, throwing it all away.
It’s up to us to say enough.
The US Government was designed to defend the nation and to protect the people, specifically to protect the people’s rights. The Constitution clearly defines the appropriate roles of the federal government. All else is to be left to the states and to the people. Keep in mind that power corrupts.
Also note that a distant, cold, central government cannot meet the needs of the individual. It wasn’t designed to do so (FEMA anyone?). It also cannot meet the needs of those in far away places with very different lifestyles.
People in rural communities have very different needs than people who live in cities. Each community is different and that is why universal decisions, even those with the best intentions, tend to hurt more than they help. A state government, better yet a local one, is more in touch with its people. There is also the fact that the people can keep a much better eye on local politicians, keep them on their toes, or elect someone else.
That is the main point of this discussion. A reader asked what we can do about our government. The first, best thing we can do is stop electing the same types of politicians. We need statesmen. We need people who are willing to protect freedom. We need leaders.
As it stands right now, there is way too much back-scratching, far too many deals made. Rarely is the Constitution mentioned, much less used as the standard. We have lawmakers signing legislation that they have not even read, often just to get someone else to go along with their agendas. Corruption abounds, yet we turn a blind eye.
We must educate ourselves and become informed voters. Don’t listen to campaign speeches, press conferences, or promises. Check their voting records. Check their track records. Fire them when they fail.
Vote for only those that stand for personal freedom. It is what has always set this country apart from others, made us prosperous, and made so many risk their lives to defend it, and risk their lives to come here. Yet, here we are, throwing it all away.
It’s up to us to say enough.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Too many Children?
How many is too many, and who gets to decide?
If you live in the US, this is still a (semi) free country. You don’t get to tell other people how many children they can have.
I’ve heard much talk on this topic lately, but what set me off was the whole octuplet mom story. Leave her alone. Mind your own business. She isn’t telling you how many children to have, so what gives you the right to tell her?
Someone also mentioned the other day in a chat that everyone should be “fixed” at a young age and then be required to fill out a ton of paperwork and receive approval before they are allowed to have children. It was also stated that there should be no parental rights that the government should be in control of all children.
It sounded like a bad movie to me. A really bad one.
Who are these people and what makes them think they can tell other people what to do and how to live? They seem to see themselves on a higher plane where they can dictate to others...
To those people I say, get over yourself.
If you live in the US, this is still a (semi) free country. You don’t get to tell other people how many children they can have.
I’ve heard much talk on this topic lately, but what set me off was the whole octuplet mom story. Leave her alone. Mind your own business. She isn’t telling you how many children to have, so what gives you the right to tell her?
Someone also mentioned the other day in a chat that everyone should be “fixed” at a young age and then be required to fill out a ton of paperwork and receive approval before they are allowed to have children. It was also stated that there should be no parental rights that the government should be in control of all children.
It sounded like a bad movie to me. A really bad one.
Who are these people and what makes them think they can tell other people what to do and how to live? They seem to see themselves on a higher plane where they can dictate to others...
To those people I say, get over yourself.
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