tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.comments2009-11-11T02:20:44.996-06:00johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265054986139606227noreply@blogger.comBlogger475125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-82672332940348937342008-11-18T13:34:00.000-06:002008-11-18T13:34:00.000-06:00My thoughts on poverty?? Hmmmm. My personal opinion is that if every evangelical Bible believing church would stop twisting and proof-texting Scripture and making Christians believe that tithing was New Testament (it's not and we are not under Levitical law) then I believe we would have millions upon millions of dollars with which to help the poor, widowed, orphaned and needy among us. But guess what? The "Church" has decided that a building, A/C, pretty altars and salaries are more important. What's interesting is that there is no Scripture indicating that the gifting of Pastor, or salaries in general are to be paid in the "Church" Tithing died with Jesus and He did away with it. Giving out of a purely motivated heart centered on Christ alone is the key. It's not the government's job to take care of the poor, it's our responsibility. But, wait, we are too busy building ministries and paying salaries that benefit US from a tithing concept that is not even Scripturally accurate...no wonder it doesn't work. Ichabod indeed. Just a tongue in cheek thought. Peace.Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12867201656043369581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-18482938624007237762008-11-09T13:33:00.000-06:002008-11-09T13:33:00.000-06:00I think I can see your point. I'm just not as inclined to promote government involvement in this issue. I am very much pro separation of church and state. And although you argue well that this is a civil rights issue, I just don't have the faith, in our government (especially at the federal level), to handle these issues. Let me also make very clear that I don't presume to believe that I am right in my thinking. I speak from what I perceive to be right, knowing that I am limited in my knowledge and perspective. I think the problem with encouraging more federal regulation, in any instance, is the unexpected and often unwanted spread of regulation into other areas. Abortion is not going to cease to exist, and as long as our culture and economy are driven by immediate gratification, convenience, consumerism, individualism, entitlement, justified apathy and global irresponsibility (i.e. the American Dream as it has evolved to become), tragic acts will continue to escalate. I truly believe the only solution, however meek it may appear to be, is through community and one-on-one relationships. Anything else, I believe, is time better spent on more productive activities. I can totally see your point about murder being illegal (and perhaps assumed to be morally unacceptable, although I suspect it is more about legality than morality) in all states. I wonder how many lives are stopped abruptly and purposely all in the name of national security or justified retaliation. Ideally, everyone would live "well" until the day they die "naturally". But this is a lofty concept. The food and nutrition industries, along with the medical and pharmaceutical industries are directly and indirectly responsible for entire generations of sick people and premature deaths. In my mind this is equal, in every way, to the appalling act of abortion. But I doubt many would agree with me on this. Our culture is ****** **, period. The ship of national recovery has sailed. Insight is rare and far-sighted and self-righteousness is prevalent. Pride covers hopelessness and drugs synthesize wellness. The choices, as I see them, are to move to a healthier environment, and/or live for change, and by example, in your (my) local community. I suppose this is equally idealistic. It keeps me from succumbing to complete insanity. It's nice to toss thoughts back and forth with you, Griff. Would be better in person. Let me know when a window of opportunity emerges from the "tyranny of the urgent".Josephnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-80294776725536887992008-11-03T07:28:00.000-06:002008-11-03T07:28:00.000-06:00On re-reading my 2am post, I think I should clarify one part. I said:<BR/><BR/>"While I'm no fan of invasive regulation, it seems to me that the most basic decisions as to right and wrong are often made at the federal level."<BR/><BR/>What I meant to say is that there are some really, universal laws that we have said apply to everyone. There's not a state where murder is legal. There's not a state where it's legal to beat a black man for being black. These are decisions not best left to states.<BR/><BR/>I believe that abortion should be regulated in the same way.johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265054986139606227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-26643812424239724662008-11-02T23:19:00.000-06:002008-11-02T23:19:00.000-06:00I'm happy to report I'm already on board with many of your suggestions. We've been tv-free for more than 3 months now, am an official "bus rider", have given up soda and coffee and definitely enjoy the occasional Murphy's Stout. I'm still only dabbling in fair trade and buy-local, but I'm down with those ideas as well. <BR/><BR/>As for the topic of abortion, here are some facts I came upon in my research. I find them hard to get around:<BR/><BR/>- Only 1% of abortions are for rape or incest.<BR/><BR/>- 6% are determined to be for the "health" of the mother. The reason I put that in quotes is because Planned Parenthood and others include not only physical health, but mental and/or emotional health. So even though a mother might not be in physical danger from seeing a pregnancy through to birth, they might determine it would hurt her emotionally. As you can imagine, that leaves a lot of room for some pretty triste science.<BR/><BR/>- That leaves 93% that are for "social" reasons.<BR/><BR/>- Every year, Americans abort about 1.4 million babies.<BR/><BR/><BR/>This is the civil rights issue of our day. As believers, we are called to defend the defenseless - to protect the weak and the innocent. If unborn babies don't fall into that category, then I don't know who does.<BR/><BR/>And as Americans, we believe that no one person's rights should be trampled on by another person. But this is exactly what up to 93% of abortions are - one person taking away the rights of another.<BR/><BR/>While I'm no fan of invasive regulation, it seems to me that the most basic decisions as to right and wrong are often made at the federal level.<BR/><BR/>Would people still seek out abortions if they weren't legal? Sure. But I think the numbers would be a lot lower. And, it would send a message that the society feels this to be morally wrong.<BR/><BR/>At the end of the day, I am pro-choice. But the choice should be made long before there's a baby involved. Couples should choose to either abstain from sex or practice safe sex and not become pregnant. That choice affects only the people who are making those choices.<BR/><BR/>Once there's another person involved (ie - a baby), the choice not to have a baby has already been passed. You now have a baby. It has it's own DNA, it's own organs and biological systems. If left to mature naturally, it will soon be self-sustaining. As believers and Americans, I feel it's our duty to protect the rights of all people - even unborn ones.<BR/><BR/>I realize that just outlawing abortion-on-demand won't fix the problem. We need better sex education, more accountability for women who have multiple unwanted pregnancies, cheaper and easier adoption policies, and much more.johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265054986139606227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-90822149118490889162008-11-02T11:11:00.000-06:002008-11-02T11:11:00.000-06:00A few thoughts.<BR/>-I hate the idea of a life being cut short, at any age.<BR/>-I hate the idea of an abortion for convenience.<BR/>-If I had to choose between the life of my wife and the life of the baby inside her (no folks, we are not pregnant!!!), hands down I'm choosing my wife.<BR/>-I don't feel comfortable telling any woman that she should not or can not have an abortion.<BR/>-I don't want the bureaucrats deciding what is acceptable medical treatment and what is not. We already have the insurance companies for that injustice.<BR/>-I do not believe abortion laws and/or supreme court justices will change the frequency of abortions, or change people's minds about the procedure.<BR/>-I believe that abortion is only a small piece of the pie of unfortunate acts (most of which are unknown or overlooked) that is our American culture.<BR/>-I don't think politics are the solution to very many, if any, problems.<BR/>-I think truly relevant solutions and positive change are often more easily found within small communities.<BR/>-If government is to make decisions regarding abortions, I think it should fall on the hands of local public servants and at very most, the state government.<BR/>-I think bureaucrats are way too involved in the regulations of local communities. Freedom in America is very limited, as per the status quo.<BR/><BR/>The solution as I see it:<BR/>-Opt out of government programs whenever possible.<BR/>-Vote with your dollars (you already do).<BR/>-Love your neighbors (yes it really is that easy).<BR/>-Buy locally and stimulate the economy in your local community, even when it costs more (when more people buy local the price will go down).<BR/>-Turn off the TV and read more. I recommend the alternative press.<BR/>-Get in touch with your food, where it comes from and who cared for it.<BR/>-Processed food is NOT FOOD. <BR/>-As Michael Pollen said, "Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly Vegetables."<BR/>-Get "off the grid" as much as possible. Energy independence starts with the individual and household.<BR/>-Be aware of your footprint on the world, and if you give a d*mn, work to make it smaller.<BR/>-Give a d*mn.<BR/>-Opt out of the status quo and question everything.<BR/>-Stop justifying irresponsible living (I do it too).<BR/>-Complain if you like, but then do something about it.<BR/>-Life is what you miss when you are busting your a** to make enough money to pay your bills. <BR/>-There are other paths to sustainability and yes you can do it, if it's important to you.<BR/>Pour the coca-cola down the drain (the HFCS will kill you), relax and have a beer and a smile (preferablly locally brewed).Josephnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-62016460196340000312008-10-07T17:47:00.000-05:002008-10-07T17:47:00.000-05:00How 'bout a NSFW label, man ???<BR/><BR/>This might top it: http://www.metafilter.com/51569/The-Oozinatorjonstovallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486959170205940094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-84156971551268691922008-10-05T22:00:00.000-05:002008-10-05T22:00:00.000-05:00Matt and Emily helped me nail it. She's in a key far, far away...johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265054986139606227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-25125151498375353682008-10-01T23:36:00.000-05:002008-10-01T23:36:00.000-05:00HEY! Wasn't that the $700B bailout package I just saw plop it's way down the slide?johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265054986139606227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-30556628689241687172008-10-01T23:34:00.000-05:002008-10-01T23:34:00.000-05:00It's the equivalent of "hey kids - go play in the street..."johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265054986139606227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-41689663116373809582008-10-01T23:33:00.000-05:002008-10-01T23:33:00.000-05:00This guy is the real deal. If it's an act, it's the best one I've ever seen. He seems sincere, balanced and fair.<BR/><BR/>But I have to say, I like McCain too. Not "candidate McCain" mind you. What's he's having to do to get elected (pandering to the far right) is a bit sickening. But I've always admired that he marches to the beat of his own drummer.johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265054986139606227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-84092631658577655602008-10-01T23:31:00.000-05:002008-10-01T23:31:00.000-05:00Great! Two of my friends have gone off the deep end! One like a VP candidate whose foreign policy experience includes being able to see Russia from her house. And the other is voting for a ticket that includes a pot evangelist and a book maker.<BR/><BR/>THE WORLD HAS GONE MAD!<BR/><BR/>;)johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265054986139606227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-13892813961774150382008-10-01T23:28:00.000-05:002008-10-01T23:28:00.000-05:00Sorry dude - here you go...johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13265054986139606227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-50797074957595090652008-09-27T19:52:00.000-05:002008-09-27T19:52:00.000-05:00Am I the only one who doesn't see a video here?Josephnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-56893653464640354312008-09-27T19:50:00.000-05:002008-09-27T19:50:00.000-05:00And one more thing. Even though the electoral college has screwed me out of the opportunity to have my vote actually count for something, I am voting Libertarian. Bob Barr for President of the United States of America.Josephnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-29195200437230252262008-09-27T19:40:00.000-05:002008-09-27T19:40:00.000-05:00Ummm??? Sure why not. Politics, Schmolitics!!! Let's get a pint. We'll be back in S.A. around the middle of October. What do ya say? First one's on me!Josephnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-70513379591525171542008-09-24T11:18:00.000-05:002008-09-24T11:18:00.000-05:00I love it!! What I've seen is that everything negative that has been run on Palin always seems to backfire. Because the stories have zero intelligence or merit. Somebody's working overtime to mix up mud but they just can't seem to add enough water to make it stick. I watched all the speeches from both conventions. Obama and wife were fantastic. Biden truly is just an add on to give Obama more credibility with middle aged white people. McCain is okay. But Palin rocks. What a fantastic move to put her on the ticket. She resonates 100 times more than Hillary ever could. What could be better than someone who is classy, intelligent, has fresh ideas, goes against "business as usual, good ole' boy" tactics, is a "Jill six-pack" who shoots game while breastfeeding her baby, AND deals with less than perfect family situations while running a state??? Are you kidding me???---This woman rocks. I've already built an altar and lit the candle. Besides, I think the oval office could use a little estrogen and maybe some baby toys cluttered around the desk; a breast pump in the top drawer...give it more of a family feel. Peace.Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12867201656043369581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-83442628246711710442008-09-24T11:04:00.000-05:002008-09-24T11:04:00.000-05:00Hey...I've actually visited this place..No kidding! I believe it is a Republican funded McDonald's to start getting the kiddos use to the idea of what America will continue to be like under Republican rule. Hee Hee!!Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12867201656043369581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-73920406897887803172008-08-08T12:03:00.000-05:002008-08-08T12:03:00.000-05:00That speech is what really turned it around for me.jonstovallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09486959170205940094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-52911117657379883642008-08-04T20:01:00.000-05:002008-08-04T20:01:00.000-05:00SH*T!!!Josephnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-26148652154894921802008-08-04T19:59:00.000-05:002008-08-04T19:59:00.000-05:00Sounds like fun.Josephnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-91241436412275276982008-08-04T19:58:00.000-05:002008-08-04T19:58:00.000-05:00Watch out kid, he BITES!!!Josephnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-45961200223937719402008-08-04T19:58:00.000-05:002008-08-04T19:58:00.000-05:00Ay Dios mio!!!Josephnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-56433535503754025222008-07-25T19:01:00.000-05:002008-07-25T19:01:00.000-05:00Yo Yo Yo Ricky... straight up... girl's a CRACKHO!!!!LuvMYtrailernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-22718466793539918202008-07-25T19:00:00.000-05:002008-07-25T19:00:00.000-05:00I like tuhtles.I is who I isnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13768887.post-36157869701152996712008-07-19T20:43:00.000-05:002008-07-19T20:43:00.000-05:00They must be destroyed. I'm on it.MapleSyrupBombernoreply@blogger.com