If you're looking for evidence that America, and indeed Western Civilization, is beginning to wheeze its last gasps of breath before passing into the hereafter of history, you need go no further than this story. A boy who's been dressed in dresses by his parents is shocked that the Girl Scouts will not have him. The Girl Scouts, not exactly a bastion of traditional values, thought it was progressive enough. Turns out not. Gay Rights advocates and academics (as if there's a difference there) jump in to remind us that all this gender stuff is the result of ages old bad-think.
Of course, there's a little throwback to old time liberalism's mantra of 'it's all relative.' But fool me once you know. I stopped believing in such rubbish as I saw the apostles of tolerance and diversity increasingly seek to eradicate and oppress anyone who fails to conform to their dogmatic doctrines. So while 'it's all relative' might help win the argument in a society that would gladly don the chains of servitude for a little sex, down the road we'll see yet one more case of yesterday's progressive principle tossed aside in favor of brutal censorship, oppression, and demands for goodthink. Whether or not the rest of our society sees it or not will determine if this symptom points to a sickness that can be overcome, or one that will eventually overcome all of us.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Cain opponents forget the times we live in
Apparently Herman Cain may have sexually harassed some women back in the day. Of course, back in the day that might have meant something. But you see, this is the PC period in American history. Not politically correct, but post-Clinton. Remember, during the later phase of the Clinton scandal, after he was forced to admit he had lied to America and falsely accused the GOP of lying about him, we were informed by our brightest and smartest that all this had to do with sex, and so was unimportant. It was sex. And with that, who cares? Why, pundits and supporters actually went on to insist we Americans needed to get with the times. Who cares about character, truth, perjury, values, morals? As long as Clinton was giving us the greatest economy in the history of the universe*, that's all we should care about, right? After all, it's the economy stupid!
Never before has a single presidency done more to destroy the moral fabric of American society than the Clinton Administration. He showed that a massive swath of our country was willing to sell its birthright for a bowl of stew. And ironically, it ended up losing that stew as many said we would.
*FWIW, as early as 1998, some economists were suggesting our economy wasn't really that wonderful. They were concerned that much of the purchasing was being done on debt, personal and corporate debt, and if it didnt' turn around, everything could blow up in our face. But what did they know.
Never before has a single presidency done more to destroy the moral fabric of American society than the Clinton Administration. He showed that a massive swath of our country was willing to sell its birthright for a bowl of stew. And ironically, it ended up losing that stew as many said we would.
*FWIW, as early as 1998, some economists were suggesting our economy wasn't really that wonderful. They were concerned that much of the purchasing was being done on debt, personal and corporate debt, and if it didnt' turn around, everything could blow up in our face. But what did they know.
The Motley Monk appears to be shocked by the obvious
Over at The American Catholic, the 'Motley Monk' laments the lack of God at the Martin Luther King, Jr., memorial. I'm shocked that anyone would be shocked. King has become the icon of the post-Western world. Seldom is he called Reverend, the press and most thinkers preferring Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. That he was a churchman is, of course, troubling to the whole notion that we should keep wrong religions out of the public domain. Most, when confronted with this, explain it away by saying that the parts of King that are praiseworthy had nothing to do with his religion, and everything to do with his right thinking about Civil Rights.
Again, I've said it before and I'll keep saying it: there is nothing more revealing of the narrative set forth by the post-moder left than MLK. He not only represents what they will do to promote their doctrine, but how they plan on dealing with those issues that do not conform to their doctrines.
Again, I've said it before and I'll keep saying it: there is nothing more revealing of the narrative set forth by the post-moder left than MLK. He not only represents what they will do to promote their doctrine, but how they plan on dealing with those issues that do not conform to their doctrines.
It's All Hallows Eve
That's right, the holiday commonly known as Halloween, with pagan roots handed down by way of the Christian liturgical calendar, is upon us. Most Americans, including not a few within the Catholic tradition, probably see this as a time to get the little'uns dressed up as ghouls and ghosts and goblins. Or more likely costumed in the form of the latest cultural or movie fad. Possibly, if keeping up with the Joneses, seeing their kids getting sexed up, as is the trend in adult costumes. Getting candy. Getting drunk. Partying.
The nostalgia factor is difficult to grasp, that's for sure. As America continues to flounder due to its lack of roots in anything beyond the latest smartphone technology, hedonism has become the overarching trademark of American life, mixed with consumerism and narcissism. Thus it's tough to remember that, for the child of the Western Tradition, this day actually has some religious connotations, if only because of its proximity to All Saints Day, and All Souls Day which follows fast on its heels.
Yes, much of it, even historically, was a result of the assimilation of non-Christian traditions and customs. Contrary to popular Hollywood belief, the Catholic Church didn't butcher and slaughter any idea that came from outside of its cloistered walls. Throughout its history, many traditions, ideals, practices, and customs from the pagan world made their way into the stream of the faith. Christmas trees anyone? This unofficial holiday is no different.
While the history of Halloween and all of the associated images and icons is beyond my concern or care right now, it's enough to remember that behind all the conflicting stories of where jack-o-lanterns came from, behind all of the diverse theories about the level of influence that ancient pagan practice had on this day, behind all of the usual scholarly squabbles over the precise method by which this European custom came to America, is a very simple truth.* That truth is that, for the Christian, today is simply the day before that grand celebration of the Saints of the faith. For all the saints, including those who don't have their own particular day or recognition, tomorrow is a time to rejoice and celebrate that great cloud of witnesses and the peace and bliss to which they point.
It's appropriate, of course, that the evening before such a celebration of the promise of salvation would find its antithesis in a reflection on the darker truths of the universe. A time when death is dwelt upon, the powers of darkness are reflected upon - and dutifully mocked - and we maintain a healthy reminder of just what forces exist outside of the covering grace of God. And when kept in perspective, the nightly buffoonery and frolicking, the candy and caramel apples, seem altogether acceptable.
It's when we discard tomorrow, and see tonight as the end all; when we see it as a time to rejoice in hedonism and debauchery, when Madison Avenue steps in and pushes the sexting up of our kids in order to cash in on a expendable childhoods, when life is sold cheap, and we applaud the mutilation of life and the living for our own gratification, that the holiday has lost its luster. Indeed, it has lost its one possible meaning. That meaning is that the dark forces can indeed be mocked and even laughed at, because we have been given a salvation that has been passed down through the ages. A salvation that many before us have obtained, and through the sacramental life of the Church triumphant, we have an avenue through which we can wake up in the morning, and remind ourselves that it was all a passing moment. We can remember that the real existence is that which will take us beyond this mortal coil, and into the arms of the Living God for eternity. That is the celebration of All Hallows' Day.
So Happy All Hallows Eve. Rejoice in the promise of salvation before us. Remind ourselves of the present darkness and the powers and principalities of this age, the fate that awaits those who would so willingly reject the gracious gift of God, and from there we can throw back the tides of rampant consumerism, debauchery, decadence, hedonism, and similar philosophical children of darkness, and enjoy a ghost or goblin for what it really represents: a way of making little the darkness which cannot withstand the Light. Oh, and enjoy those Hershey bars in the process.
*For a nice little look at the origins of the holiday from a non-secular, non-skeptic's perspective, you could do worse than this little article.
Congratulations Luke Fickell
And of course the rest of the Buckeyes. What a win! Giving back to Wisconsin a little dose of what they've given us the last few seasons, Ohio State finally did something worth celebrating. Can there be any other sports program with more to overcome than the Buckeyes this year? And poor Mr. Fickell. What a season it's been. But Saturday night was a night to celebrate, even if the rest of the season doesn't pan out.
In one of the most exciting last 4 minutes of football I've seen in ages, reminiscent of the famous NFL Chargers-Dolphins match from decades past, Ohio State and Wisconsin battled it down to the wire. And in plays not exactly on par with Ohio State standards, the Buckeyes pulled it through.
Not being a football guru, I'll leave the finer commentary to the experts. But one thing I noticed? Over the last years, especially since the disastrous National Championship against Florida, Ohio State had been losing its ability to overcome loss of momentum. Jim Tressel, whom I still admire, seemed just as powerless to stop the changing winds and turn them back into our favor. This was especially true in the 'Big' games. All it took was one fumble, one interception, one explosive touchdown by the other team, and you could almost see the point in which Ohio State lost its momentum.
But last night, when the formula looked too familiar, when images of Nebraska were dancing in our heads, and the typical story line of 'Ohio States blows another lead' seemed inevitable, something happened. Somehow the Buckeyes and Fickell were able to overcome Hall's dropped punt, and rally. And rally in a way that almost made you forget you were watching Ohio State football. At least in the last few seasons.
So congrats boys, you all did it. What a game.
In one of the most exciting last 4 minutes of football I've seen in ages, reminiscent of the famous NFL Chargers-Dolphins match from decades past, Ohio State and Wisconsin battled it down to the wire. And in plays not exactly on par with Ohio State standards, the Buckeyes pulled it through.
Not being a football guru, I'll leave the finer commentary to the experts. But one thing I noticed? Over the last years, especially since the disastrous National Championship against Florida, Ohio State had been losing its ability to overcome loss of momentum. Jim Tressel, whom I still admire, seemed just as powerless to stop the changing winds and turn them back into our favor. This was especially true in the 'Big' games. All it took was one fumble, one interception, one explosive touchdown by the other team, and you could almost see the point in which Ohio State lost its momentum.
But last night, when the formula looked too familiar, when images of Nebraska were dancing in our heads, and the typical story line of 'Ohio States blows another lead' seemed inevitable, something happened. Somehow the Buckeyes and Fickell were able to overcome Hall's dropped punt, and rally. And rally in a way that almost made you forget you were watching Ohio State football. At least in the last few seasons.
So congrats boys, you all did it. What a game.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Ohio University Students embrace the Glorious Censorship
Now the essence of the Glorious Censorship is that in all things sex, drugs and bathroom humor there should be unlimited freedom and liberty. In everything else censorship, conformity, oppression and extermination of wrong-think.
One of the driving engines behind this is the idea that we should be free to say and do anything we want ... as long as it doesn't offend anyone. In this case, we're learning that Halloween costumes should not showcase 'racial stereotypes'. Of course what they say are racist stereotypes could once have been culturally distinctive outfits*. But for young people growing up in a nation that considers racism as the only evil in the world, and concludes that anything said about anyone non-American must be racist based (since America is always a racist nation doncha know), then obviously a girl dressed like a geisha, or a person dressed in Mexican garb, must only be a racist.
This, of course, despite the sad fact that racism, like religion, played a proportionately small part in the tens of millions butchered and slaughtered in the last century. Fact is, most atrocities arose from the desire to punish and purge people over political, social, national, and economic philosophies and ideals, along with the usual greed and lust for power that has plagued mankind from the beginning.
In any event these are American college students, raised to believe America is ever and always a racist nation, everything it does is racism, and racism is the sole cause of suffering in the world. So they embrace the logical conclusion of post-modern thanking: Censorship. It's time to demand that we stop offending people.
Naturally, we all know that if we don't do anything that might offend someone, we'll end up doing nothing at all. Realizing this, we will have to qualify this, if not officially, by simply saying we can't offend the important people. Offending the bad or unimportant people is just fine. Especially people who stand in the way of our right to sex, drugs, and more bathroom humor. And that, kiddies, is where the oppression and terror of tomorrow is born as a new group of young'uns determine just who does have stars on their bellies, and who doesn't.
*By the way, this is all after I know some folks who went to a Halloween party the last weekend. What were some of the costumes? One was a Latin American dressed in 'stereotypical' dress (he based it on a costume worn in a restaurant he knew of back in Mexico), and a Catholic girl dressed up in a mocked-up nun outfit. And?
One of the driving engines behind this is the idea that we should be free to say and do anything we want ... as long as it doesn't offend anyone. In this case, we're learning that Halloween costumes should not showcase 'racial stereotypes'. Of course what they say are racist stereotypes could once have been culturally distinctive outfits*. But for young people growing up in a nation that considers racism as the only evil in the world, and concludes that anything said about anyone non-American must be racist based (since America is always a racist nation doncha know), then obviously a girl dressed like a geisha, or a person dressed in Mexican garb, must only be a racist.
This, of course, despite the sad fact that racism, like religion, played a proportionately small part in the tens of millions butchered and slaughtered in the last century. Fact is, most atrocities arose from the desire to punish and purge people over political, social, national, and economic philosophies and ideals, along with the usual greed and lust for power that has plagued mankind from the beginning.
In any event these are American college students, raised to believe America is ever and always a racist nation, everything it does is racism, and racism is the sole cause of suffering in the world. So they embrace the logical conclusion of post-modern thanking: Censorship. It's time to demand that we stop offending people.
Naturally, we all know that if we don't do anything that might offend someone, we'll end up doing nothing at all. Realizing this, we will have to qualify this, if not officially, by simply saying we can't offend the important people. Offending the bad or unimportant people is just fine. Especially people who stand in the way of our right to sex, drugs, and more bathroom humor. And that, kiddies, is where the oppression and terror of tomorrow is born as a new group of young'uns determine just who does have stars on their bellies, and who doesn't.
*By the way, this is all after I know some folks who went to a Halloween party the last weekend. What were some of the costumes? One was a Latin American dressed in 'stereotypical' dress (he based it on a costume worn in a restaurant he knew of back in Mexico), and a Catholic girl dressed up in a mocked-up nun outfit. And?
More evidence that the Internet might make us stupid
One of my observations is that the Internet has not made us smarter, more reflective, more astute, or more of anything except apathetic and lazy about facts and data. Don't know why. Maybe it's because so much information is there, we've become numbed to it all.
Anyone over the age of 40 can remember a time before VCRs (those are the things that existed before DVDs). Likewise, there was a time when Cable TV meant having about 12 channels or so. Typically in those days, certain shows and specials came but once a year, and when they did, they brought great cheer! So the Wizard of Oz was shown once a year, and when it was shown, it was an event. It was right up there with a birthday, or going to Cedar Point, or any other special event of the year. Same with holiday specials. It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, why the list is endless. These were events. They were special. They meant something.
But when Cable TV turned to an endless stream of channels able to show the same show a hundred times in a season, or you could see the same show a dozen times on a dozen different channels, things changed. When you could buy the Christmas special and watch it in June, or August, or March, or you could watch it fifty times before Christmas, it wasn't the same. Familiarity, they say, breeds contempt. And that is what happened with so many specials (which might be the appeal of 'Reality' TV, it is, after all, one season only and ever).
Perhaps the Internet has done the same. With so much information at Google's fingertips, it has lost its 'umph'. It has lost its value. Of course there could be other reasons. For instance, with so many websites in the world, it's not hard to hunker down and become part of a rather small slice of the human experience while convinced you are right due to the number of others on that site with whom you agree. If you are convinced that the 9/11 attacks were part of a vast, right-wing conspiracy, then you could spend your entire life surfing the sites dedicated to that rather small, extreme viewpoint, all the while convinced that the facts are overwhelming and that no doubt endless hordes of people see it your way.
Maybe there are other reasons. Maybe I'm off by a mile. I just notice that there is a shocking lack of depth and perspective in the Internet world. One way this is manifested is that lack of distance we tend to run when it comes to looking back on things. I'm not sure why, but for the Interenet generation, history seems to stop sometime around 1992. Certainly cultural and social history.
When I was growing up in the pre-Internet days of the 70s and 80s, we were aware of things that happened more than 20 years earlier. We were aware of King Kong. Of Lon Chaney, Sr. Of Big Band era music and Bing Crosby. Those things seemed ancient, seemed old, seemed beyond our time. But we knew they were there, and we had a respect for them. In fact, many of those old personalities still played a roll in our own time.
Yet when I see things spoken of today, when I read reviews or postings about pop culture, entertainment, social trends, you would think there was no world before 1992. Case in point. Here's a bold article on Yahoo News (I know, I know), offering to reflect on the Best Halloween-Themed TV shows Ever. That's Ever. As in, you know, Ever. But what's the oldest show there? Rosanne. Rosanne in 1992. Most of them are within the last few years at best.
Sure, this trend has been going on for some time, and the world of Entertainment News is not exactly high quality journalism at its finest. And if it were just this, or similar listings, I would shrug it off. After all, I can remember old VH1 'Countdowns' of the greatest Rock Songs of All Time! I was always shocked at how the list moved so much. I thought it if was the greatest of all time, most of the tops songs should be the same every year. And they almost never were.
But it reflects a greater tendency I've notice to isolate ourselves to small, shallow perspectives on not just the history of TV, but the history of everything. For some, in some articles, pieces, blogs, it appears that the Internet has given rise to the tendency of seeing five years ago as the beginning of prehistory. Maybe the reasons I threw out there have something to do with it. I just know that as long as people speak of Ever as going all the way back to 20 years ago, I'm not going to automatically assume that the Internet age has therefore made us smarter. Maybe it hasn't made us dumber. But it sure doesn't suggest any increase in our overall ability to grapple with the world of knowledge to which we've been exposed.
Anyone over the age of 40 can remember a time before VCRs (those are the things that existed before DVDs). Likewise, there was a time when Cable TV meant having about 12 channels or so. Typically in those days, certain shows and specials came but once a year, and when they did, they brought great cheer! So the Wizard of Oz was shown once a year, and when it was shown, it was an event. It was right up there with a birthday, or going to Cedar Point, or any other special event of the year. Same with holiday specials. It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, why the list is endless. These were events. They were special. They meant something.
But when Cable TV turned to an endless stream of channels able to show the same show a hundred times in a season, or you could see the same show a dozen times on a dozen different channels, things changed. When you could buy the Christmas special and watch it in June, or August, or March, or you could watch it fifty times before Christmas, it wasn't the same. Familiarity, they say, breeds contempt. And that is what happened with so many specials (which might be the appeal of 'Reality' TV, it is, after all, one season only and ever).
Perhaps the Internet has done the same. With so much information at Google's fingertips, it has lost its 'umph'. It has lost its value. Of course there could be other reasons. For instance, with so many websites in the world, it's not hard to hunker down and become part of a rather small slice of the human experience while convinced you are right due to the number of others on that site with whom you agree. If you are convinced that the 9/11 attacks were part of a vast, right-wing conspiracy, then you could spend your entire life surfing the sites dedicated to that rather small, extreme viewpoint, all the while convinced that the facts are overwhelming and that no doubt endless hordes of people see it your way.
Maybe there are other reasons. Maybe I'm off by a mile. I just notice that there is a shocking lack of depth and perspective in the Internet world. One way this is manifested is that lack of distance we tend to run when it comes to looking back on things. I'm not sure why, but for the Interenet generation, history seems to stop sometime around 1992. Certainly cultural and social history.
When I was growing up in the pre-Internet days of the 70s and 80s, we were aware of things that happened more than 20 years earlier. We were aware of King Kong. Of Lon Chaney, Sr. Of Big Band era music and Bing Crosby. Those things seemed ancient, seemed old, seemed beyond our time. But we knew they were there, and we had a respect for them. In fact, many of those old personalities still played a roll in our own time.
Yet when I see things spoken of today, when I read reviews or postings about pop culture, entertainment, social trends, you would think there was no world before 1992. Case in point. Here's a bold article on Yahoo News (I know, I know), offering to reflect on the Best Halloween-Themed TV shows Ever. That's Ever. As in, you know, Ever. But what's the oldest show there? Rosanne. Rosanne in 1992. Most of them are within the last few years at best.
Sure, this trend has been going on for some time, and the world of Entertainment News is not exactly high quality journalism at its finest. And if it were just this, or similar listings, I would shrug it off. After all, I can remember old VH1 'Countdowns' of the greatest Rock Songs of All Time! I was always shocked at how the list moved so much. I thought it if was the greatest of all time, most of the tops songs should be the same every year. And they almost never were.
But it reflects a greater tendency I've notice to isolate ourselves to small, shallow perspectives on not just the history of TV, but the history of everything. For some, in some articles, pieces, blogs, it appears that the Internet has given rise to the tendency of seeing five years ago as the beginning of prehistory. Maybe the reasons I threw out there have something to do with it. I just know that as long as people speak of Ever as going all the way back to 20 years ago, I'm not going to automatically assume that the Internet age has therefore made us smarter. Maybe it hasn't made us dumber. But it sure doesn't suggest any increase in our overall ability to grapple with the world of knowledge to which we've been exposed.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Connecticut lawmaker does the stupid thing
So Rep. Tim Larson, a Connecticut lawmaker, has met with parents and determined that it's time to change the date of Halloween. Why? Because those weeknight tricks-or-treats are making it tough on the kids who need to get their sleep for school. Of course simply allowing individual communities to move the dates of trick-or-treating to a weekend won't do. This is the 21st century. We want the highest possible level of government passing laws to mandate everyone's non-sexual behavior.
The fact that Halloween is actually based on something, based on ancient pagan religious practice, and brought down to our culture through the liturgical calendar of the historic Christian faith, is not even worth considering. This is not just the post-modern age, it is the post-modern Internet age. And with each passing day, I'm more and more convinced that the molehill of knowledge the Internet provides is overwhelmingly eclipsed by the mountain of ignorance and apathy toward facts and data that it engenders.
The fact that Halloween is actually based on something, based on ancient pagan religious practice, and brought down to our culture through the liturgical calendar of the historic Christian faith, is not even worth considering. This is not just the post-modern age, it is the post-modern Internet age. And with each passing day, I'm more and more convinced that the molehill of knowledge the Internet provides is overwhelmingly eclipsed by the mountain of ignorance and apathy toward facts and data that it engenders.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Once in a red moon
We were out the other night when the moon was full and the crisp autumn air couldn't help but turn our thoughts toward witching things and creepier things. I whipped out my dumb phone and quickly snapped this little shot as the clouds departed for a few and set up a spectacular shot of the moon.
Why it turned red, I don't know. But that only added to the eeriness and that feeling that things were about to go bump in the night. Not a blue moon, but one almost as rare as my posts have been lately. Which is all to say that I'm hoping to get back into things. It's been a long year, a rough year, a turbulent year. But things are being decided upon which could seriously alter the course of our future, and may open up more chances to toss out ideas here and in other forums. I'm also seriously rethinking bringing back the comments section. I'll explain why at a later date. I see that readership has, naturally, dropped over the last months as my contributions have faded away. I understand. But hopefully things will get back, and I'll have this old blog up and running in no time.
Meanwhile, prepare for a haunting time as All Hallows Eve approaches, and the turn of seasons prepares to welcome that most joyous and wonderful time of the year!
Why it turned red, I don't know. But that only added to the eeriness and that feeling that things were about to go bump in the night. Not a blue moon, but one almost as rare as my posts have been lately. Which is all to say that I'm hoping to get back into things. It's been a long year, a rough year, a turbulent year. But things are being decided upon which could seriously alter the course of our future, and may open up more chances to toss out ideas here and in other forums. I'm also seriously rethinking bringing back the comments section. I'll explain why at a later date. I see that readership has, naturally, dropped over the last months as my contributions have faded away. I understand. But hopefully things will get back, and I'll have this old blog up and running in no time.
Meanwhile, prepare for a haunting time as All Hallows Eve approaches, and the turn of seasons prepares to welcome that most joyous and wonderful time of the year!
Happy Sixteenth Birthday!
So our oldest is now sixteen. Here he is preparing to extinguish the growing number of candles that adorn his cakes.
I know I usually don't post things around this or that child, but I figured a sixteenth birthday was good enough reason. Happy Birthday young man, you make us proud. May God's blessings shine upon you this year, and in all the many years of your life. May they be many and blessed indeed.
And here is the family looking pensive at a cookout in our fire pit in the backyard, all part of the extended series of parties, celebrations, dinners, and events we attempted to put on around myriad obligations and commitments from school and other activities.
I know I usually don't post things around this or that child, but I figured a sixteenth birthday was good enough reason. Happy Birthday young man, you make us proud. May God's blessings shine upon you this year, and in all the many years of your life. May they be many and blessed indeed.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Rest in peace Steve Jobs
By now I'm sure everyone knows that Steve Jobs has died. I can't imagine the world without the inventions of Steve Jobs. It was Jobs, not Bill Gates, who was the archetypal success story of the new tech industry that so captured the imagination of a generation. Beginning in a garage, he transformed the way the world would work forever. For better or worse. Nevertheless, in 1977 the idea of home computers still seemed to me more sci-fi than reality. By the early 80s, as I entered high school, I began hearing and seeing more evidence that this new fad might be here to stay. Sure, I was more focused on Atari and its Space Invaders cartridge. But by my junior year, our school had two Apple IIs, and I was impressed by a fellow student, named Monty, who had his own computer at home. I eventually got a Commodore 64, and honestly never had an Apple product. Not until this decade that is. But to say my life, like the life of anyone in the last 40 years, wasn't impacted by Steve Jobs is past unreal. It was. And now as the great equalizer brings him back to his Maker, I pray that eternal rest be granted unto him Lord.
Good to see
Looks like folks are beginning to stand up and defend Youcef Nadarkhani. He's the fellow who has stood up to Iran and refused to deny his faith even if it means his death. That's called being a martyr. In this story, we see several in Western Christian communities starting to raise their voices. It's dated from a rally on September 28, but still. Nice to see Rick Warren getting into the act. Several in Washington as well. Still no word on Pope Benedict or the Vatican. Supporters of the Church continue to assume, maintain, hope that this is due to secret behind the scenes meetings with Iran trying to free Pastor Nadarkhani. I hope and pray that is the case. In the meantime, prayers go out to him and his loved ones and all believers around the world falling to persecution and oppression for their faith. I won't hold my breath for the ideologues and A-list celebrities who were so vocal during the Troy Davis hearings.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Youcef Nadarkhani needs our prayers
Iran is, as of this writing, planning on executing Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani for having converted to Christianity. Once again, the Religion of Peace has produced what appears to be a growing number of extreme cases in which pre-modern death and murder is the way to deal with disagreements.
Unlike Troy Davis, however, the list of civil rights leaders, Christian clergy, and A-list celebrities is rather short in terms of those calling for his release. I've not found an example of Pope Benedict jumping on the bandwagon either, though he was reported to have thrown his support behind Troy Davis. Some have pointed out that our illustrious media continues to focus more on Chaz Bono and the romantic plights of Ashton Kutcher than on this man, or focus more on Troy Davis for that matter. Perhaps it's due to a general lack of interest on everyone's part.
Why? I can only guess. Trashing America is very much ingrained in the 21st century mindset. About 3 or 4 generations have now grown up on the mantra of 'America is the alpha and omega of all Suck.' Other cultures and civilizations are, of course, more than happy to agree. Or it could be that in America, we know that crying, bitching, and yelling can still have an impact - at least once in a while.
Another reason could be that we're just scared to death to offend Islam. Whether all Muslims are violent or murderers is not the point. Those who are have possibly impacted the debate more than we care to admit. They have, after all, been in complete control of the last 10 years of American history. And let's face it, when it comes to not offending Muslims, there's no censorship we won't embrace to keep them happy. And we'll do it even if Muslims themselves have not requested it.
It could be a combination. That same combo that caused media pundits to remind us that Pastor Terry Jones just goes to prove that all Americans for all time are a bunch of racists in a racist nation, while tens of millions of Muslims who openly support terrorism and the slaughter of non-Muslim infidels just goes to show you how rotten America is for making them hate us so much. I have a feeling the future generations are going to have to endure a long, cold winter compliments of us. Because I can't help but think it's not by accident no matter how far from the mark my guesses are:
Unlike Troy Davis, however, the list of civil rights leaders, Christian clergy, and A-list celebrities is rather short in terms of those calling for his release. I've not found an example of Pope Benedict jumping on the bandwagon either, though he was reported to have thrown his support behind Troy Davis. Some have pointed out that our illustrious media continues to focus more on Chaz Bono and the romantic plights of Ashton Kutcher than on this man, or focus more on Troy Davis for that matter. Perhaps it's due to a general lack of interest on everyone's part.
Why? I can only guess. Trashing America is very much ingrained in the 21st century mindset. About 3 or 4 generations have now grown up on the mantra of 'America is the alpha and omega of all Suck.' Other cultures and civilizations are, of course, more than happy to agree. Or it could be that in America, we know that crying, bitching, and yelling can still have an impact - at least once in a while.
Another reason could be that we're just scared to death to offend Islam. Whether all Muslims are violent or murderers is not the point. Those who are have possibly impacted the debate more than we care to admit. They have, after all, been in complete control of the last 10 years of American history. And let's face it, when it comes to not offending Muslims, there's no censorship we won't embrace to keep them happy. And we'll do it even if Muslims themselves have not requested it.
It could be a combination. That same combo that caused media pundits to remind us that Pastor Terry Jones just goes to prove that all Americans for all time are a bunch of racists in a racist nation, while tens of millions of Muslims who openly support terrorism and the slaughter of non-Muslim infidels just goes to show you how rotten America is for making them hate us so much. I have a feeling the future generations are going to have to endure a long, cold winter compliments of us. Because I can't help but think it's not by accident no matter how far from the mark my guesses are:
"A new Power is rising. Against it the old allies and policies will not avail us at all. There is no hope left in Elves or dying Numenor. This then is one choice before you, before us. We may join with that Power. It would be wise, Gandalf. There is hope that way. Its victory is at hand; and there will be rich reward for those that aided it."For my part, if this is true, I will do all I can for Youcef Nadarkhani and that is pray.
California teacher embraces his inner Orwell
And demonstrates why so much of post-modern secularism and skepticism is more akin to a personality disorder than an intellectual movement. Naturally, it's all about converting the students to conform to his values system and beliefs. Unlike Christian Evangelists, who have been maligned for decades for daring to persuade people that their religious beliefs are wrong, modern secularists are fine with bypassing persuasion and going straight to the crushing iron gauntlet of censorship and oppression.
Dumbest quote? From Mr. Cuckovich himself:
Only post-modernity could produce a person proud of their intellectual superiority who thinks and behaves in such a way. Or maybe not. Truth be told, people have been behaving like this for eons. Non-religious people, too. And it seems to be the goal of modern secularists and post-Christians to forget that little lesson, or perhaps, to ignore it.
Update:
Meanwhile, a New York coach who took his floundering team to a cemetery to attempt to bolster their devotion to the sport, has been suspended. Yeah, it was a little heavy handed, I'll grant you. But think of that. Look at how quickly he has been suspended for daring to use strong tactics to punish. We don't use strong tactics unless it's to punish kids who oppose gay rights, or similar outbursts. But a teacher who is using tax supported class time to demand conformity to his post-religious beliefs has been slapped on the wrist, and is still going strong. More to the point, he's said he will continue his crusade to proselytize his students.
Anyone else missing the signs of the times? Anyone? Anyone at all?
Dumbest quote? From Mr. Cuckovich himself:
“When you sneezed in the old days, they thought you were dispelling evil spirits out of your body. So they were saying, ‘god bless you’ for getting rid of evil spirits. But today, I said what you‘re doing doesn’t really make any sense anymore.”You get that? I guess anything that happened before yesterday is no longer valid because? Why? People believed something then and maybe don't now but we still use the term or phrase? Wow, I'll bet that's the only time that has happened, with regards to 'God Bless You' when someone sneezes. Can we go through and begin to discard any other saying that is based on things we don't suppose to be true? Or just those things that the esteemed Mr. Cuckovich deems not to be true?
Only post-modernity could produce a person proud of their intellectual superiority who thinks and behaves in such a way. Or maybe not. Truth be told, people have been behaving like this for eons. Non-religious people, too. And it seems to be the goal of modern secularists and post-Christians to forget that little lesson, or perhaps, to ignore it.
Update:
Meanwhile, a New York coach who took his floundering team to a cemetery to attempt to bolster their devotion to the sport, has been suspended. Yeah, it was a little heavy handed, I'll grant you. But think of that. Look at how quickly he has been suspended for daring to use strong tactics to punish. We don't use strong tactics unless it's to punish kids who oppose gay rights, or similar outbursts. But a teacher who is using tax supported class time to demand conformity to his post-religious beliefs has been slapped on the wrist, and is still going strong. More to the point, he's said he will continue his crusade to proselytize his students.
Anyone else missing the signs of the times? Anyone? Anyone at all?
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Well met at the Ohio Renaissance Festival!
This last week we spent a beautiful autumn day wandering about the Ohio Renaissance Festival. We've gone many times before, sometimes the weather worked, sometimes it didn't. This year it was as close to as perfect as we could have hoped. I'll probably get more pictures up eventually, but couldn't resist this one:
That's 'Dirk Perfect' (aka. Douglas R. Mumaw) of the legendary The Swordsmen: Bold and Stupid Men! They are the celebrities of the event, and the seats are always packed. Catch them if they're ever in your neighborhood. They combine humor, swordplay, and general clowning with plenty of self-deprecating humor (they're itinerant artists, and putting some. money in the basket will help keep them that way, and away from your schools!).
Lot's of fun overall, plus it was our youngest's first Renaissance Festival! Note he holds his sword well, no doubt due to the sage advice given by a professional swordsman! The other three looked poised to do, well, something. We don't get to go every year, but this year, we're glad we did.
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| Bold and stupid men...and mentor! |
Lot's of fun overall, plus it was our youngest's first Renaissance Festival! Note he holds his sword well, no doubt due to the sage advice given by a professional swordsman! The other three looked poised to do, well, something. We don't get to go every year, but this year, we're glad we did.
Dear Francis Scott Key: The answer is No
Ever notice that the words of the Star Spangled Banner are a question?
"Oh, say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave o're the land of the free and the home of the brave?"
Well, I'd have to say no. With growing calls to celebrate the Glorious Censorship, it's not hard to see we're creating a culture that believes the best way to deal with differences is to call for oppression and elimination of bad-think. Sometimes it's little, sometimes it's around bigger issues. But it's clearly the go-to tactic now when we don't like something that someone else is doing and saying.
I'm not suggesting it's one side or the other. I'm just noticing it's the common way to go about dealing with disagreements. See, back in the 70s and 80s, we were supposed to be getting past all that. Such behavior was the stuff of bigotry, intolerance, and general unenlightened culture. We were to be open, free, respecting diversity of opinions and celebrating different lifestyles and choices.
Well, no more. Labelling things hate, offensive, and any one of a thousand euphemisms for 'stuff I don't agree with', we're shuffling off the inconvenient burden of a free and open society. No, we're just in a mad dash to see who gets to make it to the top of the American heap before freedoms are all gone. Stories like this are just the beginning. Freedom for me, not so much for everyone else. That's more or less the answer to the question Mr. Key.
"Oh, say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave o're the land of the free and the home of the brave?"
Well, I'd have to say no. With growing calls to celebrate the Glorious Censorship, it's not hard to see we're creating a culture that believes the best way to deal with differences is to call for oppression and elimination of bad-think. Sometimes it's little, sometimes it's around bigger issues. But it's clearly the go-to tactic now when we don't like something that someone else is doing and saying.
I'm not suggesting it's one side or the other. I'm just noticing it's the common way to go about dealing with disagreements. See, back in the 70s and 80s, we were supposed to be getting past all that. Such behavior was the stuff of bigotry, intolerance, and general unenlightened culture. We were to be open, free, respecting diversity of opinions and celebrating different lifestyles and choices.
Well, no more. Labelling things hate, offensive, and any one of a thousand euphemisms for 'stuff I don't agree with', we're shuffling off the inconvenient burden of a free and open society. No, we're just in a mad dash to see who gets to make it to the top of the American heap before freedoms are all gone. Stories like this are just the beginning. Freedom for me, not so much for everyone else. That's more or less the answer to the question Mr. Key.
Homosexuality leads to censorship every time
Or so it would seem. It's getting difficult to keep up with stories like this. In the US, we have people going through our schools, yearning to make bullying [of homosexuality] a crime (bullying in this case meaning anything that doesn't glorify the Gay Dogmas). Overseas, where freedom of speech and religion are not so enshrined, cases like this are becoming more frequent:
Yes, it's worth noting that the police may have acted in haste, and potentially could be punished. Could. We don't know. But what's noteworthy is that a single costumer complained that the Bible verses were homophobic, and hence they should be censored. And more to the point, based on a single complaint in the name of gay rights, the police responded. Just like the removal (albeit temporary) of Ken Howell.* The speed with which pro-gay rights activists see that they can simply point a finger and bring punishment is telling.
Only a liar or idiot can deny that homosexuality is the club with which the post-modern, secular left wishes to bludgeon the rights of people not to conform to leftists good-think. It's simply not an argument any more. There is no 'could it happen.' It's happening.
*I linked to a story from the leftist Huffington Post to illustrate the point. Beyond reading the reaction of the student who wanted Dr. Howell fired, read the comments. Again, anyone who doesn't see the Left as wishing for censorship and oppression and demanding obedience to its dogmas has got to be an idiot. Case in point:
Yes, it's worth noting that the police may have acted in haste, and potentially could be punished. Could. We don't know. But what's noteworthy is that a single costumer complained that the Bible verses were homophobic, and hence they should be censored. And more to the point, based on a single complaint in the name of gay rights, the police responded. Just like the removal (albeit temporary) of Ken Howell.* The speed with which pro-gay rights activists see that they can simply point a finger and bring punishment is telling.
Only a liar or idiot can deny that homosexuality is the club with which the post-modern, secular left wishes to bludgeon the rights of people not to conform to leftists good-think. It's simply not an argument any more. There is no 'could it happen.' It's happening.
*I linked to a story from the leftist Huffington Post to illustrate the point. Beyond reading the reaction of the student who wanted Dr. Howell fired, read the comments. Again, anyone who doesn't see the Left as wishing for censorship and oppression and demanding obedience to its dogmas has got to be an idiot. Case in point:
Freedom of speech means he has the right to say or express his views without the threat of being arrested and thrown in jail. ConstitutiRemember, that means if a person is fired because they support homosexuality, then all is well. As long as they aren't arrested. I get the feeling that this gem of a thinker doesn't mean that. What he means is censorship is fine, as long as it's to force conformity to my dogmas.onally he is protected from being incarcerat ed, but his employer has their constituti onal right to fire him for his homophobic remarks.
Prayer request
I received a prayer request for a young baby named Oliver. His mother Erin and her husband tried for a long time to have a baby. Now that Oliver has come, it turns out there are some developmental problems with his legs. His bones have not developed and there is talk of needing to do a double amputation.
Please, God, have mercy on this family, these parents, and most of all young Oliver. All life is precious and all humans a gift born in Your image. And while difficulties and trials can shape us and mold us into the people You would have us be, we can't help but pray that You intervene, give insight and skill to his physicians, and bring about a healing that will help Oliver begin his life without such a grave and debilitating start to the path You have set for him. We pray You will give peace, strength, and endurance to his parents, and that You give a double dose of peace and comfort to Oliver whatever may come. We ask this, Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Your Son. Amen.
Please, God, have mercy on this family, these parents, and most of all young Oliver. All life is precious and all humans a gift born in Your image. And while difficulties and trials can shape us and mold us into the people You would have us be, we can't help but pray that You intervene, give insight and skill to his physicians, and bring about a healing that will help Oliver begin his life without such a grave and debilitating start to the path You have set for him. We pray You will give peace, strength, and endurance to his parents, and that You give a double dose of peace and comfort to Oliver whatever may come. We ask this, Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Your Son. Amen.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Vanderbilt University embraces the Glorious Censorship
For the Advancement of Post-Modern Tolerance. I've seen several stories on this, and keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. It always seems as though there is something missing, something that makes the story seem less inflamed than headlines and cable news reports suggest. But so far? Nope.
It looks as if Vanderbilt - perhaps from stupidity, perhaps self-righteousness, perhaps because of a deep hatred of non-Secular Leftist religious belief, perhaps because of all three - has basically said Christian groups must disband or eliminate the provision in their constitutions that say leaders in their [Christian] groups are expected to lead prayers and Bible studies. Supposedly this is to protect all those atheists, non-Christians, and others who want to be officers in those groups but who don't want to be forced to pray or lead Bible studies.
I know. That's idiocy. Well, it takes idiocy for political correctness or any censorship to gain a foothold. It also takes prejudice and bigotry. Given the state of our higher educational systems today, I'm not against allowing for any of those possibilities.
Nevertheless, so far Vanderbilt has been slow on taking to the microphones and explaining just what it going on here. It answers in typical, shallow talking points, a few mantras of PC era group think, and that's about it. If all Vanderbilt has to say is what I've read and heard, it's clearly a case of singling out a lone religious tradition and invoking censorship in the harshest and most flagrant manner imaginable.
Of course smart 21st century enlightened information highway thinkers should rise up in one voice and condemn such flagrant oppression and Marxist (heh) style punishment of wrong think. But I'm not optimistic about that. Given the tenor of today's debate, I fear there are many who will cheer such maneuvers. Either they don't care and are happy to see such heavy handed oppression of not-them type people, or they've bought into the LIE that the First Amendment says 'Congress shall establish a secular leftists state of conformity to good think by brutally oppressing and censoring any religious thought or practice that fails to conform to the Glorious Dogmas thereof.'
My real hope is that there is something in the details we haven't heard that will explain it better. Either it was a mistake on Vanderbilt's side, or there is some trivia not yet heard. But Vanderbilt's own silence and sparse responses make that less and less likely with each telling of the tale.
It looks as if Vanderbilt - perhaps from stupidity, perhaps self-righteousness, perhaps because of a deep hatred of non-Secular Leftist religious belief, perhaps because of all three - has basically said Christian groups must disband or eliminate the provision in their constitutions that say leaders in their [Christian] groups are expected to lead prayers and Bible studies. Supposedly this is to protect all those atheists, non-Christians, and others who want to be officers in those groups but who don't want to be forced to pray or lead Bible studies.
I know. That's idiocy. Well, it takes idiocy for political correctness or any censorship to gain a foothold. It also takes prejudice and bigotry. Given the state of our higher educational systems today, I'm not against allowing for any of those possibilities.
Nevertheless, so far Vanderbilt has been slow on taking to the microphones and explaining just what it going on here. It answers in typical, shallow talking points, a few mantras of PC era group think, and that's about it. If all Vanderbilt has to say is what I've read and heard, it's clearly a case of singling out a lone religious tradition and invoking censorship in the harshest and most flagrant manner imaginable.
Of course smart 21st century enlightened information highway thinkers should rise up in one voice and condemn such flagrant oppression and Marxist (heh) style punishment of wrong think. But I'm not optimistic about that. Given the tenor of today's debate, I fear there are many who will cheer such maneuvers. Either they don't care and are happy to see such heavy handed oppression of not-them type people, or they've bought into the LIE that the First Amendment says 'Congress shall establish a secular leftists state of conformity to good think by brutally oppressing and censoring any religious thought or practice that fails to conform to the Glorious Dogmas thereof.'
My real hope is that there is something in the details we haven't heard that will explain it better. Either it was a mistake on Vanderbilt's side, or there is some trivia not yet heard. But Vanderbilt's own silence and sparse responses make that less and less likely with each telling of the tale.
Young people might prefer sex the natural way
Of course that could never be the reason that a growing number of youth around the world are opting for less artificially obscured sex. Nope. According to an organization that exists to promote post-traditional notions of sexuality, the reason is a lack of education. Because apparently young people today just aren't exposed to proper sex education. Despite the fact that even pornography is using condoms as a matter of indoctrination, and condom use is the magic bullet promoted across our entertainment and media cultures, these kids just aren't getting it.
Now, there are several things here worth unpacking. First, of course, is the fact I've long maintained that no matter how much you try, young people having sex for the first time lack the same discipline and rigorous will power that such contraceptive methods demand.
Second, when it comes to condoms at least (the only savior for AIDS and other STDs we tend to forget), they just aren't fun. Years ago I heard some wag describe using a condom as being akin to eating a nice sirloin steak with a mouth full of Novocaine. You might get the nutritional value, but you miss the flavor. And while those ultra-disciplined young people might be able to pull off the mathematical discipline needed to use a condom in such a way as to reduce its error rate to a paltry 1%, eventually at least the guys are going to yearn for something a little more intimate; a little more spontaneous (despite Hollywood attempts to the contrary, there is nothing spontaneous about using a condom).
Of course this is part of the great LIE of the age. Remember when the sexual revolution was all about the fact that sex was natural - like eating and breathing - and therefore why should we burden it with archaic rules and regulations like waiting until you're married? No, sex is natural. We should just rip off our clothes, grab the nearest person, and do it the way animals on National Geographic do.
The funny part? When was the last time an animal used contraception? A condom? Had to go back for frequent blood tests to check on potential HIV or other STD infections? When was the last time an animal had to do any of those things? Not to mention suffering the emotional and psychological problems known to accompany many who live a life of sexual deviancy?
I know, I know. The argument is that nobody who is living that way ever says it bothers them. They are fine with it, so what's the problem. Stupid response. Just because a corporate CEO can routinely screw his own employees, exploit third world workers (those not in the US) while robbing the consumer blind with over priced and sub-par products, and sleep well at night and feel good about himself, doesn't mean it's OK to do those things.
And same with sex. Not just the emotional, psychological problems, but the physical problems as well. Even if you could find someone who has no problem seeing everyone as a slab of meat for his or her own sexual gratification doesn't make it right.
Oh, how long will we continue to deny the link between a pandemic driven mostly by drug use and sexual promiscuity and a generation that continues to insist that unlimited sexual experiences enhanced by certain drugs is the ultimate meaning in life? How long will we ignore that we've sold ourselves a sham, insisting that endless worry and stress, use of artificially manufactured synthetic products and hormonal manipulation of our bodies for sexual gratification is the natural way? How many more lives must be lost, ended, ruined, and destroyed?
As for the article, I got a chuckle out of this little bit:
Now, there are several things here worth unpacking. First, of course, is the fact I've long maintained that no matter how much you try, young people having sex for the first time lack the same discipline and rigorous will power that such contraceptive methods demand.
Second, when it comes to condoms at least (the only savior for AIDS and other STDs we tend to forget), they just aren't fun. Years ago I heard some wag describe using a condom as being akin to eating a nice sirloin steak with a mouth full of Novocaine. You might get the nutritional value, but you miss the flavor. And while those ultra-disciplined young people might be able to pull off the mathematical discipline needed to use a condom in such a way as to reduce its error rate to a paltry 1%, eventually at least the guys are going to yearn for something a little more intimate; a little more spontaneous (despite Hollywood attempts to the contrary, there is nothing spontaneous about using a condom).
Of course this is part of the great LIE of the age. Remember when the sexual revolution was all about the fact that sex was natural - like eating and breathing - and therefore why should we burden it with archaic rules and regulations like waiting until you're married? No, sex is natural. We should just rip off our clothes, grab the nearest person, and do it the way animals on National Geographic do.
The funny part? When was the last time an animal used contraception? A condom? Had to go back for frequent blood tests to check on potential HIV or other STD infections? When was the last time an animal had to do any of those things? Not to mention suffering the emotional and psychological problems known to accompany many who live a life of sexual deviancy?
I know, I know. The argument is that nobody who is living that way ever says it bothers them. They are fine with it, so what's the problem. Stupid response. Just because a corporate CEO can routinely screw his own employees, exploit third world workers (those not in the US) while robbing the consumer blind with over priced and sub-par products, and sleep well at night and feel good about himself, doesn't mean it's OK to do those things.
And same with sex. Not just the emotional, psychological problems, but the physical problems as well. Even if you could find someone who has no problem seeing everyone as a slab of meat for his or her own sexual gratification doesn't make it right.
Oh, how long will we continue to deny the link between a pandemic driven mostly by drug use and sexual promiscuity and a generation that continues to insist that unlimited sexual experiences enhanced by certain drugs is the ultimate meaning in life? How long will we ignore that we've sold ourselves a sham, insisting that endless worry and stress, use of artificially manufactured synthetic products and hormonal manipulation of our bodies for sexual gratification is the natural way? How many more lives must be lost, ended, ruined, and destroyed?
As for the article, I got a chuckle out of this little bit:
"The results show that too many young people either lack good knowledge about sexual health, do not feel empowered enough to ask for contraception or have not learned the skills to negotiate contraceptive use with their partners to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies or STIs (sexually transmitted infections),"You get that? Have not learned the skills to negotiate contraceptive use with their partners! Wow, that really brings the natural elements of sexuality home to the heart, don't it? What a laugh. What a sad, sad joke. The saddest part? People keep believing this mind-drool. Not because we actually believe it of course. But because we want to, betting the farm that we can exploit the benefits of a sexually corrupt era, while holding our breath that one of the millions and millions of casualties of this brilliance won't be someone we know and love. And certainly hoping it won't be us. May the Lord bless our world with a generation that resists the hedonism, narcissism, and idiocy of the last couple generations to trod this unhappy world.
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