Surprise, Surprise....Abstinence Only Sex Ed Doesnt' Work

Surprise, surprise! According to a recent study released today, teenagers who pledge to remain virgins until marriage are just as likely to have premarital sex as those who do not promise abstinence. The only difference, those teens that pledge not to have sex are significantly less likely to use condoms and other forms of birth control when they do. "Taking a pledge doesn't seem to make any difference at all in any sexual behavior," said Janet E. Rosenbaum of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, whose report appears in the January issue of the journal Pediatrics. "But it does seem to make a difference in condom use and other forms of birth control that is quite striking."

As much as parents or educators or whoever hope kids don't have premarital sex, fact of the matter is they do! We are sexual beings! Sex is one of the strongest driving forces in humans. I know there are some people that are not driven by sex for whatever reason (medication decreasing the libido, a painful past sexual experience, etc), but as long as humans have been in existence, sex is a very strong motive for their behavior.

So for those who think abstinence-only education must be the rule in schools, hopefully this study will help shed some light on our educators and politicians: kids need to know the facts, all the facts! Teens need to be given total insight to contraceptives available, the possible negative side effects of sexual behavior, and condoms need to be made available wherever possible for teens!

A Face Only A Mother (Or Grandfather) Could Love

I'm not a REAL dog lover, but here's my new Granddog, Caesar. Ain't he cute?!

Today's The Day

OMG!! IT has finally happened! Half a Century! Damn, I'm old! "Old as Mold." "It's the BIG one!" "If you were a horse, they'd shoot you!" "If you were a car, you'd be an antique!" "Over the Hill!" These were just some of the sayings that waited my return from lunch the other day at work. To my surprise, the clerical staff got me! I thought because I'd be off on my actual birthday, I would be spared the tradition that has awaited staff in my office for a few years now: the "trashing" of the office/cubicle with the announcement of "THE BIG ONE!"

But it was inevitable. And as I always have heard, "Age is just a number." Believe me, most days I don't feel 50! On some I feel 150! However, most times I feel pretty damned good! Thank God I don't look 50!

50 years of learning! Patience has been one of them! I got a new computer about 2 weeks ago, and guess what? It's still sitting right here next to me in the box! In my earlier years, I would have torn the thing open and thrown it together, cursing and screaming the whole time because it wasn't fitting together just right! Not this year! I will probably set the computer up tomorrow, taking my time, reading the directions, and hopefully making the entire process much simpler and easier. Besides, I needed a new computer desk for this one too. So before I even attempt to take it out of the box, everything needs to be ready. I will be setting up a wireless Internet system also, so I have to do it right this time!

"Don't sweat the small stuff!" That's another thing I've learned over the past years. Life is too short to be worrying about the little stuff that happens. Sh** happens and there's nothing we can do about it anyway, so why let it bother us? It is what it is! Move on and leave it behind. There's too much important stuff happening to sweat the small stuff. The trick is to learn what is the small stuff and what is the big stuff. Everyday I run into people or situations that help me realize the difference between the small and big stuff. Someone battling cancer; that's a BIG thing! Someone who can't walk; that's another BIG thing! Someone who's house just burned down and all their belongings were inside; that's a BIG thing! Whether or not I'm going to get to the party on time; that's a very very small thing! What will I eat for dinner tonight; another small thing! See, it's not that hard to distinguish BIG from small.

Now that I am 50, I guess I can start to say whatever I want. I can tell people what I am really thinking! Nah! I won't be ignorant with people, but I am 50, so I'll do what makes me happy! Just watch out next 50 years!

From My Home To Yours

M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S ! ! !

One More Interesting Point From Rick Warren

One other interesting point made by Rick Warren on Dateline NBC:

Ann Cury: You said that God says in the Bible that a man and a woman should cling to each other for life, but it does not say that a marriage is only between a man and a woman. In fact the Bible says that King Solomon had 700 wives. Leviticus speaks of homosexuality as being a sin, but also orders the death penalty for eating fish that had fins and getting a tattoo.
Rick Warren: The people that make that argument don't understand there are three kind kinds of law in the Bible that are very different. There's civil law, which is for the nation of Israel. There's ceremonial law, which is for the Jewish priesthood. And there is moral law, which is for everybody. The laws about eating fish and stuff, those are civil and ceremonial laws for Israel. No Christian follows those.

I admit, I didn't realize there are three types of law, civil, ceremonial, and moral, mentioned in the Bible. I'm glad Rick cleared that up for me. So, even though God pronounced all three laws,
Christians such as Rick Warren get to choose which ones are for them and which are not! It's nice to have a faith that in reality lets me choose what I want to do and what I don't want to do.

Wrong Choice, Barack!

I have not yet weighed in on the Rick Warren/Barack Obama Presidential Inauguration controversy. I wanted to hear a bit more of what Pastor Rick Warren had to say. But now that I have watched his interview with Ann Curry on Dateline NBC, I too must say, "WRONG CHOICE, BARACK!"

Rick Warren is just another pastor preying on the fears and misfortunes of the people to make his "cause" grow. Feel good, don't fear:

Ann Curry: Recently he's been offering encouragement on an issue that's on Americans minds this Christmas season— the economic crisis.
Rick Warren: 365 times in the Bible is a phrase used: "Fear not."
Ann Curry: How can people not be afraid, reverend?
Rick Warren: It takes me back to the first Christmas. Mary and Joseph had these exact same problems. They didn't have housing. There was no room at the inn. They had travel problems. It was financially a tough time. They weren't wealthy. They were poor.
Ann Curry: It's a lesson Warren's been teaching on the true meaning of the holiday, and he's turned it into a new book, "The Purpose of Christmas."

Rick Warren has it wrong on being gay, and opposes gay marriage:

Ann Curry: If science finds that this is biological, indisputably, not something that can be explained in any other way except that people are born to be gay, would you change your position?
Rick Warren: The reason why is because it doesn't matter to me. If it's biological, we'll be glad to know. We all have biological predispositions. Some people struggle with anger. And other people say, "I don't struggle with anger, but I sure struggle with fear." Some people say, "Oh, I don't struggle with this. I struggle with being shy."
Ann Curry: You're saying if it's part of your biology, it's your job to struggle against it if, in fact, it's the wrong--

Then, the part that really disturbs me:

Rick Warren: Well, here what I'm saying. I've had many gay friends tell me, "Well, Rick, why shouldn't I have multiple sexual partners? It's the natural thing to do." Well, just because it seems natural doesn't mean it's best for you or society. I'm naturally inclined to have sex with every beautiful woman I see. But that doesn't mean it's the right thing to do. And why should I reign in my natural impulses and you say, "Well, because I have natural impulses towards the same sex, I shouldn't have to reign them in." Well, I disagree. I think that's part of maturity. I think it's part of delayed gratification. I think it's part of character.
Rick Warren: God said in Genesis 1, a man and woman should cling to each other for life. Now I'm in favor of human rights for everybody...everybody. I'm against redefining marriage historically 5,000 years... because then it'll be re-defined. What if it's between a brother and a sister?

Pastor Warren, NOT EVERY GAY MAN OR WOMAN has multiple sexual partners! It's as you said, no different than any straight man (or woman) wanting sex with alot of different people. What does one have to do with the other? What does wanting multiple sexual partners have to do with wanting to dedicate your life to one single person through MARRIAGE? Pastor Warren equates being gay with being promiscuous! NOT TRUE, Pastor!

I have said it before, I'll say it again, and I'll probably say it another few hundred times: Marriage has already be changed and redefined throughout history.

Barack Obama: DO NOT LET RICK WARREN GIVE THAT INVOCATION!

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Is Time Flying Or What?

Is it just me or is this year flying by? I don't know where November went! One day it was Halloween, then boom, it's December! December 8th already! Only a little over 2 weeks left until Christmas, and I'm no where near ready! But.....it's coming whether or not I'm ready! So....HAPPY HOLIDAYS everyone!

What Could Have Been That Important?

In a way, I'm glad I had to work on Black Friday. No way am was I going to deal with the traffic, crowds and morons out shopping trying to get a bargain on that day! What was so important in a Long Island Walmart that customers had to storm the door, break it open, and trample an employee to death? Was it worth the death of someone to get a Tickle-Me Elmo or a cheap laptop computer? It just baffles the mind to think that this man was trampled to death and nobody even realized they were stepping all over him. From what I have read, even when word got out that someone was killed, the response of the shoppers was to keep shopping. One person even said, "I've been waiting in that line since yesterday."

There will be sales and deals througout the Christmas shopping season, especially given the fact that stores will do what they must to end their year in the black with the economic problems at hand. Black Friday is not the only day of shopping for the Christmas season. But so many think it is! I went shopping on Saturday and it wasn't too bad. The stores were a bit more crowded than a normal Saturday. The sales were still there. I made purchases!

There is nothing in the world that cannot wait to be bought when one realizes the tragedy that happened in Long Island on Black Friday. Hopefully the people who were a part of that crowd will come forth and admit they were a part of it. However that is doubtful because when people act as a group, they lose that individuality.

Let The Preparations Begin

Now that I've put away the pumpkins and eaten the turkey, I can begin to think about Christmas! So the preparations now begin!

We push the holiday too much. I know it's the merchants that want the big bucks during the Christmas season that causes this push, but I like to enjoy the holidays as they occur. I don't want to worry about Christmas before Halloween has even come. So....here we go! "It's beginning to look alot like Christmas..." And now, I can appreciate it!

I Am Thankful For.....

MY HEALTH: I know I take it for granted, but I am thankful for good health. When I look around and see all that could be wrong with me, I realize just how thankful I am for this.

MY FAMILY: I don't always tell them enough, but I am so very thankful for a loving family. I was fortunate enough to have been raised in a 2 parent household, with a mother (who is deceased) and father that always provided for my brothers and sisters an I. We were by no means rich growing up, but my parents always made ends meet and then some. I remember my mother sitting out in the cold and rain watching her boy play football. She gave everything for her husband and children. My sisters and brothers and I still remain close and enjoy our times together.

FOR MY CHILDRE: Again, I don't tell them enough. But they mean everything to me! They are one of those things in my life why I don't dwell on, "IF I had done it differently." If I had done it differently, my 2 kids wouldn't be! That would be a loss for me!

FOR MY FRIENDS: Friends that are there when I just need someone to talk to! Friends who give me a laugh now and again.

FOR MYGUY: He means the world to me! Kind, sweet, generous, caring...just a few words to describe him!

FOR MY JOB: I have been very lucky throughout life, with a job that is secure and provides me with what I need. I may not appreciate it everyday, but without it, life would be so much harder!

The list could go on and on I'm sure.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU ALL!

IF-One of the Biggest Words

The other night a friend of mine said, "If only I had done it differently!" My reply, "I haven't done everything in my life right, but I wouldn't do it differently even if I could." IF is something I don't dwell on for too long. IF isn't real and cannot happen no matter what. No matter how much you wish you could do something different, no matter how often you think, "what if?," no matter how long you consider how things would have turned out "if only," IF will NEVER be!

That one little word is one of the most thought about, discussed, wished for words in the world, and it can't even happen! Besides, if it could be, remember this: that one little word would change your entire life! Change one little thing about your life, and your entire life changes! As I said to my friend, "If you never got married, you wouldn't have that wonderful daughter you always speak of with such pride and joy. You would not have met me!"

I don't know why things happen in life. I used to say it was God's will. That I'm not so sure of anymore, but this I am sure: things happen in our lives for a reason. We are put in a situation and in contact with certain people at a specific time, for a specific reason. I have met many people throughout my life who made a difference for me, and I hope there are people I've met that I have made things just a little better for. Life is in constant motion, and we are pieces moved on a chess board.

So instead of wondering, "what IF," be thankful and appreciate what HAS happened in your life. For IF could alter all.

Criminals? No, Just Two People In Love

In June 1958, police in Caroline County, Virginia, raided the home of Mr. & Mrs. Richard Loving (Mildred being the wife) while they were asleep in their home. The Lovings had recently returned to their home in Virginia after being married in Washington, DC. The police not only hoped to find the Lovings in bed, but engaged in a sex act. For you see, in Virginia, this couple's marriage was illegal, and sex between the two was another crime. Yes, a crime for a married couple to be engaged in sexual relations. In their defense, Ms. Loving had pointed to a marriage certificate on the wall in their bedroom. That, instead of defending them, became the evidence the police needed for a criminal charge since it showed they had been married in another state. This case was eventually fought and taken all the way to the US Supreme Court, where, almost 10 years later, the Court ruled that:

Marriage is one of the "basic civil rights of man," fundamental to our very existence and survival.... To deny this fundamental freedom on so unsupportable a basis as the racial classifications embodied in these statutes, classifications so directly subversive of the principle of equality at the heart of the Fourteenth Amendment, is surely to deprive all the State's citizens of liberty without due process of law. The Fourteenth Amendment requires that the freedom of choice to marry not be restricted by invidious racial discrimination. Under our Constitution, the freedom to marry, or not marry, a person of another race resides with the individual and cannot be infringed by the State.

As I have previously stated, marriage has changed throughout the ages. Marriage was not, as most believe, an institution established by God. Marriage originally was a "business arrangement" between tribes and families. The woman became the man's property! Plain and simple. Why do you think the woman has taken the man's name? So when one argues against same-sex marriage, there's not much basis to state that gay marriage would redefine marriage. Marriage has been redefined for years!

In the US, it is a constitutional right to marry. That means it's a constitutional right for all! You don't have to like it, or approve of it, or participate in it, but not allowing gay couples to marry is DISCRIMINATION!

It's A Personal Attack

Tens of thousands of people in cities across the country turned out in support of gay marriage yesterday, one of the largest show of support since Prop 8 made same-sex marriage illegal in California. Signs like the one pictured and slogans like "Yes we will" and "We want our rights" were echoed in the streets of several US cities including Philadelphia, where several thousand gathered. In Las Vegas, comedian Wanda Sykes surprised a crowd of more than 1,000 rallying outside a gay community center by announcing that she is gay and had wed her wife in California on Oct. 25. Sykes said that, “I felt like I was being attacked, personally attacked — our community was attacked.”

A personal attack? Yes, a personal attack! These constitutional amendments, also put in place in Florida and Arizona on November 4, 2008, add discrimination to a state's constitution! That's all there is to it. Instead of advancing civil rights for its citizens, these amendments take a certain group and prevent them from their right to happiness. (If you can define marriage as "happiness." Some do). So if a certain State decided it no longer thought women should vote, it could, by passing an amendment to its constitution, take away a woman's right to vote? One does not have to agree with, or approve of gay marriage, but same-sex marriage is in no way a threat to heterosexual marriage. Marriages have been changed throughout history, so don't tell me allowing gay couples to marry is redefining marriage. It wasn't until the late 1960's that all states had to permit interracial marriage, and if it were up to some states today, couples of different races would still not be allowed to wed. This is some of the basis for at least three legal challenges put to the court seeking Prop 8 not be allowed into law! Doesn't the US Constitution guarantee that States cannot implement discrimination?

Do I as a gay man want to get married? It's not a question of do I want to get married, but am I legally permitted to get married. It's not a question of does someone need to be married to be happy, can anyone be married to achieve their goal of happiness. Anyone in the US who wants to be married has that right!

Yes, People Still Are Good....Most of Them, Anyway

In yesterday's Press of Atlantic City

it was reported that a disabled man and his mother, who live in the Northeast Inlet section of Atlantic City had been burglarized for the 11th time since moving into the home about 10 years ago, despite a home security system. However this time, Jason McGlynn, a man with cerebral palsy, had his computer stolen in the burglary. The computer gave the man access to the community and the outside world, and it was vital in his life. (How I can understand the need for that computer). It was reported that not one neighbor came to see what was going on when the police cars arrived on scene the night the burglary was reported. The mother, Lucy, and Jason thought nobody cared. However, they found out how wrong they were.

On Friday morning, Jason and Lucy found out they had more neighbors than they thought. And they all wanted to help. "The calls started at 6:30 this morning," said Lucy. "I've got to tell you, I was pretty despondent, but there's been such a wonderful outpouring. People have been so kind to us. I'm speechless." The calls kept coming, and by 9:30AM 75 calls had been received. By 2PM, there were hundreds. A new computer for Jason was promised. New windows will be installed by Tom Sykes, an Atlantic City architect, replacing the ones damaged by the burglars. Lucy, a Social Worker at Atlantic Cape Community College counsels about 350 disabled students, and she has suggested that those who were offering to donate computers to her donate them to her students. A sad story with a happy ending.

It makes you realize that with all the bad going on in the world today, people still do care! If we just look around, I would venture to say those good people far outweigh the bad!

A GREAT DAY FOR THE USA

A new day! A new direction! What an historic moment in American history!

The World Wants Obama

While we wait to see who is elected the next President of the US, the world waits as well. Most of the world wants Barack Obama. According to one report, "World hopes for 'less arrogant America." The world is tired of George W. Bush and is excited about Obama's focus on hope. In Paris, there is going to be a "Goodbye George" party to say adios to an era in US history that I hope does not harm our reputation too dramatically.

Obama brings with him an attitude that America must lead, but must also be a part of the world community. To some that is scary, a sign of weakness. However, it's the truth. Like it or not, we now live in a world that is more than ever connected. Economically there is no way around it. What happens in Japan has an impact on the US. And what we have learned recently with the high fuel prices, what happens in the Middle East sends tidal waves to the US. Technology brings us together, like it or not. The environment also joins the countries of the world; pollution in China effects the environment of the US.

So let's keep our hope alive today as Barack Obama is elected President. It is not only good for America, but the rest of the world as well.

(Now I'm outta here to cast my vote. Hope you're doing the same).

What Is Proposition 8?

While most of us watch to see who will become President-elect on Tuesday, on the other side of the country in California, a huge vote will take place that could define the future of (gay) marriage in California. Prop 8 is a vote to amend the California constitution that would in essence make gay marriage illegal, defining marriage as a union ONLY between 1 woman and 1 man.

In May, the California Supreme Court ruled that the California constitution did not allow discrimination as to who could or could not get married, and that by not allowing gays to marry, that was discrimination. California then became the 3rd state in the US to allow gay marriage. (Massachusetts and Connecticut are the only other states in which gay marriage is legal). However, the religious right got their panties in an uproar and decided to try and overturn the Supreme Court's ruling by proposing an amendment to the Constitution specificall stating who could marry in California. The campaign for Prop 8 has been a long, hard fight, with many lies and hatred spewed about gays and what will happen to California and the nation if gays are allowed to marry. Those against Prop 8 hold that by passing Prop 8, it is adding discrimination to the constitution by taking away a right of one group.

The polls show a close vote on Prop 8. The latest stated that those who oppose Prop 8 is about 49% while those who favor Prop 8 are about 44%. As is often said, "As goes California, so goes the rest of the country." HOPEFULLY PROP 8 WILL BE DEFEATED!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

A couple days early, but as the Jack-O-Laterns guard the House, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Who Is Obama? My Quest to Find Out

The other day I tried to really find out who Barack Obama is. What a better way to do so than to travel to the South Side of Chicago and see for my self what this man is all about.

I arrived in front of his huge mansion, gated and unpenetrable. There didn't seem to be anyone around, so I went into town to see what I could find. As I approached an Islamic Mosque, there seemed to be quite a few people hanging around. I made my way around the crowd, up the steps, and into the vestibule of the Mosque. There, kneeled on the floor, was Mr. Obama himself, facing east and praying to Allah! His head wore a covering and the Quaran was opened in front of him. Not wanting to disturb Mr. Obama, I waited patiently outside.

As Mr. Obama came out of the Mosque, I approached to say hello. Mr. Obama told me to move along as he did not think I was as wealthy or as good as he. He could not be bothered with such a minute being as me. What an elitist! However, I was not to be stopped so I followed Mr. Obama and watched as he stood at a podium. "To Hell with Life," Mr. Obama shouted! "You know I do not believe in the sanctity of life! You know I don't care about the unborn!" Mr. Obama continued. "Get ready, People! I am about to raise your taxes and make your life miserable! I will increase the size and role of the government in your lives! That's what I'm all about!" What a speech!

Mr. Obama got into his vehicle and left. I could see him heading toward his home. I made my way there, and as I approached, I could see there was a gathering. It looked like a barbeque was about to take place. I went around back and peeked through a small hole in the fence. I saw Osama bin Laden and other men who I recognized as terrorists holding their drinks and talking with Mr. Obama! They're right! Obama does "pal around with terrorists!"

Of course none of this happened. Just like all the other misinformation that is spewed about, the above account is also incorrect and imagined fear about an Obama Presidency. I do know who Barack Obama is, and I believe he is the one candidate for President that will bring about the true change this country needs!

Sarah Palin Lookin' Good

First it was reported that the GOP spent $150,00.00 to dress Sarah Palin, and over $50,000.00 for make up. Today it has been noted that Palin's stylist has been paid $22,800.00, more than her political advisor who has only been paid $12,500.00.

John McCain is sure trying to make sure Palin looks good! Never mind that she doesn't know much about foreign policy or other political matters! As long as she looks good! To think that McCain and the GOP really believe people, especially women, will fall for that is ridiculous! But wait, people are falling for that! To date, almost 50% of those polled view Palin favorably. Fortunately that number is falling. I dubbed Palin the "Messiah of the Republican Party" when McCain first named her as his VP running mate. I was blown away by the support of Palin. I do not believe Palin is stupid as some assert. I think she's probably a very nice lady, a good family woman, and maybe even a good Governor. But VP, perhaps President at anytime! NO WAY!

You might look good Sarah, but soon, I am hoping and praying, you'll fade off into the sunset, never to return to national politics! And John McCain, if things go well, he'll serve the remainder of his term in the Senate, then retire in the desert of Arizona.

Colin Powell: A HUGE Endorsement For Obama

Colin Powell today announced his endorsement for Barack Obama. What a huge endorsement this is!

First of all, Powell is a Republican. When a perosn of Powell's status does not support one of his own, this is a big thing! For someone as prominent as Colin Powell to lend his support to someone in the opposite party he must have very strong feelings either for the person he's endorsing or against the person he's not. Powell said that Obama has shown the "ability to inspire" and the "inclusive nature of his campaign." Powell also hinted at not favoring McCain's negative campaign.

Secondly, Powell was the former Secretary of State under George W. It was Powell who had to "sell" the Iraq War to the UN Security Council. It was Powell who was "used" by Bush & Company to spread misinformation so the Security Council would grant Bush permission to eventually invade Iraq. Powell, probably more than anyone else, was duped into believing Iraq had WMD's and was a direct threat to the US. Powell, unlike other former Bush men and women, left the Bush Administration and has yet to say anything bad about Bush. I believe Powell has too much respect for the Office of the President to denigrate it in any way. I do think Powell will eventually speak out against the whole mess when George W. leaves office. Powell's endorsement of Obama could be the start of Powell's commentary on the Iraq War.

Thirdly, Powell is a very BIG figure in US politics. He is well respected by both Republicans and Democrats. Most view Powell as a no-nonsense, unpolitical man who puts the best interest of his country ahead of his own fame and power. The respect for Powell will win over some of those still undecided as to who to vote for in a few weeks, and it may even change the minds of others.

Thank you, Mr. Powell. Thanks for seeing the truth and putting aside politics.

Some (Not So) Scary Scarecrows

A couple of scarecrows I came across in Mays Landing. (So the one is a statue, not a scarecrow. I liked her anyway. "Cool drink, anyone").

I Finally Did It

For most of my life, probably since my early teen years, I have been interested in fitness. Off and on, more on than off fortunately, I have been a member of a gym or worked out in my home/neighborhood (jogging) regularly. With retirement in my not too distant future, I have thought about things in my life I like to do that could become a vocation, or if nothing else, a hobby when I do decide I've had enough work. I love photography, so I went out and bought myself a nice Olympus SLR Digital camera a few months ago. I also have been toying with the idea of becoming a Personal Trainer. I finally started that goal by obtaining my Personal Fitness Trainer Certification from the American Aerobic Association International (AAAI) & International Sports Medicine Association (ISMA). In a few weeks I will be hopefully receiving my Phase II Personal Fitness Trainer Certification. My future plans are to become certified in Strength and Conditioning as well as Sports Nutrition.

What I'm going to do with these certs is still something I'm playing with. I am not trying to become a trainer to turn any young stud into Mr. Universe. My objective is to focus more on older adults and people who just want to take them of themselves as they age. I think an older person might be more comfortable with someone like me as a trainer rather than a 25 year old Muscle Head. Also with my experience with people with Special Needs, my trainer certs may come in handy as well.

I'm not sure I want to work a "second job" in a fitness center or do my own thing. The experience in a gym would be a very good thing, so I just might start that way. I'll keep you posted.

Fall Is Among Us

The cool evenings and cooler days of Fall. My favorite time of the year!

Barack Should Apologize!!

Some apology card Barack should use via 23/6:

Sarah Palin: Not A Friend of Gays

As more news of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, the Republican Vice Presidential nominee, is made known, one thing for sure: she is not a friend to the LGBT Community.

Palin's church is promoting a conference vowing to convert gays into heterosexuals through prayer. A insert in the church bulletin said, "You'll be encouraged by the power of God's love and His desire to transform the lives of those impacted by homosexuality..." (Interesting how this church knows what "God's desire" is). The goal is to "pray away the gay."

It was also noted that Palin has not worked very well in promoting gay rights in Alaska. As a matter of fact, early in her administration she supported a bill to overrule a court decision to block state benefits for gay partners of public employees. Palin only changed her opinion when the state attorney general said it was unconstitutional.

This lady seems to have been embraced by the Republican party, especially the Christian right, almost heralded as the new Messiah. I think she's very scary.

McCain's "Gamble" With Our Future

Today, the day after John McCain announced that Sarah Palin, the unknown governor of Alaska, would be his Vice Presidential running mate, the headlines used word such as "gamble," "rolls the dice," and "chance." John McCain is taking a big chance on the future of the US, and I know I for one am not willing to play the odds!

McCain has chosen a running mate that has even less experience than Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and that has been one of the major criticisms of the McCain campaign in this election thus far. So what does John McCain do? Picks someone that is only a heartbeat away from being Commander-In-Chief with NO national experience at all! Let's face it, John McCain is 72 years old and has fought cancer. I know he could live another 20 years, but the odds of him doing so are not that great.

Wake up America! Don't "roll the dice" on our future. Look at which candidate has the most to offer for the change, and stability, we need.

Hummingbird Haven

A few more shots of the hummingbirds in my neighborhood.

Summer's End Is Near

I can't believe it's already the middle of August. Today at the supermarket I was some mums for sale. Not only mums, but "hardy" mums. They looked very nice, but you know what that means? Autumn is not far from us. I've had a great summer, and look forward to enjoying the rest of it. But soon, it will be back to school, football, jackets, nippy nights, and early evenings.

My Neighbor's Humming Bird

A couple shots of my neighbor's hummingbird feeder with a cutie.

Jesse Made Us Stronger

The picture to the left appeared in the latest edition of The Advocate (August 26, 2008), along with an article, "Ding-Dong, Jesse Helms is Dead."

For those who don't know it, Helms was the former North Carolina senator who passed away July 4, 2008 at the ripe old age of 87. Helms was a bigotted southern gentleman. He was known to whistle racist songs to black elected officials, and, as evidenced by transcripts from any number of Senate hearings, he had an amazing obsession with butt sex. And he hated gays. What do you say when someone like Helms dies? The Advocate said it best: "First Jerry Falwell, now Jesse Helms. One by one, the famous bigots of America are contributing their best (and last) service to this nation’s progress -- they’re dying."

But what people like Helms do sometimes has an opposite effect. Helms and others like him actually cause those they target to ban together and take action against the hatred and injustice.
"...he made us stronger, prodding us to organize among ourselves and with the other evildoers—including the abortion-havers and the immigrants who want to take your jobs."

But unfortunately, the Helms of the world will continue to exist. But fortunately, their influence seems to have lessened. Men like Fred Phelps of “God Hates Fags” fame look like madmen, not prophets. One can only hope that as we evolve as a society, these attitudes slowly disappear for all.

Weighing In On John Edwards

By now I'm sure everyone has heard about John Edward's admission of an affair with another woman. My reaction may have been much less shocked than some. I really wasn't surprised. Not even surprised that it was John Edwards, who seems such the dedicated husband and family man.

The more I live, the less I am shocked or surprised by such news. I don't feel a sense of wrong with this news any longer. I'm not suggesting what Edwards did was right in anyway. It's not just news about cheating husbands, but news in general, that doesn't have the shock value anymore. There is so much going on in the world, why would anything come as a surprise?

Wanna know what else I think? The baby in question is Edwards too, and that will soon be proven.

I'm Glad We'll Keep That Dangerous Terrorist In Prison

Thank God Salim Hamdan, Osama bin Laden's former driver is off the streets! Thank God he was the first person to be tried as a terrorist before a military panel at Guantanamo. Tried and convicted, facing life in prison. Hamdan was convicted of supporting terrorism but acquitted on more serious charges of conspiring with al Qaeda to wage murderous attacks.

Here we have a Yemeni man, probably poor and just trying to help out his family. He's offered a job by bin Laden to drive him around. Al Qaeda suspects have stated that Hamdan knew nothing of any plots. He was just a driver! They must be lying! This man supported terrorism! But did he? I guess we'll never know for sure, but my guess is he is no more a terrorist than the drivers for President Bush sign bills into law!

Was the conviction of Hamdan a victory for the Bush administration? He was not convicted of conspiracy to committ terrorism and that is what the Bush administration needed to field a big win. Only time will tell.

I am so glad we're safer now.

Quit Complaining! Learn! Move On!

Walmart Revisited

As stated in my previous post, I had contacted Walmart about the reported story that its managers were told NOT to support the democrats in the 2008 election. Walmart's response is that while it is against the Employee Free Choice Act, also known as "the card check bill," Walmart in no way encouraged its staff to vote one way or another. Here is the response I received from Jundie of Walmart.com:

Dear Karl,
My name is Jundie. I am with the Walmart.com Customer Service Team. Thank you for contacting us about the news story that ran in the Wall Street Journal on August 1, 2008. The article focused on the Employee Free Choice Act, also known as "the card check bill," and the training we provided to managers and hourly supervisors. It quoted several Wal-Mart associates who felt the training encouraged them to vote against democratic candidates, especially Senator Obama because of his strong support for labor unions. The training has concluded, but we want to assure you that as a company we are not taking sides in this election. If anyone representing Wal-Mart gave the impression we were telling associates how to vote, they were wrong and acting without approval. We will work to make sure misunderstandings like this do not happen again, regardless of the subject. We believe that the card check bill is bad for business and have been onrecord as opposing it for some time. We feel that educating our associates about the bill is the right thing to do. However, we are a bi-partisan company and our associates, just as the customers and communities we serve, reflect the wide range of attitudes and political diversity of this country. We work with both Republican and Democratic leaders and our political contributions reflect that as well -- this year we gave roughly half of our PAC dollars to each party. We are at the beginning of what will be a historic election and campaignperiod. Our company will remain bipartisan. We apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced.Thank you for visiting Walmart.com. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and look forward to your next visit.If we may be of further assistance, please email us at help@walmart.com.We're here to serve you 7 days a week!!

Sincerely,
JundieCustomer Service at Walmart.com

I am still a bit skeptical, and the jury is still out for me on this one.

From Death To Walmart

The questions just keep on coming. My last post discussed my mind's battle with the death penalty. Today, I battle a less important, but maybe not, issue of to shop or not shop Walmart.

A few months ago, while having some friends over, we had a big debate on whether to shop Walmart or Target. Most of my friends were appalled when I told them I shopped Walmart regularly. It's more convenient for me and the prices are lower. When I've gone to Target, I have not had an easy time locating items, primarily because I do not know the layout of the store as well as Walmart, and I have paid a bit more at Target than at Walmart for the same items. My argument when my friends told me how unfair Walmart is to their employees and to the "causes" Walmart supports (mostly conservative, Republican causes), was that both stores are just as bad, or just as good. My opinion was both stores get their merchandise from child-slave labor, and both are just as good or bad to their employees. I even did an extensive google search of Walmart vs. Target, and for every bad thing I learned about Walmart, I learned something just as bad about Target.

However, just the other day it was reported that Walmart made their managers attend a meeting in which the managers were basically told not to vote for the democrats in November, and then given the reasons why a democratic president would be bad for business. The primary reason is Walmart is afraid its employees will stand a better chance of becoming Unionized under a democratic run legislature and president. Walmart has denied this, stating that managers were informed of the negative consequences should a democrat win the White House in November, but never were the managers coerced into voting Republican.

I wrote to Walmart asking them to stay out of politics and informing them I may not be shopping in their store any longer if this is true. Last night I needed an item and I made my way to the local Target to make my purchase. Maybe this will become a new shopping tradition for me?

To Kill, Or Not To Kill?

I go back and forth when it comes to the death penalty. Sometimes I feel there is a real need for a death sentence, and I realize that may be the "human" emotional part of me that vents when a heinous crime has been committed. Other times I think how sad it is that the State can legally "murder" someone while at the same time saying murder is wrong. The death sentence is also not always carried out fairly, those who have money and can find a good attorney or attorneys often get off while the poor, unfortunate ones, get the needle. In NJ, the debate is a mute point since the death penalty is no longer an option.

Recently in Alabama, the Alabama Supreme Court postponed executing a man after an inmate claimed in an sworn statement to defense attorneys that he committed the murder that sent the condemned man to death row. This is another reason for my position the death penalty should not exist; the fact that sometimes innocent people are executed. To me, one innocent life taken by the State is wrong. Throughout history, there have been many individuals executed when they did not commit the crime.

I guess when it comes down to it, I can see the death penalty in some cases in which there is clear evidence someone committed a murder. I am talking about cases where there are several witnesses or a video camera catching the event. Cases where there is irrefutable evidence the defendant committed the murder. But in instances when there is no clear cut evidence, circumstantial only, no witnesses, or other questions about the murder, I can see there being no death sentence.

So I guess the debate will continue in my mind.