So, in the last few months the media and all kinds of politicians have been throwing us into all kinds of debates. Honestly, I love to watch these things and I really like to share my opinions but I know they aren't treasured on Facebook, nor do I believe that is the place to talk about them. It makes me too angry, so I choose to blog about them.
I love to think about the issues, I like to put myself in that person's footsteps, and see why they think they way they do. According to my bible there are several verses that condemn homosexuality, but in the same bible there are several other verses that condemn other things. Should I not eat pork? Should women be silent in the church? Should we not have tattoos? And if we really believe the bible, we shouldn't worship God on Sunday, because it should be done on Saturday. The point I am trying to make is that it's hard to distinguish what is cultural and what isn't. I have never been gay, nor do I understand being gay. But I do know that it's not something that someone can just turn off. We are sexually attracted to things without knowing why. For example, I am really attracted to Asian women--what if that was against the scripture? I can't explain why I am attracted to Asians, but I just am. It just happened that was part of my life. I honestly cannot see anyone just making "gay" up. Now, I know there are people that are gay that just want attention, I have observed that. But I just can't wrap my head around people that are just being gay. So, if that's the case then how in the world can I begin to understand it? I need to leave it alone, and just accept them as people and love them as God expects me to love them.
Despite what I feel about the issue, I have to think about what marriage is. Marriage to me, is something that is holy union between two people. Every religion has a ceremony of some kind to recognize marriage. Evangelicals have acted like the "Biblical Marriage" is the only marriage. Did people in the bible times get married too? Where they recognized? Are Islamic marriages recognized as real marriages? Or Atheist marriages? Well, I just don't know about that. The fact of the matter is, we live in a country that is part of many groups of people. It's not right, to force our religion on any group of people. If a religious person or church chooses not recognize to a marriage, thats great (thats your right.) But, it's not right to expect all people to live up to our beliefs or create laws that enforce our beliefs. The state and the church are two separate entities and there should be no greying of the lines between them.
If the founding fathers wanted to live in a theocracy, then they would have created one. They didn't because they weren't Christians to begin with. I know that may come to a shock to a lot of people- but Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin were all Deists (which is really an agnostic.) the founding fathers understood that we should keep our religious opinions and thoughts away from the state. They had spent time under a theocratic government.
Put yourself in a persons shoes, and understand that a person has a right to hare life with whomever they like. They are going to do it anyway, and there really is nothing we can do about it. Unless we wanted to enforce anti-sodomy laws and that would put the government in the people's bed rooms...which I don't think any person supports.
I say all of this to say, I know I hold a minority viewpoint here in Texas. I know I am probably the only one in my family that has this opinion. But, I have spent time and reflection on this issue and I just feel that it's not right to extend rights to some people in America. I am a social libertarian, which means I believe the government has no right to legislate social laws. I do not see the danger in letting people make decisions on their own. I don't think it endangers marriage, anymore than the fifty percent divorce rate. Which brings up another valid point, did you know that the divorce rate in the church is higher than the world?
Who is confused about marriage???? Its hard to accept that truth...but honestly, I believe that no one really knows what marriage is.
Since I am not on Facebook, I can freely express what I want to say here. I have always been an independent thinker. Its no surprise or shock that I vote primarily Democratic, but I praise some Republicans if they vote along with educators and things that I hold dear. I am not for abortion, so before you throw that in my face- I just want to make that clear.
I just find it funny that people do not research things on their own. They trust Fox News, MSNBC, CNN or whatever it may be to tell them the facts. The problem with this is that they are in the business of opinionated journalism. I do admit, I watch MSNBC because it matches my progressive world view, as you watching Fox News supports your Conservative world view. But, I do not stop at their word, I like to look at things.
I did not support the Affordable Health Care Act at first. I thought it was complicated, I didn't understand it, and I just didn't understand why Obama focused on this, when he could have focused on the economy. And although, I still agree with the latter- I do understand something needs to be done about our health care. In this state, 25% of the people do not have Health Insurance that's the highest in the nation. Yet, Rick Perry and all the Conservative blow hards do not accept this at all. They act, like everything is okay. Texas will benefit the most from Obamacare, and just wait and see in 2014, if it works people will love it. But exhausting all the scenarios of health care it doesn't matter if it was a Republican idea first, it doesn't matter if it isn't socialism- people in this area, will believe what they want. The fact of the matter is, there is no other way to control Health Care costs without doing an individual mandate. You have to put everyone in the pool, to cover the high risk individuals. The only other way to do this, is to have a public option.
I was against the individual mandate, but I think I found a common thread that will bridge the gap between Conservative and Liberal ideals. Conservatives believe that purchasing and health care in a whole is a personal responsibility. And Liberals believe that Health Care is a fundamental right for all people. The Individual mandate marries these two ideals, in a way that makes sense to me. We as the American people have a collective responsibility to drive health care costs down. We have the responsibility to cover ourselves, and if you don't why should the rest of the people cover you? If we did that, we might as well have a public option. I firmly believe that the exchange will help Insurance companies rates competitive and that most Americans will find a way to purchase affordable health care. Those that can't afford it, can get a credit or may even qualify for Medicaid. I believe that Health Care is a right and a collective responsibility and this health care law does both.
I am no expert on how all of this will work. But even I understand, that the health care system cannot be sustainable unless everyone is covered under it. I understand that everyone has to purchase it, without everyone purchasing it, it doesn't do any good.
How is this socialism? How is extending health care to millions a bad thing? And furthermore, if the current system is so great... then why are we even having this debate?
I recommend you go visit the William Kaiser Foundation yourself, and watch the videos and read the information. You can also read the law and abridged parts of the law, for yourself and see what it is all about. My greatest advice is to question everything you hear, be it a Progressive voice or Conservative voice. They are being paid to spin news and opinion.
From the 2012 Texas Republican Party Platform-
Knowledge-Based Education – We oppose the teaching of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) (values
clarification), critical thinking skills and similar programs that are simply a relabeling of Outcome-Based
Education (OBE) (mastery learning) which focus on behavior modification and have the purpose of challenging
the student’s fixed beliefs and undermining parental authority.
American Identity Patriotism and Loyalty – We believe the current teaching of a multicultural curriculum is
divisive. We favor strengthening our common American identity and loyalty instead of political correctness that
nurtures alienation among racial and ethnic groups. Students should pledge allegiance to the American and
Texas flags daily to instill patriotism.
Traditional Principles in Education – We support school subjects with emphasis on the Judeo-Christian
principles upon which America was founded and which form the basis of America’s legal, political and
economic systems. We support curricula that are heavily weighted on original founding documents, including
the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and Founders’ writings.
Despite any effort made by the Republican party, Barack Obama stands a re-election in 2012. And my friends, I can rest assure you America will not be destroyed in 2016.
I find it funny when Republicans scream, "Obama destroyed our country! He destroyed our economy!" And then when Obama talks about the Bush administrations mistakes, they scream "He shifts blame to Bush." Now let me ask you something, If you are stating facts about what the previous administration are you really shifting blame? You aren't shifting blame, you are stating facts of why our economy is complete junk right now. We spent too much, and although Obama hyper-spent the first few years of his term, a move that was not smart on his part- the fact is that Bush grew government, did several HUGE bailouts, started two wars without any path to pay for them,etc... He is your king of Conservatism? The truth of the matter is there isn't too much of a difference in Obama or Bush in method. Both advocated big spending to get us out of predicament.
A reason why Obama is going to win, is that the Republicans candidate is one of the worst I have ever seen. Romney is way too liberal for the ever increasing right-extreme growing Republican party, and he just can't reconcile that. Romneycare is already a deathblow to his campaign. Anytime he talks about Obamacare-- He will throw it in his face. And guess what? Once people really know what Obamacare will entail to the rest of the country and to our health system--they will actually agree with it.
Another Romney problem is his wealth! Romney won't release his tax forms, and Obama already has-- Obama is making 800,000 or something like that--which although is still A LOT of money... he does seem like "one of us". Obama is going to paint Romney is as one of those people that got us in economic trouble. The 1%. He is going to use, and is already using class warfare.
In the end, it will be a close election- but Obama is going to win. We might as well not even try this...
As for me?
Well honestly, I am already decided. My vote will not be for Obama but more of a vote against Mitt Romney. Mitt Romney's rhetoric about Planned Parenthood, cutting Education, and just his behavior is enough for me to keep voting Democrat.
I don't agree with all of Obama's political tactics, nor do I think he's been an amazing President. But he has done more than we realize, and a lot of it is unnoticed.
I guess it's time, to give him a second chance.
Hello Everyone,
I am writing everyone a proposal to every American, that is over the age of 18. I am writing to Conservative Republicans, Liberal Democrats, and Apolitical people-- just basically everyone.
I don't know about you, but I am kind of fed up with Washington. In 2008, our President Barack Obama promised he would change Washington DC. He promised that business would be not as usual, and that we would see change. President Barack Obama has not only brought substantial change, he has kept some of the same policies of the Former President. But more than that, President Barack Obama has not changed the tone or stood strong in his principles.
In 2010, The Republicans promised once again to bring "Change to Washington." It's been over a year, employment is still going up-- No budget solutions have been made, and we are still playing partisan politics.
Now the election of 2012 is coming up. Many people believe that if we change hats from "Democrat" to "Republican" that things will change. I am sure there will be some fundamental policy changes, and there will definitely be a different movement. But, I think we can be rest assured that if Campaign Finance Reform and more so Lobbyist Reform does not change- That Washington DC will continue operating the way it has been.
I don't know about you, but I am pissed at how our country is being run. On all three levels and branches of government- our government is out of touch with the American public. This is so evident through our elections, and through the message of the American people. OF ALL Political persuasions!
We have sacrificed so much in the past, our grandfathers have fought two worlds to save us from tyranny. We have fought so hard for freedom and to make sure our democracy is the best in the world. The petty and childish behavior that exists in Washington is not what our grandfathers have fought for.
So, my proposal to everyone in 2012 is an impractical one. I propose that we do not show up to the polls, that we do not campaign, that we do not give any money- That we stay home. More importantly, that we stay home on November 2, 2012. We are saying no to Washington DC-- that we will not vote for any of them. We will not vote for anything we do not believe in. We demand honesty, transparency, free from all special interests.
I know that no one will do this. But, we have a right-- our right is that we can fire and hire these people. We have our right to vote, we should forgo that right-- and in protest, not vote-- To make it clear, we want DRASTIC CHANGE.
Thank you,
David
He's a fine upstanding-- good old boy from Paint Creek, Texas. I know people from that area, because I lived there for a while. He probably had cattle, probably spotlighted on weekends. He probably went out on and worked on cattle-- What a good old boy!
Then that good old boy became Lutienant Governor of Texas. No one really knew much about him, nor did anyone really care. One day the Governor of Texas ran for President of the United Sates, and after a highly contested primary and election- That governor became President of the United Sates. And this Lutienant Governor became the Governor of the 4th most populous state in the United States of America.
After 12 years that man, is posistioning himself to be President of the United States. Despite that Half of the Republican Party in his state thinks he's a loon. And all of the Democratic Party in this state, have been bullied by this despotic governor.
Yet he's a good old boy-- He shot a coyote when he was running!-- What a Good symbol for America. And he called on America to fast and pray for our nation-- What a fine upstanding Christian.
Let me make it clear; Rick Perry is a fraud and a failure of a governor-- and will be an extreme failure for the highest office of the land. This is not a matter of opinion, this is a matter of fact. I will explain why.... This good old boy, should not fool you. His record stands strong of what kind of leadership he will bring to our country. I will point out FIVE clossal problems with Rick Perry, that should influence Conservatives and Democrats alike not to vote for this guy in the Primary or in a General Election.
1. Talk of Secession
"There's a lot of different scenarios," Perry said. "We've got a great union. There's absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that. But Texas is a very unique place, and we're a pretty independent lot to boot."
Rick Perry doesn't even know History, he played to the Tea Party crowd-- even though, I will prove later that he was a "tea party poser". But he actually is promising something that is not even possible. Texas can never secede from the union, no state can secede from the union. But Texas can in fact split itself into four seperate states. It shouldn't surprise you that Rick Perry doesn't know what he is talking about-but that's neither here or there.
Why would you want a President that advocates rebellion, to turn the clock back on our country to the Civil War. I know there is a big argument on State's rights. That argument has been persistent since the dawn of our country. But this is a man, that has no sense of unity or bringing the country together by this kind of talk.
All this President wants to do is turn us into a lose Federation, something like of a European Union. A union that is not a united country but 50 states that have free reign to do whatever they please. I don't know about you, but I am an American- I have a common viewpoint with people in New Mexico, California, Alabama, and New York. I am not a Texan first, I am an American first.
This should be reason enough not to vote for Perry in any election. Let alone a Presidential election...
2. Really, Really Big Government.
Rick Perry in 2007, issued an executive order for all girls ages 11-12 to be vaccinated against HPV. This is a sexually transmitted disease that causes cervical cancer. For a man that is so concerned about big government, this is the biggest form and breach of government that I have ever witnessed. It basically steps on the rights of parents to decide to give this vaccination and infringing on women's reproductive health. I find it very ironic that Republicans are so against health mandates-- when the are doing them all the time. ie, Romney Care... and this debacle by the grand ole' Tea Party Candidate. You have to ask why would Perry make this asinine executive decision?
The drug company Merck has ties to Perry. The day the decision was made, over 5,000 dollars was donated to Perry and 8 other law makers. Thank you Lord for some good boys in the Texas House, they overturned his order.
Perry did not care about the young girls in this state. All he cared about was his pocket book and contributions to his campaign. Texas Republicans chastised him over this-- and I think we need to keep reminding people about this episode.
Perry does not have any problem proposing big government solutions when it's financially and politically expidient to Rick Perry.
This act that he made, should be reason enough to fire the governor. The Republican Party tried to do this in 2006-- with Carolyn Strayhorn running against him. And then Senator Hutchinson trying to defeat him in the primary.
But people just can't GET what a crook he is.
3. Destroying our Education System in Texas.
In Wisconsin, the teachers unions are crying because of the 12 million dollar cuts to their retirement plans. What if those teachers lived in Texas?- A Whopping 86 billion dollars of cuts to education passed this year. It's not enough that he has held onto the dismal failure of TAKS standarized testing-- and lying saying our schools are, "exempelary'
Rick Perry has given over 100 million dollars to Standarized Testing Companies. That have no desire to help our education system, but to keep children under bondage... and squash teacher creativity.
It's no secret about the state of Texas schools and Texas state educational crisis. Instead of fixing the problem-- they decide to hit the teachers.
They capped teacher's pay... and made it where a lot of districts will not hire. You may argue, that this is not a problem... this is our largest problem! Rick Perry has not made education better in our state, he has made it worse. He has made it worse for our children and for our teachers.
Yet there are some teachers I know, that support Rick Perry. Let me ask you if a person came in and said, "I am taking your job away. Good luck. Yes, you spent 40,000 dollars in school studying education, you spent a lot of time... but I don't care."
If you are a teacher or are becoming a teacher and you want to support Rick Perry-- you are theoretically shooting yourself in the foot. Rick Perry wants to gut education--and has gut education.
We have a moral responsibility to our children to teach them, and give them a quality education. What Rick Perry and some of his friends have done-- is inexcusable.
4. Failure to Protect Children
In 2005, Rick Perry was informed of a huge sex abuse allegations between the inmates and the workers. These allegations were important being that they were delivered to the governor, but he did nothing. Governor Rick Perry failed to protect these troubled teens in this system. When this scandal broke out, Perry said, "I didn't see the report on it." and then when that was shot down he said, "Well theres a difference between notes and a report." Governor RIck Perry does not care about anything that does not advance him politically.
5. Border Security
It should not be any surprise to you how lax Rick Perry is on our border security. Rick Perry talks a big game, and passes the buck of blame on border security to Obama and Washington lawmakers. And to somewhat his defense, our federal government has not done enough to secure our Texas border. But, as we learned in Arizona-- albeit, as wrong as the Arizona law is-- that the state can stand against the Fed and do something.
If you ask me, securing the Texas border is probably our second priority-- right behind education. Rick Perry has not only been strong in the border he has been laxidacial about the issue. Rick Perry has been quoted to say, "Well, I don't know how were going to fund this." Well you moron, you have no problem in wanting to fund that massive Trans- Texas Corridor.
Rick Perry has failed in being a leader in border security. He has not laid out a concrete plan, He has not done enough in ten years-- and it's not all the Federal government's fault.
--- AFTERWARD---
Rick Perry is wrong for Texas. We have had three state elections, three chances to fire him. The Texas Democratic Party has not put a candidate that could defeat this guy. The last time, Rick Perry was either so sure of his re-election, or he could not defend his record (I think it's the last one.)-- that he did not even show up to one debate. Rick Perry is an inadequate leader, an ineffective leader, and a failure as a Texan governor.
Staying in the confines of our state is bad enough. I have tried and tried to get Republicans on my side every election, talking about these points. But, this man wants to hold the highest office of the land.
Now, I am not saying you throw your hat in the ring for Obama. But Rick Perry is the WORST candidate out of all the Republican candidates in the field. (Yes, I think Michele Bachman and Sarah Palin are better candidates.)
And for those that are paranoid- it should worry you that Rick Perry has been a part of the allusive Blindenberg Group (A secretive group) that meets and talks about God knows what.
I am willing to keep Rick Perry in this state for 4 more years. But, I will not subject the American people to this crook.
As 2012 revs up I look at it dread. I can just hear and see all the comments about the President. It's not like everyone hates Obama already, for a year all we are going to hear is how much Obama has screwed up America.
I have been a harsh critic of the President, but I feel I have the right to. I voted for the President, I bought his "hope and change" rhetoric-- So, I do believe that those that typically vote Democratic have the right to question him.
I think Barack Obama has made some really stupid decisions. He has not stood up or even made an extreme effort to help those that did vote for him.
Barack Obama was elected because of economic issues in 2008, and if he loses in 2012-- it will be due to economic issues.
I think Obama has done more than extraordinary well on Foreign Policy issues. I think that his refocusing on Afghanistan, and his leadership led to the killing of the mastermind of 9/11. He did what he said he would do, and for that I think he deserves some credit.
But Obama has done sub-par on Domestic Issues. However, our nation is so messed up economically I don't know how anyone can fix it. So, I don't place too much blame on him for it... But, I do place blame that he hasn't stood for what he thinks will fix it. When he won in 2008, he made a point to end the Bush Tax Cuts. He caved...
In Wisconsin, the Labor Unions are in big trouble, the President said he would march with him. This NEVER happened, and I think he will pay for it.
You see my problem with him? Obama seems like a dead fish most of the time when it comes to Domestic Issues. When Foreign things come up, I see this strong and confident leader. But, when Domestic Issues come he waffles-- and we don't need that right now.
So 2012 is coming up... the Republicans are lining up to be elected. And so far, there is only one in the crowd that I would feel would be okay running the country.
I do not like Palin, I think she's a horrible candidate and even more a horrible person. I don't think she's qualified, she's bitter, she says things that make my blood boil. I can't stand to listen to her for 4-8 years. I think her connection with Tuscon, even though I do not think she is to blame-- will ensure her that she will never win. She shouldn't even try, more than half of her party doesn't want her to run. And even more out of the public, would never vote for her. She's the worst decision for President.
Michelle Bachman, is the same thing-- Sarah part 2. Only she's even more stupid.... Nope, not gonna happen.
Herman Cain?- I don't know much about this guy, but from what I have read.. it kind of sounds scary... A Pizza Chain Owner, President? But like I said, I don't know much so that kind of freaks me out. I think he will cause a lot of buzz and a lot of stir because he's different.
Tim Pawlenty?- Just boring... He seems decent, but he's just lacking pizazz that a candidate would need.
Rick Perry... I'll say it, He can't even run Texas, much less the country. I guess I have never been a Perry fan, so the mere thought of him being my President makes me want to vomit. I don't want to campaign for Obama, but I will if he enters the race. NOPE. He will never be elected in the Primary, nor the General public... He's too ignorant.
There are several others, but all of those aren't even worth mentioning.
So that leaves one-- Mitt Romney.
Mitt Romney will win the Presidential Primary, and more over he is the ONLY one that can be electable right now.I still think Romney is a long shot, but if things can't be done about the economy soon-- I think we can pretty sure that Romney may be President of the United States.
However....
This kind of rings like the Election of 2004. Where as Foreign issues and the Kerry lackluster campaign ensured that Bush would get 4 more years... Romney's campaign already kind of looks like it could be a Kerry type campaign.
Romney makes compelling arguments, and he is positioning himself already to hit with the Independents.
But what really surprises me is the Republican party. The Republican Party has became so idelogically bitter and so full of vile, that I don't even know where the good Republicans are. Romney represents the last of the good Republicans.
No one will vote for Palin, Cain, Perry, Bachmann-- that crowd. They may have voted for Tea Party candidates for 2010, but a national Tea Party candidate will never win.
It's still a ways from now... anything can happen.
About Me
- dave
- I am a dude. I love God. I love to have lots of friends. Follow me, I love to entertain.
