Should We Be Blogging About Whether We Should Be Talking About Piers Morgan Bringing Alex Jones on Television

The Sandy Hook tragedy has led to much bickering, arguing, and a general opportunity for Americans to express their opinions.  But a person has to ask themselves if the opinions they are expressing are "good-natured".

Every time a disaster falls, Americans feel the urgent need to enact new legislation.  After 9/11 we were rushed into the Patriot Act, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Iraq War.  Now after the Sandy Hook tragedy many states are passing gun control legislation (see link Gun Control Bills Flood Statehouses.., ) and there has been talk of a national ban on "military-style assault rifles".  Are we a people prone to panic?  Why is it that it takes a national tragedy to produce such an urgent need to enact change?  When is the last time that something good happened that put a fire into the people?

Certainly there are special interests capitalizing on the events of the Sandy Hook tragedy as a means to enact push forward gun control legislation.  It is difficult to deny that this also happened after 9/11.  Of course there is not a lot of mention of the purpose of the 2nd amendment- the citizenry has a right to protect itself against an oppressive government.   For this reason it is contrary to the notions of liberty  to talk of banning "military-style assault rifles" for all but the military.  Many of you who are reading recognize this truth.

I grew up in a small rural community, where there was constant talk of the government "taking away our guns".  I recognize their sentiment and agree that the government should not take them away.  That is not to say that we should have guns or use them, or more importantly, we need not be passionate about guns.  "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also".

It does not appear that the federal government will be a leader in world peace.  They are not going to give up using their weapons.  The citizens of this country need to do that.

We should not ban assault weapons, we should just not use them.  Jesus said, "Do not resist an evil person".

Great things can happen.  Believe in those things. 

Great things can happen.  Believe in those things. If you believe you have something to say that expresses the will of God, then you need to express it.  This is not easy.  In finding a way to articulate a message in a way that people can understand and receive it can be a painful process.  It can take hard, hard work.  But the more you work, the easier it gets.

GRE Essay Practice

Prompt: Write about your opinion pertaining to this statement. Nations need to require all their citizens to study the same national curriculum until college. A national curriculum would not be good for a nation., although it is not unreasonable to require some minimal educational requirements. By imposing a standard national curriculum educators would have to choose which pieces of knowledge to teach and which to exclude. A large amount of knowledge would be neglected by the majority of the nation. A national curriculum may cause dull uniformity or maybe even something worse. The country of America for instance has been a melting pot of people and ideas. To make every student in the entire country learn the same things would be to lessen the diversity of ideas. If evil people came to rule a certain nation, and imposed a national curriculum, the education could be controlled by the state; and the citizens may be indoctrinated with nationalist propaganda. Such a nation may slide into despotism or war as in Nazi Germany. The no-child left behind act introduced tough requirements on schools in relation to academic performance. The act has been the cause of grief for many educators. Certainly the students also suffer as the necessary curriculum is taught while leaving a student devoid of a love for learning. Each and every student is unique and has their own talents. To impose the same national curriculum on every student may prohibit some students from taking the time to pursue the subjects that excite their minds. Not every student is good at math, but some are. Instead of requiring every student to learn the same mathematical material we should encourage some to pursue it much more than others, while at the same time requiring that all students have a basic knowledge of mathematics. We should not expect all students to have a mastery of mathematical proof, but at least those who get A's in mathematics should have it. There needs to be some flexibility in the school curriculum so that students can pursue what they are good at, and the nation's creativity can flourish. By imposing a national curriculum the teacher's may not be able to do their best. Some teachers may have a love for a particular topic in their discipline. Say an English teacher has a passion for the writings of Jules Verne. If given the opportunity they may be able to make English exciting and fun while working with some of their favorite books. If the national curriculum did not include Jules Verne in the list of acceptable books, then the teacher would have to teach material they were less excited about; and consequently the students would be less excited as well. A national curriculum would infringe on the rights of parents who send their children to private schools and parents who home school. Certainly a course on the Koran would not be a part of the national curriculum of the United States, but it may be important for the parents of those who wish to send their children to a private school dedicated to religious tolerance. Certainly there are some things that a nation could require of all of its students. It is certainly beneficial for all students to learn basic arithmetic. There may of course be some things that all the students of a nation should be reasonably expected to understand: a nation's political structure for instance. It would not be unreasonable to have a set of minimum standards for all students. It is not a good idea for a nation to require all of its students to study the same national curriculum until they enter college. While it may be beneficial to require a minimum set of standards that all students must learn, it is not acceptable for the whole curriculum to be the same for every student. This would cause dull uniformity, a possible infringement of freedom, and loss of excitement and creativity for many teachers and students.

Arisotelian School

In a previous post I wrote about Aristotle's view of friendship. Here is a quote "The model of the best friendship that Aristotle outlines in the Nichomachean Ethics is based upon virtue. Aristotle writes, “when everyone strains to achieve what is fine and concentrates on the finest actions, everything that is right will be done for the common good, and each person individually will receive the greatest of goods, since that is the character of virtue”. This is Aristotle’s ultimate goal. If every person strove toward what is virtuous then eventually everything would be done for the common good, and nothing would be done selfishly. Even though we may never reach Aristotle’s ideal, individuals can still improve their lives, friendships, and the lives of others around them by aspiring to live virtuously." Why not found a school based on this idea? It would not be a religious school, but certainly religious people would be welcome. But also muslims, buddhists, even atheists would be welcome as long as they (or their parents) were committed to achieving good. The school could offer classes in philosophy or religion. I think it could be good.

Bite Me

Little boxes on the hillside Little boxes made of ticky tacky Maybe she's got the bends Am I really sinking this low We don't have any real friends I wish that something would happen. I use to wish that something would happen ( In High School ). I guess something has happened. I am a father of two children and a stepdaughter. That is something. But why did I want something in the first place? Dissatisfaction with life. My life is pretty busy now. Not a lot of time for dissatisfaction. Only a little. But now the song would go... I wish that so much wouldn't happen so often. Why wasn't I blissfully happy in material wonderland like everyone else? Tomorrow is Sunday. Maybe I will go to church. With God all things are possible. Jesus don't lose a sheep. Except one that the scriptures be fulfilled. What if it was you? Judas.

The Dishwasher Goes Tink Tink

I am not exactly sure what I want to write. Something about how my body/mind needs certain stimuli before it can adequately function... something else about means and ends... and sacrificing our lives to Jesus. The last week has been pretty miserable. I've even had trouble sleeping... until yesterday when I made love to my wife. Then I was happy enough to sleep! I slept from midnight till noon; except of course for the interruptions of children puking or climbing into my bed. I woke up to a day when both females of my house were sick. So I gladly took on the responsibilities of housekeeping. I would rate my housekeeping a C- for the day. tonight I drank 3 beers and some wine... two is usually my limit but I have had a steady supply of water going since the first drink. after watching 2 episodes of weeds I had the urge to pray. So i prayed briefly. After the third episode I washed dishes. Moral of the blog post? I don't have one. But I do want some -----, and also a maid. Please let me know if you could provide either service. I did want to write about sacrificing our lives to Jesus. When I prayed after that second episode of weeds I yearned for God. Sometimes I think I should just be praying all the time. But praying is not the end. It is the means to God. Just like sex was not the end, but the means for achieving some level of happiness. And beer, wine, and ---- ... not the end, but the means for prayer and getting some dishes done... But prayer was not the end... but the means for getting closer to God, the true end.

Saddest Book Ever!

Tonight I was coming home and I got an idea for the saddest book ever:

"No Time for Little Man"

Little baby Matthew loved his mother and father. Everyday he woke up thinking of them. One particular morning he woke up making every noise he could think of trying to get their attention. His father had already gone to work. Matthew's mother was in the kitchen making breakfast. There was no time for little man.

Eventually his mother came to his room, got him out of his crib, and changed his diaper. Matthew was very happy to see his mother. He liked the way her hands felt on his back. He smiled as he looked into her beautiful brown eyes. Little Matthew ate breakfast while his mother checked her e-mail on the computer. Then they loaded into the car together. Mother drove to daycare to drop Matthew off for the day. She needed to get to work. Matthew waved goodbye but his mother did not wave back. There was no time for little man.

Matthew had a good day at daycare. He played with the blocks and ate some fun foods. He liked the women at the daycare, almost as much as his parents. Matthew took a long nap, and when he awoke his father was their to take him home.

On the way home Matthew tried to talk to his father from the back seat of the car, but he did not know any words. His father was talking on the cellphone anyways. Matthew heard his dad say something about a "ball game tonight". Matthew was excited. "Maybe my daddy will play ball with me tonight", he thought.

At home Matthew and his father and mother had dinner. They had spaghetti with meatballs that night. Matthew ate up all his spaghetti but he did not like the meatballs. He said "UHMPH" as he threw them across the table. Matthew noticed that his parents looked very tired. Matthew's mother kissed daddy goodbye, and then she put little baby Matthew to bed for the night. There was no time for little man.

Steadfast Love

Don't forget the love God has made in your life. This is a lesson about being faithful to God.

I'd like to start with some excerpts from Psalm 78:

Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old,
things that we have heard and known, that our ancestors have told us.
We will not hide them from their children; we will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.

He has established a decree in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach to their children; that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn,and rise up and tell them to their children,
so that they should set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;
and that they should not be like their ancestors, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.
...
They did not keep God's covenant, but refused to walk according to his law.
They forgot what he had done, and the miracles that he had shown them.
In the sight of their ancestors he worked marvels in the land of Egypt, in the fields of Zoan.
He divided the sea and let them pass through it, and made the waters stand like a heap.
In the daytime he led them with a cloud, and all night long with a fiery light.
He split rocks open in the wilderness, and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.
He made streams come out of the rock, and caused waters to flow down like rivers.

Yet they sinned still more against him,
rebelling against the Most High in the desert.
They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved.
They spoke against God, saying, "Can God spread a table in the wilderness?
Even though he struck the rock so that water gushed out and torrents overflowed, can he also give bread, or provide meat for his people?"
Therefore, when the Lord heard, he was full of rage; a fire was kindled against Jacob, his anger mounted against Israel,
because they had no faith in God, and did not trust his saving power.
Yet he commanded the skies above and opened the doors of heaven;
he rained down on them mannna to eat, and gave them grain of heaven.
Mortals ate of the bread of angels; he sent them food in abundance.
...
In spite of all this they still sinned; they did not believe in his wonders.
...
...Then he led out his people like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. He led them in safety, so that they were not afraid... He drove out nations before them; he apportioned them for a possession and settled the tribes of Israel in their tents.they tested the Most High God,and rebelled against him. They did not observe his decrees,
but turned away and were faithless like their ancestors; they twisted like a treacherous bow.
For they provoked him to anger with their high places; they moved him to jealousy with their idols.
When God heard, he was full of wrath, and he utterly rejected Israel...
---------
To paraphrase... A long time ago God performed a lot of miracles to free the Israelites and led them to the promised land. While on the way the Israelites tested God many times. Once in the promised land the Israelites abandoned God and lots of bad things happened to them. Our children should know the stories of God's miracles so that they will be faithful to God, and not abandon him as our ancestors did. Hmmm... Let's examine this more closely and see what we can learn.

It is clear that the generations who were born in Israel post-exodus were not faithful to God. They were not witnesses of the old miracles; they had merely heard the stories. In that respect that generation is similar to the one the Psalmist speaks of when he writes, "We will not hide them (the stories) from their children; we will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done." In the past it has already happened that those who heard the stories of God but were not there to witness them were not steadfast in their love toward God, so why does the Psalmist expect the coming generation to be faithful to God? A similar thing happens today as children are taught the Bible stories in hopes that they will be faithful to God. Though not impossible, it is difficult for many to stay faithful when their faith is based on stories of miracles they never have witnessed.

But let's look deeper into this story. How strong was the faith of those who witnessed the miracles? After witnessing the parting of the red sea, the cloud, and the water from the rock, those with Moses still doubted God. Hungry they doubted and mocked God saying, "Can God spread a table in the wilderness?". There was also the incident of the Golden Calf. Even after witnessing the parting of the Red Sea, Manna from heaven, and other miracles, that ancient generation still doubted and rejected God. How difficult it must be to have faith when even those who witnessed the miracles doubted God!

How can this story help those living today to be steadfast in there love for God? We were not there to witness the parting of the Red Sea, Jesus's miracles, his resurrection, or any other miracle from the Bible. In this way we are like that Post-Exodus generation that rejected God. But! We are also like the ancient generation who were part of the Exodus and witnessed God's miracles. How so?

If you look back upon your life you will probably remember a time or many times when God worked miracles in your life. These are different for every person but at some point you probably looked at an event that happened in your life and thought "Wow, God is awesome", or something to that effect. You may have had very powerful experiences that you believed God was responsible for. At those points in your life your faith was probably very strong. We have witnessed miracles just as the ancient generation did. We should not forget the love God has made in our lives. We should not forget the things God has done in our lives. We should not forget the miracles of God we have witnessed in this life. One may be able to draw much strength and faith from the stories of the bible. But if you cannot then remember what God has done in your own life and let that be what drives you to be steadfast in your love for God.

It is hard to have faith in God no matter how many miracles one witnesses. Don't forget the love God has made in your life.

-----

Here is the complete Psalm 78:

Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old,
things that we have heard and known, that our ancestors have told us.
We will not hide them from their children; we will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.

He has established a decree in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach to their children; that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn,and rise up and tell them to their children,
so that they should set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;
and that they should not be like their ancestors, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.
The Ephraimites, armed with the bow, turned back on the day of battle.
They did not keep God's covenant, but refused to walk according to his law.
They forgot what he had done, and the miracles that he had shown them.
In the sight of their ancestors he worked marvels in the land of Egypt, in the fields of Zoan.
He divided the sea and let them pass through it, and made the waters stand like a heap.
In the daytime he led them with a cloud, and all night long with a fiery light.
He split rocks open in the wilderness, and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.
He made streams come out of the rock, and caused waters to flow down like rivers.

Yet they sinned still more against him,
rebelling against the Most High in the desert.
They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved.
They spoke against God, saying, "Can God spread a table in the wilderness?
Even though he struck the rock so that water gushed out and torrents overflowed, can he also give bread, or provide meat for his people?"
Therefore, when the Lord heart, he was full of rage; a fire was kindled against Jacob, his anger mounted against Israel,
because they had no faith in God, and did not trust his saving power.
Yet he commanded the skies above and opened the doors of heaven;
he rained down on them mannna to eat, and gave them grain of heaven.
Mortals ate of the bread of angels; he sent them food in abundance.
He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens, and by his power he led out the south wind;
he rained flesh upon them like dust, winged birds like the sand of the seas;
he let them fall within their camp, all around their dwellings.
And they ate and were well filled, for he gave them what they craved.
But before they had satisfied their craving, while the food was still in their mouths,
the anger of God raised against them and he killed the strongest of them, and laid low the flower of Israel.

In spite of all this they still sinned; they did not believe in his wonders.
So he made their days vanish like a breath, and their years in terror.
When he killed them, they sought for him; they repented and sought God earnestly.
They remebered that God was their rock, the Most High God their redeemer.
But they flattered him with their mouths; they lied to him with their tongues.
Their heart was not steafast toward him; they were not true to his covenant.
Yet he, being compassionate, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them; often he restrained his anger, and did not stir up all his wrath.
He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and does not come again.
How often they rebelled against him in the wilderness and grieved him in the desert!
They tested God again and again, and provoked the Holy One of Israel.
They did not keep in mind his power, or the day when he redeemed them from the foe;
when he displayed his signs in Egypt, and his miracles in the fields of Zoan.
He turned their rivers to blood, so that they could not drink of their streams.
He sent among them swarms of flies, which devoured them, and frogs, which destroyed them.
He gave their crops to the caterpillar, and the fruit of their labor to the locust.
He destroyed their vines with hail, and their flocks to thunderbolts.
He let loose on them his fierce anger, wrath, indignation, and sitress, a company of destroying angels.
He made a path for his anger;
he did not spare them from death, but gave their lives over to the plague.
He struck all the firstborn in Edypt, the first issue of their strength in the tents of Ham.
Then he led out his people like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.
He led them in safety, so that they were not afraid;
but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.
And he brought them to his holy hill, to the mountain that his right hand had won.
He drove out nations before them;
he apportioned them for a possession and settled the tribes of Israel in their tents.

Yet they tested the Most High God,and rebelled against him. They did not observe his decrees,
but turned away and were faithless like their ancestors; they twisted like a treacherous bow.
For they provoked him to anger with their high places; they moved him to jealousy with their idols.
When God heard, he was full of wrath, and he utterly rejected Israel.
He abandoned his dwelling at Shiloh, the tent where he dwelt among mortals,
and delivered his power to captivity, his glory to the hand of the foe.
He gave his people to the sword, and vented his wrath on his heritage.
Fire devoured their young men, and their girls had no marriage song.
Their priests fell by the sword, and their widows made no lamentation.
Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, like a warrior shouting because of wine.
He put his adversaries to rout; he put them to everlasting disgrace.

He rejected the tent of Joseph, he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim;
but he chose the tribe of Judah,
Mount Zion, which he loves.
He built his sanctuary like the high heavens, like the earth, which he has founded forever.
He chose his servant David, and took him from the sheepfolds;
from tending the nursing ewes he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel, his inheritance.
With upright heart he tended them, and guided them with skillful hand.