But in the meanwhile, I know how y'all look forward to this, and something's better than nothing, right? May be updates until noon PT, as usual.
- First, the timeless words, "Mom, why can't I get a job?" (I have a guess.)
- I love a happy ending:
- Physicist Stephen Hawking thinks that, if we don't take to the stars, we might become extinct (reader Chris Carney notes). I don't see how this could ever happen, unless (A) we develop FTL technology, or (B) we learn how to terraform, say, Mars. Regardless, Christians now that there is no chance that mankind will ever become extinct, as we know that Jesus Christ will return to a populated Earth.
- How many times have I linked to the Washington Post? This may make once: Anne Applebaum psychoanalyzes Tom Sawyer and his disorders, and provokes some thought.
- Uh... Phil?
- If GOP candidate had said something like this, it might be a career-ender. For a Dem candidate? Résumé-enhancer.
- UPDATE: interesting. That guy's still in the race, but a Democrat congressman who piled on has (soft of) apologized — not to the Palins, of course — and resigned. L, IB.
- ...and another entry on the List of Records You Don't Want to Hold.
- A Lego Dystopia.
- What a difference. 'Nuff said.
- Huge surprise, except for the not. Renegade judge Vaughn Walker decided not to undecide or delay his one-man decision to overturn the will of the citizenry (whose hearts he'd read), as well as how ever many millennia of foundational structure. "Review? I don't need no stinking review" Yeah, who could have seen that coming?
- Reader Andy Dollahite found us a series of high-quality color photographs of America from 1939-1943. I think I see some home-schoolers!
- Sigh. (Thanks, 3GD.)
- 201? Too bad:
- As I've probably said, I'm more of a Republitarian, on many issues. This list of no-no's just makes me think, "Who owns this business — me, or the government?" That's how liberty is lost: inch by inch by inch....
- ...which, naturally, reminds one of the best job interview scene on TV, ever.
- I don't either, Paula:
- What do you think? Touchingly kind and commendable, or heart-stoppingly foolish? First, I thought the former. Then I reconsidered. What if something had gone wrong?
- Diss cats if you must, but at least they'll never do double-drive-bys.
- Pastor Kevin deYoung gives a good, thought-provoking list of things to consider and/or do in the light of the recent setback to California's Prop 8. Unfortunately (and predicatably) his meta quickly goes to Gehenna. I really don't understand good Christian writers who put out great material, then don't police meta's. Seems to me it'd be better to have no meta at all. One Dan's opinion.
- In related news: okay, now we know you can do it. But why?
- Berry Davis found some very talented folks with a whole lot of time on their hands. It's a Super Mario Music Battle. Not sure which I like best: probably the dual-guitar dude, though the drummer has mad skilz.
- Summer heat have your eyes a little dry? I have an absolute sure cure. (Sorry about the lame BoM quotation at the end.)
- As you likely know, representatives of "The Religion of Peace" in Afghanistan brutally murdered and pillaged ten Christian medical aid workers. There is some silliness about whether or not they were Christians out loud, which (as Colin Hansen rightly observes) should have nothing to do with anything. Kudos to the New York Times for a slide-show honoring the martyrs.
- Hunh. So there's a guy running for governor in Florida named McGollum. Cool!
- Oh, wait. I misread. Never mind.
- Though it does bring to mind this whimsical blast from the past:
- Hey! We know someone who knows someone. Reader Merrilee Stevenson is friends with Peter Kerr and his wife. Kerr is a Congressional candidate in Kentucky and, says Merilee, a good guy.
- You've heard of the city officials in Bell, CA, who are grossly overpaid? Of course. Now, out of over 300 MSM stories, how many do you think mentioned that they were Democrats? One hundred? Nah. How about one? Dems, like the state attorney general who is investigating them.
- One less lying, deceptive, above-the-rules, fundamentally compromised individual in the military? Sounds like a "win" to me. Remember: this one didn't work out all that great.
- Culminating with this:
Posts
36 comments:
I wonder if Justice Kennedy might be a target for assassination by a pro-gay militant. If he's the swing vote on the U.S. Supreme Court like so many pundits say he is, then some pro-gay nut job might hire an assassin to take him out, and then expect Obama to nominate a pro-gay liberal judge to replace Kennedy.
Then it's 5-4 in favor of gay marriage for the whole United States.
And all those professing Christians who voted for Obama can rejoice that they've enabled Obama and the Leftists to wreck the country.
Two thoughts:
1.) Kevin deYoung says more teachers are telling him that kids will experiment with homosexuality because they can. That's a bone-chilling thought. Fathers better step it up a notch or two or three. Because in my experience sexual promiscuity of any kind seemingly related back to the abscence of a relationship with one's father.
2.) I admit to being tempted to encourage Hawking and his followers to leave Earth for better pastures.
Hawking's rationale is exactly the same as Commander Sinclair's when he was axed whether continued space exploration was a worthwhile endeavor for the Earth Alliance. Not saying Hawking is stealing from B5, but given the origins of his doughnut-shaped universe theory, I wouldn't put it past him, either.
The Tom Sawyer article was intriguing, but unfortunately she seems to follow the prevailing attitude that nobody is truly responsible for their own misbehavior. These behaviors have been around for years, etc, but now we know that it's a psychological disorder. It's certainly not that a kid is an undisciplined punk, oh no, it's some acronym ending in D that completely absolves him of blame for anything. The whole trend seems like yet another attempt to make the world safe for sin.
I will admit to wanting to see faster and easier space travel, but not for the reason Dr. Hawking wants.
I want to send a probe or manned ship to the edge of the solar system, so that we can see if the Oort Cloud is real. For those playing the home game, the Oort Cloud is a theoretical band of comets about a trillion miles out.
Secular astronomers say it would solve the problem of why comets still exist when they should have melted after millions of years. Of course, conveniently no one's ever seen it, since those comets are all too small, cold, and dark. If it could be proven that there is no Oort Cloud, it'd be the biggest hole in naturalistic, uniformitarian cosmology in decades.
How exactly was the West Point cadet lying and deceptive? The military doesn't ban homosexuals from service. It bans open homosexuals from serving. Lying about her private life was in keeping with military policy, since she wasn't allowed to be honest about it. When she decided she wanted to be open, she did the correct thing and resigned. Exactly how does that make her above the rules?
And certainly her classmates aren't shining beacons of morality, either. Using bigoted slurs against citizens who they have sworn to protect? Not cool.
In a totally unrelated note, I sat down with my grandma and showed her those pictures from 1939-1943. She absolutely loved it. The quality is so wonderful, and I got to hear some great stories. Plenty of, "Oh, we all wore our hair like that back in the day" or "My mother used to make dresses for us like that, too." It was a great moment, and it's amazing some of the moments that technology can make possible. Thanks.
I took a look at the Meta(foolish, I know, but my debating side was starting to itch)
Man oh man.....
oh well, at least I left some references to Fred Butler and James Patrick Holding on 'Gay apologetics'.
Whoa, weird coincidence. I live 5 miles away from Peter Kerr, and my 2-year-old's babysitter lives just a few houses from him. Kerr also comes into my wife's office now and then (her boss was involved politically this last spring). Kerr's a good guy - for a Wesleyan. ;) (kidding!)
But this is the really coincidental part... my last name is also Stevenson. *cue dramatic music*
"A cadet will not lie ..."
Uh....yeah....There had to have been a long, purposeful, premeditated pattern of lies in order for her to even get into West Point. My son applied to the Air Force Academy and they don't leave any stone unturned. His interview was unbelievably intrusive, including very detailed questions about his personal and dating life (or lack thereof in his case). (There might have even been a dank room with a spotlight)
They were very interested in whether there would be ties back home and whether there were past relationships that would be considered a security risk. And that was just at the first, initial contact (he was dropped because of his exercise induced asthma).
The DOD apparently has a LOT more leeway in asking extremely personal questions than the private sector has.
Miss Katie Cadet would have had to lie and cover up her lesbian past (and likely her parents did as well - they generally meet with the parents too) in order for her to be accepted into West Point. Not exactly the shining example of America's finest.
RE: Kevin DeYoung's meta...Troll city. The sad thing is that these activist trolls have controlled the response to his very excellent post. They've thrown out the usual (very tired, very lame) dodges to why homosexuality is a sin and who-knows-how-many lurkers are reading it, thinking these are genuine pastors and Bible scholars responding. In reality, they are hardened activists who couldn't see a literal interpretation of the Bible if it hit them in the head.
Finally, DeYoung says that solid biblical responses are needed for questions such as how a Christian college student should respond if he finds himself with a gay roommate. I'd sure love for someone to answer this as DS is leaving for college in two weeks and we have some concerns about his roomie (note: be careful what you put on your Facebook....your friends' mothers WILL unfairly judge you) : )
RE: Kevin DeYoung's meta...Troll city. The sad thing is that these activist trolls have controlled the response to his very excellent post. They've thrown out the usual (very tired, very lame) dodges to why homosexuality is a sin and who-knows-how-many lurkers are reading it, thinking these are genuine pastors and Bible scholars responding. In reality, they are hardened activists who couldn't see a literal interpretation of the Bible if it hit them in the head.
Finally, DeYoung says that solid biblical responses are needed for questions such as how a Christian college student should respond if he finds himself with a gay roommate. I'd sure love for someone to answer this as DS is leaving for college in two weeks and we have some concerns about his roomie (note: be careful what you put on your Facebook....your friends' mothers WILL unfairly judge you) : )
College Jay,
Am I missing something or did your first comment just basically say "how is lying deceptive?"
And no one is forced to lie.
The man's a fool! He'd have no problem getting a job if he applied for the right ones. The circus. A freak show maybe. As an example of how to restrict your career potential. The world's scariest clown. A hit man for people with heart problems. A service clerk at the motor vehicles department. People just don't think through all the possibilities, do they.
Hey Paula! It's interesting to hear about the questioning that goes on to enter West Point. Is there is a difference between West Point and general service in the military, then? I mean, obviously the questions cannot be too extensive or they will not work with the "Don't Ask" portion of DADT. I was under the impression that, as things currently stand, a homosexual can serve discreetly in the military, and I assumed military academies were included in that.
(And one thing that does annoy me about the DADT debate is the impression that homosexuals are not allowed to serve in the military. They are, and they have, and I respect and admire their service like all others who serve. They just have to follow the same rules as everyone else).
And while we're on the subject...this is one of DS's pet peeves....he just bristles when he hears about kids being "out" in high school. He makes the point that these kids are not even supposed to be having sex, so why are they "out" and having clubs and support groups in the schools anyway?
Well, a homosexual can be a homosexual without having sex just as easily as a heterosexual can. Kids know who they are attracted to, and more importantly, who they wish to pursue relationships with in the future, even if they are virgins.
Also, holy quadruple post, Batman!
Dang. Promised myself I wouldn't cry on Friday. H8 those vids. /smirk>
While reading Pastor DeYoung's post/comments, I couldn't help but wonder if there'd been some kind of secret whistle heard only by the Society of Unbelieving Believers to add their 2 cents. It was pretty wild.
btw, I know you are usually right atop your meta, but after your statement wondering why good Christian writers don't police their meta, I had to smile at Paula's 4 duplicate posts...
Loved the returning soldiers and the fumbling robber. :)
Mike B: I wouldn't say that making up a boyfriend for the sake of conversation, or averting suspicion, would qualify as a major deceit. It would have probably been better to say that she was not and had never dated anyone, but then I suppose that would be a lie, too. In either case, it's pretty impossible to not talk about your private life in any kind of social environment. If a homosexual wants to serve, he or she has to tell white lies about his or her personal life. It's expected, it's fair, and I don't see how it's wrong.
Unless you are saying that no one with a homosexual inclination, whether acted upon or not, should serve in the military. I know a Christian gentleman who left the homosexual lifestyle and is now joining the Army. He still struggles with same gender attractions to a certain degree, but he has not acted out with another man in years. Under the current policy he is not allowed to talk about either of those things, and it's possible that he'll even have to lie about them in order to get by, but he understands that, and that's a sacrifice he's willing to make to serve his country.
It was one that the lesbian in the article obviously wasn't willing to make. But at least she admitted that and resigned instead of staying around and trying to upset the system that, frankly, works.
And Paula, my answer to DeYoung's meta question would be this: Treat the roommate like any other non-Christian roommate. Any college student should be firm about his or her boundaries. Frankly, I never cared what the gender of my roommate's dates were. There were just some things that I would not tolerate going on in the room while I was there!
Sorry about the quad post! Unlike the usual 'awaiting moderation' message, I got an error message each time I posted saying it exceeded the length limit. Thinking it was some new government regulation, each time I removed a little bit more and tried again; it finally took. Don't know what that means, but sorry to clog the blog.
(people should really monitor their blogs better)
Proof that the end times are really upon us: I find myself in complete agreement with Rupert, at least as far as his last post is concerned. ;)
College Jay said, Is there is a difference between West Point and general service in the military, then? I mean, obviously the questions cannot be too extensive or they will not work with the "Don't Ask" portion of DADT.
First, DS was interviewed by an Air Force Academy recruiter, so I don't know if it's the same with West Point. I asked him more specifically about it today and he said that they did not ask specifically if he was gay. But they did ask many extensive questions about his personal life and habits. For example, they asked who his best friend was and what their relationship was like. They also asked if he dated. Since he hadn't dated, he was asked to explain why not.
So no, they didn't ask if he was gay, but I would venture to say if someone is a practicing homosexual, it would be difficult to get through that interview without exposing that information, short of deceiving the recruiter.
DS was also asked questions about church, including why we had recently changed churches. I was rather surprised that DS related nearly every unpleasant detail....probably a good thing he didn't end up in the Academy...he'd sing like a canary if he were every shot down in enemy territory just b/c he loves to talk!
As to the four posts: I don't do literary criticism per se on my commenters. If a trusted commenter like Paula posts repeated posts, I figure (A) (s)he was tweaking something in them and would delete the ones (s)he didn't like - that happens a fair bit; or (B) it was a glitch. In either case, the commenter can decide which to keep, which to delete.
But trolls don't get through and commandeer metas.
@ Citizen Grim re: Peter Kerr: Dramatic music indeed! (High fives!)
I'm thinking the dramatic music sounds vaguely like "It's a small world after all..."
Concerning theology and politics, I feel this way: I don't expect my politicians to be theologians (sad, I know), and I don't expect my pastors to be politicians. In an ideal world, would that we all were pastoral theologians at heart with a passion to see the world changed with the truth!
And yes, Peter is a great leader, husband, father--and I hope he gets a lot of support and gets elected to serve. And since y'all live so close to one another, if we ever come to visit--maybe we'll just have to attend your church... ; )
But trolls don't get through and commandeer metas.
...and for that we are exceptionally grateful!
Kerr is a Congressional candidate in Kentucky and, says Merilee, a good guy.
Eats, shoots, and leaves alert...?
I read this sentences several times thinking, "WTH? Merilee is a guy?" That would have changed everything here! Didn't notice the little "and"...sorry Merilee!
: )
Getting into West Point and getting into the Air Force as an enlisted person isn't quite the same. West Point is extremely prestigous and the entrance requirements include a letter of reference from one's Congressman. Of course, they'll ask you more questions.
Frankly, if you are going to get a Top Secret clearance, I don't know how the background investigators would not know you are homosexual unless you lie (and have been lying to most of the people who know you).
@ Paula: Glad you double-checked your reading! On a H&T two weeks ago I thought DJP had blamed me for a situation in North Carolina--but it was simply a dangling modifier problem. (I don't recall him ever correcting that, either, but I forgive him anyway.) : )
Absent proof, I categorically deny it.
:^P
On 7/30/10, right after Iron Chef and Nacho Lip Balm, here's the cut-and-paste:
Diversity? To a point — and "Jesus" is that point. (What's surprising is that this is North Carolina; thanks to Merilee Stevenson.)
Ahem. I give you--North Carolina. (You're welcome.)
(Takes a bow)
By the way, I just noticed my name is misspelled. Unforgivable.
(M-E-double-R-I-L-double-E)
"But trolls don't get through and commandeer metas."
Commander Meta -- another possible DJP handle. :)
No matter how clever, it's never a trap that won't be found out.
First of all, M-e-r-r-i-l-e-e, thanks for North Carolina. Very funny.
Second, I blame you for having a difficult name. Nobody can spell your name. You should just spell it like my sister: Maryly.
(Though in her case, it's pronounced in two syllables: mare'-lee.)
There.
LOVED the old photos, but then I love all things historic (not hysteric).
I also enjoyed the article about Tom Sawyer, especially since I went camping the past couple of days with a friend who psychoanalyzes a lot.
D-J-P,
If you have a sister whose name sounds pretty much close to mine--then all is forgiven. I get my name pronounced with a Southern drawl sometimes, and I don't mind.
And really, we can blame it on our parents.
My 9 year old daughter came looking over my shoulder while I checked out the tatoo & piercing photos.
I quote, "Hey, Dad. That guy is a slob."
Word verification "slopo"
Thanks for the link to my husband's website posted on your website. We appeciate all the support we have received from around the country.
My friend, Merrilee, is a great gal, and she will keep your English straight!
Keep checking out voteforkerr.com for a fresh perspective on current issues.
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