A Beard Too Far by Elaine Donnelly on National Review Online
The United States military is unaffiliated with any specific religion. The United States, however, is a Christian country, or at least a country founded on Christian principles, and the Separation of Church and State does not require the separation of morals and politics (though some might think it does), or principles and public policies.
When do religious viewpoints begin to impede or obstruct military action? Perhaps looking at the recent incident at Fort Hood could give some insight into the question. When does "extreme" go too far? Perhaps when discipline is broken? When the lives of our soldiers are at stake, in danger of other fellow soldiers? When some soldiers think, act, believe, and speak in direct opposition to the principles and guidelines set out by the Founders for this country?
Perhaps a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy for religion in the military could help eliminate controversial issues over headgear and hairdos (which happen to blatantly contradict the entire meaning of "uniform"); but when the outward appearances disappear, do the inward thoughts and emotions comply, as well? Is uniformity of faith required for uniformity of purpose? To what degree? If so, is it achievable?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Some Democrats to fight abortion amendment in health bill - washingtonpost.com
Some Democrats to fight abortion amendment in health bill - washingtonpost.com
According to this Washington Post article, the Democrats are uneasy about passing the health care bill because of a clause which would limit government funding for abortions.
According to this Washington Post article, the Democrats are uneasy about passing the health care bill because of a clause which would limit government funding for abortions.
Nuts!
Nuts by Mark Steyn (from NRO)
I can't wait to take that journalism class with him next semester :)
Also, great video of Mark Steyn talking on multiculturalism:
I can't wait to take that journalism class with him next semester :)
Also, great video of Mark Steyn talking on multiculturalism:
Memorials, In Memoriam?
Yes, this really is up for debate in America:
Connecticut Family Fights For 9-11 Memorial. Opposition Suggests They Build It In The Ground Over The Sewers.
It really is a travesty when a few people can't see the value in honoring their fellow Americans who lost their life in such a tragic way. I also am at a loss for not wanting a monument. In ages past, this was how we honored these people--so that we remember.
In D.C. this summer, I remember walking past this huge bronze plaque-type memorial in Union Station to men who lost their lives in a train accident. What would have happened if that wasn't there? I never would have known about it. It's a very touching dedication to bravery and sacrifice, so if you're ever in the D.C. area, it's right off the main room, if you're walking in from the metro.
Today is the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall falling. That too is a symbol, even though it was torn down. The sentiment remains--the wall stood for oppression, these monuments stand for the best of human character. We need to build up humanity by glorifying its positive attributes, not bending in submission to its weak ones.
Connecticut Family Fights For 9-11 Memorial. Opposition Suggests They Build It In The Ground Over The Sewers.
It really is a travesty when a few people can't see the value in honoring their fellow Americans who lost their life in such a tragic way. I also am at a loss for not wanting a monument. In ages past, this was how we honored these people--so that we remember.
In D.C. this summer, I remember walking past this huge bronze plaque-type memorial in Union Station to men who lost their lives in a train accident. What would have happened if that wasn't there? I never would have known about it. It's a very touching dedication to bravery and sacrifice, so if you're ever in the D.C. area, it's right off the main room, if you're walking in from the metro.
Today is the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall falling. That too is a symbol, even though it was torn down. The sentiment remains--the wall stood for oppression, these monuments stand for the best of human character. We need to build up humanity by glorifying its positive attributes, not bending in submission to its weak ones.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Denial!
Of course yesterday's elections had nothing to do with Obama. It had everything to do with "local issues" and not the President's policies, or lack thereof. And Obama simply likes campaigning too much not to involve himself in gubernatorial campaigns.
This is very interesting. The White House dismisses what should be a very important lesson to those currently serving the government. Within nine to ten months, the shine has worn off of Obama. His charm has drained the voters. His name, which is synonymous with the Democratic Party, did not win Deeds or Corzine governors' seats.
The Democrat candidate did win in New York, as Nancy Pelosi kindly points out. However, what is important is that the Conservative candidate posed a threat to both the Democrat and Republican in the running. The fact that he ran should prove to be a warning to those moderate Republicans--that they can no longer stray from the herd of their conservative base, and will not be tempted or charmed into the hope and change that revolutionized this recession.
This is very interesting. The White House dismisses what should be a very important lesson to those currently serving the government. Within nine to ten months, the shine has worn off of Obama. His charm has drained the voters. His name, which is synonymous with the Democratic Party, did not win Deeds or Corzine governors' seats.
The Democrat candidate did win in New York, as Nancy Pelosi kindly points out. However, what is important is that the Conservative candidate posed a threat to both the Democrat and Republican in the running. The fact that he ran should prove to be a warning to those moderate Republicans--that they can no longer stray from the herd of their conservative base, and will not be tempted or charmed into the hope and change that revolutionized this recession.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Angela Merkel's quiet revolution. - By Anne Applebaum - Slate Magazine
Angela Merkel's quiet revolution. - By Anne Applebaum - Slate Magazine
This is fascinating! Only a few generations from WWII, a calm and quiet women has become chancellor of Germany. According to the article, she holds perhaps the most power of anyone in Europe. Speaking for myself, and perhaps others, I never knew anything about her. And now, how will she change Europe?
This is fascinating! Only a few generations from WWII, a calm and quiet women has become chancellor of Germany. According to the article, she holds perhaps the most power of anyone in Europe. Speaking for myself, and perhaps others, I never knew anything about her. And now, how will she change Europe?
Monday, November 2, 2009
Iraqi woman, 20, dies; police in Arizona say father ran her over - CNN.com
Iraqi woman, 20, dies; police in Arizona say father ran her over - CNN.com
Cases like this make you stop and think.
A 20-year-old girl was run over by a car. Deliberately. By her father.
He claims she has become "too westernized" after moving from Iraq to the United States some years ago. Now he faces charges for killing his daughter.
What does it mean to become "too westernized"? Isn't America the City on a Hill, the new Jerusalem, the best thing that ever happened to civilization? Doesn't everyone have a right to democracy and freedom? To speak how they want to speak, to act how they want to act, to think how they want to think?
Her father complained that she didn't listen to him and she dressed in a modern fashion, which he didn't like.
Cases like this make you stop and think.
A 20-year-old girl was run over by a car. Deliberately. By her father.
He claims she has become "too westernized" after moving from Iraq to the United States some years ago. Now he faces charges for killing his daughter.
What does it mean to become "too westernized"? Isn't America the City on a Hill, the new Jerusalem, the best thing that ever happened to civilization? Doesn't everyone have a right to democracy and freedom? To speak how they want to speak, to act how they want to act, to think how they want to think?
Her father complained that she didn't listen to him and she dressed in a modern fashion, which he didn't like.
Now that they are living in the States, how much can be expected of her with regards to old customs?
Doesn't she have the right to free speech? Doesn't she have the right to liberty?
But then again, what is liberty? If she has the right to act how she chooses, does he have the right to act as he sees fit?
Even though they are living in the States, does he still have the right to punish her according to their old laws?
Where is the line between liberty and license? Where is the line between discipline and murder?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Is Nothing Sacred Anymore?
Following the entry of a video featuring a desecrated American flag in the "Health Reform Video Challenge" sponsored by Democratic National Committee, one has to wonder. Perhaps sacred isn't the right word any longer--taboo will have to do. The religious connotations would be sure to offend someone.
It is truly sad to think that a symbol of sacrifice and hard work has been reduced to a lobbying device. While it is a popular custom to burn, maim, and shred American flags elsewhere in the world, it's very eye-opening that a contest entry made it this far.
It is truly sad to think that a symbol of sacrifice and hard work has been reduced to a lobbying device. While it is a popular custom to burn, maim, and shred American flags elsewhere in the world, it's very eye-opening that a contest entry made it this far.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Obama declares H1N1 emergency - CNN.com
Obama declares H1N1 emergency - CNN.com
Since when has the flu become a matter of national, governmental, or federal importance?
Because the President is now concerned, ought we to all rush out for our vaccinations?
Or, perhaps, is this another case of fear-mongering?
a promotion for national health care?
Or just another piece of news?
Since when has the flu become a matter of national, governmental, or federal importance?
Because the President is now concerned, ought we to all rush out for our vaccinations?
Or, perhaps, is this another case of fear-mongering?
a promotion for national health care?
Or just another piece of news?
Friday, October 23, 2009
Evil Wal-Mart Exec not so Scary
Jack Shewmaker, a Wal-Mart executive that SIFE described in their school wide with the pithy title of "Executive Consultant, Retired President, Chief Operating Officer, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer," spoke before decent sized audience in Phillips last Wednesday.
Calling Hillsdale, "my kind of town," the remarkably successful businessman delivered a very straightforward message, arguing that a successful life generally comes to anyone who proves diligent and honest. He told small stories about little actions that had large repercussions. For example, a decision to alter the formatting of a supplier's paperwork saved the company millions of dollars. His lecture on leadership was largely a collection of homespun wisdom and hard experience.
Choosing to keep from delving to deeply into political matters, Shewmaker's comments on the current crisis were short. Calling himself a conservative, he explained that he proffered not to engage in politics. Surprisingly, his short comments on America's current fiscal debacle included no animus towards accelerated government intrusion into the marketplace. He argued that the banking crisis was not the fault of bank executives and Wall Street financiers, but of all of us. While most econ students would point toward the conditions and incentives that the government created in the first place, he gave no mention of Bush's or Obama's policies.
His lecture earned him an extended standing ovation from the sympathetic crowd. Promising the audience that "what you see is what you get," he left the podium. What Shewmaker himself saw, during his talk, was a free USA that could be juxtaposed with the old USSR without causing observers to reel before the nascent similarities. Regardless of whether the capitalist rulebook is still intact, his argument that integrity yields higher integers deserves greater qualification. No one should cast their personal story, of success or of tragedy, over society in general. Though integrity is an undivided road, it may lead to either poverty or riches. Its' direction is always relative to society's unpredictable course. However, he did finish his address with a sincerity that should have led any superstore maligners to put their cheap arguments back on the shelf as they shuffled down Phillips' aisles.
Calling Hillsdale, "my kind of town," the remarkably successful businessman delivered a very straightforward message, arguing that a successful life generally comes to anyone who proves diligent and honest. He told small stories about little actions that had large repercussions. For example, a decision to alter the formatting of a supplier's paperwork saved the company millions of dollars. His lecture on leadership was largely a collection of homespun wisdom and hard experience.
Choosing to keep from delving to deeply into political matters, Shewmaker's comments on the current crisis were short. Calling himself a conservative, he explained that he proffered not to engage in politics. Surprisingly, his short comments on America's current fiscal debacle included no animus towards accelerated government intrusion into the marketplace. He argued that the banking crisis was not the fault of bank executives and Wall Street financiers, but of all of us. While most econ students would point toward the conditions and incentives that the government created in the first place, he gave no mention of Bush's or Obama's policies.
His lecture earned him an extended standing ovation from the sympathetic crowd. Promising the audience that "what you see is what you get," he left the podium. What Shewmaker himself saw, during his talk, was a free USA that could be juxtaposed with the old USSR without causing observers to reel before the nascent similarities. Regardless of whether the capitalist rulebook is still intact, his argument that integrity yields higher integers deserves greater qualification. No one should cast their personal story, of success or of tragedy, over society in general. Though integrity is an undivided road, it may lead to either poverty or riches. Its' direction is always relative to society's unpredictable course. However, he did finish his address with a sincerity that should have led any superstore maligners to put their cheap arguments back on the shelf as they shuffled down Phillips' aisles.
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