Politics, In My Opinion...

I’m going to go out on a limb and talk about the big “P”.

Politics.

Before I begin, I would like to reflect on one of my all time favorite Calvin and Hobbes quotes, from the mind of the creative epic genius, Bill Watterson:

Calvin: “Hobbes, why do you think people can think so much faster than they speak?”
Hobbes: “Probably so they can think twice.”

Throwing all reservations to the wind, there are a few things I would like to say regarding the subject at hand. I’ve thought about them. A lot. If your concern is being politically correct, or you are easily offended, then stop reading now. Seriously.

You’ve been warned.

First, I would like to say that I am a proud, Texas Conservative. I have no shame in standing up for what I believe. I am also a God-fearing Christian. Recently, I’ve heard endless debates as to whether or not our Constitution (and our nation) was founded on Christian principles.

To quote Tex Browing: “The intent of the First Amendment was well understood during the founding of our country. The First Amendment was not written to keep religion out of government. It was to keep Government from establishing a 'National Denomination’ (like the Church of England). As early as 1799 a court declared: "By our form of government the Christian religion is the established religion; and all sects and denominations of Christians are placed on the same equal footing." Even in the letter that Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Baptists of Danbury Connecticut (from which we derive the term "separation of Church and State") he made it quite clear that the wall of separation was to insure that Government would never interfere with religious activities because religious freedom came from God, not from Government.”

“Granted, God is not mentioned in the Constitution, but He is mentioned in every major document leading up to the final wording of the Constitution. For example, Connecticut is still known as the "Constitution State" because its colonial constitution was used as a model for the United States Constitution. Its first words were: "For as much as it has pleased the almighty God by the wise disposition of His Divine Providence…"

“Most of the fifty-five Founding Fathers who worked on the Constitution were members of orthodox Christian churches and many were even evangelical Christians. The first official act in the First Continental Congress was to open in Christian prayer, which ended in these words: "...the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Savior. Amen". Sounds Christian to me.”

Based on my Christian morals and beliefs, I stand behind the following, with valor and unrelenting stubbornness:

Point number 1: Same-sex marriage

I believe in Creation, not the Theory of Evolution. I do not, have not, and will not ever believe that my species began as a one-celled organism, developed lungs, grew legs, swung from trees and then learned to use tools. I believe that God created man and woman (see Bible: Genesis – great explanation there).

Continuing on that note, I believe in Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. I think God designed the human bodies of a man and a woman to fit together with corresponding beauty. Add into the mix a diverse array of personalities and appearances that grace this earth, and I consider the human race to be blessed to have such a wonderful variety from which to select our potential partners in life. I have friends that choose a homosexual lifestyle. I do not condemn them for it. As a Christian, God forbids my judgment on others, lest I judge myself first and foremost. However, I do not condone their choice either. That is between them and their own religious beliefs.

I do not believe it is a chemical/hormonal imbalance. It is a choice. Period. I choose to be heterosexual. I have a healthy respect for attraction, and I’m secure enough in my own sexuality that I can find another woman to be achingly beautiful without lusting for her. Personally, I prefer strong arms and hands, and a deep voice. It’s just how I’m designed.

I believe that the sanctimony of marriage should only be between a man and woman. I understand the viewpoint with regards to obtaining the same rights as a “traditional” married couple. I personally believe that the separation of church and state is profoundly necessary regarding this issue. If the foundation of marriage is to be recognized as a spiritual connection with the unity of God, church and partnership, then the government should have no opinion in how to dictate that union. What a blatant contradiction; one that is repeatedly ignored and painted with a coat of blasé . I think that entire argument should be entirely discredited and trashed. I don’t think someone should have to be related by blood, or a legal document, to demonstrate the capacity of love or concern for another, especially when it comes to extreme circumstances. If those stipulations were non-existent, then I doubt I would continue to write this portion of my blog. On a similar note, I fail to recognize where a legal court document will convince you, or others, that you are in a committed, loving relationship. I think there are a lot more serious laws to consider passing; such as the prevention of domestic violence, child abuse, hunger prevention, etc.

Point number 2: Illegal immigration

If you believe there is not a legitimate problem with illegal immigration in this country then I can’t wait for Mars to build a subdivision, because you belong there.

I need identification to do almost everything in life – drive a car, get a job, open a checking account, get a membership at the gym…the list could go on. It astounds me that the same people who are ranting and raving about Arizona’s law haven’t even bothered to read the facts before mouthing off. Here, I’ll provide you with the specifics:

Excerpt from Senate Bill 1070

B. FOR ANY LAWFUL CONTACT MADE BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL OR AGENCY OF THIS STATE OR A COUNTY, CITY, TOWN OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THIS STATE WHERE REASONABLE SUSPICION EXISTS THAT THE PERSON IS AN ALIEN WHO IS UNLAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES, A REASONABLE ATTEMPT SHALL BE MADE, WHEN PRACTICABLE, TO DETERMINE THE IMMIGRATION STATUS OF THE PERSON. THE PERSON'S IMMIGRATION STATUS SHALL BE VERIFIED WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PURSUANT TO 8 UNITED STATES CODE SECTION 1373(c).
C. IF AN ALIEN WHO IS UNLAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES IS CONVICTED OF A VIOLATION OF STATE OR LOCAL LAW, ON DISCHARGE FROM IMPRISONMENT OR ASSESSMENT OF ANY FINE THAT IS IMPOSED, THE ALIEN SHALL BE TRANSFERRED IMMEDIATELY TO THE CUSTODY OF THE UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT OR THE UNITED STATES CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION.
D. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LAW, A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY MAY SECURELY TRANSPORT AN ALIEN WHO IS UNLAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES AND WHO IS IN THE AGENCY'S CUSTODY TO A FEDERAL FACILITY IN THIS STATE OR TO ANY OTHER POINT OF TRANSFER INTO FEDERAL CUSTODY THAT IS OUTSIDE THE JURISDICTION OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.
E. A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, WITHOUT A WARRANT, MAY ARREST A PERSON IF THE OFFICER HAS PROBABLE CAUSE TO BELIEVE THAT THE PERSON HAS COMMITTED ANY PUBLIC OFFENSE THAT MAKES THE PERSON REMOVABLE FROM THE UNITED STATES.

See the phrase in Section E that states, “…has probable cause to believe that the person has committed any public offense…”? Contrary to debate, that means that an officer of the law cannot single out an individual simply for kicks and grins. They must have reasonable suspicion. It is not racial profiling, or discrimination, to ask someone to provide proof of identity/citizenship. And, if you’re running away from just having robbed a convenient store, or stealing a car, or harming another person, then the police have a right to shoot your sorry ass on the spot.

I am looking forward to the day when this law is passed in Texas.

I am beyond blessed to have been born in America, so perhaps I cannot understand the desperation some feel to be a part of a democracy (I use the word loosely nowadays). But, it is not my responsibility to pay for medical care, education, or the livelihood of those who are here illegally. I feel immensely for the children of such circumstances. My heart goes out to them. But, there are numerous other ways to obtain legal citizenship. Some just take a little longer than others.

I have infinite issues with this, which would naturally lead into my next topic: health care. But, I do not have the time or patience to tackle that issue today. I’m a little like a bull in a China shop with that debate. I go barging in and leave lots of broken pieces in my wake.

Point number 3: Affirmative Action

Years ago, when I was a naïve 20-year-old, I worked for the Minority Division in the Office of Graduate Studies at my hometown college. Boy, were my eyes opened! I don’t admit to being thick-skinned, and I often wear my feelings on my shoulders. I cried on a nearly daily basis while I worked there. No amount of convincing, arm-twisting, or sob stories I’ve been privy to (past, present and future), will change my mind or make me feel any differently about the issues I was exposed to. The victim mentality that was embraced in that position will forever sit sour in my stomach.

I parlay a huge risk by saying this aloud, but I believe Affirmative Action is an obvious form of reverse discrimination. Especially from an educational standpoint. You are not a victim. You were not a slave. Your grandparents were probably not even slaves. My ancestors crucified Jews, but I don’t see anyone holding that against me. And I’m not walking around with any delusional assumptions that a Nazi persona lies deep inside me. I am sick sick sick of people playing the race card to obtain benefits, scholarships, higher pay, medical privileges, food stamps, welfare and/or handicapped parking. And I am furious beyond words that I continue to bust my rear to make an honest living, only to see it taxed and divided up so that it can be handed to someone who chooses to sit on their couch, watch soap operas and eat Cheetohs all day. Shame. On. You.

Tangent. Back on course…

I was unaware that the color of your skin determined your level of intelligence. If anything, I might be offended if I was offered a leg up because someone didn’t think I had enough ambition or savvy to strive to do something on my own. But, alas, we are what we create. Society, and the people in it, have created the I'm owed something attitude, and the gimme expectations that encourage us to behave in a fashion of entitlement. And don’t give me that crap about not having the opportunity. You have more opportunities than I will ever see in my lifetime, because you are a “minority”. The census has estimated that by the end of the year 2010, the Hispanic population will outnumber the Caucasion population by twenty to one. In Texas alone! I’m not that great at math, but it seems the term “minority” is a bit misleading.

Case in point. Why was President Obama elected? I can name a handful of car salesman off the top of my head that would be better suited to the job. Before you call me a racist, let me just tell you that I don’t care what color his skin is, or what his religious beliefs are. He could have purple and green polka dots and a third eye. If he’s the best man for the job, then I have no qualms about voting him into office. But, did America vote for him because he’s the most highly-qualified candidate, or has the best agenda for leading this nation? No. He was voted into office because he is a "minority". People crawled out of the woodwork to vote during this last election. What does that say about how far we’ve come to silence racism over the last several decades? Nothing. We’ve managed to throw all progress to the wind and further perpetuate the very issue we fought so hard to overcome.

I long for a day that people will stop labeling each other in America. We all put our pants on the same way. We all have the same heart beating inside us. We all bleed. We all have hopes and dreams, fears and passions. When will we start seeing each other as human beings and not as colors?

Point number 4: Just a few more things I have a problem with…

I am pro-life. All the way. God doesn’t make mistakes. Every child, no matter how brief his life may be, was created by His hand, and we do not have the right to interfere with that. No matter the circumstances. Consider adoption. And next time, keep in mind that a $3.00 contraception will likely squelch the need to resort to a $300+ operation.

Nicely shifting into my next subject, how can you believe in abortion, but oppose capital punishment? Do you realize how much of a hypocrite you are? Wake up! People that commit crimes heinous enough to land them on death row are not owed, nor do they deserve, basic human rights. And they most certainly do not deserve to eat three square meals a day, flat screen televisions, a college education and a paying job while behind bars…all funded by my tax dollars.

I know it’s up to God, but I hope there’s no room in heaven for murderers, rapists, pedophiles, child abusers, violent offenders or animal abusers.

I think the welfare system should be abolished. I think a few more people should be pulling their weight.

I think smoking should be considered a felony. Of course, that will never happen. The almighty dollar still has the control. But, I have a big fat problem with litigious suits against tobacco companies because you chose to smoke two packs a day for the last ten/twenty years. If you want to drag around an iron lung, be my guest. But, I have a right not to be subjected to your cancer-laden secondhand smoke because you can’t give up your disgusting habit.

I think there should be a limit on how many cats one person can own. If I ever have more than two cats, please shoot me. Really.

I don’t believe in global warming. Until people start spontaneously combusting in plain sight, I won’t be convinced. I live in Texas. It’s hot here. But over the last 800 or so years, the temperature has only increased by a degree. Hmm.

I think English should be the required, and primary, spoken language in America.

I think deodorant should be mandatory.

George Bush was no more responsible for hurricane Katrina than Barrack Obama is for the oil spill. Do presidents control the elements? What’d I miss?

If you have a problem with my God, then don’t spend American money. “In God We Trust” is still evident on the bill.

I think people shouldn’t be eligible to vote until they pass a fairly extensive test regarding the specifics and functionality of government and politics, and the history of the United States of America.

I don’t think tires on a truck should be level with the head of the person driving it (when they’re standing next to it).

I am horribly offended at the idea of a Mosque being constructed at Ground Zero. That place is sacred. You wouldn’t build Atlantis on Titanic’s gravesite would you?

Fair warning if you ever try to take my gun, my land, my flag or harm my family…I know lots of places to hide a body.

Well, that’s it for today, folks. I feel a little better after releasing some pent up frustrations about politics and life in general. Of course, I could go on all day and never actually achieve any purpose or point to my arguments. It would be sublime to get paid for my ranting and raving. Maybe I should pursue a career in politics after all.