Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Say anything, but say something!
I suppose it's only fitting that my "return" post has a lot to do with current national politics...
I see that the Saddleback appearance was quite unkind to the presumptive Democratic candidate, Barrack Obama. I actually agree with the sentiments of some of his supporters who have observed that, in the environment of an Evangelical Christian church, Obama wouldn't have garnered much applause for defending his belief in a woman's right to choose, but at least he could have given a reasoned, solid opinion on the topic.
I tend to think, though, that his evasive answer on that question (and others as well), is symptomatic of a larger problem that, unfortunately, isn't limited to Obama.
The question was worded such that the request wasn't for scientific or theologic facts, but rather for a personal opinion. I dare say that even an "I don't know" answer would have been better for Obama, but he, and countless other politicians are apparently lacking the nerve to present any opinion whatsoever.
I personally think abortion is a bad thing. I also believe that life begins at conception. Do I think I'm right? Well, I suppose I could choose to believe something I think is false, but that's somewhat counterintuitive. Am I open to that opinion changing? Sure. Do I think that I have enough knowledge to intelligently argue the point scientifically or theologically with an expert in either field? Probably not.
But I can still tell you what I believe. I can also, particularly when I'm in the company of several people who I know have differing opinions, express that I don't have an authoritative answer, and although I hold deep-seated convictions about the matter, I still respect your viewpoint. I can paint myself as an opinionated, but not necessarily dogmatic adherent to any principle in which I believe.
I will not, however, be afraid to give my opinion.
I sincerely wish we had more politicians with the same attitude.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Damn, what a year!
A new job, a new baby, a lot of new acquaintances...
The past year has truly been a rollercoaster. I realized when I logged back into blogger today that it's been more than a year since my last post. Many triumphs and tragedies have befallen me and those around me in those months, but it's been a fun ride all the way.
I started pondering investing time into this blog again a couple months back. My lack of posting I typically excuse by having nothing to say, but that's simply an excuse. I usually have too much to say for most people's tastes, and I likely sell myself short by dismissing it as "nothing worth saying." Still, my mindset of late has needed an outlet, and resurrecting this blog seemed the logical thing to do.
I'm going to make a concerted effort to post every day or two, if it's regarding nothing but my take on the day's news. Hopefully, I'll get started with that goal this afternoon or evening.
In the event that anyone's been checking with any regularity as to whether anything new has been posted here, hopefully your search will be more fruitful from now on.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Losing a brother...
Though there are some who would take exception with my reference to him as a Brother, due to the fact that I do not wear his colors, I learned today of the death of Bandido Gunner 1%er. Please know I intend no disrespect to his Brothers, if any should read these words; I do not attempt to count myself among your number, just among the number of people whose lives Gunner enrichened.
My heart truly grieves today. Gunner was a true brother to me during my association with the club and after that association ended. He recruited me and was responsible for some of my fondest memories of that time.
I sincerely doubt that any of the handful of folks who look at this blog will understand what I'm talking about, but that's ok.
This post is for me.
Gone but never forgotten...
Bandido Gunner 1%er
Rest in Peace, Brother.
My heart truly grieves today. Gunner was a true brother to me during my association with the club and after that association ended. He recruited me and was responsible for some of my fondest memories of that time.
I sincerely doubt that any of the handful of folks who look at this blog will understand what I'm talking about, but that's ok.
This post is for me.
Gone but never forgotten...
Bandido Gunner 1%er
Rest in Peace, Brother.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Would the real conservative please stand up?
Every once in a while I get so completely disgusted with politics I ask myself why I even try to keep up with the news. While the current Democrat leadership is positively laughable as they go through the motions of various posturing to satisfy the nutroots, the Republicans are equally pathetic as they seem terrified to disagree with the nuttiest supporters of either party.
Part of this comes from the fact that the more high-profile political causes seem to be totally "poll driven," as one media outlet or another try to discern the "will of the people" through taking a cross section of 100 or so people. I won't get into the intricate analysis of who's in charge of deciding what area is going to be targeted for the "random" polls, nor will I go into the "lies, damned lies, and statistics" that make up so much of reported news.
What I will address, however, is that neither party is offering a conservative candidate for president, and neither has shown conservative leadership at all. In my opinion, while I tend to agree more with the basic values espoused by the Republicans, they seem to want to push their agenda in the very same manner as the Democrats: MORE GOVERNMENT.
That's not conservatism.
I am a staunch believer in democracy and capitalism. I think that the free market economy will bring about the changes in society that are really needed, in the sense that while only about 30% of the American public votes in the poll booth, more like 98% vote with their checkbooks every day. I have yet to see any problem that the Government actually solved with society.
As a conservative, I believe some pretty radical things. I believe that I have the ability to make the determination what lifestyle, activities, and foods are right for me. I believe that I have the responsibility to live with the consequences of my decisions in those matters, and have the obligation to not expect a "bailout" from Big Brother even if those consequences are catastrophic. I believe that I am capable of deciding how my money best serves me, and that I can accept the risks involved in planning for my own financial stability later in life. I believe that what I do in the privacy of my own home is nobody's business but mine, and that it would be hypocritical of me to expect special recognition or privilege as a participant in those private activities. I believe that I, and fellow members of my community, should be able to decide what marriage is (or isn't) and that the government should get out of the marriage business altogether, letting people assign survivorship, inheritance, and power of attorney, to whomever they choose. I believe that healthcare should be affordable because of competition, not because of regulation. I believe that guns should be legal for purchase and possession by anyone of legal age who has not had that constitutional right revoked through due process. I believe that schools should be funded, guided, and regulated by their respective communities, and if those schools don't measure up academically, that they should dry up and die. I believe education is a privilege, not a right, and should be regarded as such. I believe that Blacks, Whites, Latinos, Jews, Asians, American Indians, and every other such racial and ethnic group, should be allowed to work, play, go to school, go to church, and interact in any way they want; and in no way they don't.
In other words, I believe in the liberties guaranteed by the constitution, and in freedom from the encumbrances of big government.
I am a conservative.
Part of this comes from the fact that the more high-profile political causes seem to be totally "poll driven," as one media outlet or another try to discern the "will of the people" through taking a cross section of 100 or so people. I won't get into the intricate analysis of who's in charge of deciding what area is going to be targeted for the "random" polls, nor will I go into the "lies, damned lies, and statistics" that make up so much of reported news.
What I will address, however, is that neither party is offering a conservative candidate for president, and neither has shown conservative leadership at all. In my opinion, while I tend to agree more with the basic values espoused by the Republicans, they seem to want to push their agenda in the very same manner as the Democrats: MORE GOVERNMENT.
That's not conservatism.
I am a staunch believer in democracy and capitalism. I think that the free market economy will bring about the changes in society that are really needed, in the sense that while only about 30% of the American public votes in the poll booth, more like 98% vote with their checkbooks every day. I have yet to see any problem that the Government actually solved with society.
As a conservative, I believe some pretty radical things. I believe that I have the ability to make the determination what lifestyle, activities, and foods are right for me. I believe that I have the responsibility to live with the consequences of my decisions in those matters, and have the obligation to not expect a "bailout" from Big Brother even if those consequences are catastrophic. I believe that I am capable of deciding how my money best serves me, and that I can accept the risks involved in planning for my own financial stability later in life. I believe that what I do in the privacy of my own home is nobody's business but mine, and that it would be hypocritical of me to expect special recognition or privilege as a participant in those private activities. I believe that I, and fellow members of my community, should be able to decide what marriage is (or isn't) and that the government should get out of the marriage business altogether, letting people assign survivorship, inheritance, and power of attorney, to whomever they choose. I believe that healthcare should be affordable because of competition, not because of regulation. I believe that guns should be legal for purchase and possession by anyone of legal age who has not had that constitutional right revoked through due process. I believe that schools should be funded, guided, and regulated by their respective communities, and if those schools don't measure up academically, that they should dry up and die. I believe education is a privilege, not a right, and should be regarded as such. I believe that Blacks, Whites, Latinos, Jews, Asians, American Indians, and every other such racial and ethnic group, should be allowed to work, play, go to school, go to church, and interact in any way they want; and in no way they don't.
In other words, I believe in the liberties guaranteed by the constitution, and in freedom from the encumbrances of big government.
I am a conservative.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
On Imus and Language...
First and foremost, I won't even try to defend Don Imus's comments as anything but contemptable and inflammatory.
I will, however, point out that saying contemptable, inflammatory things sorta goes with the territory when you're a self-proclaimed "shock jock." His job relied, to no small degree, in offending people, and people's sensibilities. Folks tuned in to see what he'll say next to leave the listener with the thought, "I can't believe he said that!"
What's unfortunate in the turn of events, is that somehow, somewhere, the proper perspective on words have gotten lost. I was taught as a child that words, no matter how hateful, are not the same as actions, and can only affect their target as deeply as that target chooses to be affected. Much different than, say, a 9mm pistol (yes, this IS a direct reference to the VA Tech tragedy). I would have been quite supportive of the Rutgers University Ladies' Basketball Team making a statement to the effect of, "he can say what he wants, we're a fantastic team, and we prove our mettle with actions on the court, not with empty words over the airwaves."
But they didn't. They made a conscious decision to play the victim. They spoke about shattered dreams and neverending pain, as if they had been physically assaulted. For that, they came across as weak.
Furthermore, I find it interesting that there was a cry for a similar response when the same words Imus used are uttered in the context of rap albums and "urban" entertainment. I personally think that's an idiotic position. I do recognize that consistency is needed; in oversimplified terms, "what's good for the goose is good for the gander."
But this drives "consistency" the wrong direction. The consistency we should seek is a consistent attitude that words are just that...words. Words can be used in a variety of ways, and whether "ho," "bitch," or even "nigger" can be used in a "positive" way is irrelevant. Words carry meaning, but their impact lies within interpretation, and it's time that people took steps to minimize their impact.
Consider the social environment we'd have if "the n-word" (a designation that makes me chuckle...surely George Carlin is amused at the power of a word that just can NOT be uttered) became totally nonoffensive. For that matter, imagine all "racial slurs" were just accepted pieces of our vocabulary. I personally think their use would decline, not increase, and when someone wanted to utter something derrogatory, he would be forced to be a little more specific to make his point.
Words such as that are powerless if those at whom they're directed CHOOSE to simply ignore their intent. It does, however, take a conscious choice to not be a victim, and to establish that one's own self-worth is not dependent upon another's perception.
I think much of the "victim" mentality is rooted in our sheltering of our children from any hurt feelings in everything from grade school to little league, to the degree that when these children get out in the real world, with real "mean people" they simply don't know how to shrug off such insults. Admittedly, insults derived from the essence of a person's being (i.e. race, religion, etc.) can be more hurtful, but I consider the fact that in my (and previous) generation(s), many "fatsos" were encouraged by the taunt to trim up and enjoy a happier, healthier life, instead of being comforted by mom utilizing the healing power of a half-dozen jelly doughnuts.
In summary, folks need to grow up. If someone insults them based upon things beyond their control, shrug it off, and attribute it to the ignorance of the source. If an insult strikes home and calls attention to a real problem, fix it. Either way, move on!
I will, however, point out that saying contemptable, inflammatory things sorta goes with the territory when you're a self-proclaimed "shock jock." His job relied, to no small degree, in offending people, and people's sensibilities. Folks tuned in to see what he'll say next to leave the listener with the thought, "I can't believe he said that!"
What's unfortunate in the turn of events, is that somehow, somewhere, the proper perspective on words have gotten lost. I was taught as a child that words, no matter how hateful, are not the same as actions, and can only affect their target as deeply as that target chooses to be affected. Much different than, say, a 9mm pistol (yes, this IS a direct reference to the VA Tech tragedy). I would have been quite supportive of the Rutgers University Ladies' Basketball Team making a statement to the effect of, "he can say what he wants, we're a fantastic team, and we prove our mettle with actions on the court, not with empty words over the airwaves."
But they didn't. They made a conscious decision to play the victim. They spoke about shattered dreams and neverending pain, as if they had been physically assaulted. For that, they came across as weak.
Furthermore, I find it interesting that there was a cry for a similar response when the same words Imus used are uttered in the context of rap albums and "urban" entertainment. I personally think that's an idiotic position. I do recognize that consistency is needed; in oversimplified terms, "what's good for the goose is good for the gander."
But this drives "consistency" the wrong direction. The consistency we should seek is a consistent attitude that words are just that...words. Words can be used in a variety of ways, and whether "ho," "bitch," or even "nigger" can be used in a "positive" way is irrelevant. Words carry meaning, but their impact lies within interpretation, and it's time that people took steps to minimize their impact.
Consider the social environment we'd have if "the n-word" (a designation that makes me chuckle...surely George Carlin is amused at the power of a word that just can NOT be uttered) became totally nonoffensive. For that matter, imagine all "racial slurs" were just accepted pieces of our vocabulary. I personally think their use would decline, not increase, and when someone wanted to utter something derrogatory, he would be forced to be a little more specific to make his point.
Words such as that are powerless if those at whom they're directed CHOOSE to simply ignore their intent. It does, however, take a conscious choice to not be a victim, and to establish that one's own self-worth is not dependent upon another's perception.
I think much of the "victim" mentality is rooted in our sheltering of our children from any hurt feelings in everything from grade school to little league, to the degree that when these children get out in the real world, with real "mean people" they simply don't know how to shrug off such insults. Admittedly, insults derived from the essence of a person's being (i.e. race, religion, etc.) can be more hurtful, but I consider the fact that in my (and previous) generation(s), many "fatsos" were encouraged by the taunt to trim up and enjoy a happier, healthier life, instead of being comforted by mom utilizing the healing power of a half-dozen jelly doughnuts.
In summary, folks need to grow up. If someone insults them based upon things beyond their control, shrug it off, and attribute it to the ignorance of the source. If an insult strikes home and calls attention to a real problem, fix it. Either way, move on!
Back into the groove
After several months of being on hiatus, I'm finding the time to (hopefully) blog regularly again. I hope I can revive this first attempt at blogging, and maybe say something meaningful from time to time.
Now on to my "return post" on one of many recent events about which I have something to say...
Now on to my "return post" on one of many recent events about which I have something to say...
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Back to business...
It's been nearly a year since "Bo's" departure, but I think it's time for him to return. I initially dropped out of political commentary on this and on other blogs because I had become so cynical, but I've found in the meanwhile that my cynicism wasn't rooted in my direct involvement, but rather within the intrinisic lunacy that permeates the political climate of the day.
I guess I figure I'll feel better with an outlet for my thoughts and observations, and perhaps I'm waxing a bit nostalgic about the "good ol' days" when I had time to compose meaningful essays and commentaries, but for the moment (and hopefully for good).....
"Bo" is Back!
I guess I figure I'll feel better with an outlet for my thoughts and observations, and perhaps I'm waxing a bit nostalgic about the "good ol' days" when I had time to compose meaningful essays and commentaries, but for the moment (and hopefully for good).....
"Bo" is Back!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Bye-Bye Bo...
Even though few people read this little blog, I feel a need to explain what's about to happen.
"Bo" is going away. It was the product of an endeavour between me and a friend who had his own ISP business. I won't go into the specifics, but he had a knack for some really creative domain and server names, and I thought the moniker "BoDiddly" would draw from that creativity and look pretty cool on the domain name he originally gave me. At any rate, my homage to the rock & roll legend essentially limited my presence on the internet, as I took particular exception to some who imagined it to be a slanderous use of his name.
For those of you who do read me regularly, allow me to introduce myself.
I'm Jamie.
Pleased to meet you.
Now, on to other things.
"Bo Knows" will essentially be defunct after this post. Don't look for new stuff here, as I'm now developing my long-term blog presence in the theme of something that's really a passion for me: tornadoes and severe storms. My "new and improved" presence on the blogosphere will be located at http://chasin-the-wind.blogspot.com/. There, I'll blog a bit about politics and philosophical/theological points, but it will be more of a blog about severe weather, and my experiences and exploits in that field.
Thanks to those of you who have helped me achieve the success I've had with this blog, and I humbly ask for your support as I shift gears.
"Bo" is going away. It was the product of an endeavour between me and a friend who had his own ISP business. I won't go into the specifics, but he had a knack for some really creative domain and server names, and I thought the moniker "BoDiddly" would draw from that creativity and look pretty cool on the domain name he originally gave me. At any rate, my homage to the rock & roll legend essentially limited my presence on the internet, as I took particular exception to some who imagined it to be a slanderous use of his name.
For those of you who do read me regularly, allow me to introduce myself.
I'm Jamie.
Pleased to meet you.
Now, on to other things.
"Bo Knows" will essentially be defunct after this post. Don't look for new stuff here, as I'm now developing my long-term blog presence in the theme of something that's really a passion for me: tornadoes and severe storms. My "new and improved" presence on the blogosphere will be located at http://chasin-the-wind.blogspot.com/. There, I'll blog a bit about politics and philosophical/theological points, but it will be more of a blog about severe weather, and my experiences and exploits in that field.
Thanks to those of you who have helped me achieve the success I've had with this blog, and I humbly ask for your support as I shift gears.
