For several months now, I have been introducing Barack Obama to my parents through conversations about his positions, speech videos, and whatever other means I could. My dad is pretty ambivalent about politics and my mom displays a little bit of passion about certain topics but is also largely uninterested. In the end, I doubt I could persuade either of them to vote, much less vote for Obama. It saddens me that neither of them feel inclined to participate in their most basic democratic right. Regardless of their decision to vote Republican or Democrat, I would like to see them take an interest.
For some time, I have thought it possible that my mom could be a supporter of Barack Obama. It is evident now that she is no longer a candidate for this position. Today, she mentioned that she doesn't like Obama because she "doesn't trust him" and "doesn't like the vibes she gets". Is there a more pathetic excuse?
I don't think there is. This opinion seems to have been developed over the last month or so, following bombardment of e-mails from my grandma and other conservative family members and participation on an online forum consisting of largely conservative members. The premise that one should vote for president or choose not to vote based on a "feeling" is the reason we have dealt with 8 years of idiocy. Disagreement based on issues and values is one thing. Disagreement based on "gut feelings" is...frustrating. I find it intellectually dishonest and repugnant that people think that a gut feeling is enough when deciding the future of the country.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Coming soon...
Barack Obama satirical piece. I am not sure that this sort of this will be a strong piece but I am going to give it a shot. May be up tonight, but definitely by Thursday.
Some more Boston Legal commentary on abortion
This snippet of conversation comes from an episode and is discussing the outcome of a female rape victim who successfully sued the Catholic hospital doctor that refused her RU-486 (morning-after pill) based on the "conscience" clause under Massachusetts state law:
Julie Bowen: She said that she would never even consider it (abortion).
Candace Bergen: What's the alternative? Having custody battles with your rapist? Sorry, that was really tasteless.
Julie Bowen: It's all tasteless. The more science comes up with alternatives to the misery of abortion, the louder the opposition.
Candace Bergen: 'Cause it's about power. It's always been about power.
****
It is about power, isn't it?
Julie Bowen: She said that she would never even consider it (abortion).
Candace Bergen: What's the alternative? Having custody battles with your rapist? Sorry, that was really tasteless.
Julie Bowen: It's all tasteless. The more science comes up with alternatives to the misery of abortion, the louder the opposition.
Candace Bergen: 'Cause it's about power. It's always been about power.
****
It is about power, isn't it?
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Boston Legal - Alan Shore takes on abstinence-only
Recently, I have started watching Boston Legal from its first season. Between the obviously liberal commentary (I mean, it is Boston, not Boise) and the sarcastic humor, it is an eminently watchable show. In the clip below, James Spader as Alan Shore rails against abstinence-only sex education. I am all for pushing back the idiocy that is abstinence-only.
****UPDATE****
Because the video was removed from Youtube, I looked around and found the text of Alan Shore's closing. It is below:
The Chicken & The Leg - 10/9/07
Scene: Judge Clark Brown's Courtroom
Adam Jovanka:
Your Honor, I think we all agree that fifteen is too young to be having sex. Is there anyone here who takes issue with that? Sometimes, when the right answer is no, you say no. You don't start tinkering with morality to coincide with logistics. Kids need to hear no, not here's how, just in casebut no. Abstinence was the right answer here. If she hadn't had sex, she wouldn't be H.I.V. positive.
And even if you are so determined to opt for pragmatism, abstinence is still the right answer. Since the implementation of this policy, the teen pregnancy rate has gone down 30%. More and more kids are choosing not to have sex. And that's good. Whether they get sick or pregnant or not. And if parents disagree, by the way, they can choose to teach their kids about condoms and birth control pills and diaphragms. But once the school starts doing so, come on, you're implicitly telling the kids it's expected of them to be sexually active. And many start doing so because they feel all their friends are. Sure, we can pass out condoms. But it is simply more responsible, more moral and yes, more safe to practice abstinence. That's what we should be telling them. And this school is.
Alan Shore:
This case isn't about teenage pregnancy. She didn't get pregnant. She got H.I.V. I can see why you would want to make it about teenage pregnancy, since, well, actually I can't. The United States had the worst teen pregnancy rate of any industrialized nation. And contrary to what Mr. Jovanka would like us to believe, there is no evidence whatsoever that suggests using condoms or teaching students about condoms makes them any more inclined to have sex.
None. They're already inclined to have sex and have been since early puberty. They're simply going to do it, we all do it. Birds do it, bees do it. Educated fleas do it. One day, Your Honor even you¦
[Slamming of gavel..]
Yes, the fact is this case has nothing to do with the efficacy of abstinence only programs. This case is about religion, politics and federal funding. Our present administration, in blind service to the religious right, has transcended the separation of Church and State and consistently implemented a faith-based political and moral mandate. And now that same policy has been passed on to our educational system. If schools teach abstinence only, they get federal funding. If they teach any other type of sex education, they don't. And as a result, the students in these abstinence only programs aren't being taught the truth about that magnificent technological marvel, the condom.
That's not a dirty word, Your Honor. Condoms.
[Judge slams gavel again.]
They first came on the scene some 3,000 years ago in Egypt. For centuries they wert merrily along in modified forms warding off syphilis, gonorrhea, preventing unplanned pregnancies, until science and medicine eventually caught up and the pill became a much more effective, less intrusive contraceptive. Penicillin and other antibiotics were miracle cures for gonorrhea and syphilis. The poor humble condom languished. And then came AIDS, this terrifying new disease that panicked the world. For many years, it has been fatal, gruesomely so in every case. There was no vaccine, no cure, no treatment. But there were condoms, and they worked. They were safe, time-tested, easy to use, and they protected both partners. The condom is arguably the single most important invention of the past 2,000 years. In fact, it has been said without exaggeration that the health of the world depends on them. Now one would think that the obvious choice would be for schools to tell their students as much. But Abby's school, indeed all schools, that teach abstinence only, have chosen to lie. They teach that condoms are ineffective at preventing pregnancies, which is a lie. They teach that condoms are ineffective at prevent disease, which is a lie. Some of the literature actually compares using a condom to playing Russian Roulette, which is a frightening, despicable, unforgivable lie.
Alan turns and smiles at Abigail.
Abby Hold has H.I.V., which in all likelihood will develop into AIDS. We've sort of
forgotten about AIDs in this country. Treatments have improved dramatically. Drugs are keeping people alive for many years after they become infected. But the Grim Butcher's bill for this pandemic still keeps growing and growing. 65 million people worldwide have become infected.
One time unprotected sex can kill you.
A condom can save you.
It is inconceivable, that every child in the world isn't taught that. We should be in criminal court this very moment, trying this obscenely duplicitous school for conspiracy to commit murder.
Ah. But frankly, I have no stomach for that. I think of the horror that has been inflicted on this fifteen year old girl, and I'm just so profoundly sad.
I can point out the evils of this corrupt system. I can tell you have effective condoms are, the lives they save and on and on and on but words seem to be these hollow, useless things rattling around in this courtroom. Because ultimately the lies this school told Abby Holt may, will probably kill her. They have certainly altered her life forever. And in the face of that, all I can think of is: why?
[Alan sits down next to Lorraine, speaking to Lorraine.]
Alan: I give long closings.
****UPDATE****
Because the video was removed from Youtube, I looked around and found the text of Alan Shore's closing. It is below:
The Chicken & The Leg - 10/9/07
Scene: Judge Clark Brown's Courtroom
Adam Jovanka:
Your Honor, I think we all agree that fifteen is too young to be having sex. Is there anyone here who takes issue with that? Sometimes, when the right answer is no, you say no. You don't start tinkering with morality to coincide with logistics. Kids need to hear no, not here's how, just in casebut no. Abstinence was the right answer here. If she hadn't had sex, she wouldn't be H.I.V. positive.
And even if you are so determined to opt for pragmatism, abstinence is still the right answer. Since the implementation of this policy, the teen pregnancy rate has gone down 30%. More and more kids are choosing not to have sex. And that's good. Whether they get sick or pregnant or not. And if parents disagree, by the way, they can choose to teach their kids about condoms and birth control pills and diaphragms. But once the school starts doing so, come on, you're implicitly telling the kids it's expected of them to be sexually active. And many start doing so because they feel all their friends are. Sure, we can pass out condoms. But it is simply more responsible, more moral and yes, more safe to practice abstinence. That's what we should be telling them. And this school is.
Alan Shore:
This case isn't about teenage pregnancy. She didn't get pregnant. She got H.I.V. I can see why you would want to make it about teenage pregnancy, since, well, actually I can't. The United States had the worst teen pregnancy rate of any industrialized nation. And contrary to what Mr. Jovanka would like us to believe, there is no evidence whatsoever that suggests using condoms or teaching students about condoms makes them any more inclined to have sex.
None. They're already inclined to have sex and have been since early puberty. They're simply going to do it, we all do it. Birds do it, bees do it. Educated fleas do it. One day, Your Honor even you¦
[Slamming of gavel..]
Yes, the fact is this case has nothing to do with the efficacy of abstinence only programs. This case is about religion, politics and federal funding. Our present administration, in blind service to the religious right, has transcended the separation of Church and State and consistently implemented a faith-based political and moral mandate. And now that same policy has been passed on to our educational system. If schools teach abstinence only, they get federal funding. If they teach any other type of sex education, they don't. And as a result, the students in these abstinence only programs aren't being taught the truth about that magnificent technological marvel, the condom.
That's not a dirty word, Your Honor. Condoms.
[Judge slams gavel again.]
They first came on the scene some 3,000 years ago in Egypt. For centuries they wert merrily along in modified forms warding off syphilis, gonorrhea, preventing unplanned pregnancies, until science and medicine eventually caught up and the pill became a much more effective, less intrusive contraceptive. Penicillin and other antibiotics were miracle cures for gonorrhea and syphilis. The poor humble condom languished. And then came AIDS, this terrifying new disease that panicked the world. For many years, it has been fatal, gruesomely so in every case. There was no vaccine, no cure, no treatment. But there were condoms, and they worked. They were safe, time-tested, easy to use, and they protected both partners. The condom is arguably the single most important invention of the past 2,000 years. In fact, it has been said without exaggeration that the health of the world depends on them. Now one would think that the obvious choice would be for schools to tell their students as much. But Abby's school, indeed all schools, that teach abstinence only, have chosen to lie. They teach that condoms are ineffective at preventing pregnancies, which is a lie. They teach that condoms are ineffective at prevent disease, which is a lie. Some of the literature actually compares using a condom to playing Russian Roulette, which is a frightening, despicable, unforgivable lie.
Alan turns and smiles at Abigail.
Abby Hold has H.I.V., which in all likelihood will develop into AIDS. We've sort of
forgotten about AIDs in this country. Treatments have improved dramatically. Drugs are keeping people alive for many years after they become infected. But the Grim Butcher's bill for this pandemic still keeps growing and growing. 65 million people worldwide have become infected.
One time unprotected sex can kill you.
A condom can save you.
It is inconceivable, that every child in the world isn't taught that. We should be in criminal court this very moment, trying this obscenely duplicitous school for conspiracy to commit murder.
Ah. But frankly, I have no stomach for that. I think of the horror that has been inflicted on this fifteen year old girl, and I'm just so profoundly sad.
I can point out the evils of this corrupt system. I can tell you have effective condoms are, the lives they save and on and on and on but words seem to be these hollow, useless things rattling around in this courtroom. Because ultimately the lies this school told Abby Holt may, will probably kill her. They have certainly altered her life forever. And in the face of that, all I can think of is: why?
[Alan sits down next to Lorraine, speaking to Lorraine.]
Alan: I give long closings.
Women's National Beat-Up-The-Opponent Association
Another year, another brawl in Motown. This time its the women kicking some ass, including the uber-talented Candace Parker.
Yet another basketball brawl in Detroit
For the heck of it (REVISED):
Candace Parker throws down SECOND dunk in WNBA history
The first dunk in WNBA history:
Lisa Leslie slams
Yet another basketball brawl in Detroit
For the heck of it (REVISED):
Candace Parker throws down SECOND dunk in WNBA history
The first dunk in WNBA history:
Lisa Leslie slams
Thursday, July 10, 2008
John McCain squirms when asked about birth control
The reporter explained that McCain voted against a bill in 2003 that would have required health insurance companies to cover prescription birth control. “Is that still your position?” she persisted.
During the awkward exchange, with several lengthy pauses, McCain said he had no immediate knowledge of the vote. “I’ve cast thousands of votes in the Senate,” McCain said, then continued: “I will respond to—it’s a, it’s a…”
“Delicate issue,” the reporter offered, to a relieved laugh from McCain.
“I don’t usually duck an issue, but I’m—I’ll try to get back to you,” he explained.
----John McCain squirms when asked about birth control
Delicate issue? DELICATE ISSUE? There is no issue here. If I can get medication to give me a hard, throbbing penis for hours on end (not that I need it), it seems damn humane to provide medication which ensures that a woman can maintain her current life until she so chooses the time has come to become pregnant.
What is it about providing birth control through insurance that makes Republicans so queasy? Is it the absence of the penis that offends them so? Or is it yet another mechanism which denies women the opportunity to make decisions for themselves?
The fact that John McCain is uncomfortable with the questions speaks volumes. No wonder Barack Obama is blowing him out by nearly 20 points in poll after poll of registered female voters, with double-digit leads in most subgroups. He ducked the issue because he is a coward. He knows that an answer approving of his prior vote would further diminish his already meager showing with females.
I hope that the next time the topic comes up, the reporter doesn't let him off the hook. I want to see John McCain squirm. I want to see him run through possible answers in his mind and then stutter through a feable answer. I want John McCain to be forced to explain why he doesn't support women. I want John McCain to explain why he only cares when it is personally expedient for him (nice job ditching that first wife for a drug-addict trophy wife, John).
****UPDATE**** 7/10/08 @ 3:30 a.m.
Just came across a related article on Feministing.com which I was unaware of until just a couple of minutes ago and which I was unaware of when I first wrote this post. Any readers interested in viewing the article on Feministing.com should click here (link opens into a new window.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Re: Comment posted in response to "mythology of Jesus" blog entry
"Museum ethics controversy":
Please correct me if I am wrong, but what you seem to be proposing is that there is a calculated effort to misrepresent the facts surrounding the life of Jesus. If you are still reading this blog, please let me know the intent of your post.
I will say this: I am personally in favor of any finding that shakes the foundations of the mythology surrounding Jesus. All of the extraneous BS that detracts from the core message of Jesus' philosophical teachings diminishes any power his credited words may have. I am strongly in favor of a world free of the superstitious, unfounded beliefs of religion.
When religious philosophy is used to improve one's own life and the lives of others, and not for the exclusion of those without similar faith or creed, lifestyle choices, and other variables, I have minimal issue with religion. It is when religion comes with, as it often does, a message of hate, intolerance, and greed that I dismiss it completely as a viable source of knowledge.
Please correct me if I am wrong, but what you seem to be proposing is that there is a calculated effort to misrepresent the facts surrounding the life of Jesus. If you are still reading this blog, please let me know the intent of your post.
I will say this: I am personally in favor of any finding that shakes the foundations of the mythology surrounding Jesus. All of the extraneous BS that detracts from the core message of Jesus' philosophical teachings diminishes any power his credited words may have. I am strongly in favor of a world free of the superstitious, unfounded beliefs of religion.
When religious philosophy is used to improve one's own life and the lives of others, and not for the exclusion of those without similar faith or creed, lifestyle choices, and other variables, I have minimal issue with religion. It is when religion comes with, as it often does, a message of hate, intolerance, and greed that I dismiss it completely as a viable source of knowledge.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
I post this because I can...
This clip initially caught my eye because this woman is quite cute. It turns out that she is not only quite cute, but she is talented, humble, gracious, and a good person. It has been a long time since I have seen that much pain etched in someone's eyes, though. The impact of her father leaving her family behind is so evident, it is startling.
Jessica, sorry about the Christian upbringing and that bastard of a father.
Jessica Price singing "I Can't Make You Love Me" by Bonnie Raitt will launch in a new window.
Jessica Price
Jessica, sorry about the Christian upbringing and that bastard of a father.
Jessica Price singing "I Can't Make You Love Me" by Bonnie Raitt will launch in a new window.
Jessica Price
Another cute, kinda-talented kid from America's Got Talent (with funny captions)
The person that posted the video added some pretty funny captions to the video when the girl isn't singing.
Kaitlyn Maher on America's Got Talent
Kaitlyn Maher on America's Got Talent
Very touching clip from America's Got Talent
Sometimes, things catch me off-guard and bring a tear (or two) to my eyes. This clip is from America's Got Talent, a 9 year-old autistic boy named David Militello* sings amazingly well.
*The only other person I have heard of with the last name was a Yankees pitching prospect named Sam Militello. I think still have his 1993 Score Select rookie card somewhere in a box. He, like Brien Taylor from 1991, never panned out.
Also, Jerry Springer seems to be a good human being, which you wouldn't guess from his choice in daytime TV shows. He is also a very knowledgeable political commentator (having watched him a couple of times sitting in for Alan Colmes on Fox News' Hannity and Colmes).
David Militello on America's Got Talent
*The only other person I have heard of with the last name was a Yankees pitching prospect named Sam Militello. I think still have his 1993 Score Select rookie card somewhere in a box. He, like Brien Taylor from 1991, never panned out.
Also, Jerry Springer seems to be a good human being, which you wouldn't guess from his choice in daytime TV shows. He is also a very knowledgeable political commentator (having watched him a couple of times sitting in for Alan Colmes on Fox News' Hannity and Colmes).
David Militello on America's Got Talent
This is who is reporting what is happening in Iraq?
Occasionally, a small, unimportant news story catches my attention and I experience a reaction that I wasn't expecting.
Lara Logan is, from what I can tell, a respected reporter with regard to foreign affairs. Coincidentally, she was engaged in an affair with a married man who happens to be a state department contractor.
My reaction has nothing to do with the matter of infidelity. Let me get this straight...you, Lara, are a reporter noted for covering the Iraq conflict and you are bumping decently attractive uglies with a married contractor who has a monetary interest in Iraq. Biased much?
Have the common courtesy to remove yourself from the situation in one way or another.
Lara Logan Had Affair with Married Iraq Contractor
Lara Logan is, from what I can tell, a respected reporter with regard to foreign affairs. Coincidentally, she was engaged in an affair with a married man who happens to be a state department contractor.
My reaction has nothing to do with the matter of infidelity. Let me get this straight...you, Lara, are a reporter noted for covering the Iraq conflict and you are bumping decently attractive uglies with a married contractor who has a monetary interest in Iraq. Biased much?
Have the common courtesy to remove yourself from the situation in one way or another.
Lara Logan Had Affair with Married Iraq Contractor
Unexpected consequences of human consumption
Parts of the article linked to below are kind of dry but, on the whole, interesting nonetheless.
Naturally occurring elements going extinct?
Naturally occurring elements going extinct?
Alex Rodriguez and sports talk radio
I listen to sports talk radio nearly every day. The amount of time I listen varies day to day, depending on the events of the sports day. There are, by my count, 4 stations which I can listen to and I will be damned if I haven't heard, on each and every station, way too much talk of Alex Rodriguez/Madonna/Cynthia Rodriguez/divorce. If any of the limited number of my readers happens to run a sports talk radio program or station, please, for the love of god...SHUT THE HELL UP!
I get it. A Rod loves Madonna (it must be the Kabbalah, because it isn't the face), Cynthia loves Lenny Kravitz (and who wouldn't?), Guy Ritchie loves Madonna (who loves A Rod...anyone think, like me, that his sweet stroke doesn't come through in the clutch in the bedroom too?), and everybody is getting a freaking divorce. I don't listen to sports talk radio for news and opinion on A Rod's extracurricular relationship status. I listen for commentary and news about the latest scores, trades, games, and stories.
If I hear one more comment about A Rod and his relationships, I will be forced to listen to NPR and that is not a step that I want to take.
I get it. A Rod loves Madonna (it must be the Kabbalah, because it isn't the face), Cynthia loves Lenny Kravitz (and who wouldn't?), Guy Ritchie loves Madonna (who loves A Rod...anyone think, like me, that his sweet stroke doesn't come through in the clutch in the bedroom too?), and everybody is getting a freaking divorce. I don't listen to sports talk radio for news and opinion on A Rod's extracurricular relationship status. I listen for commentary and news about the latest scores, trades, games, and stories.
If I hear one more comment about A Rod and his relationships, I will be forced to listen to NPR and that is not a step that I want to take.
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