Sep. 15, 2008 - The Sarah Palin Issue

Is She Right For the VP Job?

I have read many blog posts and listened to numerous radio and tv shows about the Sarah Palin issue. I have listened to the conservative right postion, the liberal left postion, and the wishy-washy media postion. Each have brought up some valid points. I know that my opinion really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, but I am going to give it anyway. I sure everyone is sick of hearing everyone else's thoughts. So if you want to skip this post, please feel free to do so.

First and foremost, I think she shouldn't be running for the VP job. She has a family and husband that needs her at home. I believe strongly that a woman's place is at home with her husband and children, especially if the children are young or have special needs. According to the Bible, as women, we are to guard, protect, and keep our home. Our first priority is our God; our second, our husband; and our third, our children.

Having said all of that, do I think she is qualified to be the VP? I believe she is as qualified if not more quailfied that Obama is to be President. How anyone could say he is qualified? He has spent a great deal of his senate career running for president. Is he serving the people of Illinois interests or his own? If I were a person from Illinois, I would be upset that he used my state as a stepping stone for his political aspirations. Now, back to Palin. She is running as the vice-presidental candidate not for president. Yes, there is a possiblity she could wind up as president, then she will have a trial by fire introduction to the job. Truthfully, how many of the people that ran for the presidency every have been ready for the job? The job description shifts and changes according to the changes in the country and the world.

Do I believe a women is quailfied to be president? I don't really know. Right now, I would say no. I am a woman, so I know from where I speak. I think a woman is to emotional to do the job effectively. Being president sometimes involves making decisions that put people lives in danger. There are tough decisions to make. Could a woman make the tough decisions? Maybe, I don't know. I think it take an emotional toll on a woman more so than a man. God made us differently. We think differently than man do. We see things differently.  

Now, you may be wondering who I will be voting for. Well, I can tell you one thing with a 100% certainity. I will NOT be voting for Obama. He is too slick, too polished, too controlled. His views on social issues, economic issues, and the role of government in our lives are totally opposite of mine. He talks a good game, but I believe the right for conseratives Christians to speak out on certain issues would be greatly eroded. I believe our public schools would become a even bigger melting pot for liberal dogma, liberal theology, and the humanist agenda. He is not what is best for our country. I am a registered Republican, not that means much, but my values line up more with this parties platform. So I have been a McCain supporter long before Palin entered the picture, because he is the Republican candidate. Is he the best choice? No, but he is better than the alternative. 

Many conservatives are urging people to not to vote for McCain just because Palin is on the ticket. Not that they were in McCain's corner anyway, but they are really upset with Palin on the ticket. They believe based on scripture, she should not be running or put in that postion. They say that voting for her would be going against the Word of God. I understand that. I have been torn over the same issuse, but I am also torn over the idea of an Obama presidency. They are urging people not to vote for the lesser of two evils, but to vote against evil by voting for a third party candidate. If there was a third party candidate that had the slightest chance of winning the election, I would vote for them. But realistically, that is not going to happen. Third party candidates names haven't appeared on the ballot in our state that I can recall of.

I see their point, I really do. However, I have to vote for the candidates that I would think would be best for the country. And for that simple fact I will be voting for the lesser of 2 evils. If God brings judgement on our country because we elect a woman to a igh office, I don't think it would be as bad as I think things could get under an Obama presidency.

In all of this, we need to remember who is ultimately in control. No one is put in control of a country without God having a hand in the process. All we can do is vote our conscious and let God take care of the rest. 

May. 5, 2008 - A Scary Precedent

Protection in Texas or Injustice

If you are like me, the case of the kids being taken away from their mothers in Texas has really been bothering me. I, in no way shape of form, condone polygamy. I think it is a cruelty inflicted upon these women. I know in fundamentalist groups where one man is placed above everyone else as being closer to God,  is nothing more than a cult. I have no doubt that some sort of abuse has gone and may still go on in this group, whether it is verbal, emotional, physical, or sexual.  However, in some ways, I admire them. They have separated themsleves from the world, not for the right reasons mind you, but they stand firm on their convictions. I also admire their willingness to help one another and work together in a common goal. I know many may be appalled by my admiration, but if we followers of Christ would follow the example of separating ourselves from the world and its influences how much stronger our testimony would be. If we willing help one another and worked together for a common goal, we could move mountains. These women have a fellowship, I long for with other like-minded women who are followers of Christ. Having said all of that, let me get to the subject at hand. Are the people in Texas protecting these kids or are they being grossly injust?

The more and more I read and and study on this I think the state of Texas is being grossly unjust. If they were concerned about older men preying on these teenage girls, why didn't they go into the compound and remove all the men 40 years and older, then start an investigation leaving the children with their mothers in their homes. Why? It is far easier to carry away the weakiest of the group, children and women. Don't you find it suspicious most of the children they took away were babies and toodlers. Can you imagine the sheer terror the children feel being thrown into a strange environment? Can you feel the hearts breaking in the mothers who had their children taking away? Whether agree with their beliefs or not, the state of Texas have treated these children and mothers cruely despite the CPS cry of a duty to protect children.

What has bothered me most about this whole thing, is the state and the media focusing on the way these young children were taught to honor their parents , the way these girls & women are taught it is their role to become a wife and mother, and the way they are taught to dress modestly. All of these entities mention possible abuse at the beginning and then go on to mention all of these other things. I am sure this group takes these teachings to the extreme at times. I am also sure some of the men do not exemplify the Christ-like model of love toward their wives. However, can you imagine anyone thinking it is wrong to teach your children to obey and honor their parens? Can you imagine people thinking your brainwashing your duaghters if you decided to raise them to become a godly wife/mother instead of a career-oriented feminist? Can you imagine anyone thinking it is wrong to teach your children to dress modestly? I even heard one news outlet report that the reason these women dress in pioneer type dresses and grow their hair long is to make themsleves unattractive to lessen competition between sister wives. What about the belief dressing in dresses is dressing modestly? What about the belief their long hair in their crowning glory and it would be shameful to cut?

How many of us teach these things to our children? Can you imagine the state coming after your children based on such agruments? Do you see now why it is a scary precedent that has been set? How long before they turn their attention toward the Amish? Reports and stories exsist about abuse in the Amish. How long before they turn their atttention toward home school families? Or conservative Christian families? Please go to Your Sacred Calling  to read Stacy MacDonald's post on this issue. She explains the concerns much better than I can. 

Read all the comments people have left. They bring up some very good points. One state is distributing birth control measures to kids as young as 11 years old, but a state went in and took custody of girls age 13 or older because they were marrying older men. (No, I don't agree with young girls marrying older men, but that is not he point being made.) On so many levels this decision was wrong and poorly handled. And while all the grown-ups are trying to figure out how to go about this, the children are the ones suffering.

Jan. 11, 2008 - Impressions of Our Politians (Those running to be President)

I mentioned early this week that DH and I watched the debates that aired on ABC last Saturday night. I have some impressions I would like to share of the candidates and would like to hear impressions from others.

John McCaine

I have always had a great deal of respect for this man, especially for how he dealt with his POW status during the Vietnam War. (My father is a Vietnam vet. I have a great of respect for all vets of this war because they still did their duty and persevered even though this country treated them horribly.) I don't agree with all of his positions especially on immigration. However, the thing I really like about him is that you know where he stands. He doesn't seem to change his mind just to suit the people he happens to be talking to at the time.He has his psoitions and doesn't care whether you like it or not. He wants us to take him as he is, flaws and all.

Mitt Romney

I really hadn't formed any opinion about this man until the night of the debates. I had seen him on the news and other political talk shows. He knew he was a Mormon. Although, I don't agree with his church's beliefs, I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt regardless of his religious affilation. I found him however some what arrogant. The whole debate he seem to wear a condescending look when ever one of the other candidates addressed him. He had an arrogant feel that came across the screen. Almost an I better than you feel, like he was entitled to be the candidate or president.

Ron Paul

I like his stance on the right to privacy for citizens. I like the idea of getting rid of the income tax. The rest of his ideas are a little out there.

Fred Thompson

I enjoy watching him in movies and on tv. I love his sense of humor. He looks and can act like a president. However at the debate, he talked but I didn't get a sense of what he stood for.

Rudy

We know he is a man that can cope under very dire circumstances. I admire him for his leadership during 9-11. I know he can lead this country through a crisis. I don't like his stance on socail issues. Does anyone else think that alot can be said about a man and the way he deals with his family?

Mike Huckabee

On social issues, he would have my vote, hands down. I believe him to be a true follower of Christ and would govern this country accordingly. I don't know much about his positions on other issues. I don't agree with his stance on the Iraq issue, but know one really has a good idea on how to solve the issue.

DH said none of these candidates really stand out and fit the profile of an ideal president. But in elections these days the choice comes down to the lesser of 2 evils.  We will vote for the Republican candidate nominated because voting for the democrat would, well..........

Hilary Clinton

Do I really need to say anything? Talk about a sense of entitlement. Somehow she thinks she is the spokesperson for women and children everywhere. She doesn't speak for me or our child. She is like every other liberal woman I have ever heard. Her way is the right way and the only way. Anyone who disagrees with her is a poor misguided, downtrodden fool.

John Edwards

Living in the state in which he represented in the Senate, I saw him as a user who used the people of this state to advance his political career. He cared nothing for the people that elected him. He stepped on their backs to thrust himself into the public eye to advance his personal plans. I don't believe his I am for the middle class speak. He lives in a 10,000 square feet house on several acres of land. He moved into that area that had established residents and his family is hounding a neighbor who doesn't have the neatest of property. They claim they are afraid of their neighbor because he owns guns. (Alot of people own guns in NC.) I also heard them say they are homeschooling their kids while they are on the campaign trial. I am glad they have their young kids with them because they need their parents. I have  no doubt they love them deeply. But homeschooling them when they are traveling with a tutor who instructs the kids?

Obama

He is the candidate that causes the greatest concern, for me. When he first hit the national spotlight, I was very impressed with him. He talks a very good game, but there is something about him I can't put my finger on. Maybe it is the fact that he is almost to good to be true.

I would like feedback. I need additional insight and other informed opinions.

I know I sounded rather harsh about John Edwards but I really dislike the man.