It's been nice having some intellectual chatter going on with our blog, but eventually the mommy in me takes over and I am forced to share updates of the family.
School is in full swing and I am quickly getting in over my head. My goal this semester really was to just graduate, I honestly am trying to not care about grades and being an over achieving perfectionist. But, I've been going to school for the past 22 years and it's hard to break a habit so ingrained upon me. I find myself jotting down the extra credit opportunities and striving to write the perfect papers. Not to mention stay on top of all of my reading (much of it Internet reading, ugh!). Sometimes I feel like I need to join some sort of support group. Some sort of "over achievers anonymous" or something. Please, encourage me to slack!
I did have an academic scare yesterday. I got a memo in my school mailbox that said I was two units short of graduating this December. I immediately started crying and kept thinking, "How can this be?!" True to my type A, over achieving personality I have carefully kept track of my classes and hours and even met with the grad advisor twice to make sure I was right on track to graduate. Yet, when I got home and checked my hours online, I indeed was two units short. Needless to say, I was angry because I had been given the go ahead for graduation. So, I emailed the grad counselor and asked her how she was going to fix her mistake (since it was her that told me twice that I was okay to graduate and okayed my schedules). I also explained to her my situation (pregnant with one kid and a husband who is leaving) and why I couldn't simply just take another semester.
I got a very apologetic phone call this morning from my grad counselor. She explained to me that it indeed was all her fault and she had already come up with a solution. Her and her supervisor reviewed my undergrad transcripts and realized that due to my language classes in undergrad (6 units each of Hebrew and Greek) that it counted for some OT classes in grad school so they transferred those. I am once again cleared to graduate in December.
Sam has been doing well. He's kind of going stir crazy as a stay at home dad (but boy, do I appreciate him!), hence all of the political chatter on our blog. He's actually gone to Disneyland the last three days with plans to go tomorrow as well. I'm happy that he's using his pass so much and enjoying the outdoors with the boy.
Nathaniel is growing up so much. We are still working on potty training, with different techniques being tried all of the time. Since Nathaniel is very aware of when he passes gas we have taught him to excuse himself when he does. There is just something adorable about a 2 year old yelling at the top of his lungs, "Muse me!! I tooted!!" So, when he sits on the potty we tell him to toot in the toilet. He likes that. He's gaining quite the imagination. He was "cooking" the other day and giving me tastes of the "food" he was creating. He also sings all the time so the past few mornings I wake up to him singing his VBS songs. It's so sweet to hear, "I be...faaaaful I be....faaaful..." coming from his bedroom. He is also into sharing, sometimes. Today we were playing catch with his soccer ball and, since it seems like little baby Grummons grew overnight since three people commented on my belly today, I patted my tummy and said something about little brother or sister. Nathaniel took the ball from me and said, "Sister ball?" and put the ball on my stomach, wanting to play. Very cute.
So, that's our family update. I also have a request. If you read our blog could you post a comment? I'm curious as to who reads this and can't figure out how to do the whole google thing here. Plus, if you are anonymous, leave your email address. Stacie, it took me forever to figure out who you were until you signed your last name and I've been meaning to email you, but I don't have your address!!
Hope everyone is doing well!
Our attempts at raising God-fearing children while joining the real world. It's been a crazy ride so far, but God is ALWAYS good.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Another reason why both these guys are better than Bush
Again, this is another point where I agree with McCain. McCain supports importation of drugs from Canada, something that the Bush administration has opposed in the past (and I believe still does). Drugs are 16% to 60% cheaper there. I never understood the Bush administration's resistance to this. Well, I understand the cynical reason (catering to the pharmecutical companies), but this seems at odds with the party's ideology. If you believe in the invisible hand of capitalism, are against government regulation, and believe that fair competition will result in better, less expensive products for the greatest number (and apply this theory to everything from school choice to social security), why not apply it to the rising costs of drugs? That does not make sense. If you are against paternalism in economic policy (paternalism is where the government acts like a parent, telling you what is best for you instead of allowing the freedom of choice that comes with a free market), why use paternalist arguments in this case (i.e. we can't ensure that these Canadian drugs are good enough)?
For a breif comparison betweem the two canidates, see http://seniorliving.about.com/od/presidentialcampaign2008/a/obama_mccain_pd.htm
This illustrates why it is important to ensure that our arguments are consistent, and this issues shows that most political hacks simply use whatever arguments work at the time with no regard for overall consistency.
For a breif comparison betweem the two canidates, see http://seniorliving.about.com/od/presidentialcampaign2008/a/obama_mccain_pd.htm
This illustrates why it is important to ensure that our arguments are consistent, and this issues shows that most political hacks simply use whatever arguments work at the time with no regard for overall consistency.
McCain and Torture
I want to ensure that I am demonstrating my non-partisanship. Hence, I will post a commendation on John McCain and a defense of some of the compromises he had to make.
John McCain has had more real life experience on the issue of the treatment of POWs than any canidate out there. That has helped him formed a much better moral judgment on the way we conduct this war (note: this does not excuse him for cupably giving Bush congressional approval for going into Iraq). He has helped pushed interrogation reform (including revising the Army Field Manual) and the Military Commissions Acts. Now, both pieces of legislation are improvements over what was (or what failed to be) in place, and showed his willingness to critique the administration of basic human rights.
Unfortunately, like with so many issues in this messy business we call politics, he had to compromise. Bush and the administration opposes restrictions and oversight over its (unjust) conduct of the 'war on terror.' Failing to even try to give lip service to Jesus' injunction to 'love your enemies' (at least even to respect them as human), he resisted efforts to ensure that Bush abides by just laws. Hence, even though both bills represent improvements; there are still major flaws.
Unfortunately, compromise is necessary for improvement. McCain had to compromise to pass these improvements. I think McCain, if elected, will continue to improve our treatment of our enemies (and work to apply the rule of law to them). Of course, so will Barack Obama; however, McCain, as de facto leader of the Republicans, will be able to use the added clout to push his party (it would help, and be morally obligatory, for evangelicals to ensure that they side with and pressure McCain to continue in that direction).
Politics is messy, and both canidates are pushing for changing their party (Obama in taking seriously religious concerns and inserting "reducing abortions" in the party platform- with help of evangelical Tony Campolo and McCain in ensuring we are conducting this war ethically). In both canidates we have a much better pick than between Kerry (or Gore) and Bush; and both canidates, to various degrees, come closer to Christian values. However, both canidates also have serious flaws (McCain about Iraq, Obama about abortion). Christians could, in good conscious, vote for either one AS LONG AS THEY CONTINUE TO PRESSURE BOTH TO WORK FOR JUSTICE.
John McCain has had more real life experience on the issue of the treatment of POWs than any canidate out there. That has helped him formed a much better moral judgment on the way we conduct this war (note: this does not excuse him for cupably giving Bush congressional approval for going into Iraq). He has helped pushed interrogation reform (including revising the Army Field Manual) and the Military Commissions Acts. Now, both pieces of legislation are improvements over what was (or what failed to be) in place, and showed his willingness to critique the administration of basic human rights.
Unfortunately, like with so many issues in this messy business we call politics, he had to compromise. Bush and the administration opposes restrictions and oversight over its (unjust) conduct of the 'war on terror.' Failing to even try to give lip service to Jesus' injunction to 'love your enemies' (at least even to respect them as human), he resisted efforts to ensure that Bush abides by just laws. Hence, even though both bills represent improvements; there are still major flaws.
Unfortunately, compromise is necessary for improvement. McCain had to compromise to pass these improvements. I think McCain, if elected, will continue to improve our treatment of our enemies (and work to apply the rule of law to them). Of course, so will Barack Obama; however, McCain, as de facto leader of the Republicans, will be able to use the added clout to push his party (it would help, and be morally obligatory, for evangelicals to ensure that they side with and pressure McCain to continue in that direction).
Politics is messy, and both canidates are pushing for changing their party (Obama in taking seriously religious concerns and inserting "reducing abortions" in the party platform- with help of evangelical Tony Campolo and McCain in ensuring we are conducting this war ethically). In both canidates we have a much better pick than between Kerry (or Gore) and Bush; and both canidates, to various degrees, come closer to Christian values. However, both canidates also have serious flaws (McCain about Iraq, Obama about abortion). Christians could, in good conscious, vote for either one AS LONG AS THEY CONTINUE TO PRESSURE BOTH TO WORK FOR JUSTICE.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Ye Local Anarchist Association
For those that haven't heard, the anarchists are trying to disrupt the GOP convention. The news said that they have been organizing and planning this hooliganery. Yes, the anarchists are organizing. I crap you not, here is a website that will advise you on organizing your own anarchist group.
http://raforum.info/article.php3?id_article=1420
http://raforum.info/article.php3?id_article=1420
Unintended Pregnancy Amendment
Every once and a while, Sam decides to post something on this blog (and this is that once and a while).
I was scanning McCain's and Obama's voting record and I found a bill that was supported by Obama and voted against by McCain that pertains to the abortion issue. It was the Unintended Pregnancy Amendment, which did not pass the Senate. If you click on the title, you will be redirected to a sexy webpage (one that tracks various congresspersons' voting records) that breifly describes this bill. This bill's intent was to spend $100 million to prevent unwanted pregnancy and lower abortion rates. It was sponsored by Sen Harry Reid, a pro-life Democrat, and Senator Clinton. The intent (though one can be suspicious about any so called good intentions from a politician) was to pass bipartisan legislation aimed at reducing abortions through "expanding access to preventive health care services that reduce unintended pregnancy (including teen pregnancy), reduce the number of abortions, and improve access to women's health care." It failed by a partisan vote, with pro-life Republicans voting AGAINST it.
This boggles my mind! I can make a number of observations at this point, but I must limit myself. If you believe that abortion is morally wrong (as I do), and not on the level of name calling but on the level of homocide, one ought to take serious measures to prevent it. Overturning Roe v. Wade is one way (though imcomplete, repealing it would simply allow states to outlaw abortion), and taking active steps to reduce abortions in spite of RvW is another. These are not mutually exclusive!
Now, I won't call the majority of Senate Republicans hypocrites (since that is very unfair and childish). It is important to note some principles that they hold that (in their minds) justified their vote. (1) Small government with minimal social-programs spending. This is economic conservatism. It is not the government's job to help people; it is the government's job to create an environment where you can help yourself (through the private sector). I won't analyze this further and must settle with this simplistic characterization. (2) Sex is only permissible within the context of marriage, and the government ought not take steps that condone extra-marital sex. Funding contraception (especially amongst teenagers) would do that. Since the bill violates both those principles, they voted against it.
Now, while seeing those reasons, I have to say that EVEN if you hold (1) and (2), the moral weight of abortion outweighs those (especially if you are pro-life and campaign on that moral weight). Hence, if you put (1) and (2) on one side of the value-scale and 'preventing abortions' on the other, it will tip heavily to the latter.
Unfortunately, our political climate (even moreso within evangelicalism, as I lament) doesn not allow us to really work for common ground. We are not willing to compromise other principles to end a tragedy. Being "pro-life" simply means being against RvW, and fails to be about any real solutions, short term or long term, that could help bring more life to people. Hence, look at both John McCain and Barack Obama to see who will better lead us to reduce and eliminate abortions. Don't settle for a simple answer to that question, because there is no simple answer.
I was scanning McCain's and Obama's voting record and I found a bill that was supported by Obama and voted against by McCain that pertains to the abortion issue. It was the Unintended Pregnancy Amendment, which did not pass the Senate. If you click on the title, you will be redirected to a sexy webpage (one that tracks various congresspersons' voting records) that breifly describes this bill. This bill's intent was to spend $100 million to prevent unwanted pregnancy and lower abortion rates. It was sponsored by Sen Harry Reid, a pro-life Democrat, and Senator Clinton. The intent (though one can be suspicious about any so called good intentions from a politician) was to pass bipartisan legislation aimed at reducing abortions through "expanding access to preventive health care services that reduce unintended pregnancy (including teen pregnancy), reduce the number of abortions, and improve access to women's health care." It failed by a partisan vote, with pro-life Republicans voting AGAINST it.
This boggles my mind! I can make a number of observations at this point, but I must limit myself. If you believe that abortion is morally wrong (as I do), and not on the level of name calling but on the level of homocide, one ought to take serious measures to prevent it. Overturning Roe v. Wade is one way (though imcomplete, repealing it would simply allow states to outlaw abortion), and taking active steps to reduce abortions in spite of RvW is another. These are not mutually exclusive!
Now, I won't call the majority of Senate Republicans hypocrites (since that is very unfair and childish). It is important to note some principles that they hold that (in their minds) justified their vote. (1) Small government with minimal social-programs spending. This is economic conservatism. It is not the government's job to help people; it is the government's job to create an environment where you can help yourself (through the private sector). I won't analyze this further and must settle with this simplistic characterization. (2) Sex is only permissible within the context of marriage, and the government ought not take steps that condone extra-marital sex. Funding contraception (especially amongst teenagers) would do that. Since the bill violates both those principles, they voted against it.
Now, while seeing those reasons, I have to say that EVEN if you hold (1) and (2), the moral weight of abortion outweighs those (especially if you are pro-life and campaign on that moral weight). Hence, if you put (1) and (2) on one side of the value-scale and 'preventing abortions' on the other, it will tip heavily to the latter.
Unfortunately, our political climate (even moreso within evangelicalism, as I lament) doesn not allow us to really work for common ground. We are not willing to compromise other principles to end a tragedy. Being "pro-life" simply means being against RvW, and fails to be about any real solutions, short term or long term, that could help bring more life to people. Hence, look at both John McCain and Barack Obama to see who will better lead us to reduce and eliminate abortions. Don't settle for a simple answer to that question, because there is no simple answer.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Making sure we know the facts.
Sam and I are still diligently doing our research on the candidates running for President. I have heard some good press concerning Palin (I promise that I'm looking carefully at every angle of the candidates for President/V.P.) which have settled some of my concerns. For one, read that Palin changed her stance on a couple of issues while in office. While that may cause some people to point fingers and accuse her of waffling (a call back to the Kerry campaign)I find it admirable that someone can stop and examine all of the facts and then realize that there may be a better way out there. I think that if our current President would have been willing to do this his Presidency would have ended on a better note instead of both candidates trying so desperately to stay away from being identified with him.
Sam has found a good website which looks at the propaganda which tends to float around in cyberspace and shows the quotes in context. If you click on the title of this blog you will be able to get to this link and see for yourself some interesting facts about Obama. I am personally interested in his view on abortion. While abortion is actually one of the platforms that does not sway my vote (considering that with 8 years of a Republican, pro-life President and nothing going on with Roe v. Wade, it seems like we should be more focused on other issues) it is good to see that Obama is concerned with educating our teens on abstinence and making responsible decisions. He is an avid supporter for adoption as an option and is careful not to sign bills that aren't constitutional. I also find it interesting that while he opposes gay marriage, he is in support of civil unions and civil rights for gays and lesbians. He sites his Christian beliefs for why marriage is between a man and a woman, but is a firm believer in equal rights for all. As it should be. Honestly, I know what I stand for. I know what the Bible says and I believe that it is the inerrant Word of God. But, I also know that America has separation of church and state for a reason and that all humans needed to be treated with love and respect.
On another note, I promise our readers (because I'm sure that there are oh so many) that I will give attention to the pros of McCain's positions. For one, I don't want anyone to know which way I'm voting in November (it's much better that way, who knows, I may vote Green Party!). Secondly, I really am still looking at everything and want to be as non-partisan as possible. It's just hard because I'm surrounded by conservative Christians everywhere I go (I work at church and I attend a Theological Seminary). The last election I found people mindlessly voting according to what the "Christians" told them to do. Without any concern for the deeper issues. Because of that, I want to people to be fully educated and I want to be fully educated myself.
*steps off of soapbox*
Please keep the comments coming (as long as they are friendly). I love learning and I love hearing all sides of issues!
Sam has found a good website which looks at the propaganda which tends to float around in cyberspace and shows the quotes in context. If you click on the title of this blog you will be able to get to this link and see for yourself some interesting facts about Obama. I am personally interested in his view on abortion. While abortion is actually one of the platforms that does not sway my vote (considering that with 8 years of a Republican, pro-life President and nothing going on with Roe v. Wade, it seems like we should be more focused on other issues) it is good to see that Obama is concerned with educating our teens on abstinence and making responsible decisions. He is an avid supporter for adoption as an option and is careful not to sign bills that aren't constitutional. I also find it interesting that while he opposes gay marriage, he is in support of civil unions and civil rights for gays and lesbians. He sites his Christian beliefs for why marriage is between a man and a woman, but is a firm believer in equal rights for all. As it should be. Honestly, I know what I stand for. I know what the Bible says and I believe that it is the inerrant Word of God. But, I also know that America has separation of church and state for a reason and that all humans needed to be treated with love and respect.
On another note, I promise our readers (because I'm sure that there are oh so many) that I will give attention to the pros of McCain's positions. For one, I don't want anyone to know which way I'm voting in November (it's much better that way, who knows, I may vote Green Party!). Secondly, I really am still looking at everything and want to be as non-partisan as possible. It's just hard because I'm surrounded by conservative Christians everywhere I go (I work at church and I attend a Theological Seminary). The last election I found people mindlessly voting according to what the "Christians" told them to do. Without any concern for the deeper issues. Because of that, I want to people to be fully educated and I want to be fully educated myself.
*steps off of soapbox*
Please keep the comments coming (as long as they are friendly). I love learning and I love hearing all sides of issues!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Concerns.
I told you all that once political season started I would blog more! On a quick side note, if any one is curious, we found a place to live. I will post about that later.
I am concerned about McCain's choice of a running mate. I haven't really poked around for much information, and what little information I have gotten have been from Internet news sites (like Yahoo news, I just haven't had the time to really sit down and read much). But, from what I understand, Palin is really not qualified to be the V.P.! I mean, for one, she is young and inexperienced. She is only 44 and has only been in a major public office for 2 years. That's nothing! That's hardly enough time to figure out what the heck is going on. Secondly, many of the sites I have read have simply been talking about what a good choice she is because of her pro-life stance. One site applauded her for keeping her baby even after she found out he had Downs Syndrome. That's awesome. I'm all for pro-life and not killing our children (especially for dumb reasons like Downs Syndrome), but lots of people have that stance. Heck, I'm pro-life and I would never abort a child, but that doesn't make me qualified to be our V.P. (and with McCain's age, possible President).
Of course, I still have to read a lot more and do a lot more research, but I feel like McCain kind of blew it here. I just wish that the Evangelical majority was more concerned with the bigger picture than simply the abortion debate. But, that is another discussion for another time.
I'm off to class (yes, Saturday class on a holiday weekend...grrrr...).
I am concerned about McCain's choice of a running mate. I haven't really poked around for much information, and what little information I have gotten have been from Internet news sites (like Yahoo news, I just haven't had the time to really sit down and read much). But, from what I understand, Palin is really not qualified to be the V.P.! I mean, for one, she is young and inexperienced. She is only 44 and has only been in a major public office for 2 years. That's nothing! That's hardly enough time to figure out what the heck is going on. Secondly, many of the sites I have read have simply been talking about what a good choice she is because of her pro-life stance. One site applauded her for keeping her baby even after she found out he had Downs Syndrome. That's awesome. I'm all for pro-life and not killing our children (especially for dumb reasons like Downs Syndrome), but lots of people have that stance. Heck, I'm pro-life and I would never abort a child, but that doesn't make me qualified to be our V.P. (and with McCain's age, possible President).
Of course, I still have to read a lot more and do a lot more research, but I feel like McCain kind of blew it here. I just wish that the Evangelical majority was more concerned with the bigger picture than simply the abortion debate. But, that is another discussion for another time.
I'm off to class (yes, Saturday class on a holiday weekend...grrrr...).
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