Hi all! I haven't posted in awhile, and I have the usual excuse...school = busy busy busy! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving...the news can get pretty depressing sometimes but we as Americans still have quite a lot to be thankful for.
No doubt many of you have probably seen something on the news about the Transportation Security Adminstration's new and extremely friendly (or intimate, whatever you want to call it) "security measures" for passengers of airline flights.
Travelers have two choices; in many airports, new x-ray machines using backscatter technology can screen you (in some airports, the old metal detectors are still being used) and also give you a free (though minute, but it's still there) dose of radiation and a racy pic that could possibly end up on the internet (http://www.theblaze.com/stories/broken-promises-body-scanner-stores-35000-pics-100-hit-the-web/ ) or, you can really get to know some random TSA agent by a physical pat down. And not just any pat down... this is just one story I found about a woman in Ohio: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/ohio-woman-outraged-by-tsa-pat-down-she-sexually-assaulted-me/
And, also, this story of a three-year-old recieving quite an intense pat down as well. Oh yes I said THREE years old. I don't know about you, but I were three years old and some random guy started touching me all over, I would probably freak out...just a little. (Ok, a lot.) The video has been disabled by YouTube, but heres the article... http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfmoms/detail?entry_id=77140&tsp=1
Are there any boundaries anymore? Will this administration stop at nothing to encroach on privacy more and more? Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has endorsed actions that are seriously just plain sick and intrusive towards American citizens in the name of security. And yet, I wonder, if there is such a deep concern for our national security that we need to have individuals called "agents" putting their hands down our pants, why is the border open? Why can anyone just waltz through and get a job, a drivers license, etc? I have a hard time believing the Department of Homeland Security has our "best interests" at heart, considering there is now talk of the DHS withdrawing National Guard troops from the border by February.
http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/2010/11/texas-republicans-protest-plan-move-national-guard-troops-border
Here's another interesting video of a man's experience with TSA...
I'm all for security, and with my parents careers, I am definitely all for keeping our airports and aircraft completely safe from any and all terrorist attacks. But seriously, is the best we can come up with--possibly cancer causing x-ray machines that reveal everything, or getting a little too acquainted with a TSA agent? God help us.
On a lighter note, last Sunday at church I heard a particularly moving and meaningful sermon by Rev. Larry Maley (Dardenne Presbyterian Church). I don't want to recopy the entire sermon here, (though it's excellent--so if you want a copy I could email one to you...)but here is a brief excerpt that speaks for itself...
"This nation was birthed by people who sought to practice their Christian faith without fear and interference. They were the invading force for God's Kingdom in this land. Christian principles of personal responsibility and sacrifice built this nation...
Sadly our nation has strayed from its Biblical foundation. We have become a nation where Christians are being instructed to keep their religion to themselves. I am not advocating intolerance towards other religious expressions. I'm merely reminding God's people that the Lord showers blessings on those nations which honor God's righteousness and truth. So if we turn our back on the Lord and His Word, history tells us God will not be mocked.
The economic, social, and moral problems our nation is now experiencing are rooted in pride, power, greed, and selfishness. These are qualities which the Bible calls sin--which are being increasingly glorified in this land. These qualities are the very opposite from those which built this nation...
It is time for Christians to ask themselves the question, 'Are we being transformed by the values of this world (Romans 12:2), or are Christians transforming the world with the Gospel?'"
That last question really hit home with me, and I really hope that I am fulfilling the second half of it. What about you...is this world transforming you into something you aren't, into something you don't want to be? Or are you transforming this world for the better? This verse also used in the sermon I found particularly applicable and meaningful for our nation ......"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Thank you, Rev. Maley for such an inspiring sermon.
That's all for tonight, I hope to post again soon! Speaking of humbling ourselves, seeking the Lord's face, and turning from our wicked ways to restore our nation...
"If not us, who? If not now, when?" -Ronald Reagan.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Seeing Red: Election 2010!!!
Hey everyone! Well, I feel like America’s voice was heard loud and clear last night…with the Republicans taking the House of Representatives and running a very close race in the Senate. I myself was thrilled to have my vote counted in this midterm election, and I am proud to once again be living in a “red” state! Last night I was up late (and I mean ridiculously late) working on a school project, while also watching election results, of course—and contemplating what to write in this blog post...
You all know me; I tend to THINK a lot about things and voting was one of those things that I have THOUGHT a lot about. My brother and I walked to the polling place, just down the street from my house. I walked in the door and handed them my voter registration card, and received my ballot, with the names of candidates from FOUR political parties running for Senate. I voted (and I bet you can guess how) and as I turned in my ballot to the ballot box a flood of images and thoughts rushed through my head (you don’t have to remind me that I’m a nerd—I know!). Filling in the bubbles on that sheet of paper seems like such a tiny, insignificant thing that we take for granted and may even feel burdened by…until you stop and think of what it took to get to this point, and what it took and continues to take to secure and maintain the security of this right. I ramble on about the Founding Fathers and their sacrifices all time, but voting, to me, was directly taking part in something they fought a war, risked being hung for treason, and died to secure; the ability, and the responsibility of Americans to CHOOSE who they want to be represented by. It was riveting to think of the centuries of men and women that have come before me, those who risked everything fighting in war and in peace against forces who seek to destroy America’s free way of life, just to allow me to sit at that table in the basement of a church in a suburban Missouri town and choose my representatives. It was, in a word, an incredible experience!
And now for some of the finer points of Election 2010…the main event that was rather disappointing was Missouri’s Proposition B or the “Puppy Mill Initiative”… this passed 52% to 48%, with the metro areas mainly voting for it, and the rest of the state against it. This is just a testament to why it is crucial to READ and RESEARCH legislation before you vote on it; stopping puppy mills and making sure dogs are taken care of sounds like a great idea when it’s stated on the ballot, but when you research who is funding it and their motives, and how it can and possibly will affect other areas of business and agriculture in our state, it is less appealing. I dedicated an entire blog post to this Proposition, so scroll down if you want to read it.
http://www.fox2now.com/news/ktvi-prop-a-prop-b-ballot-passes-missouri-election-110310,0,6290419.story
However, as I said, I am excited to finally live in a RED state again! Missouri overwhelmingly supported Republican Roy Blunt in the senate race; he defeated Democrat Robin Carnahan 54% to 41%, winning in all but one county. For the race for the House, in all but three of Missouri’s nine districts, Republican’s won. Check out the map on Fox News’ website for all the minute details of each race and state data…it’s really fascinating: http://www.foxnews.com/interactive/politics/election-map-2010/#race=racesInPlay&pres=false&tab=senate&state=us-senate&profile=region
And debatably the greatest news of all, Nancy Pelosi no longer holds the gavel as the Speaker of the House! (PARTY! Haha...) Ohio Representative John Boehner will take her place. Here are a few words from Boehner's speech last night...I know my liberal friends will have fun ridiculing comments this, but I felt it rather inspiring, myself! :)
I also want to share Florida's future Senator Marco Rubio's victory speech with you...really puts things into perspective for this election!!
Lastly, I'd like to congratulate my cousin, Mike Fellows, on his victory as the Lee County Family Court Judge in Alabama! :)
http://vp.mgnetwork.net/traveler.swf?embed_referer=www.facebook.com&u=063848ba3858102ea6fd001ec92a4a0d&z=OAN&embed_player=1%2522
That's all for tonight... Though the results of this election will most definitely not solve all our problems, let's hope that Republicans take this "second chance" and stand firm in defense of our Constitution and the future of our Republic!
“...my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.” -Abraham Lincoln
You all know me; I tend to THINK a lot about things and voting was one of those things that I have THOUGHT a lot about. My brother and I walked to the polling place, just down the street from my house. I walked in the door and handed them my voter registration card, and received my ballot, with the names of candidates from FOUR political parties running for Senate. I voted (and I bet you can guess how) and as I turned in my ballot to the ballot box a flood of images and thoughts rushed through my head (you don’t have to remind me that I’m a nerd—I know!). Filling in the bubbles on that sheet of paper seems like such a tiny, insignificant thing that we take for granted and may even feel burdened by…until you stop and think of what it took to get to this point, and what it took and continues to take to secure and maintain the security of this right. I ramble on about the Founding Fathers and their sacrifices all time, but voting, to me, was directly taking part in something they fought a war, risked being hung for treason, and died to secure; the ability, and the responsibility of Americans to CHOOSE who they want to be represented by. It was riveting to think of the centuries of men and women that have come before me, those who risked everything fighting in war and in peace against forces who seek to destroy America’s free way of life, just to allow me to sit at that table in the basement of a church in a suburban Missouri town and choose my representatives. It was, in a word, an incredible experience!
And now for some of the finer points of Election 2010…the main event that was rather disappointing was Missouri’s Proposition B or the “Puppy Mill Initiative”… this passed 52% to 48%, with the metro areas mainly voting for it, and the rest of the state against it. This is just a testament to why it is crucial to READ and RESEARCH legislation before you vote on it; stopping puppy mills and making sure dogs are taken care of sounds like a great idea when it’s stated on the ballot, but when you research who is funding it and their motives, and how it can and possibly will affect other areas of business and agriculture in our state, it is less appealing. I dedicated an entire blog post to this Proposition, so scroll down if you want to read it.
http://www.fox2now.com/news/ktvi-prop-a-prop-b-ballot-passes-missouri-election-110310,0,6290419.story
However, as I said, I am excited to finally live in a RED state again! Missouri overwhelmingly supported Republican Roy Blunt in the senate race; he defeated Democrat Robin Carnahan 54% to 41%, winning in all but one county. For the race for the House, in all but three of Missouri’s nine districts, Republican’s won. Check out the map on Fox News’ website for all the minute details of each race and state data…it’s really fascinating: http://www.foxnews.com/interactive/politics/election-map-2010/#race=racesInPlay&pres=false&tab=senate&state=us-senate&profile=region
And debatably the greatest news of all, Nancy Pelosi no longer holds the gavel as the Speaker of the House! (PARTY! Haha...) Ohio Representative John Boehner will take her place. Here are a few words from Boehner's speech last night...I know my liberal friends will have fun ridiculing comments this, but I felt it rather inspiring, myself! :)
I also want to share Florida's future Senator Marco Rubio's victory speech with you...really puts things into perspective for this election!!
Lastly, I'd like to congratulate my cousin, Mike Fellows, on his victory as the Lee County Family Court Judge in Alabama! :)
http://vp.mgnetwork.net/traveler.swf?embed_referer=www.facebook.com&u=063848ba3858102ea6fd001ec92a4a0d&z=OAN&embed_player=1%2522
That's all for tonight... Though the results of this election will most definitely not solve all our problems, let's hope that Republicans take this "second chance" and stand firm in defense of our Constitution and the future of our Republic!
“...my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.” -Abraham Lincoln
Monday, November 1, 2010
Missouri's Prop B
Hey everyone, and especially my fellow Missourians… In my last blog post I promised a post dedicated to the discussion of Missouri’s Proposition B, an initiative to place restrictions and further regulations on the care of dogs in breeding facilities in Missouri. My state is a nationally acclaimed hot-spot for puppy mills (nothing to be proud of, really) and according to the US Department of Agriculture, Missouri contains 30% of the nation’s licensed dog breeders. I want to dedicate this blog to uncovering both sides of the argument over Yes or No on Prop B, explore some of the future ramifications of this law, and of course, provide my two cents.
The Initiative is rather long, so I’ll provide the link and a brief summary. http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2010petitions/2010-085.asp
This “Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act” states, in general, “The purpose of this Act is to prohibit the cruel and inhumane treatment of dogs in puppy mills by requiring large-scale dog breeding operations to provide each dog under their care with basic food and water, adequate shelter from the elements, necessary veterinary care, adequate space to turn around and stretch his or her limbs and regular exercise.” This act also limits the number of dogs that any breeder can have to 50 dogs, regardless of the quality of the facility.
At first I didn’t think much of this when I first heard about it; I love dogs.My family has never been without a dog, and our current dog was rescued from the streets of Saint Louis, and we love him dearly. I think puppy mills are about the sickest and most horrible beginning of life for any dog. When I heard the limit on 50 dogs to any breeder, though, it got me thinking of how this amendment will affect breeding operations in this state.
Let me also remind you that Missouri already has legislation regulating the treatment of dogs in breeding operations and other facilities in the state, passed in 1992 called the Animal Care Facility Act. This act regulates breeders, pet stores, and other facilities and sends out inspectors (there are a total of 12 throughout the state) to make sure operations are meeting state standards in the areas of “feed, water, veterinary care, shelter, building maintenance, socialization, identification, and record keeping requirements” http://mda.mo.gov/animals/ACFA/) Read more on the Animal Care Facility Act of 1992 here... http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G9902
It is common knowledge that the MO Department of Agriculture does not have enough inspectors to meet the needs of the state. According to a News-Leader article, “Two audits, in 2004 and 2008, found inspectors weren’t reaching all the animal care facilities they were required to inspect.” They estimate they would need to hire about seven more inspectors to keep up with the demands of the state. There is no doubt that the employee resources of the US Dept. of Agriculture in Missouri are limited.
Now that I’ve given a little background info, I’ll get down to my thoughts. First of all, this act is more government intervention. These are regulations put on top of already in place regulations that are not being enforced. In addition, it attempts to stifle the growth of businesses that may be extremely competent in the care of their animals.
The Animal Care Facility Act is already in place with state standards to the care of animals for retail. This proposed Puppy Mill initiative is estimated to cost, within the first year alone, $654, 768 and each year after that, $521, 356. I’m not good with numbers, but it seems to me that several more state inspectors could easily be hired and paid a decent salary to enforce the CURRENT legislation.
I just don’t understand…why more interference in private life? Yes, puppy mills are horrible, horrible operations, but with the Animal Care Facility Act even more strictly enforced, I feel this would crack down on irresponsible breeders while not stifling business for the responsible ones. Also, why punish operations that sincerely care for the well-being of their animals but seek to expand business by limiting the number of dogs to 50? And further, what’s the next stage of this campaign for regulations on the handling of animals? I have to wonder, being as greatly involved with horses and the horse world as I am, what division of agriculture will be the next to be affected by regulations and limits such as these.
It is pertinent, also, to know where the funds for the campaign in favor of Prop B are coming from. So far, nearly $3 million has been raised to support this campaign. Out of 250 donors, merely one tenth of the funds have come from donors WITHIN THE STATE OF MISSOURI. The United States Human Society, based in Maryland, has contributed $1 million. I have a problem with so many out of state donors; it makes me question the reality of this act being in the STATE’S best interests, or in the best interests of the agendas of special interest groups.
There are irresponsible and sick people out to make a quick dime EVERYWHERE. And it’s disgusting that these people take advantage of animals the way they do in the form of puppy mills. But not EVERY dog breeder is running an overcrowded, cruel puppy mill. Just as with every other facet of life, there are responsible people out there who really care about what they do and the lives and well being of their animals. However, I feel it is the responsible who will be punished should this act pass. I know this post will earn me the title of “animal-hater!” but...believe what you want; I don’t think an animal hater owns three horses, a dog and two cats and thoroughly enjoys their company. :) Anyway...Before you vote “yes” on Missouri's Prop B… think of future ramifications of this act and if it’s intentions are REALLY what they appear to be.
Two informative articles from Springfield, Missouri's News-Leader....
http://www.news-leader.com/article/20101017/OPINIONS01/10170319/Proposition-B-well-intentioned-but-not-in-state-s-best-interests
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=201010240384
Tomorrow is the day, people! I hope ALL of you will get out there and VOTE! I'll leave you with a great quote by General Douglas MacArthur...
"No Man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation."
The Initiative is rather long, so I’ll provide the link and a brief summary. http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2010petitions/2010-085.asp
This “Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act” states, in general, “The purpose of this Act is to prohibit the cruel and inhumane treatment of dogs in puppy mills by requiring large-scale dog breeding operations to provide each dog under their care with basic food and water, adequate shelter from the elements, necessary veterinary care, adequate space to turn around and stretch his or her limbs and regular exercise.” This act also limits the number of dogs that any breeder can have to 50 dogs, regardless of the quality of the facility.
At first I didn’t think much of this when I first heard about it; I love dogs.My family has never been without a dog, and our current dog was rescued from the streets of Saint Louis, and we love him dearly. I think puppy mills are about the sickest and most horrible beginning of life for any dog. When I heard the limit on 50 dogs to any breeder, though, it got me thinking of how this amendment will affect breeding operations in this state.
Let me also remind you that Missouri already has legislation regulating the treatment of dogs in breeding operations and other facilities in the state, passed in 1992 called the Animal Care Facility Act. This act regulates breeders, pet stores, and other facilities and sends out inspectors (there are a total of 12 throughout the state) to make sure operations are meeting state standards in the areas of “feed, water, veterinary care, shelter, building maintenance, socialization, identification, and record keeping requirements” http://mda.mo.gov/animals/ACFA/) Read more on the Animal Care Facility Act of 1992 here... http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G9902
It is common knowledge that the MO Department of Agriculture does not have enough inspectors to meet the needs of the state. According to a News-Leader article, “Two audits, in 2004 and 2008, found inspectors weren’t reaching all the animal care facilities they were required to inspect.” They estimate they would need to hire about seven more inspectors to keep up with the demands of the state. There is no doubt that the employee resources of the US Dept. of Agriculture in Missouri are limited.
Now that I’ve given a little background info, I’ll get down to my thoughts. First of all, this act is more government intervention. These are regulations put on top of already in place regulations that are not being enforced. In addition, it attempts to stifle the growth of businesses that may be extremely competent in the care of their animals.
The Animal Care Facility Act is already in place with state standards to the care of animals for retail. This proposed Puppy Mill initiative is estimated to cost, within the first year alone, $654, 768 and each year after that, $521, 356. I’m not good with numbers, but it seems to me that several more state inspectors could easily be hired and paid a decent salary to enforce the CURRENT legislation.
I just don’t understand…why more interference in private life? Yes, puppy mills are horrible, horrible operations, but with the Animal Care Facility Act even more strictly enforced, I feel this would crack down on irresponsible breeders while not stifling business for the responsible ones. Also, why punish operations that sincerely care for the well-being of their animals but seek to expand business by limiting the number of dogs to 50? And further, what’s the next stage of this campaign for regulations on the handling of animals? I have to wonder, being as greatly involved with horses and the horse world as I am, what division of agriculture will be the next to be affected by regulations and limits such as these.
It is pertinent, also, to know where the funds for the campaign in favor of Prop B are coming from. So far, nearly $3 million has been raised to support this campaign. Out of 250 donors, merely one tenth of the funds have come from donors WITHIN THE STATE OF MISSOURI. The United States Human Society, based in Maryland, has contributed $1 million. I have a problem with so many out of state donors; it makes me question the reality of this act being in the STATE’S best interests, or in the best interests of the agendas of special interest groups.
There are irresponsible and sick people out to make a quick dime EVERYWHERE. And it’s disgusting that these people take advantage of animals the way they do in the form of puppy mills. But not EVERY dog breeder is running an overcrowded, cruel puppy mill. Just as with every other facet of life, there are responsible people out there who really care about what they do and the lives and well being of their animals. However, I feel it is the responsible who will be punished should this act pass. I know this post will earn me the title of “animal-hater!” but...believe what you want; I don’t think an animal hater owns three horses, a dog and two cats and thoroughly enjoys their company. :) Anyway...Before you vote “yes” on Missouri's Prop B… think of future ramifications of this act and if it’s intentions are REALLY what they appear to be.
Two informative articles from Springfield, Missouri's News-Leader....
http://www.news-leader.com/article/20101017/OPINIONS01/10170319/Proposition-B-well-intentioned-but-not-in-state-s-best-interests
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=201010240384
Tomorrow is the day, people! I hope ALL of you will get out there and VOTE! I'll leave you with a great quote by General Douglas MacArthur...
"No Man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation."
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