The Raw Feed Redux

Worth repeating...

2008-03-21T12:53:00.003-05:00

It seems like a new round of "Gay" controversy is circulating again

2008-03-02T21:45:00.006-06:00

First, we have Rick Perry's new book is under fire because, of course, the Boy Scouts are "bigots, albeit with good intentions" that should not receive public funding or access to public buildings for their view. Needless to say, this is patently ridiculous.

Now, we also have reports that Obama intends to work towards the overturn of the Defense of Marriage Act.

Now, I don't believe for a second that Obama aspires to be the "first gay president" a'la Bill Clinton/the first Black President. What disturbs me is:

a) Even in the most liberal of circumstances, a given state should not be forced, via the "full faith and credit" clause to recognize a marriage that is illegal in that state. This would be a huge blow to that state's sovereignty, and basically the main reason that a "marriage amendment" could prove to be necessary.

b) I happen to believe that homosexual behavior (between consenting adults) should not be criminalized by any means. That said, I do believe that said behavior is harmful to society and attempts to "normalize" this behavior by re-defining marriage and forcing acceptance by states who continue to oppose gay marriage is unconscionable.

I've advanced such opinions before, and I've seen others advance similar opinions. Every time that happens, people either a) spout the "live and let live" argument (which is a specious argument - live and let live does not include changing the definition of marriage) or b) start talking about the mythical "gay gene" that will soon be discovered (which, IMO, requires just about as much religious-style faith as human-initiated global warming).

Why does being opposed to the normalization and creation of a new class of rights for what is, by definition, deviant human behavior, automatically classified as rank bigotry and fear-mongering?

I started working sound in Church again today...

2008-03-02T18:50:00.004-06:00

...after about a 4 month hiatus. It felt good to be back. It seems that about the only time I've gone to church lately is when my daughter talks me into going, or when I worked audio. That's something I need to fix. I know that "going to church" doesn't equate to one's salvation, but it sure makes it easier to walk the walk if you're in community with believers.

Now all I have to do is keep it up.

Anyway, today was "Rodeo Day", when people show up in western dress, etc. and they actually have the band perform a Country song. There are actually a good number of Country songs that have a Christian basis, or at least are uplifting. Today, the band did "Don't Blink". Interesting lyrics to hear on the first day back in a while:

I turned on the evening news
Saw a old man being interviewed
Turning a hundred and two today
Asked him what's the secret to life
He looked up from his old pipe
Laughed and said All I can say is

Don't blink
Just like that you're six years old and you take a nap and you
Wake up and you're twenty-five and your high school sweetheart becomes your wife
Don't blink
You just might miss your babies growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads next thing you know your "better half"
Of fifty years is there in bed
And you're praying God takes you instead
Trust me friend a hundred years goes faster than you think
So don't blink

I was glued to my tv
When it looked like he looked at me and said
"Best start putting first things first."
Cause when your hourglass runs out of sand
You can't flip it over and start again
Take every breathe God gives you for what it's worth

Don't Blink

So, it sort of hit home, in the way that it often does when God meets you where you are (and your oldest daughter just turned 18).

Reopened for Business

2008-03-02T17:48:00.000-06:00

I've decided that commenting in comments sections of blogs is largely like trying to mud wrestle with a pig - you get dirty and the pig enjoys it.

So, I think what I'm going to do is find subjects that either are interesting or get under my skin and write about them here. That way, I can limit my comments to the occasional snarky drive-by. More to come...