Just checking out YouTube again, and thought I'd post some videos that I thought were interesting, and might want to come back to someday....
Romney: 'Obama A Senator Killer' - gonna 'take care of' John McCain
John McCain picks Sarah Palin
Romney on McCAIN: "HUGE MISTAKE!!" McCain is a liar.
Ron Paul 9-10-08 Press Conference
CNN: Ron Paul and Ralph Nader on Situation Room 9/10/08
More videos on the topic of the undemocratic way our elections are orchestrated for us can be seen here (on the right side of the screen), or on the Third Party candidates' websites. The sad thing is that people are made to feel that they have to vote against the worst choice, instead of voting their conscience, either because a race is close, or because they don't want to feel like they're "wasting" a vote on someone who isn't likely to be able to win. And that includes not only the Third Party or independent candidates, but Primary elections for the major two Parties. I purposely didn't vote for my first choice, because he wasn't even allowed to participate in the debates, and I wanted to vote for someone who could actually win and change the political landscape, even if moderately.
We really aren't given a fair choice. And there is a way to vote for a simple majority, where a third person isn't a "spoiler". This came up in my state a few years ago, when the independents were viable candidates. What I find disappointing this time around is all the talk of "change", but the only change I've noticed is that this is a nastier-than-usual campaign. I tend to believe that the Third Party and Independent candidates are actually running because they care about the issues that matter to Americans more than they care about winning.
This may be too big, but I'm going to try to embed the Google video of the whole conference.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Sarah Palin
Here this is, my designated "rant" blog, and I forgot to post my Sarah Palin stuff here. Not a big deal, since it's out there, and only about 3 people know about this blog, but I might as well get my ducks in a row.
If nothing else, I'll repost these:
"Sarah Palin Champions Barbaric Aerial Hunting of Wolves"
"Palin: Okay, I Didn't Quite Say 'Thanks, But No Thanks'"
"Don't let them insult your intelligence."
If nothing else, I'll repost these:
"Sarah Palin Champions Barbaric Aerial Hunting of Wolves"
"Palin: Okay, I Didn't Quite Say 'Thanks, But No Thanks'"
"Don't let them insult your intelligence."
Friday, September 12, 2008
"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." (George Orwell)
I've posted some negative things about Sarah Palin on my Episcoveg blog, because they were motivated by her reputation pertaining to hunting, and support for aerial hunting of wolves. But I don't want that blog to become too negative, or too political/partisan.
But since this is my personal rant blog, I feel it is my duty as an American and as a Christian, to post things that bother me about the current presidential campaign, which is based on deception and distraction from the issues.
I'm tired of the lies. And I don't want the future of this country decided, based on lies. I also don't presume to know the truth, when I hear things. But when I hear McCain contradicting himself, and some of the other things I've seen that seem compelling, I feel like it's time to speak out (even if I only get one visitor every few months on this blog, which I've told less than a handful of people about).
Here are a few videos I found on YouTube tonight:
McCain's YouTube Problem Just Became a Nightmare
John McCain's ads are LIES. Here's the video proof.
Make McCain Disavow His Dishonest Obama Ad
Countdown: Lying in State
John McCain vs. John McCain
McCain Dishonest on Petreaus & Iraq Stability"
Unrelated, but painfully amusing evaluation:
TPMtv: McCain Leaves Fox Speechless
On home foreclosures:
McCain's Mansions
Once to every man and nation, comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side;
Some great cause, some great decision, offering each the bloom or blight,
And the choice goes by forever, ’twixt that darkness and that light.
Then to side with truth is noble, when we share her wretched crust,
Ere her cause bring fame and profit, and ’tis prosperous to be just;
Then it is the brave man chooses while the coward stands aside,
Till the multitude make virtue of the faith they had denied.
By the light of burning martyrs, Christ, Thy bleeding feet we track,
Toiling up new Calv’ries ever with the cross that turns not back;
New occasions teach new duties, time makes ancient good uncouth,
They must upward still and onward, who would keep abreast of truth.
Though the cause of evil prosper, yet the truth alone is strong;
Though her portion be the scaffold, and upon the throne be wrong;
Yet that scaffold sways the future, and behind the dim unknown,
Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above His own.
The View (part 1 of 3):
The View (part 2 of 3):
The View (part 3 of 3):
"Joe Biden On Fire":
"What do ya talk about when you can't explain the past eight years of failure?" Great quote.
Unrelated to lying, but a look at his personality:
John McCain Cursing
But since this is my personal rant blog, I feel it is my duty as an American and as a Christian, to post things that bother me about the current presidential campaign, which is based on deception and distraction from the issues.
I'm tired of the lies. And I don't want the future of this country decided, based on lies. I also don't presume to know the truth, when I hear things. But when I hear McCain contradicting himself, and some of the other things I've seen that seem compelling, I feel like it's time to speak out (even if I only get one visitor every few months on this blog, which I've told less than a handful of people about).
Here are a few videos I found on YouTube tonight:
McCain's YouTube Problem Just Became a Nightmare
John McCain's ads are LIES. Here's the video proof.
Make McCain Disavow His Dishonest Obama Ad
Countdown: Lying in State
John McCain vs. John McCain
McCain Dishonest on Petreaus & Iraq Stability"
Unrelated, but painfully amusing evaluation:
TPMtv: McCain Leaves Fox Speechless
On home foreclosures:
McCain's Mansions
Once to every man and nation, comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side;
Some great cause, some great decision, offering each the bloom or blight,
And the choice goes by forever, ’twixt that darkness and that light.
Then to side with truth is noble, when we share her wretched crust,
Ere her cause bring fame and profit, and ’tis prosperous to be just;
Then it is the brave man chooses while the coward stands aside,
Till the multitude make virtue of the faith they had denied.
By the light of burning martyrs, Christ, Thy bleeding feet we track,
Toiling up new Calv’ries ever with the cross that turns not back;
New occasions teach new duties, time makes ancient good uncouth,
They must upward still and onward, who would keep abreast of truth.
Though the cause of evil prosper, yet the truth alone is strong;
Though her portion be the scaffold, and upon the throne be wrong;
Yet that scaffold sways the future, and behind the dim unknown,
Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above His own.
The View (part 1 of 3):
The View (part 2 of 3):
The View (part 3 of 3):
"Joe Biden On Fire":
"What do ya talk about when you can't explain the past eight years of failure?" Great quote.
Unrelated to lying, but a look at his personality:
John McCain Cursing
Monday, September 1, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Change your life, and make a public stink. Change society.
I am increasingly bothered since the Animal Rights National Conference about new things I learned, pertaining to the meat industry.
First, was a speaker who talked about the killing of wolves, bison, wild horses, wild burros, prairie dogs, etc., due to pressure from the cattle ranchers. He mentioned that there are many endangered species that are not included on the government's list.
I don't remember his name, or which group he was from, but thought that people who might not care about food animals might care about wildlife, and should know that it is the cattle ranchers who are behind the demise of many wild species.
Second, was Paul Watson's keynote address, where he mentioned that the world's fisheries are in a state of collapse, and on top of that, mentioned that half the wild fish that are caught go to feed our livestock! And that pigs eat more fish than all the people of Japan. He said more tuna is fed to our cats than people eat. He also said that many species of fish are caught before they reach sexual maturity, so there is little possibility of recovering those populations that we destroy.
It is amazing to me, that not only is this happening with the fisheries in the state that they're in, but that I'm not hearing about it from the environmentalists or from the humanitarians. Maybe they don't know that we waste half the fish caught on livestock. I didn't.
I posted this on my other blog, and decided to link to it here, because not only are we endangering so many the world's species by killing off the oceans, but we are endangering our own species. And it isn't just the people in the poor countries who will suffer. Eventually, and probably much sooner than later, our society's inattention to and complacency toward the environment and other animals we exploit in every way possible, is going to affect us all.
Please take a look at my other blog's blurb -- especially Paul Watson's Keynote Address, and the article from Grist about the fish that feeds our livestock. Then get outraged, speak out, and change your diet. Anyone who is concerned about species extinction, the various forms of environmental degradation caused by the meat & fish industries, anyone concerned about the people of the developing countries needs to examine their personal choices, and what they promote -- especially in the Church! Stop pussy-footing around with general catchwords like "biodiversity" and "sustainability" that have no real impact on the listeners. Call a spade a spade. Wake people up. If you don't like the fact that 70 % of the world's grain is used to feed livestock instead of people, if you don't like that the rainforests are being cleared to grow crops to feed livestock instead of people, and if you don't like that 14 million tons of wild-caught fish are going into "food" animals feed every year just so you can enjoy your bacon, or so your church can make a little money on an "all you can eat" fish fry -- boycott those industries that are killing our planet, and change the culture around you.
It is not only time for the environmentalists to speak out passionately, but it is time for humanitarians to search for eco-friendly and animal-friendly solutions to "making poverty history". I feel all the more strongly that our churches, both local and national, should not be promoting and supporting the propagation of animal agriculture in developing countries. Our charities need to get out of the animal-supplying business. There are other charities and other things churches can choose to do, that won't add to other problems that impact the environment and multiply animal suffering. Look for alternative solutions.
First, was a speaker who talked about the killing of wolves, bison, wild horses, wild burros, prairie dogs, etc., due to pressure from the cattle ranchers. He mentioned that there are many endangered species that are not included on the government's list.
I don't remember his name, or which group he was from, but thought that people who might not care about food animals might care about wildlife, and should know that it is the cattle ranchers who are behind the demise of many wild species.
Second, was Paul Watson's keynote address, where he mentioned that the world's fisheries are in a state of collapse, and on top of that, mentioned that half the wild fish that are caught go to feed our livestock! And that pigs eat more fish than all the people of Japan. He said more tuna is fed to our cats than people eat. He also said that many species of fish are caught before they reach sexual maturity, so there is little possibility of recovering those populations that we destroy.
It is amazing to me, that not only is this happening with the fisheries in the state that they're in, but that I'm not hearing about it from the environmentalists or from the humanitarians. Maybe they don't know that we waste half the fish caught on livestock. I didn't.
I posted this on my other blog, and decided to link to it here, because not only are we endangering so many the world's species by killing off the oceans, but we are endangering our own species. And it isn't just the people in the poor countries who will suffer. Eventually, and probably much sooner than later, our society's inattention to and complacency toward the environment and other animals we exploit in every way possible, is going to affect us all.
Please take a look at my other blog's blurb -- especially Paul Watson's Keynote Address, and the article from Grist about the fish that feeds our livestock. Then get outraged, speak out, and change your diet. Anyone who is concerned about species extinction, the various forms of environmental degradation caused by the meat & fish industries, anyone concerned about the people of the developing countries needs to examine their personal choices, and what they promote -- especially in the Church! Stop pussy-footing around with general catchwords like "biodiversity" and "sustainability" that have no real impact on the listeners. Call a spade a spade. Wake people up. If you don't like the fact that 70 % of the world's grain is used to feed livestock instead of people, if you don't like that the rainforests are being cleared to grow crops to feed livestock instead of people, and if you don't like that 14 million tons of wild-caught fish are going into "food" animals feed every year just so you can enjoy your bacon, or so your church can make a little money on an "all you can eat" fish fry -- boycott those industries that are killing our planet, and change the culture around you.
It is not only time for the environmentalists to speak out passionately, but it is time for humanitarians to search for eco-friendly and animal-friendly solutions to "making poverty history". I feel all the more strongly that our churches, both local and national, should not be promoting and supporting the propagation of animal agriculture in developing countries. Our charities need to get out of the animal-supplying business. There are other charities and other things churches can choose to do, that won't add to other problems that impact the environment and multiply animal suffering. Look for alternative solutions.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
mamabishop: Artist and Engineer
mamabishop: Artist and Engineer
I agree with this, most personally, the part that says,
I agree with this, most personally, the part that says,
"...Then we talk and argue and go over things again and worry furiously, not wanting to have to make mistakes and yank things up. All the while, nothing has been planted, nothing has the chance to grow. No one gets too messy either, in good Anglican fashion. Well, except for those people and missions who are set aside waiting for a resolution - a plan. And those set aside can whither and die, while we chat each other up and express ourselves endlessly. I would like to argue for an artist's approach, knowing that our great Creator, fashioned us in a process of getting in the dirt, breathing on the wind and moving ribs and other things around. God got busy with the tools and used the available gifts in creation. I would like us, for a change, to get out there and get dirty, to get elbow deep and realize we might fail, and might have to do some replanting, reworking, re-hydrating in order to be a community acting for the love of Christ...."
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Why am I drifting away from Church?
This isn't a rant, but includes topics I don't want to post on my other blog. It may exhibit some sadness or depression, or even some sort of "passive agression" against who-knows-what. But I do know that it is "Episcopally-correct" for lapsed members to fade away quietly, and not to malinger.
Last week I was asked to substitute at church for a guy who couldn't be there. I agreed grudgingly, and church was heavily on my mind from Friday night through Sunday (and beyond).
I've known for a couple of months that it takes more than a week to "recover" from church, but that it really takes two or three weeks away to feel normal -- to the point that I don't have to think about it, or whether or not I have to set my alarm clock on Saturday night. And to continually make the trip, just to be the "dark cloud", doesn't seem like it would be healthy for other people.
I'm not particularly mad at anyone about anything, even if I have my gripes about the place. But a whole lot surfaces whenever I think about having to go. Like a whole lot, but mostly things from the distant past. (Neverthe less, the more things change, the more they stay the same.)
There were 4 recent "events" that contributed to my current state. I think 3 are posted already here.
When I consider why it is that I have no motivation to make the trip to church, I have to wonder if I'm generally depressed and spiralling into a life as a recluse, or if I'm being punitive in some way. I also know that "I'm supposed to be there". And when I've felt this way in the past, my presence was a form of "activism". I know I have to "stay in it", because nothing will ever change if I don't. (But nothing really has in all these years, anyway.)
In the past, my disappointments, frustrations, and feelings of exclusion (in a "your concepts of hospitality are inhospitable and exclusionary toward me" kind of way -- where every social event is centered around animal flesh and byproducts) were "grist for the mill", and actually led to some amazing things, like my other blog site, ENAW, General Convention, participation with the Multi-Faith relgious leaders who co-authored "A Religious Proclamation for Animal Compassion", an invitation to speak at a national animal rights conference on the topic of animals & religion, etc. But the time for "grist" is over, because it takes a constant and cumulative toll on me. It is not good for my soul in general. And I'm to the point that I have nothing (else) to offer my church, and I still go home feeling empty. I feel basically like a dandelion that has been snipped down to the root. That is debilitating and crushing, when I really think about it.
A little piece of me died there, when the DVD (which epitomizes all my hopes and dreams -- see the last paragraph to know what I'm talking about) became lost. "It represented my life". A large piece of me died on April 6th, when it was returned to me, unwatched. And another large piece of me died on Rogation Sunday, when any hope of a gardening group was pre-empted by the cancer support group whose forum was about Relay for Life. I felt like I was pre-empted by a presentation of authorized members, basically (if unknowingly) asking us to support animal research.
The hope for starting a group of organic veggie gardeners in the congregation was my own "dangling carrot" -- or the last straw. It turned out to be the last straw.
So, what excuses would I give for not making the trip to church? There are many. But I decided yesterday that it boils down to things like "time" and "priorities" -- in a twisted way that church people would think of in a completely different way.
To set aside time to watch the DVD, would have required it to have some priority. But it was not a priority. ("My life" was not a priority. How should I feel about that?)
When I thought about the time it takes me to drive to and from church each week, it struck me that the round trip is equivalent to the amount of time it would take to watch the DVD. When I thought about the time it takes to sit through a church service, it is also equivalent to the amount of time it would take to watch the DVD.
It almost feels like I'm trying to "get even" in some way.
I don't think I am. I realize that the DVD is at the core of my current issues. And it is the constant association between the unwatched DVD, and the lost hope that I'd ever be able to do anything with it there, that I think the drive is just too long for the trip to be a priority for me. I have to weigh which is worse for my soul -- to go, or to stay home. And I guess that's one reason I'm not burning any bridges.
I also believe that the choice not to watch the DVD was a passive way of saying "No".
I'm feeling like my staying home from church without explanation is also a passive way of saying "No", but mainly, "No, I am not interested in following any more dangling carrots that the church may have to offer. So, basically, I have to weigh from one week to the next whether I'd feel worse going or staying away. But it almost seems important to stay away on the weeks I'm not scheduled to be there.
(The DVD I'm referring to highlighted the event and the talks in Washington DC at the unveiling and official signing of "A Religious Proclamation for Animal Compassion". It can be ordered via the link in the last sentence of this article. I'm in the picture on that page. How sad that I have to look outside my own church for support for my cause.)
Last week I was asked to substitute at church for a guy who couldn't be there. I agreed grudgingly, and church was heavily on my mind from Friday night through Sunday (and beyond).
I've known for a couple of months that it takes more than a week to "recover" from church, but that it really takes two or three weeks away to feel normal -- to the point that I don't have to think about it, or whether or not I have to set my alarm clock on Saturday night. And to continually make the trip, just to be the "dark cloud", doesn't seem like it would be healthy for other people.
I'm not particularly mad at anyone about anything, even if I have my gripes about the place. But a whole lot surfaces whenever I think about having to go. Like a whole lot, but mostly things from the distant past. (Neverthe less, the more things change, the more they stay the same.)
There were 4 recent "events" that contributed to my current state. I think 3 are posted already here.
When I consider why it is that I have no motivation to make the trip to church, I have to wonder if I'm generally depressed and spiralling into a life as a recluse, or if I'm being punitive in some way. I also know that "I'm supposed to be there". And when I've felt this way in the past, my presence was a form of "activism". I know I have to "stay in it", because nothing will ever change if I don't. (But nothing really has in all these years, anyway.)
In the past, my disappointments, frustrations, and feelings of exclusion (in a "your concepts of hospitality are inhospitable and exclusionary toward me" kind of way -- where every social event is centered around animal flesh and byproducts) were "grist for the mill", and actually led to some amazing things, like my other blog site, ENAW, General Convention, participation with the Multi-Faith relgious leaders who co-authored "A Religious Proclamation for Animal Compassion", an invitation to speak at a national animal rights conference on the topic of animals & religion, etc. But the time for "grist" is over, because it takes a constant and cumulative toll on me. It is not good for my soul in general. And I'm to the point that I have nothing (else) to offer my church, and I still go home feeling empty. I feel basically like a dandelion that has been snipped down to the root. That is debilitating and crushing, when I really think about it.
A little piece of me died there, when the DVD (which epitomizes all my hopes and dreams -- see the last paragraph to know what I'm talking about) became lost. "It represented my life". A large piece of me died on April 6th, when it was returned to me, unwatched. And another large piece of me died on Rogation Sunday, when any hope of a gardening group was pre-empted by the cancer support group whose forum was about Relay for Life. I felt like I was pre-empted by a presentation of authorized members, basically (if unknowingly) asking us to support animal research.
The hope for starting a group of organic veggie gardeners in the congregation was my own "dangling carrot" -- or the last straw. It turned out to be the last straw.
So, what excuses would I give for not making the trip to church? There are many. But I decided yesterday that it boils down to things like "time" and "priorities" -- in a twisted way that church people would think of in a completely different way.
To set aside time to watch the DVD, would have required it to have some priority. But it was not a priority. ("My life" was not a priority. How should I feel about that?)
When I thought about the time it takes me to drive to and from church each week, it struck me that the round trip is equivalent to the amount of time it would take to watch the DVD. When I thought about the time it takes to sit through a church service, it is also equivalent to the amount of time it would take to watch the DVD.
It almost feels like I'm trying to "get even" in some way.
I don't think I am. I realize that the DVD is at the core of my current issues. And it is the constant association between the unwatched DVD, and the lost hope that I'd ever be able to do anything with it there, that I think the drive is just too long for the trip to be a priority for me. I have to weigh which is worse for my soul -- to go, or to stay home. And I guess that's one reason I'm not burning any bridges.
I also believe that the choice not to watch the DVD was a passive way of saying "No".
I'm feeling like my staying home from church without explanation is also a passive way of saying "No", but mainly, "No, I am not interested in following any more dangling carrots that the church may have to offer. So, basically, I have to weigh from one week to the next whether I'd feel worse going or staying away. But it almost seems important to stay away on the weeks I'm not scheduled to be there.
(The DVD I'm referring to highlighted the event and the talks in Washington DC at the unveiling and official signing of "A Religious Proclamation for Animal Compassion". It can be ordered via the link in the last sentence of this article. I'm in the picture on that page. How sad that I have to look outside my own church for support for my cause.)
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