No secret as to my opinion on religion. But I do still read up on what people believe to gain an understanding of them.
Bush's "Holy war" being one of the things I don't understand.
I'm not one to propogate religious essays, but I came across something that was VERY intriguing and well written.
Warning: It's a long read.
Clicky
OK, so one of my current goals was to learn another language. I figured I can do that via podcast while driving, and decided on Spanish. First of all I live in Texas; and secondly, ChaCha speaks it already.
I found some free ones, and Coffee Break Spanish came recommended. After listening to the first podcast, my brain tried to flip over itself and exit through my ears. Don't get me wrong. It's a good lesson, fun to listen to.
BUT...
I think it'll be interesting as a Texan speaking Spanish taught by Scotts. You heard me. The two on the podcast speak in a VERY strong Scottish accent. It seems to be a really good training lesson, but we'll see how long it takes for me to speak Spanish without getting laughed at, if at all.
This should prove interesting...
BTW, you can see for yourself by downloading the lessons here.
Hmmph
I'm trying to get stuff accomplished today, but I can't.
My main isn't allowed to level up any more, since I promised ChaCha I'd never have him higher than her.
My Pally's waiting for ChaCha to get a little closer as well.
I can't seem to get into my mage, since he's my lowest alt, and it'll be a while before I can stand to look at any level 20ish zones again.
Then there's my Druid and Rogue. Both are at that place where all the quests are orange/red, and still a couple of levels from the next landmark levels. So they're dying a lot.
I think I'm gonna step away today and take a walk.
But ChaCha is an amazing woman.
Brilliant, Tears-rolling-down-my-face-funny, and gorgeous.
I'm lucky to have you in my life, hun.
(P.S. She also writes better than I. DANG HER TO HECK!!!!!!)
/Shakes fist in anger
I'm proud to be an American. At least, proud to be what America has and can stand for. But when I say America, I mean the philosophical ideals, the ethereal connotation of it.
America to me means freedom, liberty, equality; none of which seems to exist in America as it is today, in its practicing societal form.
What if...
America has become the "great evil empire" of the new millennia? I was remembering Russia being labeled this by Reagan in the 80s. Now that I look at it, there are many parallels to 80s Russia and the current US government, which back then were deemed "heinous acts."
The one that really got to me was thinking about the strike Russia took against the Mujaheddin insurgency in Afghanistan in 1979. The main difference being that they were there to support the existing government instead of overthrowing it, as we have in Iraq. But both wars were (are) very unpopular and utter failures.
How far away are we from an all-powerful government? Closer than you might think. The current administration, using "executive privilege" are creating a branch of government shrouded in secrecy, and is bordering authoritarianism. The Bush administration are not typical conservatives. True conservatives typically prefer small government power, more as a administrative role to the constituents than active decisions. Bushies are, as Dean puts it, "radical authoritarians." They make decisions without informing the people (or even the other branches of government, in fact) of the what, why, or even how. When our own legislative branch can't ask questions of the executive branch under oath, ESPECIALLY Karl Rove, the checks and balances have failed. What does the Executive branch have to hide? There are no National security issues here. It seems to me that they are just flexing their political muscle, pushing the envelope of their power. To put things into perspective: Nixon waived privilege during the Watergate hearings, as did Reagan during the Iran-Contra hearings.
Our liberty is disappearing, along with our power as a people. If you have any doubts, I recommend you read Lord Johan Steyn's Guardian article here.
Back to my original question. "What if..." Do you think the Russian people during the Cold War were any bit the wiser as to the actions of the government? So far we still have free press, but no telling how long that will last. Besides, the current administration has a well-known history now of giving out false information and propaganda.
I hate to admit it, but perhaps we're more in the dark than we believe.
I am...
A devoted father
A caring, loving husb...er, not-boyfriend
A successful business owner
Healthy, fit and active
A teacher
Generous
Also I am...
Multilingual
Fiancially secure
A leader
Respected
A homeowner
A philanthropist
Funny and well-liked
A college graduate
A non-smoker
Debt-free
Furthermore, I am...
Happy, joyous and passionate
Decisive
Secure
Humble
A mentor, coach and guide
Well-read
Informed
Destined for greatness
There, I said it. I'm committed to who I am, and who I will be. Now I can work on making everything above happen.
I just HAD to post this.
FELINE! DISRESPECT! FROM! BEHIND!
(Seriously, though. No nudity. I swear. Only NSFW by the brand name. Truuuuuust meeeee.)
