Well once again Christmas has managed to pass in the twinkling of an eye. The weeks prior to this joyous holiday were spent, in my house at least, in either preparation for visiting relatives (an always anxiety-provoking activity for my mother and in turn the rest of the household) or in massive amounts of traffic. It seems that once again not only has Christmas left in a hurry but the true reason for the season failed to reach the hordes of angry shoppers pushing each other out of the way to snatch that last cashmere sweater.
No, I'm not referring to the geographically incorrect Coca-Cola commercials featuring animals from different poles sharing an ice-cold Coke. I'm not referencing the long neglected greeting card industry. Where in all this hustle and bustle was that ultimate symbol of love and compassion? Joy and peace seem nowhere to be found in mall parking lots and toy stores. Our society jaded by advertising cannot even begin to perceive that truly priceless gift of God made man in a lowly manger.
Now I'm just as guilty as the next person of forgetting the true meaning of Christmas. Honestly, my new iPod touch hasn't left arm's reach since I unwrapped its plastic caccoon, but nothing compares to that sacrifice made long ago. Nothing can come close to the destiny of that child born in the presence of animals. Maybe Christmas truly is about sacrifice: the sacrifice assigned to a mere child, the sacrifice of a family to give their children everything possible, the sacrifice of time, of things, and of ourselves. Modeling that infant we too can experience the true meaning of Christmas.
December 26, 2007
December 11, 2007
Statement of the Year
Once again we return to the hallowed halls of my school where the indoctrination of liberalism can be heard lilting gently from the classrooms inhabited by members of the social studies department. I'm sure that I have made my opinion of said department quite clear previously so it should come as no surprise to my faithful flock that the following reaction took place.
In an effort to bribe my fellow students to stay in their assigned seats, my government teacher promised that the class would watch a movie. (Of course, this bribe was well received by the class of 30!) So after a week of good behavior on our part, we were rewarded the following Monday with the showing of a film which had been advertised as a comedy: Man of the Year.
(Pause for effect.)
Now, I don't mean to be a "Debbie Downer," but since when is a jab at democracy considered good humor? Not only does this production take an "equal" stab at both parties, but it also heralds traditionally liberal platforms through the offensive use of cracks about a cabinet made entirely of lesbians ("They may not get much done, but it sure is interesting to imagine what they're doing behind closed doors!") and various other "hot" topics of our day.
Overall, I can't say that I've been too impressed by this sad attempt by a has-been comedian to make a political statement. I mean, am I the only one who sees the irony in Robin Williams playing a political comedian who refuses to run television ads during his campaign because "candidates are not products?" Isn't he making money off this statement?
Long story short, I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone who I did not wish dead. And if Santa decides to throw this in your stocking in place of coal, I'd suggest hiding when the fat man comes to call because you must've been pretty naughty to deserve that one.
Merry Christmas!
In an effort to bribe my fellow students to stay in their assigned seats, my government teacher promised that the class would watch a movie. (Of course, this bribe was well received by the class of 30!) So after a week of good behavior on our part, we were rewarded the following Monday with the showing of a film which had been advertised as a comedy: Man of the Year.
(Pause for effect.)
Now, I don't mean to be a "Debbie Downer," but since when is a jab at democracy considered good humor? Not only does this production take an "equal" stab at both parties, but it also heralds traditionally liberal platforms through the offensive use of cracks about a cabinet made entirely of lesbians ("They may not get much done, but it sure is interesting to imagine what they're doing behind closed doors!") and various other "hot" topics of our day.
Overall, I can't say that I've been too impressed by this sad attempt by a has-been comedian to make a political statement. I mean, am I the only one who sees the irony in Robin Williams playing a political comedian who refuses to run television ads during his campaign because "candidates are not products?" Isn't he making money off this statement?
Long story short, I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone who I did not wish dead. And if Santa decides to throw this in your stocking in place of coal, I'd suggest hiding when the fat man comes to call because you must've been pretty naughty to deserve that one.
Merry Christmas!
November 15, 2007
Just to clarify...
It has recently been brought to my attention that I might not have stated my position clearly in previous blogs.
Allow me to start by saying: I am conservative.
This statement does not make me "judgmental" or "closed-minded;" it is what it is.
How do I feel about certain issues? That we can explore more deeply.
As the daughter of an Anglican Catholic priest (yes, they can marry), I cannot in good conscience say that homosexual activity is an acceptable behavior. Does this mean that I judge people who take part in these actions? Absolutely not. It is not my place, nor the place of any other human being, to judge the actions of another. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." In fact, many of my close friends are homosexual. I do not love them any less than my heterosexual companions.
The reason I view this behavior as immoral lies in the fact that it presumes that sexual interaction outside of the context of marriage is alright. Last time I checked, under the teachings of Christianity, the primary purpose of sex was procreation. Now, under natural conditions, it would be impossible for a homosexual couple to procreate. Again, I am not judging, but rather, stating the logical conclusions which can be reached through this common knowledge.
Well, I hope this has cleared up the confusion which seems to be shared by some readers. I am more than happy to address any "flaws" you see in this reasoning, and will do so gladly. It's always a pleasure to further my ability to defend my position and to gain knowledge of my opponents' perspective.
Allow me to start by saying: I am conservative.
This statement does not make me "judgmental" or "closed-minded;" it is what it is.
How do I feel about certain issues? That we can explore more deeply.
As the daughter of an Anglican Catholic priest (yes, they can marry), I cannot in good conscience say that homosexual activity is an acceptable behavior. Does this mean that I judge people who take part in these actions? Absolutely not. It is not my place, nor the place of any other human being, to judge the actions of another. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." In fact, many of my close friends are homosexual. I do not love them any less than my heterosexual companions.
The reason I view this behavior as immoral lies in the fact that it presumes that sexual interaction outside of the context of marriage is alright. Last time I checked, under the teachings of Christianity, the primary purpose of sex was procreation. Now, under natural conditions, it would be impossible for a homosexual couple to procreate. Again, I am not judging, but rather, stating the logical conclusions which can be reached through this common knowledge.
Well, I hope this has cleared up the confusion which seems to be shared by some readers. I am more than happy to address any "flaws" you see in this reasoning, and will do so gladly. It's always a pleasure to further my ability to defend my position and to gain knowledge of my opponents' perspective.
October 26, 2007
Political Compass
Perfect example of our public school system working to brainwash our youth: Honors Government.
In a class where students are supposed to learn, oh I don't know, about the government, we are encouraged to explore our political views (as long as they coincide with Union goals). In the course of one week, my class took part in both a debate concerning the competency of our president and a beautifully slanted survey of political standpoints.
Ah, politicalcompass.org! How your equity eludes me so! I encourage all to visit this site to get the full experience to which I am referring. Forget about the extent to which all the questions were loaded for a moment because I'd really like to discuss the scoring methods used.
The results of your very own political compass are displayed on a graph divided into quadrants. The x-axis refers to one's economic position, while the y-axis charts social ideas. Economically, you are charted as either liberal or conservative. Socially (you ready for this), they categorize you as either libertarian or, my personal favorite, AUTHORITARIAN. Wow!
Anybody up for guessing where I landed on this scale? I'll give you a hint, I was a little lower socially than Hitler and in the same quadrant.
Much to my feigned surprise, I was completely opposite from all my classmates who found themselves amongst Gandhi. When I proceeded to turn this assignment in, I was told to retake the survey when I had more time, because it appeared that my placement was inaccurate. (I did write a bunch of essays discussing the inequality homosexuals and Muslims faced in order to score higher on some tests...) Oops...
So, whenever someone tells you that you're just a close-minded conservative, I hope you'll think it a compliment. Liberals are famous for double talk, you know.
In a class where students are supposed to learn, oh I don't know, about the government, we are encouraged to explore our political views (as long as they coincide with Union goals). In the course of one week, my class took part in both a debate concerning the competency of our president and a beautifully slanted survey of political standpoints.
Ah, politicalcompass.org! How your equity eludes me so! I encourage all to visit this site to get the full experience to which I am referring. Forget about the extent to which all the questions were loaded for a moment because I'd really like to discuss the scoring methods used.
The results of your very own political compass are displayed on a graph divided into quadrants. The x-axis refers to one's economic position, while the y-axis charts social ideas. Economically, you are charted as either liberal or conservative. Socially (you ready for this), they categorize you as either libertarian or, my personal favorite, AUTHORITARIAN. Wow!
Anybody up for guessing where I landed on this scale? I'll give you a hint, I was a little lower socially than Hitler and in the same quadrant.
Much to my feigned surprise, I was completely opposite from all my classmates who found themselves amongst Gandhi. When I proceeded to turn this assignment in, I was told to retake the survey when I had more time, because it appeared that my placement was inaccurate. (I did write a bunch of essays discussing the inequality homosexuals and Muslims faced in order to score higher on some tests...) Oops...
So, whenever someone tells you that you're just a close-minded conservative, I hope you'll think it a compliment. Liberals are famous for double talk, you know.
A little introduction...
I am your average high school senior in almost every regard. With four Advanced Placement classes, one Honors course, and my job as the sole copy-editor of my school yearbook, I manage to maintain my all A average. Still, I value one achievement above all else. My name is Melanie Wallace, and I have managed to remain a proud conservative in the public school system.
I have been put down, drowned out, and even persecuted for my political views. Friends have called me stupid, ignorant, and close-minded. Their efforts to hurt my beliefs only further strengthen them.
My fellow conservatives, it is time to rise up. We are the future of this great country, and, in turn, we hold the fate of the entire world in our very hands. All eyes rest on America, and we cannot afford to betray their respect. Now more than ever, the country finds itself divided. Ladies and gentlemen, we are looking at the potential for a huge change in the way America is governed.
As much as I hate to admit this, Hillary Rodham Clinton could very well be our next president. I mean, take a look at the Republican ticket going into the primaries. There are no new ideas. There is no promise for a better tomorrow. Not one of the Republican candidates actually stands for something important.
Our nation is misinformed and misled on a daily basis by so-called unbiased news reports. My graduating class is full of brainwashed teens dying to vote for the rights of women, homosexuals, and the poor. They use pathos based arguments where logic is required. They know no facts or statistics. This is the future of America, if there even is such a thing.
I have been put down, drowned out, and even persecuted for my political views. Friends have called me stupid, ignorant, and close-minded. Their efforts to hurt my beliefs only further strengthen them.
My fellow conservatives, it is time to rise up. We are the future of this great country, and, in turn, we hold the fate of the entire world in our very hands. All eyes rest on America, and we cannot afford to betray their respect. Now more than ever, the country finds itself divided. Ladies and gentlemen, we are looking at the potential for a huge change in the way America is governed.
As much as I hate to admit this, Hillary Rodham Clinton could very well be our next president. I mean, take a look at the Republican ticket going into the primaries. There are no new ideas. There is no promise for a better tomorrow. Not one of the Republican candidates actually stands for something important.
Our nation is misinformed and misled on a daily basis by so-called unbiased news reports. My graduating class is full of brainwashed teens dying to vote for the rights of women, homosexuals, and the poor. They use pathos based arguments where logic is required. They know no facts or statistics. This is the future of America, if there even is such a thing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)