Blessed are ye: a svithe

While I expressed some concern after the election, I have to say that I am not bitter that Obama is now our President. I have actually felt pretty peaceful that we are where we need to be. What does that mean exactly? I'm not sure. I know it doesn't mean life will be all roses and no thorns. I have a feeling that both good and bad things will come. All I know is that what comes will come (good or bad), and we should worry most about the things directly in our control. What is in our control? Our hearts. Our words. Our actions.

This svithe is actually inspired by my cousin's 8 year old daughter. My cousin posted that the other night in prayers her daughter said,

"We are thankful for President Monson (the leader of our church) and for President Obama. Please bless him, and bless us that we will like him soon..."

From the mouth of babes! I think she hit the nail on the head. President Obama is the President of the United States and he needs our prayers.

Luke chapter 6 also holds some very pertinent lessons for those of us who weren't quite elated at the election outcome.

vs. 27 "Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you."
vs. 28 "Pray for them which despitefully use you."
vs. 30 "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."
vs. 36 "Be ye merciful"

Another verse I thought was relevant to the outburst and protestation of Prop 8 and The Church.

vs. 22 "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall separate you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake."

My cousin pointed me to an amazing talk given by Neal A. Maxwell way back in '78. I swear it could have been written yesterday!

"Make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters, in the months and years ahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not he will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions."

"In short, brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ!"

"This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions. Resistance to abortion will be seen as primitive. Concern over the institution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened. "

"If people, however, are not permitted to advocate, to assert, and to bring to bear, in every legitimate way, the opinions and views they hold which grow out of their religious convictions, what manner of men and women would we be?"

"If the challenge of the secular church becomes very real, let us, as in all other relationships, be principled but pleasant. Let us be perceptive without being pompous. Let us have integrity and not write checks with our tongues which our conduct cannot cash."

Amen.

Wording my thoughts

For journaling's sake I figure I ought to record my thoughts on the history that's in the making.

On the first black president:
This is a great milestone. It's pretty awesome. I honestly thought (and would have preferred) it to be Colin Powell, though. However, I have been a little frustrated with the media, in regards to race this election. They kept asking people if they knew people not voting for him because he's black. They never once asked voters if they knew people voting for him just because he's black. I mean, I don't know how much it really affected the outcome, I just found it a little frustrating.

I think it would have been more interesting for me to see Colin Powell run as the Republican nominee and Hilary Clinton to run as the Democrat nominee. I think then we'd really see how much race matters since the African American population is predominantly democrat.

I hope that it all works out. I'm not concerned about his blackness one bit. I am more concerned about his socialistic tendencies. I am a pretty staunch capitalist. I know there are a lot of people in America that think that capitalism isn't working and that it keeps rich people rich and poor people poor. I am constantly amazed at how different I view life and the American way than a lot of people. One particular thing that made me shudder when I read it was (from one of Matt's friends), "I think there is nationwide agreement that our federal government should provide some benefits, some programs for us — programs that you could call "Socialistic." And that we should impose taxes on ourselves to provide these benefits or programs or whatever." The last line really got to me. Plus, all the shoulds and oughts of government...too much burocracy and too many loopholes exist that government slows down a lot of progress if they're involved. The uber rich and educated know the loopholes and it's the regular person that gets screwed.

Also, I hate the "How many plumbers do you know that make $250K?" line. It doesn't matter what they do. If they worked hard for their money, they shouldn't have to give 50% of it to the government to then redistribute in health care or whatever else.

On the government's role in my life:
I believe the government should protect and defend our lives, liberties, pursuits, not provide them. They should balance the budget and set a good example for not living beyond your means. I am really scared that the rising generation feels very entitled to the amenities of life and have no idea about their responsibility in obtaining those amenities. That's partially due to parents just giving their children everything without ever requiring them to work. It's also partially due to the government telling people that they deserve a house even when they can't afford to pay the mortgage.

On the Triple D Threat:
I wouldn't be quite so worried about Obama's governmental views if he didn't have a Democrat House and Senate in his pocket. There's a whole lot more chance for changes with this set up. Some say it's about time. I say, I hope it turns out ok.

On guns:
Last night on the news we heard that guns sales surged yesterday. At first I wasn't sure why. Then I thought about it...oh yeah, Dem.s are usually opposed to the second amendment and the peoples' right to bear arms. Matt said he'd actually been thinking about getting some guns before anything too drastic occurs.

On propositions:
So, we didn't have any propositions to vote on here. It's pretty amazing that the props in AZ, FL, and CA all passed to ban gay marriages. Conservatives sighing in relief. Gay activists protesting at the LA temple. Ok people. Lets be honest here. Mormons aren't the only people who voted for prop. 8. I highly doubt that we make up 52% of CA's voting population.

I'm pretty disappointed that prop. 4 in CA failed. I didn't really hear much about it leading up to the election (probably because prop. 8 dominated), but it's really crazy to me. Basically, prop. 4 would require minors to tell their parents 48 hours in advance that they'd be getting an abortion. It wasn't even getting permission. It was just informing them. I can't believe that kids need parent permission to take a sex ed. class in CA, but they can abort an unborn child without their parents even knowing. Sick and wrong.

On parties
I wish there was an overhaul in political parties. Why is it that Republicans are always put down about education? I value education a lot. Most of the Republicans I know do too.

I think that John Stossel was right that some people really shouldn't vote. Uninformed voters really should not vote. We could take a little test before voting. Who is the current president and vice president? Who currently has majority in the senate? In the house? How many states are in the US? Nothing difficult. Just basic stuff. If they don't pass the test, their votes shouldn't count...

On the electoral college
Now, I know there are reasons for it, but I've yet to be convinced that we need an electoral college any more. I think it should be straight popular vote. Everyone should be required to go electronic for sake of ease and accuracy of calculations.

The final debate

Well, this was an interesting one. I almost didn't watch it because I am sick of hearing the same things over and over without ever hearing anything of substance. I felt it was the most "real" of the 4 debates, and I have to say, I think Obama came out on top on this one. McCain seemed to be grasping at straws with the whole Ayers and Acorn links. I'm not sure why, but McCain seemed very...petty tonight. Obama seemed very even keeled and unruffled. He's a pretty smooth talker and I think much of the country is looking for that after Bush.

Obama's health care plan scares me. In theory it seems nice and fluffy. In practice it seems like much could go awry. I do think that many Americans would prefer it because it means less work and responsibility for individuals. I'd rather manage my own money, thank you.

I also have to say that when Palin joined McCain I was intrigued. She seemed like she could bring something new. But I have to say that I am less than impressed at this point. It's unfortunate. With the stock market crashing I think that McCain would have been better situated if he were matched with Romney. But he's not. It's unfortunate.

At this point I can't imagine anyone but Obama winning. It's [possibly] unfortunate. I'm mostly afraid that he is going to renig on his recent moderate leanings and be one of the furthest left Presidents we've had.

Okay. And since we're talking about politics, I have to say that I think this W. movie is so in poor taste. He is our President. Even if you don't agree with his politics, give him a little respect.

Let's grow up kiddies

You know, I was a little disappointed today as I listened to Palin throw Obama in with the 60's radical bombers. Sarah, I thought you were above such mud flinging.

I really dislike the attack advertising tactics. Both sides are getting down and dirty, and I hate it. This is one of the ugliest campaigns I've ever witnessed (I know, I haven't witnessed all that many in my short life). Win because you're qualified. Don't try and win by grounding your oponent's reputation into the ground with a stilleto heal.

Ludicrous, preposterous, absurd

This bail out bill passing is just plain ridiculous. The original 3 page proposal turned into a 451 page manuscript. They basically just bought the votes by tacking on horribly bizarre and outlandish "extras" for pet projects.

"SEC. 503. EXEMPTION FROM EXCISE TAX FOR CERTAIN WOODEN ARROWS DESIGNED FOR USE BY CHILDREN."

Seriously.

It might be worth your time to look at the incumbents in your states up for reelection and how they voted.