Obama's Unpolicies Fuel the Imagination of the Hopeless

This is a fantastic article from The Wall Street Journal. Obama's ambiguity has always been a source of concern for me. From someone who is familiar with the politics of crowds, this article is eye-opening.

Obama and the Politics of Crowds by Fouad Ajami

My favorite excerpt is a quote from a Nobel laureate, Elias Canetti: "But the crowd, as such, disintegrates. It has a presentiment of this and fears it. . . . Only the growth of the crowd prevents those who belong to it from creeping back under their private burdens."

*Thanks Ben! :)

To the Angry Woman Who Visited Our Sign Waving This Morning:

I had some things I would have liked to respectfully discuss with you about Proposition 8, but you couldn't even hear me over your heated rantings and pointed accusations. Thus, my first impression of you was a confirmation of my suspicion that the intolerance I have been repeatedly accused of is actually more pervasive among my opposition. Since you denied me my voice this morning, I will respond to you here.

The first item you took issue with was our sign that says, "Prop 8 = Religious Freedom." You were quite decisive (and loud) in your opinion that marriage has nothing to do with religion. To that I ask, "Who was the first ever recorded marriage?" Oh yes, it was Adam and Eve, married by God. Hmm...nope, definitely not religious. You're right.

The second item out of your mouth was an attempt to "lord" (pun intended) your supposed authority over us by stating your educational record - as if you being a philosophy major and religion minor gives you authority over everyone else in opposition to your views. What? I am ignorant and you are enlightened simply because my degree was in Marriage, Family, and Human Development and not philosophy or religion? I am not allowed to peacefully promote a cause because I don't agree with you? That sounds an awful lot like bigotry to me...yet I'm the one who has been labeled the bigot...over and over and over again.

The third item that offended you was our "supposed" hate speech. Here are the signs we were holding. You tell me if any of them says anything about hate:

Prop 8 = Religious Freedom
Honk if you like Prop 8
Prop 8 = Free Speech
Honk for Prop 8 ... one man and one woman
Prop 8 Protects the Innocence of Children
Prop 8 = Less Government
Prop 8 = Parental Rights
Yes on Prop 8 = one man and on woman

Well, I certainly see no hate in there. Neither are we condemning gay people. WE ARE SIMPLY FIGHTING FOR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE AS BEING BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOMAN. Sadly, in California, "hate speech" laws are becoming more and more subjective. If I say I do not agree with homosexuality, and you decide your feelings are hurt, I could be slapped with a fine for "hate speech." What happened to respectfully disagreeing, Ma'am?!

The last item that I am the one taking issue with, is your very fierce accusation that by having our children at our sign waving this morning, we were effecting child abuse. Yes, my jaw actually dropped when I heard that one. Child abuse? Could you please go and aim some of your "energy" in the direction of real child abusers - I'm sure DCFS could use a "strong" person like you on their team. Then again, they might actually fire you once their cases build up based on false accusations like yours today. I tried to tell you that we are not abusing our children by teaching them to responsibly and respectfully stand up for something they believe in, but you would not listen. Of course not. You talked right over me in your fit of anger and outrage.

You walked away from us this morning, yelling over your shoulder, "What are you so afraid of?!" To that I say, "People like you." I am afraid of people who will not tolerate an opinion other than their own - who steamroll over any opposition to their views. I am afraid of people who act and speak out of anger rather than conviction - whose arguments are presented with accusation and disdain rather than respect. I am afraid of people like the woman who said to me, on another corner at another time, "Who cares what your children are taught in school?" I care. Very much. When parental rights are denied with respect to education, a child's education suddenly becomes a matter of the state rather than the home. What else will that open the door for "the state" to lawfully teach my child in the name of a "well-rounded" education? I am afraid of people who think that I hate homosexuals just because I do not want them to have the word marriage. The implications of that concession are frightening and far-reaching indeed. I am afraid of a society in which whoever yells the loudest gets their way. Suddenly "We, the people of the United States," have become like a crowd of angry, intolerant teenagers, one that the government needs to make allowances for and appease in order to avoid scrutiny and mutiny. I wonder what happened to the democracy that allows for a difference in opinion? I want to know when our government began to rule based on what's fair instead of what is right? When did it become more important that you be elected for another term than that you accurately represent the people who voted you into office? I am afraid for my children and what they will be facing in school and community by the time they are teenagers. And it is that fear, coupled with my religious convictions, that keeps me actively (and peacefully) supporting Proposition 8 day in and day out. In a society plagued by a skewed sense of entitlement, perhaps it will be difficult for you to understand this more accurate representation, my indignant friend - I am entitled to my opinion; I am entitled to share it with others without being called names; and I am entitled to teach my children what is right as I am sure you do with yours. I maintain that I am neither a bigot nor intolerant. I do not hate. I fight fair for what I believe in and I would ask that you do the same.

The Very Definition of Dependable

Talk about multi-tasking, people.... Let's see, she's got gold fish crackers and a Prop 8 sign in one hand, kid in a front pack carrier on her chest, and bottle in her other hand. Meet my friend, Amanda. She's awesome! Amanda comes to sign wave almost every single morning and evening and is one of my stalwart regulars that I've come to depend on. She even came this morning, sporting a brand new...sore throat. :( Not only is she dedicated, but she also happens to be great company! Time flies when I get to chat about this or that with Amanda. Thanks for being so awesome, my friend!

Eggs and Flu

No, don't worry, we don't have the bird flu. Those two words belong to completely separate stories.

Eggs = We got hard-boiled eggs thrown at us while sign waving tonight. One actually hit a woman's car going in the opposite direction and she almost got in an accident. Argh.

Flu = It's our turn. The Chief and Bugga have the flu. Buddha and Bugga have a cold. And I've been spared both so far. Pray for us.

To Google Reader Users

So, I just want you to know that I often edit, delete, or add to my posts after I post them. If you view one of my posts while on your Google Reader page, you may not be getting the "final product." Just FYI. A perfect example is right below this post. Initially, I posted only the picture, but then I got to thinking about how some people might not know who Samuel the Lamanite is. So, I got up early this morning and added the Book of Mormon account. Only, it won't show up on Google Reader. 'Tis a flawed system. :)

This is Awesome

I know a little better now, how Samuel the Lamanite felt. Only I'm not a prophet and instead of arrows I've got profanities and obscene gestures being aimed at me. Doesn't matter - sticks and stones.... I'll obey no matter what.



For those of you who may not know who Samuel the Lamanite is or what is so fantastic about this version of this painting, here's the scoop. Samuel the Lamanite was a prophet of the Lord in the Americas. He preached repentance and prophesied of Christ's birth across the ocean. In Helaman chapter 16, verses 1-8, it reads:

1 And now, it came to pass that there were many who heard the words of Samuel, the Lamanite, which he spake upon the walls of the city. And as many as believed on his word went forth and sought for Nephi [another prophet]; and when they had come forth and found him they confessed unto him their sins and denied not, desiring that they might be baptized unto the Lord.

2 But as many as there were who did not believe in the words of Samuel were angry with him; and they cast stones at him upon the wall, and also many shot arrows at him as he stood upon the wall; but the Spirit of the Lord was with him, insomuch that they could not hit him with their stones neither with their arrows.

3 Now when they saw that they could not hit him, there were many more who did believe on his words, insomuch that they went away unto Nephi to be baptized.

4 For behold, Nephi was baptizing, and prophesying, and preaching, crying repentance unto the people showing signs and wonders, working miracles among the people, that they might know that the Christ must shortly come -

5 Telling them of things which must shortly come, that they might know and remember at the time of their coming that they had been made known unto them beforehand to the intent that they might believe; therefore as many as believed on the words of Samuel went forth unto him to be baptized, for they came repenting and confessing their sins.

6 But the more part of them did not believe in the words of Samuel; therefore when they saw that they could not hit him with their stones and their arrows, they cried unto their captains, saying: Take this fellow and bind him, for behold he hath a devil; and because of the power of the devil which is in him we cannot hit him with our stones and our arrows; therefore take him and bind him, and away with him.

7 And as they went forth to lay their hands on him, behold, he did cast himself down from the wall, and did flee out of their lands, yea, even unto his own country, and began to preach and to prophesy among his own people.

8 And behold, he was never heard of more among the Nephites; and thus were the affairs of the people.

Sleep Woes

You know, I'm not sure what it is exactly, maybe a combination of sickness and teething, but Bugga is having a HUGE problem sleeping at night. Every night I have to wake up five or six times to calm him down and rock him back to sleep. After the fifth or sixth time, I've usually had it and just bring him into the bed with us so that I can get at least 30 minutes of straight sleep. Last night was the worst, though, when Bugga wouldn't even go back to sleep in our bed and suddenly there was Buddha dragging into the room, half asleep, refusing to settle back into his own bed. Needless to say, we only made it through sacrament meeting (and that, because it was the Primary program) before we headed back home for some much-needed shut-eye. The Chief was a sweetheart and let me take a nap today while he played with Buddha. I can't wait for that last little bugger-of-a-molar to cut through Bugga's gums so that I can once again enjoy the bliss of a solid night of sleep. Until then, I'm a zombie mother, wife, friend, housekeeper, sign-waver, blogger, etc. I miss sleep.

Pixelated Picture Problem

I recently discovered that when I look at my blog on Internet Explorer, all the pictures I've posted are pixely. I am a Firefox user. So, I just added a poll to my sidebar. I'm wondering how the pictures look for everyone else and I'm thinking that if more people are experiencing this, I might just have to abandon large pictures altogether. :( Let me know about your viewing experience!

*My apologies to whomever already voted. I forgot to allow voters to select multiple answers so I had to delete and start from scratch (because apparently you cannot edit a poll that has already been voted on). Thanks!

Amendment 1:46pm:
I think I've figured it out. But I also know that it would be an immense amount of work to go back and change every post I've ever done with big pictures. So, know this - I've changed the pictures on the pumpkin patch post, but everything else is still the same...for now. Sorry Explorer users! I wish I would have known sooner. :)

Politicking Pt. 2

To the Undecided Voter by Neal Boortz

Stuff

More musings on my Prop 8 Blog. Check them out here.

I Love Him

Tonight I got to say our family prayer before bed. Just after I started, Buddha chimed in with, "I have something to say, Mommy." So, I let him prompt me and he said, "We thank thee for marriage between a man and a woman and for 'Yes on 8.'" I agree wholeheartedly. Then while I was finishing rocking Bugga, Buddha whispered over to me in the silence, "I love you, Mommy." I told him the same and he said, "I love you sooooo much...a lot." Melted my heart all the way down to a little puddle of love on the floor at my feet. I love that kid more than I can say. He is my buddy day in and day out. I am so grateful that his sweet spirit came to my home where I can do my best to guide him around the filth and evil surrounding our children these days. Thank you, God. Thank you for Buddha and Bugga and all the pure little souls we're fighting so hard to protect.

In My Dreams

At this moment in my life, I eat, sleep, drink, think, feel, and dream Prop 8. Every day starts out with Prop 8 and the sun goes down in the evening shining on Prop 8 signs. It is my life. Everything else has been put on hold until after November 4th. I think about activities I'd like to do, books I'd like to read, movies I'd like to watch, places I'd like to go and then gently remind myself that they'll have to be done/read/watched/visited after the elections. I know I sound like a crazy activist/extremist, but really I'm just very doggedly passionate about defending traditional marriage and safeguarding my children's future education, religious liberties, and freedom of speech. Check out my latest post here, to understand why I so adamantly oppose the legalization of same-sex marriage in California. It's pretty awful.

Prop 8 aside, we did manage to make it to Buddha's favorite pumpkin patch that he's been talking about since we went last year. We were barely able to squeeze in our trip at the close of our Saturday, crossing our fingers that, because of all the fun distractions available, the boys would not notice the hour. It worked. They had a great time. It was leaving that was the problem. Trying to take a tired toddler away from something he wants badly is like trying to pry an Octopus off its prey. Needless to say, we got an earful...all the way home. Oh well, at least I got some cute pictures before the waterworks started. Enjoy!

Buddha and Prop 8

Buddha never naps. Never. But, thanks to Prop 8 sign waving, he fell asleep on the rocking chair yesterday afternoon while I was typing e-mails to my fellow Prop 8 volunteers. I was so surprised that I just had to get some pictures. I guess waking the boys up at 6:30am every morning has its perks. However, I also know I'm going to pay for this after the elections are over and they are still waking up at 6:30 in the mornings. Oh well, it's worth it.

Columbus Day - Pt. 1

This Columbus Day, I had the best surprise ever. I was able to convince The Chief to stay home from work. I know, I'm the devil. He had slept in and I took full advantage of his relaxed state to present my argument for us taking a "family day." I think things really started to go my way when I brought Bugga in to fight my battle and he lovingly told The Chief, "Daddy home." So, being the awesomely spontaneous person that I am, I proposed a hike at Torrey Pines State Park. And so our adventures began. The hike was hot and dusty, but the views were breathtaking! We even got to see pods of Dolphin swimming parallel with the coastline, frolicking in the water so close to the beach that I'm sure the surfers could have touched them had the Dolphins been so inclined to play. The boys were both tired and cranky, but all in all, I think it was worth it. Besides, I got some great smiling pictures in between tantrums, so I can always fake that it was the best family vacation ever! After Torrey Pines, we drove along the coast and stopped at the French Pastry Cafe for lunch. It was terrible. Terrible service, terrible food, lots of moolah. Moral: fast food isn't always the worst option. Scroll down for a continuation of our "family day."

Contrary to popular belief...this was not a tantrum.

See all that sand Bugga just kicked up? That landed right in Buddha's face. And who had the tantrum? Bugga...because The Chief wouldn't let him throw anymore sand. Buddha, on the other hand, just sat there quietly as The Chief brushed dirt out of his nose, ears, eyelashes, hair, and mouth.

Torrey Pines Beach.

View toward La Jolla.

Daddy picked some sage and let Bugga smell it.

Then Bugga had Daddy smell the "ice age." Ha ha!

Tired, hot, dirty boy. Check out the dirt mark around Buddha's mouth,
courtesy of Bugga and his dirt slinging.

Columbus Day - Pt. 2

After Torrey Pines and lunch, we decided to appease Buddha's persistence with a trip to our favorite beach here in SD, Wind and Sea. Can I tell you how much I love that no matter what month of the year we're in, we can always go to the beach and let the boys play in the sand and run through the water. It was so much fun! These are all shot with our point-and-shoot, so they're not too fantastic. The Chief took a lot of them too (obviously), and I think it's apparent that I've been living with a great photography mentor for five and a half years. :) I love him for his patience with me and my insistence that we bring a camera with us EVERYWHERE.

Charge!

Here it comes! Here it comes!

Run!!

Rescuing Daddy's buried feet.

Love those buns! He had the world's saggiest saggy diaper. The Chief made me put it back on him after the picture because he was uncomfortable with the nudity - tsk, tsk. :) Actually, that's not true, though it sounds funny. Really he was afraid that Bugga would peep or poop in the sand - which scenario is not wholly unimaginable.

No fear, I tell you. No fear! He sat in that spot forever, just playing with the sand and letting the waves wash over him. He would grin at us every time a "big one" came up.

Bugga joined Buddha after a while, but wasn't too comfortable with the waves. I can't blame him. He was knocked down earlier by a rogue wave that was taken off guard by his aggressive forward assault.