Ben & Shae Cecka's family in Gilbert, AZ

[RANT] I think that the current debate revolving “Holiday” and “Christmas” is such a waste of time and complete nonsense. Can we say diversion? Yes. I just did. I don’t care what you call your holiday but I respect it just the same. Are we such an intollerant society now? Isn’t the foundation of our society a melting pot of culture and influence?

The separation of Church and State is important to regard but many of us forget why. It isn’t to protect the governing powers… so we’re left with one other entity. That’s right. It’s meant to protect the Church. However, this doesn’t mean that religion can’t play a part in trying to influence politics. An example of this is the abortion issue and the Catholic Church. Do they condone it? No. Some churches went as far as to send their parishioners out if they voted for a politician that was Pro-Choice. This is a clear step by the Church into the realm of politics. While this example is somewhat abusive in nature, it shows that the Church is very well endowed to enter this realm and throw their power around. Yet, the point of the separation of Church and State is that our governing powers have no right to tell their subjects to recognize a religion. So, changing gears, this clearly answers the question of religious symbols on public property. It’s OK! Get over it. What should we call the tree in front of the White House? “The Tree”? or “The Christmas Tree”? I say – Leave it up to the man living in White House. The point of the matter is that Uncle Sam has no right to tell YOU what to call a tree that you put in your house, or even if you put one there or not. End of discussion. [/RANT]

[PS. RANT] Oh. And Bill O’Reilly really is a blubbering idiot on this one. Can we say hypocrite. Yes. I just did.[/PS. RANT]

Sorry all but I’ve just been letting that little rant build up all week. The following poem was not written by me but I think it’s good (and fun) example of what happens when powerful agencies (read: ACLU) get their grips on things that really hold no relevance in their goals. Don’t get me wrong… I appreciate a lot of work that the ACLU does, but a lot of their work gets overshadowed by them stepping up to plate on ridiculous cases and getting egg on everyone’s face. Oh man… another rant may ensue…

On a final note, this was purely written in the moment and I don’t care to go through it with a fine tooth comb. But, as always, I’m open to any and all challenging views. I love being convinced that I’m wrong. Just make sure to give me criteria, maybe a value, three or four unique adantages, and social impacts for each. Yup. That should do it.

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A few weeks ago a group of us went to see Sage Francis and company at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland. The tour was promoting a website at knowmore.org. This site is essentially a corporation watchdog in the format of a “wiki”. Meaning: a site that is editable by anyone that comes by; Meaning: everyone can put in their two cents about any company they want to; Meaning: A collaborative effort of the informed masses to pay attention to which businesses we decide to open our wallets to.

Every time we open our wallets, we are voting and essentially investing and agreeing into that company’s policies, political views, ethics, and other worldwide impacts. I think it’s very important that we all take a look at exactly what these businesses are doing around the globe. Then, and only then, can we decide who we should support. Consumers have the power. Without us, they don’t exist.

I’d just like to point something out real quick that has truly irritated me with the recent news coverage of Katrina and it’s subsequent change for Rita (for reasons which I clearly understand).

American citizens leaving their homes on a long-term basis because they were victims of a catastrophic hurricane does NOT make them refugees!!!

One who flees in search of refuge, as in times of war, political oppression, or religious persecution.

They are victims… plain and simple… and my heart goes out to each and every one of them.

Don’t believe me? Try searching “refugees” on any major news publishing website. See what comes up in the top ten.

I don’t know how to watch that junk and take it seriously. The audience stops and claps after every other sentence of a speech full of holes and vague references that he didn’t even write. Jim Lehrer noted that it was one of the most climaticically emotional speeches that he’s seen in his time. Mark Shields said something of a comparison between Bush’s speech (I use the term loosely here) and Reagan’s post-assasination State of the Union address in 1982.

I find myself in disagreement with both of those guys. Maybe my sensibility of a good speech isn’t quite up to par (at least I’m in a speech class now right?), but George Bush has yet to strike a nerve or chord with me to date.