Category: Social Issues

Testing My Christianity: Homelessness and My Own Dad

My dad died a few years ago. He had been chronically homeless for most of the last three decades. ... He looked pretty good - clean and imminently lovable. ... Yet he still went back to drinking and the streets almost immediately when he got the chance. What do you do with that? What can anyone do with that? My faith, my prayer life, my convictions - all of it has been tested - as I watched my dad’s destructive lifestyle choices drag on. Only God’s grace, love and forgiveness could give me what I needed to not only endure, but ...

‘Good Boys’ Movie: Who Signed Off On This Cruel Extinction of Childhood?

Why are these kids being exploited like this? They are clearly out of their element and rightly so - sex toys, drugs, and foul language are used as a hammer to pound the audience. In fact, the desensitization of our youth has reached new heights. How was this allowed to happen? Writers, casters, directors, marketers, producers, parents … was there anyone who gave thought to those boys as people; as young impressionable children in need of guidance? Were they sold out for the almighty dollar? ... Defenders of the movie point out that the trailer shows the innocence and naivety of the boys having no idea what the sex toys are, who the porn stars are married to, and what the drug life is really about. Yet, for us to watch as these young actors are mentally and emotionally raped by the infringement of adult issues - crass, gutter, immoral, excessive adult issues - is a monumental travesty. ... We must not sit idly by and watch this mass extinction of childhood.

In the Aftermath of Tragedy, Prayer Remains First and Most Powerful Response

Reactions to violent mass shootings, most recently in Texas and Ohio, begin with shock and horror, but inevitably find their way over to anger. ... Yet, despite all the feelings we wrestle with, a longing to call out to God often finds its way in; whether shouted in anger and desperation or pushed out between tears and guttural cries. We are made to connect with He who created us. We are hardwired to call out in the worst of times. Even many who profess themselves agnostic - or even atheist - have found themselves calling out to the Being which they spent years or decades denying even existed.

Just Because the Climate Changes Doesn’t Automatically Mean It’s a Problem, Does It?

I’m not sure why climate change is such the extreme, emotion-laden topic that it is, except that there must be gobs of money available, hidden, squandered, and tied up in and around it. Isn’t that always the case? ... We have shown ourselves to have the desire and means to change the trajectory of impact our existence has on our planet. ... It seems to me that a simple, powerful, and well put together public education campaign and the consistent enforcement of many of the rules and regulations already in place would do the job. ...

Hey Congresswomen, Just Because I Don’t Agree Doesn’t Mean I’m Racist … Tweet That!

This twisted definition of racism is turned into another travesty when true racism is watered down by it. Many whining, self-promoting, thin-skinned, sore losers who are unable to use intellect and facts to win in the arena of thoughts and ideas rely on the R-word to give them cover. ... So, Congresswomen - and those spewing this foolishness alongside you - stop insulting me and other thinking individuals with your feigned outrage and moral insult. You are Congresswomen in the den of politics. You can't be both weak and strong; claiming that you're so tough and not afraid of the big bad president while crying the big croc tears and appropriating racism when he tells you off!

Dem Debates: Kissing the Spanish Buttocks and Insulting Hispanic Intelligence In the Process

Let me get this right. In order to include the millions of immigrants in the United States, the presidential candidates must speak Spanish? What about all the immigrants that are not from Spanish speaking countries - don’t they matter? And what about all the illegal immigrants that are unwilling to learn English, unwilling to commit to the American way of life, unwilling to embrace our culture alongside theirs? ... Yet, here we are pandering to the Hispanic population; determined to learn Spanish while they are equally as determined not to learn English. This is craziness.

True Americans Proudly Celebrate the 4th: Are You a True American?

Regardless of the nation’s history, the fact is we are a freestanding and free governing nation, not run by or directed by a parent nation. That is worth recognizing and celebrating! ... Let’s put it this way: just because your child got an ‘F’ in science in 5th grade doesn’t mean you can no longer celebrate his ‘As and Bs in 10th grade does it? Every victory and success has merit and should not and must not be overshadowed, minimized, or erased by prior failures. ... So, why are people doing that with America?

Has College Turned Into Expensive, Glorified High School?

Is it possible that students would be more engaged if they were allowed to begin college with courses in their major area of study instead of recycled high school basics? Since they are paying for the courses, why not get right to it and learn what they want to learn? -instead of paying for things they don’t want or need - ... Let them learn. Let them choose. They are young adults and they are paying, ...

Why Bother With a Census If You’re Not Going to Gather Data on People?

A census is defined as an official count or survey of a population, typically recording various details of individuals. Name? Age? Address? Race? Social Security Number? … U.S. Citizen? What’s the big deal? Asking questions about the many facets of individuals is the entire purpose of the census. To cry foul when a census asks questions is like demanding a lifeguard not touch you when saving your life. Lunacy! It seems that the citizenship question only becomes a big deal if you are an illegal alien.