Today's warm and fuzzy thought.

A silly poem I learned over 10 years ago that I still have memorized.

I come before you,
to sit behind you,
To tell you a story,
I know nothing about.
Admission is free,
pay at the door,
Pull up a seat,
and sit on the floor.

One bright morning,
in the middle of the night,
Two dead boys,
got up to fight.
Back to back,
they faced each other,
Drew out their swords,
and shot the other.

A deaf policeman heard the noise,
and came to arrest the two dead boys.

If you don't believe my story is true,
ask the blind man he saw it all too.

Today's warm and fuzzy thought.

Scientists are now beginning to examine the impact of the massive earthquake over the weekend. See this article for an interesting report on the possible changes to the Earth that my have resulted from the quake.

Personal Mission Statement

I have never been really big on New Year's resolutions. Then a few years ago, I attended a 3 day 7 Habits of Highly Effective People seminar and I was introduced to the interesting concept of personal mission statements. The idea of having a set of mission statements to guide my life seemed to make sense. I was quite excited to write my own mission statement but every time I tried, I couldn't really focus myself to write them. Then about a month ago, I was journaling when they just suddenly came to me. I realize that the mission statements that I post here are only first drafts but I thought I would share them.

It is my goal to be the best partner to Valium that I can be by, being honest, true, trusting, loving and supportive. To show him each and every day how much I love him and how much he means to me.

It is my goal to continue to pursue my art by, being true to my desires and by not putting other work before my art. To recognize that I am a talented artist who has a gift to share.

It is my goal to work to be in better physical shape by, eating healthy, increasing my physical exercise and stretching. To recognize that the basis of all other health lies in my physical health.

It is my goal to be more financially aware by, working hard and using my money wisely. To believe that I can be responsible with my money and that I deserve to not be poor all the time.

It is my goal to grow and nurture existing friendships while beginning new ones by, being honest and supportive to my friends in their endeavors. To recognize the beauty in them and their work.

It is my goal to expand my academic skills by, giving my best in the classroom and being the best student I can be. To learn as much as I can from each class and to keep the things I learn with me.

It is my goal to become a better person through, thinking about my actions, responsibility, love, meditation, spirituality, family and friends. To become the best person I can be.

It is my goal to be a better part of my extended family by, staying in better contact, communicating better and visiting more often. To remember all birthdays and anniversaries.

These are the values and goals I hope to uphold not just in the New Year, but throughout my life. I am sure the list will change and grow over time but that is what I have for now.

Peace and Love

Today's warm and fuzzy thought.

Howard Stern has announced that he will be leaving public broadcasting, and entering the world of satellite radio. Stern has faced millions of dollars in fines in the past few years for his radio program and in the world of satellite radio, he can say whatever he wants.

I remember the first time that I heard Stern on the radio, I was driving through the Chicago area and all I could think was: "Why does Alan Alda have a radio show?" It wasn't until after a bit about making Sonny Bono's coffin out of the tree that he hit, I realized that it probably wasn't Alan Alda. From there I listened a few more times when I was in New York and I was never as offended as I thought his reputation deserved.

Then, Stern came to Denver and I began listening on a fairly regular basis on my way to work in the morning. Again, I didn't hear anything that was totally offensive. Now that is not to say that I think that his brand of humor is great. I have never been a huge fan of over the top abrasive-simply for the sake of being abrasive-humor still, I enjoyed his show. Then after a comment that he made in regards to the Columbine High School shootings, Stern was taken off the air in Denver and I can't say that I missed him all that much.

I hope that he makes a success of his 5 years on satellite radio and doesn't prove his critics right by going totally off the deep end. I think that he has an opportunity here to really express himself and actually do some good for Sirius. I wish him the best of luck and maybe I'll even catch his show.

Today's warm and fuzzy thought.

California court told gays should not be able to marry because we: "can't perform the basic functions of marriage, therefore it's not discrimination."

It is my long held contention that the religious right has no real interest in protecting marriage. Their claim that gays should not be allowed to marry because we do not have the ability to procreate, is just silly. I would like to make the following suggestions for changes in our public policy to really protect marriage:

(If you want a detailed piece on this subject see my In Defense of Marriage Post, but for the purposes of this short response)

1. Since the main purpose of marriage is for procreation, make it law. No couple who is not capable or willing to have children is allowed to be issued a marriage licence. (Regardless of gender) And, if a married couple fails to produce a child within the first year of thier marriage, thier liscence is revoked.

2. Eliminate all financial ties to marriage that do not rely solely on the procreation of children.

3. Make divorce illegal.

4. Make it illegal to have a child out of wedlock, and do not allow any tax or financial reward for having children out of wedlock.

5. If, sex is only for procreation and, only married persons may procreate (since no other option is acceptable for the children), require a propogation permit to be filed and carried in order for two married persons to have sex. In fact, just to make sure that there is no enjoyment from the sexual encounter that is for procreation only, all sexual activity must take place in the presence of a member of the court.

My point really is this, I refuse to believe the religious right is truly intrested in protecting the family. They don't want gays to marry for many reasons, I just wish they would admit it. I think it is fearmongering to continue to assert that the fight against same-sex marriage is a fight for the family. Until they start fighting for the legislation that hinders the rights of mixed-sex couples, it is purely a fight against gays and not for family.

Today's Warm and Fuzzy Thought

President Bush granted Presidential Pardons today, a power that all but 2 presidents in our history have used, to four people today. It is not that he granted the pardons that confuses me, it is the fact that all four were originally given light sentences and in fact, were all on parole. There was something else that connected all four pardonees. They were all convicted of some sort of bank crime. I am not 100% sure what to make of it but it does seem odd to me.

Who knows.

Where's the pillow case?

A number of years ago, my mother purchased a wonderful croched lace bedroom set from Fingerhut. I remember even as a child loving the cream colored heavy lace duvet and pillow cases. Through a series of odd events, I have ended up with two of the pillow cases while the rest of the set is at my Grandmother's house. Whenever I see these pillow cases, I think of my mother and I smile.

A few weeks ago, Valium and I were watching an episode of Buffy the Vampire slayer. There was a scene that took place in her bedroom and I could not help but notice, she had the same pillow cases on her bed. I am sure that the set designer did not get them from Fingerhut, and that they stopped selling this particular set a long time ago, but I still couldn't help but find it amusing that I own a set of pillow cases just like Buffy.

Then a couple of nights ago, I was watching an episode of Fraiser where he goes to Bora Bora on a romantic getaway and on the bed of his paradise bungalow were my mom's pillow cases again, making a the second time that I have noticed them on a television show. So now, I am going to try and spot the pillow cases as often as I can and see how many shows they make their appearance on.

I'll be sure to keep you all posted.

Today's warm and fuzzy.

I used to think that Sweet Jesus I Hate Bill O'Reilly was my favorite website to visit and get a laugh out of life. Then I discovered that truth can be so much more entertaining (and frightening) when I found Ann Coulter. I believe that she embodies everything that I love and hate about the current neo-conservative movement in our country. I don't think I really have the time or energy to describe her in full to you but I will offer this taste:

"We hear a lot about the 2 million people in America's jails and how many of them are black, but we rarely talk about the 35 to 40 million abortions since Roe v. Wade and how many of those babies were black. When your position on black abortion is identical to the Klan's, maybe it's time to reconsider. "

I really don't want to stoop to her level but, I seriously think she has deep emotional issues. But, don't take my word for it, visit her site yourself and let me know what you think.

Today's warm and fuzzy thought.

Alabama (no big surprise) voters uphold Jim Crow laws on books.

This article is precicely why we should not leave matters of civil rights up to the general voting public. In our first past the post electoral system, as long as those who would oppress outnumber those of the oppresed by one, we will continue to loose. Matters of civil rights and justice should not be left to the general voting public to decide.

Today's warm and fuzzy thought.

Another Alabama Loon

So, we can have a Christian government but Iraq can't have a Muslum government? Yeah, I don't get it.

Today's warm and fuzzy thought.

Clear Channel stations to carry news as broadcasted by Fox News Network.

Oh, thank G-d. Clear Channel was so close to actually letting anyone who is truly fair and balanced from being on the air. Phew, a progressive takeover thwarted.

Where have I been?

For the past few weeks I have been working almost non stop between my two jobs (well really three if you count the SFC). As of today, I am down to one job and I actually have the next two whole days off. I have been journaling whenever possible in my regular journal but have sadly neglected my blog. That is not to say that I haven’t been thinking about things to write, I just have not had the chance to actually write them.

Of the observations that I have made in the last couple of weeks these seem to be the most significant to me (in no particular order):

- I am not someone who can really work two jobs and still keep my sanity and relationship intact.

- In spite of the previous statement, I think somehow I will be able to pull of school and work.

- A movie theatre is one of the only places where people are willing to sit and eat in what sometimes amounts to a giant garbage can. In the projection job that I just left, I had to clean theatres and it suddenly hit me that these people were sitting and eating in their own garbage. Would those who simply leave popcorn, soda and other things on the floor of a theatre go back to a restaurant where instead of taking the plates back to the kitchen and properly disposing of the food, the waiters just dumped the food on the floor and sat the next customers?

- I want to be an artist, a true artist.

- Even really shitty art looks better in a frame.

- I want to start a new company and work for myself.

- TV can really be destructive to my time and creativity.

- I want to write a novel.

- The public transport system in Denver sucks, and if I have to read one more fucking sign that RTD one best Transport System like 200 years ago, I am going to scream. I once rode a bus from 54th and 5th in NYC to the Cloisters at like 190th, and still had a better experience than riding the bus in Denver.

- Valium and I want to spend a month in the next 2 years bumming around Europe.

- A mediocre film can be made better with the addition of really hot naked people (see the Blade (please G-D let this be the last one they make) Trinity posting on the film commune blog).

I am sure there are more observations that I could share but I just can’t think of them right now.

Lots of love,

Shaych

When that moment arrives.

I have never really been a person who has been that concerned with my age. I am not afraid to admit that I am 28 and I hope that I never come to the point where I feel that it is necessary to lie about my age. I think that age is truly relative and a person is only as old as they feel.

However, having said all of that, recently I have begun to become even more aware of my age. For example, just a few brief moments ago, I was watching some guilty pleasure T.V. (I plead the 5th on the actual program) and a commercial came on for a two disc music collection. I was singing along with every song they had included in the collection until they revealed the name of the collection, Amazing 90's.

Suddenly, I could not get the image of a over the hill rocker sitting in cut off jean shorts, sipping and Old Milwaukee, smoking PMs, sporting a mullet and wishing that Skynard could come out with a new album. I had the image of the day when I am surfing the radio waves, hear a great song that I remember from way back in the day, and realize that it is a classic music station.

Oh wait, that has already happened. 93.3 "throw back" weekend anyone?

Something to Brighten Your Day

Here is a story that from time to time makes its way into my mail box. I have always found it to be quite amusing and while the story is typically told of a business executive and IT professional, the twist is a welcome relief. Enjoy! (though the titles of those involved is a welcome twist)

A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her
altitude and spotted a man in a boat below. She shouted to him, "Excuse
me, can you help me?

I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I
am."

The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, "You're in a hot air
balloon approximately 30 feet above a ground elevation of 2346 feet
above sea level.

You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees,
49.09 minutes west longitude."

She rolled her eyes and said, "You must be a Democrat!"

"I am," replied the man. "How did you know?"

"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you have told me is
technically correct, but I have no idea what to do with your
information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help to
me."

The man smiled and said, "You must be a Republican."

"I am," replied the balloonist. "How did you know?"

"Well," said the man, "you don't know where you are or where you
are going.

You've risen to where you are due to a large quantity of hot air. You
made a promise that you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to
solve your problem. You're in exactly the same position you were in
before we met but, somehow, it's my fault."

In my defense.

My darling Llama,

In my defense, I had made the pie and pudding for desert and had waited (like a good boy) until everyone was ready for the pie in order to have mine. So when I opened the fridge and realized that someone had cheated, I was a little upset. Besides, if I can't get offened when someone fingers my pudding (or now I find out my pie) without my knowledge or permission, what can I get offended at?

Lost? Click here to see Punk Llama's post.

The Few... The Proud

We sit alone for hours in darkened rooms, where only slivers of light and reflections can be seen.
The gentle hum of the motors compose the score of the dark keeping us in check.
Our presence is generally accepted as necessary, though some don't think we still exist.
We are the keepers of dreams, of fears and of love.
It is through our hands that miles and miles of tales are run.
Life for us runs through a series of pauses that keep us in time at 24.
We are the few, the proud, we are your projectionists.


So the next time you are at a movie, take a second, turn around and wave.

Buy P&G Products

When a company is faced with a boycott by the religious right (story), we should band together and purchase products exclusively from that company. So, when faced with a decision on which product to purchase, choose Proctor & Gamble.

Um... Mr. President

I am not sure when this was recorded but need I say more?

Watch Bush Video Here

At the Copa...

I love Barry Manilow. It is this brief yet vital realization is what makes me think I was an old Jewish Floridian in my past life. Which could also explain my obsession with New York and Miami. Because as the saying goes… where there’s sand.

Makes Sense to Me

I have been having difficulty trying to put to words how I feel about civil rights legislation and the idea of my civil rights being put to a vote. Some would question why I feel so pessimistic about things changing here in America. Then I came across this quote:

"In ______ we've never taken the view you should have votes on human rights. Otherwise, minority communities would be pushed to the sidelines and denied their rights. It's a fundamental value here in Canada that questions of human rights aren't put to that sort of test.'' -- Jack Layton leader of the NDP (National Democratic Party)

His simple explanation of why matters of civil rights should not be left up to the people to vote on makes so much sense to me. I have recently come to the realization that we are founded by Christian fundamentalists. We will always be a Christian nation and no matter what gays, lesbians and bisexuals will be a minority. An invisible one at that. What I mean by that is this: racial discrimination is clear. When you see someone standing in a white hood burning a cross chanting “nigger” that is clear to everyone (even those involved) that it an act of racism. However, when I go into work and talk about the weekend I had with my husband and some of my Christian co-workers tell me that I am going to go to hell, that is not any form of discrimination.

The fact of the matter is that in all but a few states and municipalities, I can still be fired for being openly gay and I have absolutely no legal recourse. If my husband is in the hospital in most cities I am no more special than a stranger off the street. If my husband goes back to school and I work to support us both, he can potentially be taxed for the support that I give him, because it can be considered his income. There is only one problem with everything I have listed here, is they really only affect a small minority of the population.

Wherein lies the true struggle. How do we make those around us understand what the law actually says. Most people assume that because we are the “most free” nation, these laws must already exist. I was recently in a discussion with someone who said simply “that’s discrimination.” To which I replied “yes, but perfectly legal.” So, bottom line, until our cause becomes the nations cause, we will be left in the dark, without a vote, without a voice.

Now What?

I can’t believe that I am hearing Democratic leaders today talking about how they did not involve enough religion in their campaigns and that in order to grow the party they are going to have to appeal to the religious right and start making religion and God a higher priority of the party. The polls show that a significant number of Americans believe that morality and religion were more important than the economy, jobs and the war in Iraq. What concerns me most about this election is not who won, but the picture that the election has painted of what a “majority” of Americans want for America.

The neo-conservative movement will have another 4 years of unstoppable power in the Federal government. What does this mean for America? Just look at the last 4 years and then realize that in their minds, they were rewarded for everything they have done. If you really think that they will be willing to reach across the aisle, to come to some sort of negotiation with the progressive movement in this country I ask you why should they?

They now control The Whitehouse, The House of Representatives and The Senate. If current political thought is correct, they will also be approving 2 Supreme Court nominations. This election will have a true and long lasting impact on the future of our Nation. I will try to become more optimistic, but it will be incredibly difficult.

Hillary to the Rescue

Please Hillary Rodham Clinton, make this loss worth something. Run for President in 2008.

The Time Has Come

It is now 11:00 and by all accounts, it seems that President George W. Bush has all but won a second term. Ohio looks like it will go to him and without some sort of serious court challenges (which I seriously doubt will happen) John Kerry has lost the election. There seems to be little hope that we as a nation have been able to turn away from the right wing politics of this administration and instead the early polls seem to show that between governorships, the congress and the presidency, we have gone even further to the right.

The leaders who advocate the privatization of everything from social security to education are winning. It looks like 11 more states will pass legislation that will prevent same sex marriage, most go even further to prevent any type of civil union. I hate to be pessimistic but I really do see dark times ahead for America.

When my grandparents came to our country they fled political oppression and communism looking to come to America to find freedom and hope. The American dream was something that millions have fled oppression in pursuit of and something that has been kept alive by the hopes and dreams of children in our nation. Now, the dream is beginning to fade. With record voter turn out, it seems that the true heartbeat of America is conservative.

I don’t want to go on forever because whatever I write tonight will be mostly emotional however I will say this. I will give every chance I get for the next for years to try and make a difference. I will try my best to turn the country back around and try to reverse what will be years of right wing influence. However if in four years the attitude and political temperature of my country has not changed, it may be time for me to leave.

I will write more about this issue in the upcoming days, and perhaps I will change my mind. We’ll see.

Babs, my first born.

I sit at night worrying about her. I want to make sure that I treat her well so that as she grows older her life will be full of excitement and love. I sometimes worry that I haven’t given her the right tools to play with the other children and that her interactions with the world around her will not do her harm. When I take her out, I look at the other proud parents and wonder if they worry about the same things I do.

When she first came into my life, I couldn’t have been prouder. Her name came to me before I even held her in my arms for the first time. I had dreamed for years of the day that my first would come to me and when that day finally arrived I could not have been happier. I only wished I had take pictures of the blessed event so I could forever have a reference. When I brought her to work the first time, other proud parents shared their joy with me and those who were not yet fortunate enough to have one of their own dreamed of the day they too could be the proud parents of a Mac.

No seriously, having a Mac is like having a child. And let’s face it, they cost about the same.

Now I await the arrival of her twin Lilith and brother Niles.

What.. Where Have I Been?

It has been more than a month since I have posted to my Blog. I would like to blame it on the Film Festival or the move or the position of Saturn, but I can't. The only reason is my lack of writing. Previously I have posted longer political type essays on this blog and sometimes the thought and pressure of writing them perhaps caused me to avoid writing. The time has come in my life where I have to stop avoiding and start doing.

Maybe I Missed the Memo

As I checked my daily news outlets, I came across an article that hit a raw nerve with me. One of the most irrational, truly homophobic arguments has been that we as gays and lesbians cannot procreate so we must “recruit”. The basis of this argument encompasses our so-called conversion of nice homely church going youth into our corrupt “lifestyle.” This logic implies that somewhere out there is an organization that promotes conversion through pamphlets and video indoctrination. The fallacy, of course, is that no such organization exits.

There are, I will fully admit, organizations that are established for the purposes of helping those who feel that they might be gay or lesbian. These organizations provide a supportive environment for youth to be able express themselves and develop their own ideas of sexuality. There is an abundance of information on how to support those who are going through one of the several coming out models and answers to questions many have during this stage in their development. However, I have never seen anything that lists the actual steps to go through to become homosexual. Never have I seen anything that lays out the exact words to say to make someone gay (almost like a spell or incantation that would magically make the hot guy next to you suddenly gay). Perhaps, I just missed that memo. What I have seen, and in fact have been given on a number of occasions, is information on step-by-step instructions on what to say to someone to make them straight.

These informational pieces list word for word scripts and scriptures to recite to someone in order to bring them back to “G_d’s” plan. There are a number of organizations whose sole purpose is to literally convert homosexuals to heterosexuals. One such organization is going to premiere a new film called I Do Exist on October 11th, a day known as National Coming Out Day (NCOD), which commemorates the March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian rights. This film is said to highlight four success stories on how people overcame their homosexuality and now proclaim their heterosexuality. In addition to these success stories, there is expert testimony from “noted” psychiatrists and other mental health professionals highlighting the benefits of conversion. While this particular film may not be a step-by-step guide to conversion, it highlights the process for those who might want to convert.

While this is only one of many examples of hypocrisy, it is the one that bothers me the most. This conversion factor seems to strike at the heart of our battle for equality and respect by attacking our very existence. Unfortunately in many people’s eyes, as long as there is a cure, we never need to be legitimized. As long as our lives continue to be perceived as a choice, or nothing more than a bad habit that can be overcome with enough group therapy and scripture, we will not be able to protect and fully assert our rights. As long as Exodus International and other like-minded organizations exist, we will not be treated as full and equal citizens. Let me make myself perfectly clear, I believe these organizations have a right to exist. I also believe that it is our responsibility to stand up to such organizations and call attention to their blatant hypocrisy. Something we can do by continuing to educate the general public on who we are and what it really means to be Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual.

House of Flying Daggers

House of Flying Daggers (Shi mian mai fu)
Dir: Yimou Zhang

As some of you reading this know, I have only recently come around to watching martial arts films. Like it or not, it was Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon that got me started. Now, I must say, I am becoming a fan. While I have begun to appreciate the action sequences in the films, what I have come to love is the imagery. The excellent use of color, texture and cinematography in these films is superb and House of Flying Daggers is no exception.

The story line was believable to a point, but close to the end it really began to fall apart. Though I must admit I was so drawn into the beauty of the film, I often forgot to read the subtitles. From the very beginning Yimou Zhang creates a beautiful world full of color that both seems to conflict and coordinate with itself. The beauty of the mise en scene extended beyond color and ventured far into the world of texture. The entire film was an acrylic painting in motion.

As well as beautiful image, the sound design of the film was superb. There are entire sequences where the image and sound blend so well I almost forgot I was watching a film. Every sound detail was attended to; down to the far off noises of a forest. In certain sequences, the sight and sound were so strong it was almost as though they provided inspiration for taste and smell. There were times when I could almost taste a scene.

If you are to see this film, see it on the largest screen with the best sound you can. It will truly envelop you in a world created by Yimou Zhang.

Telluride Film Festival Day One

As I sit in the back of a white rental car winding through the back roads of Colorado, the sounds of the road as we travel over it create a hymn of the weary traveler. I am on my way to the Telluride Film Festival, a 5 day celebration of film in one of the most unique and special locations for a film festival in the world. In the next few days I will experience a number of new and exciting events that will hopefully inspire me to continue my drive to further define my art. My journey to the festival started early this morning, long before the sun had a chance to wake, in Boulder. After only a few hours of sleep, I kissed Justyn good-bye and headed off for five days of film at almost 10.000 feet.

The ride up was long and full of great conversation. I was sharing a ride up with Howie and a French director (Jacques) which made for interesting conversation. With Howie driving, I was able to just sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds around me. With the route that we took, I was able to see sights that I have not seen since childhood. The scenery reminded me several times of the Carbondale area with the red rocks and similar mountains. There were times that the similarities were so great I thought I could just close my eyes, open them back up and find myself in my grandmother’s driveway.

The last leg of the trip was by far the most beautiful. A two lane windy mountain road that lead up to our final destination Telluride. Even through the now short distance that separated us from the mountains base, the peaks towered above us. Telluride is located in the back of a narrow box canyon in the San Juan mountain range. The walls of the canyon snuggle the old mining buildings close to their base, keeping them protected from the outside world.

After arriving and dropping Jacques off at his hotel, I went to check in and get my condo assignment. This usually simple process was made all the more difficult by the fact that not only did they not have my name associated with any reservation, they did not have a list on who was supposed to go into what condo. So, instead, they just piled everyone who had checked in at that point into one condo. When I arrived, there were already 8 people in the condo with more to arrive. Keep in mind, this condo was a two bedroom condo with a loft.

After a whole series of phone calls, we determined that six of us were to go to another condo and that should straighten the whole mess up. Well, long story short (too late), I am sleeping on the love seat in the living room. Which after hearing those complaining about the air mattress and the pull out beds, I think I have the good bed.

Overall, the student program seems to be going well. We have had our first meeting and as to be expected, the free crap is coming. Kodak came to talk to us yesterday and tried to convince us to shoot only film. The only thing I really learned from his presentation is that Kodak actually gives students discounts and also helps to sponsor independent films to help make it more affordable to shoot on film.

After our orientation, we went to see our first film after which, I came back to the condo and crashed. ( For more information read the post titled House of Flying Daggers.

I will keep posting info on Telluride every day this weekend. Including a quick rundown of all the films I have seen.

K.

In Defense of Marriage

Since the late 1960’s, the strength of the Institution of Marriage has become compromised. In the complex fabric of Western Civilization, family and marriage run through each thread, and if their security is jeopardized, then the fabric and therefore our Civilization will fall apart. I believe that it is in the best interest of the United States Government to step in and begin to reverse decades of damage to the Institution of Marriage. The Government has a responsibility to ensure that the Institution of Marriage is protected from the variety of assaults that it faces today.

For the purposes of clarification, it is my assertion that government should define marriage as follows: Marriage should only consist of one man and one woman. It exists solely for the purpose of furthering the species and, providing stable, balanced homes for our children.

In order to fully understand the challenge that lies ahead, I must describe the various threats that the Institution of Marriage faces. It has become public knowledge that the divorce rate in the United States is a staggering 50%, with the average marriage ending after only 11 years. It is also reported that 38% of the children in this country live with at least 1 divorced parent. Even more of a concern is the number of people who have decided to live a life together, even having children, without ever entering into the covenant of marriage. Perhaps most significantly, the courts around our country have begun to hear cases questioning the constitutionality of not allowing two people of the same gender enter into marriage. Any attempt to repair and improve the condition of the Institution of Marriage in our Country must address all of these issues I have listed.

We must act as swiftly and broadly in the war on marriage as we have in the war on terror. I can not pretend that it will be easy to begin the reversal of decades of assaults on the Institution of Marriage, or that it will come without some sacrifices. However, we must act as a unified front defending, as an institution that defines who we are as a culture. If the definition and role of marriage is allowed to change, we will soon reap the consequences of a society that no longer values the traditional roles of men, women and children and instead makes its own rules on what constitutes a marriage.

Let me begin by addressing the issue of the high divorce rate, something I believe can be changed with two separate initiatives. First, by implementing Community Marriage Policies®, which have been enacted on city and county levels, nationally. These policies work by combining premarital counseling by members of the clergy, teaching couples skills to better their marriages, reconciling the separated, and reviving step families. They have, on average, been able to decrease divorce rates by 17.5%. Second, I believe that the states that have allowed no fault divorces must change their laws. Divorces should only be granted in the most extreme cases, such as abuse, neglect or infidelity. Even in those extreme cases, counseling by both clergy and psychotherapists should be required prior to any divorce being granted. By combining the elimination of no fault divorces and Community Marriage Policies® the government can prevent insatiable or unworthy couples from becoming married. By requiring counseling before divorce, the government can be sure that every opportunity has been given to make sure that no marriages end because of simple differences.

Next, I believe it is crucial that the government address the issue of the number of children being born out of wedlock and the alarming number of children living in a single parent household. It is essential to the success of our nation that every child have both a mother and a father living with them in their home. In order to try and strongly encourage parents from raising their children without two married parents, it is my proposal that the US Tax Code be altered to remove any child tax credits for persons who are not married. Single parents would be given one year from the change in the Tax Code to marry; if they fail to do so, then they will not be eligible for any child tax credit on their income taxes. Not only would this encourage parents to get married, it would give special financial rewards to those who decide to live within the confines of a marriage.

After we have established secure marriages, we must ensure that they are limited to only one man and one woman, not allowing same sex couples the ability to marry. In order to establish this premise while staying true to the United States Constitution, we must not allow any two persons to marry who are not willing or able to have a child. Effective immediately all states should be required to place a one year sunset clause on every marriage license issued. If the marriage fails to produce a child; it is annulled, revoking any and all rights associated with the marriage. This is to include any couples that may be physically incapable to produce children, as well as those who make the choice to not have children. The law would also require that the child born is the product of the two people in the marriage. No surrogate parents will be allowed. Thus the qualifying factor in whether or not two people may obtain a marriage license would be based solely on their willingness and ability to have children. When the legal basis of marriage becomes the propagation of the species and is applied equally, regardless of sexual orientation, then the constitutionality of now allowing same sex persons to marry can not be questioned.

Finally, it is vitally important to the success of the changes I have outlined here, that no sexual activity of any kind may be permitted outside the confines of marriage. Because sex is to be engaged in only for the purpose of creating a child, we must begin issuing and requiring Propagation Permits, available only to married persons, in order to engage in sexual activity. Any person found to be engaged in sexual activity not in possession of a Propagation Permit, may be ticketed, fined and even arrested. This final step is an important piece to close any possible loopholes in the law.

Now I realize that some of these measures may seem to be at the onset too drastic and perhaps even unconstitutional. Critics will say that these new laws limit people’s rights and give too much power and control to the government. Many will even say that the Federal Government does not have the authority to control marriage, that it is up to the States to decide marriage rights. To that I would argue that, the Federal Government must step in; marriage can no longer be left up to the States to govern. Under their leadership, marriage has become a mockery. In addition I believe that the simple loss of a few “civil liberties” would be a small price to pay for the future and stability of our society. We must give our local and national governments the tools to fight against those who wish to destroy the Institution of Marriage. If The Constitution does not currently give the Federal Government the power to protect marriage, then change it. Do what ever it takes to make these changes possible. Any attempt to protect marriage that falls short of what I have outlined here, would have less than desirable outcomes. It is my firm belief that once the benefits of these actions are weighed against the slight possibility of legal backlash, there can not be one single legitimate argument against what I have suggested here today.

The changes I have suggested here today are important, nay, necessary, to the future of our Nation. Not only would these broad sweeping changes have a positive effect on the Institution of Marriage and our families, the advantages would reach out to almost every aspect of our daily lives. With no children being born out of wedlock, the number of families on welfare would decrease significantly. By requiring Propagation Permits, and outlawing sexual activity outsides the confines of marriage, the legal questions over abortion rights will be null and void. We would be at a place and time in our Nation where every child would be a wanted child. Marriage and family will finally be given the special status and corresponding rights they deserve.

Now is the time to act. We can not afford to let the Institution of Marriage deteriorate any further. If we do not act now, the homosexual marriages taking place in Massachusetts will not be pushed into obscurity, but into the norm in many of our communities. Without the intervention of the Federal Government, unmarried persons will continue to have sexual relationships outside of marriage. Without the intervention of the Federal Government, people will further alter the definition of family to fit their needs. Most of all, without intervention of the Federal Government, the Institution of Marriage, as we know it today, will no longer exist.

Why I Am a Democrat

For the past couple of days I, like many others, have been watching coverage of the 2004 DNC Convention in Boston. In all of the coverage, I have really begun to realize what it really means to be a Democrat, and why I think I will always be a Democrat. Recently, I have tried to challenge myself to define what my political views and philosophies are; what it is I truly stand for. And what I have decided is this:

I believe that the American dream should be accessible by everyone, and that you should not have to sacrifice happiness or family to achieve it.

I believe in the democratic process, and that every vote does count and that every vote should be counted.

I believe that our Republic is established by the rule of law, and that the rule of law should be applied equally.

I believe that it is the role of the courts to act as a guardian of the people, ensuring that the rule of law is equal and that lady justice remains blind.

I believe that our military and defense should be strong, efficient, and should only be used when all other avenues have been exhausted.

I believe that public education can work and be just as good as private education.

I believe in fair taxation, based on ability to pay, that does not place an unfair burden on the rich or the poor.

I believe that the economic success of our nation lies in the hands of small business and the individual not in multinational conglomerate corporations.

I believe in establishing an energy policy that moves us forward and away from a dependance on fossil fuels.

I believe that education and independent thought is the most powerful weapon that anyone can have.

I believe in the right of private citizens to be armed, but I also believe that it is in the best interest of the government to make sure that the armed populace is a responsible populace.

I believe in family and parental responsibility, that every child should be a wanted child.

I believe that abortion should be legal, safe and rare.

I believe that a truly free and equal society recognizes the a separation between church and state, while still preserving each individual person's right to express their spirituality.

I believe that we as Americans, have a special role and responsibility in the world, and must not act with unilateral brute force to destroy other cultures or beliefs for our own financial and military gain.

Finally, I believe in the idea that in the United States we have an opportunity to be the greatest nation on earth, not because of our riches, military, corporations, political power, technology, but because of our people and the ideas that we stand for.

It is because of these beliefs and more, that I have chosen to be a part of the Democratic Party. While I may not agree with everyone who shares my party affiliation, I know that is ok. The Democratic Party is not one color or thought, but a combination of many colors, thoughts and people who together, represent real American Family Values.

My First Post

Ok, so I have been looking for a place in the world to publish my thoughts and rants and, now I finally have that place. Over the course of the next couple of days, I will try and get it setup and open it up for all of you to post to.