It dawned on me today that, I would rather work on Holidays than take them off. Purely out of principle. What I don't seem to understand is, if I do not belong to a specific religious group, why must I be forced to observe their Holy day? It makes no sense.
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I'm not a Christian so, why can't I go to the bank on Christmas or Easter? That's not fair. Why do I have to make plans that revolve around something that I have no interest in? For example, how many of you observed Islamic, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu or Pagan Holidays this year by the company you work for closing their doors for the day? I'm sure if you're reading this the answer is probably, zero.
I have a solution to this. Let those of us that follow other religions or none at all, get to choose what days we take off. Businesses, including the Government should not close their doors completely to only observe one religion. Let those that don't observe it work and pick some other time to take off.
For example. I have quite a few friends that are atheists the love football. So, why not let them observe the Monday after the Super Bowl as a sort of Holiday? I mean, how different is it from Christianity? Many Sundays in a row people gather to praise their "gods". Religious or not people often look for divine intervention to make someone drop a pass or miss a field goal. Then it all boils down to one day a year where people flock by the masses to watch a King being born (MVP).
Why can't we pick our own days? Why must we conform to what you want? Why must our lives be dissrupted by your beliefs? It's not fair and I hope one day it will change but, let's face it, it probably won't. For, there is only one thing stronger than the binds of religion, and that's the faith of tradition.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
No clue what to say...
I know that I have taken quite a hiatus away from writing but, to be honest, I've had no idea of what to write about. Maybe there has been too much going on lately or too many people talking about the same things that, what could be construed as a new idea has in fact already been talked about to the point of saturation. I have no clue.
So, I'm going to bring up some small points that have crossed my mind lately and hopefully I get some feedback so I may grow on them later. Hopefully someone that reads this will spark a fire under my ass or something.
If you have read any of my other blogs, you have figured out by now that I am an atheist. The other day I was thinking about how we, as a minority, have no real voice when it comes to things like politics. Then I saw direct connections between both the atheist and gay communities. Neither of us have full rights in the United States, multiple religions don't condone what we do and at least one would like to make it legal to kill us for whom we are. I'm sure that there are other connections but, those three came to mind immediately. Then I started to think, maybe this is a reason why many atheists, including myself, support the gay community so strongly. We see ourselves being persecuted and arrested for what we feel is right. I honestly believe that both groups need a champion. Someone in power to tell the world that we are supported and to show the facts of both sides instead of these age-old myths that are still circulating.
Now I feel the need to speak a bit about our president. Don't get me wrong, he has said many things that I agree with including his support for education and alternative energy sources. But, what I don't agree with is, his support for Islam. I can usnderstand waving an olive branch so nothing like 9/11 happens again but, he has his head so far up......I'm sure you get the point. My dislike for Islam is not driven by hatred, racism or ignorance but, is driven by fear. This fear only exists because, I have studied the religion and understand which direction in which they want to go. I am seriously afraid of losing my rights and my freedoms so, I believe that I have a justified fear. I know I'm not alone on this either. Many people, far more intelligent and liberal than I am have pointed this out. I just hope that we can open the eyes of our president and the UN before it's too late.
I think I'm going to end this here. As always, I'd love your feedback. Thank you.
So, I'm going to bring up some small points that have crossed my mind lately and hopefully I get some feedback so I may grow on them later. Hopefully someone that reads this will spark a fire under my ass or something.
If you have read any of my other blogs, you have figured out by now that I am an atheist. The other day I was thinking about how we, as a minority, have no real voice when it comes to things like politics. Then I saw direct connections between both the atheist and gay communities. Neither of us have full rights in the United States, multiple religions don't condone what we do and at least one would like to make it legal to kill us for whom we are. I'm sure that there are other connections but, those three came to mind immediately. Then I started to think, maybe this is a reason why many atheists, including myself, support the gay community so strongly. We see ourselves being persecuted and arrested for what we feel is right. I honestly believe that both groups need a champion. Someone in power to tell the world that we are supported and to show the facts of both sides instead of these age-old myths that are still circulating.
Now I feel the need to speak a bit about our president. Don't get me wrong, he has said many things that I agree with including his support for education and alternative energy sources. But, what I don't agree with is, his support for Islam. I can usnderstand waving an olive branch so nothing like 9/11 happens again but, he has his head so far up......I'm sure you get the point. My dislike for Islam is not driven by hatred, racism or ignorance but, is driven by fear. This fear only exists because, I have studied the religion and understand which direction in which they want to go. I am seriously afraid of losing my rights and my freedoms so, I believe that I have a justified fear. I know I'm not alone on this either. Many people, far more intelligent and liberal than I am have pointed this out. I just hope that we can open the eyes of our president and the UN before it's too late.
I think I'm going to end this here. As always, I'd love your feedback. Thank you.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Intelligence please
I have joked befoer that, the people whom run for office in America should have to get a certain score on an I.Q. test before doing so. Well, now I have slightly changed my mind and decided that we need to take that idea one step further. How about........everyone that wishes to vote, must first take a test?
Unfortunately, I know that it would never pass because there would be no way Republicans would allow it. I can understand why as well. If everyone had to get at least......let's say, 120 on an I.Q. test, they wouldn't have many voters left. I am not saying that all Republicans are dumb, just the ones that vote for this party for the wrong reasons are.
How bad would it be though? To grow as a nation we need to base ourselves on education and not beliefs. I remember hearing a woman say, "I voted for Bush. I don't like his policies but, he's a Christian." If we continue to allow this to happen, we will never be able to acheive the greatness that this country is capable of. We all know it. We have some of the greatest Universities in the World but, only a small percentage of our population are going to college.
Go ahead, tell me I'm wrong. I would love to hear the argument against what I am purposing. Tell me that intelligence is not important and neither is education. Tell me that making sure that the people that make choices every day determining how we live, is unconstitutional. Let me know how making sure that the people that pick our politicians can spell at least at a highschool graduate level, is somehow unethical.
Please, tell me I'm wrong. The problem is, I know that I am not, though, I wish that I were.
Unfortunately, I know that it would never pass because there would be no way Republicans would allow it. I can understand why as well. If everyone had to get at least......let's say, 120 on an I.Q. test, they wouldn't have many voters left. I am not saying that all Republicans are dumb, just the ones that vote for this party for the wrong reasons are.
How bad would it be though? To grow as a nation we need to base ourselves on education and not beliefs. I remember hearing a woman say, "I voted for Bush. I don't like his policies but, he's a Christian." If we continue to allow this to happen, we will never be able to acheive the greatness that this country is capable of. We all know it. We have some of the greatest Universities in the World but, only a small percentage of our population are going to college.
Go ahead, tell me I'm wrong. I would love to hear the argument against what I am purposing. Tell me that intelligence is not important and neither is education. Tell me that making sure that the people that make choices every day determining how we live, is unconstitutional. Let me know how making sure that the people that pick our politicians can spell at least at a highschool graduate level, is somehow unethical.
Please, tell me I'm wrong. The problem is, I know that I am not, though, I wish that I were.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Nearly Speechless
There is so much going on the world today that I am at a loss for what I should actually talk about. If you think about it, that should actually give me a slew of great ideas but honestly, I don't know where to freakin' start. Most of all, I really don't know what people actually care about anymore. It seems at least in my circle of friends, they really don't give a shit about anything with substance. Maybe it's time to make some new friends, who knows?
It seems to be so difficult to come across anyone lately that has an actual working brain and knows how to use it. I've had friends from all walks of life, religious viewpoints and political affiliations but, they have been able to think for themselves. Some of course have not so, I had to cut ties. The one thing I dislike more than anything is closed mindedness. That's why, even though I am an atheist, I do believe that there could be a higher being. Any atheist that says, "there is no God" is just as moronic as those that say that they know for certain that there is one. We have no evidence either way so, no one can be certain.
Just believing in something out of fear is pretty rediculous as well, isn't it. What most people don't understand is that their lives are driven by fear. That's why so many people don't stand up for what they believe in. Fear of persecution, financial downfall, jail time or even death. I guess what it boils down to is that we must make sure that our right to free speech remains and we have the obligation to speak for those that can not. I'm sure that if you took the fear element away, many people on this planet would stop believing in things that they are forced to. they would change the way that they talked, dressed, ate, drank or over-all expressed themselves. I for one see nothing wrong with that. It seems to always be the ones that are tied down that seem to make the biggest negative impacts on those that don't share the same views as them.
I started this blog because I wanted people to read what I had to say and think for themselves. I don't really care if they agree with me or not. As long as for five minutes they come out of their box and actually attempt to see the world from a different view. I have so much to say if people are willing to listen and I can listen as long as they are willing to speak. I love the fact that I can have a civil disagreement with someone. Even if we don't ever reach a conclusion, the fact that we are allowed to disagree without consequence is a beautiful thing.
Sorry for my "rant", usually I am more point driven but this time I just needed to get some things off of my chest. If anyone out there would like to have a conversation with me on any topic, please let me know by leaving a comment below or sending me an email. Thank you for your time, hopefully I made you think.
It seems to be so difficult to come across anyone lately that has an actual working brain and knows how to use it. I've had friends from all walks of life, religious viewpoints and political affiliations but, they have been able to think for themselves. Some of course have not so, I had to cut ties. The one thing I dislike more than anything is closed mindedness. That's why, even though I am an atheist, I do believe that there could be a higher being. Any atheist that says, "there is no God" is just as moronic as those that say that they know for certain that there is one. We have no evidence either way so, no one can be certain.
Just believing in something out of fear is pretty rediculous as well, isn't it. What most people don't understand is that their lives are driven by fear. That's why so many people don't stand up for what they believe in. Fear of persecution, financial downfall, jail time or even death. I guess what it boils down to is that we must make sure that our right to free speech remains and we have the obligation to speak for those that can not. I'm sure that if you took the fear element away, many people on this planet would stop believing in things that they are forced to. they would change the way that they talked, dressed, ate, drank or over-all expressed themselves. I for one see nothing wrong with that. It seems to always be the ones that are tied down that seem to make the biggest negative impacts on those that don't share the same views as them.
I started this blog because I wanted people to read what I had to say and think for themselves. I don't really care if they agree with me or not. As long as for five minutes they come out of their box and actually attempt to see the world from a different view. I have so much to say if people are willing to listen and I can listen as long as they are willing to speak. I love the fact that I can have a civil disagreement with someone. Even if we don't ever reach a conclusion, the fact that we are allowed to disagree without consequence is a beautiful thing.
Sorry for my "rant", usually I am more point driven but this time I just needed to get some things off of my chest. If anyone out there would like to have a conversation with me on any topic, please let me know by leaving a comment below or sending me an email. Thank you for your time, hopefully I made you think.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Don't be a dumbass - online edition
Hey there kids, today I'm going to teach you a very valuable lesson. How NOT to be a dumbass on the internet. Follow these easy steps and stop becoming the butt of people's jokes.
#1 - Learn how to spell! There is a world of difference between there, their and they're or were and we're. I'm sick of looking at people improperly use words. When you do that you cheapen the language so, knock it off.
#2 - Learn something about what you're discussing BEFORE you decide to type it out! I can't stant it when people comment to me on facebook or on a video on YouTube where they have obviously only read one paper (or just the abstract) or watched a propaganda video and think that they know EVERYTHING on said subject. Here's some help. Only learn from those that have studied the subjects you choose to learn. Don't learn geology from a lawyer or biology from a jobless mooch. And ffs, please, PLEASE do not repeat anything you hear on FOX news because 1/2 of everything they say is BS and the other half are lies.
#3 - If you are over the age of say.......10, stop arguing over which cartoon is better. No one that matters cares and you make yourself look like a complete moron. And stop using cartoon characters as profile pics.....which brings me to my next point.
#4 - Stop using pictures from cartoons or video games in your facebook, twitter or whatever profiles. This is beyond retarded, especially if you're an adult. The only message that you're sending to the world is, "I'm too ugly to be photographed."
#5 - I don't care what people say, online gaming can be addictive. If you are addicted, try doing something else physically and mentally stimulating. I'm sick of hearing these people (both kids and adults) cry or whine when someone from their online community doesn't want to play with them. It's a freaking video game, grow up! It's not like they rejected you because they want to lower your self worth.....you seem to be doing a good enough job of that on your own.
#6 - Please......and I repeat PLEASE!!!!! Stop saying "First" on people's YouTube videos. I have never deleted a comment on one of mine yet but I swear if someone does that to mine, I will. Also on YouTube, don't just copy what someone in the video says.....verbatem as a comment. It shows your lack of creativity and imagination if you can't say something original about what you just watched. Finally, for YouTube, knock off saying, "Thumbs this up" unless of course you are the one that made the video and you're looking for extra exposure.
#7 - Don't take what you read or see on the internet too seriously. Especially when it comes to social networking or videogames. What people tend to forget is that there is a tiny red "X" in the top right-hand corner of their screen that can make what they don't want to see/deal with, go away. Use it wisely, use it often.
Well, I hope these tips may have helped someone or, if you know anyone that could use these tips, please pass it along, thank you.
#1 - Learn how to spell! There is a world of difference between there, their and they're or were and we're. I'm sick of looking at people improperly use words. When you do that you cheapen the language so, knock it off.
#2 - Learn something about what you're discussing BEFORE you decide to type it out! I can't stant it when people comment to me on facebook or on a video on YouTube where they have obviously only read one paper (or just the abstract) or watched a propaganda video and think that they know EVERYTHING on said subject. Here's some help. Only learn from those that have studied the subjects you choose to learn. Don't learn geology from a lawyer or biology from a jobless mooch. And ffs, please, PLEASE do not repeat anything you hear on FOX news because 1/2 of everything they say is BS and the other half are lies.
#3 - If you are over the age of say.......10, stop arguing over which cartoon is better. No one that matters cares and you make yourself look like a complete moron. And stop using cartoon characters as profile pics.....which brings me to my next point.
#4 - Stop using pictures from cartoons or video games in your facebook, twitter or whatever profiles. This is beyond retarded, especially if you're an adult. The only message that you're sending to the world is, "I'm too ugly to be photographed."
#5 - I don't care what people say, online gaming can be addictive. If you are addicted, try doing something else physically and mentally stimulating. I'm sick of hearing these people (both kids and adults) cry or whine when someone from their online community doesn't want to play with them. It's a freaking video game, grow up! It's not like they rejected you because they want to lower your self worth.....you seem to be doing a good enough job of that on your own.
#6 - Please......and I repeat PLEASE!!!!! Stop saying "First" on people's YouTube videos. I have never deleted a comment on one of mine yet but I swear if someone does that to mine, I will. Also on YouTube, don't just copy what someone in the video says.....verbatem as a comment. It shows your lack of creativity and imagination if you can't say something original about what you just watched. Finally, for YouTube, knock off saying, "Thumbs this up" unless of course you are the one that made the video and you're looking for extra exposure.
#7 - Don't take what you read or see on the internet too seriously. Especially when it comes to social networking or videogames. What people tend to forget is that there is a tiny red "X" in the top right-hand corner of their screen that can make what they don't want to see/deal with, go away. Use it wisely, use it often.
Well, I hope these tips may have helped someone or, if you know anyone that could use these tips, please pass it along, thank you.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Fear
I used to be consumed by fear. A fear that controlled my life to the point of almost giving up. At the time the only way I had to get passed it was to drink myself into an oblivion every night and pass out because I knew that if I gave my mind one tenth of a second to think, the fear would come back like a runaway train. I am happy to announce that I have been over this fear for a while now. My solace came from a very unlikely place and I would like to share with you how I dispelled a fear that has been haunting me for as long as I can remember.
It wasn't some wonderous new drug or religion that saved me but, education was my savior. It snuck up on me slowly and I didn't even realize it was happening until one night I went to bed sober and was actually able to sleep. You can't begin to imagine how overjoyed I was when I realzied what had happened. It was almost like going from being constantly suffocated to taking a deep breath of fresh mountain air.
I have always found interest in certain subjects but, it wasn't until recently that I have had a real drive to learn more about them in depth. Science and theology and everything inbetween. I felt like I could now see the world through new eyes. I realized that the more I learned about life.....the less I feared death and that alone was the key to my fears. As I studied subjects like biology, geneology, abiogenesis, cosmology, neurology, geography and geology, the greater undertanding I got for my own personal existance. I had become self aware that I am not even a speck on the timeline of life and that took a great weight off of my shoulders.
Until you can humble yourself and realize that humans aren't the pinnacle of anything, you will not be able to understand how glorious your own life truely is. What I mean is, the next time you look at a star, realize to yourself that the celestial body upon which you are gazing, may not even exist anymore. Things live and die as a part of life. The mollocules of which you are constructed were formed billions of years ago and after you pass they will be here for billions of years more.
I am glad I am no longer afraid. Now I can look around in awe and love what I see. If you don't understand what I mean, I hope that one day you become as lucky as I am.
It wasn't some wonderous new drug or religion that saved me but, education was my savior. It snuck up on me slowly and I didn't even realize it was happening until one night I went to bed sober and was actually able to sleep. You can't begin to imagine how overjoyed I was when I realzied what had happened. It was almost like going from being constantly suffocated to taking a deep breath of fresh mountain air.
I have always found interest in certain subjects but, it wasn't until recently that I have had a real drive to learn more about them in depth. Science and theology and everything inbetween. I felt like I could now see the world through new eyes. I realized that the more I learned about life.....the less I feared death and that alone was the key to my fears. As I studied subjects like biology, geneology, abiogenesis, cosmology, neurology, geography and geology, the greater undertanding I got for my own personal existance. I had become self aware that I am not even a speck on the timeline of life and that took a great weight off of my shoulders.
Until you can humble yourself and realize that humans aren't the pinnacle of anything, you will not be able to understand how glorious your own life truely is. What I mean is, the next time you look at a star, realize to yourself that the celestial body upon which you are gazing, may not even exist anymore. Things live and die as a part of life. The mollocules of which you are constructed were formed billions of years ago and after you pass they will be here for billions of years more.
I am glad I am no longer afraid. Now I can look around in awe and love what I see. If you don't understand what I mean, I hope that one day you become as lucky as I am.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Somewhere in the middle
One thing that truely bugs me about our country is that we are a certified, 2 party system. The problem for me is, I don't belong to either side.
Why I'm not on the Right: I'm pro-education. I know it sounds simple enough but, it really isn't. I can't believe that people are willing to condemn the studying stem-cells or fruit fly DNA just because it upsets their imaginary friend. Also, those that want to teach Creationism in public schools should be locked up for child endangerment.
Why I'm not on the Left: I'm pro-freedom. Again, sounds more simplistic than it really is. I am absolutely, 100% adamant about the dilution of the religion of Islam. Problem is, this is where all of their sypathizers are. They say that it goes against our Constitution to try and shut the religion down. Today that is true. But, if they had their way, our Constitution would be raped to the point that the parchment it was written on would be worth less than it's weight in Charmin Extra Soft.
So, there you have it. Both sides are appologetics for insane beliefs that should have no bearing in this day and age. What we need is an openly atheist president that loves science and wishes to better the World. One that understands that education is what drives a Nation to greatness, not oil.
Until then, I know my voice will not be heard.
Why I'm not on the Right: I'm pro-education. I know it sounds simple enough but, it really isn't. I can't believe that people are willing to condemn the studying stem-cells or fruit fly DNA just because it upsets their imaginary friend. Also, those that want to teach Creationism in public schools should be locked up for child endangerment.
Why I'm not on the Left: I'm pro-freedom. Again, sounds more simplistic than it really is. I am absolutely, 100% adamant about the dilution of the religion of Islam. Problem is, this is where all of their sypathizers are. They say that it goes against our Constitution to try and shut the religion down. Today that is true. But, if they had their way, our Constitution would be raped to the point that the parchment it was written on would be worth less than it's weight in Charmin Extra Soft.
So, there you have it. Both sides are appologetics for insane beliefs that should have no bearing in this day and age. What we need is an openly atheist president that loves science and wishes to better the World. One that understands that education is what drives a Nation to greatness, not oil.
Until then, I know my voice will not be heard.
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