I reread the constitution tonight. Actually, I'm not sure that I had ever just read the constitution but I had some thoughts running through my head and the constitution seemed like the best place to turn to sort through them. It helped, but it didn't organize them completely. I hoping that placing these thoughts into words, maybe it will all come together for me.
Here's what I believe:
I believe that a society can have righteous and unrighteous leaders.
I believe that an unrighteous leader is one who suppresses the needs/wants of the majority for the desires of a few.
I believe that preventing tyranny (or unrighteous leaders) was a strong motivator as the founding fathers drafted the constitution. I think it is interesting the steps they took to protect the people from its own governing body.
I believe that these steps included establishing a repbulic, creating checks and balances, term limitations, and due process.
I believe in the right to bear arms, not because we own a gun, want a gun, or because I even like them. I believe in the right because it allowed our forefathers to overcome the tyranny they felt oppressed by. They wanted to ensure that right to future generations. The freedom of speech and the right to assemble are also part of this protection. They work well for the majority of circumstances, but the right to bear arms is crucial for extreme circumstances. (I hope I never see the need, but I'm glad we have the right, if it is needed).
I believe most laws are cultural institutions created to reflect the values of the society in which those laws are prescribed.
As a voter, I believe I should vote according to my values. I need to share my voice so that the laws will best represent my values. If I am a dissenting voice, so be it.
I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. I want to live in a society that also believes this. I want the laws of the land to reflect this belief. I vote in accordance to this value.
Reflections on Prop 8:
So that brings me to my consideration. It seems to me that the judicial reversal of prop 8 is only partially a question of the morality of same sex marriage.
Here are the questions this law and its being repealed are really asking:
Does the judicial branch (one person) have the right to reverse laws enacted by the states that clearly represents the values of the society that established it (majority vote)?
Are the states limited in what they can allow or disallow in their state constitutions?
Is the California law a violation of the first amendment?
I imagine that this could be a debate that would go all the way to the supreme court.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Saturday, December 8, 2012
10 Surprises About Being a Parent
10) I didn't realize how much the sibling "rivalry" would affect me They compete, they're jealous of each other at the same time they adore and idolize one another. It is a very complex relationship. I see it, yet can't really do much about it.
9) No one told me all my stuff would grow feet. You can't put anything down without it moving when you're not looking. At first you have some tricks...like surfaces they can't reach, but then they keep growing so those surfaces diminish. How did all my shoes walk out of my closet? I'm pretty sure I haven't worn those red heels in years.
8) Some activities, no matter how fun they sound, couldn't possibly be fun enough to make up for all the effort required to participate. My friend invited us to go to the snow. It sounded fun until I began thinking through the steps... find/ buy warm & waterproof clothes, mittens, hat,snacks, pack diaper bag, wipes, is the car in good enough condition to make it? Hmm, my 6 month and 2 year old just aren't going to appreciate it that much.
7) I spend a lot of mental effort worrying about if I'm giving them everything they need.
6) Its really hard not to compare them to each other. They have different personalities and reach milestones at different places, but I'm really only familiar with how my first did it, so I always compare my second to that.
5) They are your comedians.
4) I remember growing up having to call for my mom multiple times before she would respond. Now I hear many times a day, "MOM, MOM, MOM, MOM"... when I finally figure out what she's asking for, I have to wonder why I'm being interrupted in the first place. Its no wonder mother's develop a delayed response time.
3) It really puts your body through the ringer. This one they tried to warn me about. I'm not the same as I was before kids. In some ways thats a positive, but suddenly, my typically weak abdominal muscles don't even have the strenght to help me up from a lying position. I'm just like my baby, I have to roll over and push myself up with my hands!
2) They have/need/want lots of stuff, and the surprising thing - I really want to give them those things. Opportunities to play on sports teams, music lessons, pre school, nutritious food, play kitchens, swing sets, bikes, strollers, fun treats, cute bedrooms. Mine are even too young to ask for things and still the list of things we have is long, the things we still need exists, and the want list... well, between me and the kids, that's pretty exhaustive.
1) Joy takes work. I had children because I believe they bring joy. This has proven true, but as I mopped the floor today it occured to me... things that bring real joy, take lots of work. Having a clean organized house - lots of work. Having a fit, healthy body - lots of work. Having happy well adjusted children - yeah, that seems to be a lot of work too (and there are still no guarantees) I guess you just have to do the best you can and trust that everything will work out in the end.
9) No one told me all my stuff would grow feet. You can't put anything down without it moving when you're not looking. At first you have some tricks...like surfaces they can't reach, but then they keep growing so those surfaces diminish. How did all my shoes walk out of my closet? I'm pretty sure I haven't worn those red heels in years.
8) Some activities, no matter how fun they sound, couldn't possibly be fun enough to make up for all the effort required to participate. My friend invited us to go to the snow. It sounded fun until I began thinking through the steps... find/ buy warm & waterproof clothes, mittens, hat,snacks, pack diaper bag, wipes, is the car in good enough condition to make it? Hmm, my 6 month and 2 year old just aren't going to appreciate it that much.
7) I spend a lot of mental effort worrying about if I'm giving them everything they need.
6) Its really hard not to compare them to each other. They have different personalities and reach milestones at different places, but I'm really only familiar with how my first did it, so I always compare my second to that.
5) They are your comedians.
4) I remember growing up having to call for my mom multiple times before she would respond. Now I hear many times a day, "MOM, MOM, MOM, MOM"... when I finally figure out what she's asking for, I have to wonder why I'm being interrupted in the first place. Its no wonder mother's develop a delayed response time.
3) It really puts your body through the ringer. This one they tried to warn me about. I'm not the same as I was before kids. In some ways thats a positive, but suddenly, my typically weak abdominal muscles don't even have the strenght to help me up from a lying position. I'm just like my baby, I have to roll over and push myself up with my hands!
2) They have/need/want lots of stuff, and the surprising thing - I really want to give them those things. Opportunities to play on sports teams, music lessons, pre school, nutritious food, play kitchens, swing sets, bikes, strollers, fun treats, cute bedrooms. Mine are even too young to ask for things and still the list of things we have is long, the things we still need exists, and the want list... well, between me and the kids, that's pretty exhaustive.
1) Joy takes work. I had children because I believe they bring joy. This has proven true, but as I mopped the floor today it occured to me... things that bring real joy, take lots of work. Having a clean organized house - lots of work. Having a fit, healthy body - lots of work. Having happy well adjusted children - yeah, that seems to be a lot of work too (and there are still no guarantees) I guess you just have to do the best you can and trust that everything will work out in the end.
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