This is why I don't want another Republican President.

http://www.projectcensored.org/top-stories/articles/5-seizing-war-protesters-assets/

http://www.projectcensored.org/top-stories/articles/6-the-homegrown-terrorism-prevention-act/

And if you don't have the time or inclination to go skim these articles, you shouldn't be voting.

I have been trying to understand the average devote Republican's stance of late. All I've been able to come up with is money/greed, abortion, homosexual marriage. I believe that the above article trumps that. I hope our next president cares about constitutional rights, for that matter I hope you do too.

Bread and Circuses

bread and circuses
pl.n.
Offerings, such as benefits or entertainments, intended to placate discontent or distract attention from a policy or situation.
[Translation of Latin pnem et circnss, a phrase coined by the Roman poet Juvenal : pnem, accusative singular of pnis, bread + et, and + circnss, circus games.]

See Also: Republican Party, Walmart, and Television

------------------------------------------------------------------------
In an article on this topic I came upon a Benjamin Franklin story in which as an infirm 81-year old he was carried out on a "sedan" from Independence Hall in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787 after he and the other 38 delegates had signed the Constitution:

"What kind of government do we have, Mr. Franklin?"
"A republic," the elderly statesman, writer and scientist replied, ". . .if you can keep it. . ."

To read the original article visit http://www.thomasjamesmartin.com/breadcircus.htm


I care about this election as I have never cared before, bearing in mind that last time I stayed up all night to see the results. I feel like such a changed woman. But sadly I fear that America has not changed with me. I will be unspeakably horrified if McCain wins, though mostly I will be disappointed in my fellow Americans. I can't believe that this whole election may come down to abortion and homosexual marriage... Until I remember why I voted for Bush the first time. I just pray that I'm not the only person who has woken up and started caring about more than bread and circuses.

Motherhood and The Gospel

Yesterday was a tough day. Motherhood can be like that sometimes. I felt like I was reaching my limits. But then I turned on hymns and started cleaning the house. I came across my scriptures and I sat down and felt this wave of gratitude and peace wash over me. The Gospel is so soothing. I am so grateful for the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. How I wish that every one would embrace this gospel and find the purpose and joy that I have. I have no idea how an atheist mothers get through the day. I'm not sure how I would get through the day without even hymns. They are my lullabies and my meditation. Worship can be surprisingly soothing. The calm that comes over a stormy day is nothing less than miraculous. In honor of that I'm putting my hymns play list on my blog. perhaps it will bring some much needed peace to a fellow mothers day. Here's to the strength divinely placed in us by a loving Heavenly Father that see us through even the toughest days. And on those challenging days don't forget that He is there along with the Holy Ghost if we will but seek.

I'm Not a Democrat But...

I doubt I'll ever vote Republican again. I am so tired of how selfish the party is as a whole. Nothing matters to them but money and big business. I am tired of watching Bush mess up our great nation. In case you're wondering, yes I voted for him. And I am a completely different person that I was 8 years ago, let alone 4. I care about so much more, and he's done such horrific things I couldn't even imagine at the time. I even lost a friendship over my voting record, I wonder what she would think of who I am today. Motherhood has certainly changed me. So has the crunchy lifestyle I've espoused. For all the religious right rhetoric, the Democrats sound like better Christians. I am dumbfounded at how callous the Republican party sounds. They don't care about the environment, health care, the poor/needy/hungry, immigrants aka human beings, peace, kindness, world relations... The list seems endless. I can't believe I've even stumped for their party once (head shake and sigh)
Now of course the Democrats have their problems too. Still it just sounds like they care more. I may not believe in everything Obama says, but I feel I can trust him with our country. He cared about Darfur before most people even knew about it. I think he genuinely wants to improve things. I believe that on some level he really cares. I can't believe that about McCain.
Romney was/is the perfect example of what's wrong with the Republican party. I would have had an easier time with him if he wasn't LDS. Because he's LDS I know he knows better than he acts or sounds. During the debates he was the least Christan sounding man on stage. His voting and speech record highlighted his lack of integrity. I never once heard him say anything that reflected well on our church or him being a disciple of Christ.
We have a great privilege in our right to vote. That vote is powerful and it should be used to make the world a better place.

And to the republican party:
I'm sorry but being against homosexual marriage and abortion just aren't enough to get my vote anymore, nor do they make you qualified to be president. Oh and don't be thinking that just because you found some inexperienced pushover of a female to be vp that, that will turn my pretty little head. I would appreciate a lot more respect for my female intelligence.
Thank you.

True Compassion

May we all be so Christlike... Mindy Carter-Shaw and her son are definitely people worth emulating. I just learned about them in this Deseret News piece.
http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700255622,00.html?pg=1

(If the link fails Google her name, you'll be glad you did)