Graduation Party!!

Dreams do Come True!!

It's amazing to think that this day has come! After 2 years and 4 months I have finally (unofficially - because I haven't received my diplomas) graduated!!! The above picture is from graduation ceremonies for the College of Social Work in May 200. They were kind enough to let me "walk" with my cohort, even though I still had two more semesters. That was my first fake graduation.

I took my last final on Monday, December 8. I also turned in my final two papers that day so when I finished my final at 7:30pm, I walked off campus with no further academic responsibilities. That, was a good feeling. So I called Shiree to tell her that I was done and she told me that she and Alex were waiting for me to come home and have dinner. (Amidst the stress of finishing papers and studying for finals I forgot to eat) I was a little surprised to hear that they were waiting for me. But when I got home, I was even more surprised!!!

That's right!! Shiree bought me some A&W Root Beer!! For those of you that have read my profile, you'll understand how much root beer means to me. That could have capped off the perfect night! Thanks Honey!!

BUT...

That wasn't all. Shiree had gotten me some graduation gifts.

As you can tell, that's a blanket that Shiree made (and I didn't even know about it). One side has Weber State stuff (ie old WSU shirts and purple and white fleece) and the other side is University of Utah Fleece. It looks really cool!! If you look in the bottom right corner you'll see a license plate cover that says: "Alumni - University of Utah." That's right, I am a Utah Alum!!! Thanks Honey!!

Now I thought that was it, BUT....

For those of you who have better eyesight than me, you are looking at Ben & Jerry's "Americone Dream" Ice Cream (and yes, that is Stephen Colbert on the container). I would have been happy to just see an ice cream container with Stephen Colbert on it, but the ice cream is actually good. I think it may have surpassed even Cookies 'n Cream on my all-time favorite list (and that is saying something). For those of you that have not tried it, you should, and for those who have, well, you know what I'm talking about.

Overall, it was a great graduation party!! I am happy to be done. But I think Shiree is even happier than I am about it. She gets to have a husband again. It's been a good 2 1/2 years of graduate school and I have enjoyed it. All the ups and downs, the learning experiences and the challenges. But I'm glad to be moving on. Look out real world, here I come!!

And of course, Alex wants to be just like Daddy!!

37 Odd Things About Me

So Shiree sent me this email and I am violently opposed to sending out emails like this to people. So I figured I'd put it on my blog. Yeah for Blogs!!

Here you go!

1. Do you like blue cheese dressing? depends on what I am eating it with. On a salad, never. With other entrees, yes.
2. Have you ever smoked? not cigarettes no. But I have burned my eyebrows, my hair, and my nose hairs (that is a funny story)...so yes I have "smoked" before.
3. Do you own a gun? nope.
4. What flavor Kool-Aid was your favorite? anything red (Cherry, Strawberry, Fruit Punch, etc)
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Only if they call me to schedule the appointment out of the blue.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? They're not very talkative, but they're fun to eat.
7. Favorite Christmas movie? All of them. My top three could be (in no particular order) "Grinch who Stole Christmas" - animated; "It's a Wonderful Life;" and Original Christmas movies (not the remakes) -- I guess I just don't like the remake of "Miracle on 34th Street."
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? milk
9. Can you do pushups? Yes.
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding ring/band (I don't wear rings because I'm a guy)
11. Favorite hobby? blogging?? J/K playing sports, watching sports,
12. Do you have A.D.D.? No...it's really more of an anxiety disorder due to school
13. Do you wear glasses/contacts? Yes.
14. Middle name? Jon
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? I can't believe my teacher hasn't noticed that I stopped paying attention in class, How am I going to finish my homework by Monday?, My leg hurts.
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? water, milk, apple juice
17. Current worry: getting homework done on time to graduate
18. Current hate right now? The Social Work Clinical exam people
19. Favorite place to be? at home with my family
20. Do you like Beef Jerky? Gol durn, 'course I do.
21. Where would you like to go? Scotland
22. Name three people who will complete this: That's not fair because only 2 people actually read my blog.
23. Do you own slippers? No.
24. What shirt are you wearing? A green button-up shirt that I borrowed my Dad and still haven't returned.
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I don't think so.
26. Can you whistle? Yes, but it will give me away and my teacher will make me pay attention in class.
27. Favorite color? Purple and Red (Go Wildcats!! Go Utes!!)
28. Would you be a pirate? Only if someone else found the buried treasure for me.
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? You wouldn't recognize them because I just make them up.
30. Favorite girl's Name? Shiree, Callie, Ellie (picking up a pattern...)
31. Favorite boy's name? Boy
32. What's in your pocket right now? My keys, my wallet, a pencil, a little pocket notebook
33. Last thing that made you laugh? Remembering that time I burned my nose hairs.
34. What vehicle do you drive? Chevy Prizm
35. Worst injury you've ever had? It's a tie between broken hand in junior high and knee injury in high school. Both related to football. Hmmm....
36. Do you love where you live? Yes--except for the small space, but I can't wait to get a new place and start loving that one.
37. How many TVs do you have in your home? 1

Tribute to an Apostle

A great man has graduated from this life and entered the eternal realm. I don't know why the passing of Elder Joseph Bitner Wirthlin has affected me more than the passing of President Hinckley or President Faust. I guess that I have come to love Elder Wirthlin even more recently. I always had a hard time paying attention when Elder Wirthlin spoke in General Conference because he was never as eloquent as Elder Neal Maxwell or a great story teller like President Monson or as charismatic as Elder Jeffrey Holland. But every time I would read his talks in the Ensign when it came out after Conference, I was blown away at how powerful they were. Though, in my opinion, he was not a great public speaker, his talks always made me think and ponder about my own testimony. One of the first talks I remember by him was one about testimony where he stated that a testimony is "knowledge buttressed by divine personal confirmation by the Holy Ghost." Of course, everyone will remember forever his final General Conference address, "Come What May, and Love It." I think it important to remember that he lived what he taught and he provided an example for us to follow.

Thank you Elder Wirthlin for living a Christlike Life that I can emulate!!

Winter Movie Letdown

This Stinks!!

I have been waiting since May 2007 for the release of Harry Potter 6: The Half-Blood Prince. I have become quite the Harry Potter fan (just ask Shiree). So when I realized that the release date for the 6th movie was going to be right around the time that I finish graduate school, my excitement could not be contained. (Our neighbors actually called the cops because it was so loud... J/K -- We love the Loudons!!) Anyway, November 21st was to be the celebration that there was only 3 more weeks of school. I have been anticipating it for months.

Then...

I find out that the release date has been moved to JULY 2009. That's 8 more months!!! How can they do this to me?!?!?!?! I don't think that I can wait that much longer (in reality I can, I just want to gain more sympathy by whining).

Then...

To pour salt on the wound, they announce that Twilight will be taking the place of HP6 on November 21st. (Apologies to all you Twilight fans out there) Twilight???? in place of Harry Potter???? What is this world coming to?!?!?!?!

I guess that it's a good thing that HP6 will be released later than planned. That gives less time between HP6 and HP7-part I (which is scheduled for release in November 2010). So I can see the silver lining in all of this. It just ruins my Harry Potter Graduation Party.

Anyway, I guess that I can look forward to a great summer movie schedule with HP6 in July 2009 and G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra in August 2009. (That's right, GI Joe is coming back to the big screen and thankfully, they didn't put Shia LeBeuof in it)

All-Star Cabinet

I was intrigued by this phrase that I have been hearing on news shows. So here's my question: Does making an "All-Star Cabinet" make Obama more of a celebrity or a pragmatist? Is he doing this to heal the partisan wounds of this country, or is he trying to appease everyone and make himself out to be "The One"?

If I could choose Obama's Cabinet, here it is. (The first 3 and the last one, I'm serious about. The rest, not so serious)


Defense: General David Patraeus

He is very practical and at the beginning of his tenure as Chief Commander in Iraq appeared to not play the politics game. He sided with both proponents of the Bush Administration and its critics. Besides, he is one of the only people involved in the Iraq War with a positive approval rating.

State: President and Senator Clinton

What a better tag team than the Clintons. They both know how to play the international political game. Plus they have great relationships with most of the other world leaders. Now, you're probably thinking, "You can't have two secretaries of State," and you're right. But if you pick one Clinton, you get the other.

Treasury: Governor Mitt Romney

Mitt is a money man and knows how to spend and save a buck. I think we need some serious private sector principles of economy and thrift to help turn around this country's economy. Besides you need someone who is thoroughly convinced of the effectiveness of free-market economics otherwise we lose out in the international arena.

(This is where it started to be fun!)

Agriculture: Old McDonald

Sure, he's Old, but farmers are tough, even when they're old. Who better to lead our agriculture production than Old McDonald? Besides, who isn't going to trust produce grown with the help of Old McDonald.

Justice (Attorney General): Judge Judy

Just look at her. She serves Justice! What more can be said.

Labor: Wal-Mart

When I think of fair labor standards, equal wages, and happy working environments, I think of Wal-Mart. They can cut costs like no one else and then raise them so subtley that you don't even notice. Wouldn't the same principle apply when advocating for worker's wages??

Energy: T. Boone Pickens

What? You've never heard of T. Boone?? You've got to choose T. Boone just for his name. It won't be hard to think of a nickname for T. Boone because his name is already cool. Besides, who wouldn't want a retired-billionare-oil-executive-turned-environmentalist as The Guy in charge of our nation's energy needs and our energy future. I mean the guy changes energy schemes when it becomes popular? Who wouldn't want that??

Transportation: Ricky Bobby

Ok. So Ricky Bobby isn't a real person. But what a way to lock in the Southern vote by putting a NASCAR driver in the Presidential Cabinet. You'd win re-election for sure!

Homeland Security: Chuck Norris

C'mon, who wouldn't want Chuck Norris for their Secretary of Homeland Security. Chuck Norris will secure our homeland.

Veteran's Affairs: G.I. Joe

We need a "Real American Hero" to help take care of our Veterans. Who better than the Original "Real American Hero."

Education, Interior, & Commerce - Couldn't think of anyone. Sorry. Unless we have Chuck Norris be in charge of each of those departments as well. Chuck Norris can do it!!

Housing & Urban Development: Joe the Plumber

If this guy can fix a leaky toilet, he can fix anything? Who better to run HUD, than a plumber?

And Finally...

Health & Human Services: Little John (aka Me)

Yes, that is my Halloween costume. Don't I look good? If there were one job that I could pick as an aboslute dream job (that will probably never come true) it would be the Secretary of Health & Human Services. It would be such a great job!! Just think, to be in charge of Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, & Healthcare in America. What a job!! Besides, who wouldn't want to be in the same Presidential Cabinet as Chuck Norris!!

What's your favorite scripture?

In Institute today, we had a substitute teacher and his lesson plan was to go through our "favorite" scriptures in the scripture block, which today was Hebrews. So I dutifully opened my scriptures and figured I would just share one of the first that I found that had been marked. Not being very familiar with Hebrews (having only read it once or twice before), I didn't know what I was going to expect. But I did find one passage that really stood out to me and so I shared it.

Hebrews 2:9-18 (while the entire passage is good, I focused on the first and last verse)

9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

We can see that Christ, who is a God and "higher" than the angels, suffered himself to be "lower[ed]" so that he could "[suffer] ... death ... for every man [and woman]." Being a God, Christ did not have to suffer any of the mortal perils that we face. He was already "crowned with glory and honour;" but, He allowed Himself to condescend (Latin root meaning to descend with) to the state of mortality and "[suffer] ... death" and all the other things he suffered (see Alma 7:11-12) for us. He did not do any of this for personal satisaction or glory (He already had it). The reason for His ultimate unselfishness is found in v. 18

18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Thus, the reason Christ suffered as He did was so that He could "[succor]" all of us who are tempted. Alma says the same thing (Alma 7:12). My favorite definition of succor is one given by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (Ensign, Oct. 1997, p.66) where he said that to succor means "to run to." As Christ succors us, He is running to us. Are we running back? or do we turn our backs on Him and try to make it on our own? To often, I find myself trying to do the latter. Relying upon the arm of the flesh sure didn't work out for the Lamanites who tried to kill Ammon (Alma 17:36-38), and yet, still I think that if I just think about it long enough and approach the situation rationally, I can figure it out.

Yes, God has blessed us with intelligence, gifts, and abilities to "work out [our] own salvation" (Phillipians 2:12). But we forget too often (at least I do) the last part of the scripture: "with fear and trembling." God does not want us to approach decisions with an unrealistic fear and despair for the future. The "fear and trembling" that this verse describes is one of spiritual fear that Job had for God (Job 1:1), meaning reverence and obedience. The trembling denotes a spirit of repentance and humility at God's awesome power (1 Samuel 14:15; Mosiah 15:26-27; Alma 12:1,7). If I am able to use the gifts that God has given me in "fear and trembling" as described here, then I am not alone--I am trusting in God, reverencing His power, seeking His forgiveness, and acknowledging my nothingness before Him (see Mosiah 4:11-12). That, is "fear and trembling."

So this kind of turned into more than just what I shared in my Institute class today. It has helped me realize better my relationship with God. If that is all it accomplishes, then I am happy. If I have somehow influenced someone else in their relationship with Deity, all the better (see D&C 18:15-16).

Post-Election Blues

Now that the election is over, I am sure you are all wondering what in the world I will have to blog about regarding politics. Well, let me reassure you that politics is a year round game. And for those of you suffering from post-election blues, let me remind you that the GOP elites have already begun forming their platforms for the next presidential election in 2012-- whether it be Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee, or somebody else (hopefully not Ron Paul), we will get a good dose of "What is the GOP up to" during the next 2 years, and then... it's off to the races for another round of "Who wants to be President?" For those of you Democrats out there who are thinking that you won't have to worry about choosing a candiate for a while, you're probably right. But just remember... Hillary 2016!

For the rest of us who aren't as concerned about the next Presidential election as we are about the current transition of Obama's Administration, let's take a moment (because that's all we have) to remember everything that Obama has promised. Unfortunately, it is going to take a lot longer than just one moment to remember this laundry list of items. (Perhaps a series of moments over the next month) The good news, with a democratic congress and a democratic administration, I don't see how Obama could not accomplish most of his aspirations within the first term (I mean look at everything W. Bush was able to do for 6 years with a Republican congress). Let's just remember that politics is a game that is played very well by anyone aspiring to the Presidency. There is no way that anyone, regardless of how charismatic or motivating he/she is, that can attain the office of the President of the United States without knowing how to play the political game very well. Our HOPE is that Obama can remember the HOPE that he promised.

On another note, I would just like to give a shout out to the entire 52% of Californians who voted to adopt a State Constitutional Amendment to keep marriage legally defined as between a man and a woman. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Traditional marriage is safe (for now) and our outlook is bright. It will be a sad day when the voice of this people desires to abolish traditional marriage in our land (see Mosiah 29:27). What a great ploy of the Adversary, to seek to abolish families by weeding out procreation. He's smart; BUT thanks to 52% of Californians (and everyone outside of CA who helped out), God will always be stronger than the devil.

Now that the election is over, maybe you can look forward to seeing more pictures of my family on this blog. (I know that's a shocker)

You Decide -- 4 Days Until Presidential Judgment Day

Let's see if I can catch up with the political pundits in one post. (This could be a long one)

The debates are over and it is left to the voters to decide the fate of the next 4 years. I felt that the debates were entertaining, if you had already decided for whom you would vote. However, for the undecided it was lest instructive. I watched the debates on CNN and was intrigued by the real-time response at the bottom of the screen by some "Undecided Ohio Voters." According to that, either McCain truly did extremely bad in the second and third debates or the pool of "undecided" were leaning Obama. You decide.

McCain sure is a great campaigner-- just not for himself. When Palin first came on board, he touted her ability to lead and her expterise in executive government. Now, some say that she will run for office in 2012 (if McCain doesn't win--if he does, then she'll for sure run in 2016). Then we have "Joe the Plumber." If John McCain bolstered you into the national spotlight and made it possible for you to get national media attention for more than 2 weeks, then was able to ensure a book deal out of it, not to mention the talks of country album (can you imagine "Joe the Plumber" with a record deal??). If this all happened for me, I would for sure vote for John McCain. Nevertheless, it doesn't seem like a very good campaign strategy because you don't really know what "Joe the Plumber" is like. I don't care who you are, but when you make racist comments about a nation like Israel and then imply that if Obama is elected he's going to let them all die, that is innapropriate. You decide what that says about John McCain's judge of character in other people.

Whether or not Obama is a celebrity is pretty much a moot point because he is spending money like a celebrity. I am a realist and understand what role money plays in this country (if you don't, just look at the reasons for this economic crisis--money, greed, and power); but to spend more than $5million on 30 minutes of airtime seems a little too much for me. Not to mention how much money he is acquiring through his campaign contributions (I think we could make a significant dent in the national debt if he used that money to help pay it off). You decide what that says about Obama's ability to balance the budget and cut spending.

Here's what I like about...
McCain: His national security experience and record of consistently voting for what he thinks is right. In that sense, he is a maverick. I like his choice of Sarah Palin for showing that he has the ability to be open about appointments and choosing someone that has executive experience. I like that he is human, he get's mad just like everybody else when he doesn't get what he wants. I really like his conservative approach to appointing judges to the Supreme Court. In the next administration, we could have 2-4 judges retire and that is a significant sway in the balance of the court. I like Chief Justice Roberts and that he tries to seek consensus (at least during the presidential campaign season) but consensus doesn't matter when you have a huge majority. I like his healthcare plan in that it allows for more portability.

Obama: Regardless of what anybody says, he is a motivator. He has helped so many young people become active in the politcal process again. That is remarkable. I like that he is smart and has experience working with the low and middle income workers to help make their lives better and increase their wages and benefits. I like that he is a Christian and has strong family preferences. I really like his ability to bring everybody to the proverbial table and get things accomplished. He can see the expertise and good qualities in other people and he surrounds himself with those good people to help him. I like his healthcare plan in that it allows for children to be insured and gives the opportunity to everybody that wants it.

Here's what I don't like about...
McCain: He doesn't have a good grasp of the economy (and he said this himself). This is further evidenced by the fact that his campaign almost went bankrupt in Summer 2007. He was not making good financial choices. I felt like he wanted to win this campaign more than choose a more qualified VP. Palin is good but she isn't the best choice, especially given the economic situation. I don't like his maverick attitude that he thinks he knows what is best regardless of other's opinions. I don't like that he seems to have tunnel vision when it comes to the issues. I don't know how much focus he is going to put on healthcare, education, social rights, immigration, and environmental issues with his extreme focus on national security.

Obama: I don't know enough about him to be able to say that udnerstand his character. He seems genuine, but he is also so eloguent that I haven't had enough exposure to him to be able to break through the charismatic facade (if indeed there is one.) I remember that Bill Clinton was the same charismatic campaigner and even though he did good things for this country, his character was most disappointing. I don't like his philosophy of appointing judges. I am pretty conservative when it comes to Constitution and the Law (more letter of the law) and I do not approve of judges being chosen to influence decisions, rather than the best qualified candidate based on their judicial interpretation of the law. Judges should not make laws, that is what the legislature is for. I don't like Obama's lack of experience in the international scene. Biden has plenty of it, but unless Obama gives Biden the same latitude that Bush gave Cheney, Obama will be the one making the decisions on international politics.

In the end, on Tuesday, the choice lies with the average American. You have the power to decide which direction this country goes. The good news, it's not going to pot with either choice. We have two really good candidates that love their country and would make good choices about governance. The difference is how those decisions are made and what they are. I would ask that you take the time this weekend to study the issues as deeply as you want, and make a decision based on your personal philosophies about government and competence and cast your vote for the person you think will be the best choice. You Decide the fate of the next four years. You Decide the direction that this country is heading. You Decide what kind of country will be here when you retire and your children grow up. You Decide the next election. So get out and vote and make sure that you bring your family and friends with you. Voting is Power!

You Decide!

An Unexcused Absence from Blogging

I am sure that you are all shocked that I have made a new post (make sure you have the AED closeby). My last post was more than 3 weeks ago. (How embarassing) I feel that I need to explain myself. Here are a few reasons (whether they are weak or justified, I'll leave that to you)
1) There has been so much back-and-forth between the campaigns it would require 24 hour a day blogging just to keep up with it all (and I don't have that time)
2) At my internship, we recently had the accreditation surveyors come to accredit our Homeless Program. Since I have been in charge of this accreditation process, I have been very busy the past couple of weeks. But now they are gone and we passed with flying colors.
3) I've been lazy and haven't made blogging a priority.

I guess that's about it. Judge me if you must. But I can say that I am back for the final stretch before November 4th.

Is it just me, or...

I often wondered about the generational differences between me and my father and my grandfather. Not necessarily personal differences, but the differences of a generation. My grandfather worked at the same job for his entire career. I'm sure that's true of most of your grandparents. He worked for Hill Air Force Base as an electrical engineer. My father is currently on his second career, but both of those are in the same field. He worked construction since he returned from his mission until I was about 9 or 10. I grew up on a construction site (it was dangerously fun). Now he works for the LDS Church as a project manager where he oversees the construction, demolition, and remodeling of church facilities (mainly meetinghouses and CES buildings). I'm pretty sure that he'll work in this job as long as they'll let him before he's forced to retire.

As for me, my resume more than doubles that of my father and grandfather combined. I've worked in a restaurant in various positions (though not something I want to do for the rest of my life, I wouldn't mind owning a restaurant); in construction (mostly commercial, but I would love to have worked residential); telemarketing (about as long as it took me to get through the probationary period - 2 weeks); teaching (I taught LDS seminary for 1 year and enjoyed it very much, but came to realize that I couldn't do that for 40 years); temporary staffing (I learned a lot in the business world, but wouldn't/couldn't make a career in sales); social services (this is what my graduate education includes). There's peak into my resume.

I guess my pondering comes from the fact that even though I enjoyed all of these jobs (except telemarketing), it would be hard for me to do any one of them for 40 years and retire with the same company I began my career with (like my grandfather or father). Is it just me that has this divested interest in occupational pursuits? Or is it the byproduct of a generational shift to a more impatient, want-it-now ideology of Generation X? Will I ever find that magical job that excites me so much that I want to work there for 40+ years? 3 years of graduate school and you'd think I'd know the answer to that question. So much for a formalized education ;o)

The BIG Decision...

It has been weighing on me all week long. Which is the right decision to make? Both are important things that I should be aware of and that impact my future greatly (ok maybe one more than the other). But the point is that both are unique and important events in my life.

I'll give you a gold star if you can guess what I'm talking about.

No?

Well, this Thursday night plays host to two very important events: the Vice Presidential Debate, and the Utah vs. Oregon State football game.

I can't decide which one to watch. It is such a hard decision. (I guess I need to address another problem. About 3 weeks ago, Alex took our remote to the tv and we can't find it. So in order to watch both events, I would have to give up the comfort of being a couch potato and be a standing potato)

What's your advice? Which should I watch?

The First Presidential Debate

Well, McCain showed up; at least, he showed up about 40 minutes into the debate. The first portion of the debate, it seemed that McCain was a little off on his responses and not very confident in his ability to articulate his ideas to the American public. Perhaps it was nerves, or perhaps it was just the fact that he doesn't have a clue when it comes to the economy. Admittedly, McCain got much better when the topic turned to foreign relations and the war in Iraq.

Obama, was generally more calm and collected and rebutted almost every accusation laid against him. However, in talking about Iraq and Afghanistan, it seemed that he was backpeddling a little bit. Maybe that was just McCain's repeated attacks about Obama's opposition to the surge, but after that portion, McCain kept bringing that point back up so Obama had to, repeatedly, respond. The more he responded, the more he got twisted up in his words. (Bytheway, the same thing happened between McCain and Romney during the Primary debate in CA). But if that was a low point for Obama, it was one of the few. Obama really held his own against McCain, particularly on national security issues. Sure he cited Biden's expertise in foreign relations, but not as much as McCain cited Palin's ability to lead.

So who won? I think the answer is... who cares? The only people who care about who "won" the debate are political analysts and each of the campaigns (oh yeah, and anyone who's taken a debate class). But for the average American, I don't think we really care who won or who lost. We got a chance to see our preferred candidate take on the other one and defend his position and offer suggestions on how to succeed in foreign affairs. Americans also got a chance to hear from their non-preferred candidate and listen to them discuss which approach to America's problem is better. I think the group that had the hardest time last night was the fence-sitting non-committal voter (like myself) who is still trying to decide who to vote for. Both sides had their moments in the sun and at times, did a great job illustrating their platforms, which are quite different. Yet, at the same time, I think the weaknesses in each campaign were brought to light (not to mention exploited by their opponent). But it was good to get to know better, through contrast, the philosophies of each candidate. I'm looking forward to the next debate so I can learn more from the candidates. I want to be able to go in with confidence to that voting booth in 38 days knowing that the man for whom I vote will be able to lead this country, and that requires making a decision. (Of course, when I make a decision, I'll blog about it so you can argue with me about my decision.)

The Utes go Black

I just read this article in the Trib and was amazed that the University of Utah would consider going from the traditional white and red uniforms to a black uniform (supposedly). They are supposed to debut the black uniforms at the TCU game on Nov 6th. I guess I'll wait to pass judgment until I see it.

On another note, I have been really impressed with the new look that Under Armour has given the Utes this year. I'll watch for the shine from the helmets during the Weber State game this Saturday.

Moral Agency: A Literary Discussion

So Shiree's cousin is a literary genuis and I've recently taken to blog-stalking and commenting occassionally on his posts (which are really more like essays). Anyway, about a month ago, he posted about "free will versus fate" in literature, particularly the Twilight series. Having never read them, I based my comments on Harry Potter, that wonderful wizard from Little Whinging. Here is the original topic from Twilight and Here is the first installment in his posts about moral agency in literature.

Here is the second part of this series and is an opposing viewpoint to the first post post on the subject. The following is my response, which was intended as just a comment, but kept getting longer and longer so I decided to post it here. I hope that Tyler doesn't mind me citing his blog, which is really a well-written collection of literary genius.

“One certainly can’t live in the
past and ‘be one traveler,’ for by so striving their present will be out of
harmony: they’ll live in opposition to themselves and to nature, falling into
cross-purposes with fate’s indifferent design, resulting in a diverse array of
psychological incongruities.”

Similarly, one cannot serve God and Mammon. If one tries to serve both, he is fragmented or incomplete. Thus John’s description (Revelation 3:16) of those who are lukewarm being “spe[wed]” forth. Inevitably, a choice must be made. In the view presented here, it is not a choice between two roads but a choice between letting go of the past while forging into the future and clinging to the past, as those dependent wanderers seen by Lehi in his vision of another path (1 Nephi 8:24)

"This establishes the idea that the
past, the present, and the future, rather than laying down different paths, are
fixed in a continuous chain, ordered, to employ a Biblical term, 'from the
beginning' by an unseen, irrational force characterized in the poem by nature,
whose influence, as the falling leaves, covers all. In this light, the only
clear 'choice' for Frost’s wanderer is to move forward on the one road before
him, his past irrevocably leading to his present, forever leading to his
future."

Can we not all look to our past and try to relive it? How many people dream of yesteryears with longing for “the good ole’ days” when times were “easier.” (Helaman 7:7-8) But in reality, the reason times were easier in the past is because they are over. Hindsight is always 20/20. Frosts’ traveler views the road with the bent undergrowth with longing to return (“Oh, I kept the first for another day!”) as do we all. But the supreme point in all of this is that no matter if there is 1 road, 2 roads, or 50 roads, one option that will always be before any traveler is to do nothing. The traveler had the capacity to sit and do nothing. Once he makes that choice, of course, there are consequences. Doing nothing may bring the possibility of facing the oncoming winter storm and possibly death, but that is the consequence of the choice of doing nothing.

Coming from the past, the traveler sees the road behind him as “bent in the undergrowth” and sees the path before him as “just as fair.” But through it all, the traveler retains the ability to choose which direction to go. Once he makes that choice, the consequence is assigned (or you might even say “destined”). By following the path to which that choice and consequence lead will ultimately lead to another choice; but the latter choice is wholly dependent upon the initial choice. Consider the example of a girl and a boy becoming sexually active prematurely. That is a choice which they have every ability to make. Then, as a result of that choice, comes another set of choices which may include pregnancy, adoption, abortion, marriage, STD’s, etc. However, what if the two young people had never made the choice to become sexually active prematurely? Their consequences (or “destinies”) would be vastly different. Thus our path is not an “unseen, irrational force” but a necessary byproduct of the choices we have made in the past. Even if we can see no further back than the “ben[d] in the undergrowth,” the path still exists beyond it and still affects (or affected depending on your temporal understanding) the current path. From an LDS perspective, the condition of those who “kept not their first estate” is vastly different than those who did keep their first estate.

Perhaps my limited exposure to intellectualized literature hampers my understanding because it seems that the author can create any kind of a literary world s/he wants. But I cannot understand a world in which choice is removed from even a made-up character’s ability. To be destined is merely the passive acceptance (or choice) to allow someone or something else to rule you. Permitting destiny to rule you is to be acted upon and not to act. How can a character (made-up or real) achieve the measure of their creation (or even imagination) while sitting in the proverbial back seat on their journey towards self-actualization/completeness/perfection?

Where were you on 9/11?

I had remembered all week that September 11th was a Thursday this year. But when I woke up this morning, I hadn't realized it was September 11th until I checked my work email and got an email letter sent by the White House asking all citizens to remember that fateful morning 7 years ago. The letter also said that there would be a moment of silence held that morning at 8:47am eastern. Since I missed it, I had my own moment right there in my office.

I remembered exactly where I was standing when I heard the news and how I had watched the towers fall a little while later. I was on my mission in Chile. We were told to stay inside for the rest of the day and one of the missionaries who lived in our apartment got a phone call from the Mission President telling him that his family (who lived in Pennsylvania) had called and they were okay. I can still remember those feelings I had. Being a missionary I didn't realize the gravity of the situation until I returned home in 2002.

Now it's 2008 and I realized something else during my moment of silence. That my two children weren't alive when that happened. They don't know what life was like before 9/11. I then realized it is my responsibility to teach them about patriotism and honor and American History. It's my responsibility to teach them about true heroism and courage. We are a nation like no other in the history of the world. I once heard a four star general from the United States Military explain that America's chief export is freedom and democracy. I am proud to live in a country where we defend our freedom "in memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives [and our husbands], and our children" and I can't wait to teach my children that.

God Bless America!

Friends and Followers: A few Technological Idiosyncracies

So my wife signed up for Facebook a few weeks ago. Since then she has made so many "friends." It's amazing that once you put your internet profile out on the world wide web everybody wants to be your "friend." What is most fascinating is that even though Shiree can broadcast to the world on Facebook that she is "married," she can't explain who she is married to unless I sign up on Facebook. I refuse to do so more on principle than anything. It's just funny that in order to explain who you truly are, you must go through a predetermined system that really isn't "one size fits all."

The other fun thing that I've found on blogger is that now I can have "followers." It's always been interesting to see why people "follow" something (religion, actors, sports teams, etc). I guess the same rules apply to "following" a blog. My guess is that it's more of a visible form of blog stalking. However, I'm new to the whole blogging scene, so correct if I'm wrong.

Proud of my Family

I just wanted to take a minute and tell you how proud I am of my family. I realize that pride is a sin, but let me indulge for just a moment and tell you how sinfully proud I am of my wonderfully awesome family!

Jocelyn Beth

I have the cutest little girl in the whole wide world who loves to smile and laugh and giggle. Her newest trick has been scooting around the floor after the shiny things (most of which she shouldn't be playing with). She is a lot more cuddly than Alex ever was, and it is just so nice to sit down with her and cuddle with her and have her just play. She is also a great eater (like her Dad). I really like sitting down with her and feeding her her lunch or dinner. I am a little worried that I'm not going to be very nice to any of her boyfriends. That's something I have to work on (and I have 18 years to do it)

Alex Jon

My son is the coolest! We had to order a new crib because the old one was potentially lethal for children (Jardine is cheap, but apparently low quality). Anyway, we got our new crib with the refund voucher from the old one and it arrived in the mail last week. So of course, as the resident handyman in the house, Alex decided to put it together: I helped him, of course. It was a lot of fun to put up a crib with my son. The last time we set it up, he was (obviously) too small so it was just me and Shiree. But this time, Alex wanted to be right in the middle of it all. Sometimes it was literally in the middle of it all (and in the way) but most of the time he was very helpful and sometimes even predicted my needs. He would bring me screws before I even asked for them (though I think it was due more to the fact that he enjoyed playing with the screws than due to his carpentry expertise). It was a lot of fun to be able to work side by side with my little boy. Now I realize why my Dad enjoyed it so much to have us help him.

Shiree "Cuddlewumpkins"

I love my wife!! We celebrated our 4 year anniversary this past July and have just absolutely enjoyed these first 4 years of marriage. Of course there have been tough times in every possible way; but, the only reason I was able to get through them is because I married such a wonderful woman! With me having busy days at school and work pretty steadily for the past 3 years, I realized how much Shiree does for me. She takes such good care of me that sometimes I feel undeserving. So I try to think of ways to repay her. Recently, I was able to find one. It's always hard to be at home with kids all day long and have only the conversation of a 2-year old and the giggling of an 8-month old for company. So Shiree mentioned that there was this choir at the Institute that was available for not just Institute students. Unfortunately, she told me about this choir after the auditions were over. I told her she should audition anyway. So she sent an email to the director asking for an audition. After not having heard back from him for about 4 days, I went to the Institute to talk to the choir director. He was very open to having her audition after I told him how awesome she is and how much he needs her in his choir. So he called her and they set up an audition. I knew all along she was going to make it in; she is an awesome singer! She made the choir and had her first practice that afternoon. She was really happy! I was happy for her. I knew that she would enjoy it and I'm glad that I was able to help her as she has helped me so much throughout our marriage. (I Love You Pookie!! xoxoxoxo)

So, thanks for reading all about my awesome family! I can honestly say that I have never been more proud of anything else in my life! (though that one time when I won the contest for fitting the most marshmellows in my mouth in junior high school, that was pretty cool.....but my family is a lot cooler than jumbo marshmellows)

Here's to the rest of eternity!!

Palin for President

In watching John McCain's acceptance speech last night at the RNC, I was a little confused. The first part (after the congratulatory and gratitude remarks) he spent at least 5-7 minutes talking about Gov. Sarah Palin. For a moment it sounded like she was the presidential candidate. McCain made a big deal about her qualifications over Obama and the Democrats. I thought that the presidential race was McCain v. Obama, but it sounded like it was Obama v. Palin.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/04/rnc.speeches/index.html

Another VP Shocker

"WOW!!!" and "Holy Crap!!" are the two things that came to mind when I read the headlines this morning about McCain's VP choice. Has anyone else heard of Sarah Palin?? Does anyone else remember that we even have a state in the Union so far north? In a surprise move (huge surprise because most political analysis mediums did not consider her a top pick much less in the running for VP spot), McCain again shows his independence from mainstraim Republican Conservatism and chooses a strong running mate who, at times, defies the party lines (like McCain).

The good news is that she is a good balance for McCain (who my wife likes to describe as "the grumpy old man"). She is a relative greenie to the front of politics but has gained some important experience as the chief executive of our northernmost state. She opposes corruption as evidenced by her attacks on her Republican counterparts in Alaskan government (both state and national) who have been shown to be corrupt. Oh yeah, and she is young and female, which is something McCain has hard a hard time attracting in his campaign, as voters ;)

She seems to be pretty conservative and Christian, which will help him in the South. McCain doesn't need much help in the national security realm, but she does have executive experience as the commander-in-chief of the state's national guard and reserves. The question with national security and McCain is whether he will listen to anybody else on the subject. They are both from the West, which could be the region that plays a huge role in this election. Personally, I think that McCain will win Utah (regardless of Romney being on the ticket), but Obama will put up a strong fight and may even get a quarter of the vote.

In the end, this could be exactly what McCain needs to maintain his conservative base and reach out to the fence-sitting independents (like myself) for support. We'll see how she does in showing herself "ready to lead," as McCain has ridiculed Obama of not being ready to do.

What do you think? Has McCain shot himself in the foot with his "ready to lead" argument by choosing someone with limited experience (granted it is executive experience which legislators often lack)? Or is McCain just plain arrogant enough to think that he won't have to worry about his VP choice actually becoming President of the United States?

McCain VP Prediction

I want to put in my vote before it actually is announced. I predict that John McCain will choose as his running mate ....


Mitt Romney.



Now that Obama chose Biden, I am convinced that it will be Obama/Biden & McCain/Romney. Romney will help with the Western States and be a huge boost for McCain's economic policies. The two biggest issues in the campaign are economic situation at home and national security. If McCain does not choose Romney, he's too proud and stubborn to acknowledge that his economic policies are weak and that he's too focused on national security to be a well-rounded president.

And the VP goes to... Joe Biden??

Was anybody else surprised by this move? I didn't like Biden in the primaries because he was loud and obnoxious. If Obama was going for someone who was the exact opposite of everything that Obama is and stands for, then Biden is the perfect choice. He's been around for 36 years in the Senate representing everything about the "broken Washington" that Obama is campaigning against.

But I must say that if Obama wanted someone who's strengths would balance out his own weaknesses, he sure got it with Joe Biden!

P.S. My guess is that with the Edwards scandal (which could have been brought to light because of Obama offering him the VP spot) Obama couldn't have Edwards, so he went with his second choice. I prefer to think of Biden as second choice, then it doesn't feel like such a bad call on Obama's part.

USA all the Way!!!

I'm sure that most of you have seen this (or at least heard about it by now). This was the most incredible swimming race I have ever seen!! It was flipping amazing!!!! Enjoy! and good luck Phelps!

Make sure you watch the whole thing and pay attention to the last 50 meters and the way that Lezak (probably by shear will) just pummels his way toward the gold medal!

Veepstakes at a Glance

So, here are some of the more well known choices (in no particular order)

Democrats
John Edwards: Lovable, friendly guy who's goal (in spite of not being President) is to rid America of poverty. He would fit well with Obama's message of Change because he was only a Senator for 1 term. This adds to attacks on Obama's limited experience as an executive. But Edwards is liked and would have done really well in the Primaries if Obama and Clinton weren't in it. Now that Clinton isn't in anymore, he may bring more to the table for people who wanted to vote for him and Obama.

Hillary Clinton: She's Hillary Clinton. Need I say more? Though, I will. She would definitely be a huge roadblock for McCain getting the Whitehouse. She brings a lifetime of experience, knowledge, and ability to get things done. However, she brings extra baggage with her (Bill Clinton) and she is the exact opposite of what Obama is campaigning against: Washington Politics. I say that if Obama picks her, it will be because he wants to win, not because he wants to make change in America.

Bill Richardson: He would bring in some of the Clinton supporters, though admittedly not the female vote. But he brings something else: the Hispanic perspective. How monumental would it be to have an African American President and a Hispanic Vice-President? Richardson brings the executive experience that Obama lacks and potential for added influence in the West, which Obama really needs.

General Wesley Clark: He would bring immediate national security and foreign policy strength to Obama's campaign, which he desperately needs. He would be a force to reckon with regarding military expertise, a useful combatant (no pun intended) against McCain and his military background. But he doesn't seem to be a good campaigner and not very politically savvy. However, Obama has strength enough for both of them in those categories. The real question is what would happen when there is a military decision that they disagree on?

Republicans
Mitt Romney: Brings executive expertise, economic genius, and the appearance of youth (even though Romney is older he doesn't add to the "old man" image of McCain). His economic experience would be really helpful coupled with McCain's national security expertise. Romney would probably not do well in the South because of religious differences between evangelicals and mormons and his economic principles which appear to help the rich more than the poor, but his Christian religion would really help McCain in the West, where Obama is expected to do well. Michigan would probably swing towards McCain with Romney on the ticket (and perhaps since the DNC snubbed Michigan last Spring). The biggest difference would be whether McCain could actually get along with Romney (and vice versa) given their heated differences in the primaries. It seems that Romney would be more of a team player (given that he backed out of the race to help McCain secure the nomination quicker). But, McCain really, really dislikes powerfully rich people, but perhaps he can ignore that if Romney is putting his money towards McCain's campaign instead of against it.

Mike Huckabee: Would clinch the Southern vote for McCain but may not help him in the West, which will be a "battleground" in the general election. He brings youth, vitality, and a genuineness that McCain lacks. However, Huckabee's "liberal" past (raising taxes in order to grant more rights to immigrant families) as a governor may not be what McCain needs to secure the conservative base of the GOP, with which McCain is already struggling to hold.

Charlie Crist: McCain needs youth and he is not it! He would bring in much needed votes from Florida, but not from other conservative GOP voters anywhere else.

Condaleeza Rice: She is smart, competent, politically savvy, and would bring youth to the campaign. Her foreign policy expertise is not something that McCain absolutely needs in his campaign, but she does offer a link to female voters and African American voters within the GOP. The double-edged sword with Rice is her connection with the Bush Administration's foreign policy agenda, but the right kind of spin would easily put that issue to rest. She has a great number of strengths as an executive but may not be the right choice with some GOP bloc voters if there should come a time when the President is not able to fulfill the duties of his office (and given McCain's age and chronic health problems, should be taken into consideration).

Joe Lierberman: He's a democrat, even though he calls himself an independent. That will not help his GOP stalwarts, no matter how much strength and expertise he brings.

Bobby Jindal: He is new and exciting and may appeal to the younger generation, which is something McCain needs to do. He doesn't have a lot of experience, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. He will bring credibility into McCain's campaign in the South, especially to Hurricane Katrina victims and their advocates, and may help turn things around for the GOP in regards to the emergency relief debacle from the Bush Administration (which would help McCain separate himself more from the Bush Administration).

Choosing a Vice-President

I'm not surprised that it is taking so very long for Obama and McCain to choose their VP candidates. This is a monumental political race and therefore a monumental political choice. I couldn't imagine having to make this choice. To have so many qualified individuals to choose from it's easy to understand that this process takes time. My opinion is that they already have in mind who they want to pick, they're just waiting for the opportune moment.

However, it could also be that Obama and McCain are waiting to see what choice the other one will make so that they can ensure that they have the best "arsenal" against the other ticket. In any case, they should have their picks out before the national conventions (or at lest at the national convention - but that is too risky) which means that we should have a choice within a month. If they wait too much longer it might damage the campaign rather than help it.

Unfortunately, it seems that the choice is going to be a political one. The VP spot has almost always been given to someone who will "balance" the ticket and therefore, almost always has been a political choice (chosen because of political viability). This year will probably be no exception.

Unless...

Obama may be the one to choose someone for reasons other than political balance. McCain has been playing politics ever since he came back from near-campaign-suicide in summer of 2007. It is clear that he wants to win, and win at any cost. Obama may be the one to step out of the mold, as he has been claiming he will do, and choose a VP that will be helpful to him past the first Tuesday in November. We'll see.

Of course, the VP spot has always been one of campaign convenience rather than presidential performance. Besides, historically the VP hasn't done much besides stand beside the President as they make speeches and decisions. But with GWBush having delegated huge amounts of responsibility to Cheney (for good or bad is another discussion), the VP spot may be evolving into something more than showmanship. That may be more likely to continue with Obama rather than McCain. McCain has proven to be a power-hungry man who doesn't back down (this can be good and bad). Obama, on the other hand, seems to be more open to options rather than one-sided decision-making. But no one seeks the office of President of the United States without wanting more power to influence more people. Anyone that says otherwise is a fool.

The Veepstakes Results Are In...

And the winners are:
McCain & Romney vs. Obama & Edwards/Richardson

(*note this is only the results of the online poll at this blogspot, not an official announcement from the candidates)

For Republicans:
Mitt Romney - 4 votes (50%)
Condaleeza Rice - 3 votes (37%)
Mike Huckabee - 1 vote (12%)
Charlie Crist - 0 votes
Bobby Jindal - 0 votes
Tim Pawlenty - 0 votes
Joe Lieberman - 0 votes

For Democrats:
Bill Richardson - 3 votes (37%)
John Edwards - 3 votes (37%)
Wesley Clark - 2 votes (25%)
Hillary Clinton - 0 votes
Sam Nunn - 0 votes

Thanks to everyone who voted!

Only 15 More Weeks!

I completed my last final exam last night for summer semester (yep, that's right, Friday night - torturous isn't it). Anyway, following the 3 hour ordeal I was able to send off the exam to my professor and raise my arms in triumphant Rocky-like fashion. The most exciting part when I was able to tell my 2 1/2 year old son, Alex, that his Daddy didn't have to go to "class" anymore for at least 3 weeks. I think he might have been more excited than I was. It was so heartbreaking to have to say goodbye every Monday and Tuesday night and have him tell me "Daddy no go class." But now, there is only 1 more semester, a mere 15 weeks, that stand between me and graduate degrees. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and it looks bright and pretty!

It seems like only yesterday Shiree and I were packing up with our then 7month old Alex and moving to Salt Lake City with the idea that we were going to spend 3 years here while I went to school. I didn't have a job and I had no idea what I wanted to do with my two masters degrees. But through a set of amazing experiences ("tender mercies of the Lord" in the truest sense of the word) it has been almost 2 years later and even though I still don't have a job (at least a paid one - my internship at the VA is unpaid), I have a clear direction of where I want to be in a year and a pretty good idea what I want my career path to look like. The irony is that when we moved here, we did it mostly on faith because I had no idea what possibilities there were for me with an MSW and an MPA. That combination seemed almost illogical at the time. But now that we are getting ready to launch into the "real world" or post-education life, I can look back now and see the path that God has led us through has been the one that fits perfectly into my life, my wants, my desires, my abilities, and my strengths. He has led me up to this point because of my faith and now I am telling Him that it's my turn to take over. The irony is that I was so willing to let Him lead me when we moved here, and now that I have become "learned" (2Ne 9:28-29) I am wanting to lead myself. In reality, I have learned nothing. If I cannot learn to trust in God now that I have my accelades and degrees moreso than before I had them, then my two degrees mean nothing. I think the difference before was that I had no idea what I was going to do, but now I have some idea what I want to do. I am letting my wants get in the way of God's will and that's where the rubber meets the road. My "real" education begins now that this test is upon me. I just hope that I can do better on this test than I did on my last final exam.

Google vs. Cuil

I just read this article in the New York Times about a new start-up company, Cuil (pronounced "cool"), that is trying to give Google (and the other search engines) a run for their money. I say, "more power to 'em." If they can do it, I'll be impressed.

One thing I've noticed in my limited studying of product competition is that once a product has "cornered the market," so to speak, on the product, it has little chance of ever moving from that top-tiered spot.

Let me illustrate. What do you ask for when you blow your nose? A tissue or a Kleenex? The latter is the brand name owned by Kimberly Clark (and consequently one of the products that saved that company from an untimely demise).

Another example: What do you use when you want to write a note and stick it to your computer? A sticky note or a Post-it note? Obviously, the latter was designed and named by the company 3M, who is doing incredibly well in the marketplace.

Final example: When you want to search for something on the internet. Do you type the search query into a search engine? Or do you "Google" it? It will be a crazy day for cornered products when I hear someone say (or say it myself) "Why don't you just 'Cuil' it? But you don't have to take my word for it, check out the website yourself.

Housing Crunch

So the Senate just passed a bill (already passed by the House of Representatives) that allows the government to offer billions of dollars to two major lending corporations: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, among other provisions of the bill. The President is expected to sign it early next week. (Interesting that the Legislature works on the weekend, but the President doesn't) Anyway, I was a little concerned about this "bailout bill" because it gives these two corporations a free pass from bankruptcy with few strings attached. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, the nations two largest lenders who account for more than half of the $12 trillion dollars in the mortgage market, have gotten a really good deal out of this. They were able to make themselves rich before the housing crisis by sepculating lenders and greedy homeowners. Then, when trouble hit, they had the audactiy to go to the government and say "Please, help us." And the federal government obligingly responded (I'm sure it has something to do with the billions of dollars spent on lobbying legislators each year by these two companies). Now, they can take advantage of the "bailout bill" and let the federal government "save" them while they make even more money now and in the future.

So what do we end up with? Bigger government, a precendence for government bailout, higher national debt threshold (from $9.5 trillion to $10.6 trillion with the passage of this new bill), and richer executives at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Was it worth it?

I guess some good things that came out of this was the salvation for first-time homeowners and the increase in flexibility for Section 8 low-income housing vouchers. Hoping to be a first-time homeowner myself in the future, I am grateful for the government "having my back." Although, I would like to think that I wouldn't get wrapped up in a home that I couldn't afford and then when trouble hits, depend on the government to bail me out while I maintain my lifestyle of frivolity and greed.

*For further information, read your newspapers ;)

Racism, Ageism, Sexism, and Religiousism...

What a monumental election cycle!! To be able to tackle so many diverse issues all at the same time! We got to see a slew of "isms" all come to the forefront via our presidential candidates. We had a Woman candidate and a Mormon candidate. We have an African American candidate and an Old Man candidate. How exciting!

I think that they have each handled their respective "ism" with grace and dignity and have really been able to open the issues up for more honest discussion.

Contrary to the title of this blog, I want to hear "your thoughts" on these issues related to the presidential race. Were you moved by Obama's speech on race? or by Romney's speech on religion and patriotism? (If you find anywhere McCain talking about his age, let me know)

I have been neglectful...

I apologize to all my readers - all 2 of you ;) that it has been so long since I've posted anything. I realized this the other day (and I even told Shiree) that since the Presidential race kind of slowed down once Obama secured the nomination, I haven't even been that interested in CNN. Surprising, I know. But I just wanted to explain why I have been so lazy in blogging lately. (I even missed posting on the 4th of July).

I will return stronger than ever!!!

Where art thou...Kobe?

So, the NBA Finals concluded last night with an impressive (and lop-sided) victory by the Boston Celtics. Although I didn't watch the first quarter (I finished my exam in a rush so I could get home and watch the rest of the game...I hope I passed), it seems that the first quarter and the first 7-8 minutes of the second quarter were the real challenge for the Celtics. The rest of the game looked like the Lakers hadn't even shown up for the game. The Celitcs completely shut down Kobe's offense, not to mention Gasol and Fisher. I must admit that Odom had a pretty fair game through the first half. The second half was a nightmare for fans of the purple and gold.

Allen, Garnett, and Pierce played their games superbly (and Pierce deserves that Finals MVP Trophy). But the guy who really kept the game out of the reach of the Lakers was Rajon Rondo #9. That guy was amazing last night!! He had 6 steals (he averaged less than 3 per game in the regular season and most of them came from Kobe. He really kept the team fired up throughout the second half with his magnanimous play! My hat is off to the Celtics!

Here's to the Celtics!! And here's to a repeat next year!! (Unless the Jazz make it past the second round)

"As California goes, so goes the nation"? -- NOT!

I've refrained from commenting on this topic for a month, but I can restrain myself no longer. (In fact, this court decision was the catalyst for me to start this blog in the first place.) As a result, this post may greatly hinder my chances at ever seeking a public office someday, but I feel that to not post about it would render me a silent accomplice.

I am an American! As an American, I love the Constitution! So when a State Supreme Court says that the founding document of their state's government (and by extension, the national government) upholds marriage between a man and a man or a woman and a woman, I must emphatically say that I disagree!!

I reject the notion that such an idea could come from such a sensational document. I find it hard to believe that over a hundred years ago when that founding document was written, that the writers of that state's constitution envisioned a circumstance when their words would disgrace the sanctity of marriage by allowing it to be changed from the hallowed union between a man and a woman. Please remember that California was populated by Mexicans at the time of its admission into the Union. Catholicism was huge in the Mexican culture. Can you imagine that the Bishop in Mexico or the Pope would teach their followers to condone this type of disunion? I should think not. Thankfully, the current leadership of the Catholic Church in California continues to reject the idea that marriage is anything besides the union between a woman and a man. Here's an exerpt from a CNN article.

[The] Archdiocese of Los Angeles, California, issued a statement on behalf of seven bishops Monday, saying the Catholic Church "cannot approve of redefining marriage.'Marriage' has a unique place in God's creation, joining a man and a woman in a committed relationship in order to nurture and support the new life for which marriage is intended," the statement said. "The meaning of marriage is deeply rooted in history and culture, and has been shaped considerably by Christian tradition. Its meaning is given, not constructed."

I whole heartedly agree with the Catholic Church's position on this! In a sense, the Bishops are echoing words used by other church leaders in recent years (and throughout history):

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

The Justices from the California Supreme Court ruled that a government regulation banning same-sex couples from obtaining a marriage license was unconstitutional. Their reasoning for that is so twisted it'll make your head turn. They ruled that since marriage has been identified as such a sacred right that it is unconstitutional to deny anyone the right to get married. Did you catch that? At first, it doesn't make sense. But then when you think about it, it starts to seem like it should make sense. However, in reality it doesn't make sense. Judges should be more responsible than that!! Let me illustrate.

This Christian Nation was founded on Christian principles. Hence, the references to God in our founding documents. As Christians, it is a part of Christianity to get married and teach our children to become Christians as well, right? Through the years, marriage has been a hallowed institution by this nation. In fact, our Federal Government was so protective of marriage that they sought to start a war with a little religious group who sought to have more than one wife. (ring any bells). They are still doing that today! (For examples, just google FLDS, Texas, polygamy). We can see that marriage is a special and protected institution. Now, here's where the messed up reasoning of the CA Supreme Court comes in. They said that because of the fact that marriage was so protected that it shouldn't be denied to anybody. They view marriage as an inalienable right protected under their constitution. Nowhere in their Constitution does it say that marriage is an inalienable right. The closest it comes is when they say that:

SECTION 1. All people are by nature free and independent and have inalienable rights. Among these are enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety, happiness, and privacy.

Now, you (and several thousands of other people) are probably thinking, well isn't this just the same thing as women's suffrage and civil rights? On the surface, it may seem that way. But different from race, sex, color, ethnicity, disability, etc, sexual orientation is not considered a protected class. The difference is that protected classes cannot change the biology of what they are. I can no more stop being white than I can stop being a man! My actions, however, I have complete control over.

I hope that we can realize that this is just one of the Adversary's tactics to twist up the words of our beloved Constitutions! Just like he manipulated God's words to Adam & Eve in the garden (See Moses 4:7, 10-11), he is trying to manipulate us to think that we should accept this type of ruling because it "protects" marriage by allowing everyone to have that chance. I am all for allowing everyone the chance to get married! But let it be as God ordained it in the beginning and not as man has constructed it.

-Cory-

Additional Information for your reading pleasure:

This is a quote from the Mayor of San Francisco about being able to perform a same-sex marriage today.

"This is an extraordinary moment in history," [San Francisco Mayor Gavin] Newsom told a cheering, standing-room-only crowd at City Hall. "I think today, marriage as an institution has been strengthened."

If you're interested in reading the opinion(s) of the Justices regarding this decision, here is the link where you can find it. I'll warn you now, it is a 172 page document.

In recognizing, however, that the right to marry is a basic, constitutionally protected civil right — “a fundamental right of free men [and women]” (Perez v. Sharp, supra, 32 Cal.2d 711, 714) —the governing California cases establish that this right embodies fundamental interests of an individual that are protected from abrogation or elimination by the state. Because our cases make clear that the right to marry is an integral component of an individual’s interest in personal autonomy protected by the privacy provision of article I, section 1, and of the liberty interest protected by the due process clause of article I, section 7, it is apparent under the California Constitution that the right to marry — like the right to establish a home and raise children — has independent substantive content, and cannot properly be understood as simply the right to enter into such a relationship if (but only if) the Legislature chooses to establish and retain it.

Chief Justice Ronald M. George, Majority Opinion, In Re MARRIAGE CASES, p.63

In discussing the constitutional right to marry in Perez v. Sharp, 32 Cal.2d 711 (Perez), then Justice Traynor in the lead opinion quoted the seminal passage from the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Meyer v. Nebraska, 262 U.S. 390. There the high court, in describing the scope of the “liberty” protected by the due process clause of the federal Constitution, stated that “ ‘[w]ithout doubt, it denotes not merely freedom from bodily restraint, but also the right of the individual to contract, to engage in any of the common occupations of life, to acquire useful knowledge, to marry, establish a home and bring up children, to worship God according to the dictates of one’s own conscience, and, generally, to enjoy those privileges long recognized at common law as essential to the orderly pursuit of happiness by free men.’ ” (Perez, 32 Cal.2d at p. 714, italics added [“to marry” italicized by Perez], quoting Meyer, 262 U.S. 390, 399.) The Perez decision continued: “Marriage is thus something more than a civil contract subject to regulation by the state; it is a fundamental right of free men.” (Perez, 32 Cal.2d at p. 714.)

Chief Justice Ronald M. George, Majority Opinion, In Re MARRIAGE CASES, p.54

Coolest Vocal Performance Ever!

I found this video and was entranced by the performances. It is awesome!

It is 3 Norwegian singers and a Chilean singer. The one who sings the last verse, Kurt Nilsen, was the World Idol in 2005.

Patriotism at its Finest!

What is the BEST form of government?

We can learn many lessons from history about the problems of poor governmental structure. But what is the best form of government? Is it a Dictatorship? Is it a Socialist regime? Is it a Republic?

While there are pros and cons to each, I would have to agree with Plato: the best form of government is a Philosopher King. Okay, so I don't entirely agree with Plato. He suggested that if government were controlled by a single executive with ultimate power, then the world would be a lot better off. The problem with a single executive with absolute power is that "absolute power corrupts absolutely." Joseph Smith taught that through "sad experience" we have learned that when men gain even a little power, it inflates their pride and causes corruption in their hearts. This was Plato's problem as well. So the question is how do you give ultimate power to a single executive without compromising the morality of the ruler? That question has been debated for centuries. The answer, lies in the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

The Book of Mormon gives us insight into the manner in which a man can exercise the ruling authority without the ruling authority exercising him. While in the Bible we have the examples of three kings who lost their kingdoms because of their thirst for power (Saul, David, and Solomon). In contrast, the Book of Mormon provides three examples of kings who served with their people and found joy and eternal happiness because of it (Mosiah, Benjamin, and Mosiah). Their lives show us the dichotomy between a moral exercise of power and the unjust (or immoral) exercise of power. In fact, the second Mosiah said it best when he explained that unrighteous kings "pervert the ways of all righteousness." (Mosiah 29:23).

In coming back to Plato, we cannot have just any old King. It must be a righteous king. In Plato's terminology, it will be a Philosopher King because a philosopher would know what to do for the good of the people. In short, a philosopher would know what is right in every situation. Now, how can a Philosopher, or any person for that matter, know what is right in every situation? They cannot (see Mosiah 29:12). However, with the added understanding of Book of Mormon (and a lesson from the civilization of the Jaredites & Nephites), Mosiah (the second) teaches that the ideal form of government would be a righteous king. This is similar to Plato's philosopher king but with one major exception: the Righteous King would be Jesus Christ. Can you even fathom a more perfect form of government than to have the most perfect person to have ever walked this earth be in charge? As men, we will always make mistakes and be subject to the temptations of power. But imagine a Man who never made a mistake, or who never succumbed to the fleshy temptation of power and dominion. That Man would be the Perfect Executive! But more importantly, that Man would be the Perfect Friend! and that, in my opinion, is the BEST form of government.