Rod on SNL

We made it onto SNL for our fantastic politics.  Yippee!!

So Listen...

Remember how I told you to like, write Governor Blagojevich about the State Parks and Historical Sites? I told you that he really needed to change his mind on closing these fine facilities...

I'm thinking he might have be preoccupied for a while...

I wonder if after all of this dust settles, we can get our facilities back? Cuz there is corruption laden throughout that budget. I'm sure of it...

Finally, this situation totally reminds me of this...

Best of CU

Hey all,

Be sure to pick up Buzz Magazine today. It is the Best of CU edition and I've got about ten pictures in there. Pretty cool!

Alternatively, you can stop on over at the217.com to look at the Best of CU, although not as many of my pics are on there.



On a more intense note: While trolling 'the book,' I came across the anti-FOCA (Freedom of Choice Act) group. In one of the message boards, the question was posed

If Life Doesn't Begin at Conception, Then When?

The thought here was, if you're not pro-life, when do you actually think life begins. The most interesting thought (and to me, saddening) came from a person who will remain un-named to defend their privacy.

Either way, it does not matter at all. Human beings are not allowed to use another human being's body without that person's direct and ongoing consent. A fetus could be human and abortion would still be legal.

Interesting. This person has basically described a fetus as a freeloader, and if we don't want it, it is ok get get rid of it. Aren't these pro-choice policies typically held by a group of people that believe it is good to help the less fortunate? And since when would it be ok to kill a free loader?

A New Era

(I love that this second pic is the 3rd one on Google image search 'obama')

President Elect Obama: Congratulations! You ran a nearly flawless campaign, and you have earned the right to become our president. I do not remember a time when a Bush or Clinton was not in the white house (I wasn't even 3 when Bush Sr. was sworn in). And, yes, it is most exciting that we are this much closer to the passing hurdles of racism and bigotry in our nation. This shall be an interesting time for our nation.

Everyone: Now, I will say I did not vote for Obama, nor his opponent (I did vote though), and this is for reasons that are legitimate. I believe his ideas of hope and the direction he wants to take us are brilliant.

I hope the church can keep pace with the government aide.

I hope that Americans still will have the freedom and encouragement to succeed.

I hope that higher taxes for businesses won't force them overseas leading to less American jobs.

I hope Obama learns more on the issues while in office and really plays a role of bringing parties together and not being as liberal as his voting records show.

I hope that we will realize the weight and difficulty of instantly pulling out of wars.

I hope that we will realize the delicate economic balanace that exists and changing it without careful consideration could lead to failure or success.

I hope we really look into what is happening with the environment, and try to limit our own impact on it in good ways.

I hope that energy policies will be enacted to both reduce consumption but to also increase production (cough *nuclear* cough)

I hope we realize Barack Obama is not our hero, and we should not worship him.

I hope that people who voted Obama didn't vote for government handouts.

I hope that people who legitimately need government aide will receive is in this presidency.

I hope that America realizes the 'we' in 'yes we can' is you and I. Anyone can rise above. That is what makes this country so great.

And most of all, I, as a Christian and person who believe in life from conception to natural death, hope that this...

"The first thing I'd do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That's the first thing that I'd do." -- Senator Barack Obama, speaking to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, July 17, 2007

...and this don't lead to this.

President Bush: Thank you for your service to our country. This article really inspires me to thank you for all you've done and tried to do. You have held the highest office, and despite criticisms, have led well.

Everyone: YAY, election season is over! Let us move toward unity. This doesn't mean getting behind every policy because that is what our leaders say, but let us really look to the good of each other and the good of the country. Let us look at the whole picture and not tow our party lines. I mean, after all, Barack told us 'yes we can.' Let's start to do it.

Voting Today

It isn't like everybody else is doing the politics thing..........

"If you're not a liberal when you're 25, you have no heart. If you're not a conservative by the time you're 35, you have no brain" - Winston Churchill

This quote has been attributed to the former Prime Minister of England. However, I can't confirm if he actually said it. The one thing I can confirm is that this tends to be true, especially on facebook, where the population is young, and strongly leaning Obama. We shall see how the end product turns out by tonight perhaps when all the votes are counted.

There is something inherently neat to being on a team. The idea of having an evil to fight against; the opponent breathing down your neck, and the opportunity for glory. Just remember, after all is said and done, we are on one team in this nation. We may have different beliefs about how to fix things, and one of the things that worries me about this election is its strong polarizing nature. I hope we can come together as a nation and support our future leader. Fight for what you believe, but respect where we're going. and remember you individually are called to affect change and to bring about good.

(see what I did there...I combined two logos...I'm funny. and clever)

Everybody is getting in on the fun

I just watched Family Guy on Hulu (maybe not super proud of it) but here they have Stewie in Nazi Germany with the uniform and all.

Whoops, there's something on his lapel

...

Ironic much?

Presumtuous President Obama needs to get his messages clear. You can't go and tell kids to stop playing video games and then advertise for your campaign in them. I mean, I suppose it is a brilliant advertising strategy and he's taking advantage of every opportunity through his campaign. I mean, what better way to get kids to vote than to tell them to in a game, and then to tell them to stop playing the games to go do so. Maybe he could get a kill-switch implemented to make sure those kids who saw his advertisements while pwning n00bs go out and vote on election day.

Gradumication

So, I got a letter today from the University informing me of my ability to graduate in December and that if I wanted to walk in the ceremony, I needed to sign up soon. Anyway, that is just one more thing making this whole graduating thing quite the reality. OH, and why does it cost an arm and a leg to rent a gown? I could buy a blue sheet for a lot cheaper...

Other News

Watched the presidential debate. I feel pretty confident that with either man in the White House, that I will still wake up the next day and hope that God is working in my life. I can't speak completely as to who was better in the debate though...I guess I'm more of a political outsider (LOL), because I thought it was close, but polls suggest Obama easily won. How do you win a debate? It shouldn't be based upon eloquence, but issues...right?....right??

In the Summers Home Fellowship (my church small group) we are reading a Psalm a day for the next 14 days. The first Psalm was read today. I'll try to at least comment on them so I have some practice thinking about them and writing about them over the course of these two weeks.

Totally Off the Cuff

In the midst of this 'financial crisis,' does anybody see the potential analogy between Barack Obama and FDR...

On a more thought out mindsent, I am somewhat excited about this crisis. It means that we must start to question our faith in our government and economy. These two things will never be able to fully satiate our thirsts. They sure help us, but they are within this world, and will ultimately let us down. I hope the imagery and truth from this situation with our economy opens a lot of eyes to the truth about our condition as humanity...

Government subsidized health insurance

If we do end up with gov't subsidized health insurance, or universal health care, does that mean, when I see a person smoking or eating too much, that I should be able to tell them to stop, because they are affecting my taxes? While I do believe everyone deserves fair treatment and health care, this method seems to reduce personal accountability and will force people to try to get others to stop.

The goverment helping health care and having others keep individuals accountable have the potential for better national health, but again, at the expense of individual freedom, much like a smoking ban causes.

Thoughts?

The Parks

Another news story for you today. Buzz Magazine today had an article in it addressing an issue that I had just heard about this past weekend. The Governor of our fine state of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, has passed down a ruling closing 11 state parks and 13 state historical sites. These sites are primarily in the heart of our great state. Some are in our very capital, and are old stomping grounds of the inspiration for the state motto, Abraham Lincoln.

Now, I am all for small government, but one of the things I really do enjoy about taxes is the resources they give us and help protect. There are plenty of other ways to cut our bloated government without taking away valuable resources to the heartland as well as historical sites to help us remember how we got here. Obviously, I am definitely affected by this myself by the closing of Weldon Springs State Park, a favorite place to go for day camp and in evenings with my family.

Now, I definitely believe a couple of courses of action are required. While I definitely am disappointed at the ruling of Rod, I believe that we need to pursue all avenues. The first is to petition to him. To show to him that the heart of this state matters. The fact is, as Governor of Illinois, he doesn't even spend his time in the capital of Springfield, but rather in his Chicago home. This is intensely disagreeable and disregards a standard asked of a public servant. A public servant who is to serve the ENTIRE state. If he will not budge, and allow for a funding solution, then I believe it is the call of those that want a park, to push for a park in their own means. Perhaps this means charging user fees, but it will allow us to preserve the nature we so dearly love, and the outdoor recreation we need. As Barack Obama is encouraging parents to tell kids to turn off the tv and go outside, we are, in Illinois, taking away the outside...

Please consider writing to the Governor with me as this person has. Take the initiative to help preserve the entire state of Illinois, from the Northeast, which gets most attention, all the way to the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.

Email Governor Blagojevich here.

On Hope

Many people are talking about hope these days. We're all very excited by the hope that different organizations, groups, and people are talking about.

It could be Barrack Obama speaking of a hope for a new America. His campaign is hoping to catch the heart of America making himself the voice for hope. He's even written a book on the subject. That has to count for something right?

It could be a company like Google. With their user friendly desire to make their software free, they have caught the eye of the world. They even care about the environment. I even saw an editorial in the school paper that addressed the good nature of Google and how we can really trust them.

It could be any number of 'green' organizations looking to save the world that we have worked so hard to destroy. Many companies have bought into this philosophy (Google, energy companies, California) and are showing genuine concern for the world we live in.

Shoot, even tech can get into the mix. Many an American can assuredly say that they've thought at some point, "Boy, if I just had that iPhone, my life would be easier. I could calendar, email, camera, and internet my life. All while listening to The Shins."

For whatever reason, this topic really struck me today about how much stuff we put our hopes into. I myself can't wait for a future where I have things 'figured out.' I also hope to get a new computer soon (one that doesn't run slower than this will catch on) and let me tell you, I've got probably 3-4 camera lenses/accessories that I want to get. On top of that, I spent plenty of time recently thinking about cars. And don't forget relationships.
What am I getting at with all of this? The fact is, we hope for so much and put our hope into so many things that are just unsure. For those of us who do indeed believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, we have something we can ultimately put our hope in that acts as a trump card. Let us not put our hopes in things that are unsure.

I can confidently tell you no matter how much support, money, etc that Barrack Obama gets, he will not solve all of America's problems and heal your hurts. I can promise you that Google is, no matter how friendly they are, a for profit organization that is taking advantage of our willingness to be advertised too. I with some sense of confidence can tell you that man isn't the only reason for global warming, and while we should do our part, let us not hope that we can fix it alone. An iPhone becomes obselete, a car dies, friendships hit rocks, cameras can only capture a picture of the memory, not the memory itself.

So let us move forward from today truly considering what our hope shall be put into. Let us truly weigh the options with faith and not just prudence. It will be hard, but it shall be so worth it...

This is as political as I can get I think

Barack Obama getting some play all over the web