American Idol

Who's going home tonight? My pick Haley.

I thought that the 3 real candidates for the guys all did a good job, although Phil is on the bubble. Sanjaya is getting through even though he is terrible.

The girls did not have a good night, but Haley is the next in line...

Bottom 3 pick from me: Haley, Phil, One of the divas

This could get intersting if the guys continue to impress...

Important Issues in the upcoming presidential election

With the elections in the news already it has caused me to think about what are the issues that make me (or anyone) want to vote for a candidate. I have listed several issues. I will tell and rank what I feel is most important. Tell me what you feel is most important.

Issues

1) Morals: I know this is probably the hardest to judge. What are the morals you are looking for, who really believes in what they say, who will follow through with promises. To me this is an issue that is the most important, but is also the most debated about which candidate is the "most moral".

2) Abortion: I have heard over and over that this issue cannot be changed through legislation. And to a point I would agree, my issue is not wanting abortion laws to become more progressive.

3) Protection/Global issues: I am pro-military and in support of opposing terror. I am not a fan of how this war was run, but think we must have a force in other nations to protect our interests and protect our people. To me that is goal number 1 of the government, to protect it's citizens.

4) Economy: How does the candidate deal with Social Security/Retirement? What about Medical insurance? Is he in favor of leaving the people to handle their own money, or will he/she try to control the economy? What about the welfare system?

5) Sanctity of marriage: I think this is a very important issue, but it is more in the hands of the church to get out the message that homosexulity is wrong, not the government. I am in favor of keeping "marriage" privelages to only heterosexual couples though.

6) Charisma: I think it is very important that our next president be a person of charisma.

7) Enviromental issues: Not real high on my list, but I do think we ought to do what we can, although I am not convinced of actual global warming, as there are diffent sources with different information.

8) Experience: Another issue that does not really matter to me. If they have it good. But at the level of running for the Presidency all the candidates have enough.

What did I leave off? What are your more important issues?

What do you think?

What do you think of this quote? It was sitting on the top of the desk in our coaches office.

"War is an ugly thing. But not the ugliest of things; The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling that thinks nothing is worth war is much worse.
A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight; nothing he cares about more than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free; unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."

Death Penalty

Do you believe in the death penalty? I am not fully sure. There are compelling cases on both sides.
The "pro" side would argue that their must be punishment that would deter criminals from committing such heinous crimes. This side would point to the Old Testiment in the bible with God ordering the deaths of several for breaking the law.
The "con" side would argue that Jesus asks us to turn the other cheek. We should not be violent to others, no matter the crime.



While I think I tend to lean to the pro side, I do have a hard time thinking of someone being hung, electricuted, or leathaly injected. I have seen the movie the Green Mile, and that is as close as I have ever come to seeing someone executed. I understand and support the rational thought behind the death penalty, but have a hard time thinking too long on the topic.

What do you think?

Pop vs. Coke

Found this off my friend Jeremy's blog. What do you call your fountain drinks? I have always gone with Soda (I don't really know why). Living in the south though I hear about Coke all the time (even if people want a Dr. Pepper they call it coke). And I always found it funny to hear "them crazy yankees" call it Pop. Come on now, Pop?!?!
So what do you call it? Here is a map of the breakdown of the U.S.

Moral Questions part III

Few more questions for you to weigh in on.

Does God do miracles and heal?
Yes, God heals everyone who asks in true faith
Yes, occasionally God heals but not necessarily
No, God does not heal and do miracles today
Not Sure

What is the nature of damnation?
Eternal torment, sorrow, and regret
Annhiliation
Not Sure/Other

Is assisted suicide ok?
Never
If the person is going to dye very soon and is in great pain
Yes
Not Sure

I am not sure about some of these. I think God can and does do miracles, but do not know why or how he decides to use them.
I know hell is not a place I want to be. The bible mentions weeping and eternal fire.
I don't think I could assist someone in death, but cannot speak for it since I have never been in that situation.