Tolerance

Ok, so as I have become interested in politics these last few years, one of the words I have heard often is "tolerance." Generally a word the liberals use to describe themselves. Tolerance is what it is about-of homosexuals, of different races, etc. While it sounds all fine and dandy-I have found one thing-they aren't as tolerant as they seem. They aren't tolerent of Christianity or religion. They aren't tolerant of those who have opposing viewpoints or disagree with their world view. In fact, if their view is opposed-those that don't agree become bigots and no longer is tolerance the way to go.

This has become very clear in the media lately in the case of Miss California. She was viciously attacked because of her view on gay marriage. What happened to tolerance? Is she not entitled to her own opinion? her own view? She was very respectful, did not put down the gay and lesbian community-she just simple stated her belief-which is the same belief of President Obama and a majority of Americans. But where was the ACLU? The National Organization for Women? Oh yeah-they are liberal organizations and will only stick up for the person if they agree with their philosophies.

I have been very aware of this "culture war" for a long time-thanks to Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity and those that shed light on this hatred of opposing viewpoints. I have said from day one that I will not treat Obama as Bush was treated. Man, he was HATED and constantly demeaned-and then it was okay to dissent-oh, but not now!!! Now, dissent is "intolerant"-we are racist and stupid if we don't agree with Obama and his policies! And if we approved of President Bush-oh man, watch out!!!

This is on my mind because yesterday I decided to "commentate" the Obama and Cheney security speeches on twitter (which then updates my facebook status). This issue has been very appealing to me for some reason-9/11 impacted me greatly and national security is a very important issue. Anyway, at the end, one of my final posts was a thanks to Pres. Bush, VP Cheney and the Troops for keeping us safe since 9/11. And I got a response...from a liberal. And you know what-I don't mind disagreement, I don't mind opposing viewpoints...I welcome it actually because I would love to have a civil debate on the issues. But the response was hateful-about how Pres. Bush did nothing, blah blah blah...and it ended with "screw bush"-then that person updated his status to say he hated stupidity and people who choose what they want to hear versus what is actually being said, etc-obviously responding to me. This is exactly what I am talking about-tolerant unless you don't agree with their world view. All of the sudden I became stupid because I supported the Bush Adm. No way did I know what I was talking about...after all I have not only self-schooled myself on politics and all that surrounds it for the last 7 years...After I wrote a strong but respectul response, he deleted his-fine. I know that people who are that far left can't be swayed or argued with. As O'Reilly says-"walk away." But I'd like the anwer to one question-what happened to that "tolerance" word. Do I not have the right to voice my opinion on MY facebook page? On MY twitter account??? It was a simple thank you message-not even a message that is controversial!

I struggled for a long time on whether or not to tackle political issues and stories on facebook, twitter, etc. And I ultimately decided "why not?" It is something I am passionate about and why hide my views? Yes, politics can be controversial, etc. but you don't have to read the stories I post or the opinions I express...I just find it funny when those that don't agree respond with hate versus intellect.

On a funny note-this was the same person who posted that the Twilight series sucked and that I should not read them. After I read all 4 books in a week, I knew we were obviously of different minds. 8 )

So my main message is this-we are all going to disagree at some point, can't we just do it in a civil manner? Do you have to tear down those who disagree with you?

5 Years...

I recently did this fun mini-album for a Big Picture class and it led me to reflect on Keaton's first 5 years. It was sooo fun documenting her thru the years!!! Some of my reflections (in no particular order)
-She was a "nursing baby" in that she wanted to nurse all of the time!

-She was a good baby-very content (once we got the nursing schedule under control).

-It took us a while to get her to sleep in her own bed, but that was more our fault than hers. 8 )

-She was and is a fast learner-the abc's, numbers, actually memorizing books...now we have moved on to writing, tying shoes, and cleaning her room. 8 )

-From day 1, she has been the sweetest thing. She randomly tells us she loves us all the time and is a snuggler too!

-She despises the car wash!!!

-She is just funny (got that from her dad)-a lot of "Keatonisms" that I have documented thru the years...all of her preschooler teachers have mentioned that she cracks them up on a daily basis. I hope her kindergarten teacher is ready for her...LOL

-She is very creative-she loves to paint, make crafts and NOW...scrapbook! Ha, Dan is loving that!!! 8 ) Right now she is into card making, she makes cards for us, her friends...in fact, they are taking over our house!

-She has 2 best friends (Ellie and India) and it is going to be so much fun watching them grow up together! Hopefully they don't get into too much trouble!!!

Just some random thoughts. She is growing up waaaay too fast, but each new "stage" brings with it a new set of joys. Love this girl!!!

Busy, busy...

May just started and it has been a busy month so far!!! Keaton graduated from Preschool, our god-son Joe received his first communion, Keaton had her pre-K physical (shots-didn't go over so well, but ice cream at Dairy Queen afterword made it all ok!), Dan started golf league, we had our last Couples Bible Study session (until the fall), and oh-last weekend was "National Scrapbooking Day", so that means some fun scrapbook shopping on QVC. 8 ) Ok, the last part there wasn't so "busy" but something I look forward to every year. 8 ) I did get to scrapbook some last weekend-did a little mini album that I need to put some finishing touches on, but mostly I have been working on a graduation album I am doing for my sister-in-law. It is a gift for her nephew who graduates in a couple weeks and I will be going to Denver next weekend to take it to her...and to spend the weekend with Angie to scrapbook and hang out-can't wait!!! 8 )

The next few weeks are also full of rehearsals, pictures, etc of Keaton's first ballet/tap recital which is at the end of this month. It is going to be super cute, will definetely post pictures!!! Hopefully she will do as good as she did at her graduation performance-performed like a pro, not too nervous or anything!!! What a difference a year makes! Last year, she just stood up there and would hardly move! 8 )

I have been a bit under the weather these last couple weeks (of course it started the day that Dan left to be gone for 6 days!!!). Now, I think what is still hanging on is actually allergy related. Weird. I have never had allergies. I took an allergy pill last night and it completely knocked me out, so I will just have to live with the "fullness", plugged ears, and cough. Oh well. It could be worse.

My last couple posts have been politically motivated...or you could say frustration-motivated. Part of my daily routine is to watch the news, and occasionally to listen to Rush and Hannity on the rado. I joke with Dan about how I am a stay at home mom who chooses to watch Fox News over soap operas. 8 ) But actually, politics is its own soap opera...you have secret love affairs, corruption, greed, money...all of the things that make up a bad soap opera. On a serious note though...I am really frustrated with the Obama administration and the way they are handling, well...everything. He is so extremely radical and while he can talk smoothly (with a teleprompter anyway), his views are farther left of most of Americans. I just hope Republicans can win back some seats next year. And all of this talk about the Repubs being too far to the right-that is nonsense!! Of course the Dems want us to move left...because then we would be Democrats!!! I know it would be ideal for us all to just give up and agree with the Democrats, make it a one party system-but that is not good for the country! I laugh when they say we are a party of "no"-well, the conservative ideology and philosophy is completely opposite of that of the left, so of course the Repubs are going to oppose their policies!!! And why are they complaining? They pretty much have full control now! Oh, and can't one make the argument that the right has not moved farther right (which is not true, look at Reagan!), but that the left has become more liberal??? I could definetely make that argument. And the sad thing is-the consistent trend is the more liberal, the more intolerant (funny being they are the party of tolerance...unless it is about religion or about disagreeing with their world view) and the more hateful. Look at what is happening to Carry Prejean (Miss California). I post almost a story a day (and could do many more) on my facebook account that shows how crazy things are right now in the political realm. (I generally use thefoxnation.com which is a great website for news-but also check out CNN and other news organizations on a regular basis).

Well, I will quit the "soapbox"-8 ) I should probably go get dressed for the day-after all, it is only 11:00. ha ha. I love days when we have nothing going on!