newsandnation

According to the likes of MSNBC and many other news stations, there are at least half a million immigrants in the country illegally. There have also been a larger number of those arrested who have refused to leave the U.S. after being ordered to do so.

I’ve heard people discuss the difference between the phrases “illegal immigrant” and “illegal aliens”. I’m sure when it comes the legal system, politics and all that, there is a difference. If anyone would care to explain it clearly to me, I wouldn’t mind one bit.

On one hand, I’m all for people coming to the US. I’m definitely an advocate of diversity. But if people are going to come here, they should do it legally. It saves a lot of headache and worry.

From what I understand though, the process of getting a green card can take quite awhile and can be really frustrating. Even for US citizens now, getting a passport or visa is even more of a headache process. Then again, what isn’t these days?

But looking specifically at those coming up from Mexico, I respect that they may want better jobs and what not. But if I’m going to move and live in a completely different country, I’m going to take time to learn the native language there. I’m sorry, but when I went into the Wal-Mart in Houston I was often momentarily confused about which country I was in.

Some people I know from California also say that a lot of times the immigrants from Mexico come up, work and then actually leave for back home for the holidays or after they’ve earned X amount of dollars. All of this is done ‘under the radar’ and without taxes filed or paid. Hmmm.

For people coming a lot further distance, such as from Africa, I could definitely see why they’d be a lot more resistant. I’m a pretty fair and compassionate person, as well. I enjoy helping people.

But rules are rules. I’m a U.S. born citizen and I don’t want any potential jobs I apply for to be taken by someone who is here illegally and just going to come and go as they please. I don’t want my chances of getting a job diminished, especially with the way the economy is right now.

There’s nothing like walking down the street, through the mall or in the store, minding your own business when you come upon a site that makes you stop in your tracks and raise an eyebrow: an individual sagging their pants to the extreme. You can always pick out people who have just seen this site because they often wear a perplexed expression.

Maybe I’m just out of date or not up with the times in fashion, but I don’t understand it. I understand pants that are a little loose and slightly baggy, but to the point where they’re basically down to a person’s ankles? Wow, that’s enough to scar me for life. I’m not picking on the actual people, just their “style” of clothing.

In several states, including Georgia, New Jersey, Texas and Louisiana, people are voting to ban excessive “baggage” (check out MSNBC and Fox News).

 I personally haven’t quite decided if it would be justifiable to actually make it a law. But hey, if someone wants to dress like that, it would definitely be appropriate attire for a job interview, mmm hm, sure. I think it’s just plain disrespectful.

Some would argue it’s stereotypical or it infringes on their rights. Again, haven’t decided on the making it a law aspect. But what about everyone else who doesn’t want to see someone’s backside? Why not think about the people around you who have to put up with seeing That.

Like I said, please someone explain it to me. Oh and give me a reason better than “It’s cool.”  =D

Has anyone gotten to thank a veteran yet today?

Like a lot of people today, I want to say a heartfelt “thank you” to all our men and women who have or are risking their lives for their country. We have freedom and security because of the many sacrifices you have made.

To those serving now, keep up the good fight. You are appreciated and loved back home. We’re proud of you and of your gallant and selfless mission.

For those who have fallen, they will be remembered for their bravery and love for their country. My heart goes out to the ones who have lost a loved one.

You all come home soon and come home safe. God bless you!

In response to a comment made on the original post of “All Hail the Name of…Obama?” I have reposted it, even with sources. Wait, what do I mean “a” comment? I’ve only had one! So I have slightly edited the post from its original form and posted links to some of the sources I read. Either way, everyone is entitled to their own opinion in the end.

The first reaction that comes to mind is, “Yikes!” That’s rather disturbing. There are people actually worshipping and praising Obama, especially in the world of Islam and in enemy countries.

Some of the hype is probably just due to the fact that President Bush will be out of office. Then again, how much can you trust someone who sits down with known terrorists and leaders from enemy countries? I’m all for negotiation and peace to a point, but in the Muslim faith it is justifiable to lie in order to further the cause of Islam.

I’m not saying all Muslim’s are terrorists.  A good friend of mine is Muslim.  We just stay away from the topic of faith since we both know where the other stands.

I wasn’t exactly thrilled with either candidate this election. But what are you going to do? I think it came down to picking a lesser of two evils. And I also think when all the excitement and hype finally settles, everyone will see the President-elect what he is: just another politician who knows how to talk a lot of rhetoric. 

I’m not going to make up my mind about Obama until he takes office and shows his true colors. I try not judge someone according to ‘first appearances.’ We all do on occasion, we’re only human. I prefer to make up my mind about people according to their actions, not solely by what they say.

But really, reaching the point of worshipping Obama and replacing God’s name with his in Scripture? Wow are people really that lost? Are we that blind and ignorant?

I’m definitely not perfect, but Lord have mercy.

Here are just a few sources. I have plenty more. This way my blog will be bordering necessity of a really big tin hat. ;)  Actually that was a good reminder that I need to be adding sources to my blogs. In all seriousness, thanks!

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/05/28/obama-dogged-by-praise-from-americas-foes/

 http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=80294

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1225910089501&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/10/mideast/iran.php

http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=158213&bolum=101

The first reaction that comes to mind is, “Yikes!” That’s rather disturbing. There are people actually worshipping Obama, especially of course, in the world of Islam.

Some of the hype is probably just due to the fact that President Bush will be out of office. Then again, how much can you trust someone who sits down with known terrorists and leaders from enemy countries? I’m all for negotiation and peace to a point, but in the Muslim faith it is justifiable to lie in order to further the cause of Islam.

I’m not saying all Muslim’s are terrorists.  A good friend of mine is Muslim.  We just stay away from the topic of faith since we both know where the other stands. That always makes for lively conversations.

I wasn’t exactly thrilled with either candidate this election. But what are ya going to do? I think it came down to picking a lesser of two evils. I also think when all the excitement and hype finally settles, everyone will see the President-elect what he is: just another politician who knows how to talk a lot of rhetoric. 

I’m not going to make up my mind about Obama until he takes office and shows his true colors. I try not to judge someone according to ‘first appearances.’ We all do on occasion, we’re only human. Either way though, I’m not afraid of Obama or what he’ll do. What’s that quote? “Fear only two: God and the man who has no fear of God.”

But really, reaching the point of worshipping Obama and replacing God’s name with his in Scripture and songs of praise meant for the Almighty? (The song I was thinking of in reference to my title is a hymn called “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name” ) 

Are people really that lost? Are we that blind and ignorant?

I’m definitely not perfect, but Lord have mercy. I wonder what He thinks when He looks down at the world today.

Yeah, I have that problem all the time! I hate it when I get into the wrong car and drive away. Darn those people at the strip clubs who don’t lock their vehicle doors!

Yes, it’s one of those things that could only happen in Fairbanks, Alaska. A man who was arrested for stealing a car claimed he had no recollection of doing so. Oh, it probably had to do with the fact he was over twice the legal limit of alcohol. Hmm, that might explain his lack of memory. Does wonders for the liver too.

Absolutely brilliant! There’s nothing like getting good and hammered, then getting behind the wheel. To use the expression of a famous comedian, this is a great example of someone with “brain damage”, or someone who does something, well, just plain stupid.

But in all seriousness, this is a real problem in Alaska, whether it’s in a “city” like Fairbanks or villages out in the bush. This is particularly true during the winter months where we five hours of daylight and there’s not a whole lot to do. It’s even worse on the slope where they get two months of total darkness. I know this because I was born in Alaska and its home whenever I’m not traveling.

However, just because there isn’t a whole lot to do doesn’t make it alright to go get drunk out of your mind. Find something constructive to do. Take advantage of the few hours of daylight, go outside, chop firewood, or my personal favorite, fall dead trees, strip branches, stack them in a pile and burn them.

Drinking is your right, but when you get in your car and start the engine after doing so, you are putting my life, and everyone else who’s on the road, in danger. And that right you absolutely do not have.

Has anyone else noticed the rise in college shootings? There have been a couple in Ohio, and one at a western Kentucky campus. It seems these things happen in waves. I figured it was about time though. We often hear about shootings or threats in high schools, even middle schools. I remember reading a couple articles about 2^nd and 3^rd grade students plotting on stabbing their teacher.

I wonder what brings people to the point where they take a loaded gun to a place full of people, intent on doing harm. What drives a person to the breaking point?

I should point out it’s not the gun that’s the killer, but the people who tout them and pull the trigger.

Yet I especially wonder about younger children who do this. Is it because of problems at home? Abuse? Lack of parental guidance and/or discipline? Bad influences? How about being constantly picked on and teased at school? Kids can be terribly cruel to each other.

I’m a difficult person to shock, but I’m still surprised at what comes out of the mouths of some kids. Its like, “How do they know about things like that? Does no one monitor what they watch, listen to and say?”

Their innocence is completely ruined.

When I was that age, it was all about exploring, playing with toys, and using my imagination (in a healthy way of course). Now it seems that proper instruction and guidance has been replaced with watching vulgar television where they learn about things they shouldn’t yet and role models those who talk about vengeance and hate.

Where are children taught to care about other people anymore? To put others before themselves, to show love? This is an especially difficult time to grow up in. The world is so much more corrupted and dark than it used to be. I pity the children who have no one to guide them in the way they should go. Doesn’t anyone care anymore?

A study was recently done on the affects of sex on tv and teen pregnancies. Surprise, surprise, there was, in fact, a correlation. It was found that watching a lot of “racy shows” does actually affect teens.

Uh, ya think? That has to be the most profound statement of the century-note the sarcasm. It’s common sense. What you feed your mind will affect how you act and how you think. This is especially true when it comes to things like hormones and sex.

But hey, what goes in will determine what comes out. So that saying “be careful little eyes what you see, ears what you hear, lips what you say” is quite accurate. It’s true with not just what you watch on TV, it’s also the music you listen to and magazines and books you read. They affect how you think and feel and can even affect your current mood.  That was something I learned in my less than brilliant early teen years.

You reap what you sew.  Hmm, I think I’ve heard that somewhere.  Isn’t that in, oh I don’t know, the Bible or something? Funny how that works…

I can use the internet, email and text while I’m flying now? Well, use the internet and email, yes. As far as texting, I’m not so sure, I’m a bit slow. But I have only one word to express my excitement: Sweet! I was wondering when something like this would become available.

For people like myself who don’t sleep on planes, usually have long flights and only one movie to watch, this is an amazing breakthrough. There’s nothing like realizing you only have about ten pages left in the book you’re reading just before take-off. You can only read through those magazines in the seat pocket in front of you so many times.

Has anyone made an international trip lately? I don’t think they’re so bad anymore. I’m still ready to go crazy after six hours, but the reason they aren’t so bad: you can play games and watch a huge list of movies whenever you want on your own little screen. Fantastic! Two thumbs-up from me. After you’ve watched about four movies though, they all kind of run together. Next thing you know Tom Cruise is helping Emperor Cusco get back to the palace and change back to a human while trying to save Spirit, stallion of the Cimarron. Yeah, it gets that bad. And why is hangman so hard even on the easiest level!?

Lately I haven’t been so excited to do anymore flying. I’ve already done enough of that in my life, but now I’m kind of looking forward to it. Well, the flying, yes, what I’d pay for my ticket, no. Oh well! With this technology you’ll be able to complain about it to your friends during your flight!

California votes on gay marriage…excuse me while I blanch and toss my cookies. Just typing that makes me nauseous. Oh, and I just want to say…thank you, California! There really are a few morally sound and intelligent people who live there! There’s hope for you yet.

Just a few decades ago such a vote would have been unheard of and downright offensive. Okay, I guess it still is, especially for someone like me. If you are sound morally and mentally, you believe marriage is the unity of a man and woman. That’s how it’s always been and how it always should be. What are some of the signs you see whenever this issue comes up? Something like ‘Marriage is Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve’?

Hey, being gay is a choice. It really is. Being a church-going, God fearing gal, I believe that homosexuality is indeed a sin. This would be one of those topics where I am not open-minded.

Going for the same sex is a choice. Eee, excuse me as I shudder. It also follows the lines of sex changes. Adult people who will go from being male to female or vice versa…I kind of wonder about them.

Hey, it’s not my place to judge people, everyone has their own vices; to each his own. It’s never too late to turn from that path. I think most people too quickly write off homosexuals, act like they’re contagious. How about stopping and asking them why? Kind of trying to understand what happened?

I’m being my own devil’s advocate here. I hate it when I do that.

Oh and just as a quick note about all the rage being reported from the homosexuals. If you’re supposed to be against violence and all that, you are so not helping yourselves right now. Do you see a mass of Christians rioting, involving themselves in hate crimes across the country? Do you hear plans of such hate, plans of exacting vengeance, even murder against you on such a large scale?

So anyway, being gay is a choice and it is sin. I’m just saying it as it is and I’m really here not to cast judgment. But I just have to say…go all you people who voted for the ban! Good job standing up for what is right. Nice work.