FEATURE ARTICLES. ONCE AND FOR ALL...SAME-SEX MARRIAGE DOES NOT VIOLATE STATES RIGHTS. PT 1.

I have addressed this issue before,which includes a multi-part

article published on examiner.com

during the 2012 election.

However, States Rights Advocates, most recently Arizona, are again screaming that they are being forced to legalize Gay Marriage. 

Unfortunately, the arguments set forth by myself and others, are again being ignored by sections of the public who wish to impose their religious doctrine on every American.

 

One major qualification; While the most politically active and vocal seem to be individuals and groups who claim to be Christian-  DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE MAJORITY OF CHRISTIANS AGREE WITH THIS LINE OF REASONING.  It is amazing to me the number of people who claim to represent the "True Faith", being a spokesperson for everyone else.

So, in the interest of clarification, let us answer the following;

Myth #1- Currently, States that have not legalized Same-Sex Marriage are being forced to allow such ceremonies, and they must be legally recognized.- Absolutely not. Unless such a law has been struck down by litigation brought before the Court, no State which has laws prohibiting Homo-Sexual Marriage is required to recognize such ceremonies as legally valid, if performed within its' jurisdiction.

Myth #2- If a State legalizes Same-Sex Marriage, Churches will be required to allow these unions within their walls.- Again, not true.  Houses of Faith are allowed to perform or not perform any rituals they so choose.  Civil Rights Laws are not binding on them, as long as they are not receiving public funds.  In other words, no one is going to force you, your spiritual leaders or your congregation to arrange for or attend any function that violates a given Moral Belief System.

End PT 1.

Date-  3/14/2014.

Scroll down for future posts.  

FEATURE ARTICLES. WHAT DOES THE U.S. CONSTITUTION ACTUALLY SAY ABOUT RELIGION? PT 3.

In continuation of this article, I would like to address another Church\State issue that is often used as political rhetoric to smear opponents. 

The PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE- An expression of loyalty to the Republic and the Flag used to start many public and private meetings in the U.S.  It is most often referred to in the tradition of being recited by school children to start each day.

The Pledge was written in 1892 by FRANCIS BELLAMY, a Baptist Minister.  The following is the original text published by Bellamy;

" I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the republic for which it stands,

one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

As you can see, contrary to those who don't bother to check basic U.S. History, there is no reference to religion or faith within the wording.  It is an oath that binds the individual to the responsibility of being a citizen.  This includes recognizing the Flag as the symbol that represents the physical embodiment of the meaning contained within the Pledge.

Yes, I know the current version includes the words "...under God...". However, this version was adopted in 1954 and was the last of four changes that were made in the text since its' inception.

This change insults all Americans, for it implies that one is not truly loyal to the United States, until they repeat an oath that is purely religious in nature.  This flies in the face of the intent contained within the wording of the Constitution.  It is simply a way to circumvent religious freedom that is guaranteed to all citizens.

Date- 12/17/2013.

FEATURE ARTICLES. THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT- HOPING FOR FAILURE.

As the AFFORDABLE CARE ACT/OBAMACARE/UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE is now being implemented nationwide, opponents of the new law are hollering loud and clear about any flaws that are coming to light.  They demand an immediate repeal of the law, and promise dire consequences if this does not happen.  However, citizens and lawmakers who support the act should not be pulled into answering the hysterical rantings of those whose only goal is to see it fail.

What really amazes me is the desire of certain politicians, parts of the media and segments of society as a whole to see the U.S. become a weaker nation, both economically and socially.  It is a level of selfishness that is hard to comprehend, for it is the "Only I count" and "Me and only Me" way of looking at life. To them it doesn't matter how many others suffer, as long as they are not affected in any way. This way of thinking does not look at the possible long term affects on society by new legislation, for it doesn't matter.

The Affordable Care Act is just the most recent example of a law enacted with the goal of providing a long term solution that will solve a difficult problem.  As has happened in the past, the law is not perfect and must be adapted to confront unforeseen consequences.  There is nothing in the wording of the law, or any form of Judicial precedent that would prevent this from happening.  Many times in the past programs instituted by Government were found to have certain weaknesses that needed to be corrected.  Guess what?  They were, without destroying the goals or purposes which prompted the necessity for their creation.

Many opponents of the Affordable Care Act are not willing to even discuss how the law might be altered or changed to resolve any problems.  That is because they do not want it to be successful, for it offers help and aid that they do not need at this time.  In other words, "Whats in it for me" or "I don't have any responsibility for anyones well-being but my own."  Of course this ignores the possible future benefits that may be the product of the new law, which may include providing future assistance to those who don't need it now.

This is the ultimate example of the "Living in the present, and the Future is someone elses problem," type of Politician. 

I thought we expected more from our leaders and public servants.

Date- 11/23/2013

FEATURE ARTICLES. THE SOCIOPATH- A DANGER ALL AROUND US. PT 10.

The first of the three categories of Sociopaths, in terms of how successful they are in achieving individual goals, and avoiding punishment for their actions.

ACCOMPLISHED SOCIOPATH-  Is by far the most dangerous to a civilized society.  Throughout their lives, they have learned to direct and use others to act on their behalf. 

This is done in such a way that no one realizes they are being manipulated, and few negative consequences fall upon this type of Sociopath. 

However, what really sets the Accomplished Sociopath apart is their ability to direct blame and responsibility for actions they commit, onto others who are completely innocent.  This is often done by duping others to aid them in the persecution of the individual being targeted by the Accomplished Sociopath.  Families, Friendships and Business relationships are destroyed by this insidious fiend.

Unfortunately, the Accomplished Sociopath may go through life unidentified, free to unleash havoc on humanity. The real sad part of the story is that many people think they are to smart to be conned by such a person, and refuse to admit it when evidence is presented that they are being used for nefarious reasons.  The Accomplished Sociopath realizes this, and finds ways to appeal to the vanity of the unwitting pawn.

Are there clues, that may indicate you are dealing with an Accomplished Sociopath?  Yes, but be sure before confronting one.  They have spent years creating a facade of humanity that has hidden their true nature from Family, Friends and Acquaintances. If possible, accumulate allies who are willing to stand with you, for confronting the Accomplished Sociopath means attacking their support structure of individuals who are either Unable or Unwilling to face reality.

See part 11 for clues on identifying an ACCOMPLISHED SOCIOPATH.

Date-  4/16/2014.