Thoughts On Yesterday's News

I actually began writing this on October 25, 2006. Being on the night shift, everything tends get done a few hours after the new day begins. It really stinks. There are times I think I can’t ever catch up…

This Day In History was an interesting stop this morning (10/25…remember?...). On this date in history were such diverse events as the shoot out at the OK Corral and the signing of the Patriot Act. I try to stop by there every day, but usually it’s about every other day. You might want to check it out.

And, just so you know, I randomly camp out on a couple of the MSM news sites--usually CNN, Yahoo, or MSNBC. I occasionally follow links around and end up looking at some really interesting stuff. Today, I’ve pretty much been over at CNN. It’s not necessarily because I like their news—I personally think they are in the pocket of the Left. But, it’s an easy link from my personal DSL service. Anyway…

I thought this was pretty weird. Scientists were able to get a group of rat brain cells to fly a virtual F-22. It leaves you wondering what they will eventually do with a human brain, doesn’t it?

In American politics, there was this report on Senator Ted Kennedy making overtures to the Soviets in order to oust Reagan. It was drawn from the Book Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism. And, the report is supposedly based on translated Russian documents, or perhaps audio tapes, of the meeting with former California Senator John Tunney, who was presenting to the Russians on Kennedy’s behalf. Leaving aside the obvious right wing slant of the book…were such an event to be true, it would be proof of the Democrats and at least some of the liberal groups attached to them of being closet communists or front groups.

(…yeah, I know this was originally reported on October 20…but, there was a recent interview with the author found here… I doubt it will terribly hurt the individual or party political causes unless it receives wide broadcast in the mainstreammedia…)

It seems the Argentineans wantIran held accountable. They finally issued a federal order to arrest the former Iranian President and some others. Given the way Iran is submitting to the authority of others (specifically the UN), does anyone really believe this is going to happen?

And, here is a new twist on the insanity defense: Dungeons and Dragons made me do it!

Prosecutors say Flemons, then 30, was angry because of constant bullying by the victim, Anthony Williams, and other co-workers at Peerless Metal Powders & Abrasive.
But Flemons' lawyer says he is schizophrenic with a psychotic obsession with fantasy role-playing games, including Dungeons & Dragons.

The original story came out in October of 2004, but the link says it was updated on October 24, 2006.

(…WOW...I thought a lawyer’s role was supposed to be making sure the defendant got a fair trial, not guarantee an acquittal…boy, have I got our judicial system wrong…)

Living in Texas, we already have Charter Schools that are publicly funded. And, there have been serious financial problems with the management of several. Most of those have been because of corporate greed overcoming care for the kids. But, the experiment is still going on, and improving—in spite of some legislative initiatives to the contrary. The principle opponents: the PTA and the State Teachers Association. Why? One claim is because children will not receive the same quality of education as in a regular public school. The truth is, in Texas, each school’s state funding is based on the number of children actually attending the school. Any child that attends another school reduces the amount of money each public school can receive. Now, there is this report on Ohio Public schools that the teachers unions and the PTA lost the battle against charter schools there, too. I hope the people of Ohio are ready for a long battle. I hope they learn from the experiences we have had here in Texas, too.

And, then we have the courts in New Jersey legalized same sex marriages. I know I run the risk of being called a racist, religious bigot with what I am about to say. But, I believe homosexuality/same sex relationships are wrong. I’ll even tell explain my principle reason. My study (…I admit limited…) of nature shows that something is only natural viable as a species if it reproduces itself. Gays and lesbians do not and cannot do this. That indicates homosexuality is an unnatural occurance. Therefore, it is not equal to a natural family and should not have those rights and privileges. This does not mean that gays and lesbians are not entitled to be protected from harm, or persecution. It does mean their sexual practices should not be taught as normal human sexual behaviors. It also means I can express this opinion peacefully and reasonably without being charged for a hate crime.

(…for the record, we have lost a long time friend to AIDS. His ex-wife is currently suffering from it, and lost an infant child to it, because of his behavior. So…NO, I do not endorse the lifestyle or the privacy protections that leave me or anyone else in jeopardy…just thought I would let you know…)

Meanwhile, the issue of religious indoctrination and state control of it has taken another step. There was this case a week ago involving Islamic indoctrination being taught in schools.. What this article references is this type of curriculum which has students go through all the practices of Islam, including memorizing the doctrinal principles of it. As one commentator asked:

Can we find a teacher out there willing to make some Muslim students pretend to be Christians for a few weeks? You know, just to better understand the culture and all.

(…and I’ll ask with him…why can other religion can do this but not Christians?...can anyone give me, and everyone else, a reasonable answer?...dare I hold my breath for it waiting for it, though?…)

And, finally, does anyone really believe a school principal should be allowed to keep his job after giving a student a “wedgie”? The Livingston, Montana, School District Board did. MSNBC ran this article about school employee conduct and discipline, and what the school district did about it.
(…You know, there are days I’m glad I can homeschool my children to stay away from forced indoctrination and sanctioned cruel treatment of my children…)