Random Thoughts

Wow, I haven't logged in to this website for two years. I won't ask where the time has gone, because, well, we all know where the time goes. And I won't bore you with everything that has happened over the course of two years (moving to Ohio, deploying to Kuwait, buying a house are the three biggies). But I do have some thoughts on some current news stories and I'm sure you're all waiting with baited breath. First off is my opinion on the two prominent political parties. To give full disclosure, I am unaffiliated. I like certain aspects of both leanings and being clear from my Catholic upbringing makes things easier for me. This is not a bash on any organized religion. I just feel better not belonging to one or the other. I will follow my own path and allow my children to do the same, if they chose to do so. It's their choice. So, this leads me to people's right to chose and the Dems and GOP. To simplify things, most Dems are pro-choice and most of the GOP is about individual freedoms. Wait, isn't this the same thing? Well, not entirely. You see, there are some Dems out there that believe they know what's good for you and your body. So in certain cities, certain soft-drink sizes are banned yet a minor can still go to Planned Parenthood without parental notification to terminate a pregnancy. Or, in NYC, hospitals now will lock up formula and promote breastfeeding to the point that even if you ask for formula for your baby, you will have a talking to by a lactation consultant. This doesn't sound like freedom of choice to me. However, the GOP isn't any better. According to some, individual freedoms are sacrosanct unless you are gay, you want to smoke some herb or even terminate a pregnancy. For the record, I believe if two people love each other, regardless of sexuality, then they should be allowed to get married. Also, while I don't smoke the herb, I have no issues with states legalizing it. On the issue of abortion...well, personally, I don't agree, but who am I to dictate what others do with their bodies? I know, I know, where do I draw the line? Well, it's a personal line we all have to draw for ourselves. And that's my point, both sides are hypocrites when it comes to whatever you want to call it...freedom of choice or individual freedoms.
Second, this flap over Chik-Fil-A, to me, is fascinating. The owner (a Christian) isn't down with gay marriage and he's donated to causes against gay marriage. That's his personal opinion and there is no evidence he's discriminated against customers or employees.  However, the mayors of Chicago and Boston stated in effect they would make it very difficult to open up new franchises in their city based on his beliefs. Franchises bring in jobs; our country needs jobs, but they will make it difficult for this corporation to create jobs? Wow. However, these mayors have to answer to their constituents. Oh, and the media is pouncing on this calling for boycotts and name calling. Again, it appears to me like the Dems are about freedom of choice except if your choice isn't Theirs.  Wait, back in 2008, then candidate Obama stated in effect he wasn't down with gay marriage based on his Christian beliefs. If you want the link to the quote, please ask and I will post it.  I'm sure he donated to his church which supported this stance. Where were calls from the media to boycott him? Why didn't Rahm Emmanuel take a stance and quit the campaign? Hmmm.  Now the President has come around and it's about time, but c'mon, some of this shit is comical and of course disingenuous.