Do you remember the Republican debate with Mitt Romney's baffled response to George Stephanopoulos' question about banning contraception?
"Contraception?" he said in amazement, " It's working just fine. Leave it alone!" Until then, it had not been part of the conversation ... it wasn't an issue ..... but it quickly became one.
It is a part of the totally fabricated "war on women" ... an obviously baseless attempt by the Left to win female votes. They want us to believe in a Republican plot to deny women's rights.
Since I AM a woman and have BEEN one my entire adult life, I can speak with a certain amount of experience. I am NOT concerned if my health insurance now covers, or ever did cover contraception. Anyone who can walk into a Walgreens, can get some. And if the Left doesn't think we know that simple bit of logic, then I am offended at their assumption of our stupidity. Trust me, women do the majority of the shopping in our society and we know on which aisle to find the birth control.
The "war on women" is a blatant yet perfect example of a smoke screen. It is the Left's distraction from the real crisis of an over-sized, inefficient, bloated government that they are unwilling to rein in ... and the growing dangers of the national debt. They are sounding alarms about running out of aspirin on the Titanic, while ignoring the iceberg.
As a woman, I am concerned about the future of this country. I am worried that the day will come when we can no longer sustain a debt that grows over three billion a day! We cannot even pay the interest, unless spending is cut. All debts come due and unless our government does what must be done, we are headed towards total financial collapse.
THAT is not only a war on women, it is a war on America and most especially ... it is a war on our children.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Color
June 8, 1978. I was home with our two year old when Husband called me from work with the big news that he'd heard on the radio.
The "long-promised day has come when every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood". For the first time since our church was founded in 1830, there would be no restriction due to skin color. I don't remember my specific reaction, other than I was excited. I called my friend Beth, to verify. Yes, she said, it's true!
I grew up a member of my church. My parents were members. Their parents were members ...... and on and on. All I've ever known is being "Mormon". So the fact that in our church, black men (the term "African American" had yet to be coined) could not be ordained to receive what we believe is the authority to act in God's name, was strangely normal to me.
The priesthood is a power that comes from God, to do his work here on the earth just as was done in the Bible. It is the authority to baptize, preside, give blessings, heal the sick, and conduct ordinances, among other things. Without it, men cannot be married eternally in the temple nor receive the ordinances therein. Women have never been ordained in the priesthood; however, we are not denied anything by our lack of it. We receive all the ordinances and blessings. I have never felt short-changed for not having the priesthood myself.
But what about black men? Why were they denied this for so long? Answer: ... the forget-everything-else-you-may-have-heard answer ..... We don't know. That's it. We don't. Some have theories. But they are just ... theories. In the Old Testament, the priesthood was only given to certain groups, much more limited groups than in our lifetime. Black men it seems, are simply among the last to receive it.
When I was in college (pre-1978), I dated the one black man on our mostly LDS campus. He was handsome, charismatic, and fervently LDS. He had been converted a few years prior, and his conviction as to the truth of our beliefs, was powerful. He believed. He believed in a religion that, because of his skin color, set him apart from other men. How can that be?
It didn't matter to him. He knew it was true and he trusted God. And he knew God loved him. It was as simple as that.
After graduation, I never saw him again, but on that June day in 1978, I thought of him. I was thrilled for him because I could imagine his joy.
So something with which I grew up and seemed so normal, now 34 years later, looks strange. My beloved religion, the religion of my forbearers, discriminated against black people! How did I tolerate that? How can I tolerate it now?
Because of faith. I know it's true. I know it has been the greatest blessing in my life. I know that anyone who embraces it will also be blessed, regardless of their skin. And whatever God's reasons were, I trust him.
One thing to note: Although black men were restricted from receiving the priesthood, black people were not restricted from joining and gathering with others of our faith, to worship. We never segregated our worship services. We never had black or white congregations. I was never taught as a child, by my parents nor by my church, to feel differently, one way or another, towards another race. Everyone is a child of God and deserves to be treated with respect.
Yet look at the history of traditional, mainstream Christianity in America. There you WILL find segregation. In our society, the colors did not mix until the 60s began to open our eyes to the bigotry of segregation. And sometimes God waits, prepares, and takes his time until WE are ready ..... and in 1978, not only were WE ready .... the world in general was ready too.
The "long-promised day has come when every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood". For the first time since our church was founded in 1830, there would be no restriction due to skin color. I don't remember my specific reaction, other than I was excited. I called my friend Beth, to verify. Yes, she said, it's true!
I grew up a member of my church. My parents were members. Their parents were members ...... and on and on. All I've ever known is being "Mormon". So the fact that in our church, black men (the term "African American" had yet to be coined) could not be ordained to receive what we believe is the authority to act in God's name, was strangely normal to me.
The priesthood is a power that comes from God, to do his work here on the earth just as was done in the Bible. It is the authority to baptize, preside, give blessings, heal the sick, and conduct ordinances, among other things. Without it, men cannot be married eternally in the temple nor receive the ordinances therein. Women have never been ordained in the priesthood; however, we are not denied anything by our lack of it. We receive all the ordinances and blessings. I have never felt short-changed for not having the priesthood myself.
But what about black men? Why were they denied this for so long? Answer: ... the forget-everything-else-you-may-have-heard answer ..... We don't know. That's it. We don't. Some have theories. But they are just ... theories. In the Old Testament, the priesthood was only given to certain groups, much more limited groups than in our lifetime. Black men it seems, are simply among the last to receive it.
When I was in college (pre-1978), I dated the one black man on our mostly LDS campus. He was handsome, charismatic, and fervently LDS. He had been converted a few years prior, and his conviction as to the truth of our beliefs, was powerful. He believed. He believed in a religion that, because of his skin color, set him apart from other men. How can that be?
It didn't matter to him. He knew it was true and he trusted God. And he knew God loved him. It was as simple as that.
After graduation, I never saw him again, but on that June day in 1978, I thought of him. I was thrilled for him because I could imagine his joy.
So something with which I grew up and seemed so normal, now 34 years later, looks strange. My beloved religion, the religion of my forbearers, discriminated against black people! How did I tolerate that? How can I tolerate it now?
Because of faith. I know it's true. I know it has been the greatest blessing in my life. I know that anyone who embraces it will also be blessed, regardless of their skin. And whatever God's reasons were, I trust him.
One thing to note: Although black men were restricted from receiving the priesthood, black people were not restricted from joining and gathering with others of our faith, to worship. We never segregated our worship services. We never had black or white congregations. I was never taught as a child, by my parents nor by my church, to feel differently, one way or another, towards another race. Everyone is a child of God and deserves to be treated with respect.
Yet look at the history of traditional, mainstream Christianity in America. There you WILL find segregation. In our society, the colors did not mix until the 60s began to open our eyes to the bigotry of segregation. And sometimes God waits, prepares, and takes his time until WE are ready ..... and in 1978, not only were WE ready .... the world in general was ready too.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
It's real
I, and others like me, have been called Stepford wives. For those of you who aren't into 70's movies, these are artificial women who do all-things-domestic "perfectly". Perfect house, perfect grooming, perfect cooking, perfect wife. On the surface, they appear ..... perfect. But, as the story goes, it's all an illusion and underneath is an enslaved feminist in major denial and, deep down, seething with resentment. At the same time, ironically, they are highly judgmental of fellow SWs who dare to break from the mold.
Members of my faith sometimes appear to be Stepford-ish. For example, can anyone BE more perfect than Ann Romney? The worst the media can dig up about the family was that they once strapped their dog carrier on the roof of their car. (Every dog I've ever known would have begged for such a ride!)
So why the SW label? I think it boils down to what SOME perceive to be choice, or the lack thereof. In other words, since THEY didn't make good choices, the good choices were never really available. And anyone who APPEARS to have made good choices, cannot be real.
A few examples of good choices:
> Saving sex for marriage then remaining completely faithful for life.
> Avoiding addictive substances like tobacco, liquor, illegal drugs, etc. Not to mention other forms of sabotage such as immoral movies, pornography, immodesty, foul language, and toxic people.
> Going to church and when you get there -- listening.
> Getting educated and then working so that no one else has to clean up your mess or pick up your tab.
Some think they did not have some or any of these choices. But that's a lie. Life may have obscured the options, but we are not ruled by the Taliban, nor are we wearing burkas. In this society, we have choices.
And even if we make good choices, there are few guarantees. Ann Romney didn't escape some life-threatening illnesses. BUT there are odds. And the odds are, with the right choices, that life will be better. You will be happier. Your children will be happier. And the world will be a little better.
I didn't start out any smarter than anyone else, but FORTUNATELY my parents made good choices that placed me, right from the get-go, into a religion that taught me to avoid potholes. The outside world says it's not possible ... it's not realistic ... we are only human and those potholes are part of life.
But not my life.
They say, for example, teenagers WILL have sex, so stop denying it and break out the birth control. Yet many of us didn't. We chose to wait.
STDs and unwed pregnancies were not part of my world. Neither were single parenting, fatherless children, and the related dependence on public assistance. Also foreign to my world is drunkenness and substance addictions. Good choices ARE possible .... I see it in my world all the time. KIDS NEED TO KNOW THIS and it's our job as adults, to SHOW them ......
... that it's not an illusion. Those good choices, with the better odds and happier life, can be theirs.
*********
Added note: With that religion that saved me and countless others from the potholes, comes the knowledge that mistakes and poor choices of varying degrees can and do happen to all of us. The Bible teaches us the solution. It's called repentance.
Members of my faith sometimes appear to be Stepford-ish. For example, can anyone BE more perfect than Ann Romney? The worst the media can dig up about the family was that they once strapped their dog carrier on the roof of their car. (Every dog I've ever known would have begged for such a ride!)
So why the SW label? I think it boils down to what SOME perceive to be choice, or the lack thereof. In other words, since THEY didn't make good choices, the good choices were never really available. And anyone who APPEARS to have made good choices, cannot be real.
A few examples of good choices:
> Saving sex for marriage then remaining completely faithful for life.
> Avoiding addictive substances like tobacco, liquor, illegal drugs, etc. Not to mention other forms of sabotage such as immoral movies, pornography, immodesty, foul language, and toxic people.
> Going to church and when you get there -- listening.
> Getting educated and then working so that no one else has to clean up your mess or pick up your tab.
Some think they did not have some or any of these choices. But that's a lie. Life may have obscured the options, but we are not ruled by the Taliban, nor are we wearing burkas. In this society, we have choices.
And even if we make good choices, there are few guarantees. Ann Romney didn't escape some life-threatening illnesses. BUT there are odds. And the odds are, with the right choices, that life will be better. You will be happier. Your children will be happier. And the world will be a little better.
I didn't start out any smarter than anyone else, but FORTUNATELY my parents made good choices that placed me, right from the get-go, into a religion that taught me to avoid potholes. The outside world says it's not possible ... it's not realistic ... we are only human and those potholes are part of life.
But not my life.
They say, for example, teenagers WILL have sex, so stop denying it and break out the birth control. Yet many of us didn't. We chose to wait.
STDs and unwed pregnancies were not part of my world. Neither were single parenting, fatherless children, and the related dependence on public assistance. Also foreign to my world is drunkenness and substance addictions. Good choices ARE possible .... I see it in my world all the time. KIDS NEED TO KNOW THIS and it's our job as adults, to SHOW them ......
... that it's not an illusion. Those good choices, with the better odds and happier life, can be theirs.
*********
Added note: With that religion that saved me and countless others from the potholes, comes the knowledge that mistakes and poor choices of varying degrees can and do happen to all of us. The Bible teaches us the solution. It's called repentance.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
What does your vote cost?
Seventy percent of all US senators have never done anything other than hold an elected office. Also known as career politicians they, like everyone else, want to keep their jobs. Keeping their jobs, requires votes. And votes cost.
We all, in a sense, sell our votes. And the prices vary. Some sell their votes for entitlement programs, which are simply benefits. In other words, anything the government "gives" us. But in reality, the government never gives anything. It's all purchased with votes and enabled by spending.
Since there can never be enough taxes to cover it all, money is borrowed to pay for those programs. And the amount of our current national debt is incomprehensible. If you don't mind losing some sleep, look here. We are ALL on the fast road to total bankruptcy.
Is it fixable? Yes. But look at what happens to someone who was brave enough to try.
Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin, ran on a platform of cutting spending in a state, like many others, was buried in debt. We're talking a $3.6 billion deficit. After elected, he kept his promises. He took on public unions which represent state government employees such as teachers, and started requiring them to pay for a portion of their benefits. Like the rest of us do. Gov. Walker eliminated that deficit and turned it into a $300 million surplus without raising taxes. Yet instead of public appreciation, there is a major effort, led by union leaders, to recall him.
The country is watching Wisconsin. Will it support someone who courageously made the tough decisions, putting his job on the line --- or will it succumb to the pressures of union greed and the addiction to benefits ... and vote to return to deficits, debt, and higher taxes?
The US Congress is also watching Wisconsin. It too, has the power to do as Gov. Walker has done. But that takes guts. And it may cost them their jobs because they may lose those ever-precious votes. Voters don't like losing their benefits. They feel entitled to them.
But what does an ex-congressman do, who has never done anything else? That question motivates them to do what it takes, or costs, to keep the only job they know. And we pay the price .... or we will ..... sooner or later.
We all, in a sense, sell our votes. And the prices vary. Some sell their votes for entitlement programs, which are simply benefits. In other words, anything the government "gives" us. But in reality, the government never gives anything. It's all purchased with votes and enabled by spending.
Since there can never be enough taxes to cover it all, money is borrowed to pay for those programs. And the amount of our current national debt is incomprehensible. If you don't mind losing some sleep, look here. We are ALL on the fast road to total bankruptcy.
Is it fixable? Yes. But look at what happens to someone who was brave enough to try.
Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin, ran on a platform of cutting spending in a state, like many others, was buried in debt. We're talking a $3.6 billion deficit. After elected, he kept his promises. He took on public unions which represent state government employees such as teachers, and started requiring them to pay for a portion of their benefits. Like the rest of us do. Gov. Walker eliminated that deficit and turned it into a $300 million surplus without raising taxes. Yet instead of public appreciation, there is a major effort, led by union leaders, to recall him.
The country is watching Wisconsin. Will it support someone who courageously made the tough decisions, putting his job on the line --- or will it succumb to the pressures of union greed and the addiction to benefits ... and vote to return to deficits, debt, and higher taxes?
The US Congress is also watching Wisconsin. It too, has the power to do as Gov. Walker has done. But that takes guts. And it may cost them their jobs because they may lose those ever-precious votes. Voters don't like losing their benefits. They feel entitled to them.
But what does an ex-congressman do, who has never done anything else? That question motivates them to do what it takes, or costs, to keep the only job they know. And we pay the price .... or we will ..... sooner or later.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Why do this? (And how do I keep it from being boring?)
Starting this blog has been on my mind for several weeks. Do it, or not? Finally, at the urging of my daughter and with her suggested title, here goes.
My purpose is to offer my thoughts as a Latter-day Saint ("Mormon"), especially during this current and historic election campaign involving a fellow LDS. I don't know Gov. Romney personally, but I feel I know a lot about him. He and I grew up in the same culture and were taught the same values. As children, we learned from the same books and lesson manuals, and grew up listening to the same advice from our religious leaders. Mormonism is a uniformly-taught religion. It's the same on the west coast (my home) as it is on the east coast (his home) as it is worldwide.
I also know what kind of people fill leadership positions in our church. Romney was a bishop (similar to a pastor) and a stake president (presiding over a dozen congregations) which are both strenuous and taxing positions. No one asks for these jobs, but most do humbly accept them. They then serve in that position for five to ten years until they are released to take another assignment. By and large, men who have had these ... callings, as we say in our lingo .... are among the most kind and ethical people one could ever hope to meet. I have known many past and present bishops (as well as being married to one) and stake presidents and they are all exemplary in character. So yes, I feel I know Mitt Romney, even though we have never met. And since I'm passionately driven to see the good ol' USA with its values intact, continue as a blessing to my descendants .... an honest man at the helm IS A GOOD THING. And a man who knows how to create success on a balance sheet is ALSO a good thing.
I also know there is a LOT of misinformation out there about us. And, sad to say, a lot of bigotry. We're not Christian, they say. We're a cult, they say. We're even plotting to take over --- seriously! And to some, a vote for a Mormon is a vote for the devil.
So, with this blog, judge for yourself.
My purpose is to offer my thoughts as a Latter-day Saint ("Mormon"), especially during this current and historic election campaign involving a fellow LDS. I don't know Gov. Romney personally, but I feel I know a lot about him. He and I grew up in the same culture and were taught the same values. As children, we learned from the same books and lesson manuals, and grew up listening to the same advice from our religious leaders. Mormonism is a uniformly-taught religion. It's the same on the west coast (my home) as it is on the east coast (his home) as it is worldwide.
I also know what kind of people fill leadership positions in our church. Romney was a bishop (similar to a pastor) and a stake president (presiding over a dozen congregations) which are both strenuous and taxing positions. No one asks for these jobs, but most do humbly accept them. They then serve in that position for five to ten years until they are released to take another assignment. By and large, men who have had these ... callings, as we say in our lingo .... are among the most kind and ethical people one could ever hope to meet. I have known many past and present bishops (as well as being married to one) and stake presidents and they are all exemplary in character. So yes, I feel I know Mitt Romney, even though we have never met. And since I'm passionately driven to see the good ol' USA with its values intact, continue as a blessing to my descendants .... an honest man at the helm IS A GOOD THING. And a man who knows how to create success on a balance sheet is ALSO a good thing.
I also know there is a LOT of misinformation out there about us. And, sad to say, a lot of bigotry. We're not Christian, they say. We're a cult, they say. We're even plotting to take over --- seriously! And to some, a vote for a Mormon is a vote for the devil.
So, with this blog, judge for yourself.
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