It seems like most of my posts are after midnight...I haven't been sleeping well lately, and I wish I could get to the bottom of it. I can't remember the last time I had a good nights sleep. I can tell you without exaggeration that it's been years. Between the time I get in bed and finally slip away, I've been doing a lot of thinking. Maybe I could even call it soul searching. I really feel like I should be doing something else with myself. I don't even know what that something should be. I feel like I'm missing a lot, I just wish I knew where to go to find whatever it is I'm missing. I feel like I'm not supposed to be where I am. Like I'm stuck in a life that wasn't supposed to turn out the way it has, and I'm living every day getting farther and farther from whatever it should have been. I want all of you to think about this...What makes you happy? I mean truly happy. Not the fake kind of happy that you act out so everyone else around you will believe that what you're doing makes you happy. I know when I'm with my family, no matter where or how many of them, I'm happy. But I can't be with them all the time. I need to figure out my place. Where will I really find happiness? Can we be happy by ourselves? Or do we need someone else to attain that? Are we dependent on others to be happy? If that's true then I'm fucked. As much as I love my faith, I'm finding that so much of our happiness is centered around our families, and so much of that is finding someone to start a family with, and surrounding yourself with a family of your own making. There's kind of a black hole that people who don't find that right away can get lost in. As you can imagine, I'm feeling it's pull. There are many great things that someone of my age and social status can participate in that are focused on our faith. But to be brutally honest, if you don't enjoy going to dances in a church building, playing volleyball or sitting through board games, you don't have many options. I know it's not what most of my peers want to hear, but even at church, I'm miserable. I go to a singles ward, and loath it. Everyone telling me I need to get married, and who they think it should be. None of those people have any clue who I am, or what I like. They're just spitting out words they think I want to hear, and I laugh and nod my head and pat their shoulder like I'm glad they're telling me who they think I would get along with, as if I'd be interested in them yet somehow never thought about it before. I hate being fake, yet I've been making myself do it for years now. What about a family ward?? It's even worse...
Can you tell I'm bitter? LOL. I haven't even gotten warmed up yet. Have you ever eaten at a restaurant, and then gotten sick, and then feel ill every time you see the place again, or smell the food they served? I think that's the best way I can explain how I feel about dating right now. I'm just a lot more attracted to women outside of my own faith, even though a real relationship with them is basically out of the question. I've had just as many girlfriends that weren't associated with the church as I have had Mormon ones, but I've been surprised how accepting they've been, even though in the end, the church, or at least my dedication to my faith, was the reason it couldn't work out. But they were nothing short of perfect. They were beautiful, caring, honest, compassionate, respectful women. Don't get me wrong, Mormon women are too, but I've only been cheated on, lied to (even when they think I didn't know), told I wasn't good looking enough to actually marry, told they didn't think I was going to do anything with myself, told by their brothers I didn't deserve to be with their sisters, asked to lie to my own family...by people of my own faith. And that's just a shame. In fact, sometimes they almost make me believe that rubbish. Almost... I've even said it before. It's almost like my faith's belief in eternal marriage has created an unrealistic expectation for who they should pick to marry. When I find a girl that doesn't judge my every action, and loves me for who I am, and not who they want me to pretend to be, it's at that moment that I've found the love of my life. So here's to her, wherever she is.
So like usual, I feel better now that I've said that. Maybe I'll sleep just a little better tonight, and be just a little less emo when I wake up.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Please Read The Letter
Just a quick one this time. If you haven't had a chance to see the Storytellers with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, do whatever you have to do to see it. It's absolutely amazing. Not just because Robert Plant is one of my all time hero's, or because Alison Krauss is one of the hottest 37 year old songwriters with the voice of an angel, but also because it's one of those few musical performances where you can actually feel the soul of it's performers reaching out to you. At least for me, it's one of those sounds that you can feel. Like it was made just for you. It's like a perfect mix of rock/blues/country/folk.
It's on CMT, or Palladia if you have HD. Or you can get their album, Raising Sand from their website www.robertplantalisonkrauss.com. Check them out on youtube if you're broke. You won't be sorry.
It's on CMT, or Palladia if you have HD. Or you can get their album, Raising Sand from their website www.robertplantalisonkrauss.com. Check them out on youtube if you're broke. You won't be sorry.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Appetite For Addiction
My roommate and I just finished watching the last season of Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. I've never done a drug in my entire life, but I can only imagine what these people are going through. I think the only thing I could possibly relate to their trials is the energy drink detox I went through over Thanksgiving break (unfortunately I relapsed on Christmas day) =P. The main reason we tivo'd every episode this season was because Steven Adler, the original drummer for Gun's N Roses, was on it. A few years back we got to meet him! He did a show in the city called Adler's Appetite, where he (along with 4 other guys) got together and played Appetite For Destruction, GNR's debut album, live. Dave's band at the time, The Servants, opened for him, and we got to meet him backstage.**
In a nutshell, Steven's addictions took such a strong hold on him, that GNR gave him the boot. Just think about that for a second....."GNR" decided he was out of control. That's serious. He's dealt with so many more problems besides his career. He was kicked out of his house by his step dad at only 11 years old. His depression and drug/alcohol abuse hit an all time low after his departure from the band that he OD'd on pills in a suicide attempt, inducing a stroke and slipping into a coma for days. While he was in a coma his Mother basically emptied his bank accounts. It's been a hard road for him, and his choices have been bad ones for years, but I can tell you this...he would give you the shirt off his back without thinking twice. If he saw you crying, he'd be the first one to take you in his arms and tell you he loved you, even if he didn't know you. He has a heart of gold. My heart goes out to people like him, who have the instinct to do so much good, but have made choices that have ruined so many opportunities to express it. Here's to his long road to recovery. I'll be watching the next step for him, a VH1 show called Sober House. While I love the drama, I hope he makes it.
**A funny story about that night...It was the night after Dimebag Darrell, guitarist for Pantera, was shot on stage in Ohio(not the funny part fyi). The news was doing a story on security at small venues, and had a cameraman there while we were getting frisked at the entrance. The bar at the club had a couple tv's and they turned it on later that night to see if they made the news. Next thing I know someone punches me on the arm, pointing at the tv, and says "Hey! That's you bro!" I was probably the only dude in the venue not wearing all black, and you could see my white and green shirt from the chest down, getting patted down by a security guard. I must have stuck out like a sore thumb. I got a laugh out of it at least.
In a nutshell, Steven's addictions took such a strong hold on him, that GNR gave him the boot. Just think about that for a second....."GNR" decided he was out of control. That's serious. He's dealt with so many more problems besides his career. He was kicked out of his house by his step dad at only 11 years old. His depression and drug/alcohol abuse hit an all time low after his departure from the band that he OD'd on pills in a suicide attempt, inducing a stroke and slipping into a coma for days. While he was in a coma his Mother basically emptied his bank accounts. It's been a hard road for him, and his choices have been bad ones for years, but I can tell you this...he would give you the shirt off his back without thinking twice. If he saw you crying, he'd be the first one to take you in his arms and tell you he loved you, even if he didn't know you. He has a heart of gold. My heart goes out to people like him, who have the instinct to do so much good, but have made choices that have ruined so many opportunities to express it. Here's to his long road to recovery. I'll be watching the next step for him, a VH1 show called Sober House. While I love the drama, I hope he makes it.
**A funny story about that night...It was the night after Dimebag Darrell, guitarist for Pantera, was shot on stage in Ohio(not the funny part fyi). The news was doing a story on security at small venues, and had a cameraman there while we were getting frisked at the entrance. The bar at the club had a couple tv's and they turned it on later that night to see if they made the news. Next thing I know someone punches me on the arm, pointing at the tv, and says "Hey! That's you bro!" I was probably the only dude in the venue not wearing all black, and you could see my white and green shirt from the chest down, getting patted down by a security guard. I must have stuck out like a sore thumb. I got a laugh out of it at least.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
HeartSick and Tired
Is it bad that I'm already out of ideas for this thing? I find it somewhat amusing though, so rather than just not write in it for months, I'll give anyone who's reading this an opportunity to ask me whatever they want. Hell, you can even do it anonymously! Ask me anything about me, my life. What have you always wanted to know about Brett? And I'll answer it the best I can. I suppose this is also a way for me to see if anyone is reading still. So have at it. Make it as personal as you want, or make it about something that has nothing to do with me. You'll find, if you don't already know, I'm not easily shocked or offended. Hit me with your best shot.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Forever More
That's the name of Tesla's new album, fitted with a painting of the famous skeletal remains embraced in death.
As some of you know, a good friend of mine was recently picked up by Tesla to be their new guitar player, along side rock legend Frank Hannon. Before that happened I was already a fan of Tesla, and had seen them live a handful of times. I think I was more excited than Dave was when he told me! I'm glad that he gets an opportunity to fulfill his dreams in the environment that Tesla creates for themselves. They have an attitude towards their live shows that most bands don't...doing it all sober. In fact that was the biggest reason Tommy Skeoch, their original guitar player, left (or was forced to leave) the band. They said it was to spend time with his family and new baby, but rumor would tell a story more surrounded with addiction and all the drama that comes with it. To paraphrase an interview of Tommy that I heard on youtube, 'I'm into sex, drugs, and rock and roll. They're just into rock and roll'. Through Dave, I've had the opportunity to meet the band, and even eat with them a couple of times, and they represent a really awesome side to the rock lifestyle. It's one that I feel like I can actually relate to. So I have to thank Dave for sneaking a piece of me into the album. Click to enlarge, and look carefully!
I'm going to stray away from the political type of posts I think. I already have enough friends on both sides of my last topic that don't want to talk to me. So I've decided it's not worth it. I'll just leave it how it is and keep my opinions to myself. To be totally honest, I've hardly thought about any of it since I wrote about it. I suppose it was a way to get it all off my chest. So I'm sorry if I offended or disappointed you. Love you guys, blog you soon.
BRE
As some of you know, a good friend of mine was recently picked up by Tesla to be their new guitar player, along side rock legend Frank Hannon. Before that happened I was already a fan of Tesla, and had seen them live a handful of times. I think I was more excited than Dave was when he told me! I'm glad that he gets an opportunity to fulfill his dreams in the environment that Tesla creates for themselves. They have an attitude towards their live shows that most bands don't...doing it all sober. In fact that was the biggest reason Tommy Skeoch, their original guitar player, left (or was forced to leave) the band. They said it was to spend time with his family and new baby, but rumor would tell a story more surrounded with addiction and all the drama that comes with it. To paraphrase an interview of Tommy that I heard on youtube, 'I'm into sex, drugs, and rock and roll. They're just into rock and roll'. Through Dave, I've had the opportunity to meet the band, and even eat with them a couple of times, and they represent a really awesome side to the rock lifestyle. It's one that I feel like I can actually relate to. So I have to thank Dave for sneaking a piece of me into the album. Click to enlarge, and look carefully!
I'm going to stray away from the political type of posts I think. I already have enough friends on both sides of my last topic that don't want to talk to me. So I've decided it's not worth it. I'll just leave it how it is and keep my opinions to myself. To be totally honest, I've hardly thought about any of it since I wrote about it. I suppose it was a way to get it all off my chest. So I'm sorry if I offended or disappointed you. Love you guys, blog you soon.
BRE
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Two and a Half Percent
One of the biggest controversy's in California at the moment is the aftermath of Proposition 8. For ease of typing/reading, I'll call the supporters of Prop 8 "Y8" and those who are against "N8". This election, a proposition went out that would make an amendment to the states constitution that defines marriage to be between a man and a woman. This was after courts ruled that not letting gay couples wed was unconstitutional. It's caused quite a commotion, needless to say. By writing my thoughts on this issue, my intention isn't to offend anyone on either side, but I am an active LDS, and some of my beliefs can't be set aside. Although, I find it necessary to play devils-advocate against some of my Mormon peers.
Since it's passing, N8 and the gay community have largely targeted the LDS population, not just in California, but elsewhere. A lot of nasty things have been said, which I don't agree with, but here are some thoughts for any LDS who are having a hard time with this. DEAL WITH IT!!! I don't want to see any more emails about "why are we being targeted?" etc. For example, I've seen a couple of emails circulated that say something to the effect of "there are 770,000 Mormons in California. Assuming that 350,000 of them are old enough to vote, and "X" are registered voters, even if ALL of them voted yes, then we only made up 2.5% of the vote!" And "70% of black and latino voters said yes, and the overwhelming majority of people over 50 voted yes, but you can't protest black people, and you can't protest old people, so Mormons are an easy target." Those numbers are true, HOWEVER, what we need to realize is that 43% of the funding for Y8 came from LDS. 43% of the MOST funded proposition in U.S. history. Almost half. That's huge. An estimated 80% of the initial movement of calling phone lists/knocking doors, etc, was done by LDS. The Church members need to shape up and realize that they are being targeted for a reason. If you were willing to put forth the effort to participate in such a controversial issue, then you need to be prepared to pay the social consequences of it also, without complaint. I'm not saying that I'm OK with the things that are being said in some of the protests. Signs in windows that say "Fuck Mormons", calling out Joseph Smith, and climbing temple fences like King Kong on the empire state building aren't really even protests, it's just malicious behaviour. Those who are opting to ski in Colorado this year instead of Utah, or not use facilities or businesses owned by LDS, I see as a more respectable form of protest. I feel like I'm dealing with the criticism better than a lot of my peers, and I refused to even take a role in promoting it. Which leads me to my next round of thoughts...
Do I see Prop 8 as a moral issue? Yes, to some degree. I don't really agree with gay lifestyle. Then how about a Civil Rights issue? Well.....yes. I do. This is where I'm torn. While I don't agree with the lifestyle, I am 100% for anyone living their life how they want to live it, as long as it's not hurting themselves or others. My disagreement with a gay lifestyle is purely religious. And I don't think it should be forced on anyone. It's MY opinion, and doesn't have to belong to anyone but me. The issue is not "is gay OK?", and that's what some people have forgotten. So here's how I'm weighing things out in my head...'
There is a misconception about the difference between a gay "marriage" and a civil union, which they already have the rights to now. Unfortunately I've been told on more than one occasion from people who support Y8, that a civil union already has all the benefits of a marriage, and that it's solely about the definition of the word. After doing my own research, I've found this to be false on a number of levels. Civil unions, while they offer many rights to couples like visitation rights, tax benefits, etc, do not cross state lines. A marriage is widely recognized throughout the country. If teenagers Jack and Jill get married in a state where the minimum age to wed is 17, and then move to a state where the min age is 18, their marriage will still be valid in their new state, even if they aren't 18 yet. I think this is one of the hopes the N8 community had in legalizing gay marriage. There are other opportunities for them in a marriage that I won't go into great detail about, but just to get an idea: If a couple in a civil union moves away, and then decides to get a divorce, many states require at least one of the two to be a resident in the state where they were unified for at least one year before they will approve their separation. Also, in order for the couple to establish many rights that a married couple has (power of attorney and the such) it will cost them thousands of dollars in legal fees, most of which are all taken care of with a marriage license, which costs about a hundred dollars. So, my point here, is who can honestly say that their lifestyle should keep them from having these things? Lets move on to some of the things I've been thinking about on the other side of the fence...
In my opinion, allowing gay marriage can have consequences against freedom of religion. You can't deny this. It's a difficult thing for me to think about, because I think freedom of religion is very important, and well, a lot of religions don't agree with gay lifestyle. I don't think that a church should have to rent out it's facilities to gay weddings if it doesn't want to. The same goes for adoption agencies and things like that. This is the freedom for a group of people to also live how they choose. They don't have to "approve" of anyone, so long as they're not malicious towards them. Many make the argument that turning a gay couple down would be prejudice. This is true. My logic is, why would a couple want to get married somewhere, or do anything for that matter, in a place they wouldn't be welcome. But the fact of the matter is, it will open up a field day of lawsuits, resulting in churches closing down, agencies discontinuing services or having licenses revoked etc. I'm sure the N8 community would say "good, they deserve it" in those situations. But do they really? An interesting point on this also, is that the LDS church would be the least affected by all of that. The church doesn't rent out its facilities to begin with, and you have to be an upstanding member to wed in the temple. There really wouldn't be any room to sue the church over such things, so why do I care? Because I think people are allowed to have an opinion, and not have it shoved down their throat on either side. Would people really go that far as to open lawsuits? Give me break...this is the U.S. of A. We sue over coffee and fender benders. I've trolled N8s forums and read the blogs. If I had a dollar for every post I read that said "could this be a possible lawsuit?!" Thanksgiving dinner for all of us would be on me.
Another thing I'm sick of hearing about from both sides, is "what about the schools?" One of Y8s biggest arguments, and one that I have to admit I don't believe, is that if prop 8 fails, schools will begin teaching kids about gay marriage. While this made up a good portion of Y8s propaganda, it made up even more of N8s, calling Y8 liars for thinking so. News flash! You're both wrong! Kids aren't going to know the difference between a civil union, and a marriage. Are gay civil unions being taught in schools? Probably not, but if they are then why hasn't anyone flipped out about it until now? So why do I think that N8 is wrong also? Because the idea of gay marriage is already being taught in schools. If you try and tell me that it isn't, then what that means to me is that no gay or lesbian teachers are talking about their life at home. It means every kid with two moms or two dads isn't either. What I'm saying is, while it's not being taught directly, kids are learning about it indirectly from the people around them. That's just how it is. So parents need to address it at home, on their own conditions, and make themselves part of their kids learning about it, no matter what their opinion on it is. You can't shield your kids from things you don't think are appropriate as much as you think. I remember when I first found out what a gay person was. I saw a commercial for the nightly news, which had a preview of their topics of the night. One of them being the gay and lesbian parade in San Francisco, along with video footage of cross dressers and everything. The commercial aired while Thundercats was on, and I was 6 years old. So I went and asked my Mom what it all meant, and as far as I can remember she gave me the best explanation that I could understand. Sure, I didn't really get it at the time. But my point is, saying this topic will or won't be taught in schools, isn't the most valid argument.
So what is the next step for N8 and Y8? For Y8, it's wait for it to come to vote again, (I believe it will until gay marriage is allowed.) For N8, it's payback time. Now the buzz is to get the LDS church's tax exempt status revoked because of it's involvement. Here are the facts, the best as I can describe them... There are rules that tax exempt organizations, like churches, have to follow in regards to political issues. Back in the 50's a law was passed that keeps tax exempt organizations from doing anything that would help, or hurt any political candidate or other political issues up for vote. There really aren't any laws that say what they can or can't do. It's up to the IRS to decide if they've overstepped their bounds. It seems like a hard thing to do, unless they have reps sitting in the pews. I think they depend a lot on 3rd party organizations to make those decisions. Months before voting took place, the presidency of the church basically made a "call to arms" for all church members. This was in weekly/monthly church publications, and if memory serves, during general conference, where church officials speak to all members (and people everywhere willing to listen) via satellite broadcast. Obviously, the church didn't donate a dime. These men aren't just church officials, they are brilliant people, lawyers, doctors, professors, and much more. They know the law. But did they go too far in asking it's members to donate all they can, time included, to this cause? Many people think so. If there is one thing Mormons know how to do, it's work together to get something done. This council by the church presidency sparked a movement unmatched by any other of its kind, which included massive amounts of money, and man hours, many of them coming from out of the state. N8 has been pointing the finger largely at the amount of out-of-state help that Y8 got from the LDS. I find it hard to believe that the N8 community received no funding from out of state. So, the Church IS allowed to have an opinion, but one thing the IRS will look at is if the "majority" of it's time was spent on the issue. I, for one, don't remember a single instance where things concerning prop 8 were organized, or done, on the churches time. Now ask me, could the church have it's exempt status removed? Yes, but probably not. I don't know how they are going to tally up the amount of time spent by LDS, and justify it as being due to the Church itself. It will be interesting to see what happens. From the IRS' view, a tax on Mormon, Inc. must be like a 16oz rib eye to a starving nation.
So why think so much into this? I guess I feel the need to show that my opinions are my own. So to those who feel targeted on either side, be proud of who you are, live your life how you choose....but lets keep the strikes above the belt, ok?!
p.s. Bet you'd like to know how I voted huh...=P
Since it's passing, N8 and the gay community have largely targeted the LDS population, not just in California, but elsewhere. A lot of nasty things have been said, which I don't agree with, but here are some thoughts for any LDS who are having a hard time with this. DEAL WITH IT!!! I don't want to see any more emails about "why are we being targeted?" etc. For example, I've seen a couple of emails circulated that say something to the effect of "there are 770,000 Mormons in California. Assuming that 350,000 of them are old enough to vote, and "X" are registered voters, even if ALL of them voted yes, then we only made up 2.5% of the vote!" And "70% of black and latino voters said yes, and the overwhelming majority of people over 50 voted yes, but you can't protest black people, and you can't protest old people, so Mormons are an easy target." Those numbers are true, HOWEVER, what we need to realize is that 43% of the funding for Y8 came from LDS. 43% of the MOST funded proposition in U.S. history. Almost half. That's huge. An estimated 80% of the initial movement of calling phone lists/knocking doors, etc, was done by LDS. The Church members need to shape up and realize that they are being targeted for a reason. If you were willing to put forth the effort to participate in such a controversial issue, then you need to be prepared to pay the social consequences of it also, without complaint. I'm not saying that I'm OK with the things that are being said in some of the protests. Signs in windows that say "Fuck Mormons", calling out Joseph Smith, and climbing temple fences like King Kong on the empire state building aren't really even protests, it's just malicious behaviour. Those who are opting to ski in Colorado this year instead of Utah, or not use facilities or businesses owned by LDS, I see as a more respectable form of protest. I feel like I'm dealing with the criticism better than a lot of my peers, and I refused to even take a role in promoting it. Which leads me to my next round of thoughts...
Do I see Prop 8 as a moral issue? Yes, to some degree. I don't really agree with gay lifestyle. Then how about a Civil Rights issue? Well.....yes. I do. This is where I'm torn. While I don't agree with the lifestyle, I am 100% for anyone living their life how they want to live it, as long as it's not hurting themselves or others. My disagreement with a gay lifestyle is purely religious. And I don't think it should be forced on anyone. It's MY opinion, and doesn't have to belong to anyone but me. The issue is not "is gay OK?", and that's what some people have forgotten. So here's how I'm weighing things out in my head...'
There is a misconception about the difference between a gay "marriage" and a civil union, which they already have the rights to now. Unfortunately I've been told on more than one occasion from people who support Y8, that a civil union already has all the benefits of a marriage, and that it's solely about the definition of the word. After doing my own research, I've found this to be false on a number of levels. Civil unions, while they offer many rights to couples like visitation rights, tax benefits, etc, do not cross state lines. A marriage is widely recognized throughout the country. If teenagers Jack and Jill get married in a state where the minimum age to wed is 17, and then move to a state where the min age is 18, their marriage will still be valid in their new state, even if they aren't 18 yet. I think this is one of the hopes the N8 community had in legalizing gay marriage. There are other opportunities for them in a marriage that I won't go into great detail about, but just to get an idea: If a couple in a civil union moves away, and then decides to get a divorce, many states require at least one of the two to be a resident in the state where they were unified for at least one year before they will approve their separation. Also, in order for the couple to establish many rights that a married couple has (power of attorney and the such) it will cost them thousands of dollars in legal fees, most of which are all taken care of with a marriage license, which costs about a hundred dollars. So, my point here, is who can honestly say that their lifestyle should keep them from having these things? Lets move on to some of the things I've been thinking about on the other side of the fence...
In my opinion, allowing gay marriage can have consequences against freedom of religion. You can't deny this. It's a difficult thing for me to think about, because I think freedom of religion is very important, and well, a lot of religions don't agree with gay lifestyle. I don't think that a church should have to rent out it's facilities to gay weddings if it doesn't want to. The same goes for adoption agencies and things like that. This is the freedom for a group of people to also live how they choose. They don't have to "approve" of anyone, so long as they're not malicious towards them. Many make the argument that turning a gay couple down would be prejudice. This is true. My logic is, why would a couple want to get married somewhere, or do anything for that matter, in a place they wouldn't be welcome. But the fact of the matter is, it will open up a field day of lawsuits, resulting in churches closing down, agencies discontinuing services or having licenses revoked etc. I'm sure the N8 community would say "good, they deserve it" in those situations. But do they really? An interesting point on this also, is that the LDS church would be the least affected by all of that. The church doesn't rent out its facilities to begin with, and you have to be an upstanding member to wed in the temple. There really wouldn't be any room to sue the church over such things, so why do I care? Because I think people are allowed to have an opinion, and not have it shoved down their throat on either side. Would people really go that far as to open lawsuits? Give me break...this is the U.S. of A. We sue over coffee and fender benders. I've trolled N8s forums and read the blogs. If I had a dollar for every post I read that said "could this be a possible lawsuit?!" Thanksgiving dinner for all of us would be on me.
Another thing I'm sick of hearing about from both sides, is "what about the schools?" One of Y8s biggest arguments, and one that I have to admit I don't believe, is that if prop 8 fails, schools will begin teaching kids about gay marriage. While this made up a good portion of Y8s propaganda, it made up even more of N8s, calling Y8 liars for thinking so. News flash! You're both wrong! Kids aren't going to know the difference between a civil union, and a marriage. Are gay civil unions being taught in schools? Probably not, but if they are then why hasn't anyone flipped out about it until now? So why do I think that N8 is wrong also? Because the idea of gay marriage is already being taught in schools. If you try and tell me that it isn't, then what that means to me is that no gay or lesbian teachers are talking about their life at home. It means every kid with two moms or two dads isn't either. What I'm saying is, while it's not being taught directly, kids are learning about it indirectly from the people around them. That's just how it is. So parents need to address it at home, on their own conditions, and make themselves part of their kids learning about it, no matter what their opinion on it is. You can't shield your kids from things you don't think are appropriate as much as you think. I remember when I first found out what a gay person was. I saw a commercial for the nightly news, which had a preview of their topics of the night. One of them being the gay and lesbian parade in San Francisco, along with video footage of cross dressers and everything. The commercial aired while Thundercats was on, and I was 6 years old. So I went and asked my Mom what it all meant, and as far as I can remember she gave me the best explanation that I could understand. Sure, I didn't really get it at the time. But my point is, saying this topic will or won't be taught in schools, isn't the most valid argument.
So what is the next step for N8 and Y8? For Y8, it's wait for it to come to vote again, (I believe it will until gay marriage is allowed.) For N8, it's payback time. Now the buzz is to get the LDS church's tax exempt status revoked because of it's involvement. Here are the facts, the best as I can describe them... There are rules that tax exempt organizations, like churches, have to follow in regards to political issues. Back in the 50's a law was passed that keeps tax exempt organizations from doing anything that would help, or hurt any political candidate or other political issues up for vote. There really aren't any laws that say what they can or can't do. It's up to the IRS to decide if they've overstepped their bounds. It seems like a hard thing to do, unless they have reps sitting in the pews. I think they depend a lot on 3rd party organizations to make those decisions. Months before voting took place, the presidency of the church basically made a "call to arms" for all church members. This was in weekly/monthly church publications, and if memory serves, during general conference, where church officials speak to all members (and people everywhere willing to listen) via satellite broadcast. Obviously, the church didn't donate a dime. These men aren't just church officials, they are brilliant people, lawyers, doctors, professors, and much more. They know the law. But did they go too far in asking it's members to donate all they can, time included, to this cause? Many people think so. If there is one thing Mormons know how to do, it's work together to get something done. This council by the church presidency sparked a movement unmatched by any other of its kind, which included massive amounts of money, and man hours, many of them coming from out of the state. N8 has been pointing the finger largely at the amount of out-of-state help that Y8 got from the LDS. I find it hard to believe that the N8 community received no funding from out of state. So, the Church IS allowed to have an opinion, but one thing the IRS will look at is if the "majority" of it's time was spent on the issue. I, for one, don't remember a single instance where things concerning prop 8 were organized, or done, on the churches time. Now ask me, could the church have it's exempt status removed? Yes, but probably not. I don't know how they are going to tally up the amount of time spent by LDS, and justify it as being due to the Church itself. It will be interesting to see what happens. From the IRS' view, a tax on Mormon, Inc. must be like a 16oz rib eye to a starving nation.
So why think so much into this? I guess I feel the need to show that my opinions are my own. So to those who feel targeted on either side, be proud of who you are, live your life how you choose....but lets keep the strikes above the belt, ok?!
p.s. Bet you'd like to know how I voted huh...=P
Monday, November 24, 2008
28 Years
If it weren't for my brothers phone call last night, I wouldn't have even remember that today is my birthday! It's been a good day, despite having to work. To be honest, 28 doesn't feel any different than 27...or 26 for that matter. It's funny how some of my siblings birthdays correlate with mine. My oldest sister Lorna is a little less than 20 years older than me, and my sister Lana is just less than 10 years older. So in a couple of years they won't be able to tease me about the big "three-0"...because that means it's soon to be their big "four-0" and "five-0". I think my siblings ages weird me out more than my own. It eases the tension of getting older I suppose. (They're gonna kill me for that, no doubt.) So as the day has passed on, I've thought to myself "after 28 years, what do I find most important?" It's family, hands down. And I've been making a small mental list of my favorite family things, in no particular order.
The drive to Grover Hot Springs.
Random texts about Asians from Cess.
My parents living room on Christmas morning.
My brother and sisters laugh, because it makes me laugh too.
When Weston tells me I'm "the best".
Bogus Journeys with Mark. (Even if I get lost in Reno.)
Family get-togethers, and knowing everyone misses the few who couldn't be there.
Talking about music with my brother.
Seeing my parents "loosen up" as they grow older.
My sister Lornas leather couch.
The Lilly's house after an early flight.
Stories about my siblings from before I was born.
A hug from my niece Elizabeth, because there's no doubt that she really means it.
Making reunion videos.
Quoting family home videos.
The list could go on and on. I suppose it will just get bigger as the years pack on. When things are tough, it's nice to have a so many reminders of what really matters.
I've had quite a bit on my mind recently, that I think I should put into words. Some of it has to do with my personal life, some of it has to do with my public life. Look for more tomorrow. I'll leave you with this:
Some say a pictures worth a thousand words. So is a youtube video. I saw this commercial recently. I think I see a bit of myself as a child.
The drive to Grover Hot Springs.
Random texts about Asians from Cess.
My parents living room on Christmas morning.
My brother and sisters laugh, because it makes me laugh too.
When Weston tells me I'm "the best".
Bogus Journeys with Mark. (Even if I get lost in Reno.)
Family get-togethers, and knowing everyone misses the few who couldn't be there.
Talking about music with my brother.
Seeing my parents "loosen up" as they grow older.
My sister Lornas leather couch.
The Lilly's house after an early flight.
Stories about my siblings from before I was born.
A hug from my niece Elizabeth, because there's no doubt that she really means it.
Making reunion videos.
Quoting family home videos.
The list could go on and on. I suppose it will just get bigger as the years pack on. When things are tough, it's nice to have a so many reminders of what really matters.
I've had quite a bit on my mind recently, that I think I should put into words. Some of it has to do with my personal life, some of it has to do with my public life. Look for more tomorrow. I'll leave you with this:
Some say a pictures worth a thousand words. So is a youtube video. I saw this commercial recently. I think I see a bit of myself as a child.
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