You know what's scary? Aside from the attitude Clinton has and the trend to keep "presidency in the family" as has been the case for too many years on both sides if so, I actually would be comfortable with her becoming President. Of course, with those "asides" in consideration, as well as the infectious hope that lower and middle class people may finally get a head-of-government spokesperson, I would much prefer Obama.
Now, don't get me wrong with what I'm about to say. I don't agree with his stances on the war (especially), marriage equality, or abortion, but McCain *gasp* MIGHT not be so bad even though those are all hot issues for me. He certainly would be a vast improvement over Bush, who favors people exactly like him: rich white straight Christian men. I don't want this stupid war to continue fruitlessly ad-nauseum, costing us billions more dollars and putting more people at risk while further damaging our international relations and stretching thin the military forces we have. I think abortions should remain legal and safe but also promote more available reliable contraception and thus make abortions rarer. I fully support equal marriage rights: if you don't believe in homosexual marriages, then simply don't get married to someone of your same sex - they're not hurting heterosexuals.
I'd be happiest with Obama, comfortable with Clinton, and although not happy at least a little more at-peace with McCain than Bush.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
Hello! (MY INTRODUCTION POST)
These might be the only few posts I make here, so this is just a little information about me.
Most of you who come across this will know me as Michelle, fjorab, or Fjorab_Teké.
I do have a blog, but I crosspost instead at two other sites that allow me more privacy settings and posting options. They are at:
LiveJournal: fjorab_teke
and
MySpace: fjorab (yeah, I know, 'tis evil)
INSTANT MESSENGER:
AIM: FjorabTeke
ICQ: 76331801
Jabber: fjorab@gmail.com
MSN: fjorab@hotmail.com
Yahoo: fjorab
I use Trillian and don't actually have any of those IM programs on my computer. Trillian streamlines them into one nice customizable program with no ads and no invasive components. It's free to download and use.
If you want to know more about me, just browse my profile. I'll add stuff as I think of what to put there. I also list my (ahem potentially controversial) views on political-type stuff in the post below this one.
Feel free to comment here. I'll keep track.
Most of you who come across this will know me as Michelle, fjorab, or Fjorab_Teké.
I do have a blog, but I crosspost instead at two other sites that allow me more privacy settings and posting options. They are at:
LiveJournal: fjorab_teke
and
MySpace: fjorab (yeah, I know, 'tis evil)
INSTANT MESSENGER:
AIM: FjorabTeke
ICQ: 76331801
Jabber: fjorab@gmail.com
MSN: fjorab@hotmail.com
Yahoo: fjorab
I use Trillian and don't actually have any of those IM programs on my computer. Trillian streamlines them into one nice customizable program with no ads and no invasive components. It's free to download and use.
If you want to know more about me, just browse my profile. I'll add stuff as I think of what to put there. I also list my (ahem potentially controversial) views on political-type stuff in the post below this one.
Feel free to comment here. I'll keep track.
The Politics of Me
Here's a post about my views on politics, religion, and other life issues.
WARNING: These are put very bluntly and are from MY personal perspective.
To start off, although I really dislike what humanity has done to the earth and its inhabitants (including among itself), I still believe in the dignity and worth of each person and hold the perhaps naive belief that everyone has at least some good in their hearts.
The United States government as it is today - I don't like how George W. Bush and his administration are dealing with things in a power-hungry, greedy fashion. It has cost THOUSANDS of lives and has already severely threatened the environment and many important programs in this country! The administration has also made the USA a particularly DISLIKED force internationally...which is unpleasant and dangerous for everyone. I will be relieved when his term is over.
Violence - It's unfortunately a fact of life. Fortunately we CAN make rational decisions (most of the time) based on a widely accepted set of morals and laws NOT to randomly kill people for greed or self-interest, nor should we inflict unnecessary suffering on other life forms. We still tend to do it, though. Even I will, when it comes to parasites and animals taking up a nest where they REALLY should not be. Sure, I have my own violent streak, but someone would REALLY have to push or threaten me a far way to initiate that response from me.
Guns and other weapons - I wish it were easier to regulate who owns guns. I honestly don't mind weapons of various kinds in the hands of responsible people.
Religious extremism turned to self-righteousness - THIS is what I (and 95% of the population) have against other religions: extreme religious beliefs that are taken too far, in the direction of greed, elitist exclusivism, and self-importance. That fuels most of the hatred for groups of people who are "different" but haven't actually harmed anyone.
Christianity and its manifestations - I'm a liberal Christian who was raised Unitarian Universalist and am trying my best to live by the standards of both. Tied in with the above topic, Christianity, like most faiths, is rooted in the belief of a higher being and the desire to treat others with love. Come on, WHERE is the justification for hatred in truer forms of Christianity, Islam, Wicca, and a great many other religions that DO fundamentally teach love among the highest tenets? I do like the idea of treating others with this idea: Hurt none; do as you please. Unfortunately, a lot of times we don't realize that what we do or say DOES occasionally hurt others, and I would like for EVERYONE to be more aware of it so as to reduce it.
Homosexuality - What is worse, love or hate? I don't see how people justify hatred against homosexuals and the determination to keep people who love each other from living as such. If people find each other attractive and want to have a committed relationship, then that's great! That's all I need to say about that here.
Elitism in regards to races and cultures - If a group of people has NOT threatened or hurt you in any way, there is NO REASON to hate them! See the last topic for the same sentiment!
Greed - Unfortunately, this seems to be inherent in people. Let's try to keep it to a minimum, OK? Please?
Consumerism - People are obsessed with having stuff and having convenience. The economy is also suffering for many reasons, and this is crippling many people's ability to live comfortably without threats of homelessness or massive discomfort.
Environmental concerns - Consumerism and greed, as well as carelessness and occasionally unawareness, have made humans the most destructive species on this planet. Like someone once said, humans are the only creatures to make a habit of moving to a location, killing off the local life forms, living there, making the place uninhabitable, and moving on to repeat the process. We're a free-roaming earth-walking parasitic life form! :-p
Humans versus nature - Humans have forgotten how important natural resources are, especially now that technology, factory production, and urban life have made a lot of us forget where it all comes from, what we have to eat and drink and breathe. We're destroying our home.
Humans = animals? - To me, even though I'm a Christian, humans are simply animals with a higher sense of abstract thought. Sometimes our intelligence comes in handy, and sometimes we're too smart (or stupid?) for our own good.
Creation and evolution - I don't see where these conflict, really. To God, a millennium is like a mere second. So what IF a day turned out to be millions of years way back then? So what if God decided to make us out of the same materials and processes as the other animals? We're honestly no more special than they are, we just have that superiority complex.
Human expectations in modern society - I don't like trends and expected gender roles. I DO expect people to act in a civilized, respectful manner. Trends aren't important to me; morals ARE.
What it means to me to be a woman - I don't want to wear dresses, I don't want to wear makeup, and I certainly don't want to wear high heels. Besides, men's clothing tends to be more durable and allows more freedom of movement without embarrassing exposure or entanglement, in general. Although I will unashamedly admit I like certain things, I'm NOT often drawn to admire things women are expected to admire.
Pregnancy and babies - I don't like the thoughts of pregnancy or childbirth...from all I've heard, I don't want it. Then babies are the natural outcome of that, and I don't like having to clean someone else's various body products from close proximities or deal with copious amounts of noise. To put it bluntly, I have not the ears, patience, or willpower to properly raise a child without going stark-raving mad. No, thanks, I'll avoid the whole unpleasant ordeal, spare a child an unpleasant parent, and save myself a dumptruck-full of money to boot. While most people decide to have children, I handle horses better...they're quieter, easier to train, and easier to look after.
Children - Well-raised, well-mannered children are a wonderful delight. Spoiled brats, hyper-destructive hellions, and shriekers are NOT. The parents often reflect and produce that. I have great respect for good parents and great resentment for bad ones. So WHY is it that a woman gets questioned out the wazzoo if she tells someone she wants permanent sterilization, but prospective parents aren't tested for competence if they decide they want kids? Isn't someone ELSE'S life at greater stake in the latter if someone isn't fit to be a parent?
Sex - Personally, I would NOT be comfortable with a promiscuous lifestyle, since that kind of closeness and self-giving (and the risks!) steer me far away from it. I have ONE partner and only one, for the rest of our natural lives. It's none of my concern that other people "sleep around" as long as they're not hurting anyone else (STDs are included in that risk that promiscuous people will just have to take for their lifestyle). I wouldn't ever be able to understand how people can live that way since the thought is so very alien to me. It's less of a shock to me if someone has several trusted partners over a period of time, but it still seems rather awkward to me.
Abortion - It's a necessary evil in some cases, meaning I'm not promoting it, but safe abortions should remain available versus the alternative to desperate women finding back-alley procedures. If the girl/woman is raped, I think she should be able to have an abortion with no further trauma to endure from other people. If the pregnancy puts a woman's life at risk, it is better to lose one (who may or may not even be conscious yet) than to lose both. Besides, what makes it so different from exterminating an "animal pest?" I'm not advocating it, and I would have a SERIOUS dilemma on my hands if I were to become pregnant, but I think people get far too up-in-arms over this issue. Laws aren't supportive enough of safe abortions for those who need them, and even that's being threatened, so it'll be more traumatic for everyone involved if a woman has to find another way.
Drugs and alcohol - As long as you smoke, drink, or do drugs in a safe place and responsible manner, I don't mind...as long as you do it AWAY from me. I can tolerate the company of polite smokers and people who act rationally when they realize they've gotten an "alcohol buzz." When a person gets obnoxious or stupid or outright dangerous from it, it has gone WAY too far. The reasons I don't drink or smoke or do drugs are that I don't want to waste money, brain cells, moral conscience, health, or common sense on any of them. Besides, I get easily "addicted" to non-addictive things, so I shan't try anything that actually IS! :-p
Anything you're curious about that I missed? Ask away. Got a problem with one of my points of view? Spill it out.
WARNING: These are put very bluntly and are from MY personal perspective.
To start off, although I really dislike what humanity has done to the earth and its inhabitants (including among itself), I still believe in the dignity and worth of each person and hold the perhaps naive belief that everyone has at least some good in their hearts.
The United States government as it is today - I don't like how George W. Bush and his administration are dealing with things in a power-hungry, greedy fashion. It has cost THOUSANDS of lives and has already severely threatened the environment and many important programs in this country! The administration has also made the USA a particularly DISLIKED force internationally...which is unpleasant and dangerous for everyone. I will be relieved when his term is over.
Violence - It's unfortunately a fact of life. Fortunately we CAN make rational decisions (most of the time) based on a widely accepted set of morals and laws NOT to randomly kill people for greed or self-interest, nor should we inflict unnecessary suffering on other life forms. We still tend to do it, though. Even I will, when it comes to parasites and animals taking up a nest where they REALLY should not be. Sure, I have my own violent streak, but someone would REALLY have to push or threaten me a far way to initiate that response from me.
Guns and other weapons - I wish it were easier to regulate who owns guns. I honestly don't mind weapons of various kinds in the hands of responsible people.
Religious extremism turned to self-righteousness - THIS is what I (and 95% of the population) have against other religions: extreme religious beliefs that are taken too far, in the direction of greed, elitist exclusivism, and self-importance. That fuels most of the hatred for groups of people who are "different" but haven't actually harmed anyone.
Christianity and its manifestations - I'm a liberal Christian who was raised Unitarian Universalist and am trying my best to live by the standards of both. Tied in with the above topic, Christianity, like most faiths, is rooted in the belief of a higher being and the desire to treat others with love. Come on, WHERE is the justification for hatred in truer forms of Christianity, Islam, Wicca, and a great many other religions that DO fundamentally teach love among the highest tenets? I do like the idea of treating others with this idea: Hurt none; do as you please. Unfortunately, a lot of times we don't realize that what we do or say DOES occasionally hurt others, and I would like for EVERYONE to be more aware of it so as to reduce it.
Homosexuality - What is worse, love or hate? I don't see how people justify hatred against homosexuals and the determination to keep people who love each other from living as such. If people find each other attractive and want to have a committed relationship, then that's great! That's all I need to say about that here.
Elitism in regards to races and cultures - If a group of people has NOT threatened or hurt you in any way, there is NO REASON to hate them! See the last topic for the same sentiment!
Greed - Unfortunately, this seems to be inherent in people. Let's try to keep it to a minimum, OK? Please?
Consumerism - People are obsessed with having stuff and having convenience. The economy is also suffering for many reasons, and this is crippling many people's ability to live comfortably without threats of homelessness or massive discomfort.
Environmental concerns - Consumerism and greed, as well as carelessness and occasionally unawareness, have made humans the most destructive species on this planet. Like someone once said, humans are the only creatures to make a habit of moving to a location, killing off the local life forms, living there, making the place uninhabitable, and moving on to repeat the process. We're a free-roaming earth-walking parasitic life form! :-p
Humans versus nature - Humans have forgotten how important natural resources are, especially now that technology, factory production, and urban life have made a lot of us forget where it all comes from, what we have to eat and drink and breathe. We're destroying our home.
Humans = animals? - To me, even though I'm a Christian, humans are simply animals with a higher sense of abstract thought. Sometimes our intelligence comes in handy, and sometimes we're too smart (or stupid?) for our own good.
Creation and evolution - I don't see where these conflict, really. To God, a millennium is like a mere second. So what IF a day turned out to be millions of years way back then? So what if God decided to make us out of the same materials and processes as the other animals? We're honestly no more special than they are, we just have that superiority complex.
Human expectations in modern society - I don't like trends and expected gender roles. I DO expect people to act in a civilized, respectful manner. Trends aren't important to me; morals ARE.
What it means to me to be a woman - I don't want to wear dresses, I don't want to wear makeup, and I certainly don't want to wear high heels. Besides, men's clothing tends to be more durable and allows more freedom of movement without embarrassing exposure or entanglement, in general. Although I will unashamedly admit I like certain things, I'm NOT often drawn to admire things women are expected to admire.
Pregnancy and babies - I don't like the thoughts of pregnancy or childbirth...from all I've heard, I don't want it. Then babies are the natural outcome of that, and I don't like having to clean someone else's various body products from close proximities or deal with copious amounts of noise. To put it bluntly, I have not the ears, patience, or willpower to properly raise a child without going stark-raving mad. No, thanks, I'll avoid the whole unpleasant ordeal, spare a child an unpleasant parent, and save myself a dumptruck-full of money to boot. While most people decide to have children, I handle horses better...they're quieter, easier to train, and easier to look after.
Children - Well-raised, well-mannered children are a wonderful delight. Spoiled brats, hyper-destructive hellions, and shriekers are NOT. The parents often reflect and produce that. I have great respect for good parents and great resentment for bad ones. So WHY is it that a woman gets questioned out the wazzoo if she tells someone she wants permanent sterilization, but prospective parents aren't tested for competence if they decide they want kids? Isn't someone ELSE'S life at greater stake in the latter if someone isn't fit to be a parent?
Sex - Personally, I would NOT be comfortable with a promiscuous lifestyle, since that kind of closeness and self-giving (and the risks!) steer me far away from it. I have ONE partner and only one, for the rest of our natural lives. It's none of my concern that other people "sleep around" as long as they're not hurting anyone else (STDs are included in that risk that promiscuous people will just have to take for their lifestyle). I wouldn't ever be able to understand how people can live that way since the thought is so very alien to me. It's less of a shock to me if someone has several trusted partners over a period of time, but it still seems rather awkward to me.
Abortion - It's a necessary evil in some cases, meaning I'm not promoting it, but safe abortions should remain available versus the alternative to desperate women finding back-alley procedures. If the girl/woman is raped, I think she should be able to have an abortion with no further trauma to endure from other people. If the pregnancy puts a woman's life at risk, it is better to lose one (who may or may not even be conscious yet) than to lose both. Besides, what makes it so different from exterminating an "animal pest?" I'm not advocating it, and I would have a SERIOUS dilemma on my hands if I were to become pregnant, but I think people get far too up-in-arms over this issue. Laws aren't supportive enough of safe abortions for those who need them, and even that's being threatened, so it'll be more traumatic for everyone involved if a woman has to find another way.
Drugs and alcohol - As long as you smoke, drink, or do drugs in a safe place and responsible manner, I don't mind...as long as you do it AWAY from me. I can tolerate the company of polite smokers and people who act rationally when they realize they've gotten an "alcohol buzz." When a person gets obnoxious or stupid or outright dangerous from it, it has gone WAY too far. The reasons I don't drink or smoke or do drugs are that I don't want to waste money, brain cells, moral conscience, health, or common sense on any of them. Besides, I get easily "addicted" to non-addictive things, so I shan't try anything that actually IS! :-p
Anything you're curious about that I missed? Ask away. Got a problem with one of my points of view? Spill it out.
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