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Its a Boy!

Posted by Virginia Daddy on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 10:56:00 PM
 I am pleased to announce the borth of mysecond son!

On Monday, September 25, my wife gave birth to August, a 8 lb 12 oz boy! 

Both mom and baby are healthy and we are all home now!

Thanks to all who offered thoughts and prayers!  We apprecaite them all!
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On Raising Children in this Generation

Posted by Virginia Daddy on Friday, September 22, 2006 10:03:57 PM
As I move closer to my second child's birth, it can sometimes get a bit worrisome.  The world is a scary place.  It is seemingly becoming ever more difficult to keep our kids away from the filth and the trash that is out there. 

Turning off the TV is not enough, it seems.  Everywhere there is filth.  On the radio, in magazines, on billboards, in school, in stores, everywhere our kids are there are images and words that destruct.

That I cannot control everything my children encounter is my greatest fear.  And it is less that I cannot control, but what it is that I know they will come across. 

I believe we should let our children explore and grow on their own, and they will hopefully come to rest on what is true.  I know my wife and I will raise them to give them the tools to make the right decision.  The fear is though, will they?

The enemies are becoming quite convincing.  And the enemies are everywhere.  The forces for good are becoming harder to find in the world of public life.  Good people exist, and always will.  Their ability, though, to be as good as they can is benig hampered by the enemies.

In the end, it is faith in my God, that will see us and my children through.  Prayers are always helpful, and not just for me and my children, but for all the parents and children.  Let us pray that the enemy will not overtake everything, and still allow us parents who are concerned, to parent.
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On Religion, Politics, and the World Today

Posted by Virginia Daddy on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 12:21:02 PM
The world is a big place.  The world, though, is also increasingly shrinking.  This broad statement is both a good thing and a bad thing.  Of the many ideas in the world, more and more people have access to each one of them than ever before.  The range is huge.

But I'd like to focus on a specific trend that seems to be growing, and I hope that it is not past the point of no return.  The trend is this: there is momentum in the world to be sympathetic towards the Islamic cause that seems ever growing.  A full discussion of this topic could take a book, but I'd like to lay down some thoughts that are free to be expanded on or refuted.

First: Islam is on the march.  They (and I use the world liberally because we hear little from Muslims condeming those who are most militant, thereby granting at least some support) have declared war on the west.  Enough leaders have spoken the very words of war enough that this should not be up for debate (it is debated, though, and I will discuss that shortly).  They beleive that all should convert to Islam or die.  For whatever reason, the masses of Islam seem to buy into this notion.  I do not wish to get into the reasons, but only define the trend.

Second: Islam is playing the victim.  They have been saying that Israel and the west has exploited them and abused them.  They claim israel has no right to exist and that they have taken land from the Paestinians.  They claim that the west has abandoned them and used them for various purposes.  They claim they have every right to pursue various technologies just because they can.  They claim the west has invaded their lands.  This is why they now wage the viscious war on us today, because we deserve it.  We deserve to be brought to our knees.  They make the claim effectively to willing ears on the international stage.

Third:  The west, in its attempt to be honest and open (mostly open in reality), is growing to really believe nothing at all.  In short, its acceptance of post-modernism and reletivism has made it impossible for it to stand up against any growing threat.  Part of such philosophy is that war is unneccesary and we can all talk things out.  The growth of an extreme openness to anything and a denial that war is sometimes necessary has allowed for the distortion in my second point and the violence to go unchecked in my first point.

Fourth:  The west, along with its growing attempts to be open, increasingly  denies that which claims truth, namely, Christian/Judeo faith and reasoning.  Christians and Jews are viewed not as friends in this world setting, but more and more enemies or at best irrelevant.  Christians and Jews stand opposite of the way Islam is portrayed, and they are not allowed a voice when confronting the threat Islam poses.  Now, I make the comment when looking at world leaders and world politics. 

Fifth:  The consequences of this trend are horrible to consider.  But what is most horrifying is that the world is blind to them.  The reality is that the Islamic world will destroy the western world without hesitation if we do not convert. 

Sixth:  The west is so open to any and all behaviors that it does not realize the extent to which Islam goes against any and all behaviors.  Homosexuals are killed.  Adulterers are killed.  Theives have hands cut off.  Women are considered below men and have limited rights.  Any who worship a different faith are either killed or considered second class citizens.  Rulers are not questioned.  Freedom of speech is non existent.  Violence is encouraged.  In short, all the liberal gains we have made will be wiped away. 

Seventh:  The western world continues to ignore the realities before them and the consequences waiting for them if they continue to work in blindness.  In the name of political correctness or tolerance or whatever, the west ignores its own death.

If anyone is not frightened by such trends is dumb.  If anyone blames the west for bringing it on themselves is missing the point.  If anyone thinks we can talk to these people and bring us all together will be sorely disappointed. 

Leading up to the Great War, many thought we had all gone past the need for war...  We know that history. 
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On being a father, again...

Posted by Virginia Daddy on Thursday, September 14, 2006 12:30:45 PM
I am just taking a moment to describe how excited and nervous I am.  I have a son at home, and another baby (don't know what it is yet) due here in about eleven days.   The experience with my son has been fantastic!  I can't wait to do it all again.  The first is wonderfull; I sometimes think God sent him here to make others lives better.  He smiles at everyone, and it is great to see others walking by smile at him.  To have another, who may or may not be as happy as James, is really too much to fathom.  It is too exciting to put into words, but this is a vain attempt to try. 

Being a father has been great.  Anyone who has done so should know what I mean.  Despite the sleepless nights and changing diapers, or fights with the spouse over how to handle the child's illness, or whether we should let him sleep or take him out, it has been the best experience of my life.  To see his development from being a sack of potatoes to now beginning to learn to express his thoughts and desires is amazing.

I can't wait to do it again.  God truly does bless us through children.  And I love my child, and soon to be child.  And I love my God for giving them to me. 
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How History Affects the Present

Posted by Virginia Daddy on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 9:09:43 PM
My thoughts may not be new, but these thoughts I think should be taken by conservatives who care about the future of our country.

History is a powerful tool.  What history is taught defines society.  Here's why:

History is often times written by those in charge.  And because it is written by those in charge, their view points on how the present came to be inevitably are twisted to show a course suitable to their tastes.  In other words, for something to be valid now, it must have been valid in the past, and they will make sure they define the past to do just that. 

Here's a good example, WWI.  The Great War was won by the Allies, us, Britain and France and others.  We blamed Germany as the aggressor and demonized them.  This has led to an image of Germans being very warlike ever since.  However, a closer look at the beginnings of the war seems to show that the war was inevitable for many different reasons, and that the French were just as much to blame as the Germans.  Germany simply lost the war. 

Another example, in a different context, is what the Soviets taught as their history: a completely Marxist point of view.  The Chinese evidently do something similar.  Ultimately, the victors choose what to teach and why to teach it.

Jumping to why it is an issue to beware of in the West today, we must be certain to not let those who distort history for current day recognition win, especially when the history is false and not verifiable.  Taking an obvious example, the gay lobby is increasingly going back and calling certain historical figures gay.  They have no way to prove this, but two US president in the 19th century, some believe were gay, Buchanan, and none other than Lincoln.  The sloppiness in their reporting is not my focus, but their intent is.  They intend to make homosexuality legitimate in today's world.  They believe that if they can show it to be an historical pattern, it must be OK today.

Other issues include race baiting (blacks were treated SOOO badly that they deserve something in return today***side note, slavery was not good***), radical feminism (women have been so subjected at home and by men they need revenge), abortion (kids have had sex all through history, they will today, so let's allow them to), immigration (we have always let people in, so lets let them all come in today), separation of church and state (its in the Constitution, right?), gun control (the founders never meant for us to shoot each other), and the list goes on and on.

While they advance their current cause du jour, they distort history to fit their needs today.  This is dangerous.  This can lead to many problems down the road, if we let them continue. 

While history is subject to many variables, it is irresponsible to put our meaning into the past.  By that, I mean to say that, for example, two men living together for an extended period of time did not necessarilly mean the same then as it does now.  It is also irresponsible to ignore certain truths about some issues, like the fact that we have had limits on how many immigrants came in the late 19th early 20th centuries.  The issue of slavery, which I have noted I do not support, has even been exaggerated.  It was neither new in our culture nor as bad as made seem. 

When students hear of such things happening in the past, or in a certain way in the past, it does give credence to its application in the present.  If there were gay presidents, why is being gay bad?  If all struggle is an economic ne, why doesn't the government act in kind to get rid of such struggle?

This is not to say that conservatives should distort history to fit their own view, as well.  We should all honor history for what it was, within the reasonable realm of debate.  In short, though, how we study history, or better yet, what history we learn, has a profound impact on how we view ourselves today.

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Identity

Posted by Virginia Daddy on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 2:04:40 PM
Is personal identity more important than anything else?

I wonder if this is not the case.  So many people, the majority in fact, identify themselves a part of a particular group that is separate from the whole.  They then further seem to not care about anyone, in the end, than themselves.

This is not a bad thing, per se, if it is left at a point in which the individual protects himself.  However, it becomes a dangerous thing when it comes at the expense of all other.

Defining the difference between protection and exploitation may be subtle.  But I think all who are honest, know the difference.

I do not mean to say that we as a nation cannot celebrate our individual heritage.  What I am saying is that there is a fine line between doing only that and defining a separate group of people.  The former brings all together in its celebration, the other divides by pitting one group against the other.
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Truth Part 2

Posted by Virginia Daddy on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 11:02:11 AM
The recent show on ABC, The Path to 9/11, caused quite a stir.  Those on the left were kicking and screaming about the supposed inaccuracies in the show.  This is very understandable.  We on the right would be uspset as well.  The idea that the left went overboard in their reaction is beyond the scope of this piece, though.  I want to focus on the truth, and who is held to follow it.

Earlier I wrote that truth is something that the right pays more attention to and does a better job of following it.  However, in light of the program on ABC, do we hold to the tenant as much as we should?  Should we have been more upset or at least acknowledging the error?

I tend to think that yes, if something is an outright fabrication, it should be corrected.  The truth should matter to those who claim to uphold it.  This should be no matter the cost.

I understand political spin.  I understand the possibility that in such a piece, one must often condense and try to make a point in a matter that may not follow what really happened.  However, we must be ready to admit when doing so actually distorts what happened.

Do I think the originally scripted piece went too far?  I don't know for sure.  I do know that we, though, must be willing to stand up for what is true, even when it hurts. 
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Why do we discuss politics?

Posted by Virginia Daddy on Thursday, September 07, 2006 9:39:20 PM
"Main Entry: pol·i·tics
Pronunciation: 'pä-l&-"tiks
Function: noun plural but singular or plural in construction
Etymology: Greek politika, from neuter plural of politikos political
1 a : the art or science of government b : the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy c : the art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government
2 : political actions, practices, or policies
3 a : political affairs or business; especially : competition between competing interest groups or individuals for power and leadership (as in a government) b : political life especially as a principal activity or profession c : political activities characterized by artful and often dishonest practices
4 : the political opinions or sympathies of a person
5 a : the total complex of relations between people living in society b : relations or conduct in a particular area of experience especially as seen or dealt with from a political point of view "
 
After some reflection on reading through some recent threads here at this site, I wondered what the point was to it all, discussing politics?

Politics are fascinating to me because really at the heart of it all is philosophy and value.  What values you have in your life come through loud and clear through your politics.  In the end, this, I think, is why people get so bent out of shape over such trivial issues as the new 9/11 show coming out on ABC.  What people believe in their heart of hearts comes out through politics.

I have said before that truth exists.  Whether or not people acknowledge it, they all believe in an absolute truth, even if they don't believe in an absolute (that in itself is an absolute statement).  Politics is a way of showing or acknowledging that truth.

I copied the definitions of the word above.  In short, they are the philosophy for how to live together.  How does government work vs. how should it?  How are relations to be in a given setting between multiple people?  We all have different takes on how that is to come together.

Is it right to be fully compassionate and use whatever means we can to help hurting people?  Should this include government, which is to protect people?  If we don't use every means possible, are we really selfish?  Is simply handing something out the best way to help them?  If not, how do you help people?

What about protecting the borders of a country?  Should they let everyone come in who wants to?  Should we get worried if someone attacks us?  Should we help those who attacked us? 

Who should be helped?  Who should not be helped?  What is the distinguishing mark?  Should we help everyone in need?  What do we do with people who don't follow the rules?  Should we help them?  How?  Should we help those they hurt?  How?  Who needs more help?

The questions go on, but they are not new questions.  They have been asked really since the beginning of time and have been addressed in a myriad of ways.  Modern western politics really divides into two groups: one that says we should use the government to reach as many as possible and one that says we should allow the individual to try to reach their goals on their own.

For better or for worse, these two sides show a lot about the values of each individual, but for different reasons than you may think.  Using the government is easy, and selfish.  What does it take to allow the government to do something you yourself can do?  Very little.  And what do you accomplish when you use the government?  More often than not, you create an addiction.  For the other side, while it is more work, more is accomplished when each individual does something to help those in need.  And by helping yourself, more than likely you will encourage the needy to return the favor.

Now back to the question, why do we discuss such things?  I am not sure I have the complete answer, but our own answers define who we are. 
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Mistakes

Posted by Virginia Daddy on Sunday, September 03, 2006 8:39:37 PM
I write this as a caution and a reminder, as much to myself as anything else, but I think it can be valuable to all conservative out there.

Remember, we are not perfect. 

I have written on how conservatives tend to think more so than liberals, and as a consequence, tend to look at things more accurately.  However, I know I sometimes get caught up in debate and loose that rationality I speak of.  This is a dangerous thing to let happen.

When I do that, I lose much of the right I have to argue.  I lose sight of what it is I am trying to do and become bent on winning.  I lose the upper hand when I loose control because I am at the level of my opponent.  I lump all who oppose me into one group.  In short, I lose focus and may have done more damage than good.

I fear I am not alone in the reactions.

In several debates facing the world today, it is so easy to loose sight of the truth in order to be right.  I have criticized, rightly, I feel, liberals for taking the stance pretty much all the time.  However, I would be lying to say I have never done so, and it is a mistake when I do.

As a conservative, I am held to higher standards, for better or for worse.  I need to make sure that I hold to those standards, else the fall is greater and more damaging. 

Conservatives have a lot to offer, but all that is lost through returning "tit-for-tat". 

So, to whomever reads my stuff, please keep me in check.  I cannot do this alone. 
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Thinking

Posted by Virginia Daddy on Friday, September 01, 2006 2:22:06 PM
I just deleted a post I made last night where I had copied an entry at Dailykos that I thought was particalaly dumb.  The post was on an article written about comments by John Cusack, the actor, that was quite critical of the Bush administration and Iraq. 
Naturally, from Dailykos, it lauded Cusack and his thoughts. 

This got my attention because it seems ludicrous to take an actor's opinion as seriously as they did him and reject the thoughts of some very intelligient people because of the opinions they give.

This to me is a grave mistake on so many levels.  Why would anyone give more credence to the view points of people they like only based on liking a position more?  The answer is a simple one, and a shallow one: we, as humans, like to be right.  However, is it honest and is it correct?  The answer to that one is, of course, no.

So many people, and unfortunately, this is on both sides, do not consider everything when they take sides on an issue, whatever the issue.  To say what the cause is for certain, I am not sure I am willing to go there, but I can offer some possibilities.

First, the sources from which the majority of people get their information are usually superficial.  Second, most people likely have a bias going in.  Third, people like to feel good.  Fourth, peer pressure.  Fifth, parents.  Sixth, education.  And on the list goes.

What does not change is the fact that people still generally are quick to form an opinion, and I stated ealier this is a mistake.  Why is it a mistake?  Because it means that we have a large population out there who does not think well.

Thinking well is a skill. It used to be taught in schools, but now instead of teaching the skill of thinking, we teach the skill of feeling.  Thinking involves much more than the acknowledging the sentiments behind an emotion or an action.  Think is critical.  Thinking is curiosity.  Thinking is logic and ration.  Thinking goes beyond bias.  Thinking looks behind the wall and under the surface.

Thinking goes beyond conservative or liberal.  I would tend to argue conservatives think better than do most liberals, but this is not always true.  In order for things to shift, we need to focus on thinking.  I doubt liberals will put forth an effort in this regard, so it is up to us conservatives.
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