blog 
The Progressive Predicament
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
How is cultural and political progress to be measured? With any type of change there should be measurements or benchmarks to indicate in what direction or in what way something is changing. With a ruler, one can determine the progress that a snail makes; with the “change” mantra infusing contemporary politics, how is it to be calculated?
Political progressivism masquerades under the claim that it represents the people, but the very word hardly lends itself to such a definition. Instead, the word serves as a politically-correct label for what in truth is nothing more than the tyranny of the majority (although the majority can rarely even agree on the definition of the word they espouse so dearly). Tradition, the Constitution, and other time-tested bulwarks of our society are trampled through the “change” that the prevalent passions of the people demand.
CotM: Children International
You’ve seen the commercials before from similar organizations, showing hungry, dirty children with sad faces. A phone number appears at the bottom of the screen and invites you to sponsor a child with a monthly contribution.
This month’s Charity of the Month, Children International, is one of many such organizations who facilitate the sponsorship of individual children, allowing donors to make a direct and visible impact on another person’s life. This unique model allows you to regularly witness the progress and impact your contributions are having—something that few charitable organizations can provide.
The Hearts of Men in Our Own Land
Modern technology has drastically reduced the perceived size of the world, bringing far-away geopolitical events to our doorstep through new mediums of communication. Information that used to take weeks to propagate down to the average family now takes seconds; facilitated by the internet, the world really has grown smaller.
With the wonders of the world at our fingertips, our attention and interests naturally radiate outwards. Here we find application on a geopolitical level, then, to the Lord’s admonition that we not fret about motes in others’ eyes before first removing the beam in our own.
What Do You Get For the Person Who Has Everything?
Each year, creative marketers brainstorm various methods they can use to convince people to buy their latest gadgets, apparel, and miscellaneous merchandise during the holiday season. With new movies, new versions of software, updated electronic gadgets, and the latest fashions all vying for our attention, there comes (at least for some) a saturation point at which one says “enough is enough”. Hitting this wall and not desiring any more “stuff”, those desirous to continue giving gifts to such people are left perplexed, wondering “what do you get for the person who has everything?”
Suggestions abound and usually lead to the acquisition of some niche item not before seen, or some kind gesture of affection, or to the generic offering of a gift certificate. But while almost any gift conveys a message of friendship and love, the constant exchange of tangible items should lead us to ponder if the person who “has everything” truly does have all he needs.
Sovereignty and Secession
Abraham Lincoln is revered in most historical accounts—most notably those in public school textbooks—as the savior of the Union. Quelling southern rebellion, he prevented a deepening division amongst countrymen and ultimately was able to hold the country together. What his fans and followers fail to realize, though, is that Lincoln’s actions resulted not only in an eventual abolition of slavery, but also a complete abolition of the voluntary association that had, up until that point, defined the union of sovereign states.
The Lowest Common Denominator
It would seem that the unstated goal of public “education” institutions is not to help our children succeed and learn, but to make everybody feel good about their current abilities. Instead of allowing individuals with special abilities to excel and prosper in a challenging environment, they are (whether explicitly or subtly) often held back, driving the collective group of children down to the lowest possible common denominator.
Witness the example of Montgomery County, Maryland:
Officials plan to abandon a decades-old policy that sorts second-grade students, like Dr. Seuss’s Sneetches, into those who are gifted (the Star-Belly sort) and those who are not. Several other school systems in the region identify children in the same manner. But Montgomery education leaders have decided that the practice is arbitrary and unfair.
Outrage Over a Shoe
President Bush made a visit this past weekend to the country he invaded, subjugated, and has occupied. Little surprise, then, that his farewell address to his subjects was met with a bit of opposition, mild though it may have been. An angry journalist removed his shoes and threw them at the President, who deftly dodged each (no doubt smelly) projectile.
While Bush & Co. has played down the issue, some have expressed their outrage over the attempted assault. “How dare this man attack the President of the United States? Has he no respect?!” is a common inquiry.
The Physics of Perfection
After reading some of the story of the Brother of Jared in Sunday School today, the teacher asked if it would be possible for us to have the same type of experiences—namely, an open vision of the Savior and all of His creations. During the seconds of silence that followed, I began to ponder what I termed the “physics of perfection”.
One of the interesting things we learn from this story is the fact that because of his knowledge, the Brother of Jared could not be kept from seeing what was on the other side of the veil. This was not some exception the Lord made nor a gift He was inclined to give to a child He favored. Instead, based on divine law, the very fact that the Brother of Jared had attained such a spiritual state meant that the powers that govern the veil were required to submit to his inquiry and allow him to penetrate its screen.
Breaking the Law to Enforce the Law
If police officers are charged with upholding and enforcing the law, does that also grant them the authority to break it? If so, to what extent may an individual perform an illegal act to punish another individual for doing the same? And are there some illegal acts that are permissible to be broken in the name of upholding the law, while others are not?
I believe it goes without saying that those who enforce the law should apply the law in equal measure and force to themselves. Short of this standard of justice, how is the average citizen to have any confidence in and respect for the law when those who are charged with upholding it exclude themselves from its restraint?
Socialization: All Your Kids Are Belong to Us
Per request, I thought I’d offer up some thoughts on why parents feel a need to have their children socialized through government institutions. At the root of this issue seems to be the underlying desire to have one’s children “fit in”—the quest for acceptance, normality, and even popularity.
The most frequent criticism about homeschooling one’s children—seen by many as the societal equivalent of living in complete isolation in the mountains—is that the children will lack opportunities to interact with their peers and be adequately socialized. This argument is a potent one, for only a poor, uncaring parent would desire that their child always be the last one picked for the soccer team.
State Budgets Suffering Without a Money Tree
A “fiscal emergency” has been declared by the Governator, throwing light on economic panic in a mismanaged state. Suddenly California finds itself in the hole to the tune of $11 billion.
But the Golden State is not alone in its financial crunch, being joined by nearly every other state in the Union during what has now been “officially” recognized as a recession.
The Constitution: Just a Piece of Paper
According to a few sources, President Bush angrily opposed any mention of the Constitution when he and others were gathered together to brainstorm how best to trample the document, calling it just a “piece of paper” (the actual quote containing some more colorful language). When reports of this exchange were published, many were justifiably shocked and appalled at the behavior of a man who has publicly sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution.
But while such behavior is repulsive and tyrannical, Bush was right—the Constitution is just a piece of paper.
what's new
Featuring 643 posts w/ 8,653 comments.
Search the blog
Recent Comments
- Carborendum on The Hearts of Men in Our Own Land
- Connor on The Progressive Predicament
- loquaciousmomma on The Hearts of Men in Our Own Land
- Daniel on The Progressive Predicament
- Kelly W. on The Hearts of Men in Our Own Land
- Connor on The Progressive Predicament
- Carborendum on The Hearts of Men in Our Own Land
- Carborendum on The Hearts of Men in Our Own Land
- Carborendum on The Hearts of Men in Our Own Land
- Carborendum on The Progressive Predicament
- Doug Bayless on The Progressive Predicament
- Carborendum on The Progressive Predicament
- Daniel on The Progressive Predicament
- Reach Upward on The Progressive Predicament
- joe on The Hearts of Men in Our Own Land
- View extended list »
Most Commented
- Why Do Latter-day Saints Ignore Ron Paul? (329)
- Why I'm For Ron Paul and Against Mitt Romney (254)
- Religion and Politics: The LDS Church and Proposition 8 (161)
- The Protected Class of Sexuality (153)
- Breaking: New Anti-Proposition 8 Campaign to Target LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson (151)
- Outrage Over a Shoe (147)
- Council on Foreign Relations (125)
- FLDS Petition Conclusion (120)
- Health Care Hocus Pocus (115)
- Harry Reid Against the "Right Wingers" (114)
- Brigham Young on Public Education (113)
- Domestic Enemies of the Constitution (113)
- Media Blacklisting Ron Paul (110)
- On President Hinckley's "War and Peace" (106)
- Monarchial Remnants (103)
- The Rights of an Embryo (101)
- Some Questions on 9/11 (95)
- Constitutional Questions (85)
- The Bare Minimum (79)
- A Saint's Lament: Not All Mormons Follow the Prophet (79)
- View extended list »
Recent Posts
- The Progressive Predicament
- CotM: Children International
- The Hearts of Men in Our Own Land
- What Do You Get For the Person Who Has Everything?
- Sovereignty and Secession
- The Lowest Common Denominator
- Outrage Over a Shoe
- The Physics of Perfection
- Breaking the Law to Enforce the Law
- Socialization: All Your Kids Are Belong to Us
- State Budgets Suffering Without a Money Tree
- The Constitution: Just a Piece of Paper
- The Action of Thanksgiving
- Why I Stopped Watching 24
- Misplaced Blame to Avoid Accountability
- How to Create Real Change
- Why This Depression Will Be Worse
- Asking the Right Questions
- Increased Polarization: Choose You This Day Whom Ye Will Serve
- The Obama Youth: Compulsory Service on the Horizon
- View extended list »
Aaaaarchives
- January 2009 (1)
- December 2008 (10)
- November 2008 (12)
- October 2008 (13)
- September 2008 (10)
- August 2008 (8)
- July 2008 (9)
- June 2008 (10)
- May 2008 (7)
- April 2008 (9)
- March 2008 (12)
- February 2008 (10)
- January 2008 (11)
- December 2007 (11)
- November 2007 (14)
- October 2007 (12)
- September 2007 (10)
- August 2007 (20)
- July 2007 (7)
- June 2007 (13)
- May 2007 (21)
- April 2007 (24)
- March 2007 (26)
- February 2007 (23)
- January 2007 (29)
- December 2006 (34)
- November 2006 (55)
- October 2006 (63)
- September 2006 (27)
- August 2006 (32)
- July 2006 (68)
- June 2006 (26)
- January 2006 (1)
featured shtuff
PORTFOLIO
Web/print design and development (and other stuff!), done right.
QUOTY
Save and tag your favorite quotes, and share w/ your friends!
LIBERTY LUNCH
Mixing patriotism, conversation, and good food. Join us!
LEADERSHIP EDUCATION
To build men and women of virtue, wisdom, diplomacy, and courage who inspire greatness in others and move the cause of liberty.
CONGRESS
Time to boot the sycophants out of office and clean house!
POLITICAL RESTORATION
Restore the Republic! Join the Ron Paul Campaign for Liberty.
BOOK LIST
Here's what I'm currently reading.
