Mare's Mess

God made you or he didn't.

If he did, your little human life is, and has been, touched by the divine. If this is true, it would be true of all humans, not only some. And so--again, if it is true--each human life is precious, of infinite value, worthy of great respect.

Someone sent me a link to a commentary by Peggy Noonan which started with this quote. It was written in regards to Terri Schaivo. I couldn't help but be reminded that many of the people who are so adamant about saving her life and who would agree whole-heartedly with the above quote in this context also support the death penalty. Can someone please help me out here? I'm serious. Is each human life precious and of infinite value - or is that just true until we mere mortals decide it isn't?

Matt finally talks me into getting a blog. At first I'm thinking, "What of interest do I possibly have to say and who's going to care?" But I start reading other people's blogs and enjoy them so much that I'm eventually sold on the idea. Probably no one does care, but I found I have a lot to say and I enjoy saying it. Then Matt has this idea for a podcast and I'm definitely thinking we have nothing to offer the world at large and think it's a really ridiculous idea. Matt starts playing me some of the podcasts he enjoys listening to and I have to admit they are charming and fun. Not sure if we will be charming OR fun, but I decide to give it a go.

Our first "recording session" was a lot of fun. Very awkward at first, but after we loosened up it was a hoot. I even thought it was semi-entertaining when I went back and listened to it. Total strangers might not find it too entertaining, but those who know us should get a chuckle or two.

As I'm listening to our first cast (yes, we will be back on weekly basis) I'm thinking, "How self-absorbed can a person be?" First we have our blogs where we talk about what WE did, what WE like, what WE don't like, what WE read and found interesting. Now we've one-upped ourselves and people can hear us rattle on about all of the above.

Matt says that blogging and podcasting, while it may SEEM very egocentric, actually creates communities. I do love reading the comments on blogs as much as the blog entries themselves. I've gotten to know some of the people who also frequent the blogs I frequent by reading their comments. I like the give and take that can happen on blogs. Not so sure about podcasting yet, although Matt emailed a guy who he listens to and the guy read Matt's email on his cast. He seemed to get a kick out of hearing from people who listened to him and wanted to share their stories or just let him know that they enjoyed listening to him.

Don't know if we're creating community or just relishing the limelight. But it is hard to be humble when you're perfect in every way.

You can check out our podcast for yourself. Click here
coolcast032405.mp3
and check back for the weekly installments.

Don't hold your breath, but I think 20/20 is actually going to do the story about international adoption tonight. The story is on their website now and it was shown in a preview too. No more buzz on the lists about it yet so I'll have to wait and see it.

The Tivo is set and all systems are go.

I don't know that I have any strong opinions about Terri Schiavo to share, but here are a few thoughts. If I were in a persistent vegetative state I certainly wouldn't want to burden my husband, my kids, or the state with the immense hospital bills to keep me alive. That said, I certainly wouldn't want to make that call for anyone else, even though I think most people would feel the same way.

I would like to make a living will for myself which would alleviate everyone from having to make such horrible decisions on my behalf. But I don't think I'd want to starve to death (I've heard it's not very pleasant) and I think that would be my only legal option if I were in a similar situation. I would want some humane lethal injection, quick and easy. Seems really crazy to me - I could make a living will saying I give permission for the doctor's to allow me to die a slow, painful death by starvation, but I can't give them permission to allow me to die much more humanely.

On the radio today I heard a quote by Bush saying that this was a complicated situation and in complicated situations he prefers to err on the side of life. This must be a recent development on his part, but I was glad to hear of it.

This weekend our scrapbooking club (the Holy Scrappers) took our annual pilgrimage to the scrapbooking expo in Kansas City. We hit the expo on Friday and Friday evening checked into our rooms at the Comfort Suites. We scrapbooked in the conference room of the hotel all night (well, we crashed about 3:00 am) and then about 9 am we were up and at it again. We worked for another 3 hours and then packed up and loaded our stuff (an hour long ordeal). You'd think that a lot would be accomplished if you're scrapbooking for 12 hours. I was able to complete 3 measly 2-page spreads.

There are (at least) 4 kinds of scrapbookers. First there is the person who slaps the pages together in no time with the slightest amount of thought - yet their pages always look great. This person is annoying and should be stopped at all costs. But nothing stops them. You can try to distract them with conversation, food, and even alcohol yet they will continue to crank out their pages as they partake in all the above. Next there are the people who also crank out the pages, but their pages are never masterpieces and they don't seem to care. "Ehhhh, looks pretty good. On to the next page." I have no problem with these people. They don't bother me and I don't bother them. Then there is your average scrapbooker. They will spend some time rearranging their page, trying different papers to find just the right shade, and looking through their embellishments to see if they possess exactly what is needed to make the page perfect. Usually they don't, but occasionally they do - and when they do it is a beautiful thing. They don't spend a huge amount of time on each page but they are usually very good. Sometimes they're great. I can tolerate this person, although I am a bit envious.

Then there is me. I've never met another scrapbooker like me before, but I'm sure there must be others. I torment myself over every page. I don't know what paper to use (plain or printed, white or black, bold or subtle), I never have the right embellishments and when I ask others if they've got what I'm looking for they are always willing to share, but they rarely have just the right one. My biggest weakness is layout. I'm horrible at figuring out how to arrange the pictures on the page. When I ask for help (which I'm loathe to do because I do it so often) one of my buddies can usually come over and say, "What if you put them like this?" and they arrange them perfectly on the page. Why can't I do that? Is there something wrong with me? Is it somehow connected to my complete lack of sense of direction? Or the fact that I have absolutely no spatial skills?

I'm a miserable person to scrapbook with as I bitch and moan and complain about every page I'm working on and then when I ask for help I don't like anyone else's ideas either. So why do I do it?

When I finally finish a page I usually love the results. I look at it and go, "Wow, I did that." I've never been an artistic or craftsy person, so I'm in awe of the fact that I can actually take a blank page and create something on it. I've always wanted to be a creator but never thought I was capable. With scrapbooking I am. I have almost as many memories of where I was and who helped me with each page I've made as I do for the pictures on the page. I've never been much of a "hobby" person and have always been a bit jealous of Matt because he had so many things he was interested in and enjoyed doing. Scrapbooking gives me a creative outlet, a social venue, and I'm making something that hopefully my kids will treasure some day as much as I do. That's why I love scrapbooking.

you probably won't like the latest by Bruce Bethke called Rethinking the Death Penalty. He does a pretty good job tearing down the death penalty plank by plank. It's not the strongest argument I've read, but it's pretty good. Ever since I read the abortion debate by him he's had on his site that the next essay would be about the death penalty so I've been anxiously awaiting it. It's not nearly as well written or as succinctly argued as the abortion debate piece, but still worth a read.

My time at blogger.com is over. I have a new and improved blog at brendoman.com. At brendoman I've got some hot new features. You can now keep up with the books I'm reading and movies I've seen in my new "Mare's Media" section. You can also see at-a-glance the most recent comments to my blog in the new "Recent Comments" section. I might have been able to add these features to my blogger site, but I don't have the technological know-how or the ambition to figure it out. At brendoman.com I have my own personal manservant, Lars, who is happy to fashion my blog to fulfill my slightest whim. (His name's really Danny, but Lars makes him sound so much more subservient.) I'm also looking forward to new features that are still in the works. Lars was kind enough as to transport all of the posts and comments from blogger to my new brendoman blog. You'll notice that the old comments aren't necessarily in the correct order on the new blog, but Lars does have a full time job in addition to trying to please me. You're all intelligent people and I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out. New posts will be ordered appropriately.

So update your bookmarks and your bloglines feeds. I'm now at http://www.maresmess.brendoman.com/

BIG thanks to Danny! Without him, it would not have been possible. Now, I'm a super-blogger on the cutting edge of the blogosphere. Or, at least I have a way cooler blog now. Although I will miss my dots.

I read recently that 99% of the indecency complaints made to the FCC in 2003 were made by one organization and its members, the Parents Television Council. Thank goodness someone is diligently keeping track of the smut on the airwaves for us. But I'm especially thankful that the PTC was kind enough as to gather all of the most indecent moments from each television week and to post them in one convenient place for us. Now I no longer need to spend hours of television viewing in search of the small moments of titillation. Want to hear a member of Motley Crue saying the f-word on Jay Leno? You got it! Want to see gratuitous teen sex on Life as We Know It? They've got that too! They haven't updated this page in a month or so. We can only hope they'll be back in action soon.

Gotta give Jim at Right Thoughts the credit for pointing out this one!

I had posted this link on a friend's blog but realized that I hadn't ever posted it here. This is was originally a speech given at some Libertarian convention. The speakers/writers give their reasons why their Christian beliefs coincide more closely with libertarianism than liberalism or conservatism. I thought it was really interesting and thought-provoking, so check it out.

After all my online pro-life rants, I found myself posting this comment on Matt's blog:

If someone is hurting or taking my kids and my only way of stopping them is
to kill them, you can be sure I would – in a heartbeat. Not sure HOW I’d go

about doing that, but I would if I had to.

When I re-read what I'd written, I have to admit that I was taken aback. Had I just said I would kill someone? After proclaiming that killing someone is a sick act? I won't go into all the background behind this comment, but now I had some thinking to do. If you consider what Jesus taught; loving your enemies, praying for those who persecute you, and turning the other cheek; it's hard to reconcile even self-defense. I had never put much thought into the idea before and just assumed that defending yourself or others was justified. I know our court's and our culture justify self-defense, but does Christ? I don't know.


I did just a little online research to find what Christians had to say about this. I have to say, those who defended the idea of self-defense (or defense of others) had pretty weak arguments. They used mostly Old Testament passages - not that I think the OT is completely irrelevant, but it's annoying how people pick and choose OT scriptures which back up their ideas, but then choose to disregard 90% of the commandments in it. The New Testament passages were pretty vague. They pointed to one where Christ told the disciples to get themselves swords (don't know the complete context as I didn't have time to go back and read the entire passage) so he must have been condoning their right to self-defense. But there is some disagreement among Christians as to whether or not this was meant to be taken literally. One Christian writer even went so far as to say that it is immoral to stand by while someone is being raped or murdered and not defend them, but they gave no scriptural backing for this belief. I guess I think this is true too, we are called to help those in need. But does this extend to killing if need be? In one essay the writer even quoted Jesus in John 15:13 "The greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends." This was supposed to uphold the principle of using violence in defense of others. Yet it doesn't say "The greatest love is shown when you kill someone to save your friends." Just that you're willing to lay down your life. Jesus laid down his life and he didn't defend himself so this verse doesn't seem to make much sense in this argument. And then there was the whole, "If Christians lay down and let evil people win then the world will be run by evil people." There's definitely logic in that, but there was, once again, no scriptural backing for that mindset. And there are non-violent ways to resist our enemies without killing them.


The writers who expressed the opinion that it is wrong for Christians to kill under any circumstances gave much more compelling arguments. Not much more than the principles I stated earlier. How do you love your enemies by killing them? Jesus even instructed Peter to put back his sword when Peter was trying to defend Jesus. He went on to say that, "All who live by the sword will die by the sword." (Matt. 26:52) And it's hard to deny what Jesus is saying when he says,

"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'But I tell
you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek,
turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic,
let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with
him two miles." (Mat.5:33-41).

And Paul says, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil... not "an eye for an eye". . . On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." in Romans 12.


There were actually more scriptures against violence, but I'm not going to take the time to post them all. I think the ones I've given are pretty convincing. And I actually went into this search hoping to find some defense of self-defense. I was surprised that I wasn't able to find it. And I hadn't remembered Jesus actually refuting the eye for an eye philosophy, but now that I found it I'm certainly going to remember it as I hear capital punishment advocates throw that one around quite a bit.



So what does all this mean? I have to admit that my world is a bit shaken. I'm grateful to have men and women in the military who are willing to give their lives to protect me, but can I condone their killing of our enemies? I don't know. I'd still kill someone to protect my kids if I had to. God and I will just have to hash that one out later if need be. Does that make me a hypocrite? Maybe so.

Bet you didn't expect me to ever say that! But add Robertson's declaration from an April, 2000 NY times story as my third reason why Christians should not support the death penalty.

Declaring that the death penalty discriminates against members of
minorities and poor people who cannot afford competent lawyers, the

televangelist Pat Robertson recently called for a moratorium on
executions.

Jerry Falwell (boo hiss), on the other hand, was quoted that same month as saying, "While courts do make mistakes, I do not believe the mistake level is at the point where we need to rethink our whole system." I'd like to know why not. In 2000, Illinois Gov. George H. Ryan imposed a statewide moratorium on executions after 13 death row inmates there were found to have been wrongly convicted. I wonder how many it would take before Falwell thought it was time to rethink the system. I guess 13's not so bad. Not so good if you're one of the 13.



So in summary, Pat Robertson is way cooler than Jerry Falwell. I bet Jerry's never even prayed a hurricane away.

Got the latest on one of my adoption lists. The 20/20 segment on international adoption has been moved to March 18th (sure it has). It was originally going to be a 20 minute segment but now the entire hour will be devoted to the story on the 18th. Makes me even more anxious to see it.


We got home from our birthday celebration early enough tonight that I could have watched it on TV. I started to walk over to the TV to turn it on and remembered that I gave up TV for lent. I swear, I had not forgotten before this. I'm not sure how I intended to watch the tape once I got it. At least now I'll only have to wait a week after it airs before I can watch it.

For anyone interested, the 20/20 episode I talked about in an earlier post is supposed to be airing tonight but when I checked the 20/20 website it wasn't listed, so we'll see. The buzz on the international adoption(IA) lists is that IA is shown in a pretty bad light. I'm anxious to see it. I'll be helping my mother-in-law celebrate her (mumble mumble)th birthday tonight, so my good bud Sara will Tivo it for me. If I have any thoughts, I'll post them after viewing it.

Came across this article by Bruce Bethke and thought it was a thing of beauty. I could make lots of comments about it, but I'll just let it speak for itself.

A friend sent me a link to Timothy McSweeney Conforms to the Natural Curve of the Spine. Good find. It is a hoot and I had to share this one.



AN OPEN LETTERTO THE GENTLEMAN AT THE BAR WHO ASKED IF I WOULD LIKE A PIECE OF HIM.

BY KYLE SUNDBY
- - - -

Dude,


I apologize for only now getting back to you. When first asked if I did, in fact, want a piece of you, I could muster no reply. Frankly, I was taken aback by your surprising offer. Never have I witnessed such an act of selfless generosity.


Alas, my soul does not possess the same depth of compassion for my fellow man as does yours. While I do not always think of myself first, my welfare often holds a position among the front-runners. I treasure my pieces too deeply. I am, therefore, flattered and intrigued by your proposal.


Are you truly willing to give me—someone who only met you moments before, when you bumped into me and my drink on your way to the table shared by you and your acquaintances—a piece of yourself? The tone of your voice and your posture at the time indicated your sincerity regarding the issue, but please, you must be sure. This is not something to be taken lightly and, I assure you, I regard it in all seriousness.


Now, before I return to you my answer, I must ask if there is any piece in particular you wish to give. Surely, when you asked if I wanted a piece of you, you had specific parts in mind. I ask because I do not wish to take something that was not truly offered. Neither do I really wish to receive a piece that I may already possess. The portion that regulates your alcohol intake, for example, is similar to a part that already exists within me (though mine is certainly not nearly as worn from use). You do have some pieces that I do not. The multiple veins that pulsed and expanded throughout your neck are an example. The embarrassed girlfriend would be another.

Additional details that I would like to work out involve location. When you suggested we take it outside, what was your intent? Would this facilitate my receiving your piece? I would appreciate some feedback on this issue, as well as on any other issues you feel have not been addressed.


Your recommendation that I get some, as you insisted, depends on your prompt reply.


Thanks, bro,


Kyle Sundby


Oh and I thought this one was funny too.


New Slogans for America to Use to Sell Itself to the Islamic World.

BY ROB BATES
- - - -

The Great Satan Is Now Just Plain Great!
Standing for Freedom and Democracy a Good Percentage of the Time

Home of the Brave, Land of the Free Moist Towelette
The Overwhelming Military Power with a Heart

We're Infidel-ightful!

Who Needs Al Qaeda When You Got Al Roker?

Too late. I've been corresponding with a dear friend in regards to my inflammatory post about Christians and the death penalty. This conversation has led me to want to clarify my position.


My main argument against the death penalty is that we are human. We have and will make mistakes when it comes to convicting people of crimes. Knowing this, if we continue to support the death penalty I think we are guilty of murder. If one innocent person is executed, we are murderers. The Bible talks a lot about the death penalty. The Bible talks about a lot of things that Christians today certainly don't embrace. Do you still think we should stone rebellious children? Should we put to death people who work on the Sabbath? If a man has sex with a woman and her mother, should all three be burned alive? I'm sure Christians would say absolutely not. Yet if we're going to have the death penalty because "the Bible says," then this is how the Bible says we should do it. Contact your legislator now and let's bring the country back to God. The point being, since we don't hold to these instructions from God anymore, why do we continue to hold on to capital punishment at all?


I have to give the most weight to Jesus's words when trying to find the answers in the scriptures. I think he made his opinion pretty clear when he said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." People are going to have their own ideas about what Jesus meant by this (and I'd love to hear them), but in my humble opinion, he's saying, "You are mortal and sinners, just like this woman. You are in no position to be making life and death decisions like this until you are sinless and all-knowing, like me." God is capable of being a fair and righteous judge because he knows all the facts when making his judgements. We aren't even close.


My secondary argument against the death penalty is the whole "eye-for-an-eye" bologna. Should we then rape rapists for their punishment? No, because rape is a sick act and we would be sick people to rape rapists. Similarly, I think killing is a sick act and we are sick when we kill killers.


But besides those two things, I'm all for the death penalty.


Hmmmmm. What should I take on next? Why does the holiest Christian holiday have a pagan name? Why I gave up Lent for Lent? Why are there so many lame worship songs? No, I won't even go there!

Hope this one warms the cockles of my Linux-loving reader(s).