Bald Eagles More Valuable than Terry Schiavo

This past Saturday morning I made the mistake of watching NBC and listened to their drivel. They did a piece on Terry Schiavo and that on March 18th "her feeding tube will be removed" read: starved to death.

Immediately following this item was a piece on bald eagles that had been killed for their feathers. It showed the beautiful bird in flight and several perched in trees. Then, it showed several dead birds on the ground. Yes, this is a crime and the poachers, should be punished. However, it was Campbell Brown's comment after this story which is telling. Ms. Brown said, "I hate that."

My point is that Ms. Brown was silent on the issue of starving Terry Schiavo to death, but was upset enough about the bald eagles to "hate" what had been done to these birds. Few will disagree that the bald eagle story does involve a crime, but what about the act of starving a human?

We have so devalued human life that we place a higher value on animals. Take for example the television show on Animal Planet titled "Animal Cops". This show is a classic example of animal rights activists gone nuts! Do not lose my point, our culture's emphasis is upside down. We can argue about Terry's "quality of life", but removing her only method of receiving nutrition so that she will die is a willful act. It may not qualify for "malice aforethought", but it does meet the definition of manslaughter.

In the 1970s a philosopher, Francis Schaeffer, created a film series dealing with the value of human life. This film series was titled Whatever Happened to the Human Race? Dr. C. Everett Koop, before he became Surgeon General, was also a part of this project. Mr. Schaeffer said "The thinkables of the eighties and nineties will certainly include things which most people today find unthinkable and immoral, even unimaginable and too extreme to suggest."

He was right.

Praying Outside of 'Church' is Illegal

Eritrea, a small country who struggled to break away from Ethiopia for years, outlawed all religious groups except Catholic, Islam, Lutheran and Orthodox. They have been arresting, see story here and here, those who meet together at any other location for prayer, worship or Bible study.

Is it me or does this sound a lot like what is happening in China?

To Protect and to Serve? Not!

I am typically a strong support of our law enforcement and give them the benefit of the doubt. They have one of the toughest jobs, if not the toughest. After all their hard work some bleeding heart wearing a black robe confuses the criminal with the victim; the criminal walks while the victim puts bars on their windows.

Here's a story where a plainclothes office charges a woman holding a baby with assault.

Here, here and here.

UPDATE
The officer is fired and all charges are dropped. Read it here.

Thank you Howard Dean

With Gov. Dean at the helm of the DNC, I see some interesting discussion as we approach the next presidential campaign. Our first observation, however, is that we owe a debt of gratitude to Howard Dean. Today, we pause and thank the former governor in advance for providing the Right with wonderful quotes. For example, here's one from the weekend in Washington, DC to the GLBT Caucus that "You are among the most persecuted people in the history of mankind." Then, he continues with "If Clinton can be the first 'black president', I can be our first 'gay president'."

Does anyone else recognize that words have no meaning to the leaders of the Democratic party?

This election cycle is going to be fun. Let's enjoy the ride.

Their First Gig

Tomorrow night the two oldest children have their first gig providing dinner music for a marriage conference. This week I have been arranging parts and helping them get their plan together. Yes, I have had to put in some extra practice too as they have a few pieces that will require an accompanist.

They have been wanting to begin using their musical talents to earn some extra money. Two months ago they held their first piano concert (free) which was well attended. Tomorrow, they'll use their woodwinds along with a few piano pieces.

Being classically trained pianists, this venue gives them an opportunity to move beyond the timeless Rhapsody, Sonata and such to songs that their friends will find familiar. In fact, the oldest is participating in a Piano Master Class, but between sessions will be playing at the conference.

DISH is NOT a disease

This week we experienced the pigs, as DISH puts it, as our "special" price was increased by 42%. After more than 30 months with the local cable company, we finally have had enough. Even with explaining to them that we are moving to DSL and satellite they made no attempts to keep our business.

The hassle is that all the lists and friends who have the soon-to-be-former email address have to be notified. This inconvenience is worth some value but not at the rates cable wanted.

I had always thought the DISH commercial with pigs running through the house was humorous; now, I know that it is accurate.