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Sunday, October 10, 2010
Prop 8 and the Separation of Church and State
9:11 PM | 
Posted by
Rachel
Prop 8 and the Separation of Church and State
There is and has always been a great abyss between the religious and the secular. Religious doctrine directs a believer’s behavior, and when a conflict arises between beliefs and the state, it seems that the logical course of action for the believer is to change the law. So it is with Prop 8.
Make no mistake; the quintessential issue underlying Prop 8 is the separation of church and state.
Separation of church and state is an American concept first proposed by Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptist that a “wall of separation” between government and religion was created in the first amendment. The first amendment begins “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”
Ironically, the first Supreme Court reference to Jefferson’s idea is found in the 1878 case Reynolds v. United States. It’s ironic because Reynolds was a Mormon challenging the state’s right to prohibit bigamy and Prop 8’s biggest source of funding is the Mormon Church, according to by Dan Aiello of the Bay Area Reporter.
Reynolds was a Mormon who argued that it was his moral responsibility to marry often and that the government had no right to interfere with his constitutional right to practice his religious beliefs. The court rejected his argument.
Chief Justice Waite wrote a brilliant opinion. He first reminded the reader that prior to the adoption of our constitution the demos were frequently and unwillingly taxed to support religion, even if they were not members of the church, and were sometimes punished for failing to “attend public worship and for entertaining heretical opinions.” The court further said “Laws are made for the government of actions, and while they cannot interfere with mere religious belief and opinions, they may with practices.” In other words, a person can believe anything he or she wants as long as exercising that belief does not break the law.
Prop 8 is an attempt to inject religious belief into our legal system. It is steeped in biblical writings dating back to circa 1200 BCE. There are numerous biblical references to homosexuality being an abomination in “God’s eyes.” The first is in Geneses 19:4-8 where Lot offers his virgin daughters to a mob of crazed homosexuals in an attempt to protect angels sent to warn Lot of Sodom’s looming destruction.
If religious doctrine dictates behavior, then the author of homophobia must be the Judean based religions. Perhaps the origin of western homophobia stems from the days of Jewish captivity in Mesopotamia and Egypt. During the time of and prior to Ramses II, the prisoners of war were enslaved and some were publically sodomized as both a symbol of dominance and obedience. It is likely that many of the Jews were publically sodomized as well as a disciplinary measure.
The Jews left Egypt after many generations of slavery and being force to watch. Once free, they enacted their own laws. If you doubt the imprint of slavery upon a people ask any African American what he thinks.
Whether or not this explains the origin of homophobia it does not address a blatant misrepresentation made by the proponents of Prop 8. On their website, protectmarriage.com, they claim that Prop 8 “…simply restores the meaning of marriage and protects it as an essential institution that has benefited mankind since the beginning of time.” If this means that same sex marriage has never been legal, they are sadly mistaken. In fact, the first laws prohibiting same sex marriage originated in Rome after Constantine declared Christianity to be the state religion. In 438 Theodosius II, Christian emperor of Rome in Constantinople, enacted the Theodosian Code which was the first law in modern history to prohibit same sex marriage, according to Ebsco Host. In virtually every other culture prior to this time same sex marriage was accepted.
The website also states that “Proposition 8 does not discriminate against gays.” Nothing could be further from the truth. It is inherently discriminatory. When your grandfather or grandmother was a child, it was illegal for a white woman to marry a black man or vice versa in most states. During World War II Japanese Americans were rounded up and isolated even though they were American citizens.
Professor Richard Peterson of Pepperdine University said in a TV ad that a Massachusetts Appellate decision would lead to same sex marriage being taught to school children in California. Massachusetts law is not binding on California law. Professor Peterson failed to return my phone call when asked to comment.
One television ad says that gay and lesbians have the same rights as straight people and Prop 8 does not change the law. Then why do we need Prop 8?
It is true that in 2000 Prop 22 which banned gay marriage passed by a large majority. Unlike Prop 8, Prop 22 was not a constitutional amendment. A constitutional amendment cannot be changed by the state legislature or a judge. Injecting religious beliefs into our state constitution violates the most fundamental principals which the founding fathers of this country used to frame our constitution.
The separation of church and state is what divides California from fanatical Muslim States in the Middle East. Prop 8 is a religiously backed issue, and worse, outsiders from other states are jumping into the fray in the mistaken belief that California’s business is their concern.
Religion has its place. It does not belong in politics. It does not belong in our constitution. Any religion that advocates discrimination does not belong in California.
I’m the former Opinion Editor for the online Santa Monica College newspaper. I have written several articles for the paper.
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Monday, October 4, 2010
Hate Me
These people have a right to their opinions, but so do I and I won’t be silenced. I can try to educate them all I want, but if they aren’t willing to even listen, then what’s the point. I am not changing nor am I suppressing the fact that I am attracted to women. I would not have a fulfilling relationship with a man and believe me I have tried. I considered myself straight for many years before I came to accept the fact that I am a lesbian. I refuse to have another relationship with a man, not because they have no value, but because I wouldn’t be true to myself. Maybe one day people will open their eyes and see that we are human too and we have the right to happiness. I’m not hurting anyone by being gay. I don’t flaunt who I am nor do I hide who I am. Most of my friends, family and coworkers know that I’m a lesbian and they are okay with it for the most part.
My mother accepts that this is who I am even though she doesn’t like it. She doesn’t make me feel ashamed nor does she make rude remarks. She has come a long way in accepting that I’m a lesbian. She did the typical thing of thinking that it was a phase for the first 2 and half to 3 years. I think it was difficult for her because there were no warning signs stating that this could be a possibility. I hid it so well from myself that others couldn’t possibly consider that I may be gay. Everyone including myself thought I was straight. Only after I started learning who I was, was when I figured out that I had an attraction for women. Before that time I was who everyone wanted me to be, not the person I was meant to be.
My advice is to be true to who you are. Hate me if you want, but I know that your hatred is born out of ignorance. My hope for those who hate gays, lesbians, transgendered people, that one day you will open your eyes to the truth and realize that we are human beings. We have a right to exist and we have a right to live happy, fulfilling lives.
Peace and Respect,
Rachel
Brilliant Idea From An Email I Received
A physics teacher in high school, once told the students that while one grasshopper on the railroad tracks wouldn't slow a train very much, a billion of them would. With that thought in mind, read the following, obviously written by a good American ..
Good idea .. . One light bulb at a time . . . .
Check this out . I can verify this because I was in Lowes the other day for some reason and just for the heck of it I was looking at the hose attachments . They were all made in China . The next day I was in Ace Hardware and just for the heck of it I checked the hose
Attachments there. They were made in USA . Start looking ..
In our current economic situation, every little thing we buy or do affects someone else - even their job . So, after reading this email, I think this lady is on the right track . Let's get behind her!
My grandson likes Hershey's candy . I noticed, though, that it is marked made in Mexico now... I do not buy it any more.
My favorite toothpaste Colgate is made in Mexico ... Now I have switched to Crest. You have to read the labels on everything ..
This past weekend I was at Kroger. I needed 60 W light bulbs and Bounce dryer sheets . I was in the light bulb aisle, and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off-brand labeled, "Everyday Value ... " I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats -
They were the same except for the price .. The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in MEXICO and the Everyday Value brand was made in - get ready for this - the USA in
A company in Cleveland , Ohio .
So throw out the myth that you cannot find products you use every day that are made right here ...
So on to another aisle - Bounce Dryer Sheets . .... Yep, you guessed it, bounce cost more money and is made in Canada .. The Everyday Value brand was less money and MADE IN THE USA ! I did laundry yesterday and the dryer sheets performed just like the Bounce Free I have been using
For years and at almost half the price!
My challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in the USA - the job you save may be your own or your neighbors!
If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others in your address book so we can all start buying American, one light bulb at a time! Stop buying from overseas companies!
(We should have awakened a few decades ago .. . .. .. .. . )
Let's get with the program . .. .. .. Help our fellow Americans keep their jobs and create more jobs here in the U . S . A ...
Good idea .. . One light bulb at a time . . . .
Check this out . I can verify this because I was in Lowes the other day for some reason and just for the heck of it I was looking at the hose attachments . They were all made in China . The next day I was in Ace Hardware and just for the heck of it I checked the hose
Attachments there. They were made in USA . Start looking ..
In our current economic situation, every little thing we buy or do affects someone else - even their job . So, after reading this email, I think this lady is on the right track . Let's get behind her!
My grandson likes Hershey's candy . I noticed, though, that it is marked made in Mexico now... I do not buy it any more.
My favorite toothpaste Colgate is made in Mexico ... Now I have switched to Crest. You have to read the labels on everything ..
This past weekend I was at Kroger. I needed 60 W light bulbs and Bounce dryer sheets . I was in the light bulb aisle, and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off-brand labeled, "Everyday Value ... " I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats -
They were the same except for the price .. The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in MEXICO and the Everyday Value brand was made in - get ready for this - the USA in
A company in Cleveland , Ohio .
So throw out the myth that you cannot find products you use every day that are made right here ...
So on to another aisle - Bounce Dryer Sheets . .... Yep, you guessed it, bounce cost more money and is made in Canada .. The Everyday Value brand was less money and MADE IN THE USA ! I did laundry yesterday and the dryer sheets performed just like the Bounce Free I have been using
For years and at almost half the price!
My challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in the USA - the job you save may be your own or your neighbors!
If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others in your address book so we can all start buying American, one light bulb at a time! Stop buying from overseas companies!
(We should have awakened a few decades ago .. . .. .. .. . )
Let's get with the program . .. .. .. Help our fellow Americans keep their jobs and create more jobs here in the U . S . A ...
10 Things To Ponder
Number 10
Life is sexually transmitted.
Number 9
Good health is merely the slowest possible
Rate at which one can die.
Number 8
Men have two emotions: Hungry and Horny.
If you see him without an erection, make him a sandwich ..
Number 7
Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day,
Teach a person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks.
Number 6
Some people are like a Slinky ...
Not really good for anything, but you
Still can't help but smile when
You shove them down the stairs.
Number 5
Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday,
Lying in hospitals, dying of nothing.
Number 4
All of us could take a lesson from the weather.
It pays no attention to criticism.
Number 3
Why does a slight tax increase cost you $200.00,
And a substantial tax cut saves you $30.00?
Number 2
In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird.
Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.
And The Number 1 Thought
Life is like a jar of Jalapeno peppers;
What you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
- - - and as someone recently said to me: "Don't worry about old age; It doesn't last long."
Life is sexually transmitted.
Number 9
Good health is merely the slowest possible
Rate at which one can die.
Number 8
Men have two emotions: Hungry and Horny.
If you see him without an erection, make him a sandwich ..
Number 7
Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day,
Teach a person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks.
Number 6
Some people are like a Slinky ...
Not really good for anything, but you
Still can't help but smile when
You shove them down the stairs.
Number 5
Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday,
Lying in hospitals, dying of nothing.
Number 4
All of us could take a lesson from the weather.
It pays no attention to criticism.
Number 3
Why does a slight tax increase cost you $200.00,
And a substantial tax cut saves you $30.00?
Number 2
In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird.
Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.
And The Number 1 Thought
Life is like a jar of Jalapeno peppers;
What you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
- - - and as someone recently said to me: "Don't worry about old age; It doesn't last long."
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Podcasts
I realized that I'm kind of addicted to podcasts. I have a huge collection of podcasts on my poor computer. Most of the topics are new age, paranormal based talk shows. I think my brain is wanted to expand and have lots of knowledge.
I totally enjoy listening to these radio shows. Maybe one day I'll have my show. I'm gathering knowledge on various topics. I would like to share my knowledge someday.
I think podcast are a g-d sent because they have the opportunity to reach a huge audience because you can listen to them anytime and anywhere.
I just downloaded and subscribed to several podcasts, today. I'm anxious to listen to them and see if will like them. Well, I better get to listening to the new ones. I'll let you know what my finding are.
Peace and Respect,
Rae
I totally enjoy listening to these radio shows. Maybe one day I'll have my show. I'm gathering knowledge on various topics. I would like to share my knowledge someday.
I think podcast are a g-d sent because they have the opportunity to reach a huge audience because you can listen to them anytime and anywhere.
I just downloaded and subscribed to several podcasts, today. I'm anxious to listen to them and see if will like them. Well, I better get to listening to the new ones. I'll let you know what my finding are.
Peace and Respect,
Rae
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Coast
| |||||||
According to Paglini, there will be escalating devastation as we approach the year 2012. She expects the East Coast of the U.S. to suffer dramatic flooding, while California and several other states contend with deliberately set fires. Paglini senses a home-grown terrorist organization behind the forthcoming conflagrations. Those residing in the Golden State should also plan to be hit by two "strong earthquakes" in the next 12 months, she revealed.
Paglini does not see the economy improving for another 18 months or so, and recommended people tighten their financial belts, start home-based businesses and invest in commodities, such as gold, silver, and palladium. On the international front, she warned against China's sinister plans for America, "the war next door" with Mexico, and Iran's potential move against another country.
Paglini believes magic can be used to combat much of the evil she has foreseen, as well as protect against psychic attack and improve one's daily life. Everyone can tap into nature and the elements, and use those forces to influence, manipulate, or change things, she explained, noting that spells are only as powerful as the practitioner. She also delved into cleansing and protection rituals, demon possession, reincarnation, and the magical side of herbs, suggesting people use bayberry and mugwort to attract wealth and success.
Website(s):
Friday, September 24, 2010
Tired and Ambitious
I'm kind of tired tonight, but I'm not ready to go to bed yet. I think I may work on my comic for a little while before I finally hit the sack. I hate going to bed to soon, because I feel like I'm missing out on the prime time for my creativity. Luckily I just have to work a little while tomorrow and then I'm off for a day.
I think I will start a blog for my comic pages so that I can get organized and keep a schedule of posting the pages. I haven't had a goal or deadline so the project has been put to the side. I think maybe if I set some goals for myself then maybe I'll actually get something accomplished with this project and others like it. I already have a name for the site, which came to me by one of my very good friends. It is called Toxic Toilet Comix. I think it has a fun ring to it.
He got came up with the name because of my last name which happens to be Bemis, which is associated with toilets and stuff. I thought it was great! So, the name stuck. This is actually my first formal announcement of the company that I am trying to start up. I hope that I can find readership and some unknown artists and writers to expand the company. If you are interested in this project and endeavor, please contact me at rbemis81@gmail.com
I would love to hear from those who are interested in this project. I am very interested in working together to make thing as big as it can possibly be.
Well, that's it for tonight, best wishes on this early Autumn evening.
In Love and Respect,
Rachel
I think I will start a blog for my comic pages so that I can get organized and keep a schedule of posting the pages. I haven't had a goal or deadline so the project has been put to the side. I think maybe if I set some goals for myself then maybe I'll actually get something accomplished with this project and others like it. I already have a name for the site, which came to me by one of my very good friends. It is called Toxic Toilet Comix. I think it has a fun ring to it.
He got came up with the name because of my last name which happens to be Bemis, which is associated with toilets and stuff. I thought it was great! So, the name stuck. This is actually my first formal announcement of the company that I am trying to start up. I hope that I can find readership and some unknown artists and writers to expand the company. If you are interested in this project and endeavor, please contact me at rbemis81@gmail.com
I would love to hear from those who are interested in this project. I am very interested in working together to make thing as big as it can possibly be.
Well, that's it for tonight, best wishes on this early Autumn evening.
In Love and Respect,
Rachel
Beautiful Sunset
In Love and Respect,
Rachel
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