If there will be a landmark opinion of the Supreme Court of the United States regarding same-sex marriage it certainly came when the court struck down key provisions of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). In addition, the Supreme Court vacated the order of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, regarding California's controversial Proposition 8, which now makes it legal to marry in California for same-sex couples.
Perhaps, this Supreme Court make-up works in some fashion. We saw liberal justices partnering with conservative justices, and vice-versa, to render these landmark decisions.
In other news, I heard some people say they were going to move to Canada over this.
Such a comment only shows individual ignorance, considering same-sex marriage is legal in Canada! Good luck with that!
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
Indivisible with Liberty and Justice for All
I'm going to jump head-first into the National Security Agency (NSA) and Edward Snowden maelstrom.
As I write this post, I have my leather bound copy of the United States Constitution setting next to me on my desk; it comforts me. It is a reminder of what this nation was/is/will become. Humbly, I believe that those individuals who drafted this most remarkable document would be appalled with what our government is currently doing. Our government is keeping tabs on terrorists, and now it is keeping tabs on law-abiding American citizens, because, you know, just because. It's no biggie! Or so they would have us believe.
Since 9/11, we as a nation have given our heart and tears to those people who died during this most unfortunate event. We, too, as a nation have grieved the losses of soldiers in the field of battle in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a result, we as a nation must now give our very soul to the machine that drives us closer and closer to an information controlled society. Isn't that exactly what the terrorists of 9/11 wanted?
Unfortunately, they wanted a country that embraced individual freedom above all else to suddenly become a country controlled by xenophobes, who were willing to take from us our most precious personal liberties: freedom of speech, freedom from unlawful search and seizure, and due process of the law. They didn't believe that by flying those planes into the World Trade Center it would cause the collapse of our government or force a coup within our government. But they understood very well that such an act may scare the American people into accepting restrictions of their liberties in the name of protection and safety. That's what they feared most about us as a nation: the rule of law.
If my government must keep a list of who I call, text, and email, without my expressed consent or legal due process for just cause, then I'm not sure I need that government. That's the bottom line. I do not concede my personal liberties or personal choices to the United States of America. I do not believe it is most capable of deciding how I live my life or with whom I communicate.
I am reminded earnestly of the Gestapo of Nazi Germany and the STASI of East Germany, which both gathered information on its citizens in the name of "just because." If we allow this action to go unchecked the next logical step may be to set up a toll-free number for people to call in and report their neighbors, friends, and relatives for suspicious activities. Then, there will be visits by black cars in the middle of the night. Perhaps, people will go missing for hours, days, or forever.
People say that Edward Snowden is a traitor, but perhaps he is a patriot. We use that word a lot (not as much as we used it after 9/11) to describe people who I would hardly classify as a patriot. Like the Founding Fathers, he has put his personal fortune and very life on the line to expose an injustice within the highest echelons of our national government. I applaud him for his sacrifice. I hope that a Western European country will take him in and protect him from the unconstitutional covert fallout that is certainly heading his way.
Will we has Americans heed his selfless warning?
Signed,
A natural born, tax-paying citizen of the United States of America
P.S. I'm sure this post will be collected, analyzed, and stored by the NSA.
As I write this post, I have my leather bound copy of the United States Constitution setting next to me on my desk; it comforts me. It is a reminder of what this nation was/is/will become. Humbly, I believe that those individuals who drafted this most remarkable document would be appalled with what our government is currently doing. Our government is keeping tabs on terrorists, and now it is keeping tabs on law-abiding American citizens, because, you know, just because. It's no biggie! Or so they would have us believe.
Since 9/11, we as a nation have given our heart and tears to those people who died during this most unfortunate event. We, too, as a nation have grieved the losses of soldiers in the field of battle in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a result, we as a nation must now give our very soul to the machine that drives us closer and closer to an information controlled society. Isn't that exactly what the terrorists of 9/11 wanted?
Unfortunately, they wanted a country that embraced individual freedom above all else to suddenly become a country controlled by xenophobes, who were willing to take from us our most precious personal liberties: freedom of speech, freedom from unlawful search and seizure, and due process of the law. They didn't believe that by flying those planes into the World Trade Center it would cause the collapse of our government or force a coup within our government. But they understood very well that such an act may scare the American people into accepting restrictions of their liberties in the name of protection and safety. That's what they feared most about us as a nation: the rule of law.
If my government must keep a list of who I call, text, and email, without my expressed consent or legal due process for just cause, then I'm not sure I need that government. That's the bottom line. I do not concede my personal liberties or personal choices to the United States of America. I do not believe it is most capable of deciding how I live my life or with whom I communicate.
I am reminded earnestly of the Gestapo of Nazi Germany and the STASI of East Germany, which both gathered information on its citizens in the name of "just because." If we allow this action to go unchecked the next logical step may be to set up a toll-free number for people to call in and report their neighbors, friends, and relatives for suspicious activities. Then, there will be visits by black cars in the middle of the night. Perhaps, people will go missing for hours, days, or forever.
People say that Edward Snowden is a traitor, but perhaps he is a patriot. We use that word a lot (not as much as we used it after 9/11) to describe people who I would hardly classify as a patriot. Like the Founding Fathers, he has put his personal fortune and very life on the line to expose an injustice within the highest echelons of our national government. I applaud him for his sacrifice. I hope that a Western European country will take him in and protect him from the unconstitutional covert fallout that is certainly heading his way.
Will we has Americans heed his selfless warning?
Signed,
A natural born, tax-paying citizen of the United States of America
P.S. I'm sure this post will be collected, analyzed, and stored by the NSA.
Tuesday, June 04, 2013
Skin Report (Acne and Keratosis Pilaris)
I spent part of my day at the dermatologist's office. Yes, I like to go there, because for once in my life I can feel positive about something personal. I used Accutane (isotretnoin) for many months to get rid of my prepubescent, pubescent, and adult acne. Although, it is all gone, I still take a smaller dose of the drug as maintenance. It keeps my skin smooth and soft, limits oil production, and increases collagen production.
BUT...As the saying goes, "The Lord giveth and taketh away."
It would seem that a possible side-effect of using the isotretnoin is an exacerbation of an inherited skin trait (thanks Dad), called keratosis pilaris. It was one of those minor things I noticed when I took my shirt off and saw my upper arms. My arms looked as if they had a rash of hard, reddish pustules. From what I can gleen about the skin condition, my skin reproduces skin cells at an accelerated rate (sort of sounds like cancer). Then, the new skin pushes the old skin up, which forms little mounds of dead, unshed skin.
It really wasn't a problem until it started to show up on my forearms. I have noticed in recent weeks (and months) that my forearms are developing the same pustules. The same can be said for other parts of my body, such as my chest, abdomen, and the backs of my thighs. People see my forearms, if I am not wearing a long-sleeved shirt. In short sleeves, it looks like I have a rash on my arms. I've been asked if I have poison ivy. To say the least, it's embarrassing.
Before I go any further, I need to disclose another skin condition that I have, called eczema. During my previous trip to the dermatologist, I had a nasty case of eczema on my left forearm. It was red, scaly and hateful. To ease my discomfort--and increase my sympathy factor--I told people, if they asked, that I was a burn survivor. Yes, it looked that bad! The dermatologist treated that with a combination of triamcinolone acetonide cream, with Cetaphil as a vehicle, Locoid Lipocream, and Clobex. My forearm, as far as the eczema goes looks brand new. No hyperpigmentation or scarring, just fresh, smooth skin.
Today, she thought it was possible that the triamcinolone acetonide (which is a topical steroid) could have caused the keratosis pilaris outbreaks on my forearms. So no more of that for my arms. I am now using a new skin care regimen consisting of a keratolytic emollient, Hylatopic Plus Cream, Uramaxin 45% Cream, and Locoid Lipocream. (As a side note: I found out that Hylatopic is sometimes used to treat the skin of cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment.)
And, yes, I'm still taking isotretnoin, like a boss!
BUT...As the saying goes, "The Lord giveth and taketh away."
It would seem that a possible side-effect of using the isotretnoin is an exacerbation of an inherited skin trait (thanks Dad), called keratosis pilaris. It was one of those minor things I noticed when I took my shirt off and saw my upper arms. My arms looked as if they had a rash of hard, reddish pustules. From what I can gleen about the skin condition, my skin reproduces skin cells at an accelerated rate (sort of sounds like cancer). Then, the new skin pushes the old skin up, which forms little mounds of dead, unshed skin.
It really wasn't a problem until it started to show up on my forearms. I have noticed in recent weeks (and months) that my forearms are developing the same pustules. The same can be said for other parts of my body, such as my chest, abdomen, and the backs of my thighs. People see my forearms, if I am not wearing a long-sleeved shirt. In short sleeves, it looks like I have a rash on my arms. I've been asked if I have poison ivy. To say the least, it's embarrassing.
Before I go any further, I need to disclose another skin condition that I have, called eczema. During my previous trip to the dermatologist, I had a nasty case of eczema on my left forearm. It was red, scaly and hateful. To ease my discomfort--and increase my sympathy factor--I told people, if they asked, that I was a burn survivor. Yes, it looked that bad! The dermatologist treated that with a combination of triamcinolone acetonide cream, with Cetaphil as a vehicle, Locoid Lipocream, and Clobex. My forearm, as far as the eczema goes looks brand new. No hyperpigmentation or scarring, just fresh, smooth skin.
Today, she thought it was possible that the triamcinolone acetonide (which is a topical steroid) could have caused the keratosis pilaris outbreaks on my forearms. So no more of that for my arms. I am now using a new skin care regimen consisting of a keratolytic emollient, Hylatopic Plus Cream, Uramaxin 45% Cream, and Locoid Lipocream. (As a side note: I found out that Hylatopic is sometimes used to treat the skin of cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment.)
And, yes, I'm still taking isotretnoin, like a boss!
Chatty Car
I suppose some people may think it is good for your car to tell you its problems. I agree...sort of.
It's fine to let me know that a problem may exist, but it doesn't have to tell me every time I tap the brake, or even start the ignition.
I have a Mercedes ML350. It likes to tell me that it needs the rear lights fixed, it needs the brakes fixed, and it wants me to check its oil level.
Okay?
Those are all things I'll get around to eventually (I hope). But, for example, each time you touch the brakes an annoying beep sound goes off and a reminder message goes up on the dashboard screen about the brakes! It doesn't matter if it has told me that 40 times in the last ten minutes; it's going to do it!
Come on! What happened to cars that just threw up a vague symbol on the dash and left you guessing?
It's fine to let me know that a problem may exist, but it doesn't have to tell me every time I tap the brake, or even start the ignition.
I have a Mercedes ML350. It likes to tell me that it needs the rear lights fixed, it needs the brakes fixed, and it wants me to check its oil level.
Okay?
Those are all things I'll get around to eventually (I hope). But, for example, each time you touch the brakes an annoying beep sound goes off and a reminder message goes up on the dashboard screen about the brakes! It doesn't matter if it has told me that 40 times in the last ten minutes; it's going to do it!
Come on! What happened to cars that just threw up a vague symbol on the dash and left you guessing?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)