Refract

Wednesday, June 26, 2002

Sigh... So little motivation for posting. But a news item today has given me a wee bit.

I find this whole uproar about the Pledge of Allegiance being unconstitutional to be just plain absurd. There shouldn't be a deal about it; the answer is incredibly obvious. There is no question about it: the presence of the phrase "under God" is unquestionably against the doctrine of separation of church and state. It is clearly advocating religion in a form that is essentially government sponsored. Its removal is not an attempt to eliminate religion in America, it is not an attempt to stifle worship, it is not an attempt to overthrow religious institutions, it is not an attack on American heritage. What it is, is acknowledgement that a mistake has been made, and corrective action. No government institution or implement thereof should advocate in any measure any aspect of religion, be it Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Wicca, Judaism, or just some generic form of theism. Nor should it advocate atheism. It should make no reference to religion in any respect. However, the Pledge of Allegiance makes a direct reference and a direct advocation for the concept of God, which is clearly religious. The constitution guarantees that this should not be done by any governmental entity. I don't see where the question about this matter lies. If someone can offer an argument to the contrary without resorting to your own religious beliefs--because they should have nothing to do with the government--please, by all means, eMail me or write a comment. If you think you have an answer, then tell me what's wrong with "under Allah" or "under Buddha" or "under The Divine Zemph'ton Talla."

Sunday, June 23, 2002

Why am I so listless these days? I've been posting on my blogs much less frequently lately, and this same general lack of motivation has been evident elsewhere in my life. First I think I need to rest, but then I do so, and all I want to do is rest some more. What is it that I need to do? What isn't satisfying me at the moment? I need to be motivated: when I get stuff done, I feel the energy to get more stuff done. Inertia is very real in terms of motivation, I think: when I'm doing nothing, it takes a lot to get me started, but once I get started, it takes a lot to get me to stop. But the question is, how do I get started? Any ideas?

What kind of person am I? I was driving down the street today and at one of the stoplights there was a homeless person begging for food/money. His sign said that he was stranded and that he needed help and that he was willing to work. I was currently en route to spend money on products to make my car pretty. And at the same time I was listening to RENT. And, surprise, surprise, I couldn't find it in my heart (wallet) to offer him anything. And truth be told, I never have. Yeah. I'm proud of myself....

Oh, I've heard about those claims that these are just scam artists and that they're making tons of money, but c'mon, really, let's just say that's true: you still have to be in pretty shitty condition to be willing to stand out in the heat, humiliating yourself, and begging for spare change, so that's just a bunch of sensationalist bullshit.