Roe v. Wade

Two days ago marked the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. I think it’s safe to say that no other Supreme Court ruling has spurred so many into active protest and support. Millions of people call themselves pro-choice and millions call themselves pro-life. Thousands march ever year in Washington in what they call the March for Life and thousands more march and act in support or protest of this ruling.

With the election of our new President, this ruling is again at the forefront of the minds of many. Barack Obama co-sponsored the Freedom of Choice Act and stated that he would sign it as his first act as President, which has millions of people furious and frustrated. I’ve read summaries of FOCA written by supporters and detractors, but I have not read the bill myself yet. As such, I cannot say that I support it. It seems to raise issues regarding states rights which complicate the matter in my mind. I will have to save that discussion for another day.

But on the matter of a woman’s right to choose, I’ve made up my mind. I can’t pretend that this issue doesn’t leave me conflicted, but I believe in freedom. I think abortion is a terrible thing and I’d like to see fewer abortions this year than there were last, but I have never believed it is an issue for government to decide. Those who march against the right to choose, like to talk about the “slippery slope.” I don’t see any other way to look at anti-abortion laws as dangerously slippery. Reproductive rights should be protected at all costs. Any government big enough to tell you that you cannot have an abortion is big enough to tell you that you must!

I know many would argue that the this right infringes on the rights of the unborn. I understand this argument, but I think this is similar to other judgement calls that need to be made in a free society. Stripping a woman’s right to choose places her freedom in the hands of government as well as others with a stake in the matter – parents, extended family, etc. This must be placed in balance against the rights of the unborn child. This is one of those issues that is a no-win situation. In many cases, a young woman is in grave danger when it becomes public that she is pregnant.

I don’t have the time to spell out all of my thoughts on this controversial and complicated subject. This is a heated debate and I don’t want to inflame the emotions of those with whom I disagree. Along with my thoughts on FOCA, I will have to make time to write at length about this issue, but on this day close to the anniversary of Roe v. Wade I wanted to make two of my opinions clear.

One, I am pro-choice. I strongly support the right of a woman to decide what happens in the matter of her own pregnancy.

Two, I am pro-life. I strongly believe that abortion is always a bad decision. I would argue that even in the case of rape, incest, and the life of the mother – abortion is not a good solution. It is a terrible thing.

So, how do I reconcile these disparate views? I remind myself that this discussion takes place on two levels – personal and societal. On a personal level, I believe abortion is wrong. I don’t want to see any woman have an abortion. I’d like to say that I have enough respect for others to allow them to make this choice without judgement from me, but on the issue I strongly disagree. On a societal level, the issue is different. It is not whether abortion is a bad thing, it is whether any society has the right to force a life-changing choice on an individual.

January 24, 2009 | Filed Under Faith, Family, Freedom | Comments 

Daily Links

January 22, 2009 | Filed Under Links | Comments 

Daily Links

January 19, 2009 | Filed Under Links | Comments 

Music is all around us

All we have to do is listen.

August Rush is a modern fairy tale which I almost missed. I added it to my Netflix queue after hearing about it and quickly forgot about it. Later, I moved all the Blu-Ray movies to the top of my queue paying little attention paid to the movies. When this movie arrived I’d forgotten why I put in on my queue in the first place and the description didin’t do it justice – so I almost sent it back. 

Wow, am I glad we decided to watch it as a family. What a wonderful story! 

Music has always played an important role in my life and this film reminded me of that as well as the mystery of life’s connections. If you don’t understand how music has an impact on life, don’t see this movie. Everyone else – you should see this movie as soon as you can.

January 3, 2009 | Filed Under Movies, Reviews | Comments 

A Magical Story

I picked up The Vanished Man at a hospital reading room when I desperately needed a way to escape the reality of what was happening. It would have been difficult to have chosen a more fitting tale. Deaver’s mix of forensic crime solving and the world of magic, gave me just the kind of engrossing escape from reality I was hoping for.

I’d read one other Lincoln Rhyme novel before. While I enjoyed it, it left only a mild impression on me. This one was different. Lincoln supposes the villain he is looking for is an illusionist, so he recruits a young magician to help. As a result, the tale becomes a fascinating one, a typical forensic crime mystery filled with tales of magic – including “insider” information.

January 3, 2009 | Filed Under Books, Reviews | Comments 

Well, I guess I can talk about it now …

The Mets really let us down this year.

Billy and I went to Shea for five games (and one rainout) this year. All of our games were after the change in management and it seemed as though the Mets were on a roll. We were certain the Mets would not disappoint us as they did last season.

We also took the girls with us for a game against the Phillies. We had timed it just right. The Mets tied with the Phils for the NL East lead on Sunday 7/20. Both teams were off on Monday and our game was for Tuesday. The Mets beat up on the Philles for more than 7 innings and then it all fell apart. It turned from one of the best days of my life to one of the worst – all in the space of an hour or less.

It was a microcosm of the season really.

One of the games we did get to attend turned out to the last game played at Shea. We’d planned for it to be the last regular season game. We were perfectly willing to let others enjoy the last games if they were in the playoffs.

I didn’t expect the Mets to do much in the playoffs but I wanted them to prove to me that they would not collapse again.

I was in Philly today. I left by 3 so I didn’t get caught up in the mayhem for the 4:35 game. I have to tell you that I was jealous. All those fans enjoying their team’s success. I was a little sick.

Watching game two now and the Phillies are in the midst of a rally. Ugh.

Go Dodgers!

October 10, 2008 | Filed Under Fun | Comments 

Happy New Year!

I spent several hours of my 39th birthday at the Redskins v. Eagles game at the link on Sunday.I bought the tix as a Christmas present for Terri who is a huge Redskins fan. We enjoyed it very much especially since the skins made the playoffs and the Eagles failed to win a division game all season. :) I also put together a new look for this site. I wanted something a little less busy but still with all the links, photos, etc. Nothing fancy, but I like it.

January 2, 2006 | Filed Under Fun | Comments 

If I read his name one more time…

When Doug Brien missed two field goals to blow our game against the Steelers this year I was quick to defend him. After all, you can’t blame a whole game on the kicker. Can you? It is his job to kick that ball between the posts, right?Anyway, my daughter got me this great Jets desk calendar for Christmas. It’s the kind with a little rip-off page for each day. I love it, but…I am officially sick of Doug Brien.

February 11
Doug Brien was named the AFC’s special-teams player of the week after kicking 2 field goals, including the game winner in overtime, in the Jets’ 27 – 24 victory over Oakland in week 10 of 2003.
May 2
While with San Fransisco in 1994, kicker Doug Brien recovered a fumbled kickoff that helped the 49ers forge a big first-quarter lead over Dallas in the NFC title game. San Fransisco went on to win that game, then the Super Bowl.
May 14/15
Kicker Doug Brien’s 105 points in 2003 fell just 1 short of his career best. For what team did he score 106 points in 2000? Ans: – New Orleans
June 2
In what two games did Doug Brien kick 3 field goals in 2003?
I could not care less!!!
June 18, 2005 | Filed Under Family, Fun | Comments 

Happy Birthday Dad

Yesterday was dad’s birthday.Mom decided the kids should do something special in memory of him. We all got some flower seeds to sprinkle in the yard or garden. We also got some helium balloons to ‘release.’ It was very nice. We all arranged to do it at about the same time since we could not all be together. Becky drew a smiley face and wrote “Happy Birthday PopPop” on one of her balloons (and one of Billy’s). She said that would let PopPop know that we were saying “Happy Birthday.”I miss you very much, Dad.We all do!

June 3, 2005 | Filed Under Family | Comments 

Famous Dave’s

Finally paid a visit to famous Dave’s for some St. Louis ribs. Fantastic stuff! Can’t wait to take Billy. He’s a big fan of ribs. Maybe if Billy comes with me to help Mom move.After the ribs, we went to Circuit City to get a router and card so we can set up the wireless for Mom at Brian’s.

May 20, 2005 | Filed Under Family, Fun | Comments 

You’re Outta Here

Coach was thrown out of the game today. I got there after the fact and noone seemed to know why. One parent made a comment that he probably had just been doing what he did every game. His style may be a little rough around the edges but I think he did a fine job this year. Thanks coach.

May 16, 2005 | Filed Under Family, Fun | Comments 

Another Garage Sale

No need to break precedent now. I’ve posted about every one of our garage sales, so why not now.Today’s sale was not the event the others were. Our community has these twice a year and the kids love the chance to make some cash. They actually did very well this time. We did buck tradition some though by using the earnings to buy lunch instead of dinner. Lunch is cheaper!

May 13, 2005 | Filed Under Family, Fun | Comments 

Where’s Soistmann?

Haven’t posted in a while. Things finally settled down at work a little, but May is a hectic month and Billy is playing baseball (did I mention that?). So, we’ve been busy.Billy had three games this week. In game three the boys played very well. In the second inning we were down 4 – 0 with the bases loaded and two outs. All of a sudden the coach yells, “Wait, wait, where’s Soistmann?” He called time and made sure he got Billy to pinch hit. Wow, pinch hitting. Good stuff Bill.See Billy in action here.

May 13, 2005 | Filed Under Family | Comments 

Don’t Panic

Went to see Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy last night with Brian. We were all at his place for a little birthday get-together for Terri (4/12) and Jennifer (4/28). I mentioned that we should see it and 25 minutes later we were in our seats with popcorn and soda.It was very funny. Brian had never read the book and he still found it funny. I thought they did a good job translating that kind of written humor to a film.If you’ve never read the book, you should.If you don’t know where to find the book,Don’t Panic!

May 1, 2005 | Filed Under Family, Fun | Comments 

What Must I do?

I’ve really been thinking about the pastor’s messages from the last two Sundays.I realized today that Mom’s conversion is a testimony to the things I’ve been thinking about.When I was very young we moved to Atlantic City so Dad could get to work without a car. Not long after we moved just outside the city. I’m not sure if we had a car by then, but that is not important right now. Anyway, Brian was very young and Mom knew she wanted to have him baptized. She looked in the phone book for a church. She had two “needs” at that time. One, she wanted a Methodist church. Two, she wanted a church with air conditioning. She found such a place and went to visit.The pastor’s message was exactly what she needed to hear. Paul was in prison. An earthquake came and Paul was released. A prison guard asked Paul, “What must I do to be saved?” The pastor pointed out that Sunday morning that this guard may not have been asking how to be “saved,” but rather how to be saved from the earthquake. BUT, the answer is the same either way. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved.”It doesn’t matter what we think we need. We need Jesus.

April 26, 2005 | Filed Under Faith, Family | Comments 

Hunting vs. Fishing

I wanted to pick up my discussion of pastor’s message from Sunday.If I had left church and had only learned about “as you go,” I would have learned a lot. There was more to the message though, and it reminded me of Dad even more.Pastor talked about the Bilical model for making disciples – fishing. Most people try to make disciples by hunting instead. People naturally fight against being hunted just like animals do.Think about the difference between hunting and fishing. When one hunts, he hides and tries to catch the animal by surprise. When one fishes, he offers the fish bait. As the fish “bites,” he tries to catch the fish.Now I realize that all analogies break down and obviously the fish is not happy with the ultimate outcome of being caught in the throat with a hook, but we should learn something from the difference.My parents have always been a great example to me of good fishing. There were many people who were introduced to the gospel as a result of my parents goings. They were both also involved in normal “ministries” of the church but the real work of the great commission was done by fishing. When I was in college we called this “meeting people where they were.” People have real needs. People want to know that they matter. If we can help people meet the needs in their lives, we can reach them with the real message.Pastor even pointed out a couple of websites to help us learn how to integrate faith in the workplace. How 21st century of him.

April 19, 2005 | Filed Under Faith, Family | Comments 

As you go,

Very often I sit in church and think of how nice it would be to discuss the message with Dad. He would have loved today’s message.He and I used to have this discussion about missionaries. It was a mystery to him that so much talk in the church revolved around overseas missions when so many here at home were in as mush need here at home. Several years ago Terri and I raised support to take a couple of short-term missions trips overseas and Dad was always very supportive. He understood how valuable the experience was for us and the teenagers who went with us, but he still made a very good case for spending more time and money helping people here at home.Today pastor Richard taught from Matthew 28:18-19. His message challenged everything I understood about these verses. I grew up listening to Kieth Green singing “Jesus commands us to GO” and preachers explaining that Jesus would not return until we reached all of the unreached peoples of the world. I don’t really want to debate either of these points, but today I realized that the Scripture says “as you go,” and this gives me a whole new perspective on things.Missions opportunities are all around. I am called to be in a certain place and work in a certain place and do certain things. I go to work. I teach. I take care of my family. I go to my son’s baseball games and my daughter’s soccer games. As I do these things I should “make disciples.” The focus should be on making disciples and not on going.

April 17, 2005 | Filed Under Faith, Family | Comments 

Game Ball

I mentioned in an earlier post that Billy is playing on the Jr. High baseball team. Not only is he in 6th grade, but he is young for a sixth grader. Most players on the team are 13, 14 and 15. Even some of the sixth graders are 13. Billy is 11! He loves baseball and he wants to play.Today’s game was a little better than the first. We discovered another eighth grader that can pitch reasonably well. Today was his first time and he pitched the 3rd, 4th and 5th innings. He struck out 4 of the first six batters he faced, struck out 3 batters each inning for a total of nine. Looks promising.We lost 16 to 1 but the team learned a lot.The highlight of the afternoon for us was when Billy was awarded a game ball for his “brave performance behind the plate.” Not only did Billy volunteer to catch the fifth inning (he’s never attempted this before), but in the bottom half of the fifth, he was facing a full count with two outs and a man on third. He was hit by a pitch in the chest. He was hurt badly but he will be okay. Anyway, he kept the inning alive and our man on third was able to score on the next play.On the day he had a walk and was hit by a pitch. For the season he is 0 for 1 with an OBP of 667. Not bad, keep up the good work!

April 15, 2005 | Filed Under Family | Comments 

The Meaning of Life

“See, this is the meaning of life,” I said to Becky. Becky was enjoying playing in the yard and watching Billy and I have our almost daily catch.”What is?” she said.”Throwing the baseball around in the spring.”"No it’s not, Dad!”"Well, what is?”"Praising God is the meaning of life.”Thanks Becky for once again teaching your dad a lesson about life!

April 14, 2005 | Filed Under Faith, Family | Comments 

Billy’s First Game

Billy had his first game for the middle school baseball team. He is the youngest one on the team, but he did very well. He made a nice play in center field that impressed the coach (and everyone else). Tough game. We lost 23 to 3, but the 6th graders are still learning.

April 13, 2005 | Filed Under Family, Fun | Comments 

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