Why it's important to do research...

I never believe anything I read - especially on the internets - until I research it. Even things I think are silly, or out and out lies. Lately, there has been a glut of video and "proof" that Barack Obama isn't an American citizen. Seemed like desperation and lies to me - not to mention libel and slander (which is pretty darn illegal), so I checked into it. Following are the facts.

Probably the most widely e-mailed Obama "tip" at the moment alleges that he isn't a natural-born American citizen and thus isn't eligible to run for president. This began in the die-hard pro-Hillary section of the blogosphere, which spent part of the summer discussing laws that deal with the citizenship of a child with one American parent born abroad. When it emerged that this challenge wouldn't hold water if Obama had been born in the United States, the focus shifted to the allegation that he had been born outside the United States.

In August, a Pennsylvania lawyer, Philip Berg, filed suit in federal court in Philadelphia. Berg, who also has been active in arguing that there was "government complicity" in the attack on the World Trade Center, demanded that the court force Obama to produce his original birth certificate. The court dismissed the lawsuit.

So why isn't this getting wide coverage? Well, first, there's lots of evidence that Obama was born in the United States, and none that he wasn't. The campaign handed over an official copy of his short-form birth certificate — the standard document produced by the Hawaii Department of Health — to Factcheck.org. And Poliltico has confirmed the authenticity of a contemporaneous announcement of his birth in the Honolulu Advertiser.

Berg fights on, though, on a website with supporters known as ChileMan, ChileWoman and MommaERadioRebels. He recently told conservative talk radio host Michael Savage that he has an audiotape of Obama's Kenyan grandmother recalling the candidate's birth in a Kenyan hospital.

"l'll release it in a day or two," he said six days ago.

A spokeswoman for the Hawaii Department of Health, Janice Okubo, said she's forbidden by state law from releasing birth certificates, but directed a reporter to the FactCheck.org item dismissing the rumors.

Careful what you say...

LIBEL AND SLANDER occur when a person or entity communicates false information that damages the reputation of another person or entity. Slander occurs when the false and defamatory communication is spoken and heard. Libel occurs when the false and defamatory communication is written and seen. The laws governing libel and slander, which are collectively known as DEFAMATION, are identical.

Might be time to move on

I am really uncomfortable with this blog. I don't feel like I can always post what I want because of certain people who may or may not read. I prefer to avoid confrontation (I'm more the passive-aggressive type - whee!) and have been holding myself back because there are things I dearly want to say that would absolutely bring on confrontation. I am seriously pissed about something that my son has been dealing with and I can't post it here. I'm upset about other things and can't post here. There seem to be more "I can't" issues than I can these days and that really isn't what I want here. This is my blog and I should be able to post about myself and my son without worrying. So I've been thinking it's time to move to a new address. Before I do anything, I need to find out how/if I can import my archives and probably come up with a new design and title. I won't be sharing the address on this site... if you want it please ask and most people will receive it. I'll let you know when I'm ready for that - I haven't even chosen a name yet.

So that's where I'm at right now. This just isn't working anymore.

NKOTB!

Aw yeah! Totally went this weekend! Yes I'm a geek and no I don't care. I had the BEST time with 2 of the BEST people! Stacy and Kristin - thank you for such a great time! You guys ROCK! I wrote the whole experience up at our message board, but I don't really want to copy it here. For once, just saying we went, we had a blast and that I'd totally do it again in a heartbeat - is enough. And for the record? Those boys are all still hot and they put on an even better show than they did back then!

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Moving on... to something that's really bothering me. There is a child we know who has been giving my kid a hard time because *I* am voting for Barak Obama. Yeah. They're 12. And the part that really bothers me is this kid is not only making my child uncomfortable, the things he's been saying are full of hate and lies. Let me say this one more time, slowly, for those of you who haven't bothered to look into who you're voting for.

Barak Obama is not a Muslim. Do I need to repeat it again? Fine. Read it slowly.

Barak. Obama. Is. Not. A. Muslim.

He's a Christian. Just like the family of the child who is attacking - yes, attacking - my child are supposed to be. I just don't feel that's a Christian attitude or way of being... but that's just what my church preaches. Maybe others are different?

Anyway, as far as I'm (and a lot of other people are) concerned, it wouldn't matter even IF Obama was a Muslim. Because I know that all Muslims are not terrorists any more than all Christians are snake handlers. Oh yes, snake handling is an offshoot of Christianity. You can't make this stuff up. So, for those who actually believe this nonsense I have looked up what ideals Muslims are to live by. Some of it might look a bit familiar to you Christians out there...

Muslims believe that Surat Al-Israa' was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) in Makkah after his Night Journey from Makkah to Jerusalem.

In this surah, Allah mentions some basic commitments of Muslims. Without fulfilling these commitments, no individual or group can succeed. Muslims have to live by these values and should invite humanity to these principles.

These principles are not limited to one race, tribe, or group; they are universal in their scope and application. These are also called the hikmah or the teachings of wisdom. If followed properly, they are capable of increasing the goodness and wisdom of all people.

These principles are as follows:
1. To worship Allah alone

This means to recognize Allah as the ultimate reality and to recognize Allah as the Lord, to worship Him with all sincerity and to submit to Him in every aspect of life. A Muslim's life is nothing but total commitment to Allah.

We are not only monotheists but we are also theocentric people. Allah is the center of our life and He is our total and ultimate concern.

2. To be respectful and kind to parents

This is to acknowledge the compassion and kindness of parents, to be grateful to them, and to do one's utmost to reciprocate that love and compassion.


3. To be good to relatives, to the poor, and to travelers

This is to remember that we are interconnected in this world. Our responsibilities are not only towards ourselves and our immediate families, but also to other relatives and to the society at large.

We are all in need of each other and we are all fellow travelers in this path of life. We must see what we can do for others. Muslims must live a socially responsible life. Social responsibility begins with the family and other relatives and it includes all those who are in need.

4. To be careful with money and not waste resources

One should be neither too tight with one's money nor too loose with it. Extravagance is not right, but also one should not become stingy and miserly. A Muslim is committed to the balanced life style.

Money should be earned in halal (lawful) ways and it should be spent in the right manner. This principle can be applied to all resources that Allah has given us. Wise and conscientious use of resources is a very important commitment of Muslims.

5. To take good care of children

As we recognize the rights of the parents, we should also recognize the rights of children. Our children are our future. We must see that we raise healthy, intelligent and morally responsible children. Our commitment should be to raise them in safe and healthy environment. We must protect their life as well as their sprit and mind, their morals and manners.

6. To steer clear of adultery and illicit relations

Sexual perversions bring the greatest harm to individuals and societies. Observing the proper rules in this matter lead to health, happiness, and a good, moral society. Muslims are committed to pure, clean, and socially responsible lifestyle.

Islam teaches that one should not come even close to adultery or fornication. This means proper dress codes for males and females, proper behavior in mixed societies, and proper control on social relations and entertainment.

[Special attention should be paid to this next one!!]

7. To respect every life and not to kill anyone unless in the pursuit of justice

This means that one should recognize the sanctity of all life and should not do anything that may jeopardize life. One should avoid aggression and violence, because these things lead to murder. Every Muslim must be committed to peaceful ways. Conflicts should be resolved by dialogue and negotiations, not by killings and murders. However, justice must be maintained, because just punishment brings safety and protects life.

8. To take care of the orphans

Orphans and all those who are vulnerable must be taken care of. Their rights must be recognized and they should be protected from all harm. A Muslim must be deeply committed to the care of the young, poor, infirm, and handicapped. Kindness and compassion is the basic commitment of a Muslim. It includes everyone and includes the animals.

9. To fulfill promises and commitments

Promises and contracts are an important part of human life and human civilization. When promises are not kept, people lose trust in each other and the whole society becomes weak. Muslims must be true to their words. Our commitment must be to speak the truth and to be honest and when we make a pledge we must do our best to fulfill our pledges.

10. To be honest in business dealings

Honest business brings progress, success, and blessings. All business, whether commercial, social, or political must be done with a sense of justice and fairness. A Muslim is committed to fair dealing in every thing and with every one. Dealing with a Muslim means dealing with full confidence. A Muslim businessman should be the most truthful businessman. A Muslim worker should be the most honest worker. A Muslim in any profession should bring honor to that profession.

11. To act upon knowledge and not follow hearsay or act on half-truths

Information agencies, the media, have a great responsibility. A lot of injustice is done when misinformation is given or information is misused. Muslims should be committed to truth in information. They should promote truthful and honest reporting about everyone, including their enemies. A report coming from a Muslim source should be the most trustworthy report. In a similar way, Muslims should be extremely careful with their actions and reactions. They should not react against everyone without proper evidence.

12. To be humble and have no arrogance

Moderation and balance is the best thing in one's behavior as well as in one's attitude toward others. A Muslim is a dignified person, but he or she is humble. A Muslim is not boastful, arrogant, or vainglorious. A Muslim thanks Allah for all His gifts. For everything, the ultimate praise is for Allah and the real glory belongs to Allah.

These are the basic commitments of Muslims as individuals and as people. These are the principles of wisdom and the universal values of Islam. When they are followed, they bring justice, peace, and happiness in this world and they will indeed bring success and salvation in the Hereafter. Let us all try to make these our real commitments.

I know that was a little long, but I hope you read it. I'm just really sick of the ignorance and religous intolerance. My whole point here is that before making judgements we all need to take the time to research what we're saying. And remember... your children will repeat what you're saying at home - so please make sure what you're saying is truth.

Colin Powell endorses Obama

Oct. 19: Appearing on “Meet the Press,” former Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell – who has been courted by both major party candidates – announces that he will back Barack Obama for president.

Literally A-Ha

Children of the 80's will love this! I know I did!

Baptised!

Jaben and I were baptised today!

I know some who read this are surprised, but it's been a long time coming. We found our church - First Baptist - a little over 2 months ago and fell in love with it. Jaben wanted to go check it out because of the after school roller skating program they run for the intermediate school students. It's just across the street from the school, and Jaben spent many afternoons skating to Christian music and listening to the word. He absolutely loved Pastor Paul and convinced us (not that it was hard) to visit the church and see what we thought. So we did.

For myself, I felt pretty comfortable from the first service. Pastor Paul is an awesome preacher and his sermons are so easy to listen to - which is a huge difference from the preaching I heard as a child. Just felt like a good place to be. But what really clinched it for me was the baptism. Jaben and I have been talking about it for a while, "when we find the right place." After a few weeks of attending, Pastor Paul mentioned that there would be a baptism service coming up and for any who were interested to speak with him. To both of us, that just screamed of the sign we needed that we were in the right place.

So. As of today, Jaben and I are both very happy new members of the First Baptist Church. It is good, and we are all very happy there. It's so nice to know that Jaben will have the support of his church family thru his teen years, and that Kyan will always have a church family growing up.

Vote! Or don't... whatever.

I love this - please watch!!