So many islands, so little time

Friday, June 28, 2002

Under God, no more?

There are lots of strong feelings out there about the ninth circuit court's ruling about the "under God" phrase in the "Pledge of Allegiance". Here's one I respectfully disagree with from Phil Wolff. All of this reminds me of a book that I love. It is James Clavell's "The Children's Story." It is by no means a story for children only, or even primarily. I believe that "under God" is a valuable part of the pledge, but the reality (which this book makes so clear) is that almost all of us mumble through the words of the pledge and they have no meaning what so ever for us. Even if we tear up (post 911) when we say them, it is simply an emotional response and we are not really mentally assenting to what the words mean. Patriotism is more than simple emotional blubbering or bluster. It is a clinging to basic, fundamental beliefs. It is standing up for something, which is worth standing up for. But what are we standing for? Sadly, I don't think we could even begin to agree.

8:12:58 AM

Boy Meets Girl

Josh was single when he wrote "Kiss Dating Goodbye" , the followup book tells the story of him meeting his wife-to-be and their courtship. Also good stuff.

7:44:55 AM

Courting we will go, a courting we will go...

This article on Kuro5hin is great. Karen and I have read Josh's book, "Kiss Dating Goodbye" and so have our 15 & 16 year-old boys. We've encouraged them to utilize this approach to relationship. Dating as it is practiced in America is for the birds. A one way road to lots of pain, where we learn to treat each other as emotional/sexual play things. Let's treat each other with more respect and take relationships more seriously.

7:36:36 AM

18th Anniversary

Sunday is Karen and my 18th anniversary. We're celebrating today by going to the Sheraton for the night. It's a beautiful hotel. Been there once before about 3+ years ago. It's a surprise, so don't tell Karen, okay?

6:53:21 AM