There Are People Who Make Mistakes and Then There Are Mia Farrow and Woody Allen

Before I even begin this post, I would like to make a few points known. First of all, until recently I had not bothered to read anything in detail about the drama that has been going on for years between Mia Farrow, Woody Allen, and Soon-Yi. I had known he married the adopted daughter of Mia and the very act itself has always disgusted me. I have never been a fan of Woody Allen; I cannot even think of a movie I have even seen of his and quite frankly, I never was interested in seeing one. From my little exposure to him, he has always came across to me as a typical "Hollywood elitist" who believes he's better than everyone. It is fair to say that I am biased. If you are looking for someone to be fair and an article that will offer both sides equal credibility, I must tell you that I can only be honest in saying that this post will not satisfy you.

Is This Who Obama's Son Would Look Like?

These days, it's impolite to point out someone's hypocrisy. Oh wait, it's okay to do so if you're a far-lefty talking about one those neanderthal conservatives. So let me re-word that: It's impolite to point out the hypocrisy of liberals if you are conservative. Lucky for me, I've never been called polite. Tactless. I've been called tactless.

Coca-Cola Commercial - Some Opinions Are Just Not Valid -- At Least That's What I've Learned

There it is. The commercial that seems to be causing quite a stir by Coca-Cola that was introduced during this latest Super Bowl game [2014]. So, let's talk about this a bit, shall we?

Jeh Johnson Homeland Security Secretary Says Illegals Have Earned Their Right to Being Citizens

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson spoke on Jan. 24, 2014 at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C. (CNSNews.com/Penny Starr) 

Secretary Jeh Johnson said the approximately 11 million people who are in the country illegally have “earned the right to be citizens.” 

At the recent United States Conference of Mayors on Friday, Jeh Johnson claimed that illegals have earned their right to be citizens.

He cited that the path to citizenship will bring them out of the shadows and it is important for our homeland security.

“Common sense immigration reform is supported by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, businesses, and if the polls (are) to be believed, the majority of the American people,” Johnson said. “Border security is inseparable from homeland security.” 

“And border security must and should be part of comprehensive immigration reform – protecting our borders, securing our ports, promoting the lawful flow of trade and travel through our ports to cities and other communities,” he said.

He wants to secure our borders by giving 11 million illegals citizenship? How exactly does someone earn their citizenship by sneaking into a country illegally? What message does this send to those who have filed their paperwork and have been waiting for approval to become citizens?

“It is also, frankly, in my judgment, a matter of who we are as Americans,” said Johnson. “To offer the opportunity to those who want to be citizens, who’ve earned the right to be citizens, who are present in this country – many of whom who came here as children – to have the opportunity that we all have to try to become American citizens.”

In his judgement? Well, isn't it lovely we have a Homeland Security Secretary that seems to think that it's okay to give illegals citizenship for no reason? HOW will this will help security? Many illegals come here to commit crimes beyond their illegal status. It seems not a day goes by that we don't hear of some illegal raping, killing, or even kidnapping someone in this country.

Here in Omaha, the worst of this behavior was seen this past summer when an illegal was accused of raping and killing a 93 year old woman inside of her home. He claimed he went out that night drinking and looking for a woman. When he was rejected, that is when he decided to break into this woman's home. He was 19 at the time, so he also should not have been drinking.

Again, I have to ask how any of these people have EARNED the right to be citizens when they have not bothered to come here using LEGAL channels in the first place? We have people waiting in line, who are educated, that would actually provide value to this country's future, who have taken the time to apply for citizenship. What Johnson is advocating would shun these people and favor those who have disrespected this country by crossing the border illegally.

I cannot think of any other country on earth who would consider such a stupid idea as being rational or sane. You want security? Round up these illegals and get them out of here. Tell them how to go about getting citizenship and let them go from there. They need to use legal channels. We also need to increase our requirements for citizenship. They cannot be criminals. People need to be educated and vaccinated; they must have the means to support themselves and their families. This country has had strict laws pertaining to immigration before; there is no reason why we should not go back to more stringent laws. We need to be more careful as to who we allow in this country. We have a huge economic problem as it is. Carrying the weight of millions more who have done nothing legal and have not asked for citizenship will cripple this country even more.

What About the Video?

What About the Video?

The Soap Box: Debunking the Anti-Monsanto/Anti-GMO claims

The Soap Box: Debunking the Anti-Monsanto/Anti-GMO claims: On May 25, a local group held a protest near where I live to protest Monsanto and GMO foods. The protest itself, while larger than what I ...

Marijuana -- The Main Issues I Have With the General Debate

*Some links have been added. As I gain more information I will try and update here. 

Well, it is now legal for citizens in Colorado to toke up and smoke some marijuana for recreational purposes. I'm not exactly sure what to think of this news. It will be very interesting to see how it all plays out for them and the rest of the country will certainly be watching. In fact, I'm fairly certain that many states will be eager to follow their lead.

The Debate

Conspiracies -- Mostly the Truther Movement

Let's face it, the internet is awesome. I can easily look up just about anything my heart desires and learn all sorts of new information. I can discuss news stories with people on social media networks, blogs, and news sites. The internet opens the door to amazing possibilities for all of us but unfortunately, as the saying goes..."you let the bad in with the good," and the internet is proof of how accurate that statement is.

What is "bad" you might ask?

Phil Robertson - Not a Free Speech Issue -- It's a Stupidity Issue

Phil Robertson, the man who is on some show called Duck Dynasty was recently suspended for some comments he made in an interview with a magazine. For whatever reason this story is everywhere and it seems nobody can stop talking about it.

First off, this is NOT a free speech issue. I don't know why people keep saying that it is. Mr. Robertson is not sitting in jail for his comments pertaining to the acts of homosexuality -- he said it was unnatural. He was and IS able to say whatever he likes to whomever he likes as it pertains to his faith. A&E also have a right to fire him or suspend him for whatever reason. Obviously they felt the comments were too reactionary for their business and chose to suspend their relationship with him. It's their right to free speech as well.

I have watched a bit of this show, although not enough to say I know the show or who all the characters are. The few parts I have seen were funny and it's obvious the show has done rather well since it seems to be quite popular. We all have the right to disagree with how A&E chose to handle the situation; I have no problem with that. Personally, I am not sure this will work out in their favor but again, it's their prerogative.

This situation reminds me of the time when Bill Maher was fired from Politically Incorrect. Yes, the network had a right to fire Maher but he was on a show called Politically Incorrect for goodness sake! These days I rarely ever agree with Maher but I did support him and I do support Robertson. With that being said, I must support the networks in both of these cases, since I believe they have rights as well. It's how our Constitution works. Rights apply to all, not some.

First, does A&E really expect us to believe they had NO idea who this man was and what his general beliefs were? Are we expected to believe they never saw something like this coming? Really? Also, I thought this was supposed to be a reality show? So much for showing reality when they have decided to completely censor it. This is not an issue of free speech; it's a stupidity issue.

Furthermore, I have to ask how it is going to be possible to treat homosexuals as "equals" when our culture seems to demand that we treat them special or go out of our way to treat them as weak and victims? Do homosexuals really give a rat's behind what this guy said to some magazine? Are gays really this sensitive? I do not happen to believe they are. In fact, I have a suspicion that not many would even know about this had it not been for A&E bringing it to everyone's attention. They are choosing to make this a much bigger deal than what it is. As a result, this only further perpetrates the myth that gays are out to push their lifestyle on others or some other crazy conclusions that come from the far right.

Saying that homosexuality is unnatural is not that inflammatory. Many people believe this. I cannot speak for Robertson but I can say that homosexuality can be observed as abnormal from a biological perspective. (Please note that I said, "can be.") Many of us are abnormal, just in different ways. I have ADD; I am abnormal. It doesn't mean that we should treat people who are abnormal with disrespect and I do not feel this man's comments were meant to be taken that way. He believes in the Bible; he has his faith and last I checked Christianity does demand that we love one another. Not all Christians are the same; some are good and many are just like everyone else -- struggling and trying to improve. No matter what we believe about the topic, we should talk openly about what we believe. It can help all of us grow together and not further apart.

To sum it all up:

1) Phil Robertson is NOT in jail. He has a right to free speech. A&E also have a right to their free speech to fire him for comments they decided reflected poorly on their network.

2) A&E's show Duck Dynasty is obviously NOT a reality show; it is an entertainment show where the characters improv as themselves.Words and actions that do not correspond to the network's liking are censored.

3) The comments that were made to the magazine are those shared by millions of Americans. Right or wrong, agree or disagree, drawing all this attention to them only sends a signal that homosexuals will remain perpetual victims. The action of A&E serves only to perpetuate myths.

4) If homosexuals are equal than they should be equally criticized. There should be no sacred cows in our culture.

5) This is a stupidity issue. There is no way that A&E did not know who this man was or what his general beliefs were. They knew full well what type of values and beliefs this man and his family held BEFORE they signed them on to do a show.

6) No matter what any of us believe, we are still ALL Americans. At the end of the day, we all share the same country. We are all different. None of us are perfect. We all have our beliefs and we all have a right to be tolerated AND criticized by others, provided that we are not physically harming anyone or their property. We are all made fun of and ridiculed; we all need to grow some skin. If you are offended by what Robertson said, than you need to understand that things you say probably offend people as well. It's life. It's not easy for anyone.

7) Love yourself; love everyone else; do your best and worry about what YOU believe and say. Don't worry about some nobody on tv who doesn't really affect you anyway. Listen to others who disagree with you; learn from them. Try not to be so sensitive.

Nelson Mandela is Dead and I'm Fine With That

The news has been announced of Nelson Mandela's death. It's been days now. Surprisingly, my news feed on Facebook was cluttered with quotes and other links that seemed to offer support of Mandela, acknowledging him as some reverent leader, a peaceful man, and a once-political prisoner who only wanted peace for his people.

All of this left me a bit horrified. My status?