Monthly Archives: August 2012

Economy Gone Kablooey

Posted on August 26, 2012 by mthayes42

David Brooks writes of the Western economy, “The whole thing has gone kablooey.” I like that way of putting it. While those on the Right think the problem is simply too much taxation and too much regulation, those on the … Continue reading →

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Strictly Reading the Constitution

Posted on August 25, 2012 by mthayes42

I saw a bit of a program on PBS last night, showing a 1960’s photo of George Wallace, one time governor of Alabama, proclaiming that segregation would be the rule in Alabama forever. In the background was a banner emblazoned … Continue reading →

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Trumping America

Posted on August 25, 2012 by mthayes42

I am proud that in America anyone can dream of becoming president, even someone as ill-qualified as Donald Trump or Sarah Palin, but I am embarrassed for our country that anyone might pay the slightest attention to such people. I … Continue reading →

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The Good, the Bad, and the Grateful

Posted on August 25, 2012 by mthayes42

What would you call a ship that is the largest, fastest, and safest vesel ever built? A century ago just such a ship was built and they named it after those very powerful gods of the Greek pantheon, the Titans. … Continue reading →

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Being Somebody

Posted on August 25, 2012 by mthayes42

Every few weeks our small-town newspaper includes a full page written and edited by students from the local high school. Some are better than others but all are fascinating because of what they show about what our teens think is … Continue reading →

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Voluntary Dehumanization — 2

Posted on August 25, 2012 by mthayes42

The following announcement was posted on the official PETA website: “PETA Sues SeaWorld for Violating Orcas’ Constitutional Rights,  Written by PETA “10-25-2011     In the first case of its kind, PETA, three marine-mammal experts, and two former orca trainers are filing … Continue reading →

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Voluntary Dehumanization -1

Posted on August 25, 2012 by mthayes42

In 1818, the Industrial Revolution was proving the power of technology and science was exploring its freedom, now out from under what Kant had called the “tutelage” of God. Mary  Shelley published the first Sci Fi novel, Frankenstein, or The … Continue reading →

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Are We Getting Smarter?

Posted on August 25, 2012 by mthayes42

In 2005 author Steven Johnson published Everything Bad Is Good for You: How Today’s Popular Culture Is Actually Making Us Smarter, arguing that modern electronic communication is getting increasingly complex and thereby pulling us toward the greater intelligence needed to … Continue reading →

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Is Cremation Acceptable for Christians?

Posted on August 24, 2012 by mthayes42

Book Review: Schmidt, Alvin J., “Dust to Dust or Ashes to Ashes,” Regina Orthodox Press, 2005. A friend recently asked me to read and comment on this book about cremation. The book’s argument is that the Bible and Judeo-Christian tradition … Continue reading →

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Good ol’ days

Posted on August 24, 2012 by mthayes42

I received today another of those emails indulging in nostalgia for the good ol’ days, the days of Blackjack chewing gum, nickel Cokes, outdoor play without adult coaches.  What all these miniature time machines have in common is that the … Continue reading →

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