Posted by Bob_Chicago on 6/18/06 11:02am
Msg #126649
OT-- Related to the OT Bruhaha of yesterday
I will probably regret posting this, but it is my
day as a father and grandfather and am feeling freisty.
To put this in context , you might want to read Brenda/TX's
post # 126537 in reply to the Main OT post under
"What's the big deal" at 1:37
She speaks of a very personal family tragedy relating to
the loss of a fetus who would have been born to a short,
agonizing few hours if permitted to go to term.
I had a nearly identical situation with a potential grandchild a fewyears back. My son and his wife, in consultation with their Doctor,
dealt with the tragedy the same way that Brenda's son did.
It was, of course, devastating to all involved , but, for them it was
the only and best way to have done it.
Fortunatly, they have been now blessed with a beautiful baby girl, who
just celebrated her first birthday. I called Benda yesterday to discuss this.
We both had a good cry.
I have no problem with anyone's religious beliefs, ( or lack of religious beliefs)
and all are free to live THEIR lives in accordance with those beliefs. They
are also, of course, free to encourage voluntary listeners to adopt thire beliefs.
I have a real problem , however, when people try to impose their religious
beliefs on others as a matter of law throught the government ,
including criminal penalities for those who do not choose to follow these
imposed rules.
I am just finishing a very interesting book entitled
American Theocracy by Kevin Phillips, a former Rebuplican statigist.
He discusses certain former world economic an military leaders, namely
15th and 16th Century Spain, 17th century Netherlands, and 18th and 19th
century Great Britaln.
All of thes nations, had a strong Church inflence over Laws , a defacto or nearly so
State Religion, leaders who thought that they were appointed or annointed by
God, and that God spoke throught them, They each an economy that no longer
manufactuerdmany goods, but rather imported most of what they needed,
and importedcheap foreign labor to produce most of what little that they did
produce.,Their economy was based on financial services . The people incurred large
personal debt to support consumption.
The government ran up hugh deficits to support foreign wars waged to
impose their way of life and values on others,and did not suffriciently
tax those most able to pay to support those wars. They were dependent of foreigniers
to loan them money to support their imports and budget deficits.
Got the book from the library on CD which is how I do most of my reading, as
I tend to live in my car.
Happy Father's day to all.
Hope that we all have a busy and profitable EOM.
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Reply by SueW/Tn on 6/18/06 12:49pm
Msg #126663
Bob, ty for a superior post
I believe I may NOT have made my personal choice known because it is, in fact a personal choice. I am thankful there exists such a thing and no one has any concept of the grief and pain a family goes through. It's definitely a no win situation BUT at least there are options to take the sting out. Have a wonderful Father's Day, you sound like a superior Dad.
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