Freedom of Speech

I've been looking at the recent Supreme Court case with interest for the shear reason that I've seen that there is much opposition to this ruling recently. This case (Citizen's United v. Federal Election) seems to be offending many, mostly on the left who believe that this gives corporations too much power. What I do not see much of is the alternate view which is upheld by the majority of the Supreme Court, that in the other way there was too much power held by the government which the Constitution is instilled to protect us from.

Premised on mistrust of governmental power, the First Amendment stands against attempts to disfavor certain subjects or viewpoints or to distinguish among different speakers, which may be a means to control content....

The First Amendment prohibits Congress from fining or jailing citizens, or associations of citizens, for engaging in political speech, but Austin’s antidistortion rationale would permit the Government to ban political speech because the speaker is an association with a corporate form. Political speech is “indispensable to decision making in a democracy, and this is no less true because the speechcomes from a corporation.”

This is directly from the case which you can find in PDF on the Supreme Court website. What is lost in most news is the fact that the Supreme Court is here to uphold the Constitution when times come where the other forms of government fail to do so. Fear of a certain entity such as a corporation does not make it right to silence, there is too much power in that which our country's government is not intended to have. The framers of our constitution did not intend for the government to limit any speech and that has been a great protection that has maintained the integrity of our country and challenges many others.

There were two dissenting opinions, one was surprisingly Thomas (which I can't completely disagree with his, though I think I would still go with majority) and then there was the other which included Ginsburg, Stevens, Breyer and Sotomayor. The later dissenting opinion seems to be the one which is more popular and the group that finds this very dangerous. Though I find their tactics rather manipulative. From going over it and a couple of other articles it seems that there is a problem with identifying a corporation as a individual and one which must maintain rights. The fact is that you cannot disconnect the human element of a corporation. They are the actions of a group of people or the actions of one through a separate entity. But it is ridiculous to say that they are not the actions of a person or a citizen. They are a makeup of people, no other way to run a corporation. In this case the corporation is a vehicle in which a citizen can use for speech, which is what they are used for in most cases. The corporation cannot take a political opinion on its own, that makes no sense. They typically follow the political opinion of the executives or the board or whatever the makeup of the corporation is made of. The other argument I saw in relation to the first is that there is no guarantee that a corporation will be made entirely of US citizens, now this is true. But what does seem wrong to me is to say we will limit the speech of of US citizens through this avenue because of the possibility there will be some foreign influence. There is still the limitation of freedom of speech included.

The freedom of speech is a sticky subject because not all is liked, but you have to remember that it has been shown to be a slippery slope. This is shown in other countries in the form of "hate speech" laws. The most I have heard of are the laws specific to Canada. The problem with this is that it is not what you would want to be considered good or bad speech, it is what the government considers good or bad speech. With the changes in a democracy what keeps the government from making it illegal for opposition to speak for the sole reason to maintain power. This does no good for anyone. And yes it can get to that point. Many who believe homosexuality is a sin and should not be condoned, and there are others that believe that is hate speech. Then you are saying that the speech of those of certain dominant religious groups is illegal? It is the opinion of those who are in charge in the end, which is what we are trying to keep from happening. One group could use this law very easily to silence another because they simply, "don't like it." In honesty, that is the most I hear from every day people when it comes to this case. They don't trust corporations and their opinions because they believe them to be conservative. To me, there are many liberal and conservative corporations both that will use this to their advantage.

In the end I believe that the Supreme Court decision should be respected. I know McCain was hurt by this because it nullifies laws he had a major part in putting into place. But in the end, Obama out spent him and I believe that his gentlemanly attitudes toward the political process is what cost him the election partially. Obama had an entire channel! How were we really protected or had an equal share of the views of both side? It is not something that works, and I believe that it is up to everyday citizens to decide in the end. If they are too stupid to look past commercials to research what is right and wrong and who to vote for, then that speaks more for the intelligence and education of the American people; not for if certain groups should be allowed to reach to them or not through speech.

Thoughts on becoming a mother

So I am noticing women are quite emotional on subjects such as raising their child. I have to admit I have my opinions, but for the most part I haven't developed them for basic things I need to worry about once the child is born. These things come up when you are thinking, "What do I need to buy to prepare for this child?" and "What will my expenses be once she is born?". Well, obvious were crib, bassinet, dresser/changing table, tub and then there are diapers.... That is where I had the toss up. Do I want to use cloth diapers or disposable? Then I came across "Elimination Communication" and this threw in a third option. You can actually just take your baby to the toilet. It does sound kind of time consuming, but it sounds much less disgusting at the same time. So I've looked up this on a few sites and I've noticed that Americans do seem quite hostile to the idea actually and find it to affront to progress... or something like that. I found it quite silly really. It is a potty training method. It works for some and not for others. I think I may give it a shot to see if it will be a little less messy over time and possibly a little more comfortable for the baby. I can imagine sitting in your own excrement could be quite uncomfortable. I haven't had the best response from family members either who say it is not possible. But I'm one that usually that take the words of women close to me very seriously, especially when it brings out an emotional response. So I am wondering how this is going to go from here. Since everyone has very specific ideas on how this should go, what other areas am I going to find conflict? I'm not really sure at this point, I think I'm just going to try to take it as it comes and get the room ready. Though I did have an interesting interaction with a store clerk at a regular baby store locally while looking at car seats. She proceeded with about a ten minute explanation of which car seats would possibly kill my child that were in the store and then reminded me that I should take care of child "because this may be the only one you ever have". Well, I was successfully scared off and I've decided to try avoiding asking most people of their opinions on things. I went there asking if they had a list of what mothers would need to register for as a first time mother, I don't know how it made it to there. But this planning to be a mother is getting interesting. For instance, I have to admit that never before in my life have I been so interested in potty training methods. But I knew things would change.

The Past Year

Got this from a neighboring blog. Thought it was good to put to give an idea of what happened last year...

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?

Got pregnant is one. Yeah, another is I played Magic card game for the first time.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I didn't make any that I remember. I've never been big on them. My only hope for the next is a healthy child and our business' success.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No, but I will be in 2010.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes, my Uncle.

5. What countries did you visit?

None, my mom and my brother do all the travel. Plus I've been pregnant almost half the year.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

Success really and less stress. So far the year is starting off quite well. Last year I remember being kind of a down turn with my last job I held. It was only a few months later that it ended.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

I'm not sure, I had a few memorable things happen. My position ended with one company and I went head on with my own in April. I found out I was pregnant in August I believe, though I don't remember exactly when. My uncle past away around October, and I couldn't got to the funeral because of my condition. Those are the things I remember off hand. Most else runs together.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Just getting pregnant. I thought I wasn't going to ever have a child. I had just started looking at adoption.

9. What was your biggest failure?

The good thing about having your own business is you have control and there is no one to hold you back, but the bad thing is if anything goes wrong there is no one to blame but yourself... It can be painful sometimes.


10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I did end up in the emergency room loosing all fluid in my body from both ends. An experience I would never want to repeat, but strangely enough helped in me getting pregnant.


11. What was the best thing you bought?

Hmm... Probably my chairs in the dinning area. Yeah, no major purchases this year.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

I don't know... No behavior to celebrate I guess.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

There are many, I've figured out I just really don't like many people.

14. Where did most of your money go?

I ask myself that all the time.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Having a baby. That is the primary highlight of the year.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?

Strangely enough probably Travelin' Soldier by the Dixie Chicks... just because of a trip I did to North Carolina. Heard it for the first time.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?

happier, pregnant (so rounder since I'm at the end of my second trimester) and poorer... I was at my wealthiest actually this time last year.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Stuff with the business.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Probably watching TV.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

I spent it with family in South Florida.

21. Did you fall in love in 2009?

No, I've been in love.

22. How many one-night stands?

None, married.

23. What was your favorite TV program?

Big Bang Theory or Mad Men, not sure which wins.

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

No, its really about the same.

25. What was the best book you read?

I don't have one. It is probably the one year in awhile that I didn't make it through a book. Had to read lengthy documents for work and that's probably why.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Not sure if I had one.

27. What did you want and get?

Pregnant

28. What did you want and not get?

For my business to grow.

29. What was your favorite film of this year?

Hangover... that was funny.

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 27... I'm not sure what I did. My position had just ended the previous month.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

I don't know, having a vacation at some point. We didn't have one.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

My usual, I think it'd probably be basic yuppy in her 20s.

33. What kept you sane?

My husband and faith.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

None I really fancied as in thinking they are attractive. I've been too turned off by most celebrities.

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

Probably Obama with Afghanistan; it had the most effect on me. From seeing people again speaking of withdrawal really does make me think that the biggest mistake with the recent wars are not having enough get involved. Popular culture even demonises those who help with the military for a living as well.

36. Who did you miss?

I'm not sure. I've missed many in my "past life" as I would call it, but only at moments.

37. Who was the best new person you met?

Someone at my last job and worked with. He's a hard worker, which I find more and more is hard to come by. I respect those I come across that are. There really aren't many I've met.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.

That running a business on your own is difficult, but definitely a learning experience. Also, only God truly has control of growing your family; every child basically comes at its own time.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Sorry, don't think I have one.

Happy New Year!

I've been quite surprised at the reaction to 2009, the end of the decade that I still really don't know what to call. I've seen much criticism of the year for its down turn and thus the entire decade along with it. It is almost like everyone in popular culture who speaks of this decade is caught in a depression. People in depression tend to project their depression on everything, because they feel bad at the moment then everything bad and nothing has ever been good. Otherwise how could you see an actually quite prosperous decade one of the worst since WWII (I believe that was from TIME). And it seems everything in popular culture is a parrot of each other. Are there ever such things as deferring points of view anymore? If nothing else, that definitely seems to be something that helps depict 2009 which I hope doesn't carry over to the next decade. I don't know what it is about popular culture today (I would say Americans, but I think it carries throughout most of western civilization) but there seems to be lack of historical knowledge or lack of basic skills of critical thinking. Maybe I'm being harsh, but it is quite disappointing when there are major occurrence throughout the world and enough in our country and everything is about Tiger Woods or now Charlie Sheen. Everything appears to be a "consensus" that is not one, and there is only review of one side of the story. But I am getting off base...

The last year was not the best for the nation I believe. There was hope for our president that I say has been quite disappointing. I can tell you that I had a job that was cut earlier in the year directly related to the president's choices (yes, and its easy to make the correlation). I know many others have felt the pains and there has been little action to make things better from the government through the year. It is a shame that there was a bad year ending such a decade, but it all relates. We were on top of the world in the decade. Think of the real estate boom. It was something everyone could make money off of. All you have to do is hold a house for a short time and boom it was twice its worth. You look and everyone in middle class has to have the right counter tops and wood floors. And in the areas in which it was strongest there was a belief that it would never end. There was also the boom of technology and social networking. Was there even a myspace in 2000? I actually don't know. I believe I still had a dial up at home and a separate CD burner. With this boom the CD has practically become obsolete for music and music stores have almost died along with it. Not to mention the changes with everything after 9/11.

The end of the decade to me seemed to be just showing that everything good inevitably will not last. The US believed they could ride a bubble forever and it had to burst. But truthfully the bad feelings shown in popular culture really shows just how good of a decade we've had! People aren't starving. We don't have lines of people at soup kitchens or any of the poverty that you see elsewhere in the country. The complaints are that some people need assistance from family more as there are multiple generations under one roof. There are complaints of people who took a gamble on their house happened to loose. Some started letting their house go into foreclosure just because they didn't feel like paying over the house's worth.... Not because they can't afford to pay it. But in the end, how is it really that bad? I saw complaints about losses in the wars. The thing is other than military families there was no draft or direct effect on most of the population, just the ones that are directly involved with the military. So I have to ask, where is the horrible?

For myself, I finally got my wish. I'm having a baby. The best way to start a new decade. Last decade I met my husband and we've started our lives together in Florida. We end the decade quite well and we start the new one incredibly hopeful. All in all, what I meant to get through is that we have it pretty good. It is bad to waste these times in depression of what goes wrong. I even saying that completely believing that politically our country has horrible leadership, but I do believe things will get better.

Happy New Year everyone!

Late Christmas photo this year...

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to everyone or anyone who may possibly come by! I was thinking this morning of traditions that I had since childhood and how to keep them for our future child. What do we keep for our child from my husband and I. Maybe its a little premature; I am a year in advance, but it is fun. The basics are rather simple, both of us are from Catholic families who celebrate traditions as many American Catholic families... but its the simple things. My husband's family opens gifts on Christmas Eve and my family on Christmas morning. Then I notice our own families do not celebrate as before. It could be partially because of lack of young children. Many of the things you do for this holiday is for enjoyment of children. This generation just isn't producing the same, and when they do they tend to have broken families. These situations always make holidays awkward. I would be lying if I said it didn't bother me. I want my kids to have wonderful Christmas' like the ones I remember growing up. But I grew up in a small community that was practically all Christian. Everyone decorated and everything on the TV and radio after Thanksgiving was all about Christmas. All my relatives were married with two or three kids and I had three cousins that were born within months of myself. We spent time with both grandparents who lived in the same town and sometimes relatives from out of town would stop by as well. We would go to midnight mass and mass on Sunday morning after opening all the Christmas presents. Everything was closed and deserted, so you had nothing to do but stay home and play with your new gifts.

Now my parents only had me and my brother, and I am the only one that seems to even have a possibility for children... We are about to give up on him even getting married. My husband's family is bigger. His older sister has two children, but is divorced and brings over the boyfriend's family every other year. The other has a boyfriend that lives in the house with her parents. He also has a child that lives mostly with the mother, but one that he had out of wedlock in high school. So it never leads to what I think is a normal Christmas. It is always great though when everyone is around opening gifts, but I think more and more that Christmas may be something for our immediate family to spend together every year. This year we ended up waiting till past ten to open gifts when the children finally made it over after eating at the boyfriend's house. I think the other child is coming over some time this morning to open gifts with his father after spending time with his mother.

I know the only thing you can do is try to instill tradition as much as you can when they are young so they celebrate and follow their faith as they get older. I just dread being in the situation of having to say everyone else is wrong, but at the same time I have no problem in doing so. I am not one to believe in political correctness or I wouldn't post such a thing.

Merry Christmas everyone, and I hope you enjoy the new year as well!

20 weeks and our recent move

No one really says it, but it is strange and somewhat alien having something inside of you poking outward against your belly when you have your hand over your stomach. Normally it isn't something that you expect to happen and probably would find creepy, but when pregnant it is expected to grow stronger and people are happy to feel it.

I am now completely in the middle of my pregnancy, week 20. Its a point that I thought would be a long ways off from the first, but it really sneaks up on you. Makes me think the rest will probably do the same. That would be fine with me, as long as the baby comes when it is ready and doesn't decide to come a month or two early. That is something I would fear.

I've done my best through the first part to avoid stress and not strain myself. Not actively working all the time definitely helps, but the move did put a little strain. It was well worth it though, now I have a baby's room and a house big enough for my growing family. Of course we did a typical move in my family of having family members come in from out of town and all help at once. It can be frustrating at times, but for the most part it was great. We got into our house in a couple of days.

Our old house was a disaster from the beginning. Something you truly just dread coming home to. No decent hot water heater, oh yeah, it also leaked all over after we first moved in and rotted the back door and left water damage in the house. The replacement was too small for the house, so it was power showers for three years or you are taking a cold shower. Forget about baths, the plumbing in the bathroom was a constant disaster. The plumbing between the tub and the toilet was so that when the pipe clogged up with the toilet it went up in the tub.... Yes, disgusting. Then for the first two years after it went up in the tub it would go back down and then out the bottom of the toilet to where it flooded part of the house. I mean down the hall to the bedrooms, part of the living room and to the kitchen. After about the sixth time of this we threatened to leave, yes we were renting because we moved to South Florida in 2006 (don't believe the news, only idiots or gamblers bought at that point down here). That is when the toilet was replaced and they found part of a snake (the type used to clear plumbing) in the base of the toilet... or the top of the pipe. So after that, at least the house didn't flood again, but the plumbing still backed up in the tub... till the week before we left. The pipes had to be snaked every week to every other week and after awhile, its pointless calling the landlord. So my lovely husband dealt with it... and I won't give details, but there are possible ways of permanently fixing it. We were just told that it would not be done. Oh, and those are just the plumbing problems with the house....

So here we are in a house bigger than the one we had in Texas (much bigger than the disaster above and cheaper) and we are excited every time we can take long showers or hot baths. So the baby's room is a perk, but what is great is a sense of normalcy that has been lacking for so long. That is one stage of my life that will not be forgotten, no, my husband will probably remind me of it from time to time for the rest of our lives. He's just like that.

Now I have spent my day in bed. That is something not usually done, but I am on my second round of antibiotics from an infection that I guess just decided not to go away. I figure laying low couldn't hurt. Though I think I won't repeat it tomorrow. I get bored so easily. I mean I'm writing here, how bored could I be? Ha! I'll write again soon!

Dreams of Children

I've been having the craziest dreams since I was little since being pregnant. Recently they've been more focused on the coming baby, which I don't mind. I dreamed that I was at the ultrasound and shouted out that it was a boy before the doctor could say anything. Then I dreamed of breast feeding. I've also had the nightmares that I know really have no place, but they are a reflection of inadequate sleep. I've done little to interpret dreams recently. Just seems to be a waste of time. Its just strange that the first time I've dreamed of having children. I've dreamed in one having a girl and boy close in age and being with them at Christmas. They seemed still not more than elementary school age. The little girl with tight curls, which is very possible with my husband's genes. And the little boy kind of reminded me of my brother when he was little. It is strange thinking that this is my last holiday season where I will not be a mother. My parents want me to travel, but part of me just wants to spend this one alone with my husband. How many more moments will I have of that? I'm realistic in that sense. But, I am pretty sure my family and his family would be offended by that. Now I am packing for our little move to a bigger place in town, and listening to Christmas music. But week 16 has been uneventful one as for pregnancy, other than at times I do wish I could take my allergy medication. Nothing to do for sinus headaches... Now I need to get back to packing.

Update at Week 15

Pregnancy isn't quite what I expected, but honestly I was obsessed with the opportunity of becoming pregnant that I didn't think too much on being pregnant. So I don't think I had many expectations. Now having a baby is very real, more so than it ever has been in my life. Tomorrow I will be 16 weeks pregnant and right around Thanksgiving I can find out the sex of the baby, if I want. We are moving to a different house, which we put off several times previously. When it came to caring for another new life, we wanted better for them and we didn't feel secure in this house.

So I made it through the first trimester and honestly it is a haze by this point. Weeks and I think months actually, of being sick. Morning sickness sucks, and that isn't even all of it. I stayed in the house all the time. I posted earlier it was because of the swine flu, but it was because I didn't feel like moving most of the time. You realize that the world stinks and wonder how you ever deal with these smells regularly. The only part I was lucky on is that I didn't puke; no I put on weight. I was nauseous if I didn't eat, and so I ate all the time. I was thinking by the end of that stage, why would anyone want to be pregnant? And how does anyone work through that? I couldn't.

Now I'm in my second trimester. My little one must have been through a growth spurt at the very first of it because my hips hurt all the time at first. My joints still pop all the time. I may just be lucky today, because it isn't bothering much today. My stomach grew out and I felt my skin stretch. Now I look pregnant. No pictures though. I'm not much for putting up photos anymore. I don't take them that much in general though.

Now it does seem that we'll be preparing for the baby till the day he/she comes. I don't want to be thrown off guard last minute. I don't understand why anyone would choose to wait till last minute. My goal was to at least wait through the first trimester. Now, I don't want to bother at least till I move. Then its time to prepare the baby's room. I don't know how I am going to be at the last part of the pregnancy. I am at risk for preeclampsia, and I know that can cause problems at the end of your pregnancy. The day before I found out I was pregnant I had a flash in a dream that I was on a hospital bed and I was looking at my stomach exposed and huge. A doctor told me I was going to need a C-section and I was terrified. The entire labor process is rather scary since I've never been through it before. A C-section is major surgery and I definitely don't want that to happen. I know sometimes you can't prevent it though.

Well, till I feel like writing again!

Little Barnabus

Here's our little baby when I was at 12 weeks during the pregnancy. We went to the ultrasound for the type that can tell if they may have down syndrome or any other chromosomal abnormalities. This little one was snug and didn't want to move. They couldn't get the reading from what seemed like half an hour. They would push and poke at my belly and the little one would squirm and kick and then rest in the same spot. They finally found a way to get around moving the stubborn little baby/fetus, whatever. I found the entire experience amusing. The baby had a healthy heart beat and seemed perfectly fine to me, so I didn't worry of anything else. Maybe that was naive of me, but I am not ignorant of down syndrome and know what it would take. It didn't phase me in the least, because I was still watching my child.

Well, the baby is fine. Low chances of any problems. Now I just have to stay indoors most of the time because everyone is afraid of me getting the swine flu. No vaccines available for even pregnant women in any county near us in South Florida. Man has our health department failed in timely production. Those in most risk of dying can't even access the vaccine and in Palm Beach they said they distributed the shots to 80 doctors in the area, but don't say which ones for those who need them. Great mismanagement and in the news they only seem to publish how people are afraid to get the shot rather than not being able to, or possibly they could publish where to get the shots rather than directing you to a government site that doesn't say where the shots are either. I would get it in a minute if I could. I just want to protect my family that is growing at this time.

Nothing else new. Now I am into the second trimester and I am still having a few bouts of nausea and I could not get myself out of bed this morning at all. But, nothing too big that I can't handle. I am just lucky that I am not restricted to a work schedule. Don't know the sex yet, but the name above is just what me and my husband started telling everyone its name is. No one seems to like it, funny. Well, till we figure out the sex does it really matter?

Pregnancy

I wanted to wait to write on here till I announced my pregnancy to everyone in my personal life. Now I believe that is done, on with the blog. All I have been thinking of is the life that is to come next year. I am in my first trimester of pregnancy, almost to the second. I announced to everyone because I just started to show. Face it, once you start showing it is kinda hard to hide.

So here it is I've been suffering from morning sickness and other unpleasant pregnancy symptoms for the past few weeks. All is forgiven when I see the little one on ultrasound. I have the pictures up in my house and I know I'll have another in another few weeks. I think I'll be able to tell the sex by then.

This is the furthest I've ever gone into a pregnancy with no problems and this was done completely naturally! After doctors told me that was not possible. It is true, if you have PCOS, before going the meds route do try weight loss. I had lost 35 pounds and it happened! I have little risk for multiples and less risk for diabetes as well because I just tried to loose some pounds first.

Well, I am back. It is hard to do regular posts when pregnancy is the only thing on the brain. It is a wonderful thing.

Nothing new for awhile. I have my reasons. I may not update till October or November. Till then!

First Amendment Protection

I did a paper on Pornography and the First Amendment when I was in political theory in another life. I was thinking even then, that I could not absolutely put pornography as something that should not be protected even if I found it offensive. Though also in many situations there is proof that certain porn can cause further harm to women from men who are desensitized by hard core porn. It can bring out everything horrible about human nature and now it is all over the internet. There are also many people who dedicate their life against porn and those who spend their life working for it. The entire thing really did disgust me in the end, and I decided that I could not find anything criminal in the actions. True, if there are actual criminal actions taken place in filming then that is one thing, but that actual creation is in a sense creative thought which some enjoy and others hate. It is an expression, it is something that is to be protected.

That is something beautiful about this country which many do not follow in others, that all speech is protected. You can yell about how horrible our leader is and have no arrest record. You can express your belief that all people should live on a commune and worship the earth... Basically it doesn't matter, the speech is allowed. With this what confuses me is the mention of "hate speech". I believe that is speech aimed hurtfully at certain groups. I know that some countries do outlaw such speech and I know there are some that wish to do that here.

To me with speech and expression there will always be those offended and those who will not be. I notice that in day to day life. Where as I may be offended by attacks on the Catholic Church, others may find those supporting the Catholic Church offensive because of their stances on many issues that are not popular today. So initially, doesn't it come down to what is popular? Now I know that many views that I have are unpopular, though I am a rational person. I think I can be more rational than most I meet I have to admit. So when I speak things through in full explanation sometimes I don't really get a great response. Explaining political beliefs and religious beliefs tends to leave people on one side or another, when will you know that what is popular ends up being against what you believe? Now things can be offensive, and I wish not everyone did express those things openly. But who do you trust to decide what is offensive and what is not? Would you trust the government at this point? I can tell you that with mess that we have made, I would not. I wouldn't trust most of them to watch my house and I can't believe they are watching over our constitution.

Just look at the people that are in charge of our country before you give them more power. Read over their past and read over their views. You are not giving authority to your local priest and it is not made by you and your friends. Power is given to the people we elect into office. Plus if you find them offensive, write back, speak back or do something. There is nothing in our constitution that doesn't say that you can't overpower ignorance with reason. What I don't want to see if taking the approach of trying to shut down a medium or a show for its political views. If you think it is wrong, then voice your opinions! We are in a free country! Don't support our government shutting down any medium due to speech!

I was just reading about cutting off of advertisers to Glenn Beck. I was thinking of what cowards the people are who took action to shut down the show through a "back door approach". The show still has plenty of viewers and it is popular. If you wish to attack it then do what you can to pursue the viewers in swaying views of the people. Don't try to take away through bullying of force. It really is cowardly.

Well, didn't really mean to write about that. I just saw nothing posted and then read something on the Huffington Post. Yep, I read everything:)

Good Night.

Considering International Adoption

I was looking at international adoption for the first time. Since my infertility problems I am not giving up, but being realistic. It may be years before I even have one baby, if I have one at all. I am in the later part of my twenties and fertility does decline once you reach your thirties... That cannot be good for me one way or another. There is a possibility of me getting pregnant. I am loosing weight and actively trying still, but again, reality sets in at some point... It was three years for me.

I was watching a news story about orphans in South Africa. I can't seem to find it at this time. But I was thinking of the situation these other children are in, in orphanages overseas. Then I think of the situation of my own upbringing and just having the opportunity of being an American opens many more doors than they would not have in their country of origin. Think of those in Haiti. No matter what, they will never even have the opportunity that the poor here have in the US. This is a country close to our shores and they go on little boats risking their life to make it to our shores all the time. I see this on the news here in South Florida. They wouldn't do that if their country had so much for them there.

So what you could give to these children is so much. So, that is what I am basing where I adopt. I want to be able to have a family, and give another an opportunity of a good life. Though I have to say it is hard to find programs for South Africa, and Haiti has a restriction of being 30 years old. So, I am not sure where to go.

On almost all you tube videos and new stories about these international adoptions I see criticism of "why would you not want to adopt American children?", "There are plenty of babies here that need homes." Well, I don't know others' reasons, but I can provide my own. I am afraid of open adoptions and even with closed adoptions, the courts influence on families here in the US. I fear of gaining the love of a child and having it ripped from me because some natural relative of the child felt that the child should be theirs. I know that I couldn't take that, and so have closed off to the idea of domestic adoption. Also, the costs equal out if you end up having to pay for all medical costs and everything involved in supporting a mother here in the US.

Well, seeing the "Door of Hope" or whatever the door was called in the South Africa orphanage is what made me think of it. So now I'm in the process of searching out different agencies. My mother is a social worker that has worked with the different agencies before and is familiar with home studies, so I am using her as well right now. Any information left on international adoption would be much appreciated. I know if I do go forward with this it will still be a year or so off, but it is as good of a time as any to learn about it.

I am really ready to have a family. I have been for awhile. I realized that was what was more important. The baby doesn't necessarily have to come from my husband and I.