Monday, February 2, 2009

Go after AL Qaida in Pakistan/Dog fighting and homosexuality

Presidential Candidate Barak Obama gives a strong statement on going after Al Qaeda terrorists hiding in the mountains of Pakistan, and conservatives criticize him for it. Does the right care more about defeating our common enemies or partisan swipes at presidential candidates they most fear? Hillary Clinton wants information on any possible withdrawal plans from Iraq. She didn’t ask about plans about leaving Iraq today or tomorrow but any plans on withdrawal. Although a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee she is told to buzz off by a civilian Defense appointee. Does the Bush administration believe that the Senate Armed Services Committee has oversite over the Pentagon, or is it that Hillary Clinton doesn’t count as a real member that they have to answer to at all? Dr. Richard Carmona, a former U.S. Surgeon General in the Bush Administration has stated that he wasn’t allowed to speak on stem cells, emergency contraception, sex ed, and that officials tried to water down a report on second-hand smoke. Dr. Carmona stated in a Washington Post article, "Much of the discussion was being driven by theology, ideology, [and] preconceived beliefs that were scientifically incorrect. I thought, 'This is a perfect example of the surgeon general being able to step forward, educate the American public.' . . . I was blocked at every turn. I was told the decision had already been made -- 'Stand down. Don't talk about it.' That information was removed from my speeches." Carmona also says he was “discouraged” from attending the Special Olympics because of that organization's ties to a the Kennedys, and that he wasn’t allowed to present the effectiveness of teaching about condoms as well as sexual abstinence. He was also told to put in three references to President Bush in every speech. Now, some might have negative views to condoms, sex ed etc but the US Surgeon General serves the American people and it is his/her job, according to the Surgeon General’s own website to act “as America's chief health educator by providing Americans the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury.” It is unfortunate that we see a pattern of interference with the scientific process in this administration. Maybe President Bush does not know about this interference. If not, he better state to his political appointees to serve the American people, not partisan politics


Dog Fighting and homosexuality

I was appalled while reading Julio Martinez’s letter. He seems to believe that homosexuality is worse then dog fighting. Dog fighting isn’t simply a matter of technically breaking a law but illegal because it is immoral. It’s just not a “hobby.” Dogs suffer great harm engaged in dog fighting. There isn’t harm in homosexuality. Harm is necessary for something to be immoral. Yes, HIV rates are higher in the male gay community vs. general society but when a cure for HIV/AIDS is found that argument will be moot. If, Mr. Martinez is right and a God put our laws in place then a God must utilize reason and understand that any morality if it is to be non-arbitrary then it must be based on reducing harm. Even an all wise God would have to utilize reason in determining moral laws. If some people don’t like the image or idea of two men or two women having sex, fine, don’t have sex with people of the same sex or don’t watch people of the same sex have sex.

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