O:9:"MagpieRSS":23:{s:6:"parser";i:0;s:12:"current_item";a:0:{}s:5:"items";a:25:{i:0;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-2281268169943540515";s:9:"published";s:29:"2009-01-29T20:27:00.035-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2009-01-29T23:48:50.361-07:00";s:5:"title";s:50:"Civil Discourse Defended (Ethan & Micah are Wrong)";s:12:"atom_content";s:5924:"<p>Recently, Ethan Millard's <a href="http://www.slcspin.com/"><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SLCSPIN</span></span></strong></a> and Micah <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bruner's</span></span> <a href="http://www.micahbruner.blogspot.com/"><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DeathKnell</span></span></strong></a> have published blog articles critical of a recent call for <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">"civil discourse"</span></strong> in a <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/portlet/article/html/fragments/print_article.jsp?articleId=11473650&amp;siteId=297"><strong>Salt Lake Tribune editorial</strong></a>. I respectfully disagree with both Ethan and Micah on this issue.<br /><br />In the case of Micah, I believe that he is misreading the article due to the fact that he was primed to do so by first reading Ethan's blog alleging that the call represented an effort to <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">"coerce"</span></strong> civil discourse. In the case of Ethan, I believe that he is misreading the intentions of the vast majority of people in and out of office who call for civil discourse, because he sees such efforts as being an attempt by public officials to "escape questions and conversations that may be uncomfortable for them."<br /><br />I personally have never heard nor read of any effort to "coerce civil discourse" by anyone accused of so doing by Ethan, and I see nothing in the Tribune editorial as advocating such. In my opinion, the people who could rightfully feel targeted and insulted by the paper's call for civility are the very political officials serving in the Legislature that Ethan believes want to deflect scrutiny by issuing the said call themselves. And, what I suspect is causing the perception difference between myself, and at least Micah, concerning the issue of legislatively coercing civility is the following line from the article:<br /><br /><em>". . . From <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">passing well-crafted laws</span></strong> to shrinking Utah's religious divide to making sure people of all races, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ethnicities</span></span>, religions, ages, incomes, political parties and physical abilities are heard and represented. . . ."</em><br /><br />From what he has written in the comment section of his blog, I suspect that Micah is interpreting this line as being a call for the Legislature to pass well-crafted laws mandating civil conduct in the future. But, my reading of it (in context) persuades me that, far from advocating future legislation to coerce civility from the public, it is actually the Tribune criticizing the Legislature for allegedly contributing to the current culture of incivility by making the following mistakes in the past: </p><ol><li><strong>Passing poorly crafted laws and contributing to the religious divide.</strong> (I see this as being a reference to Utah's supposedly oppressive liquor laws, or anything else that appears to favor the Mormon majority at the expense of everyone else.)<br /><br /><strong></strong></li><li><strong>Preventing people of all races, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ethnicities</span></span>, religions, ages, incomes, political parties and physical abilities from being heard and represented.</strong> (Again, I see this as being a jab at the practice of the Republican delegation of holding closed caucus meetings where the real work supposedly gets done out of the public view, or government officials allegedly meeting with the Mormon Brethren to obtain their marching orders.)</li></ol><p>Because I am a conservative, white, male, Mormon, Republican, I am not too critical of the Legislature. I feel represented well. But, some folks at the Tribune and elsewhere seem to have another opinion, believing that the Legislature has helped to cultivate the current climate of incivility by its alleged misbehavior. Thus, that is how I interpret this particular line from the editorial. </p><p>The authors apparently believe, beyond the general need for all of us to be more civil, that the Legislature should also embrace this call by making itself more friendly to diverse views. I do not agree, necessarily, with everything the Tribune would endorse along those lines. But, I will certainly defend that paper against any accusation that its call for civil discourse is actually an attempt to shield public servants from scrutiny. (Not that Ethan is attacking the paper as much as he is attacking in broad terms the call for civil discourse.) The Tribune is in the business of providing thorn-in-the-side scrutiny. I do not believe that it now seeks to do otherwise.<br /><br />In the opinion of many of us who routinely call for such, civil discourse is actually the key to increasing scrutiny of public officials. Too often in our world, too many of us try to pass off hit and run insults and accusations as political commentary and analysis. For me, a call for civility is not an attempt to muzzle tough questions, but rather a call for even more questions, more thoughtfully asked, more responsibly answered, and more objectively reported.<br /><br />I feel very strongly about this issue. I hope that Ethan and Micah (two of my favorite and most respected <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">bloggers</span></span>) will reconsider their attack on this call for civil discourse. And, I praise all those who are nobly seeking to promote civility within our community. </p>";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/2281268169943540515/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=2281268169943540515";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/2281268169943540515";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/2281268169943540515";s:4:"link";s:86:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2009/01/civil-discourse-defended-ethan-micah.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:2:"11";}}i:1;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-4563947180008099468";s:9:"published";s:29:"2009-01-16T16:10:00.001-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2009-01-16T16:12:23.533-07:00";s:5:"title";s:23:"Goodbye, Mr. President.";s:12:"atom_content";s:1038:"Yesterday, the same day that President George W. Bush delivered his farewell address, it was reported in the media that his popularity in this state had finally dropped below 50%.  That's too bad.  For the record, I would like to say that I have only come to appreciate him more.<br /><br />I love him.  I consider him to be a fine man.  And, I am grateful for his service to our nation.<br /><br />I have been moved by the dignity with which he has conducted himself as his popularity has plummeted, his name reviled, and his character assassinated.  I have learned a great deal from his example.  And, I have been proud of the class he has demonstrated during the transition to the Obama administration -- providing access and support to the incoming president that has been nothing less than extraordinary.  Maybe someday the world will come to truly understand who this man is, and what he had done for all of us, but I don't plan on holding my breath.<br /><br />Goodbye, Mr. President.  May God bless you!<br /><br />Love,<br />A.W.";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/4563947180008099468/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=4563947180008099468";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/4563947180008099468";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/4563947180008099468";s:4:"link";s:70:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2009/01/goodbye-mr-president.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"8";}}i:2;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-9210885244709388735";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-11-04T22:27:00.005-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-11-05T07:37:09.074-07:00";s:5:"title";s:28:"President Elect Barack Obama";s:12:"atom_content";s:939:"I was moved this evening listening to the inspiring speeches given by both Senator John McCain and President Elect Barack Obama.  I was struck by the quality of the men.  <br /><br />They both hit the perfect chord, for me.  And, in both cases, it was clearly heart felt.  I was proud of them, and I was proud to be an American.<br /><br />Somewhere buried in the Utah Amicus blog archives is a comment I left back in the midst of the Primaries, when the Democratic field was still fairly large.  In that comment, I confessed that Barack Obama was my favorite of all the Democrats.<br /><br />Since then, my admiration for the man has only increased.  I love him.  While I may not agree with him on every issue, I am convinced that he will be an outstanding president.<br /><br />And, even though it was my honor to cast my vote for John McCain, I am proud that the American people voted for Barack Obama.  God bless them for their wisdom!";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/9210885244709388735/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=9210885244709388735";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/9210885244709388735";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/9210885244709388735";s:4:"link";s:78:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2008/11/president-elect-barack-obama.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"6";}}i:3;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-3693468223861553724";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-11-04T08:18:00.000-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-11-04T08:19:49.239-07:00";s:5:"title";s:24:"Today, the People Decide";s:12:"atom_content";s:287:"Well, election day has finally come.  And, by this time tomorrow, we will have a better idea of where our country is going.  Good luck to all of you who have worked so hard to do what you believe is right for our country.  God bless you for your noble efforts!<br /><br />Love,<br />A.W.";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/3693468223861553724/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=3693468223861553724";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/3693468223861553724";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/3693468223861553724";s:4:"link";s:69:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2008/11/today-people-decide.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:4;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-527925279804924803";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-11-03T13:06:00.001-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-11-03T13:06:47.119-07:00";s:5:"title";s:15:"Move to Canada?";s:12:"atom_content";s:608:"<embed 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Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:6;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-7710884106141257576";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-11-02T13:35:00.000-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-11-02T13:36:15.346-07:00";s:5:"title";s:52:"The Effect of Gay Marriage upon Traditional Families";s:12:"atom_content";s:413:"<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Gkv6miGIcTU&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Gkv6miGIcTU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" 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Bednar<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/__rgv-sUpY0&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/__rgv-sUpY0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/5862801979279809479/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=5862801979279809479";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/5862801979279809479";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/5862801979279809479";s:4:"link";s:82:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2008/11/mormon-apostles-on-proposition-8.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:9;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-8392755866814157976";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-10-31T14:02:00.001-06:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-10-31T15:30:51.699-06:00";s:5:"title";s:24:"California Proposition 8";s:12:"atom_content";s:4260:"My Dear Friends,<br /><br />As you know, California's Proposition 8 seeks to amend the state Constitution so that marriage would only be legal between one man and one woman.  In supporting this measure, I believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is engaged in an extremely selfless act of compassion towards our homosexual brothers and sisters.  I know it may not seem that way to some of you, but I am convinced that this is the case.  Please allow me to illustrate why I think as I do:<br /><br />During the time that I was in junior high I had two different English teachers.  One was a seemingly ornery old-school-woman who insisted upon forcing her students to diagram sentences, memorize grammar rules, do homework and pass difficult tests.  The other was an easy going old-hippy-man who gave us word puzzles to play all term long without much homework or testing ever.  As a kid, you can imagine which teacher I liked better -- the fun one, the old-hippy-man!<br /><br />But, as I have grown older I have come to better understand which one of the two really cared for me the most, worked the hardest for my best interests, and better served me as a teacher -- the one that actually taught me something, the old-school-woman.<br /><br />Sadly, she was not a popular teacher.  And, I remember how hurt she appeared when my friend and I asked her to sign the forms that allowed us to transfer out of her class and into the class of the old-hippy-man.  Oh, how I now regret that!  But, I have learned my lesson:<br /><br />Today, I can clearly see the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acting in a manner similar to this dear old-school-teacher.  It, among the very few, has the courage, the integrity, the wisdom and the love necessary to tell the truth to a world that would prefer to be seduced by lies.<br /><br />The Church is not trying to be popular.  It is not trying to hide from the painful persecution that will surely follow.  Rather, it is simply doing what is right -- for society today, for our future children, and for our beloved brothers and sisters who deal with same sex attraction.<br /><br />The truth is that all of us have been given issues with which to deal in life.  And, the truth is that all of us would prefer to take the course of least resistance.  Homosexuals are not unique in that respect.  We all deal with one thing or another.<br /><br />The question, then, is:  "Who do we believe when trying to decide how to live our lives?"<br /><br />The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, just as historical Judaism, Christianity and Islam, was founded upon the belief that God reveals himself and his will to prophets who then act as his messengers.  For those of us who are believers, that is why we belong to the Church -- through profound personal and spiritual experience, we have become convinced that those who lead the Church are in fact "true messengers."<br /><br />Apparently, those members who now find fault with the Church's efforts seem to be saying that they no longer accept that idea.  Apparently, they have become converted to another paradigm.<br /><br />That, of course, is extremely sad news to folks like me who remain convinced of the Church's truthfulness.  We love these back-sliding members and we wish them well.  But, this kind of apostasy is not something new to us.  We have been dealing with it from the very beginning.  And, we know that though many of these people may choose to leave the Church, they will not leave us alone.<br /><br />Like some kind of obsessed and scorned lover, they will continue to stalk the institution, its leaders, and its faithful followers.  They will misrepresent who we are and what we do.  They will unite with and stir up our enemies to persecute us.  And, as a people, we will suffer greatly because of them -- even unto the losing of our lives.<br /><br />Bank on it.<br /><br />We have seen it before.<br /><br />We will see it again.<br /><br />But, with the help of a loving Heavenly Father, enough of the Saints will survive that the work will go forth. Joyfully, some of these prodigals will return.  And, soon we'll have this tale to tell:   All is well.<br /><br />That is my testimony.<br /><br />Love,<br />A.W.";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/8392755866814157976/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=8392755866814157976";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/8392755866814157976";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/8392755866814157976";s:4:"link";s:74:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2008/10/california-proposition-8.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"7";}}i:10;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-5940935824189878111";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-10-17T08:43:00.002-06:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-10-17T08:51:04.752-06:00";s:5:"title";s:56:""The Funniest 15 Minutes of Your Life"  (McCain & Obama)";s:12:"atom_content";s:443:"After all the ugliness, I needed these belly laughs:<br /><br /><iframe height="339" width="425" src="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/27231593#27231593" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><iframe height="339" width="425" src="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/27231610#27231610" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br />Thanks to Senators McCain and Obama, and the Catholic Dioceses of New York.";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/5940935824189878111/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=5940935824189878111";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/5940935824189878111";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/5940935824189878111";s:4:"link";s:89:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2008/10/funniest-15-minutes-of-your-life-mccain.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"3";}}i:11;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-7589271330601945736";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-10-11T14:49:00.003-06:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-10-11T15:00:15.846-06:00";s:5:"title";s:22:"The John McCain I Love";s:12:"atom_content";s:3299:"I read a news report today that illustrated, for me, the true character of Senator John McCain -- the character that long ago earned my respect, eventually won my support, and ultimately secured my love and loyalty.<br /><br />Yesterday, according to the article, Senator McCain was at a town-hall meeting in Minnesota where a woman who had the microphone said, "I don't trust Obama. I have read about him. He's an Arab."<br /><br />At that point Senator McCain took the microphone away from the woman and said, "No, ma'am. He is a decent family man with whom I happen to have some disagreements."<br /><br />If John McCain only cared about winning an election -- as part of a self-serving agenda -- then he might have considered it to have been in his interest to let this woman be. He might have thought it useful to let her stoke the fearful and bigoted hysteria to which some simple folks at his party's base might respond. But, that is not who John McCain is.<br /><br />John McCain is an honorable man.<br />John McCain is a true patriot.<br />John McCain cares more about his country than a political career.<br />John McCain is an authentic American hero.<br /><br />Too often, on both the left and the right, we political activists (and bloggers) have demonstrated a propensity toward slash and burn, scorched earth campaigns. Too often we have allowed ourselves to see "the other side" as being an evil enemy that needed to be destroyed. But, that is a lie. And, that kind of thinking is bad for America.<br /><br />Our nation is currently divided in an unhealthy and artificial manner. People who would normally recognize that they have a lot in common and share similar values, now find themselves despising one another and buying into extreme agendas that they would not otherwise have accepted if our country were not so polarized. Thus, I am convinced that for our nation's wellbeing we must now seek out and support true statesmen who unite rather than divide us.<br /><br />Ironically, I think that is exactly what the voters where trying to do when they selected both Barak Obama and John McCain to be the presidential candidates of their respective parties. More than any of the other candidates, these two created the impression that they were the most willing to reach across the political divide in order to serve the common good.<br /><br />But, apparently, the experienced hands and the big money advisors have since gotten to them and convinced them that they had to go negative in order to win. That's too bad. And, especially in the case of my candidate, John McCain, it seems to be backfiring. (As a Mitt Romney supporter during the primaries, it kind of feels like déjà vu.)<br /><br />Now, I am not saying that there should not be substantive debate. No! On the contrary! I think that is exactly what we need -- respectful and frank discourse about the individual issues. It's just that I want to hear more "big idea" speeches, and less character assassinating zingers.<br /><br />Let's hope that Senator McCain and Senator Obama can set a new tone going down the stretch of this election. Whoever wins the presidency is going to have a lot on his plate once he takes office, and all of us are going to need him to be successful. May God bless him, whoever it may be.";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/7589271330601945736/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=7589271330601945736";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/7589271330601945736";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/7589271330601945736";s:4:"link";s:68:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2008/10/john-mccain-i-love.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:2:"18";}}i:12;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-6131764940859509611";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-06-05T16:29:00.002-06:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-06-05T16:35:38.189-06:00";s:5:"title";s:77:"Newspaper Article:  Trauma of family separations may linger for FLDS children";s:12:"atom_content";s:221:"<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/portlet/article/html/fragments/print_article.jsp?articleId=9490673&amp;siteId=297">http://www.sltrib.com/portlet/article/html/fragments/print_article.jsp?articleId=9490673&amp;siteId=297</a>";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/6131764940859509611/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=6131764940859509611";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/6131764940859509611";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/6131764940859509611";s:4:"link";s:84:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2008/06/newspaper-article-trauma-of-family.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"2";}}i:13;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-3060763224102894533";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-05-29T17:41:00.001-06:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-05-29T17:42:48.085-06:00";s:5:"title";s:72:"Newspaper Article:  Texas Supreme Court: Return FLDS children to parents";s:12:"atom_content";s:221:"<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/portlet/article/html/fragments/print_article.jsp?articleId=9417661&amp;siteId=297">http://www.sltrib.com/portlet/article/html/fragments/print_article.jsp?articleId=9417661&amp;siteId=297</a>";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/3060763224102894533/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=3060763224102894533";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/3060763224102894533";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/3060763224102894533";s:4:"link";s:87:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2008/05/newspaper-article-texas-supreme-court.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"4";}}i:14;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-1221310659400064543";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-05-27T14:51:00.003-06:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-05-28T14:40:25.153-06:00";s:5:"title";s:61:"Newspaper Article:  FLDS custody case: Torn-up families antsy";s:12:"atom_content";s:79:"<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/ci_9388887">http://www.sltrib.com/ci_9388887</a>";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/1221310659400064543/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=1221310659400064543";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/1221310659400064543";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/1221310659400064543";s:4:"link";s:85:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2008/05/newspaper-article-flds-custody-case.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:15;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-3258044194115765009";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-05-22T17:38:00.004-06:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-05-28T14:48:57.659-06:00";s:5:"title";s:88:"Newspaper Article:  Appeals court rules Texas acted improperly in removing FLDS children";s:12:"atom_content";s:155:"<a href="http://deseretnews.com/article/content/mobile/1,5620,700228198,00.html">http://deseretnews.com/article/content/mobile/1,5620,700228198,00.html</a>";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/3258044194115765009/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=3258044194115765009";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/3258044194115765009";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/3258044194115765009";s:4:"link";s:87:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2008/05/newspaper-article-appeals-court-rules.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:16;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-1054066954024051528";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-05-20T17:33:00.004-06:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-05-28T14:51:27.355-06:00";s:5:"title";s:68:"Newspaper Article:  Four more FLDS 'disputed minors' declared adults";s:12:"atom_content";s:155:"<a href="http://deseretnews.com/article/content/mobile/1,5620,700227609,00.html">http://deseretnews.com/article/content/mobile/1,5620,700227609,00.html</a>";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/1054066954024051528/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=1054066954024051528";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/1054066954024051528";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/1054066954024051528";s:4:"link";s:82:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2008/05/newspaper-article-four-more-flds.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"2";}}i:17;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-5869004626734733771";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-05-19T10:28:00.002-06:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-05-28T14:49:23.971-06:00";s:5:"title";s:80:"Newspaper Article:  Attorneys want FLDS children treated as individuals in court";s:12:"atom_content";s:227:"<a href="http://origin.sltrib.com/portlet/article/html/fragments/print_article.jsp?articleId=9295315&amp;siteId=297">http://origin.sltrib.com/portlet/article/html/fragments/print_article.jsp?articleId=9295315&amp;siteId=297</a>";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/5869004626734733771/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=5869004626734733771";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/5869004626734733771";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/5869004626734733771";s:4:"link";s:87:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2008/05/newspaper-article-attorneys-want-flds.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:18;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-5933379837967824425";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-05-19T09:33:00.004-06:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-05-19T09:51:44.253-06:00";s:5:"title";s:25:"John McCain, My Candidate";s:12:"atom_content";s:1317:"I have long admired Senator John McCain for many reasons. And, I am convinced that he is the best candidate for President of the United States. I urge my fellow citizens to support his candidacy with their time, their money, and their vote.<br /><br />True, I first endorsed Mitt Romney. But, like Mitt Romney, I now fully and without reservation throw all my support behind the senior senator from Arizona. We live in perilous times; we need the experience, integrity, and wisdom of John McCain. (Not to mention his humor. Please see the following.)<br /><br /><br /><embed id="W48319ce22bbb4cc3" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://widgets.nbc.com/o/4727a250e66f9723/48319ce22bbb4cc3" width="384" height="283" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allownetworking="all" allowscriptaccess="always" quality="high" wmode="transparent"></embed><br /><br /><br /><embed id="W48319b3d57bbc590" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://widgets.nbc.com/o/4727a250e66f9723/48319b3d57bbc590" width="384" height="283" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allownetworking="all" allowscriptaccess="always" quality="high" wmode="transparent"></embed><br /><br /><br />Thanks to SNL and Senator McCain for the belly laughs.  I loved it.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />A.W.";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/5933379837967824425/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=5933379837967824425";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/5933379837967824425";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/5933379837967824425";s:4:"link";s:74:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2008/05/john-mccain-my-candidate.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:19;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-5771667177494316438";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-05-17T17:19:00.004-06:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-05-28T14:49:29.964-06:00";s:5:"title";s:53:"Newspaper Article:  FLDS mother wins victory in court";s:12:"atom_content";s:155:"<a href="http://deseretnews.com/article/content/mobile/1,5620,700226667,00.html">http://deseretnews.com/article/content/mobile/1,5620,700226667,00.html</a>";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/5771667177494316438/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=5771667177494316438";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/5771667177494316438";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/5771667177494316438";s:4:"link";s:84:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2008/05/newspaper-article-flds-mother-wins.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"2";}}i:20;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-8649178555126627813";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-05-14T10:24:00.004-06:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-05-28T14:49:39.044-06:00";s:5:"title";s:67:"Newspaper Article:  Chairman says Texas CPS workers mistreated FLDS";s:12:"atom_content";s:155:"<a href="http://deseretnews.com/article/content/mobile/1,5620,700225591,00.html">http://deseretnews.com/article/content/mobile/1,5620,700225591,00.html</a>";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/8649178555126627813/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=8649178555126627813";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/8649178555126627813";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/8649178555126627813";s:4:"link";s:87:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2008/05/newspaper-article-chairman-says-texas.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"6";}}i:21;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-4006363721759401105";s:9:"published";s:29:"2008-04-16T20:01:00.013-06:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2008-04-16T20:48:15.457-06:00";s:5:"title";s:48:"The YFZ Children are Being Abused . . . by Texas";s:12:"atom_content";s:7033:"<em><strong>I posted the following comments today on the </strong></em><a href="http://wwwwakeupamericans-spree.blogspot.com/"><em><strong>Wake Up America</strong></em></a><em><strong> blog in response to their recent article:<br /><br /></strong></em><a href="http://wwwwakeupamericans-spree.blogspot.com/2008/04/documents-detail-abuse-at-yfz-ranch.html"><em><strong>http://wwwwakeupamericans-spree.blogspot.com/2008/04/documents-detail-abuse-at-yfz-ranch.html</strong></em></a><em><strong><br /></strong></em><br /><hr /><br />I think the following newspaper article should help some of us God Fearing (Loving) Christians to be a little bit more humble:<br /><br />-------<br /><br />Headline: "Former pastor charged with attempted rape may be close to resolving case"<br /><br />By Stephen Hunt<br />The Salt Lake Tribune<br />Article Last Updated: 04/16/2008 12:28:30 PM MDT<br /><br />Posted: 12:29 PM- The former pastor of the First Baptist Church of Salt Lake City - charged with attempting to sexually assault a woman at his Midvale home - on Tuesday waived his right to a preliminary hearing in anticipation of resolving the case.<br /><br />Scott Weisser, 52, is charged with attempted rape, a first-degree felony, and class B misdemeanor assault in connection with the alleged March 16 attack.<br /><br />Weisser could settle the case during a hearing scheduled for May 1, prosecutors said.<br /><br />Also on Tuesday, 3rd District Judge Stephen Roth released Weisser to the supervision of Pre-Trial Services. Weisser had been held at the Salt Lake County jail in lieu of $150,000 bail.<br /><br />Weisser - who resigned as pastor following his arrest - entered a bedroom in the home and attempted to have sex with an adult relative, who repeatedly told him no and fought him off, according to charges.<br /><br />Weisser also dragged the woman into a door jamb, causing slight abrasions to her hip, court documents said. The Salt Lake Tribune generally does not name alleged sexual-assault victims.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_8946309">http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_8946309</a><br /><br /><hr /><br /><strong><em>Hey wannabe, this has nothing to do with the topic at hand. When those cases are in the news we report it, READ THE RULES and stick to the topic or you won't be commenting for long.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Susan</em></strong><br /><br /><hr /><br />Dear Susan,<br /><br />Please forgive me if I have broken a site rule. I promise that it was not my intention to do so. And, just so that I do not mess up in the future, could you please tell me what rule exactly that I have broken? Because, with all due respect, I sincerely believe that the newspaper article I quoted related very much to the issue we are currently discussing -- and was actually one of the more respectful comments I had read here.<br /><br />You see, the Texas authorities tell us that they found three pregnant teenage girls on that YFZ Ranch. (Only 3 out of 416 kids) If that is true, and assuming that at least half the children on that ranch are girls, then the teenage pregnancy rate in that supposedly "crazy polygamist" community is actually much lower than the teenage pregnancy rate for girls in the rest of the state of Texas! To put it bluntly -- that ranch full of "nut jobs" is actually a much safer place for protecting the virtue of teenage girls than most other places in the state.<br /><br />QUESTION: So, then, why did the Texas authorities raid the YFZ Ranch and not, let's say, Grand Prairie?<br /><br />ANSWER: Because, it's okay to violate the Constitutional rights of people we don't like, people of another culture, people who practice a different religion than our own. Then, suddenly, due process can simply be ignored. Parental rights can be ignored. The natural bond between a parent and child can simply be thrown out the window.<br /><br />Whatever very real abuse was suffered by SOME OF THE GIRLS on that ranch by certain tyrannical jerks, it can't be too much worse than the abuse -- THE VERY REAL ABUSE -- being inflicted upon ALL OF THE CHILDREN from that community by the tyranny of the state of Texas.<br /><br />SUGGESTION: Find the actual men who married and impregnated those under-aged girls. Present the evidence in a court of law. And, then, throw the bums in jail. That is the American way. But, do not rip innocent children out of the arms of their mothers and kid yourself that you are doing anything but being EXTREMELY CRUEL. You are not helping the children. Rather, you are consigning them to foster care Hell, seemingly endless nights of crying themselves to sleep, and scarring them for the rest of their lives. If there is a just God in Heaven -- and I know that there is -- then the day will come when everyone involved in this massive tragedy (on both sides) will have to give an accounting. Until then, I pray that mercy and wisdom will prevail, but I have not seen too much of that so far.<br /><br />SUMMARY: So, how does the recent newspaper article that I quoted relate to this issue? It relates in this way: When the police in Utah were alerted to the fact that a local Baptist minister had attempted to rape a relative, they did not use that as a provocation for raiding all of the Baptist homes within his congregation in order to remove all the Baptist children from their parents and put them in foster care. Why? Because it would been against the law, and more importantly, doing so would have been immoral. Hopefully, enough good folks in Texas will come to this realization too.<br /><br />Love, Your Friend and Brother,<br />Alienated Wannabe<br /><br />P.S. Please do not think that I am bashing Texans or Baptists. I have strong family ties to both the state of Texas and the Southern Baptist Convention. I know of the goodness inherent in both, and I feel a love and loyalty toward both -- my mother was born in Texas and my great grand daddy was the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas. It is just that I also know all too well the bigotry and ignorance that exists in the region toward Mormons in general, not to mention toward this small group of polygamists that split off from the main Mormon body a century ago. Thus, someone has to remind certain folks in Texas that, as strange as these people may seem, they are not that different from you. They love their kids, and they are usually pretty good parents. The sins of a few misguided men leading them does not justify traumatizing the entire population. Officials in Utah and Arizona learned that a long time ago. (Recently, they arrested their leader Warren Jeffs, but left the families intact.) Their counterparts in Texas still need to figure it out.<br /><br />For more on this topic, and more eloquently presented, please read the most recent article posted on the website of conservative radio talk show host, Bob Lonsberry, at <a href="http://www.lonsberry.com/">http://www.lonsberry.com/</a>.<br /><br />Thank you, and God bless!";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/4006363721759401105/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=4006363721759401105";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/4006363721759401105";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/4006363721759401105";s:4:"link";s:88:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2008/04/yfz-children-are-being-abused-by-texas.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:2:"15";}}i:22;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-3006504895639433487";s:9:"published";s:29:"2007-08-31T14:13:00.000-06:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2007-08-31T22:10:11.201-06:00";s:5:"title";s:24:"School Vouchers - Part 2";s:12:"atom_content";s:2757:"With regard to my previous post endorsing vouchers, please understand that just because I resent educational practices which undermine "traditional values" that does not mean I therefore want public schools to do a 180 degree turn and begin teaching Christian doctrine.  That is not my position at all.  I just want Secular Humanists to stop trying to impose their faith and their social agenda upon society by way of the public school system.<br /><br />Please allow me to supply some examples so you can better understand where I am coming from:<br /><br />While I attended public schools outside of Utah, I was forced to take numerous classes on Evolution where the ideas taught were presented as being fact instead of theory.  Questioning this dogma was not tolerated, even though today many of the claims behind those theories have been revised or abandoned.  So, do I now object to the teaching of the various theories of evolution?  No, I just want them to be clearly taught as theories and no more.<br /><br />Also, while growing up, I was forced to take more than one class on Sex Education.  My personal experience was that the material covered, and the way it was presented, actually caused me more confusion and anxiety.  Do I therefore object to educating children about sex?  No, I just believe that parents need to play the primary role in deciding how that is to be done and what values are going to be shared during that instruction.<br /><br />So, how does this relate to Utah schools?<br /><br />Well, just within the past few weeks I have read a column by Rebecca Walsh in the Tribune, a column by Holly Mullen in City Weekly, a blog entry by Holly Mullen on Mullentown, a blog entry by Holly Mullen on City Weekly's website, an editorial by Planned Parenthood in the Tribune, and an editorial by the Salt Lake Tribune, itself, all calling for more sex education in Utah and/or its schools.  I suspect such a call resonates with many other left leaning individuals within our state and its school system.<br /><br />But, I am concerned that these individuals are so eager to instruct my children, because I have found that their beliefs are sometimes diametrically opposed to my own.  I love my children more than I do my own life.  I want what is best for them more than any of these good people could even come close to approaching.  Thus, I want to be the one teaching my children about sex, not Planned Parenthood or its allies.<br /><br />As long as I am alive, I will strive to ensure that my parental rights are preserved so that I am free to raise my children in the best way I know.  I see my support of vouchers as being a way of creating options for me as a parent -- options which empower me as I perform my responsibilities.";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/3006504895639433487/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=3006504895639433487";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/3006504895639433487";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/3006504895639433487";s:4:"link";s:72:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2007/08/school-vouchers-part-2.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:2:"29";}}i:23;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-4742534675385027758";s:9:"published";s:29:"2007-08-30T18:50:00.000-06:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2007-08-30T18:53:42.874-06:00";s:5:"title";s:15:"School Vouchers";s:12:"atom_content";s:2017:"I support the concept of school vouchers because I believe they may help to bring accountability to a monopolistic system that has long been out of touch with traditional values.<br /><br />In the turf battles of our current culture war, much of the media and educational establishment were captured early on by the Left. The backlash to its subsequent abuse of these institutions is found in the development of such things as conservative media and school vouchers. If the Left does not like these things — and there are many reasons why it should not — it has only itself to blame.<br /><br />Diversity and freedom of speech is sacrosanct to the Left, as long as diversity means “different than traditional values” and freedom of speech means “speaking against traditional values.” But, the Extreme Left shows its true colors with its visceral opposition to diversity in educational options and freedom of speech by those opposed to their counter-culture agenda. This, I believe, is the textbook definition of hypocrisy.<br /><br />I wish that such unworthy behavior were limited to the Left, but, sadly, such is not the case. The Right frequently disappoints me with the stunts pulled by its extremists as well. The key, I guess, is for each of us to learn how to think clearly for ourselves, to not just go along with the lemmings running on either side of us, and to not merely regurgitate the talking points handed down by the most extreme voices on either side.<br /><br />In that spirit, I repeat that I support school vouchers in concept. There may be problems with Utah's current attempt to implement them, but the experiment is appropriate, and such problems can be addressed over time by corrective adjustments as needed.<br /><br />Despite claims to the contrary, the Earth is not going to end if Utah pursues its limited trial of vouchers. Let's give them a fair shot, see what happens, and then go from there. Let's not let the fear mongers dissuade us from perusing this reasonable course.";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/4742534675385027758/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=4742534675385027758";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/4742534675385027758";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/4742534675385027758";s:4:"link";s:65:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2007/08/school-vouchers.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:2:"26";}}i:24;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891.post-5768987661742328584";s:9:"published";s:29:"2007-08-20T20:59:00.000-06:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2007-08-29T12:24:02.797-06:00";s:5:"title";s:46:"Question for Salt Lake City Mayoral Candidates";s:12:"atom_content";s:1019:"According to their respective websites, the Salt Lake Tribune and KUTV are hosting a debate for the Salt Lake City mayoral candidates to be broadcast on Sunday, August 26th at 5:00 pm on Channel 2. Citizens are encouraged to record their questions on video and submit them via YouTube at the following group address: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/group/slcmayor">www.youtube.com/group/slcmayor</a>. Questions may also be submitted via e-mail to <a href="mailto:webmaster@sltrib.com">webmaster@sltrib.com</a>. All questions should be submitted by Monday, August 20th.<br /><br />The following is the question I submitted:<br /><br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2iD0P4Y4WiU"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2iD0P4Y4WiU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/claim/gh2dkkimpc" rel="me">Technorati Profile</a>";s:12:"link_replies";s:154:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/5768987661742328584/comments/defaulthttp://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=34814891&postID=5768987661742328584";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/5768987661742328584";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default/5768987661742328584";s:4:"link";s:85:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/2007/08/question-for-salt-lake-city-mayoral.html";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"6";}}}s:7:"channel";a:14:{s:2:"id";s:34:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34814891";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2018-08-28T01:53:36.843-06:00";s:5:"title";s:35:"The Alienated Wannabe Establishment";s:8:"subtitle";s:212:"Utah political commentary with a sense of humor, more than a dash of irony, and lots of moral fiber.  (Yes, I suppliment my Republican family values with Western Family Rasin Bran to find just the right balance.)";s:42:"link_http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed";s:56:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default";s:9:"link_self";s:60:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default?alt=atom";s:4:"link";s:37:"http://alienatedwannabe.blogspot.com/";s:8:"link_hub";s:32:"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/";s:9:"link_next";s:90:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/34814891/posts/default?alt=atom&start-index=26&max-results=25";s:11:"author_name";s:17:"Alienated Wannabe";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/18071891929227199278";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:9:"generator";s:7:"Blogger";s:10:"opensearch";a:3:{s:12:"totalresults";s:2:"49";s:10:"startindex";s:1:"1";s:12:"itemsperpage";s:2:"25";}}s:9:"textinput";a:0:{}s:5:"image";a:0:{}s:9:"feed_type";s:4:"Atom";s:12:"feed_version";N;s:8:"encoding";s:5:"UTF-8";s:16:"_source_encoding";s:0:"";s:5:"ERROR";s:0:"";s:7:"WARNING";s:0:"";s:19:"_CONTENT_CONSTRUCTS";a:6:{i:0;s:7:"content";i:1;s:7:"summary";i:2;s:4:"info";i:3;s:5:"title";i:4;s:7:"tagline";i:5;s:9:"copyright";}s:16:"_KNOWN_ENCODINGS";a:3:{i:0;s:5:"UTF-8";i:1;s:8:"US-ASCII";i:2;s:10:"ISO-8859-1";}s:5:"stack";a:0:{}s:9:"inchannel";b:0;s:6:"initem";b:0;s:9:"incontent";b:0;s:11:"intextinput";b:0;s:7:"inimage";b:0;s:17:"current_namespace";b:0;s:4:"etag";s:70:"W/"79287bc6d00d639155ce83558f107e86b04e3fb27e60d10f01010326507555dc"
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