A transcript of a conversation I had tonight while trying to make small talk with my three-year-old over dinner:
Daddy: So, Bethany, you had a big day. You went to the gym, then to the store, then played on the swings, then had lunch, then rode your tricycle. What was your favorite part?
BG: The gym.
Daddy: Really? Not the swings? Why do you like the gym so much?
BG: Because they spit.
Daddy: Who spits?
BG (sheepishly): Zachary. (Her brother)
Daddy: Zachary spits? Where does he spit?
BG: Right on the carpet. Can I have some more fish sticks?
1 comment:
I probably shouldn't be doing this but I love reading your posts, and I couldn't resist. I find your posts to be humorous, thoughtful, and thought-provoking, and I have enjoyed lurking around your blog since I met you at IBC (glad you have posted several things recently, by the way). Anyway, just had to respond to this portion of your blog:
If Iraq naysayers are so convinced that this war was a bad idea from the beginning, then where the hell were they at the beginning? The standard answer to that is that the country was in a patriotic frenzy following 9/11 and they didn't want to appear unpatriotic. They didn't want to rock the boat. To which I say, it's too bad they didn't share the president's lack of concern for popularity and save us from this mess!
There were certainly some individuals and groups (who I would call patriots) that were speaking out and rocking the boat in advance of the war. I might go so far as to say they even predicted some of negative consequences/events that have since taken place:
"But I also know that Saddam poses no imminent and direct threat to the United States, or to his neighbors, that the Iraqi economy is in shambles, that the Iraqi military a fraction of its former strength, and that in concert with the international community he can be contained until, in the way of all petty dictators, he falls away into the dustbin of history. I know that even a successful war against Iraq will require a US occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences. I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without strong international support will only fan the flames of the Middle East, and encourage the worst, rather than best, impulses of the Arab world, and strengthen the recruitment arm of Al Qaeda. I am not opposed to all wars. I'm opposed to dumb wars." -Barack Obama public speech, October 2002
For full text: http://www.barackobama.com/2002/10/02/remarks_of_illinois_state_sen.php
Maybe you were only speaking of republicans or conservatives that are now "naysayers," I am not sure. But, I just wanted to point out that there were some who were willing to risk appearing unpatriotic and speak out against the war. In full disclosure, I should point out that my personal position is different from Senator Obama's in that I am opposed to all wars. I find it difficult to accept any violence as consistent with the life and teachings of Christ; however, I certainly have many friends and mentors who are more faithful and Christ-like than me who are able to accept violence and support wars in some circumstances. I accept their positions as legitimate and enjoy discussing this issue with them.
Thanks for your posts. -Steve Bender
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