Holidays

Prethought: I know, its been a while. Deal with it.. “It’s been a Long December, and there’s reason to believe, maybe this year will be better than the last…”—Counting Crows, “A Long December” At some point in my life, I started to hate Christmas. Not entirely certain of the reasons, maybe I haven’t quite figured it out in my mind. Did I lose this proverbial sense of Christmas Joy when I no longer was a kid? When my brother got married and moved away? Maybe it was when I graduated from college, and “became a man”. It could be for any of those reasons, and many many more. In fact, I’m still trying to figure that out. Late last week, before my parents, brother, sister in law and niece all left for Disney, I wound up having a long talk with my mom about Christmas. Every year, I argue with her to not waste her money on me, to spend it on Natalie (my niece), or spoil herself. In all reality, there’s nothing that I really want or need that money can buy. Nothing that she, or anyone else can go to a store to purchase, or order from a catalog that I could ever want. Sure, I’m an independent person, and if there’s something that I need or want, I just go get it. Mom said a few things that really started to click, that in a lot of ways, I’m just like my father and my Aunt Betty. Every year, for birthdays, Christmas, etc, my dad always says, it’s just another day. And I have to agree. It is, it’s another reminder to me of being rich in goods and poor in spirit. Now, don’t take that anywhere near religion, because anyone that knows me well, knows that religion and I do NOT get along…at all. It’s another year of growing older without the best things in life. So I really sat down this week and tried to think of WHY I dislike Christmas. And, I came up with 3 main reasons. 1. Commercialization. Seriously, when it isn’t even Thanksgiving and I walk into a store and they’re already selling Christmas stuff, I have to seriously wonder, what the point is. Is it to boost some capitalistic, profiteering company’s stocks? What happened to the Holidays being about being with the people that you care about and really just enjoying their company. A few gifts, fine. Small, sentimental things. Perhaps things that you want, but wouldn’t buy for yourself. That makes sense. This nicely segways into my next point…Family. 2. Family. I have a great immediate family. I’m blessed to have both my parents still with me, a brother and sister in law, and an absolutely adorable niece, who absolutely lights up my day anytime I see her. Isn’t that what this is about? Dad comes from a pretty large family, lots of brother and sisters, lots of grandchildren and a gaggle of great-grandchildren. When do we really see each other? When do we really talk to each other? Weddings, Funerals, and occasional holidays, perhaps some idle chatter on Facebook. We all dress casually, meet somewhere, and pretend for a little sliver of holiday justice that we actually give a shit about each other. But, do we really? Or are we so entrapped in our own lives, careers, immediate families and minds that we really forget about the purpose and reality of family? I wish I had an answer, I wish I knew the secret to making things all better, at making things just. Sadly, I don’t. 3. Religion. Many of my friends and family are the very religious type. I’m not. Period. I consider myself an agnostic recovering Catholic. It took me 20 years of life to discover that religion wasn’t for me, and it’s probably going to take me another 20 years to undo the intellectual damage Catholicism did to me haha. Regardless, Christmas, is a religious holiday, steeped from the “birth of Jesus Christ”, but I won’t get into the Historical Innacuracies… Since I’m not a fan of religion, it would make sense that Religious Holidays aren’t realy my forte, maybe I’ll figure it out, someday. I guess I’m starting to see the reasons, to understand why I simply put on a happy face each year around my niece and the family, and pretend for a few short hours that all is well In the world, and that I don’t feel like a hypocritical bastard. It’s something I need to work on, maybe to figure out, it’ll take a whole, results not guaranteed. Either way, Happy Holidays to all my friends and family out there.

Living to Live.

Again, I come back when the mood generally strikes me.

This afternoon, I played the dutiful and good son and drove my mother around because she wanted to go shopping. In the car ride, we had a conversation about growing up. My brother turns 30 in about a week, which, in some ways really scares me. He's married, has a beautiful daughter (that is my world too), and seems to really have his shit together. With Patrick's imminent departure to 30, I started to analyze my life yet again.

While I was thinking about this, I sat and read a blog that I follow from a guy that's really garnered acceptance with who he is, and is trying to be the best person that he can be, in light of a litany of issues. From depression, acceptance, and really loving himself for who he is. Regardless of his self esteem issues, its amazing to read his story every so often, and realize that life isn't just about finding the right person to share your life with, making tons of money, etc. It comes down to being yourself, and loving who you are. From there, the sky seems to be the limit. Sean, if you read this, thank you. You may not believe it, but you are an inspiration to a lot pf people out there. Keep doing what you do and you'll find the happiness and understanding which you are seeking.

The last few weeks, I've been a busy guy, from the Fair, and all kinds of other little projects running around, but I've actually been having fun. Living life for me, isn't so bad. Its amazing that a positive mind set, and doing it because you want to, not because you have to makes all the difference in the world.

Busy weekend ahead, PHL at 0615 for a pickup of a great friend, drinks tomorrow night with some old friends, brunch with the family on Sunday, then some meetings. All in all, life is good.

Til the next time something comes to mind...

anddddddddd I'm out.

--Matt

Some day, when my life has passed me by...

So, I've decided to come back to my blog, after another lovely year away. Lots has changed in the past year, but as usual, much has remained the same.

I'm still working in the same place, despising getting up every morning to go into the office and deal with the same bs. Still volunteering at the same places, doing the same stuff. In most...check that, all aspects of my life, things are still the exact same as they were, save the fact that I'm a year older.

I've had some great experiences in interviewing for some fantastic job opportunities. I'm very thankful to know that my qualifications and skills (at least on paper) were enough to get an interview, but again, not good enough for the job.

My friends keep telling me to leave where I'm at, and lets face it, I'd love to. I just can't make a blind leap of faith without some plan of where I am headed. I really do need to make some change in my life, and I just don't know where to begin. I keep racking my brain of placed to apply, to get out of my biggest stressor, and I keep falling flat on my face.

I've even had multiple friends and acquaintances recommend me for position, and that got me an interview, yet I continually question, if I am cut out for anything in this world. I feel as if I'm a jack of all trades, master of none; in this world, it seems that you need to be a master of something in order to move forward develop in your career.

Sigh. Any suggestions? I've got a useless BA in History, and I need to do SOMETHING...

Tyrrany of the Majority

Ah yes, Democtacy in America. Those of you familiar with deTocqueville's narrative on the American political society would tend to understand where this comes from. Since about 4pm today, I have been intently reading Chief Judge Vaughn Walker's opinion on the Perry v. Schwartzenegger case. While may proponents can summarily extract that the plaintiffs were denied their fundamental protections of the US Constitution, I fear there is more unseen than seen.

Tonight's famed Yahoo! Political Theorists Dumb and Dumber theorized on the levels of voting meaning nothing. While voting DOES mean something, there are some eccentricies in the American Political System that tend to trump the one man, one vote card. Unless you're living under a rock, the electoral college and a constitutional convention can quite easily triumph over absurdity.

I have grave concerns over this ruling, not because it tends to favor something I believe to be a fundamental right, but more because I have deep concerns over the future it holds. This will simply not stand alone, it will be challenged in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, most likely being upheld in the longstanding most Liberal Appeals Court in the Nation. What concerns me, is the Roberts Court. While CJ Roberts tends to be much more moderate and soft spoken opposed to his more famously draconian counterparts J Scalia and J Thomas, I stand firm in my belief that this will eventually be overturned on a 5-4 majority by the Supreme Court.

Psuedo back on topic: deTocqueville looked at the tyanny of the masses, specifically in terms of population. We have long debated on the merits of one person, one vote; the rule of law and proportional representation. In essence, the United States been founded on championing the rights of teh little guy. From the time of our founding, in 1776, we were fighting as the little guy. We fought for emanicipation, we fought for womens suffrage, civil rights, the right to make the choices that affect ourselves. Americans have fought for these rights. Yet now, a theocratic and at times, ridiculous display against the fundamental right of marriage is seemingly for naught.

I welcome debate and commentary on this, as it seems to be the most effective outlet for understanding additional viewpoints. However, I will not tolerate religious or hate-filled/mongering responses. This is for educated people, discussing an educated thread. Leave the playground on the playground.

Cheers-

M

Why was Hitler so power-hungry?

One of my co-workers has a very curious son, particularly relating the the Holocaust, Nazism and other WWII Related things. Knowing that I have a relatively worthless BA in History, she asked me if I would be willing to answer the questions that he has. Seeing as how, before tonight, I haven't updated in a while, and I'm bored, I'll answer one of his many questions here tonight, with more to follow.

Why was Hitler so power-hungry?

The first thing to consider, is Hitler himself. Austrian Born, with an immense sense of German Pride. You must remember that to many Europeans, pride for your ethnicity is much stronger than the pride for your country. Here, we are all Americans, sure there are sects of every ethnicity in the world here, but we tend to show our westernized American pride more than our ethnic pride. Hitler had served in the German Army during World War I, served valiantly, and was willing to fight on their behalf.

Hitler was not always the most conforming person in the world. After his failed Beer Hall Putsch, he was jailed, where while incarcerated, he wrote his acclaimed work "Mein Kampf", literally translated, "My Struggle". He highlighted the failures of the German state in the events leading up to, during and immediately following World War I. Particularly faced with massive amounts of restitution required by the opposing forces following WWI, the German State was nearly bankrupt. This led to colossal fears from the German people.

Hitler was able to capitalize on these fears and started to make a name for himself in the German Political realm, consistantly opposing the Weimar Government. Shortly after the Stock Market Crash of 1929, worldwide economic collapse ensued. Hitler, through his affable and charismatic speaking style, won the hearts of the German People. For a lot of reasons, that I won't get into, Hitler was able to assume power after the death of President von Hindenberg, and the rest, in theory, is well, history.

So, as for the original question, why was Hitler so power-hungry?

Hitler wanted to prepate a perfect German state. Aryans would dominate, this is generally accepted as a delisional schizophrenic dream, but it was Hitler's mission. He allowed his pride for the Germanic race to overcome reality. His pride was seriously damaged after the Treaty of Versailles, the repercussions of this treaty damaged the German state and its financial affairs. A man can heal from physical wounds, but once his pride is damaged, it becomes personal. Adolf Hitler personified this to the nth degree.

Power-hungry, perhaps, sociopathic, absolutely, neurotic, most definitely. Yet the rationality of this defies all logic. It can be summarized very simply; he was Hitler.

DADT?

I've watched with some comical amusement over the last few weeks, and the media coverage of the Dont Ask Don't Tell Debate within the Pentagon, the Congress, and beyond.

This is a slightly irritating debate, as it becomes a theological/moral debate, laden with slur and innuendo. As barack Obama recently found out, its the extremists on both sides of the debate that seem to be the proverbial "sqeaky wheel".

Frankly (no correlation to Rep. Barney Frank, btw), who cares? The United States is the only superopower that doesn't allow gays and lesbians to openly serve. The Pentagon has been "studying" the issue for the past year, and has failed to come up with any foregone conclusions. Perhaps one of the most interesting things in this debate isn't being said.

Since the "War on Terror" began, we have had our men and women serving alongside teh British Troops, the Isreali troops, the Austrailians, and numerous other developed civilized nations. They have had gays and lesbians on the battlefield, on the front lines with our troops. Does the continental divide seem to ellicit rampant homophobio?

I've researched the issue, I've read the policy statements. I find this policy to be absolutely riduculous. If men and women are willing to fight to defend our country, and Constitution, are willing to lay down their lives for the protection of you and I, who cares what they do behind closed doors? We've had much worse come through the military (cough*Benedict Arnold*cough), how much worse could it get?

The debate needs to end, while the brass and the Capital Hill leeches debate the issue, they need to put their own prejudices away. This is a democracy, not a theocracy.

Viva le resistance!

Cheers-
Matt

Didn't take long for this one...

Earlier today, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts filed a lawsuit against the United Stated Government on the Constitutionality of The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Historically speaking, marriage has been defined as between one man and one woman. The federal government grants over 200 separate privileges to married couples, from real estate and property rights, healthcare decision making, tax breaks and other similar benefits. Massachusetts is the first to file suit contesting the constitutionality of DOMA. I predicted this would happen shortly after California's Prop 8 decision.

In contemporary times, we have seen a harsh battle between the Religious Right and the Liberal Left on the issue of gay marriage. Leviticus vs 1 Corinthians 13. How can a book so disputed and yes, controversial be actually used in thie debate? Yes, I am aware that God "created" Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. We are bringing religious bias into a question of equal or not. Now, DOMA does not provide for a religious interpretation, not does it use any type of religious citation in its text. This is not and cannot be approached as a Religious Freedoms/Separation of Church and State question. This must be viewed in a context of Equal Protection.

As section 1 of the Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution states "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." Many of you could argue that this does not deprive life, liberty or property. It's just marriage...is it not? What's next? As some comments on Yahoo's discussion boards tonight have suggested, gays should be killed, gays should stop protesting, gays should never be teachers. Come on folks! This are real people, just like you and me. To deny them any rights on the basis of their sexual orientation is just wrong. The way I see it, either abolish all tax breaks and legal rights for married couples, or recognize and ALLOW gay marriage to happen.

Going along the logic of my fire and brimstone counterparts, I guess all of the antiabortion protesters need to stop "pushing their agenda". Even as a medical professional, I find the images of a dead fetus disturbing. Especially when I'm returning home on a Sunday morning from getting a newspaper and a cup of coffee...seriously, did I really need to see an enlarged picture of a dead fetus with "Babies Killed Here" on a picket sign in front of my local hospital? This is about COMMON SENSE. It's a good read too, I think Thomas Paine had a good start...

As I hinted at in my Separate but Equal post in June, it is my firm belief that Brown v Board's decision has been reversed, and that separate, in the minds of the religious right, is indeed equal. This has become an argument that will inevitably become a David vs Goliath affair (pun intended). We have failed to love our fellow man, our fellow man is "not created equal", and we sure as hell don't seem to have unalienable rights.

Yes, this may be a bit liberal for many of you to stomach, and frankly, I welcome commentary on this. I ask for CIVILITY and MATURITY. Calling someone a "fuckhead" because they don't think the same way you do will not be tolerated.

So, everyone, what's the next step? Is this one step forward, or two steps back? Will equality or religiosity reign?