TRIBALISM

Tribalism seems to be a lot in the public awareness.  We read about tribal conflicts in both the Middle East and also in Africa.  We pride ourselves in being beyond that.  We are, for the most part, a culture following the "rule of law" rather than pursuing revenge to save the honor of our group.  However, with the ability to get news from a news organization I agree with, I am purposefully limiting my exposure to a specific viewpoint.  In addition, my twitter account tends to follow those I agree with.  I send my kids to a school that teaches what I believe, and attend a church whose doctrine I find least offensive.  There's nothing wrong with any of that, but how do I expose myself to ideas that I might not agree with?  Aren't we increasingly becoming more diverse as a culture rather than more homogenized?  Originally, it took about one generation for assimilation.  It was common for parents to forbid their children to speak the language of their country.  Now, we encourage diversity and polarization.  We see it happening in politics, religion, and languages.  Won't we eventually fall apart as a culture?  In the meantime, if your views are different than mine, I probably won't even know it.

CONCEALED CARRY

Is it my imagination, or do those who carry a concealed weapon have a higher than normal amount of paranoia?  Reading some of the internet comments in concealed carry chat rooms, you get the impression that the bad guy can jump out at you at any time, and you had better be prepared.  Granted, it could happen, but so could any number of mishaps.  So far I have never been in a situation where I wished I had a weapon.  That's not unusual, since I am not a police officer, and I try to avoid going into risky situations that might compromise my ability to stay alive.  However I have no problem with those who do carry, because I strongly believe that the 2nd amendment gives them that right.  We also need to remember that good guys who carry are on our side.  Our recent shooting at Clackamas Town Center demonstrated that.  The gunman commited suicide once he was confronted by a private citizen with a gun.  We couldn't ask for a better outcome.  Actually I feel safer in public if I am aware that there are those among us who could respond to that type of threat.  There seems to be an unusual fear of guns in the more populated areas.  That will surely increase as our culture (except for the criminals) has less and less experience around guns.  Familarity with guns brings respect and less fear.  Unfamilarity with guns causes fear and unfounded paranoia.  May every parent teach their child the proper use of guns.  May every gun owner excercise secure storage and access to his weapons.

Here is what happens if you try to rob the wrong diner.  If you are going to use a gun, make sure you are entering a gun free zone.

FORKS OVER KNIVES

Recently Lin and I watched this video.  It is available on Hulu at no cost.  Basically they emphasize the advantages of a plant based diet.  I suggest you watch it and take from it what fits your goals.  Those in the video are totally vegan.  In other words, they eat no meat of any kind including fish, and no dairy products.  I like the plant based emphasis, but their logic to avoid fish and chicken doesn't hold up.  Also, there is no way I'll give up eating a reasonable amount of dairy.  The most compelling information on this video is what happens when a country's diet starts trending toward the fast food of the developed nations.  Consequently, Lin and I are a lot more aware of the advantages of plant based eating, and the importance of moderating our intake of foods such as red meat, milk, cheese, and concentrated sweets.  Watch the video, and tell me your impressions.

ON BEING SICK

After lying around half the day walking around in my socks and talking with a really deep voice I have finally decided to relax and spend time on twitter, instagram, and blogging.  No reason to feel guilty.  Working outside just makes a head cold more miserable.  The best part is Lin feeling sorry for me and bringing me special treats, like blended carrot/apple/lemon.  I had to eat it with a spoon.  Now she is making coffeecake muffins. 

We listened to This American Life on OPB.  Most of their human interest stories seem to dwell on someone trying to find answers to life's deep questions.  I sit here listening, and think, "I know the answer to that."  Why does every generation have to find it out for themselves?  It might be nice if when we hit age 21 they put a helmet on our head with all kinds of wires running over to a giant computer and remove all the mush and insert wisdom.  That would be a nice way to grow up.

 Unfortunately the answers to the deep questions still have to be mined.  I'm reminded of the parable about the man who found a great treasure and sold all he had so he could purchase the field in which it was buried.  I think Jesus was saying that deep truths have to be sought out with great effort.  We need to put aside our personal preferences and get serious about it.