The New Tasha Pt.3

Okay, okay, okay. I know what you are thinking. "Does this girl ever shut up?" Well the answer to that is, "No I don't ever shut up, but if you don't like it, tough cookies hun!" Now I will get back to my stance on certain things that are going on in this world today.

American Politicians
As I am an American, I can only speak about American politicians, but I am sure they share some similarities with politicians in many other areas of the world. The point is that I think that most all of the politicians of today are crooks. They lie. They cheat. They steal. They are out to line their pockets with as much money as they possibly can. They pass bills and try to pass bills saying that they have the best interests of the American public in mind, but in fact, they could care less about what is best for the American people or what the American people even want. For instance, take the defunding of Planned Parenthood. Republicans voted to defund a program that provides health care, sex education, and other like things to people who cannot afford it otherwise. Many of the people they provide care for reside in urban areas and tend to get over looked by the majority. Do those politicians that voted to defund Planned Parenthood and other like organizations care about that? No they don't, because if they did it would have never happened. These politician's make all these promises to get us to vote for them, and when we vote them into office, they do a complete 180. Yes, they may get some of what they promised accomplished, but for the most part, they don't. I wouldn't care if we fired them all, ran elections again, and let any person that wanted to run run. I have met people on internet forums that could do a better job than over half of the politicians out there today. It is real sad.

Illegal Immigrants
First, let's get one thing straight. I have absolutely no problem with immigrants that come into this country legally. My step-mother, step-brother, and step-sister happen to be legal immigrants from El Salvador. My problem lies with those that come to this country illegally. Don't tell me they take the jobs that Americans don't want, because that is a bunch of bullshit. The truth is they take the jobs that employers don't want to pay Americans for. Illegal immigrants don't pay taxes, they use resources, and then complain when people speak out against it or try to enforce laws regarding illegal immigration. I understand that it is hard to go about it legally, but that does not give anyone the right to a free pass. If one comes here illegally, they undermine everything those that came here legally worked hard to accomplish, and in my opinion that is just wrong! Come here legally and I have no problem with you. Our government needs to start doing its job and taking care of the illegal immigration problem as well. Just ignoring the problem is not going to make it go away, it will just make it worse.

Religious Tolerance
It is sad that people treat others different just because of their religious beliefs. Most of the world, from my point of view any way, looks down on Muslims, and it is real sad. I know a lot of Muslims that are wonderful people. Then you have certain members of the Christian religion that feel that the Christian religion is being persecuted and discriminated against, when in fact they do most of it. Most everyone looks down on Pagans (Wiccans and the like) saying that it is not a religion. I mean what does it really matter what your religious belief as long as you live your life as good as you can? Can't we all just agree to disagree on our religious beliefs? No one is really going to know who is right and who is wrong until they die anyway, so what is the point in arguing about it now?

Racism
I do no stand for racism of any kind. And just to be clear, white people, Hispanic people, Asian people, Native American people, and black people can all be victims of racism as well as racists themselves. There seems to be an open opinion in this country that white people cannot be discriminated against and that black people cannot be racists. That just so happens to be false. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr had a "dream that we would all one day be created equal". He was a smart man and if more people would actually take to heart the words he said then they would understand what he was all about. You are no better nor worse than I am just because you are a different race than I. So instead of hating someone because of the color of their skin, why not try to get to know them, and hate them for a more plausible reason?

Well I hope I have given you some insight to who I am before I start blogging on a regular basis. If you continue to read, that is great and I promise you won't be disappointed. If you decide not to read any more, I understand, and I don't hold it against you, but I will be here if you change your mind one day.

The New Tasha Pt. 2

Okay, so I basically told you my stance on a lot of things in my last entry. I am going to take a break from that. I have some goals that will enable me to not only become a better person, but get some things accomplished. I have always had a few things I wanted to do with my life, and this is the time to get them done. I am going to use this entry to state my goals. I know not many people out there read this, but I guess I write more for myself than I do you. If you are out there reading, then thank you and keep reading, but if you don't that is okay too.

Writing
Not only am I committed to keeping this blog going, but I want to finish my novel. I love to write and I have great stories to tell. I just need to stop procrastinating and get them done. Writer's block is a bitch, but I will overcome her! My novel is so freaking good in my head and I want to share it with the world, I just have to get it on paper. I will even self-publish it if I have to! I have a great start to it, and may even post the rough draft of the prologue for you all if I think about it. My goal is to hopefully have at least the rough draft done by this time next year. With two children and a husband that sometimes acts like one of my children, this may be uber hard, but I think I can do it. I also plan to add at least 3 new entries to this blog a week. Not too much, but not too little either. That way I can hone my writing skills in a looser environment, if you know what I mean. I may add short stories, poems, random entries like this, or essay type entries like my Gay Marriage entries. Its just going to depend on my mood at the time. Which reminds me, I need to do something about the layout of this blog. I think I will do that when I am done writing here.

Health and Fitness
I went to the doctor today. I have been having some stomach issues that my doc thinks could be my gall bladder, but that is not the point. I stepped on the scale and wanted to go hide in shame! I have been half-assed trying to lose weight for the last month, but after seeing 174 on the scale today, I decided to get to working on it hardcore. My goal is between 120 and 125, which is what I weighed when Brian and I got married. I don't think that is too outrageous to think that I can get there. I have faith in myself. Especially after the doc gave me the go ahead to cut my caloric intake to about 1200 calories a day. Not only am I going to diet, but I will also be doing some exercising as well. As of right now I am doing the Jillian Michaels Yoga vids, but I have heard good things about her 30 Day Shred so I might try that as well.

Faith and Spiritual Path
I don't know if I have told you all this yet, but I am Pagan. I am very happy with my faith and spiritual path, but I have to say that I have not given it the "devotion" it deserves. This year is going to be different. I am going to take time everyday to my own religious reflections. Even if it is just meditation, I think that will be good enough. I am going to take time during each of the Esbats and Sabbats to reflect as well. And this year at Yule, I will even burn a yule log. I am going to develop my relationship with the Goddess more so than I already have. This is more for me and my well being (spiritually) than it is anyone else, but I still feel it needs to be said. I also think that it may help me with my slight temper problem.

Politics and the World beyond my backyard
I am going to take more of an interest in politics and the world around me as well. My kids aren't going to be kids forever. I don't want to send them out into a world that I didn't at least try to make a difference in. I am going to go further with my recycling. I am going to be a more informed voter (not that I wasn't already). I am going to watch, donate and help others in any way I can. Even if it is just getting their story out. Sometimes even if you cannot do anything but get a story out there, that is enough to get others to do something. Remember that the world is bigger than just your backyard!

School
I am going to go back to school this year. I want a college education. I have already decided to go back and do a Biotechnology course (heavy in the chemistry department just because I LOVE chemistry). I plan to at least start in the fall. So keep your fingers crossed that I don't fall flat on my face in this endeavor!

Well for now, I am going to leave all of you to your own devices. I shall add Part 3 to The New Tasha tomorrow (hopefully), so keep an eye out for that! Good night! And remember as Les Brown said, "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you will land among the stars!"

The New Tasha Pt. 1

I guess the title is somewhat deceptive. This really isn't about the new me. I have always been this way. I have just decided that I am no longer going to care what other people think when I express my opinion.
In the past few weeks, I have had several people say things to me, that were not only pretty hateful, but made me do a lot of thinking. These several people were looking down on me for expressing my beliefs and feelings. I have decided that I am no longer going to take any of it! This is who I am. I am damn proud and happy of who I am. My husband, while he may not always agree with me, is proud of who I am. My mother is proud of who I am, and I am sure there are others, but they have not expressly told me that they are proud of me. Therefore, with the most important people standing by my side, I am going to speak out. I am going to let the world know who I am and that I don't care what they think of me!

First and foremost, I am a mother. And a damn good one at that. My children are among the most important people in my life. I constantly and consistently put my children before myself. Their happiness is my happiness.
That said, let's get down to the nitty gritty. The rest of my stances on things are bound to piss some people off, but guess what? I could really care less. As long as I am happy with myself, why should I care what anyone else thinks?
Homosexuality
I think I have made it very clear where I stand on homosexuality, but just in case you missed the memo, I am very pro-love! I think that every person deserves the same respect. Everyone should be allowed to love the person they love without ridicule. A man should be allowed to love another man. A woman should be allowed to love another woman. If you are against homosexuals, fine, but to speak out against them when their homosexuality does not directly affect you is just asinine.
Abortion
I am pro-choice. But let me clarify what exactly pro-choice is for you people out ther who think that all pro-choice is pro-abortion. Pro-choice is not pro-abortion it is about the ability to make the choice. It is about the fact that no one can tell a person what they can or cannot do with their own body. I may not choose abortion for myself, but I am not going to condemn another woman for making that choice because it is her body. I can go on and on about abortion and pro choice but that is not what this blog entry is about, so I will save that for another day.
Planned Parenthood
Some of you may think that this falls under the abortion category but that is not so. Planned Parenthood provides more than just abortions. In a lot of cases it is the only access some women to have to health care and prenatal care. It is a great resource for birth control and sex education for young people who could not otherwise talk to their parents. It provides testing for STDs. It also happens to provide medical access and treatment to those with HIV/AIDS that cannot otherwise afford to go to a regular doctor or clinic. Senate (mostly votes from the Republican majority)voted to defund Planned Parenthood. Now will someone please tell me how in the world this helps?
Protests in the Middle East
For a few months now, the people of many middle eastern countries have been taking to the streets and protesting their oppressive regimes. Many may say it is none of our business. "It isn't the US so why do you care?" Well you are right, it isn't the US, but that does not even mean that we shouldn't care. I saw a video earlier today ( it has most likely since been removed) that showed several dead bodies in a row. The victims had been restrained with their hands behind their backs and then executed. These victims were protesters in Libya. They were not the first victims of the Libyan regime and mercenaries, and they weren't the last. People in these countries are being oppressed and have decided that they are unhappy. Don't you feel that they deserve the same freedoms that we have? Especially if they want them, ask for them, and came to these decisions on their own without any interference from democratic countries like the US. They deserve support. They need to know that there are people out there who support them and that are going to be there for them if they need us.

There will be more tomorrow because it is getting late and I need to get some sleep.
(To be continued....)

"This Violence Must Stop!" Pres Obama

President Obama speaks out against the turmoil in Libya. Many people are asking why he is talking about Libya instead of dealing with issues within our own country. To those people I say he has been dealing with the issues in our own country! Today he also condemned the Defense of Marriage Act, saying he would not back it and that it was unconstitutional. I may not always agree with our President, and I did not vote for him. But he is still our president and I have to commend him for speaking on these two issues. Protesters in Libya are being executed for peacefully protesting. Libyan forces are not allowing us to extracate American citizens from Libya. The people of Libya have spoken and they want to be treated like human beings! I feel that if we can help then we should! No person should be executed for standing up for their beliefs no matter where they live! To the Libyan people, I stand beside you! You deserve better than what you have! You deserve the basic rights such as freedom of speech and freedom from oppression!

I may just be a stay at home mom, but that does not mean that I shut the world around me out. That does not mean that I do not feel for these people, and other oppressed people around the world. We can no longer shut the world around us out. To make this world a better place for our children, we must do something! Stand for what you believe in. Let the powers that be know you are not happy with something if you are not happy with it. Let the powers that be know that you will not stand for oppression or denial of rights! One voice may not be heard, but if we stand together and shout as loud as we can, I assure you, someone will hear us!

DeBunked: Arguments Against Gay Marriage (Pt.2)

Now that I have had a good night's rest, I feel that I can continue what I was doing. Basically I was responding to why I feel that many arguments against Gay Marriage are wrong or how they can be disproved.

Argument Six:
"They have Civil Unions. Those are the same thing. They can just sign a piece of paper, and have it notarized saying that their partner has the rights of a spouse."
Yes, I have actually heard this argument. More specifically it was worded like this

...other than maybe like someone said on here u wouldnt b able to make important disisions about who ever u luv but something can b wrote and noterized for that there is always a loop hole some where...

I will concede that yes there are Civil Unions. And yes these do afford homosexual couples some of the same rights as married couples. But a civil union is not the same as marriage and just because the state equates the two, doesn't mean that it is right. It is basically a slap in the fact to the LGBT community by saying "Hey you can be together in the eyes of the law, but we are going to call it civil union because it isn't really marriage. That can only be between a man and a woman". A civil union is not recognized by other states as marriage is. Civil Unions are only on the state level and not recognized by the federal government either. A United States citizen who is married can sponsor his or her non-American spouse for immigration into this country. A United States citizen who is engaged in a civil union are not afforded the same rights. Filing joint tax returns? People who are married are afforded these rights, but not those who have a civil union. There are other benefits such as spousal insurance, survivor's benefits, FMLA enactment to care for a sick spouse, making medical decisions for your spouse if need be, etc. that civil unions do not provide, but marriage does. Marriage laws seem to be universal, but the rules and regulations of civil unions are not. Is it really too much to ask that LGBT persons be afforded the same rights? After all, it is a state and federal issue, not a religious institution.

Argument Seven:
"It destroys the institution of marriage."
Ha ha ha ha! No I think that people like Britney Spears who get 55-hour quickie weddings in Vegas, or Elizabeth Taylor who just announced that she would be getting married for the ninth time, have done a fine job at ruining the institution of marriage all by themselves. How can two people who love each other and have been together for years destroy the institution of marriage? That is just laughable.

Argument Eight:
"Gays shouldn't be allowed to get married because they cannot procreate."
It is real sad that some people think that marriage is only about procreation. But furthermore, there are heterosexual couples who cannot or will not have children. Should they be denied the right to marry as well? After all they are not procreating. Marriage is about more than procreating and having sex. Marriage is about spending the rest of your life with the person you love. It is about developing a relationship that was once two but now one. It is about being there for that person in their time of need. It is about loving them through thick and thin. Marriage is about a multitude of things. Procreation/children are only a part of it and not a necessary part either.

I have yet to have any one person give me a logical and fact based reasoning as to why homosexuals should not be allowed to marry. Homosexuals are people just like everyone else and deserve the same rights. I support the LGBT community with everything I have and will continue to do so!

DeBunked: Arguments Against Marriage Equality

As many already know, I am a huge proponent of homosexual marriage. I have strongly believe that homosexuals should be given the same rights as heterosexuals when it comes to marriage. With that said, I seem to hear the same arguments over and over, and quite frankly, get real sick of repeating myself over and over. So I decided to go ahead and try my hand at explaining why those theories and arguments consistently have absolutely no bearing on the institution of marriage in the first place.

Argument One:
"Gays do have equal rights. They can marry a member of the opposite sex just like I can. I can not marry a member of the same sex so this is equal."
This happens to be one of my favorite arguments. Why you ask? Because it just so happens to be one of the most asinine things that I have ever heard. When I hear this argument, I cannot help but shake my head and laugh. Those arguing this point don't take into consideration that they are not homosexual and therefore do not love a member of the same gender. The person is heterosexual and more than likely loves and wants to marry (or is already married to) a member of the opposite sex. They are not being asked to ignore the fact that they are told to be someone they are not. They are not being asked to marry a person that they don't love, or being told that they cannot marry the person they love (that also reciprocates the feelings). A homosexual couple is basically being told "I don't care if you love each other. I don't care that you have been together for thirty years. You cannot marry another man and that is not a problem because I cannot either, so it is Even Stevens." Think about it like this, if homosexuality were the norm and heterosexuality were the abnormal. You (obviously) are the heterosexual. Would you like it if you were told "I cannot marry a member of the opposite, so neither can you!" Thinking about it like that, it doesn't make much sense does it? It doesn't mean that there is equality because a heterosexual person can marry another heterosexual person because that is not the problem in question. The problem in question is the fact that you are entirely free to marry the person you love while a homosexual person is not.

Argument Two:
"If we allow Gays to marry then it will all go down hill from there. People will be allowed to marry animals, or children, or multiple partners. It will never end."
Ummm... no that is not how it works. A marriage can only be between two consenting adults. Last time I checked, animals nor children were consenting adults and could not legally sign a contract, which is what marriage is. Last time I checked multiple partners were not just two people. This argument happens to be one of the most facetious things I have ever heard. I don't even understand how one would come up with this argument in the first place. How in the world does allowing homosexual couples equate to allowing people to marry animals, children or multiple partners?

Argument Three:
"It is unnatural. A man wasn't meant to lie with another man. You don't see homosexuality in animals. Humans are the only ones with homosexual relationships."
EHHHHH Wrong. In 1999, researcher Bruce Bagemihl observed instances of homosexuality in over 1,500 species of animals ranging from primates to gut worms, 500 of which itis well documented in. And a new 2009 review noted that homosexuality was a universal phenomenon within the animal kingdom. That completely and out rightly disproves half of that argument. And as for the unnatural part, if it were unnatural, then why would it have been observed in most if not all species within the animal kingdom? Humans are basically animals, we just have intelligence and speech, but still the most basics of instincts and behaviors remain. Homosexuality is just as natural in humans as it is in the animal kingdom. It may not be observed within the majority of the members of one species, but it is observed in the species none the less.

Argument Four:
"It's against God, Allah, Yahweh, Jesus, etc. Homosexuals are against what the Bible, Torah, Quar'an, etc. teaches."
Well, if marriage were strictly a religious institution then this argument might hold weight, but guess what? It is not a strictly religious institution. Here in the U.S., we have separation of Church and State. That means that nothing the "church" says has an impact on law (unless it is the freedom of religion amendment within the Bill of Rights). Marriage, as it pertains to law, is a state issue. To be legally married you have to have a marriage license issued by the state and your marriage has to be presided over by at the very least a justice of the peace (who is not ordained by any religious institution, but allowed the rights to perform a ceremony). Religion within a marriage ceremony is strictly an optional additive. Marriage existed long before many of today's religion. In fact, marriage predates recorded history, so guess what this means? Yes, no religion of today predates recorded history, not even the neo-Pagan religions. Therefore that in it of itself is proof positive that marriage is not a religious institution.

Argument Five:
"It's gross. It's just wrong, because I am not like that."
Let's see. How in the world is that at all logical? I don't like spinach, but that does not mean I am going to start marching on Washington seeking the revocation of the legalization of spinach or other likely greens. I do not like sleeping with socks on, but that does not mean that I am going to say that no one can wear socks to bed. It think that a feather holds more weight than this argument and I am not speaking of a vacuum instance.

Now, I am sure that there are many rebuttals to what I have said, but I am not here to answer every possible rebuttal to anything and everything I say. The point is that I feel that everyone has the essential right to marry the person they love (provided that it is a legal, of age adult that is capable of making the decision legally). I feel that a friend of mine should be allowed to marry the person he loves and has been with since high school regardless of either gender. And I know there are many more arguments, but it is getting late and I need to go to bed before I start spouting nonsensical rhetoric. I will revisit this a little later.