Mission Statement of The Deceived

"Our goal is to see the world through eyes well clouded; To speak with little knowledge; To stand against anyone who thinks differently; And to defend our actions, words and cause with the implication of narrow mindedness."


When I hear of organizations created to bring about "freedom" for this group or another, I immediately think of the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr., and Rosa Parks. The next to last thing I think about are Christians. The absolute last thing I think of are homosexuals or transgendered folk.


However, just a few days ago, I was introduced to a group known as Soulforce. Now, because of this group, my whole perspective has changed.


For instance, I do not believe that any person should be denied the Word of God. I don't believe it's a good idea for any person to be barred from church attendance. I don't believe that any church should be central to violating an individuals constitutional rights. For that matter, I don't believe in constitutional rights being violated at all.

I only bring this up because on November 11, 2008, the First Baptist Church in Jackson, TN did perhaps the greatest disservice to the Christian faith they could have done: They denied entrance to a group of homosexuals invited to the concert taking place at that church.

In fact, all over America, homosexuals and transgendered folks are shunned, demonized and discriminated against in many ways. Denied jobs, church attendance, homes and more, they truly have had a very hard time living- Let alone living it well.

Thus, it is for this reason that the opening statement fits First Baptist Church, and any other that does the same.


HOWEVER---

Using the same example, any group that calls ahead of time to announce their planned presence at a function hosted by a person or persons decidedly against their movement invites this trouble. Why, exactly, would a group do this? Well... Ask Soulforce.

According to their vision statement, they are for freedom for homosexual and transgendered people "through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance." This sounds great! After all, why shouldn't they be able to go where they want to go and do what they want to do- Within reason, of course.
Unfortunately, they shut their eyes tightly for this part, left out intentionally: "from religious and political oppression."
Oops, hold on a moment! What about other forms of oppression? Are these groups held back only by religious and political means? What about independent, personal bias?

Apparently, Soulforce seems to believe that all kinds of negativity towards homosexuals and transgendered originates with "religious bigotry." Note the quotations. This is the full statement, taken from their mission: "The mission of Soulforce is to cut off homophobia at its source -- religious bigotry." They go on to say their style is intended to "connect the dots between anti-gay religious dogma and the resulting attacks on the lives and civil liberties of LGBT Americans."


Hold up for a moment, folks. I have no issue with ya'll wishing to be employed equally and insured equally. But since when is it all right to oppress me in an effort to stop your oppression?!

Let me just give you an example.

For centuries, the term "Marriage" has been considered holy- It's part of the traditional vows, for crying out loud. Lately however, these groups wish to reinvent the term. Why? "Civil Union" covers everything necessary legally, and simultaneously keeps the term marriage sacred. Someone very close to me, who is homosexual, has himself stated the whole marriage debate is a dead issue carried on by "scream queens." (Direct quote)

Here's the thing. Soulforce and other such groups want heterosexuals to accept them and treat them as equals. Folks, if you want to be treated equally, quite screaming for special consideration! Honestly, I know I'd be more than willing to take on the cause of equal rights if there wasn't this insatiable need for special treatment.


To any Christians reading this with a suspended sense of disbelief, or straight up outrage, listen to me:

These folks are so deceived, they firmly believe they are completely in the right. Sadly, they ARE right when it comes to the idea of religious bigotry, and this is our fault. We know they're in sin, we know they're in trouble, we know they're drowning, and yet we're keeping them from entering a "house of God?!"


To any homosexuals or transgendered reading this with anger and/or outrage, listen to me:

I speak from my own convictions, which are, at the moment, MY constitutional right to hold and voice. It is my opinion that you are wrong. Nevertheless, I'll defend it, because I believe THAT is right.


Having said this, let me simply put words to my next couple of thoughts and sign out.


If you at Soulforce wish to be accepted by those who are "religious," perhaps you shouldn't attack us so often.

If you fellow Christians want for homosexual and transgendered activists to stop oppressing us, then perhaps you should begin practicing what Christ practiced.

That is all.... For now.

The Proposed Porn Industry Bailout- Take Two

So Larry Flint feels that though his empire of filth isn't floundering, he needs some of our tax dollars. The Girls Gone Wild camp thought the same basic thing and joined in with the begging. I don't know about any of you, but I really am not interested in seeing money I pay to protect myself and my family go to aid an industry partially responsible for it's destruction.

Earlier, I said I'd leave the moral aspect out of it for awhile. Now, I'm going to bring it back into the picture.

This industry twists the perceptions of men and women. Their views on sex, on physical appearance, on the definition of "freedom." And yet here these two men are, acting as the protectors of the people and purveyors of the general health.
Does this seem wrong to anyone? Anyone at all willing to stand up, even in spite of their own misdeeds, and speak against this?


I am. I am perhaps the worst consumer I know. However, because of this, I can speak truthfully about what it is and what it does. Therefore, I intend to do just that.



Pornography is a visual stimulus that causes the mind to produce a chemical into the bloodstream that causes two things- A heightened drive and higher probability of mental imprinting. The more it is released into the brain, the more the visuals are imprinted and the more that happens, the more stimulation is needed to elicit the same reaction.
This is not something that effects only me. The truth is, it effects everyone in this same manner but to varying degrees.

The fact that more and more is needed to generate the same response is what eventually leads some people to potentially violent and often repeated sexual offenses. Not everyone responds in such a manner- However, the fact that enough do to create these statistics should cause every American's eyebrow to raise.


And now, two of the most influential men in this industry are requesting a portion of our tax money to keep it rolling.
I would like to challenge every American that does read this to do one thing- Make sure you let your reps know exactly how you feel on this matter.


If I come up with anything else, I'll be sure to post up, but in the meantime, I'm signing out.save

Porn, the US and Bailouts... WHAT?!

According to the AAP, the Porn industry in the United States is seeking a $7 BILLION bailout... Even though they are not in danger of collapse.


Does ANYONE else see a PROBLEM HERE?!



Listen, I for one would love to see it fall apart- I don't care what ANYONE says, it is responsible for more failed marriages, more rapes, more sexual assaults, more sexual degradation then any other source I know. And I do know from personal experience, thank you very much.

According to a poll done in the NINETIES (!!!!) more violent offenders credited pornography with the increase in their appetite- More to the point, their lack of satisfaction with "ordinary" sex and the need for something greater. This was nearly ten years ago, and it has NOT gotten any better.


Larry "I-Challenge-God" Flint and Joe "She-Wasn't-Eighteen?" Francis both went to the Senate seeking aids... Um, sorry- Aid, as in financial. They say that "Congress [should] rejuvenate the sexual appetite of America." And the only way to do this is by "...supporting the adult industry and doing it quickly."

Let's just leave the moral aspect out of this for the time being, okay? First off, why the HELL is the government responsible for our sex lives?! When was pornographic material a part of every American's sex life?
Let me just ask one question of every reader: WHY would you WANT the government funding your sex life, or the lack thereof, if you believe the fap boys?


I have plenty more to say about this, but I'm not going to continue blogging pissed- Make no mistake, though. More will follow!

How Dare WE... (Part 3 of 3)

How dare we call ourselves Americans?

Or, perhaps the real question should be:

How dare we act as though we don't give a damn for three years, only to pretend as though we really care about politics every fourth year?


Listen. This series has not been against blacks, or whites, or republicans or democrats or purple people eaters. It has been a call to action to those who would otherwise not be interested in what goes on in the upper echelons of our government. To those who cry about what our government does, but who don't care enough to actually check out the candidates. Those who'd simply take each candidate at their word, then spend the next four years complaining only to start the cycle all over again.

These men and their running mates are not perfect, nor will any candidate ever be. They are not outsiders, like they would have you believe. They are not going to bring any kind of change or hope or glory to this nation on their own, and that much is certain.
Obama uses wonderful catchphrases, like "change" and "hope." McCain says "country first." Frankly, the only change we'll see is to the history book, no matter how this election turns out. Either we'll have the first black president, or the first woman vice-president. Let's not make this about the history book.

Look at McCain. A skilled leader. Not a skilled orator, but certainly one who speaks his mind. Who refuses to allow anyone else but himself define who he is. A prisoner of war, and a servant to the nation.
Now, look at him again. He speaks out of turn. He has defined himself as two-faced on many occasions. He was certainly a prisoner of war, but he also showed reckless disregard for his post prior to his imprisonment. He has said himself that he has been an imperfect servant.

Look at Obama. A skilled leader. A gifted orator. A soldier in his own kind of war- A war against inequality and discrimination. A man who has remained married to one woman, and who claims moral and ethical standing.
Look at him again. He never seems to speak unless from a script. Two-faced. A certain recklessness towards his constituants and a lack of scruples regarding his allies. A victim of discrimination, certainly, but one who uses his heritage to his political advantage as well.


Through the course of this series, I have recieved countless attacks ranging from race-baiting to a lack of patriotism to racism to full blown communism. It is amazing how quickly people respond personally when one points out their inconsistancy. It is also amazing how folks who react violently to radicalism, in example, often respond in kind. Some folks get extreme when you point out a problem they may have.


Some folks have actually employed conversation in their responses to me. They want to know my views. They want to know my background. Strangely enough, these questions fall into what I was going to be talking about now.
I grew up in an area with a high caucasian population. There were very few blacks in my town, but I was raised to believe that all folks are equal, no matter how they look. It was originally taught because of a disabled vet I insulted at four years old. However, as I grew older, I began to understand that skin color is not a disability, but beauty. Just as we all have hair, our skin color is nothing more than pure external beauty.
I realized that disliking someone based upon skin color is equal to disliking someone because their large intestine has an extra coil. Or because their hearts are slightly larger. Or because their tongue is a bit longer.
Conversely, LIKING someone for any of these reasons makes about as much sense.

I took a liking to politics when I was twelve, and I've kept up with it. I've got countless newspaper articles on various events throughout our country that I've kept and stored and refer back to. I do not refer to these to concentrate on the negative, but to always keep a balanced objective. Politicians would like us to develop amnesia every four years, and far too often they get their way.
Not with me. I cannot be lied to regarding their voting records because I know it. I cannot be lied to regarding their public life, because I've kept up with it. The only thing I may be lied to about is someone's personal life- And there are usually ways to learn the truth about even that if one digs deep enough.

THAT is what this has been about. THAT is why I encourage the American people to DIG. So they cannot be lied to and taken in. My heritage is a mix of Indian and French, and I do have American-Africans in my direct ancestory. I see the things this government has done to my Native people in history. I see the same things regarding other peoples- Not just my own heritage but others as well.
Every major betrayal in the history of this nation has come about because someone or many someones refused to do any research about the person they were dealing with. Why, I wonder, do the people of our present day refuse to research? Answer- They have forgotten their history, and as the saying goes: Those who forget their history are doomed to repeat it.


To get past racism in this country, there must be an agreement at ignorance; That is, while not forgetting the history of what has occurred, we must make a conscious effort to not associate it with the hurt of that history. This is just as much a necessity for whites as for blacks.
The problem is, as has been stated, there will always be those extreme groups who refuse to get along. We as a nation, apart from these groups, must unite against them- We must NOT allow these small groups to set the tone for the whole of our nation.


When it comes to the upcoming elections, we need to realize that there is more at stake than the presidency. There are local elections, for instance, which affect change at a local level. To be so caught up in the history or charisma of either candidate that one ignores everything else is to perpetuate the wrong kind of ignorance- The kind that got us to this point in the first place.

In my honest opinion, neither of these men DESERVE the presidency. BOTH have shown themselves to have more of their own whims at heart. So who do I personally support? To be honest, no one.


I'll be voting for McCain for president, but not because I support him- I simply disagree with him on issues that concern me less than Obama.
For example, I want someone to go after the medical providers that gouge their prices so the price of health care rises. I do not WANT a government solution that caps the doctors, because there will never be a decent procedure done in this country again.

However, when it comes to local elections, I'll be voting for John Lynch for governor. I agree more with him on issues than his Republican counterpart.

The point is, I vote issues, and I harbor a firm hope that one day most of us will.

I am an American, and I am proud to be so. My pride is only overshadowed by those who are more than happy to be Apathetican.


What are you?