Blast from the Past

The following is something I posted from 2003. Enjoy.

March 19, 2003 - 4:42 am

Ok, I've had a lot of thoughts invading my head in recent days, and also for the past months. I had a rather emotional talk with Ashley about some of this last night, but the topic of my ISS class brought it into my main focus once again. Before I continue, I have to point out that this is my journal and I am simply stating my opinion, though I do feel very strongly about a lot of this.

I will open with a question - Did you know that Americans consumed / are consuming more than the total sum of every person ever on earth combined? Does this surprise you? Well, no mater what, does this possibly make you wonder why Americans are looked down on world-wide? I just don't see how it is possible for people in the US to be so greedy. This is my opinion - if people in the '50s were happier with less possessions, why can't we do the same??? Americans, yes, YOU and I have to do something! There are thousands of things that can be done every day to pull your weight. Why is it that Americans base their view of status on possessions and/or wealth? Isn't status something that should be based solely on happiness? Someone that is happy is without a doubt better off than someone with a new BMW X5 and a 5,000 square foot house - just rediculous. With the money people spend on excessive things they don't need, they could donate it to someone who truly needs it... you may say that its bullshit, but if that money was given to a poor family, they could send their son or daughter to college or, more importantly sometimes, feed their family... ANYTHING would be better than you getting that SUV (that you won't use for it's purpose, except maybe once in it's lifetime) with leather, seat warmers, and the rest of that absolutely worthless SHIT! Yes, some of you may think I'm a hypocrate, but at least I'm knowledgeable of these problems with society and am willing to change my ways to help. I think I'd be more of a hypocrate to acknowledge what is happening and NOT do something. we wonder why the rest of the world hates us... HA! Its OBVIOUS! It makes me sad to the point of feeling sick to see how many people think they can do whatever they want with their money and it won't effect anyone... well, obviously they're WRONG! Something... SOMETHING needs to be done! Yep, take your SUV (which is the perfect symbol for American wastefulness) and shove it up your ass! Everyone needs to do their part! I'm going to do mine, so you do yours!

Ok, enough about that subject... I've vented and you all now know I'm very emotional about this subject, maybe you should be too...

The other topic we talked about, one which Ashley has strong feelings about, is religion. In my opinion, I think it is a good idea to baptise your child to give them a basic set of morals and life standards to live by. BUT (where Ashley and my views differ), I think that confirming your child should not be the parent's choice. Although it may do no harm to your child, why force them into a religion which they may grow to wish they weren't a part of? For example: some religions don't allow women to run the church - which I don't agree with. Why put your child into a position they may not want to be in? If they want to learn about other religions and decide they like a different one, why should they feel stuck in their current one? In my opinion, I think that God is whatever you think it is. No religion is wrong, but their beliefs may differ. I think of God as my God and for you it is your God. Everyone has God that understand their specific needs. Thus, why make someone believe something they don't?

Shit, this stuff is way too much for me. I just hope you understood me in the first place, and that you (*praying*) got something out of it! =]

Peace

Steve

Looking back on it, I am very thankful for the general education courses required by MSU. They truly opened my eyes.