Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Do you have to turn yourself into an archetype to have people read your blog?
Not sure. My blog is scattered and not many people read it. Hmm... i need more evidence.
Monday, February 18, 2008
interesting quote...
“I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by Him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart the purposes of God in their salvation, and weaken that influence they could give to their leaders, did they know for themselves, by the revelations of Jesus, that they are led in the right way. Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not.” (Journal of Discourses, 9:150 [quoted by James E. Faust, “Continuous Revelation,” Ensign, Nov 1989, 8].)
- Brigham Young
- Brigham Young
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Letter to my father-in-law
Dad,
Here are some links for you about Obama. I know you were interested in learning more about him, so I thought I might send you some information and save you the time of seeking them out. I know you will disagree with him on many points, but hopefully he may prove himself as a potential candidate. I agree with him on many points. Of course, there are some policies I agree with more than others, but ultimately, I think that Obama symbolizes the deep need for change that currently pervades the hearts of the majority of citizens. In my mind, it's not about conservative or liberal. I, like Bonner, believe that a well-rounded leader (or organization for that matter) will reflect a balance of conserving policies and progressive policies that seek to disrupt the status quo. With that said, then, true leadership rests on sensibilities and the ability of the individual to make correct choices concerning potential consequences. Many times, a high moral character denotes sober-minded sensibilities. Nonetheless, in my opinion, some of the greatest atrocities performed have been acted out in the name of religion. Religion does not determine goodness. Goodness, however, does breathe life into a potentially hollow dogmatic vessel (think: the law of moses). Obama seems like a religious man. He also seems like a good man. Appearances can be deceiving (especially with a carefully calculated media spin), but I think there is a humility and strength of character innate to Obama's character. I feel that I live in a country in profound need of healing. Political pundits (on both sides of the fence --- the idea of a dichotomous fence itself is indicative of the divide) have greatly compartmentalized the interests of the nation and citizens into two overwhelmingly narrow categories. Yer either one of dem' liberals or one of dem' conservatives. All titles feel ill-fitting to me, but none as much as the shallow, and ultimately meaningless, titles of liberal and conservative. I am not a chess piece. Emotive arguments and divisive rhetoric fail to move me. The same people who blast Michael Moore for making slanted documentaries subscribe religiously to the propaganda spouted by figures such as Limbaugh, O' Reilly, and Hannity. I'd like to think that I prescribe to my conscience.
Here are some links for you about Obama. I know you were interested in learning more about him, so I thought I might send you some information and save you the time of seeking them out. I know you will disagree with him on many points, but hopefully he may prove himself as a potential candidate. I agree with him on many points. Of course, there are some policies I agree with more than others, but ultimately, I think that Obama symbolizes the deep need for change that currently pervades the hearts of the majority of citizens. In my mind, it's not about conservative or liberal. I, like Bonner, believe that a well-rounded leader (or organization for that matter) will reflect a balance of conserving policies and progressive policies that seek to disrupt the status quo. With that said, then, true leadership rests on sensibilities and the ability of the individual to make correct choices concerning potential consequences. Many times, a high moral character denotes sober-minded sensibilities. Nonetheless, in my opinion, some of the greatest atrocities performed have been acted out in the name of religion. Religion does not determine goodness. Goodness, however, does breathe life into a potentially hollow dogmatic vessel (think: the law of moses). Obama seems like a religious man. He also seems like a good man. Appearances can be deceiving (especially with a carefully calculated media spin), but I think there is a humility and strength of character innate to Obama's character. I feel that I live in a country in profound need of healing. Political pundits (on both sides of the fence --- the idea of a dichotomous fence itself is indicative of the divide) have greatly compartmentalized the interests of the nation and citizens into two overwhelmingly narrow categories. Yer either one of dem' liberals or one of dem' conservatives. All titles feel ill-fitting to me, but none as much as the shallow, and ultimately meaningless, titles of liberal and conservative. I am not a chess piece. Emotive arguments and divisive rhetoric fail to move me. The same people who blast Michael Moore for making slanted documentaries subscribe religiously to the propaganda spouted by figures such as Limbaugh, O' Reilly, and Hannity. I'd like to think that I prescribe to my conscience.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Harry Reid said it...
It is not uncommon for members of the Church to ask how I can be a Mormon and a Democrat. Some say my party affiliation puts me in the minority of our Church members. But my answer is that if you look at the Church membership over the years, Democrats have not always been the minority, and I believe we won't be for long. I also say that my faith and political beliefs are deeply intertwined. I am a Democrat because I am a Mormon, not in spite of it.
- Harry Reid
- Harry Reid
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Mao Looking At Duchamp's 'Fountain'
In this picture, Mao views Marcel Duchamp's 'Fountain'. Priceless.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Article on 'The Sonosopher' in the College Times
Click on image to enlarge. For more information on our documentary project, feel free to visit our blogs: http://thesonosopher.blogspot.com and http://mannerofoperation.blogspot.com.
Friday, February 08, 2008
More evidence of a strange phenomenon in Utah?
With Mitt Romney out of the presidential race, who might the Mormon faithful back?
Of course, the Church is officially neutral on political candidates and parties (thank goodness). But let's be honest, Romney's failed attempt at the presidency has got to upset a lot of Latter-day Saints, who overwhelming backed Romney (at least in Utah), and who seem to not be very fond of John McCain or Mike Huckabee, not to mention Hillary Clinton.
But Latter-day Saints I have talked to have a fairly favorable view of another presidential candidate: Barack Obama.
(More...)
Of course, the Church is officially neutral on political candidates and parties (thank goodness). But let's be honest, Romney's failed attempt at the presidency has got to upset a lot of Latter-day Saints, who overwhelming backed Romney (at least in Utah), and who seem to not be very fond of John McCain or Mike Huckabee, not to mention Hillary Clinton.
But Latter-day Saints I have talked to have a fairly favorable view of another presidential candidate: Barack Obama.
(More...)
From NPR...What is the world coming to? :)
2008 Headline: Utah Goes for Obama?!?! Something very, very strange is happening in Utah. And I don't mean polygamy or the liquor laws.
Some of Utah's smartest political prognosticators say Mitt Romney's exit from the Republican presidential campaign could have many Utahns, including Mormon Republicans, crossing the political no-man's land and voting for Democrat Barack Obama in November.
This is no joke. And there's polling that backs up what seems like an unlikely scenario.
It seems unlikely because Utah is often described as the most Republican state in the nation. There are so few Democrats in the state Senate that the Senate Democratic Caucus could meet in a mini-van.
Utah is also 60% Mormon and a Mormon apostle once told the faithful it's not possible to be a good Mormon AND a Democrat. It wasn't until 1978 that Mormon leaders dispensed with a belief that kept African-American males out of the Mormon priesthood, something every other worthy Mormon male easily attained.
(More...)
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
New LDS President Announced...
E-mailed to me today...
Thomas S. Monson is the new president of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, it was announced today at a news conference in the
Church Office Building. President Monson, 80, succeeds President Gordon B.
Hinckley, who died 27 January 2008.
The new world leader of the Church
has called to serve with him in the First Presidency, the top governing
body of the 13-million-member faith, President Henry B. Eyring,
74, first counselor, and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 67, second
counselor.
Thomas S. Monson is the new president of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, it was announced today at a news conference in the
Church Office Building. President Monson, 80, succeeds President Gordon B.
Hinckley, who died 27 January 2008.
The new world leader of the Church
has called to serve with him in the First Presidency, the top governing
body of the 13-million-member faith, President Henry B. Eyring,
74, first counselor, and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 67, second
counselor.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
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