My 4-year-old rules the roost!

What is wrong with parents? There's a goofy couple in Mesquite who are allowing their 4-year-old to sit in alternative classes because they won't cut the kid's hair. And they're griping about the school district because, "they care more about his hair than they do his education."

The clueless parents of this child say, "The school cannot give us an honest reason why we should force him to cut his hair." Sure they can and did -- it's in the written school policy that a boy's hair cannot touch his collar or hang down into his eyes. The father says, "My son is being singled out. I don't know why." Well, duh! Because he's the one with the long hair!


I don't recall being asked when I was four how I'd like to wear my hair, what I'd like to put on that day, or anything else pertaining to my upbringing other than I might have a few choices on what to eat. This child's father says, "He loves his hair." Maybe so. Maybe he also likes to play in the street, jump into water over his head, play with matches, and dance around outside in lightening storms. Four-year-olds don't know what's good for them. Unfortunately for this one, neither do his parents.

"A hairy situation for 4-year-old." The Dallas Morning News; December 16, 2009; p. 1A.

Shame on you for being sober!

There is a column in the newspaper called "Workcoach." This supposed expert gives advice on getting along in the workplace. Personally, I think she's just a little bonkers.

In a recent column, a person wrote about a quandary he was experiencing. He doesn't drink alcoholic beverages. He says his office Christmas party is basically an "alcohol fest" that lasts until the wee hours of the morning at a local bar. He says that if he refuses a drink, the others want to know what's wrong with him. He doesn't want to be conspicuous.

Well duh! Get you a glass of 7-Up if you don't want to be conspicuous. Who needs to explain to a bunch of drunk clods why you're not making a fool of yourself along with them? Ms. Workcoach told him that when he was offered a drink, he should say, "I'll get something later." What's wrong with, "No, thank you"? She says he should answer inquiries with "Alcohol doesn't agree with me." What's wrong with, "I don't drink"? They're acting like being sober is something to be embarrassed and ashamed of. It's certainly a topsy-turvy world!

"Can nondrinker blend in at boozefest?" The Dallas Morning News; December 16, 2009; p. 2D.

We welcome all!

The new gay mayor of Houston, Annise Parker, says her election will "change some people's minds about the city of Houston. It's a diverse, international city that welcomes everyone."

Really? Would she welcome Osama Bin Laden to Houston? Would she welcome David Duke to Houston? Would she welcome Nidal Malik Hasan to Houston? Would she welcome Hosam Smadi to Houston? You get my drift?

"Winner focuses on job, reflects on milestone." The Dallas Morning News; December 14, 2009; p. 3A.

Who's the scapegoat?

Two Episcopal bishops recently had a debate in Dallas. Katharine Jefferts Schori is the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. Her views have stirred quite a bit of controversy -- mainly because they are anti-biblical.

When asked whether or not non-Christians go to heaven, she said, "It's not up to us to say this person's out of heaven. It's up to God." While that is true as far as it goes, I can unequivocally say that non-Christians do not go to heaven. It is up to God, and He said they won't. Jesus Christ is the only way.

Schori further stated that there is ". . .an ancient human desire to find a scapegoat, with the familiar targets in this society right now being Muslims and immigrants and gay people." Is Schori not making scapegoats of those who understand that we are at war with Muslims, and that their tenets include destroying all those who don't believe as they do? Is Schori not making scapegoats of those who understand that illegal immigration is costing this country millions in crime and welfare benefits? Is Schori not making scapegoats of those who understand that God said homosexuality was an abomination, and that He has historically destroyed countries who accept it?

She says, "Jesus' own witness is to continually reject that kind of response, for it always ends in violence and diminution of life." The Jesus I read about warned against false religions and gods. The Jesus I read about commanded us to obey the law. The Jesus I read about condemned immorality. Jesus' own witness, as far as I can see, is to stand up against that which is wrong -- and sometimes that means being politically incorrect.

As far as targets are concerned, I see more Christians than any other group. They are continually labelled as ignorant and dogmatic, and there is a concerted effort to shut them up through myriad frivolous lawsuits. So who is really the scapegoat?

"No fireworks at bishops' debate." The Dallas Morning News; December 13, 2009; p. 9B.

Comprehension Problems?

Yet another Miranda warning case has made its way to the Supreme Court. Kevin Dwayne Powell says his Miranda warning wasn't explicit enough -- that he was not advised that he could have an attorney present while being interrogated by police. Yet Kenneth signed a Miranda statement that says, "You have the right to talk to a lawyer before answering any of our questions. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed for you without cost and before any questioning. You have the right to use any of these rights at any time you want during this interrogation."

Powell's conviction for illegal possession of a firearm was overturned by the Florida Supreme Court who agreed with him that the Tampa Police didn't adequately convey to him that he could have a lawyer. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer said, "Aren't you supposed to tell this person . . . you have a right to have the lawyer with you during interrogation? . . . And I just wonder, where does it say in this warning, you have the right to have the lawyer with you during the interrogation?" Is this man reading the same thing I am? How do you get more explicit than "You have the right to use any of these rights at any time you want during this interrogation"?

I understand a con trying to get an overturned conviction on any grounds he can, but what is the matter with these judges? We need some judges who can read!

"A rewrite for Miranda rights?" The Dallas Morning News; December 8, 2009; p. 10A.

How to Get Out of a DUI Blood Test

Be a big shot pro golfer with multiple mistresses. The Florida trooper who investigated the Tiger Woods accident suspected DUI. He asked for a subpoena for a blood test. Prosecutors rejected his request despite a witness' statement that Tiger had been drinking and had been prescribed Ambien and Vicodin. They rejected it despite the fact that Tiger was obviously not in control of his vehicle and was unresponsive when the trooper arrived. I suspect had it been Joe Ordinary Citizen, a subpoena for blood test results would have been a routine matter.

"Trooper suspected DUI violation." The Dallas Morning News; December 8, 2009; p. 5C.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

A very Merry Christmas to all of you! May you enjoy a wonderful day of fun and togetherness with your family and friends. And may we all remember the reason for the season!

"For unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord."