Posts
Well, its been a while since a blog was posted, but that just makes a new blog even more exciting and refreshing, right? After all, at this point we are only the 2,245,687 smallest blog in New York State alone! But its all in the spirit right? Ok, time to curb the sarcasm (even though it has us all laughing inside) and to focus in on some current events.
To enter some sentimental thoughts first, Christmas has officially passed and so have the frenzied shopping sprees, parties, visiting relatives and friends (no, they haven't actually passed...) and the celebration of blessed and holy events of this time of year. This marks the first year that the majority of my shopping was done online and I have officially entered the manly (aka: lazy) world of sitting at a computer and looking at nice pictures, deciding all the while whether someone I know will like a certain gift judging from the beautiful picture. Other years I've simply realized that its a matter of days until Christmas and I have spent three hours or so going to the bank, withdrawing money and then buying all the presents I need at once. Not any more, my friends! This Christmas my shopping was done at least a week before Christmas! (a new record) Honestly though, still trying to get to a serious note here, I had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed the blessings of family, food and fun.
But now we're leaving the Christmas season behind us as we gird ourselves for a new and exciting year. In fact, even while we prepare for the said twelvemonth, it is starting to pick up speed. And with time going by quicker each day the small events add up quicker.
Of course one big event this month is the inauguration of our forty-fourth president, Barack Obama. I realize that many people intensely dislike Obama or at least what he stands for and brings with him, but at this time he has been elected our leader, like it or not, and it is indeed a historic moment for our country to elect its first African American president. We must lift him up in our prayers, for him to have wisdom as he leads us and protection while he carries out his duties. It is certainly our duty to oppose his decisions that we disagree with but he is our leader and as such we must respect him.
To shift our focus to another part of the world (I know, were moving a lot here, but bear with me) the middle east has suddenly become a household word again. It seems like the military tensions never end here, and maybe they never will, but once again it has come to force as Israel is extending its indomitable military arms over the Gaza strip. From what has been gathered, which is still very muddled and incomplete, Israel's violent actions seem to be in retaliation to the constant threat and actual firing of missiles across the Israeli border by hidden militants. Few Israelis have been hit but the number was enough to set the country on the warpath again. It doesn't surprise me. Some folks have had the audacity to say that Israel's attack was not in proportion but I ask you, what is a proportionate response for these terrorists that never rest in their war against the west? They hide in civilians homes, refuse to stop fighting, and remain illusive and out of grasp. If Hamas and the terrorists causing Israel harm came out to fight in the open do you think Israel would go on bombing civilian territories? I should say not! Unless I am gravely mistaken it is not Israel's way or intention to attack civilians. They only wish to be left alone. If that weren't the case they could have gone far by now in the way of conquest, but they simply wish to live safe peaceful lives, as do many of the subjects of their enemies across their borders. Nevertheless, they are not afraid to strike and if they had been bent on attack there would have been little hope for some if not all of their neighbors. However, as it now stands Israel is again being attacked by a shameful enemy who both shoots at civilians and hides behind them. If you poke a sleeping dog in its hind end with a stick until it bleeds eventually it will turn around and bite you, not in proportion, but in whatever way it has to to make the poking stop. We cannot dictate how others should protect themselves when we are not in the same danger.
Thoughts? Opinions?
-Jaron
