Web Robin

Policy note about political posts

In an effort to accommodate both the people who want to avoid reading political content on the blog, and those who want to discuss political topics, I will leave only the first sentence or so on the front page and put the rest on the continuation page.

Proposition 8 – Part III

So, I come to the end of this trilogy with one thought: Why does a certain group of people want to change a definition? 

Proposition 8 - Round 2

The fireside continued with Elder Ballard mentioning the tyranny of tolerance: that those who have a different viewpoint than we do demand that we tolerantly condone their perspective, with no need for them to be tolerant of our position.  Our position must be intolerant, while their position must be enlightend.  It is all one way; very one-sided.  Actually tolerance, as stated in the first round, is loving the other person despite having a difference of opinion.  We need not be apologetic about having a standard that says what they are doing is wrong: that is not intolerant, merely a moral position.  Regardless, we can still be tolerant and loving of those with a different position.

Proposition 8 - First Round

The fireside tonight on Proposition 8 was quite good: rational thought about an emotional issue that shed light instead of heat.  The first point was that Christians are taught to love one another, i.e. everybody.  Tolerance is loving somebody, even if they do something you dont like.  Those of us with children know that they may do things we dont like, but we love them anyway -- we tolerate what they do, even if we dont condone what they do.  Being for traditional marriage is not the same as being against those who want a different definition.  We can love those who have a different life style.

Politics: Pres. Debate #2 Fact Checks

Anyone who watched last night's (fairly boring) debate might be interested in a report from NBC News about the way both candidates stretched the facts to make their point.

Maybe I'm naive, but I wish both men would have just answered the questions succinctly and stayed accurate.

Please chime in

Jeremy and I were talking about how "dead" the blog has been lately. He says he's not posting much any more because so much of what interests him is political, and I've banned the discussion of politics.

Jeremy suggested that I rescind the ban, recognizing that we are a family of strong and conflicting opinions, and that occasionally, someone will say something that bothers us. But -- we love each other, and should be able to respect our differences.

So, what do you say? Shall we open up the topic of politics again?

JibJab

This is funny and well done, imnsho.

http://lyradmin.jibjab.com/t/29946011/118469320/76855/0/

Let's keep Web Robin apolitical, please

It's pretty clear that as a group we're both opinionated and passionate about politics. It is great that many of us are actively involved in supporting various campaigns and causes.

However, from this point forward, and for the sake of family harmony and good will, please don't post articles or comments pertaining to politics (or other controversial topics) here.

If you attend an exciting rally, participate in a campaign, or want to discuss a candidate's speech or party's platform, please consider emailing the sub-group of family members who share your position. Everyone's emails are listed on the right.

I have been conflicted about making this request because I know that politics is a serious and legitimate part of our lives, particularly during election years.

I even thought of starting a separate blog called "The Unmentionables," but don't think I want to spend my free time supporting another blog.

Discourse is important, but peace among the family is more important. My request is not intended to be in response to any individual's post or comment, but a few family members have let me know that they are uncomfortable when our Web Robin conversations get controversial.

I really appreciate how supportive everyone has been about keeping this family newsletter going. We just passed our 4th birthday and I believe that having the blog helps us stay in touch, build relationships, and celebrate each other's achievements.

Contemporary Inspiration

No matter your political persuasion or alignment, I think all people should listen to the speeches of Barack Obama. I have been repeatedly impressed by his words, conduct, and ideas. I have spent time listening to his speeches on CNN and online. Never before have I been so interested by a politician that I have gone out of my way to find their words.

Never in the time of Presidents Clinton or Bush was I inspired, or stopped everything I was doing because they were coming on the television. (More likely I cringed when I saw their face appear on the screen.)
Originally I was interested because Obama was "different" he was not a white businessman, a robot spit out of America's political machine, a legislator who had inherited political clout and power because they had been born into part of a political dynasty. He is different.
The speech Yes We Can was so moving for me that I got chills and was filled with hope. Astonished by a contemporary politician that inspired me, something I had never encountered before.
Now to why I posted....

CA Primary today: I'm voting, are you?