Greets and Huggers. Posted the evening of October 27, 2006. I have a very
limited time to scan SFIG posts and write tonight's Ramblings. An interesting
and passionate debate, pro and con, about Missouri
Amendment 2. This debate by intelligent and highly trained advocates only
illustrates the obvious: Amendment 2 panders to both sides of the "cloning"
debate. Amendment 2 fails to address the real issue/question, as my Dear Friend
Mark R, questioned: "I don't think there is any question that if
Amendment 2 passes, it will not only allow, but also constitutionally protect,
the practice of creating human embryos via SCNT solely for the purpose
of stem cell research." The operative words are "human
embryos". The word "embryo" connotates a potential life in
being. History teaches we have created "embryos", manipulated the
sperm and eggs of other species for the past century. We have genetically
altered all forms of plant life. We routinely modify and create life. It would
appear, the creation of embryos is not an issue ... so is the real issue, the
creation of "human" embryos? Obviously not, since we do sanction
the creation of "human embryos" in countless fertility clinics around
our America. So, is the issue what we do with embryos? No. Aren't eggs embryos?
We eat them .... their use in research is sanctioned. Aren't they used to
make vaccines? I suppose, that leaves the base question, "What makes a
human embryo, human?" Put another way, "What makes us human?"
Once a person resolves that question, don't all other issues fall into place?
Both sides in the stem cell debate agree, using "adult" stem cells for
research, is not offensive. Although, theoretically, they could also be
used to "clone" a human being. A "true" human being ...
because the DNA used contains both male and female chromosomes. As my Dear
Friend David B opined ... "There is no difference between SCNT created
stem cells and adult stem cells, since neither come from a fertilized
egg". I would have to agree. Whether or not you believe human life begins
at conception, or birth ... isn't it the union of an egg and sperm that
generate the divine spark men call "soul"? Some believe, we are
created in the "image of God", "soul" is the
"image", which separates us from other life forms. Otherwise, what
would the difference be? Reasonable, honorable people can disagree, (and do),
about what constitutes "human life" and when it begins. Share with me
how SCNT is a substitute for the divine spark that generates a unique
"soul", special in the eyes of God? It may generate life ... but not
"soul". How that life is used ... is another matter ... isn't it?
WASHINGTON
(AP) -- Count Dracula not in the numbers, physicist says. "It may
be the season for vampires, ghosts and zombies. Just remember, they're not
real, warns physicist Costas Efthimiou ... Efthimiou takes out the calculator
to prove that if a vampire sucked one person's blood each month -- turning each
victim into an equally hungry vampire -- after a couple of years there would be
no people left, just vampires." I listen to alot of men talk about
their "blood sucking" ex-wives. This may just explain our
"blood sucking " self centered society .... triggered no doubt by the
first spouse receiving maintenance.
LAWRENCEVILLE,
Georgia (AP) -- Female circumcision trial may be first in U.S. "The
trial of an Atlanta-area father accused of circumcising his 2-year-old daughter
with scissors is focusing attention on an ancient African practice that experts
say is slowly becoming more common in the U.S. as immigrant communities
grow." I can not imagine cutting a two year old child's genitalia with
a pair of scissors .... [but wait ... don't we routinely do that to
little boys?] .... and in related news .... Chicago
Tribune --- Court bans forcing boy's circumcision. "In a case that
has been closely watched by anti-circumcision groups nationwide, a Cook County
judge ruled Tuesday that the medical benefits of the procedure are not clear
enough to compel a 9-year-old Northbrook boy to be circumcised against his
will." The 9 year old boy could be heard, in the courtroom, uttering a
very loud sigh of relief. Meanwhile in Cook General Hospital's maternity ward
... doctors continue to snip away at excesses. Strange world we live in.
WASHINGTON
(CNN) -- O'Connor: Don't call us 'activist judges'. "Sandra Day
O'Connor noticed a disturbing development as her last day on the Supreme Court
neared. Over her final years on the bench, more people were talking about
"activist judges," an issue she said that appeared to be
"erupting all over the country." "That seemed to be a mantra of
some kind," she told CNN." Rumor has it that Justice Scaglia,
when asked about "judicial activism", responded with an old Italian
judicial hand gesture, (loosely translated to, "Gosh, golly, I really
don't think so.").
BURBANK,
California (CNN) -- 'Snoop Dogg' faces gun, drug accusation. " Rap
artist "Snoop Dogg" was arrested and booked for being a felon in
possession of a firearm and transportation of a controlled substance at a
California airport Thursday, according to the Burbank Police Department. The
35-year-old rapper -- whose real name is Calvin Broadus -- was arrested by
airport police at the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California, at about 4 p.m.
(7 p.m. ET). He was parked in a passenger loading and unloading zone and was
initially approached by an officer for a traffic violation, Burbank police
said." "Another screw up by "Homeland Security",
explained Mr. Broadus's Attorney ... "Aside from using racial profiling
to do an illegal search, they mistook "Snoop Dog" for Wesley Snipes.
They think all famous, multimillionaire, African American, celebrities, look
alike!"
I'm out of time. My time seems to be at a premium these days. I have a full
day of campaigning scheduled for tomorrow. Didn't get much done last weekend.
It rained. Actually practiced law today and made some money. On Wednesday,
Susan and I will bring some of her "furry babies" to the senior
citizen center here in Holden ... and to the "Warrensburg Veterans
Home", Friday evening ... hehehe ... teaching my "Little
Buddy" to campaign. My only worry bringing him? When he gets nervous
... he breaks wind, (he can cut f*rts ... that peal wallpaper!!! Would hate to
have some old folks keel over ... or have to have their oxygen tanks replaced!
)
I have been on the campaign trail since last October. Susan has been walking
right along side me. God gave me the best partner, friend, lover and helpmate a
person can have. When I feel I can't win ... she just holds me and shares I
can. When I feel I can't loose ... she makes sure I know ... I can. She is my
rock. Should I win the election ... it will be because of Susan. Tonight, when
I fall asleep holding her ... I will say a prayer of thanks ... and prayer for
the safe return of our men and women in uniform, (care to join me?) .... <whispering>
... Please, Please, Please, God ... let them come home safe and soon! Be
and sleep well, you can enjoy an evening made safe, by our men and women in
uniform, here at home, patrolling the streets and overseas. If my post offends,
I apologize ... that is not my intent. As always ...
A Warm Brotherly Hug
Karl (the dumb ole country lawyer from Holden, Missouri)
"Timmerman for Judge Campaign Committee": http://www.timmermanforjudge.com/
