Hello,
I hope this Memorial Day has given you time to spend with family and friends and to also honor the sacrifice and service of the men and women in our armed forces, including the veterans. We continue to be a nation at war and we should be able to appreciate their efforts whether or not we agree with the war. Let's pray for peace and the safety of our nation and all those hundreds of thousands of Americans working bravely and tirelessly to keep us all safe.
J
Monday, May 25, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Michael Vick...Seriously???
I have to add my two cents to the Michael Vick controversy. As we all know by now he was released from prison earlier this week and I believe is now living in some sort of half-way house for recently released inmates. Even before his release there was a media frenzy as to what his plans would be post-prison. Initial reports had him working low paying construction jobs and there was little hoopla to that announcement. Further reports indicated that he also be touring the country on behalf of animal rights organizations speaking to youth and discouraging cruelty to animals. This announcement received kudos. Then the proverbial you-know-what hit the fan. Word reached the masses that Vick was interested in and had a real shot at being in the NFL again. Every media outlet was stormed was people voicing rage at the very idea of Vick being welcomed back into the NFL, especially if given a lucrative contract.
Now for my opinion. Leave the man alone!! He, unlike a majority of criminals, has paid his debt to society. He went to prison and had his career stalled, possibly permanently. He plead guilty and did his time. Does he not deserve redemption? Does he not deserve to make a living and live his life? He will never earn what he did before his conviction and will surely not see a dime from any endorsement deals. What he did was despicable. I in no way condone cruelty to any animals. However, I do feel that we have some serious issues in our judicial system. We can send an individual to prison for harm to animals, yet in Peoria County we have only a 2% conviction rate for sex offenders (including offenders of children). This low conviction rate is about the norm across the country. I am appalled by that. Sexual predators walk the streets by the thousands and we are more outraged by animal cruelty.
I will share a personal story. I am an animal lover, especially dogs. Our first Rottweiler (Maximillion) was stolen from our back yard and we believe he was taken by individuals working for a dog fighting operation. I say this because dog fighting was a major issue at the time and several dogs throughout the community had been stolen for that very purpose. I just about get physically sick at the thought of sweet loving Max being forced to fight another dog to the death. The image is just too much for me. So please as you read this know that I am in no way saying that dog fighting should not be punished, perish the thought. I am trying to draw attention to the disparity in how criminals are tried according to their crimes. If we would show as much outrage at the perpetrators of crimes against humanity perhaps we would see higher conviction rates for other crimes.
Let Michael Vick's fall from grace be an example of what can happen when you disrespect any form of life, but remember that he has paid his debt to society and deserves the right to go on with his life. Get some perspective people.
J
Now for my opinion. Leave the man alone!! He, unlike a majority of criminals, has paid his debt to society. He went to prison and had his career stalled, possibly permanently. He plead guilty and did his time. Does he not deserve redemption? Does he not deserve to make a living and live his life? He will never earn what he did before his conviction and will surely not see a dime from any endorsement deals. What he did was despicable. I in no way condone cruelty to any animals. However, I do feel that we have some serious issues in our judicial system. We can send an individual to prison for harm to animals, yet in Peoria County we have only a 2% conviction rate for sex offenders (including offenders of children). This low conviction rate is about the norm across the country. I am appalled by that. Sexual predators walk the streets by the thousands and we are more outraged by animal cruelty.
I will share a personal story. I am an animal lover, especially dogs. Our first Rottweiler (Maximillion) was stolen from our back yard and we believe he was taken by individuals working for a dog fighting operation. I say this because dog fighting was a major issue at the time and several dogs throughout the community had been stolen for that very purpose. I just about get physically sick at the thought of sweet loving Max being forced to fight another dog to the death. The image is just too much for me. So please as you read this know that I am in no way saying that dog fighting should not be punished, perish the thought. I am trying to draw attention to the disparity in how criminals are tried according to their crimes. If we would show as much outrage at the perpetrators of crimes against humanity perhaps we would see higher conviction rates for other crimes.
Let Michael Vick's fall from grace be an example of what can happen when you disrespect any form of life, but remember that he has paid his debt to society and deserves the right to go on with his life. Get some perspective people.
J
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Congratulations to Natalie Cole
I just learned that grammy winner and music legend, Natalie Cole, successfully underwent kidney transplant surgery. See what the power of prayer can do? Read her story below and remember to register to be an organ and tissue donor at www.lifegoeson.com.
LOS ANGELES – Ailing Natalie Cole now has a new kidney.
Representatives for the 59-year-old singer say she underwent successful kidney transplant surgery. Cole will postpone her summer tour as she recovers.
The daughter of the late Nat King Cole has been receiving dialysis three times a week since September. She still continued her concert tour in support of her latest album, "Still Unforgettable."
The Grammy-winner announced she was diagnosed with hepatitis C in February 2008. Her kidneys failed after treatment and she had since been seeking a donor.
Story courtesy of Yahoo!.
LOS ANGELES – Ailing Natalie Cole now has a new kidney.
Representatives for the 59-year-old singer say she underwent successful kidney transplant surgery. Cole will postpone her summer tour as she recovers.
The daughter of the late Nat King Cole has been receiving dialysis three times a week since September. She still continued her concert tour in support of her latest album, "Still Unforgettable."
The Grammy-winner announced she was diagnosed with hepatitis C in February 2008. Her kidneys failed after treatment and she had since been seeking a donor.
Story courtesy of Yahoo!.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day one and all. That goes for any woman who has raised a child, helped raise a child or even been a mentor or support in any way. It takes a village, remember? This is a holiday that can be somewhat tough at times. My mother and all of my grandmothers are deceased. I make sure and take time to reflect on their lives and the impact each and every one of them had on me. I'm grateful to all of them, especially my great-grandmother that raised me. I learned all about love and sacrifice from her as well as my church upbringing. I am the woman I am today because of the foundation she set in me.
Please take the time to let the precious women who have made a difference in your life know what they mean to you. Perhaps it's your Sunday school teacher, coach, pastor's wife, an aunt. No matter who it is show some love and make their day.
With Love,
J
Please take the time to let the precious women who have made a difference in your life know what they mean to you. Perhaps it's your Sunday school teacher, coach, pastor's wife, an aunt. No matter who it is show some love and make their day.
With Love,
J