I've been blogging for about eight months now. Sometimes I give my thoughts on not-so-serious subjects like movies, sports, books, etc. However, it also provides a me a forum to discuss more serious topics. Because I blog about both the serious and non-serious, I figured it was about time to create a list of blogs that are more serious so anyone interested in my more formal, academic offerings can see a list if they are interested in reviewing any. Blogging sure beats writing those letters to the newspaper that had to be contained to 200 words...
The End of Christian America?
Pro-life?
Sociology
Homosexuality and Christianity
Tolerance and Love
How the World Runs
Malcolm X
Arguing With Atheists
The Silent Epidemic
Dying American Dream
Why Jeremiah Wright Offended Me So Much
Insulting Politics
Whose Jobs?
What I Would do If I Were President
What Would Jesus Say?
What Would Reagan Do?
Monday, April 27, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
The End of Christian America?
For their edition during the Easter Holy Week, Newsweek ran a cover story entitled "The End of Christian America"., which, concluded that American is still a Christian nation, just not as strongly or as uniformly as it once was. Of course, many Americans assert that the United States is a Christian nation. Many foreigners, as well, view the United States as a Christian country. In fact, sixty-two percent of Americans still believe the United States it is. However, the United States sadly, is not, never has, and probably never will be a Christian nation.
Many conservative Christians assert that America was founded as a Christian nation. This is patently false. Christianity was important both socially and politically in early America, particularily in the Northeast. However, almost all of the founding fathers (and their wives) were deists. Some (most notably Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson) had some very nasty things to say about organized Christianity and actively fought against the fusion of polity and religion. Jefferson edited the Declaration of Independence to take out Christian language. Even the founders who were more orthodox in their views (such as John Jay, the first Supreme Court Chief Justice) practiced a Calvinist brand of Christianity that is very different from most forms practiced today.
More importantly than how the country was founded is how it has functioned. For the first several decades of its existence the United States' economy was powered by the enslavement of an entire race of people. (Especially after Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin.) The United States government gained millions of acres of land by violently stealing it from Native Americans (While murdering and displacing thousands in the process.) The Cherokee "Trail of Tears" alone resulted in the starvation and death of over 4,000 Native Americans. The "peculiar institution" (aka slavery), as well as the active policy of the United States government toward Native Americans sharply contrasted with Christian morals.
America has also often used aggression and violence, using its military as a weapon of destruction. Sherman's March to the Sea is one easy example. The U.S. also employed scorched earth tactics against Native Americans, and in the Philippine-American War, the Spanish-American War, and the Vietnam War. The United States also built concentration camps during the Philippine-American War, where the form of torture known as "water cure" was popular. (Water cure is when one is forced to drink great amounts of water, or another liquid such as urine, until the stomach nearly bursts and/or the person vomits, several times, often resulting in death. Teddy Roosevelt acknowledged its widespread use during the war.) The Civil War certainly doesn't seem like a very Christian way to solve a dispute. America has used violence and sacrificed the lives of many to satisfy imperialistic goals. (See the Mexican-American War, the Philippine-American War, The Spanish-American war, and any of the quasi-wars between the U.S. government and Native Americans.) America certainly has often exploited its military power. More recently, the scandal at Abu Ghraib, Guantanomo Bay, and waterboarding have been less than Christian.
Discrimination has also been a hallmark of American culture. America is still trying to reconcile its past treatment of blacks. Segregation and disenfranchisement is well documented and needn't be discussed. Other more acute forms of discrimination, such as the placement of Japanese-Americans in internment camps after Pearl Harbor or the Chinese Exclusion Act are less talked about, but occurred.
American culture certainly isn't Christian. There are many examples of un-Christian behavior. America's lack of engagement in several genocides. It's indifference towards poverty. The abortion of forty-five million babies since 1973. The culture of extreme materialism/consumerism. The pollution and destruction of the environment. The high divorce and infidelity rates. The obesity epidemic. (I believe obesity is a "sin" for several reasons) America's high rate of debt. Even the popularization of rap music, which generally espouses a worldview that is the polar opposite of Christianity.
America has never been a Christian nation. There never was a "Christian America". American has done many, many, many, MANY positive, good things. It is generous. The government doesn't actively try to hurt or exploit its people. The United State has often promoted peace and freedom. It does often try to help the underpriveliged in its own country and around the world. The very fact that it is there it debates and considers issues such as waterboarding or torture means it is not evil. I have emphasized the negative things, the dark moments, in American history and culture to illustrate its failure to live up to Christian ideals. Christianity and Judeo-Christian values have played a very important and special role in America. As a Christian, I think this is a good thing. America is changing religiously, in both positive and negative ways. I believe Christians leaders should focus not so much on how many Christians there are in America, but instead how those who are Christian display the message of Jesus.
Notes:
For more information on the religion(s) of the founding fathers, I would recommend Faiths of the Founding Fathers.
Most of the founding fathers were deists (or at least leaned toward deism) because they studied at our had connections to the College of William and Mary.
(For those interested, and I'm sure someone will be, Jon Stewart graduated from William and Mary in 1984.)
Along with most of the founding fathers, many historians believe that Abraham Lincoln was also a deist.
While a few historians still debate it, most do consider George Washington a deist.
Many conservative Christians assert that America was founded as a Christian nation. This is patently false. Christianity was important both socially and politically in early America, particularily in the Northeast. However, almost all of the founding fathers (and their wives) were deists. Some (most notably Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson) had some very nasty things to say about organized Christianity and actively fought against the fusion of polity and religion. Jefferson edited the Declaration of Independence to take out Christian language. Even the founders who were more orthodox in their views (such as John Jay, the first Supreme Court Chief Justice) practiced a Calvinist brand of Christianity that is very different from most forms practiced today.
More importantly than how the country was founded is how it has functioned. For the first several decades of its existence the United States' economy was powered by the enslavement of an entire race of people. (Especially after Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin.) The United States government gained millions of acres of land by violently stealing it from Native Americans (While murdering and displacing thousands in the process.) The Cherokee "Trail of Tears" alone resulted in the starvation and death of over 4,000 Native Americans. The "peculiar institution" (aka slavery), as well as the active policy of the United States government toward Native Americans sharply contrasted with Christian morals.
America has also often used aggression and violence, using its military as a weapon of destruction. Sherman's March to the Sea is one easy example. The U.S. also employed scorched earth tactics against Native Americans, and in the Philippine-American War, the Spanish-American War, and the Vietnam War. The United States also built concentration camps during the Philippine-American War, where the form of torture known as "water cure" was popular. (Water cure is when one is forced to drink great amounts of water, or another liquid such as urine, until the stomach nearly bursts and/or the person vomits, several times, often resulting in death. Teddy Roosevelt acknowledged its widespread use during the war.) The Civil War certainly doesn't seem like a very Christian way to solve a dispute. America has used violence and sacrificed the lives of many to satisfy imperialistic goals. (See the Mexican-American War, the Philippine-American War, The Spanish-American war, and any of the quasi-wars between the U.S. government and Native Americans.) America certainly has often exploited its military power. More recently, the scandal at Abu Ghraib, Guantanomo Bay, and waterboarding have been less than Christian.
Discrimination has also been a hallmark of American culture. America is still trying to reconcile its past treatment of blacks. Segregation and disenfranchisement is well documented and needn't be discussed. Other more acute forms of discrimination, such as the placement of Japanese-Americans in internment camps after Pearl Harbor or the Chinese Exclusion Act are less talked about, but occurred.
American culture certainly isn't Christian. There are many examples of un-Christian behavior. America's lack of engagement in several genocides. It's indifference towards poverty. The abortion of forty-five million babies since 1973. The culture of extreme materialism/consumerism. The pollution and destruction of the environment. The high divorce and infidelity rates. The obesity epidemic. (I believe obesity is a "sin" for several reasons) America's high rate of debt. Even the popularization of rap music, which generally espouses a worldview that is the polar opposite of Christianity.
America has never been a Christian nation. There never was a "Christian America". American has done many, many, many, MANY positive, good things. It is generous. The government doesn't actively try to hurt or exploit its people. The United State has often promoted peace and freedom. It does often try to help the underpriveliged in its own country and around the world. The very fact that it is there it debates and considers issues such as waterboarding or torture means it is not evil. I have emphasized the negative things, the dark moments, in American history and culture to illustrate its failure to live up to Christian ideals. Christianity and Judeo-Christian values have played a very important and special role in America. As a Christian, I think this is a good thing. America is changing religiously, in both positive and negative ways. I believe Christians leaders should focus not so much on how many Christians there are in America, but instead how those who are Christian display the message of Jesus.
Notes:
For more information on the religion(s) of the founding fathers, I would recommend Faiths of the Founding Fathers.
Most of the founding fathers were deists (or at least leaned toward deism) because they studied at our had connections to the College of William and Mary.
(For those interested, and I'm sure someone will be, Jon Stewart graduated from William and Mary in 1984.)
Along with most of the founding fathers, many historians believe that Abraham Lincoln was also a deist.
While a few historians still debate it, most do consider George Washington a deist.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Random Thoughts
-A couple of months ago I wrote a blog about the homosexual right movement. (Titled Tolerance and Love) Though I am generally supportive of gay rights, I am distraught by the extreme maliciousness and hate possessed by and employed by the movement. It seems to be growing more and more vicious. A perfect example is the reaction to Miss California's answer in the Miss USA pageant (I just found out it was the Miss USA Pageant and not the Miss America Pageant, and I still don't understand why there are two pageants). When prompted she, of course, said that she believes marriage should be between a man and a woman. (It should also be noted that she mentioned that she is happy to live in a country with diversity of opinion and different views on the matter and also said she didn't want to offend anyone.) The next day on his blog, the judge who asked her, Perez Hilton (who apparently is gay), called her a "dumb bitch". Scanning through sites I saw her called much worse. Again, I like how so many gay-rights activitists talk about respect, equality, and tolerance, but show absolutely none. Many in the movement also actively protested what they saw as a "theocracy" run by the Bush administration, but their rhetoric sounds much more like the propaganda that comes from a theocracy. I don't understand how one side (pro traditional marriage) can understand the concept of diversity and tolerance, but the other can't. It saddens me that today political correctness is more powerful than respect and tolerance. It frightens me that this is a controversy. Though I'm not sure if I agree with her, I am very proud of Miss California for standing up for her beliefs. I took a great amount of courage.
-I had heard about the famous (or maybe infamous) blogger Perez Hilton for a couple of years, but never seen him or read anything he had written. It looks like I'm not missing much.
-I've seen many Christians call Perez Hilton "trash" or "an idiot", etc. That is exactly the polar opposite of what Jesus said to do. The non-Christian thing to do to to react to hate with hate. The Christ-like thing to do is to react to hate with love, and pray for him.
-Since having lots bumperstickers probably means your very set in your beliefs and feel very strongly about them, I would be interested in a survey to see what percent of people with a multiple bumperstickers are politically independent. I thought about that today when I saw a guy with about ten on his car. I guess one or two isn't good enough.
-Alot of people are upset about it, but I agree with President Obama's handling of the encounter with Hugo Chavez over the weekend.
-This again is NBC's "Green Week". The other day while watching the channel, I was again lectured about what I can do to stop global warming. It's seems like everytime I watch NBC they have they have some green-related special programming or theme. This is ironic for two reasons. First, NBC (actually NBC Universal) is owned by General Electric. GE has a terrible environmental record, with large scale air and water pollution. Secondly, General Electric actively does business with the oppressive and violent Iranian government. Do they care more about the environment than human rights and the murders of thousands of Iranians?
-I had heard about the famous (or maybe infamous) blogger Perez Hilton for a couple of years, but never seen him or read anything he had written. It looks like I'm not missing much.
-I've seen many Christians call Perez Hilton "trash" or "an idiot", etc. That is exactly the polar opposite of what Jesus said to do. The non-Christian thing to do to to react to hate with hate. The Christ-like thing to do is to react to hate with love, and pray for him.
-Since having lots bumperstickers probably means your very set in your beliefs and feel very strongly about them, I would be interested in a survey to see what percent of people with a multiple bumperstickers are politically independent. I thought about that today when I saw a guy with about ten on his car. I guess one or two isn't good enough.
-Alot of people are upset about it, but I agree with President Obama's handling of the encounter with Hugo Chavez over the weekend.
-This again is NBC's "Green Week". The other day while watching the channel, I was again lectured about what I can do to stop global warming. It's seems like everytime I watch NBC they have they have some green-related special programming or theme. This is ironic for two reasons. First, NBC (actually NBC Universal) is owned by General Electric. GE has a terrible environmental record, with large scale air and water pollution. Secondly, General Electric actively does business with the oppressive and violent Iranian government. Do they care more about the environment than human rights and the murders of thousands of Iranians?
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Sad
I have to write something on this...
On late Wednesday night as I was reading something, snacking, and generally wasting my time, I had the tv on for some background noise. I glanced up every couple minutes. I happened to catch the highlights of the A's-Angles baseball game. Nick Adenahart, the Angles top young prospect, had pitched six scoreless innings in his first start of the season (and the fourth major league game he'd ever pitched in). A little while after I woke up on Thursday, as I turned on the channels and flipped through the channels, I stopped on ESPN. I was shocked to see that same pitcher I had seen a few hours before had been killed in a car accident. What made it even more astonishing was that he was probably killed right about the time I had seen the highlights of the game.
It was very eery to watch the postgame interview of him. He talked about how excited he was and how he finally felt like a major leaguer. How he had always dreamed about pitching in the major leagues and after so much work he finally fulfilled his dreams. I couldn't help but be dumbfounded by the fact that he was dead only an hour or two after the interview.
There are few situations that I could imagine that could be more sad. It's horrible to see how excited he was about his first start and then realize it will be his last. To think about the long career he would have had and think that he won't get that chance. Or to think he's just 22. He was just starting his life. It is breathtaking how much potential for great things there were and that in the span of a couple hours, from when he pitched to when he was killed, all that could be forever snatched from him. It's amazing to me to think that all that could change while I was sleeping.
I don't know why, this story just seems to get to me more than most do. Perhaps its because he was killed by a drunk driver who ran a red light. (Adenhard's two passegners were also killed.) To me it is just stunning that with one simple act, or one simple decision, how so many things can change and so many people be affected. Or that just a few hours before this pitcher had everything, had everything to look forward to, that all that could be gone so fast.
It's not surprising to me that the drunk driver had a prior drunk driving arrest and had only received a suspended license. Like usual, police don't really care about a drunk driver until they actually hurt someone. Makes complete sense to me...
The most unjust part to me seems that while the driver selfishly killed three others, he was not hurt himself.
I know there were many, many other people who had their lives cut short like this just today. And everyday. I don't know why, this just really made me think.
Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.
On late Wednesday night as I was reading something, snacking, and generally wasting my time, I had the tv on for some background noise. I glanced up every couple minutes. I happened to catch the highlights of the A's-Angles baseball game. Nick Adenahart, the Angles top young prospect, had pitched six scoreless innings in his first start of the season (and the fourth major league game he'd ever pitched in). A little while after I woke up on Thursday, as I turned on the channels and flipped through the channels, I stopped on ESPN. I was shocked to see that same pitcher I had seen a few hours before had been killed in a car accident. What made it even more astonishing was that he was probably killed right about the time I had seen the highlights of the game.
It was very eery to watch the postgame interview of him. He talked about how excited he was and how he finally felt like a major leaguer. How he had always dreamed about pitching in the major leagues and after so much work he finally fulfilled his dreams. I couldn't help but be dumbfounded by the fact that he was dead only an hour or two after the interview.
There are few situations that I could imagine that could be more sad. It's horrible to see how excited he was about his first start and then realize it will be his last. To think about the long career he would have had and think that he won't get that chance. Or to think he's just 22. He was just starting his life. It is breathtaking how much potential for great things there were and that in the span of a couple hours, from when he pitched to when he was killed, all that could be forever snatched from him. It's amazing to me to think that all that could change while I was sleeping.
I don't know why, this story just seems to get to me more than most do. Perhaps its because he was killed by a drunk driver who ran a red light. (Adenhard's two passegners were also killed.) To me it is just stunning that with one simple act, or one simple decision, how so many things can change and so many people be affected. Or that just a few hours before this pitcher had everything, had everything to look forward to, that all that could be gone so fast.
It's not surprising to me that the drunk driver had a prior drunk driving arrest and had only received a suspended license. Like usual, police don't really care about a drunk driver until they actually hurt someone. Makes complete sense to me...
The most unjust part to me seems that while the driver selfishly killed three others, he was not hurt himself.
I know there were many, many other people who had their lives cut short like this just today. And everyday. I don't know why, this just really made me think.
Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The Fun Don't Stop
There's a new controversy for the Obama administration! The latest controversy is that he bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia. The White House denies it though, and says it was only a "double handshake", though he clearly did bow. Some think it means the U.S. is bowing down or selling out to Muslims (because it looks like we are being subservient), some are upset because he bowed down to the leader of a country that oppresses women, and some are upset because he didn't bow to the Queen. I myself don't have an opinion. It's interesting to hear the scuttlebutt about it.
I see the country's first transgender mayor (from the beautiful state of Oregon) wants a reality show. Interesting, but not at all surprising.
The title is an allusion to that old Pringles slogan "Once You Pop, the Fun Don't Stop", which always offended me as a child because of its poor grammar and went against everything my teachers were telling me.
In my next blog I will address the new Newsweek cover story that America is no longer a Christian nation.
I see the country's first transgender mayor (from the beautiful state of Oregon) wants a reality show. Interesting, but not at all surprising.
The title is an allusion to that old Pringles slogan "Once You Pop, the Fun Don't Stop", which always offended me as a child because of its poor grammar and went against everything my teachers were telling me.
In my next blog I will address the new Newsweek cover story that America is no longer a Christian nation.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Obama's Overseas Trip/G20 Summit
Warning: I'm feeling very cynical...
I didn't really follow much of the "important" stuff happening at the summit. Not like I think the G20 countries are really doing anything that is actually helping the world economy. Most other people didn't seem to be following the serious things either, all the trivial things were much more exciting.
-Interesting Obama gave an iPod to the Queen. Really, an iPod? Couldn't they get something better, like some wine from California or some genuine Vermont Maple Syrup? I couldn't help but wonder about the content. It was filled with some of his speeches. Seems a tad arrogant to me. Not quite as arrogant as the what the royal family gave to them: signed portraits of themselves. (Maybe I should think of give someone a signed portrait of myself for a birthday gift; that would be a pretty funny.) They're probably not really that arrogant, but it does come across that way. I guess there was some music on there too, some of the Queen's favorite music. Oh, I can just imagine her headbanging to some music. Taking a jog and listening to something good. Maybe some Lil Wayne or Eminem. And perhaps a little T-Pain. Ha, the queen and an iPod. Wow, there's tons of potential for comedy there.
-I enjoyed the whole fiasco where Michelle Obama hugged the Queen. I'm glad they weren't offended. It was just a sign of "spontaneous mutual appreciation and affection", as the statement the Queen released said. Wow. That's a surprise, I didn't think that was the usual function of a hug. I'm so glad they cleared it up for me; I was pretty uneasy about the situation. I'm just glad the First Lady didn't have to release a statement like the Pope did years ago, "forcibly denying there was any physical contact". Thank goodness the pope understood how big of a deal it was. I mean, apparently the Queen is God or something. Nobody else is good enough to touch her.
-The whole royality thing seems kinda silly to me. Well, I suppose it's a nice tradition. It does make for alot of entertainment. It is a remnant and reminder of a more corrupt, authoritarian past though.
-I do think it would be pretty neat to meet the Queen. I wonder what she's really like. She should have a reality TV show. Maybe she could go to rehab for something. That would be hilarious. Or she could have a Bachelorette series.
-Thank goodness for the entertainment news programs. Of course I could hear all about the "hug" controversy everywhere else, since it was the top story on most "legitimate" news outlets. But I was able to see plenty on Obama's sneeze during one of his speeches, which they dubbed so affectionately "the sneeze heard 'round the world". I was also able to hear plenty about the fashion battle between Mrs. Obama and France's first lady, former model Carla Bruni. Apparently the French first lady stayed home because she was intimidated by Mrs. Obama and didn't know if she could win the fashion battle. (They said people prefer Ms. Obama brightly-colored outfits to Mrs. Bruni's more drab outfits right now.)
-Speaking of the news media, I wish they could pretend like they weren't in the tank for Obama. Surveying the London newspapers, and what from I saw on TV, you'd think he was Jesus or something. (The best headline I saw from the prominent Lodon periodicals was "Going Gaga for Obama".) I liked the title of CNN's special program: Obama's European Tour and the New World Promise. I'm still wondering what that promise is. I enjoyed watching a few minutes of the show. Basically a tribute to Obama, full of scenes from the trip, some of his inspirational words, repeated pictures of adoring fans, all set to music. (It was various popular rock songs, which was fitting since he's a rockstar.) Boy, I'd hate to see the coverage MSNBC had...
-I saw Obama gave a townhall meeting somewhere in Europe. Seems a little strange, but I suppose since people don't like the U.S. too much right now and all the G20 leaders are blaming the U.S. for the breakdown of the financial markets it's probably good he's trying to go and garner some support for America. It still seems a little bit like everybody's still in campaign mode. Though Republicans don't seem to be doing much of anything right now except for fighting over who is really the head of the party.
I'll turn off my cynicism now.
I didn't really follow much of the "important" stuff happening at the summit. Not like I think the G20 countries are really doing anything that is actually helping the world economy. Most other people didn't seem to be following the serious things either, all the trivial things were much more exciting.
-Interesting Obama gave an iPod to the Queen. Really, an iPod? Couldn't they get something better, like some wine from California or some genuine Vermont Maple Syrup? I couldn't help but wonder about the content. It was filled with some of his speeches. Seems a tad arrogant to me. Not quite as arrogant as the what the royal family gave to them: signed portraits of themselves. (Maybe I should think of give someone a signed portrait of myself for a birthday gift; that would be a pretty funny.) They're probably not really that arrogant, but it does come across that way. I guess there was some music on there too, some of the Queen's favorite music. Oh, I can just imagine her headbanging to some music. Taking a jog and listening to something good. Maybe some Lil Wayne or Eminem. And perhaps a little T-Pain. Ha, the queen and an iPod. Wow, there's tons of potential for comedy there.
-I enjoyed the whole fiasco where Michelle Obama hugged the Queen. I'm glad they weren't offended. It was just a sign of "spontaneous mutual appreciation and affection", as the statement the Queen released said. Wow. That's a surprise, I didn't think that was the usual function of a hug. I'm so glad they cleared it up for me; I was pretty uneasy about the situation. I'm just glad the First Lady didn't have to release a statement like the Pope did years ago, "forcibly denying there was any physical contact". Thank goodness the pope understood how big of a deal it was. I mean, apparently the Queen is God or something. Nobody else is good enough to touch her.
-The whole royality thing seems kinda silly to me. Well, I suppose it's a nice tradition. It does make for alot of entertainment. It is a remnant and reminder of a more corrupt, authoritarian past though.
-I do think it would be pretty neat to meet the Queen. I wonder what she's really like. She should have a reality TV show. Maybe she could go to rehab for something. That would be hilarious. Or she could have a Bachelorette series.
-Thank goodness for the entertainment news programs. Of course I could hear all about the "hug" controversy everywhere else, since it was the top story on most "legitimate" news outlets. But I was able to see plenty on Obama's sneeze during one of his speeches, which they dubbed so affectionately "the sneeze heard 'round the world". I was also able to hear plenty about the fashion battle between Mrs. Obama and France's first lady, former model Carla Bruni. Apparently the French first lady stayed home because she was intimidated by Mrs. Obama and didn't know if she could win the fashion battle. (They said people prefer Ms. Obama brightly-colored outfits to Mrs. Bruni's more drab outfits right now.)
-Speaking of the news media, I wish they could pretend like they weren't in the tank for Obama. Surveying the London newspapers, and what from I saw on TV, you'd think he was Jesus or something. (The best headline I saw from the prominent Lodon periodicals was "Going Gaga for Obama".) I liked the title of CNN's special program: Obama's European Tour and the New World Promise. I'm still wondering what that promise is. I enjoyed watching a few minutes of the show. Basically a tribute to Obama, full of scenes from the trip, some of his inspirational words, repeated pictures of adoring fans, all set to music. (It was various popular rock songs, which was fitting since he's a rockstar.) Boy, I'd hate to see the coverage MSNBC had...
-I saw Obama gave a townhall meeting somewhere in Europe. Seems a little strange, but I suppose since people don't like the U.S. too much right now and all the G20 leaders are blaming the U.S. for the breakdown of the financial markets it's probably good he's trying to go and garner some support for America. It still seems a little bit like everybody's still in campaign mode. Though Republicans don't seem to be doing much of anything right now except for fighting over who is really the head of the party.
I'll turn off my cynicism now.
Baseball!
In honor of Opening Day, a few of my baseball-related thoughts:
Burning Questions for the Reds:
Will Willy Taveras and Jerry Hairiston get on base consistently enough for the big boppers?
Will Votto, Phillips, Bruce, and Encarnacion improve their average with runners on base and provide enough power to cut down the scoring gap with the Cubs?
Will young arms like Volquez, Cueto, and Bailey be solid for the whole year?
Will Harang and Arroyo return to form?
Will there be enough depth if there are again injury problems?
Sleeper Teams:
White Sox
Royals
Mariners
Braves
Reds
Giants
Most Interesting Team to Watch This Year: Yankees
Craziest Name: Jarrod Saltalmacchia
Best Managers: Tony LaRussa, Bobby Cox
Bold Prediction: Diamondbacks over the Dodgers in the NL West (okay, it's not that bold; I made it last season too)
Best Divisional Race: Mets vs. Phillies in NL East
Once again, it looks like my Rangers will score a ton of runs (wouldn't be surprised to see them break a thousand, which I guess is only half a ton), but it will all be futile as they again have one of the weakest pitching staffs in baseball.
Question: Is the new Yankee Stadium worth $1.5 million? Is is nicer than Safeco, AT&T, or Coors Field?
Burning Questions for the Reds:
Will Willy Taveras and Jerry Hairiston get on base consistently enough for the big boppers?
Will Votto, Phillips, Bruce, and Encarnacion improve their average with runners on base and provide enough power to cut down the scoring gap with the Cubs?
Will young arms like Volquez, Cueto, and Bailey be solid for the whole year?
Will Harang and Arroyo return to form?
Will there be enough depth if there are again injury problems?
Sleeper Teams:
White Sox
Royals
Mariners
Braves
Reds
Giants
Most Interesting Team to Watch This Year: Yankees
Craziest Name: Jarrod Saltalmacchia
Best Managers: Tony LaRussa, Bobby Cox
Bold Prediction: Diamondbacks over the Dodgers in the NL West (okay, it's not that bold; I made it last season too)
Best Divisional Race: Mets vs. Phillies in NL East
Once again, it looks like my Rangers will score a ton of runs (wouldn't be surprised to see them break a thousand, which I guess is only half a ton), but it will all be futile as they again have one of the weakest pitching staffs in baseball.
Question: Is the new Yankee Stadium worth $1.5 million? Is is nicer than Safeco, AT&T, or Coors Field?
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