No Mosque

It makes me very sad to see the protests around this country regarding the building of mosques. I understand that 9/11 was a great tragedy for this nation. I know how many lives were lost, and I understand that mourning needs to occur. Still, I wish it could be different.

The vast majority of people who practice Islam are not terrorists. Islam is a religion that preaches peace, however, there is a sect of Muslims who believe in terrorism. It is really not unlike other religions or groups. There are extremists everywhere. There are people who call themselves Christians, yet believe it is their duty to kill doctors who perform abortions. It just seems that many Americans can't see that not everyone who wants to build a mosque is an extremist who will bring terrorism to our nation.

I think these protests send such a bad message to the rest of the world. We are supposed to be the land of tolerance - a place that was founded on the notion of freedom of religion. Isn't that why the first settlers from Europe came here?

Perhaps a location so near to Ground Zero may not be the best place for a mosque or a Muslim Cultural Center. Maybe it is too soon. Still, I believe that we need to remember the principals that are the foundation of this great nation. We need to continue to exercise those freedoms that we hold so dear and allow these mosques to be built around the country. Perhaps then, and only then, the true healing of this nation can occur.

The King is Dead

I was as shocked as everyone else to learn of Michael Jackson's passing this past Thursday. I actually found out via Facebook with all of the status updates referencing his passing. While he had gone a bit off the deep end in the last few years, there is no doubt that he was an influence on me as a child and as a teenager.

My first real dance recital was to a Micheal Jackson song. I was taking a jazz dance class and we performed to "Don't stop til You get Enough."

I remember going to my friend Carrie's house with all of the other girls in the neighborhood so we could watch the world premiere of the Thriller video on MTV. It was all we talked about for days.

I remember watching MJ on the Motown special. I tried to moonwalk in the living room for weeks after that performance. I never did get it down.

My first concert ever was The Jackson's Victory Tour at Dodger's Stadium in L.A.

And, yes, I had a Micheal Jackson poster in my bedroom.

There can be no doubt of Michael's influence on pop culture and music. I am saddened that a life was lost so early, and hope he will be remembered for his amazing presence and not his crazy later in life behavior.

Just clicked over to People.com...

I always check People.com to check out the latest celebrity happenings. The headline this morning:

Britney Spears' sister is pregnant!! Her 16 year-old sister is 12 weeks pregnant.

Wow, the white trash runs deep in that family.

Illegal Aliens

The local paper had a front page story about the outgoing system chief for the state's community colleges says that illegal aliens should be let in to the schools. His reasoning is that with the huge amount of illegal immigrants in this area, we need them to be educated and able to take more demanding jobs. It would be a strain to have to support them if they were not educated.

I see his point, but if these people are smart enough to attend college, can't they become American citizens? I don't understand why our country gives so much to people who will not stand up and become our citizens. Why should we support you if you are not here by legal means? Why should a freeloader get the same benefits are a citizen? If my taxes go to support the community colleges, I want to support people who are citizens who will be giving back to this country over time. It may not be politically correct, but it is how I feel.

CA Update

I am happy to say that my friend in California is OK. She was evacuated from her home on Sunday, but has been staying with her parents. Her office is closed as well. None of the structures in her area have burned, but there is a lot of smoke and the air quality is very poor. She hopes to be able to visit her home today, but will probably stay with her parents through the weekend. I am so glad she is safe!!

California Burning

I have been watching the coverage of the fires in California. I grew up in Southern California - I lived there from second grade to my sophomore year in high school. I really didn't think that the area where I grew up (and where I still have friends) was in danger, but I just checked out the interactive map on MSN, and the fire was closer than I thought. There was no mention of my specific town, luckily. I sent off a note to my girlfriend who is still there to see if she is OK. I hope to hear back from her soon. I have been getting e-mails from my friend who now lives in Long Beach. She is OK.

One side of the country is in a miserable drought, the other side is on fire.

I can't imagine what it would be like to lose everything you owned whether it be from a fire, a flood, a hurricane, or a tornado. Your house was there one minute, and gone a few minutes later. Bill and I have made a donation to the American Red Cross. If you would like to help, click here.