Sliding Down the Slippery Slope

As the homosexual marriage debate continues in this country, the theory is running its course in our northern neighbor. Many who defend traditional marriage point out that legalizing or recognizing homosexual marriages or unions is one step down a slippery slope that will degrade the entire structure of human sexuality.

It is rightfully pointed out that predictions about the future are often wrong. However, with a few countries and states moving forward with the issue, we can see how things play out in those climates. Canada is a great example four the United States. Defenders of traditional marriage are vindicated in recent developments that explicitly link the legalization of homosexual marriage to further requests legalizing polygamy. And down the slippery slope we go...

Honorable Mention

I can't believe our government won't accept its own currency as cash.

At least he got his day in court . What I consider even more damning is the case cited involving the man who is attempting to pay his tax bill in 100s. That's the largest denomination printed. Is the government saying that checks are more acceptable legal tender than dollars? How can the government not accept its money as payment for a debt to the government?

One Liner - #1

Simple Does Not Mean Easy

- Ric Edelman

Iraq in control of Green Zone

Iraq took control of the 'Green Zone' in Baghdad from the USA on 1 January 2009. Britain also turned over the airport in Basra. It is a significant step in this long journey, one that would have been "considered a dream" a year a go.

While I will concede that the Democratic congress likely put some pressure on the situation, it is very important to note that this happened all within Bush's presidency. Obama is likely going to get much credit for bringing the troops home in 2012, the current withdrawal date, but it is Bush and the Surge that are to be credited for the situation being what it is in Iraq. The transfer of responsibility and authority can only occur because the security situation is so much better. Iraq boasted a November murder rate of "less than 1 per 100,000 - far lower than many cities in the world." And, of course, the safety of our own troops has increased dramatically. 2008 saw a 67% decline in troop casualties: 314 for 2008 vs 904 for 2007 - according to the AP.

One final note. Transfer of the Green Zone was a dream a year ago, which shows how quickly fortunes can change. While victory is in sight, we must not think the victory is complete and destroy the gains we have made.

Is smoking the worst sin?

With the amount of anti-smoking signs in schools, the ire directed at "big tobacco," and the continuous calls for banning smoking in public buildings and even private bars, etc. one would think that America is smoking itself into oblivion. Yet there are many nations whose 15-year-olds (minors!) and older respond smoking at least once a day at a higher percentage than the USA - including these European nations:

Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Germany, France, U.K., Spain, Austria, Russia, and Greece.

I think it is time for America to put the smoking issue into perspective and focus on more pressing issues.