Planned Parenthood Defunded…good or bad?

Recently I was involved in a discussion with some folks with regards to the republicans choosing to defund Planned Parenthood. They want to take all federal funds away from them under one proposal and in another; they'd lose a substantial amount of their federal funds. One young lady was floored by the decision, saying that they provide very important services to the community. Planned Parenthood brings to the community such services as free or low cost annual exams for women, information on feminine health as well as counseling on taking care of themselves. Planned Parenthood also provides contraceptives to the community so that they can do what their name implies 'Plan' when they become parents. However, the issue that caused them to lose funding is their refusal to agree not to use federal funds for performing abortions. You see, for many years Planned Parenthood has provided very important service to the community that aren't controversial at all, but they still insist on providing such controversial services as abortion for birth control.

Let me make my position very clear, I am not a supporter of abortion when it is used as a birth control option. I'm one of those folks who believe that abortion should be restricted to cases of rape, incest or the life of the mother is in jeopardy. On another note, I still believe it is the final decision of the woman and you won't find me picketing any abortion clinics or trying to convince anyone, who hasn't asked for my opinion, not to have an abortion. I also have issue with the decision being SOLELY up to the woman and the father having no say in whether the abortion is performed or not [another blog for another day]. That being said, I have no issue with the federal government cutting their funding. While I believe it's not my business or my decision whether someone wants to have an abortion, I believe it is my business if my tax money is providing the abortions. All this aside, check the stats, what's the number one killer of black folks? If you want an abortion, it is legal, it is your right, it is your decision, but it is also at your expense…as it should be.

It's Just My Opinion, But I'm Not Wrong!

Apologize for What?!?!?!

A couple of nights ago the Dallas County Commissioner’s court had a train of citizens, mostly from the Tea Party and mostly white, lined up at the microphone to speak out against John Wiley Price. As he had in weeks prior, he listened, made a few faces and allowed them to speak. They are citizens and allowed to speak to their elected officials about their concerns, so they were within their rights. What I respect about this man is the fact that he didn’t stay in an office in the back while he was maligned, accused of malfeasance and corruption for wielding the power he has on the court to force the resignation of a county employee. Yes, he exhibited various facial expressions and body language as an exhibition of his displeasure and disagreement, but he sat there and listened. Then one of the speakers decided to antagonize Mr. Price by calling him a name, repeatedly. Certainly they’re claiming that he misunderstood what they were saying and they didn’t mean it the way he took it. They’re saying that they were using a word that meant some sort of educated Muslim who’s in power, or whatever [Mullah], rather than moolie, the word Price perceived them to say, which is a derogatory racist term. After he used the term several times Price erupted and told him to go to hell. He then lost his cool and said, "Why are all the speakers white?" And then, "All of you are white. Go to hell." What bothers me is the fact that media outlets like the Dallas Morning News, Fox4News and others are saying that Price should apologize. That he, as an elected official should have kept his cool; that he shouldn’t even have called one of the chief antagonists “…fat boy”. Heather Hayes, during an interview with him, really aggravated me when she asked him, “Don’t you think you should apologize for telling all white people to go to hell?” What?!?!?! When did he say all white people go to hell? He was speaking specifically to white people in the room who were antagonizing him.
Sadly, no one is making light of the chicanery carried out by the guy who continually baited Price. While some could have, and would have, kept their cool; I’m glad he didn’t… I’m glad he went off on them…I’m glad he let them know that there are some buttons you just don’t push. Too often punks like this guy and his group of imbecilic morons take someone to task and then act like they didn’t do anything at all. The only thing better for me to see for people like this, is to see them get the occasional broken nose or fractured jaw. The look on their face is classic when they get what they ultimately deserve, a good beat down. Don’t get me wrong, those who know me know that I’m in no way a proponent of John Wiley Price, but I loathe those who antagonize to no end then act like they don’t know why someone goes off on them. Stand firm on your unapologetic ego and don’t offer them anything as an apology. Then again, your apology can say, “I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for my actions during the Dallas County Commissioner’s court this past week. What transpired was not acceptable and should not have taken place. I can assure you that if placed in this same situation again, I will most definitely handle myself in a proper fashion and knock one of them out…hopefully they might wake up with some sense.”

Tiger Mom…is She All That Bad?

I have been reading a bit about a mom who's referenced as a 'Tiger Mom.' This is because she aggressively takes part in the life of her children. She has very high standards for her kids and keeps them busy in various activities. Unfortunately, we live in a society where the mothers of the 'Princess boy' and those others who are permissive in raising their kids. I would much rather see a bunch of parents like the 'Tiger Mom' than those who not only allow their kids to do whatever they want to, but also encourage unhealthy choices and lifestyles. You see, while some may criticize this mother's relationship with her kids, she has their best interest at heart. She is instilling in them a great work ethic as well as encouraging activities that cultivate culture and make well rounded kids. I've said before that we are too lenient on our kids in this country and we wonder why the 'tech jobs' that pay well and require a higher level of education and dedication are always held by people other than Americans. I can tell you why, we keep using the phrases, '…they need to be kids' or '…they need this time to rest'. Unfortunately this is one of those situations where the kids suffer in the end.
You see, we need to get back to the way it used to be when parents were parents and kids knew who was the boss of the house. Today we have parents who desire to be friends with their kids and allow them to make entirely too many decisions that should be made by their parents. I'll reiterate in this posting as I did in the past, parents need to be parents and assure that kids are kids…with a structured childhood. Boundaries show them that they can't simply do whatever they want to, when they want to, how they want to. They show them that they need to make decisions, prioritize and take the feelings of others in to account. They'll know that they have someone who loves them enough to make some decisions for them…in their best interest. Tiger mom I applaud you…keep doing what you're doing and I look forward to the major impact that your kids will have on this society. We need more mothers like you in this country…

Orville P Cottlethorpe IV

It's Just My Opinion But I'm Not Wrong!