Special for Memorial Day

Today in the U.S. we celebrate Memorial day.  Originally started after Americas civil war to honor the fallen, it has since become a day to honor all soldiers who gave their lives for their country.

God Bless all those who have fought and died and all those they left behind.

Issue 85 Interfaith Marrige May 27, 2013

Interfaith marriage is a good thing. Love should overcome everything including faith. But this is not always the case. According to an article in the Economist people are not prepared for an interfaith marriage possible problem. So let’s discuss those issues.

Problem: Some men and women of different faiths don't count on their religious differences getting in the way of their marriage. Apparently, A Roman Catholic man fearing that his daughter would not go to heaven if left un-baptized was given a court order saying if he ever did it again that he would go to prison. The reason was because his wife was Jewish and he had already promised to raise the child as a Jew. As a result a divorce occurred leading to joint religious rights. Interfaith marriages are more likely to end in divorce. Usually child birth brings people back to their faith and then the questions arise over which faith the child should be raised. Usually it is the mother’s faith that supersedes the fathers, but many do not discuss such issues out of fear. Fear of looking intolerant and even un-romantic. So the obvious solution is to discuss it before it is too late.

Interfaith marriage is common: About 45% of marriages are of two people with different faiths and the numbers are rising. These include people who are of different faiths or parts of a faith where their faiths "clash seriously". Even if you exclude the different denominations from the statistic the marriage rate is still at 36%. We Americans are apparently more likely to marry a person of a different faith than a person of a different political party. Why is this trend occurring? Well according to Ms. Schaefer Riley (she is Jewish and is married to an agnostic Jehovah's Witness) people are marring later in life. After a period of being single and on their own, peoples family traditions generally fall away. As such some people who marry into a different faith convert, but that is not always the case. America in this respect is a melting pot of faith.

Conclusion: I want interfaith marriages to survive. So I ask for all couples who are different faiths to discuss their differences early to avoid such problems. I personally, if I am to meet and marry someone of a different faith, would ask that the child be raised in both faiths and decide for themselves which faith to follow when they are old enough. If they want both and they feel they can reconcile the differences then I would support that to. However, we must also be careful as from my perspective a lot of my friends from interfaith marriages have become atheist out of the confusion reconciling the differences between the faiths and the promotion by secularists that faith causes war and death. It is not a faiths fault that a war occurs; it is the people who try to justify the act of murder who are at fault there. In any case, interfaith marriage I believe is a good thing. With this, just like the market place of ideas we will be able to root out the silly parts of faiths that we find untruthful or false. Let us face facts, we all agree on a lot of things when it comes to faith like helping the poor, and such. So in this I find that we are all correct and incorrect at the same time and that the differences are the issues that must be resolved. Maybe, just maybe, interfaith marriages will be the cure to such ills.

Issue 84 Interfaith centers May 24, 2013

An interfaith center is a place where people of multiple faiths may go and pray. Though, these people may not necessarily pray at the same time as a person with a different faith. It seems that such spaces are becoming more and more common with 1,500 in Britain alone. This I find to be a wonderful trend.

Why I like it: For one it brings together people of different faiths. By doing so it exposes people to other ideas and concepts within the faith based communities. While some of different faiths generally do not pray together, there are instances where a Muslim, a Christian and even a Jew pray together. These spaces are in no way limited to the monotheistic religions, as people of all faiths are welcome. These include Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists and in some cases atheists. It is a wonderful display of cooperation between the different groups with people either bringing in their own religious items in with some becoming permanent fixtures like Muslim prayer rugs. Some even have the room designed with curtains which cover up other religious items while people of a different faith pray. In Frankfurt's Goethe University they have an interfaith room called "house of silence" (Haus der stille). Here the Protestant and Muslim ministers have taken advantage of the space to hold a monthly peace prayer. It is a wonderful level of cooperation between the faiths and I would like to see more.

Possible future potential: Due to this level of cooperation we may see further expansion of this concept. It is possible that the different faith based groups will share more such spaces as it will decrease there overall costs in maintaining a traditional single faith house of worship. This may also lead to combined food kitchens and food drives that support the poor (something that all faiths can agree on). Basically we may have an elevated level of cooperation in helping those who are down and out as people of different faiths join hands to feed the hungry. Is it far fetched at the moment, maybe as more tolerance and acceptance of each other will have to continue. However, these spaces open up a dialogue with people of different faiths and as such ideas are shared. It will help us reach a better understanding between each other and realize that we all have a lot in common.

Problems: Some people fear that these spaces are Muslim prayer rooms disguised as multi faith spaces. This fear of course stems from the Jihadist terrorists within the Muslim community. People forget that it is only a small percentage of Muslims that are actually out to get them and their more moderate brethren. But most people are thankfully ignoring such fears as according to the Economist article public attitudes show that people are unconcerned about religious differences (Johannes Stuckelberger, Theologian and expert in church aesthetics at the University of Bern in Switzerland).

The one other problem is the overall design of the space. Some things may be deemed offensive like an alter that shifts from one direction to another to comply with Christians and Muslims need to worship in a particular direction. They also may be looked upon as tacky like the German Gebetomat which is a vending booth for prayers in 65 languages. As such most of such rooms are made to be as neutral as possible until the parishioners of the different faiths add there own touch to make it their own.

Conclusion: I have always liked this idea as I have always felt that these sorts of facilities would help bring people together on a more spiritual level. I do hope that these spaces will ultimately result in a dialogue that can bring all faiths together and shunt the violent radicals in all faiths out.

Issue 83 Sea Steading May 23, 2013

This concept was first brought to my attention on John Stossel’s show on Fox Business Network and again in the magazine Foreign Policy. It is a unique and a very innovative idea that I personally would like to see occur. But enough talk, here is what it is all about.

What is it?: Sea Steading is the idea to take an oil rig or a cruise ship and convert it into a tiny nation state. In essence it could have representation in the U.N. It works by dragging the oil rig or having the cruise ship in international waters. There, the people living on board would create a self sustaining society away from the corruption of the current governments around the globe. Due to the location in international waters, the people will also be immune to all laws created by other governments around the globe. But what is the goal?

The Goal: The goal is for each sea stead to create their own government. Each one would try out something different and see how it develops. In practice, the people aboard would dictate the type of government aboard each vessel and then compare notes with other members of the larger sea steading communities. From there it is all about developing the most effective form of government and economy whilst maintaining freedom. Basically it is a massive science experiment for designing the best government and economy. From there they hope that there land based counterparts will copy aspects of what works and then improve themselves. Also, if a sea steading community fails the people are either free to leave or change governments.

Worries: For one, the sea steading communities must be as self sustaining as possible. If they should have to tow themselves into another nations territorial waters then all the people there would be subject to those other countries laws. So either they make it so they never have to physically bring the community to land again, or they are fully recognized as an independent nation. Technology does allow for almost complete sustainability however with respect to recycling, fuel, and energy production. Food is a concern, but some form of farm or other form of food source must be created to make the system work.

The other worry is the weather. On land, the weather is less vicious than at sea. Ocean currents and strong waves can completely destroy a sea stead. They have designed oil rigs to withstand certain weather conditions closer to land, but at sea in open water the difficulty and the chances of survival if something does happen are very limited. Rescue is hundreds of miles off shore and so those people may be in for there own version of the "Poseidon Adventure" (it’s a movie for those who don't know). So hopefully these hurdles can be overcome in some way.

Conclusion: Conceptually, this is a fantastic idea. People want to use the scientific method to analyze and create the best form of government and economy. Heck, it might even be a precursor to orbiting colonies having there own self governments as well (those interviewed thought of this as well and are busy making plans). I do hope this idea comes to pass and that societies based on self determination develop that overcome humanities instincts to clamor for power and control. Would I live on one of these? Yes, but only if my country the United States finally collapses under its own weight.

Issue 82 Are we past race May 22, 2013

Short answer is no. We will never be passed race. While Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made great strides in removing the racism in our American culture, it has not disappeared. Rather race appears and disappears depending on what is going on.

How far have we come?: We are so much better than before. There is very little discrimination in respect to race itself in the negative sense. Instead, we are dealing with what has been coined as reverse racism. In this, we give people of certain races deference when it comes to employment such as Black Americans, Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans (this is known as affirmative action). They get hired sometimes even if a white individual is better qualified for a position simply due to skin color. Sometimes a black person will be hired over a Hispanic or an Asian person due to quotas. This happens a lot in government and even in the private sector because people fear looking racist. However, I question the logic behind these "reverse racism" practices as in truth it is out and out racism for you are basically saying that they can't achieve higher employment or education with out the white mans help. People add the word "reverse" in front just to make themselves feel better doing it. Many believe we are past this issue, but until such practices end, we will be caught in the death spiral of race based on color.

Racism is not just about color: Originally, racism was based around specific physical traits like skin color, but unfortunately Hitler changed that. He used the principles of eugenics (a defunct science) to deem people of the Jewish faith as an entirely different race. As a result over time religions and discrimination of people who worship in those faiths has become a form of racism. Eugenics has also played the same role in making it racist when people of a certain ethnic background are discriminated against. Overall, it is not about skin color any more, but about a common bond shared amongst a group of people that is being used to put them down in some way shape or form.

Racism is everywhere: Yes, we still suffer from racism in the U.S. This is a given due to government and private entities using things like affirmative action. It is also because we have hate groups on all sides as hate groups like the KKK, the Neo Nazis and even groups like the New Black Panthers preach some form of hate. But racism is also used to justify genocide even in the 21st century. No, I’m not talking about the Holocaust, but the genocide in Sudan. It is Arab Muslims who control the government killing African Muslims in the province of Darfur. They consider the African Muslims inferior to the Arab Muslims and have committed numerous atrocities in the name of cleansing the world of an inferior race. This as many would agree is out and out disgusting. But unfortunately simple differences in race are used to justify killing and discrimination all over the globe. This is not an isolated incident, but an epidemic of hate. No man should kill another for any reason save protecting themselves and there families from harm by another individual or group.

Conclusion: We all have work to do. Racism is a perversion of the world. It violates Gods teachings and I'm sure it violates the very principles of atheists as well. The tolerance policy by governments has done good. We tolerate each other as we attempt to co-exist, but tolerance is not enough. I do not want to just tolerate you being near me and working with me. It is time to take the next step, by accepting and finally understanding who we all are and what we have in common. Yes, two more steps, acceptance and understanding. We are all one race, the Human Race. We share so much in common and if we understood that, the disagreements will be pale in comparison. Our bond as a united people is in what we all share. We are human, we love freedom, we want to give ourselves and our families a happy healthy life, we all believe in something, and more. How can we all be right and yet all be so wrong at the same time? Surely we all have a role to play in destroying racism. Yes, people will be used as scapegoats when it comes to times of pain and torment, but we can and will get past this eventually. Just remember one thing, we have all been oppressed and we have all been an oppressor at one time or another in history and sometimes we are both at the same time. Once we understand that we are both victims and victimizers then maybe we can get past the hate passed from one generation to the next and move on to a brighter future.

Issue 81 Should College be Free May 21, 2013

I would say no. I have my reasons and they are simple and succinct. Maybe I am biased as I went to a private University (Hofstra), but for me, not everyone is cut out for the college life and we may be putting too much stock in this form of higher learning.

It is a privilege: For one education is a privilege. We have to pay for schools whether it is in the form of payments, or in the form of taxation. Thus, no form of schooling is truly free as you not only pay for yourself and your children, but with respect to government run education; you are paying for everyone else too. To go to school is not a right in any way, shape, or form. Some of you may disagree and I welcome that disagreement. However, take this into account; you can get the same knowledge for free at a library or on the internet. The role of college is not just about educating people, it is about recognizing that you have knowledge in the eyes of your first employer. After that, college becomes nothing but a tool to use to get around in social circles which may let you meet someone who may give you the "good word" and help you move to a higher paying job. In short, college enhances the "who you know factor". Learning on the other hand is a right as you do it every single day in every thing that you do. There is a difference.

Free Colleges: There is no such thing. If you still think that a college that says it is free is actually free, then look at how much you pay in taxes. I don't want to pay for someone’s free education. The idea is repulsive to me on account of the fact that I was once a college student my self. People went to college not to learn (at least a good portion of the people I went to college with) but to party. It was there parents paying for their kids to party for four straight years. As such, I would not hang out with that group as I wanted to devour all forms of knowledge at my finger tips. I studied Persian, Italian, Sign Language, Art history, Political Science (my major), religion, and more. I also read outside the class room just to stay ahead and also challenge the teacher at every turn. I questioned the status quo with boldness and thus I graduated with honors. But that is enough of me tooting my own horn; I’m here to say why we should not support other people’s quest for education (well at least certain people). Fact is that not every one should go to college and there are people who would have made more money if they never went to college in the first place. I know students who just never could fit in to the college class room and so they jumped from college to college getting a free ride off there parent’s money. I do not want to see the same thing happen with free colleges as those people are just free riders getting a good reputation off a college that they could care less about.

Who should get the help?: I know of only one group of people who should go to college and get a free ride. That is people who want to learn and strive academically. They care put there work first and thus their future first. It is not about fun and games at college as fun and games are a privilege saved for when all there work is complete. I am talking about the highly motivated students at all income and class levels that want to rise above themselves and set an example to their brothers and sisters and other members of their family. Here, they are to be idolized and they want to be praised for their hard work. It is these people who have made colleges look good for so long. Truth is however; if these people never went to college and just went into the private sector first, they would still be well off as their motivation is what pulls them to greater heights. The work becomes its own reward.

Conclusion: I don't like free riders. Also, I don't like what colleges have become. They are less about learning and more about recreation (at least here in America). I don't know how it is in other countries, but I would hope they kick students out who do not perform up to a strict set of criteria. In addition, colleges in the U.S. have become corrupt and are part of the crony capitalist culture by snuffing out jobs. They do this by making certain jobs require a college level education which enhances pay for those who manage to get into the field, but leaves people who are just as capable unable to afford the cost and other regulatory hurdles. In essence colleges support the over licensed culture of the job market. Since when do we need a college classroom to study how to make pottery, let alone get a license to make one for sale? The myth of college and free schooling is over. Thanks to the internet and people who fight for us in places like the Supreme Court our freedoms are slowly being returned even as others are confiscated. The power to learn and surpass yourself is in your own hands. What you need to succeed has always been within your grasp. You are motivated to succeed and because of that, you will through effort and the seizing of opportunities that are presented to you rise above your peers. You will separate yourself from the rest of the masses to lead rather than follow. College is a tool to do that, this is true. But ask yourself, is going there for four years worth the cost.

Issue 80 The air powered car May 20, 2013

Yes, as the title says we are going to talk about an air powered car. This is not in any way science fiction and some are already on the market. So let us begin.

What is it?: The air powered car is a vehicle with an engine designed to use compressed air to drive the motor. It works on the same principle as a traditional engine, but the compressed air pushes the pistons rather than a controlled explosion. These engines generally require no lubricants of any sort as the air itself provides a barrier to any sort of friction in the engine. In tests, the air powered car has gone over a 120 miles without fueling and the goal is to have a car that can go from New York to Nevada on a single tank of compressed air.

Safety first: Safety wise, compressed air is volatile. If say a traditional metal tank cracks, it will shatter like a large hand grenade. Engineers have solved this problem by making the air tanks out of carbon fiber which are designed to split open in case of a breach. Also, to address concerns that a breach in the tank will cause the car to launch like a rocket, safety release valves are place on the sides to prevent such an occurrence.

Is it truly fuel free?: Not entirely. You still need a compressor to compress the air in the tank. Filling such a tank could take as long as 2 hours. But, fueling stations will have technology that will solve that issue. Also, on board air compressors can and will be used to help refuel. While fueling stations can compress air off the energy grid, or even use solar and wind power to generate more electricity to compress air, the car will still need fuel. In this case, an 8 gallon gas tank will be used. However, while not 100% fuel free (yet), they produce less pollution than even a hybrid. The fuel will only be used to re-compress the tank and while at higher speeds than 35 miles per hour to generate more power. Future technology may see solar panels, and small wind turbines to charge batteries that will air in replacing the on board fuel supply.

Conclusion: These vehicles are the future if the public catches on to them. They provide a cleaner alternative to gas powered vehicles and are actually lighter and thus more fuel efficient. The only emissions while running on compressed air is well "air". Compressed air also has the ability to cool the environment which will be great for roads in summer as heat can damage them. Can you imagine how much we all can save in road work costs if cars cool the road as they drive preventing them from buckling and deteriorating due to heat? Also, as the air powered car is at most a ton in weight, this will provide less wear on the roads as well. There is another source of potential savings. Costs at the pump impact food prices and the price of all other goods as well. There will be trucks powered by air on the cheap. While normal trucks may need over $100 in fuel, an air powered version may on spend about $20 (based on the estimate that you only need $2 to fill up a passenger version). This will mean the price of goods will decrease dramatically. Welcome to a cleaner future where air, the most abundant resource on earth can be used to power your car for less than $2 worth of electricity.

To find out more check out the How Stuff Works web site here :
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/vehicles/air-car.htm