Power of the people.

Have you ever heard someone say that big box companies put the small mom and pop stores out of business? I've always had trouble understanding this. Someone comes in and builds a store and magically the mom and pop's stores go out of business? It must be true because of all the statistics that say this is what happens. This is NOT why smalls stores go out of business! It's because people (in the community) STOP shopping at the small stores. A big box company could build the building, hire the employees, open it's doors and if no one shopped there THEY, not the small business would be closing up shop. We the people have an amazing ability to affect all that happens around us. Problem is sometimes it's not the "convenient" thing to do. I mean I LIKE lower prices I'm the one who won't shop at the mom and pop's anymore because I can get a better deal at Big Box right! So it's really me that's putting them out of business right! Last night as I lay watching TV I realized how horrible MOST of the shows I watch really are, I thought why am I watching this? Did I turn off the TV? No because hey that would be to inconvenient. What would happen if I did? Probably not much, but what if everyone who didn't agree with what is being 'fed' to us did the same thing? What would happen if everyone who didn't agree with a certain newspaper or news station stopped buying or watching? I know there are so many good people in the world who just want what's best for their families. It may not be convenient, but I think we'll find that we are not alone, and that my friends is the power of the people.
Lisa

The power of knowledge...

-
It's amazing to me the confidence knowledge brings to any debate. I have been researching proposition 8, really looking into the nuts and bolts. When I get an email for or against I have been looking up information, reading newspaper articles and I have even been reading the California Constitution and the California Family Code. (now there's some really riveting reading)I would love to share all this info with you...maybe on at a later day but the point I would like to make is that with knowledge comes power. Not power over anyone but power of facts vs opinion. I have read many many many comments about this issue. I would say 95% are based on raw emotion, which is a must in any cause, and 5% on actual facts. Or rather emotion mixed with some facts. For instance did you know that as far as the law is concerned there are only a few minor differences between a 'domestic partner' and marriage, and those differences make it EASIER to have a domestic partnership than a marriage. Again a discussion for a later date. Point? Don't answer questions your not sure about and be sure about the questions you answer!!! It's actually almost...dare I say...fun.
Lisa

My fundamental right.

Here in California we being asked to vote on Proposition 8 "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California." One argument that I have been hearing is that we (those for Prop 8) should not impose our morals, values and beliefs on anyone else.
*
America is a country where we rights...not to force our beliefs on anyone but to stand up for our beliefs, present our argument and then let the voters decide it's called democracy. Every law that is passed is because someone "believed" that it would benefit us in someway. I have the right to voice my opinion on any given subject and then try and persuade all who will listen why I think it is right or wrong. It does not make me evil or intolerant, it makes me an American. Each individual in America, then has the right to agree or disagree, through their vote. It is an amazingly wonderful system. It only fails when a few individuals think they know better than the majority, or when people choose to sit idly by. I may not always win but I do believe in upholding the laws of the land. It is my fundamental right and moral obligation to question and try to change those things that go against what I believe in. Again it's call democracy. Our forefathers had amazing insight. I am thankful to live in a land where I can voice my opinion peacefully.
Lisa

Share your voice

This is the month were politics really gets ugly. One month to go, are you registered yet? I have been reading some of the political forums to see what people are saying about different issues. I notice that most comments are by very passionate people, people who feel very strongly one way or another about the issues. I think one thing that would help is for me to add my opinion to the discussion, It may be that there are lots of people who think like I do but just don’t take the time to share what is running around in their heads. The reason this would help? I have found that those who are the noisiest are in the minority BUT they voice their opinions very loudly which makes them seem to be the majority. Basically the majority is being shouted down. I would issue a challenge this week to you. As you read a news article that interests you or outrages you, leave a comment. Let your voice be heard, and then let us know about it and remember to HAVE FUN!!!