Looking around the blogosphere, all the old wives’ tales about the full moon sure seem to be true. Look at all the words that are derived from the word luna. Does anyone want to start a list?
Actually, the full moon was yesterday, but who’s counting. The next full moon will be May 9, so everyone just needs to get their howling out the way now or hold it until then.
Let us know what you are thinking.
I’m thinking people who want to howl will use any excuse to do so, relevant or not.
Anesthesia, methinks you are correct. But then again, I am Moon-howler.
It was such a beautiful moon last night! Thanks for bringing it up, MH. I forgot all about it until my husband pointed it out between the trees. I went outside and danced my firedance!
That moon was huge last night coming up. Surreal looking.
The moon was bright in my neck of the woods, but I bet it was even brighter in Sudley without street lights. 😉
Chris that was a very witty remark!
@Chris
Shelly, thanks. I just couldn’t help myself.
Just feel the love over on the dark screen. Never have so many characters been assassinated at one time. Chief Charlie Deane, George Barker, Chuck Colgan, Wally Covington. Who is next? And here at Easter time. No one is hopping down the bunny trail there. More like hellfire hornets hurling down the hate highway.
Enjoy Easter while you can before that also becomes a PC casualty. After all Obama states that we aren’t a Christian nation. Yes, chance is coming and coming fast, but at what cost?
THere is a Cadbury chocolate bunny in my near future……
News flash to Second-Alamo: we are NOT a Christian nation! We are a nation in which many Christians reside….as well as many Jews, Muslims, atheists, Buddhists, Hindus, and even pagans.
Maybe even 2, Emma, if you are in good with the Easter bunny. 😉
SA, I have to agree with Firedancer there on this one. Her statement in no way challenges or offends my religion.
Actually Moon-howler and Firedancer, if that were his meaning he would have said that we are not ONLY a Christian nation. Given volatile nature of the subject, one would think that his remarks would be VERY CAREFULLY vetted and concise.
I guess “In God we trust” on all our currency has no relevance to the founding of this country either. Soon we will be a blank nation without any identity whatsoever. For to say that America even has a flag would surely offend someone.
AWC,
Celebrating Easter and Christmas, regardless of the religious makeup of this country, were always American traditions. Now, because we were so kind as to allow people of every faith to immigrate here we are suppose to suppress our traditions so as not to offend those new arrivals. I say, you knew the traditions when you came here, and if you had a problem with that then don’t come, but don’t expect me to give up my American celebrated days as if I am the one that came to your country. You are free to celebrate your own traditions here, so why are we not allowed to celebrate ours in our OWN COUNTRY?
What are you talking about Second-Alamo? I know that there were typos in my comment, and perhaps the comment was too subtle, but it should be quite understandable that I was saying, in simpler terms, that I was agreeing with your interpretation.
AWC and Alamo,
I know the tank is low right now, but I hope you are not going to stay on the “we are too a Christian nation” thing for long. It might provide you some comfort to be able insist on something, however sillly it may be, but c’mon. Appealing to the small minority of Americans who believe this nation was founded a Christian theocracy is just not going to add to the Republican base. The fraction of our society who believes in such a thing is steadfastly and fanatically in your column already. I don’t think they could be made any more steadfast or fanatical. So what’s the point?
Remember, the “War on Christmas?” O’Reilly and a host of even more ridiculous right wing entertainers announced there would be such a war as a stop gap measure to reverse George Bush’s sagging poll numbers. I think the smoking gun evidence was the phrase “happy holidays” was catching on. But Bush’s approval rating only went lower and lower, and the Republicans lost the next two elections.
In plain words, mainstream America is no longer taking Republicans seriously when they make desperate pleas for a culture war instead of offering an idea, a policy, or a vision for this country.
Middle class tax cuts are rebuilding our economy, but tax cuts for the super-wealthy might expire in two years, so right wing zealots are instructed to “tea bag” each other? What?! Governors decide to reject the stimulus money so their states suffer, confidence in their leadership faulters, and their forced to flip-flop and take the implement the stimulus money after all? Why!?
Each time they try to pull something off key, off target, and off the radar screen in the minds of mainsteram Americans, another couple thousand moderates and independents throw up their hands and give up on the party.
If you don’t got something sensible to say, best not to say anything at all. And if the Republican strategists and entertainers don’t have something sensible, best not to repeat it.
Well said, Justin.
Speaking of religion, several weeks ago Greg posted a video clip about his church. I clicked on it out of curiosity. The first thing I noticed is that they offer ESOL classes, which is admirable. I wonder if they check the immigration status of their students?
Geesh!…Justin, if you READ my comment, I was responding to comments already made by Second-Alamo and Firedancer. Although I am adamantly opposed to name-calling, I am conflicted because I also believe in speaking my mind…and right now it has a very low opinion of you in some very specific ways. The more I see of you, as a matter of fact, the lower it goes.
Correction: READ my “comments” (2)
SA, I don’t think anyone is trying to take Christmas or Easter away from individuals or churches. I do think that there are people who resent having to endure everyone else’s religious symbols as standards in the public arena. I don’t blame them. While they do not bother me, I try to see the other person’s point of view.
Most of the people who came to this country in the beginning were at least culturally Christian. Operative word here: most, but not all. Different waves of religious expression have been popular since those early days and much has changed. Religion is obviously one of those areas where you just cannot allow anyone to have a strong hold. Look at the abuses of Christianity, for example. (and not only Christianity)
If we truly are a nation founded on religious freedom, then we have to apply that concept to the individual and not to governments.
AWC, I know you have been doing good work on the other blog. I’m glad you are doing that. I hope you’re not falling into this culture war thing, but it’s cool with me if you do. I’m just saying it’s not the way to go.
Culture war thing? Now how did you get something like that from anything I said? Please quote.
And by the way Justin, I’m not doing “good work” over at the other blog…I’m expressing my opinion as I always do. I’m not doing any commenting for any other reason that that. I am certainly not out to please you, or anybody else…I speak my mind as I do here. If you agree with me, fine; if not, fine too. Don’t turn it into something else…like you’re trying to turn my innocuous little comments on this thread into a “culture war thing.”
Justin,
I think perhaps you should take some time and read some of AWC’s posts on both blogs. She is true to her opinions, and should be applauded for that. She does her own homework, and doesn’t need to be spoon fed “talking points”. She’s far from a “people pleaser”. FYI-That is compliment to her..not an insult. AWC and I don’t agree on everything, but we can certainly continue to speak our differing opinions, and still be friends/maintain civility. Something to consider, Justin.
AWC, you know I have valued your opinions since back when we interacted on the other blog. I don’t understand why you allow yourself to get so upset by even passing comments. It doesn’t seem worth the energy. Like Justin, who has no bearing on your life, is just making comments but not trying to upset you, unlike the others on the dark screen who do make personal attacks.
Regarding religion: Moon-howler, you hit the nail on the head with this comment: “I do think that there are people who resent having to endure everyone else’s religious symbols as standards in the public arena.” I’m one of them!!! In fact, I become outraged when attending a public event, a banquet for example, and am forced to participate in a prayer, especially one that invokes symbols that I do not believe in. I just don’t understand why we do that, and why everyone else just bows their heads like sheep.
Oops, I was chiding AWC for getting upset. Well, that’s something that enrages me. I know I should just let it roll off like water, but my blood boils every time.
My husband was raised Catholic. He no longer is, not that it matters. He attended public school as a boy. He HAD to do the protestant Lord’s Prayer rather than the Catholic one. He resented it very much. He still resents it as a matter of principle, even though he left the church long ago. He felt that someone else’s religion was forced down his throat at the hands of government.
For that matter, why is there an invocation before the BOCS meetings? I realize that a different person is chosen each time, but even so, why is it necessary? Who are they appeasing? Why can’t there be a moment of silence if one feels it is necessary to be reflective before a public meeting?
Firedancer, I hear you loud and clear and on a multi-tiered level also. If I go into someone’s house or their house of worship, I can expect to pray with them, or at least remain respectful while they do so. However, in the public arena, I expect to be left in peace. If I feel the need for prayer, I can go outside, or pray over the dinner table before my meeting.
Usually my prayers involve brevity.
Hey folks, what does Christmas have to do with religion anyway? It’s been generations since it stood for the birth of Christ. So why is it that the saying “Merry Christmas” upsets, and even if it does it is ONLY a vocal few in bed with the ACLU that complains. Freedom of speech is it not?
It just astounds me that harmless things that were the norm back in my childhood are now held in such contempt by those that want to dissolve this country into nothing more than a gathering place for the world’s humanity with no visible identity as a country, but just an area of land on a map.
MH, I will say though that I was also outraged when we instituted the moment of silence at school, but I ended up really liking it. It’s the forced words and head bowing to those words that I can’t tolerate.
SA, as you can see I am against forced religion, but I actually don’t mind saying “Merry Christmas” since it’s become a rather generic greeting. I know that religion gives comfort to many, and I’m all for that as long as they don’t impose their beliefs on me, including making me bow my head to their prayers.
Why does the identity of our country have to be anything synonymous with a religion? Why can’t we be held together by our belief in individual freedom of expression? Of course that means different things to different people. To me, it means gay people should be able to marry, for example.
@Firedancer
Firedancer, people who “put words in my mouth” or twist my words to their own end, like Justin, make me angry…ergo, I correct. People who are incapable of formulating their own opinions and must resort to name-calling and other ad hominem attacks to mask their inadequacies are quite a different matter…they’re fun to deal with.
The thing about the Justins of the world is that, by applying their spin, they are attacking the person but in a far more subtle and odious way…they can be quite frustrating. It’s just one of my buttons. I never said I was perfect, and I’m not likely to change on that particular point. By the way, my generation called such people “mealy-mouthed.”
Firedancer,
Amen to our common belief, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”…and “we are all created equal”.
I love celebrating Christmas, decorating the tree, etc etc, even though I am Jewish my husband is not. Obviously for me it isn’t a religious holiday. However, I find such hypocrisy of by those who seem to KNOW
G-d’s mission and twist their beliefs to fit whomever they are villifying.
Furthermore, what is happening over on the dark screen is SUCH hypocrisy. On one hand you have “feigned” outrage that certain people, like myself, would be offended by the appointment of Robert Duecaster to a human services committe, being that he had tried to deny even allowing CHILDREN to go to a county park. We were accused of “data mining” and some posters that visit here were upset with us. Now that the dark screen is on a bizarre tirade against Katherine’s appointment to a tourism committee, suddenly the hypocrisy abounds. I am pretty sure the purpose is going to be PROMOTE visiting, not deter visiting. I am sure they will be very disappointed to realize that there will be no demands for “green cards” in order to spend money in PWC while visiting the sites! What immigration has to do with Tourism I don’t get.
Firedancer,
That’s just it. In my day it wasn’t looked upon as ‘forced religion’, but as honoring the one whose name is emblazoned on our currency. The overwhelming majority of people in the country felt the same, and hence no problem. Now, even if .0001% of the people have a problem with it, our PC society dictates that it’s improper to continue. Once upon a time it was majority rule, since you can’t please everyone all the time, but now that is all we care about pleasing the .0001%
Second Alamo,
For you, as a Christian, why would you be offended? But for me, I was often left to feel like an outsider, always the Christmas songs, Easter, etc etc.
Second Alamo, it wasn’t looked on as forced religion to you because you were part of the majority. There was no problem back then because the non-Christians just kept their mouths shut and “went along to get along”, because they were afraid of recriminations. I was always the only Jewish kid in my class, so I know what it’s like to hide who you are. Now I profess no religion.
I despise the hypocrisy of too many religious leaders, creeps who preach to their flock about piety and holiness, but who are engaging in sick, wacko acts behind the scenes. The more pious they are, the more suspect they seem. And I certainly don’t see how someone can preach “God’s love” on one hand and practice hatred on the other just because of immigration status.
@AWCheney
AWC, I’m just an occasional observer of this and less so the other blog, but it just seems sometimes to me that you let yourself get upset when perhaps the person truly didn’t mean to offend you, at least not on this blog. It can’t be good for your health.
I read about that on BVBL, Elena, but since I don’t know any of the major players, I found it hard to follow. It sounded like a lot of ranting. If anyone’s interested, here’s the description of the visitors bureau:
CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU, PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY/MANASSAS
Authority P.W.C. Resolution No. 01-94 (February 6, 2001)
P.W.C. Resolution No. 02-735 (September 17, 2002)
Purpose To create an independent entity to improve tourism and promote and market Prince William County as a tourism destination
@Elena
Ha ha, Elena. Good one about having to show your green card to spend money in PWC!
Oh and on religion, I think most people dislike hypocrisy. They just don’t recognize–or want to acknowledge–if they themselves are doing it.
Just curious what all this has to do with the full moon, anyway.
Ane, apparently Moon-howler and I are the only ones who get excited talking about the full moon.
Ha! Well, where I am from, a full moon peeks out of a hospital gown. 🙂
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!
I like it.
Firedancer, I think police officers and emergency room staff can testify that the full moon brings out some weird behavior. I’m almost curious enough to search for some psych studies or police statistics to verify that generalization – but I’m a bit too lazy right now.
I’m another one who dislikes having public meetings started with a prayer. I was raised as a Presbyterian but now profess no religion. Where I grew up there was even a hierachy to Protestant denominations with Baptists topping the list. Catholics and Jews were not considered mainstream. So much for small Southern towns. Now the front page of that town’s newspaper is dedicated to the largely Catholic Hispanic community’s re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross. Quite a change.
@Firedancer
Oh Firedancer, you most certainly didn’t offend, and I gave up on my health a long time ago. Not to worry, I’m not upset…I’m actually rather thick-skinned, unless I’m having a particularly bad day health-wise. Today’s not one of them. I was just trying to explain WHY I react to Justin as I do. I have a real problem with people who attempt to insult my intelligence by twisting and “interpreting” my words to suit them. If I misspeak, I apologize for it…if I don’t, it frustrates me to have to repeat myself continually because someone has decided give my words a new meaning. I refuse to repeat myself anymore unless I am asked to clarify my point…that’s a reasonable request.
It’s actually not hypocrisy. The point is, “pinko” has said over and over again (as evidenced by the quotes on her own blog and this one) that PWC is racist, backwards and run by a bunch of rednecks. WHY would anyone want her on a committee where the goal is to GET people to come to PWC? She’s called members of BOCS racists, bigots and neo-Nazis (again, her own words) and said that she lives “in the racist captial of the country”. I don’t want her representing PWC on any kind of committee.
And didn’t you, KG, Alana and others do the same when Duecaster was appointed? You used his own words to show that he wasn’t fit to be appointed. Turn about is fair play, especially when you make your comments in a public place, such as the internet.
Sorry, but KG’s rants don’t really show that she wants to improve tourism or promote PWC, unless she wants the new sloan for PWC to be “Come to PWC, PWC has the KKK, and I am quite convinced there are members of the official Nazi Party!”
or maybe
“PWC, the home of back-woods bigots (which is the name we have earned for ourselves).”
how about:
“PWC, where we have a moratorium on smart politicians now days.”
I could go on and on, but you get the idea. And so does the BOCS – several of them have been e-mailed and called and believe me, there will be a showing on Tuesday to keep her OFF of any committee in PWC.
Sounds like a winner!!
I think KG’s talents as a writer can be put to use to promote tourism. Had the BOCS listened to average citizens instead of the Black Velvet fringe, we wouldn’t have nearly the financial mess/bad reputation we have now. I can understand KG’s anger about how the Immigration Resolution impacted this county’s reputation. Our Board showed little foresight when it came to cost/benefit analysis, particularly in an economy that was already headed into problems.
John Stirrup’s appointments have brought us our FAIR-drafted resolution and endless FOIA requests. Seems to me that they’ve proved to be much more expensive to PWC than KG’s words.
Well, You Wish, I don’t know. Seems pretty silly to make a big deal out of a tourism position that doesn’t pay. It doesn’t make any difference to me. It just seems like a waste of time. Tourism and immigration spats don’t really have to do with each other. You can like parts of your area and dislike other parts, it seems to me.
That’s a laugh – how is throwing around slurs and names a talent? I hope that this appointment doesn’t go through.
And if I’m not mistaken, a majority of the “average citizens” showed their support for the BOCS by voting them into office. Educated voters knew the platforms the candidates were running on and made their voice heard loud and clear.