Ramblings of Daniel Ross-Jones
Archive for June, 2008
Faith-filled people are happier
Jun 17th
A Syracuse University professor has claimed in an Action Institute lecture that those people who hold moral values shaped by religious traditions are happier, contributing more to the “gross national happiness” than secularists. (He defines secularists pretty accurately, although broadly, as those who adhere to no religious tradition and/or attend one or fewer religious services annually.)
Arthur Brooks, professor of business and government policy in Syracuse’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, is author of the new release “Gross National Happiness: Why Happiness Matters for America – And How We Can Get More of It.” He maintains that those who actively practice their faith commit fewer crimes, more likely to contribute (financially and sweat equity) to causes, or get divorced.
But with everything, there are exceptions to the rules:
Brooks said there is an exception to his benchmark for happiness: people who view God as a condemning deity, and those who believe, but infrequently practice, their faith. They end up fearing death the most, he said
But gays will destroy the sanctity of marriage
Jun 16th
This quote should start us off nicely:
“Animals are attracted to certain animals,” Scott said. “When looking to mate two animals, it is important that their energy is compatible. This isn’t an arranged marriage, we can’t force them together.”
Now you might think a story with the headline, “More dogs are saying ‘Fi-Do’ to pet weddings” might come from The Onion, or at least be satirical in nature. Nope. The mainstream, conservative-leaning Chicago Tribune is reporting today about a growing trend of doggy nuptials for parents who simply can’t allow illegitimate pups born to unwed mothers around their house.
God help us all.
With the price of gas hovering around $4/gallon, the cost of food skyrocketing, and the growing divide between the have-it-alls, the have-somes and the have-nothings, certainly dog marriages are the first thing to make sure we’re providing these days.
And don’t even get me started on the gay marriage vs. “sanctity” of marriage argument within this context. Spot’s “wedding” is so far off the charts absurd it doesn’t even merit discussion.
But even beyond the rational arguments lie the utterly irrational. How can one walk around with “Doggie Wedding Consultant” on their business cards? Is there a requirement for the dogs to be paper trained before the ceremony? They say pre-nups aren’t necessary, but we all know pets have fickle minds, so can you at least point me in the way of adequate legal counsel?
