Opinions from Ilona, you're here,so you asked for it.

(11/29/2000) Some people don't like to talk about religion and politics, or maybe they just don't like me to talk about it, I don't know. There seems to be a tendency for conversations to just shut down when statements venture out of the wishy-washy category. Maybe it is just the way I light up when those subjects come about. The explanation for that (beyond the obvious: my personality) is that I am convinced that open forums on these subjects are driving forces within free, democratic societies. Maybe the milque toast deference within this arena has set the stage for the confusion we now see our political process.
Certain people have held the microphone too long and don't want to give it up. I always have a rather jaundiced look when paternalistic, overweaning types purport to "know" what is best for the "people" and what it is that "everyone" thinks (read: 'experts', and those who somehow know what dead heroes think about a subject or action). And we all need to recognize how polls and "facts" are often manipulated to produce results.
Cynical? Yes, well, current events are the evidence. Well, if there is truth, and I stand firmly on the ground that there is, it is worth heated discussion and impassioned adherence. We help one another to arrive at its understanding by sharing our view of it. No one gets everything correct all the time. It is going to require us to do a little thinking and give a little effort, and allow for some voices that perhaps we don't care to hear, for us to maintain a free society.
In our present political situation, many comments have been flying. One is that the coming presidency is compromised because the new presidant doesn't have a mandate. Hogwash,I say. I have seen presidents with overwhelming mandate come into office who haven't had an easy time. Our president and congress might have a more open ear to the concerns of the citizens, and more heartfelt desire to serve the nation after these struggles. In the coming four years, let us take our citizenship more seriously. The votes counted. (....and counted and counted)
And here is a partisan joke:
quote of the day:
"You mean to tell me that those old ladies in Palm Beach can play 15 bingo cards simultaneously- but CAN'T PUNCH A BALLOT!"

(11/7/2000) Today is election day in the U.S.,and this morning, I voted my conscience. Because of the circumstances of our world, I would say that this is most likely the most important election I have voted in for my country. In reading news articles, it seems that many people throughout the world agree. It made me think of conversations I have had with people of other countries concerning America and what makes it tick. This could be a difficult obsevation for even those of us who have lived here all our lives, but I think what many people of other nations do not grasp is the the huge scope of this country. The importance of who becomes president has more to do with how this man would capture the trust and the willingness of this nation, rather than his personal capabilities in law or policy. Reagan is the best example of that.

There are so many different aspects to Americans: different creeds, different cultures, different colors, different social stratas, and more. Yet, we must move forward within majority. The amazing thing is how well our system has accomodated the wide range of people and circumstances, thus far.

It is the condition of the heart of the people that determines the direction of the nation, more than a single leader or anything else. For this very reason, the president is of vital necessity in the well-being and clear thinking of America's citizenry. The man elected must understand and maintain the solemn responsibility of that post.

It is hoped that as a wise leader, the new president would surround himself with capable advisors and staff. These, after all, are the nuts and bolts of the admininstration, the gears and the oil. So, whoever wins, may he have the grace of God to lead the nation well, through rough waters or calm.

6/16/2000) Have our churches become so accustomed to moral failure that we applaud it? Charles Colson recently asked that question in one of his articles for CNS Commentary. Well, I guess we have a little bit of a problem here.

On the one hand we have the words and example of Christ: calling us to a higher example, preaching a new life, holding forth a reward of eternal life. On the other hand we have a world of "be nice" philosophies, hedonistic pleasures, and the life of the easy road. Ohhhh, choices, choices. Awwww, do I really have to pick? Can't we just wink, and blink, and nod a little? And if I applaud the big guys who are doing it, doesn't it mean that I can get away with my little escapades? You're a "good sport", aren't you, GOD? What's a little sin, umm... moral failure, here and there between friends? We will just yip and hoooch, and clap our hands and it all goes away,POOF! Wizards of Oz for the great problems of the world and the little nasty matters of right relationship with one another.

Of course, we lose real ideas of mercy and forgiveness, and oops, justice has to go, too. But some of us can feel good, we can feel like such nice, understanding people...and that is just so sweet a feeling. Until, we're the ones shafted. And so what, if a little more fuel is added to the complaints that Christians are hypocites? WE understand, don't we? And in the end, that was all that mattered, our wants, our lusts (correction,needs), our understanding, our little group who applauds one anothers problems and wrongs and points the finger to the Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist, and states "You need what we've got?" Hey, if we can excuse ourselves this way, why not leave the rest of the world alone? Otherwise, if Christians and Christianity stand for something, have something, are worth something, then LET US LIVE IT.

(2/18/2000) I ran across an article with the statement ,"Many users of email and chat groups tend to seek out only like-minded individuals". If my experience so far is any indication, I think this is true; and it's an unsettling situation. One of the things that I felt was so attractive about the net was the unsurpassed opportunity to interact with people from very different circumstances and circles than myself. To expose my own mind to different viewpoints and to express mine to people I would otherwise never encounter was a euphoric prospect. Naivite thy name is newbie.

The actual experience I have had is the trolling or baiting that simply shuts down open conversation. I expect to be closely examined and even criticised on subjects that are controversial, but when my views were used to neatly pigeonhole me in a nice closed little file, I found myself gainsayed in even the most bland and universal of subjects, which seems like a waste of everyones time. "The weather is great here" " Oh, aren't you patronizing and condescending to us (implied, you pompous and insensitive person)?" Does one answer, ignore, or drop out? If I had only truly patronized their views earlier, I could, tentatively, of course- for this is how people become on the net- put forth most any little tidbit. It is political correctness in its strictest, most stultifying form. Be Yourself, as long as WE agree...and we'll flame you like you've never been flamed if you don't capitulate. And so, people learn to congregate in their own constricted groups; even more so than in real life. How small and mean.

So, I implore you, dear reader, can you recognize that your fellow man is far more complex than profiles and subgroups? We may change each other, we may not, but we certainly can understand more of each other if we allow open communication; sharp, bland, sensitive, or rankling.

For those who want to ask me, "Who do you think you are?" My email address is: reflectpool@yahoo .com

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