Thoughts and questions on various matters

Wisdom is measured in the depth of one’s questions and knowledge in one’s consciousness of facts. This collection of questions and thoughts is my latest attempt to improve in both areas and shine a little light into some dark corners.

Environmentalists demand that we pursue renewable energy sources and use recyclable materials. Why, then, are environmentalists so opposed to the timber industry? It utilizes and replenishes forests, one of nature’s most available, renewable and recyclable assets.

Can a person claim to be free while refusing to be accountable for their actions or responsible for their livelihood? Sadly, this view of liberty has become the rule rather than the exception.

What happens if every pet owner follows the animal rights crusader’s demand and has their pet spayed or neutered? Where will the next generation of pets come from?

When conservatives criticize a political opponent’s positions they are accused of partisanship, mean-spiritedness, or reckless attacks. But when a liberal does the same thing--or worse--to conservatives they are praised for “speaking truth to power.” Talk about your double standards.

I find it inexplicable that government can trace salmonella to a single jalapeño pepper and mad cow disease to a barn stall on a remote ranch, but can’t find millions of illegal aliens living right under our noses.

At the height of his messianic popularity Barack Obama visited the Middle East. I wondered at the time if he traversed the Atlantic by air or simply walked across on the water. If he takes a similar trip now he may have to fly coach and pay for his checked baggage.

When activists organize “gay pride” parades, are they trying to convince themselves or the rest of us?

If prostitution is illegal why are pornographic movies legal? The actors and actresses in those movies are selling sex, too. The only difference is their forum and their price.

The academics and pointy-headed intellectuals who influence public policy routinely praise the communist and socialist leaders who have starved millions of people in the name of social equality. They will also condemn capitalist farmers and grocery store owners, who have fed millions for a profit. Is there any wonder the economic world has capsized?

Driving 101: The Interstate Axiom. The driver in front of you will slow to a crawl a half-mile before reaching their exit ramp. The driver behind you will pass you like it’s the white flag lap of the Daytona 500, and then suddenly swerve across three lanes of traffic to exit at the same ramp.

I doubt the people who’ve continually praised the historic nature of Obama’s presidency would have similar feelings if J.C. Watts--the former Oklahoma congressman--had become the nation’s first black president.

What became of Monica Lewinsky? Which item should she donate to the Smithsonian Institution: her blue dress, or her lipstick?

Here is a prime example of hypocrisy. The same people who decry the influence of money in politics totally ignored the $600 million Obama raised during the 2008 campaign.

We will trust our health, retirement and livelihood to people who spend $100 million to win an elected office that pays between $200,000 and $400,000 annually. However, we’re skeptical of someone who spends $100,000 on an education to land a position that pays several million dollars per year. Will someone explain why this makes sense?

South Carolina Democrats are correct in claiming that Alvin M. Greene shouldn’t be their party’s candidate for U.S. Senate. Greene washed out of the army under unusual circumstances. He has no job, lives with his parents and is charged with a sexual offence. Actually, Greene should be either the Democrat’s presidential nominee or their climate change expert.