Thoughts of Late

- I started a new job. So I haven't had all the "blog-time" I used to. Sorry. But the following are some things I've been thinking about lately.

- I waste a lot of paper at work. I don't like that. Probably a half a ream a day.

- I don't like our (Christian) outlook towards the immigration issue (which miraculously isn't really an issue anymore in the news all of a sudden). In all things towards all issues, I would rather error on the side of indiscriminate compassion. So they want to work in the U.S., and feed and take care of their children, and live in a peaceful country...wouldn't you? They do all the jobs that we Americans think are too low for us. We don't pay them as much as we would other people to do those jobs. I still live in a nice apartment and drive a nice car and have a plush job and have all the luxuries I could ever want. So what if I have to pay $100 more a year in taxes so the less than fortunate than me Mexicans or other immigrants can have healthcare for their children and send money for food back to their families in Mexico. How far have we gotten away from indiscriminate love for the poor and less affluant? All I've heard in the news from the "compassionate Conservative" right is talk of hatred and anger towards these people. Sure, a few of them are criminals and take advantage of American social programs, but most of them freakin' just want to work, and take care of their families. What's the big deal? So they may "take over America" in a few years...so what? This isn't my home anyway. Scripture says we're [Christians] aliens while we're here on earth. And we will be distinguished as followers of Christ by how we LOVE OTHER PEOPLE.

- I think most college grads should work a few years before they blindly go to grad school. It's not really possible in college to find out what you want to do, and who you really are. It's so far removed from reality than...reality (especially if your parents paid for everything). Actually, what if going straight to college right after high school isn't all that good. Maybe that's why (and I'm one to talk) college kids change their majors every semester and finish college without a clue about what they want to do. Something to chew on...

- I don't mean to make this a political post...but I think it's pathetic that 17 of the last 18 Congresses have given themselves a pay raise, but the minimum wage hasn't changed in 8 years. I'm pretty sure inflation has continued to increase...meaning that the cost of living EVERYWHERE in the U.S. has continued to sharply increase, but the millions of people and families living and depending on minimum wage haven't had their incomes raise with the inflation...and the $3 gas, in 8 years. Funny how the saying that the rich keep getting richer and the poor get poorer isn't just smoke blowing. Then we elect legislatures that drop taxes and cut funds to social programs that actually help the poor. But I guess it's the poor peoples fault for getting themselves in that position anyway...so who cares.

- Statistics have always shown that the working, low class segment of the population gives more to charities, church social programs, and NPOs (non-profit organizations) than the middle, upper-middle, and upper classes...and that's not per capita, that's total. That's pathetic.

- Nordaggio's is putting another coffee shop in Tulsa accross the Jenks bridge from the other one they just put in. And the new one will be down the street from Starbucks, too, and down the street from the original Nord's on 81st and Lewis. This doesn't make sense. It's not that popular.

- I don't know when I became so "agenda minded". Sometimes people and their mindsets just set me off. We've forgotten, for the most part, how to love the poor, and the less fortunate, and the sick, and the hurting. Instead it's like we just do anything to "protect our children" and "protect ourselves" from them. Instead of helping the less affluant, our first priority is to protect what we have "earned". I don't like that mindset...I hope I don't become like that when I have a family.

- I need more grace for people, mainly Christians.