Jun 01, 2009 | 09:08 PM PST
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The argument wages on regarding civil rights for homosexual and transgender individuals. At the crux of the argument is the opinion that homosexuality is biological and not a choice. There is no scientific evidence that this hypothesis is based in fact. Understanding the ramifications of that statement, it is more plausible to believe that homosexuality and voluntary transgender is a choice and not biological. Before we continue let’s define a couple of terms that are critical to a complete and lucid understanding of the issue at hand:
- Transgender: A person appearing or attempting to be a member of the opposite sex, as a transsexual or habitual cross-dresser.
- Civil Rights: Rights to personal liberty established by the 13th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution and certain Congressional acts, esp. as applied to an individual or a minority group, such as the rights to full legal, social, and economic equality extended to African Americans.
The only way to connect homosexuality and civil rights is to formally establish an unshakable fact that homosexuality is a direct result of human biology. Otherwise, there is no way to justify giving civil rights to a group formed not as a result of unconscious biology, but as a result of preference and choice. For one, I am offended and aggrieved by the unjustified notion that a group of individuals who have made the choice to be homosexual or transgender would equate their struggle to the civil rights struggle that for example African Americans, Jews and other ethnic groups had to endure. Humans have no control over our race, creed or color. However, we do have control over our sexual preference.
Moreover, I do understand situations such as individuals that are hermaphroditic and other biological maladies. If we are speaking of that group and that group only, I definitely have compassion for them and would support civil rights legislation for them. However, to blindly lump homosexuals and voluntary transgendered individuals in that group is specious, short sighted and legislative hypocrisy.
Finally, after years of debate, the American Psychological Association has finally admitted that there is no ‘gay gene’ in a recent publication. A. Dean Byrd, former president of National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality, confirmed that in a brochure the American Psychological Association stated the opposite of what the APA has advocated for years.
The brochure reads:
"There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay or lesbian orientation. Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles. ..."Moreover, Douglas Abbott, a University of Nebraska professor, concluded, "If homosexuality was caused by genetic mechanisms, their children would be more likely to choose same-sex interaction. But they aren't more likely, so therefore it can't be genetic."
This is a “hot button” issue in the City of Memphis that is sure to widen the racial and moral chasm in our fair city. I will not invoke the Bible at this time because sexual morality is not at issue. However, we must remember that it is virtually impossible to legislate morality.
May 27, 2009 | 04:07 PM PST
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Grief is a many and varied emotion and dealing well with grief is paramount in recovering from catastrophically stressful situations. Your individual healing depends on your faith, and your understanding of a proper psychological plan of improvement. The 7 Stages of Grief will assist you in your quest for emotional healing. God Bless You!
1. SHOCK & DENIAL -- You will probably react to learning of the loss with numbed disbelief. You may deny the reality of the loss at some level, in order to avoid the pain. Shock provides emotional protection from being overwhelmed all at once. This may last for weeks.
2. PAIN & GUILT -- As the shock wears off, it is replaced with the suffering of unbelievable pain. Although excruciating and almost unbearable, it is important that you experience the pain fully, and not hide it, avoid it or escape from it with alcohol or drugs. You may have guilty feelings or remorse over things you did or didn't do with your loved one. Life feels chaotic and scary during this phase.
3. ANGER & BARGAINING -- Frustration gives way to anger, and you may lash out and lay unwarranted blame for the death on someone else. Please try to control this, as permanent damage to your relationships may result. This is a time for the release of bottled up emotion. You may rail against fate, questioning "Why me?" You may also try to bargain in vain with the powers that be for a way out of your despair ("I will never drink again if you just bring him back")
4. "DEPRESSION", REFLECTION, LONELINESS -- Just when your friends may think you should be getting on with your life, a long period of sad reflection will likely overtake you. This is a normal stage of grief, so do not be "talked out of it" by well-meaning outsiders. Encouragement from others is not helpful to you during this stage of grieving. During this time, you finally realize the true magnitude of your loss, and it depresses you. You may isolate yourself on purpose, reflect on things you did with your lost one, and focus on memories of the past. You may sense feelings of emptiness or despair.
5. THE UPWARD TURN -- As you start to adjust to life without your dear one, your life becomes a little calmer and more organized. Your physical symptoms lessen, and your "depression" begins to lift slightly.
6. RECONSTRUCTION & WORKING THROUGH -- As you become more functional, your mind starts working again, and you will find yourself seeking realistic solutions to problems posed by life without your loved one. You will start to work on practical and financial problems and reconstructing yourself and your life without him or her.
7. ACCEPTANCE & HOPE -- During this, the last of the seven stages in this grief model, you learn to accept and deal with the reality of your situation. Acceptance does not necessarily mean instant happiness. Given the pain and turmoil you have experienced, you can never return to the carefree, untroubled YOU that existed before this tragedy. But you will find a way forward. You will start to look forward and actually plan things for the future. Eventually, you will be able to think about your lost loved one without pain; sadness, yes, but the wrenching pain will be gone. You will once again anticipate some good times to come, and yes, even find joy again in the experience of living.
Apr 11, 2009 | 12:31 PM PST
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Apr 11, 2009 | 12:31 PM PST
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Apr 06, 2009 | 09:48 PM PST
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On February 23, 2009, a 12 year old was raped by her uncle Milton Holt in somerville, Tn. He has yet to be charged or even taken to jail. Why should creeps such as him be let off so easy. Some of us do not even have a job and he has committed a crime at his office and is releived with pay until the investigation is complete. Put him in jail with the other criminals and let someone else that has no committed a crime have those benefits and salaries. He may be working with your son or daughter. we need to take back our streets.
Mar 30, 2009 | 08:35 AM PST
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Good Morning,
I appreciate being interviewed on yesterday by Eric King on yesterday. When I watched the interview last night I was very pleased that hopefully, people would have the opportunity to be educated on some of the factors that affect the South Memphis community. Now I am concerned that this morning only bits of the interview was shown, and some things were taken out of context. I think that this is the reason some people do not like to speak with the media. I am very much a part of helping to support my own community. And yes, I feel that the economics not the economy itself, effects the community Mr. Freeman. Because I work in the Social Work field in the South Memphis community, I know for a fact that economics effects this community. No, I do not think that this is an excuse for killing another person. I do think that having more officers in the community would help, but I think that educating the people in the community helps even more.
-Iletha Robinson
Mar 28, 2009 | 08:55 AM PST
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Does anyone have a comment on the bolton high school teacher who ran over ex Monday night?
Mar 24, 2009 | 09:53 PM PST
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I THINK SHE NEED ANOTHER TRIAL .THE JUDGE SHOULD NOT GIVE HER THE MAX BECAUSE THIS IS HER FIRST OFFENSE.THE FAMILY IS ONLY AGAINST HER FOR THE MONEY.THEY HAVE ALREADY FILE A CIVIL LAWSUIT AGAINST HER .I DO NOT THINK THEY WAS CLOSE TO THEIR SISTER.
Mar 09, 2009 | 11:59 AM PST
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I do not know how anyone could be surprised by this sudden recession/depression. Computer people began losing our jobs in the 1999 great overseas job migration. Certainly when millions of jobs are sent from one country to another, the economic ramifications are guaranteed. Greed and corruption has done to the United States what our enemies could have only dreamed.
“And then they came for me” by Lasantha Wickrematunga inspired me to write:
When they laid-off the steel workers, we did nothing because we were not steel workers.
When they laid-off auto workers, we did nothing because we were not auto workers.
When they laid-off the computer techs, and sent their jobs away, we did nothing because we were not computer techs.
And when they laid you off, you did nothing but blame the unemployed.
Feb 26, 2009 | 06:57 PM PST
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http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/feb/17/pr
ivate-child-support-collectors/?feedback=1#comments
Those of you who experience this will know exactly from where I speak. I slow down, I get tired, I semi-let-it-go, and then......
I've been away a while and haven't had time to look into the news lately about Child Support/contracting/etc. Today I had a little time. Mercy! People give up. I understand completely. It's still simply wrong.
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Some comments above are beyond ignorant! Give me a break! Sure, some folks choose the wrong partner, etc. BUT ALL CASES ARE NOT THE SAME!!! To me, a very experienced victim of this travesty of justice, the issue with ENFORCEMENT is just that! Each case is individual, ongoing, separate...and should be treated as such. Not one person there, in over 10 years, actually has the entire history of our case. I don't believe anyone there knows what's up and what's down actually. Sure, some you can tell try. I couldn't work there! We are all lumped together, assumed to be all the same, when in fact, that's not how it works. ARREARAGES are accumulated SOLELY BECAUSE deadbeats REFUSE TO PAY the monthly amount due, on time, each month. This "amount" is based on income proved to the court by the poor deadbeat. When you don't pay your Amex, what happens? Are you allowed to spend $5 towards a $5000 debt, once every 3 to 6 months, and get away with it!!?? NO!!!! Only here(CHILDREN) apparantly. And we wonder about youth of today!?! My God people! Ideally, yes, we all would pick the "right" person and live happily ever after! Not realistic! Nowadays, usually Mothers, but definitely many fathers too, are forced to work two, three, four jobs to make up for lack of deadbeat...leaving children to fin for themselves when Mom and/or Dad should be there. Wake up society! This effects THE CHILDREN. IT GOES ON AND ON AND ON AND ON. Like above, my ex has been in arrears to the tune of $20,000 and up and can come to court every 6 months, cry, whine, manipulate (and why can't this be proven too - like insurance fraud)....he'll offer something like $200 and the judge allows it. It took me several of these to finally research to find out I had option to refuse. Why didn't anyone tell me that?!? Hmmmm??? And when the small amount is accepted...his contempt charge is purged (lucky guy). It's a giant joke! All I see is that the State benefits, the children suffer. Who benefits by repeatedly bringing us back to court? Why aren't some of these folks locked up? The escape routes are endless (for the deadbeats)!!!!
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Lately, since this news, what I am experiencing is "stand still". My ex has always been in arrears; he finally was forced to pay up by selling his home, only to again start the "monthly refusal" and has already, in a few short months, accumulated over $5000 in arrearages. Why? Because he has sent $0 per month since his "purge payment". It's not the first time, not the second, not the third. THEY ALLOW THIS TO CONTINUE. Currently, he's almost 5 months behind and I call weekly (for the last two months) only to hear (just yesterday again) that "the lawyers are still looking at your case; I will contact them and see if they won't send your case in for contempt". This also doesn't even begin to touch the over $10,000 he owes his children for medical, dental, etc. that he also simply ignores. That's a separate issue they say! We haven't even begun the fight on that one! Hell, I was nearly arrested (handcuffed-seated with prisoners-charged a contempt fee)down there for throwing a fit one day after the judge --again-- continued our case (when ex was to have been arrested (active warrant for his arrest that morning); he showed up (turned himself in)....knowing what would happen that day...and announced "I think I want a lawyer" (he didn't know this before court???). So, instead of actually GOING TO JAIL FOR ANY AMOUNT OF TIME, what happens? The case is continued....AGAIN...for three months....three months with $0 payment free ride. Do we, his children basically, get a lawyer? NO! Can we, his children basically, afford it? NO! Do we, his children basically, take complete and total care of themselves! YES!
IT'S ABOUT TIME AND I PRAY THIS MAKES SOME SERIOUS CHANGES HAPPEN HERE! Also, I have to comment to on certain powers down there....very disrespectful. You almost sense some of the people are mad themselves because perhaps they're too having to support THEIR children!
I just got a call from them oddly! Ma'am...our attorneys have just sent your case back to us saying "monitor". Why? Because he sent in such a "big payment" in September! Well, honeys!!! He owed it all way before September and that doesn't mean he can now start his HUGE ARREARAGE TRACK again (at least it doesn't mean it to me, but see you people - WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO JUVENILE COURT??? NADDA!!! Unacceptable, no less!
Feb 08, 2009 | 03:30 PM PST
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So... we were rated LAST in the country for customer service. What a surprise. I can't think of a person that would disagree with that.
Going to MLGW to resolve a problem is self torture. It is time for our city leaders to step up and make these workers accountable for their behavior.
Treat others the way you would want to be treated! It is not that hard to do. After all with the lay off rate and unemployment on the rise, ANYONE can find them selves in a bad place. You could have to stand in our shoes too.
Remember that the toes that you step on today could be connected to the ___ you have to kiss tomorrow.
Feb 05, 2009 | 03:46 PM PST
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Bye Bye. Blogs:(:(:(
Feb 04, 2009 | 11:51 AM PST
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Hello fellow bloggers
Feb 04, 2009 | 05:07 AM PST
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Check it out, May told me to tell you guys, so here I am telling you...although...someone probably needs to explain it to me....
Feb 03, 2009 | 10:13 AM PST
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Hello bloggers!
So I have good news & I have bad news.
The good news: we are getting a brand-spankin' new blog site where you can upload your own photos, videos & music, customize your own "home" page, and use videos on the new blog site to post on Facebook, MySpace & the like. It's all part of our BRAND NEW WEBSITE which is launching THIS THURSDAY.
The bad news: You will have to sign up for your new blog with a brand new username & password. None of the content or information on this blog will be migrated over to the new blog.
Sorry folks, I know it's kind of a pain, but we hope the payoff is worth it. The new blog site is SO MUCH BETTER than what we have now, and we've been working super-hard to get everything ready for you.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR YOUR NEW BLOGThis site will remain open until Thursday - if we can get that pushed back I'll let you all know ASAP. You can copy & paste any content you want to keep between the two sites until this one comes down.
If you have any trouble or questions, please email us at webmasters@myfoxmemphis.com.
Thanks everyone, and we look forward to seeing you on the new blog site!
Now I need to practice what I preach & sign myself up! :)
.May
EDIT: I just updated the link above... we now have a redirect in place that changed the URL slightly so if you had any trouble with the page refreshing without your info this should fix it. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Feb 03, 2009 | 09:26 AM PST
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I think it is really sad to give the Memphis residents a boot by saying you pay taxes in this city,and our salaries, but we are not going to even consider you for protecting the city. I honestly think the entire residency resting as they are calling it is away to get a "Good OLE Boys ""network of officers.I know plenty of young black males and females that have applied and yes they have good driving records and education, as the Director stated he is looking for these special people. Everyone should accept it that Memphis is basically black and we (Memphis Citizens) should have the jobs......Regardless if this would mean hiring of more blacks.......because this is the typical citizen of Memphis...... Not only these jobs, but all the jobs I see Arkansas and Mississippi citizens with the supervision positions all the time....I have worked in various warehouses and we look at the license plates. People live in places like MIllington,Woodstock,Arkansas,and Mississippi because they don't like Memphis,so why do you want them working here harrassing the young guys that they just view as thugs, but of course they are not. They are citizens that the city of Memphis and companies in Memphis a lot of times refuse to hire,,,,,because they are looking for a certain type of people.......Obama won the Presidency ,but without the help of Tennessee, so I think that answers the WHOLE question. Memphis citizens are respectful and worthy to be hired.
I pray that atty. Bailey doesn't give up. And the Council should know election is coming up again.....
Tax-Paying Citizen --with a college degree--that works for a Temporary Service For The past Two years --Guess whos got my job????
Feb 03, 2009 | 08:49 AM PST
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the difference in pay between Olive Branch police and Memphis Police is 5 to 6 thousand dollars a year more less the 1400.00 ayear to pay city not to mention taxes are lower and so is sales tax in Ms.,would you please figure the numbers i dont get it. everyone always wants more money 6000.00 minus 1400.00 looks like about 4600.00 more a year go figure.
Feb 03, 2009 | 07:25 AM PST
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The hero dog who saved his owner and the neighbors from a fire? The story says the owner called the Animal Shelter to "come get him, so they could put him down"???? She wasn't going to take her pet herself to be with him in his last moments? If people are going to own pets, they need to understand how to take care of them. I want to know where Tiger is now - did someone take him in? Was he sent to a shelter? If anyone has any idea, please let me know.
The story gave absolutely no information on the fate of Tiger?
Feb 02, 2009 | 10:42 PM PST
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My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace.
As we bowed our heads
he said, 'God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!'
Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman
Remark, 'That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!'
Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, 'Did I do it wrong? Is
God mad at me?'
As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table.
He winked at my son and said, 'I happen to know that God
thought that was a great prayer.'
'Really?' my son asked.
'Cross my heart,' the man replied.
Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), 'Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes.'
Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment, and then did something I will remember the rest of my life.
He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, 'Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already.'
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