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Texas Considers Domestic Violence Registry

January 21st, 2011

Texas Domestic ViolenceI’m not sure what I think of this, but the state of Texas is considering the creation of a “domestic violence registry” similar to the one for sex offenders. It seems so many women repeatedly find themselves in abusive relationships that our state is considering doing the job that has traditionally been done by dads and older brothers for centuries, namely, weeding out undesirable suitors for their female family members. I am a proponent of the sex offender registry. That has been a good tool for parents as well as a source of shame and isolation for the sickies out there who have survived the big house and made parole. But I’m not sure about this one. The bill is being proposed by Texas Democratic Congressman, Trey Martinez Fischer of the 116th district encompassing the San Antonio area.

Let me start by saying unequivocally, that I have never struck nor otherwise abused any of the women in my life. The kind of domestic abuse the law would aim at is not the average day in or day out argument over the remote control or leaving the toilet seat up. It would require anyone convicted of domestic violence three times or more to register with the state. A data base would be kept, and anyone could check the list for the names of potential mates free of charge. The thinking is that it would give women in particular who have been in bad marriages and relationships, a means of ensuring that they are not entering into another dangerous relationship. The concern I have is that I’m not sure I want the government, even the state government, compiling lists of citizens, and what they do wrong for the benefit of other citizens. I’m fine with the sex offender registry, being that, that is a particularly distasteful and dangerous crime largely against children. But where do the registries stop? There is an argument out there that says “hey if you’re not guilty you have nothing to worry about.” This may be true at present, but these things have a way of expanding into more and more areas covering more and more offences. Will there be a registry for drivers who chronically forget to renew their vehicle registration or inspection tags? If so I’d like to know now because it may influence my position!

I’m open to being wrong on this, but in an era where the arm of the national government is over reaching into all areas of the citizens life I find it hard to consider feeding the beast. I realize the proposed law is only state wide, but with unlimited free access we’re airing a lot of people’s dirty laundry. It will be interesting to see what comes of the bill. I look forward to hearing the various arguments so I can come to a more informed decision, but at present I find that I’m very uncomfortable with the new registry.

Arizona Blocks Westboro Baptist Church

January 15th, 2011

What is it about the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) that always captures media attention? They are of course the “church,” (and I use the term beyond loosely) that we all love to hate. Personally every time I see these ghouls on television I marvel that people like this actually exist! They’re like caricatures of real Nazis from the nineteen thirties and forties only thankfully, significantly less intelligent. This past week they announced plans to picket the funerals of the six Arizona shooting victims, including the nine- year old little girl! Fortunately the state government moved quickly to protect the grieving families and prevent this inbred congregation from showing up. How is it that a group of people who presumably call themselves Christians can be so obsessed with death and destruction? What gospels are they reading? A peek at their vile website (something I don’t recommend by the way), reveals their hatred for everyone. They’re anti-Semitic, anti-White, anti-Black, anti-Hispanic, anti-Catholic, anti-gay, anti-Republican, anti-Democrat, anti-American, etc. etc…. Who do you support? The answer is of course no one, except maybe death itself. I’m racking my brain and I can’t think of any place in scripture where Christ treated anyone with this kind of cruelty… even the ones who killed him. Hey WBC, I’m not Baptist, but I am Christian, and I think I can speak for my Baptist friends and say “Change your conduct or change your name!”

The new Arizona law was signed into effect by Governor Jan Brewer on Tuesday. It passed both the state house and senate unanimously and went into effect immediately. The law of course could not address the extremist group directly but applies to all such protests. From what I understand the new law makes it illegal to picket or protest any funeral from within three hundred feet of the cemetery beginning an hour before and ending an hour after the service has concluded. I’m no attorney but this seems like a very reasonable guideline. It’s actually rather insulting that it’s even necessary. Who other than this group would want to protest a funeral for any reason? I would love to see other states including Texas follow suit with similar legislation. Perhaps this is a way we could protect the grieving families of lost soldiers. Until then we can continue to do what citizens of Tucson and other cities have done, namely surround the loved ones with signs and support… and real prayers.