A Few Thoughts…
I was asked to come up with a Rant for this site. I thought about it, came up with a idea and ultimately decided that I’m too lazy to write a full, well-thought-out Rant. Instead, I’m laying down a few short, hacked-out Rants.
Three Big Eggs in One Basket
With the Canadian election fast approaching (or perhaps over with by the time you read this), I’ve been thinking about how our system of voting stinks. Or at the very least it’s flawed. With just one vote, we are asked to decide which individual we want to lead our country, which political party we want to control Parliament AND who we want as the MP (Member of Parliament) for our local constituency. These three things are separate considerations when deciding on your vote.
I’ll use myself as an example: My local MP, from all accounts, is a pretty stand-up guy. I’ve never heard a bad thing about him, and as far as I know, he’s doing a good job. BUT… he’s a Liberal. I’d like to vote for him but I certainly don’t want to vote for the Liberal party or their leader (and current Prime Minister) Jean Chretien. It comes down to which part of the decision is most important to me. Must I sacrifice a rare politician who’s been good for my area just for the sake of voting against his party?
This isn’t even taking into account specific platforms and issues. That would be another Rant altogether.
That’s a Ten-Four, Good Buddy
We’ve all heard of road rage, and if you drive, you understand road rage. Maybe you’re not about to act on your violent impulses, but who hasn’t honked and/or swore at somebody on the road, even under their breath? It’s when someone is inconsiderate and discourteous, or even oblivious, that we really get steamed.
Have you ever heard of sidewalk rage? Me neither. Yes, I’m aware that the consequences of vehicle collisions are much more dire than those of passer-by collisions, thus heightening the tension level. However, I believe the one thing we are lacking on the road that pedestrians have, and that could prevent a lot of accidents and confrontations is simple communication.
Yes, we have our signals and “rules of the road” to guide us, but it’s not the same as being able to communicate between vehicles on the road (just like on the Jetsons). Easier said than done, I know, but just think of how many times you’ve thought “what is that asshole doing?” or “oh great, now he thinks I’m trying to do so-and-so when I just want to yadda yadda.” A few simple “excuse me’s” and “sorry’s” introduce such road-foreign concepts as understanding, clarity, and consideration.
If nothing else, it would make driving a less stressful experience. Unless you’re afraid to talk to strangers or something.
Religious Ranter
I’m concerned with the number of anti-Christian rock songs coming out these days. Christianity is in a similar position to men and white people. Having been the ruling majority for so long, it has now become politically correct to slam and make fun of them. Songs like “Godless” by UPO, “Above” by Finger 11, and any number of songs by Godsmack (just to name a few) show a clear attitude of “waking up” and “throwing off the oppressive shackles of Christianity/Catholicism/any sort of monotheism.”
I know, I know. An anti-Christian sentiment in rock music? Who’d have suspected? However, these songs don’t necessarily hearken back to the heavy metal “devil-music” tunes of yesteryear. They deal with the actual opinions and feelings of the artist, which I respect (I’m not advocating censorship, folks), but as a Christian I’m tired of being picked on, dammit! It’s tough trying to reconcile my love for a good rock tune with my love for God when they come into direct conflict with one another.
The church would have you believe that more people are turning to spirituality today than they have in decades. One peek at the secular world says otherwise. There is however, balance in the universe. Since I first started griping to myself about this lyrical trend in rock, I’ve become more aware that there are many artists out there today embracing their spirituality (Lenny Kravitz, members of Creed, and Collective Soul to name a few). I would continue ranting on this subject for hours, but like I said, I’m too lazy.
And finally…
Winnipeg FUCKING Transit! Argh!! ‘Nuff said.