Sheri's Random Rant: Trespassers

Stay on your side of the fence!

I just needed to get that off my chest.

Nuns Denied Chance to Vote

Nuns in their 80s and 90s with dated passports were denied the right to vote yesterday. According to a new Indiana law, voters must have recent IDs. The convent of the nuns plans to help the sisters get new IDs by the general election.

This really ticked me off because I am quite fond of nuns, but it raised the issue of this push to not allow people to vote without recent ID. There is no evidence of there being any problems prior to this push, so why do it now, especially since it will affect people such as the elderly, who--unless they are in excellent physical condition--have to pick and choose where they go because of their age?

Doctor's appointment or go get a new ID...hmmm...

Iran Ends Talks with U.S.

Iran suspended talks with the United States over the security situation in Iraq until the United States "agreed to end hostilities towards Shiite militias." Given that I did not expect these talks to make much progress from the start, I am not surprised.

Sheri's Random Rant: Mental Illness Stigma

I have never been much of a pill person myself, but I do not understand why society has such a terror over the idea of treating mental illness with medication. It is a chemical imbalance in the brain and no amount of forced positive thinking will change that. I am sick of watching people I know suffer (two committed suicide) because they did not get the treatment they needed due to stigma surrounding it.

I resent the term "mental illness" because it is a physical disease. It can be actually be seen with certain medical devices. This field has a long way to go, but the progress it has made can alleviate the suffering of countless numbers of people. We should not deny them this by encouraging and forcing prejudices.

Democrats Divided

As the election is coming closer and closer to fruition, the Democratic Party is divided between their loyalty to Senator Clinton and the optimism that Senator Obama promises. While this is going on, the GOP is licking its wounds, and if McCain is lucky, President Bush will stop endorsing him so that his polls will go up.

What's Wrong with Rev. Wright?

I had originally decided to ignore the issue surrounding Rev. Wright and Sen. Obama, however, the world will no longer allow me to do so. I felt that the initial controversy was overblown by the media but now I am wondering if Rev. Wright is secretly working for Hillary Clinton. Surely one would think that he would have some understanding of how the election season works! There is a bigger picture here that he is grossly overlooking, and that is that his candidate is guilty by his association, no matter how mild that association may be. With that in mind, it is his responsibility to look at the bigger picture, namely the election, and put his vanities on hold.

But I guess ego trumps reason.

Australian Accused of Imprisoning Daughter Goes to Court Today

The Australian that had imprisoned his daughter in a sound-proof basement for 24 years while raping her and fathering 7 children by her is going to court today. My faith teaches against the death penalty, but given the horrendous nature of this crime, sometimes I wonder if it isn't such a bad idea.

Obama Just Says No

Obama has refused to have another debate with Clinton. Given that I am sick of watching them, I can't imagine how much worse it is to participate in one.

NYPD Cops Aquitted of Groom Slaying

Four cops accused of killing a groom on the night of his bachelor party were acquitted of all charges. I am too disgusted to make full commentary.

Obesity Shortens Lives

There's a shocker...

Clinton Takes Pennsylvania

Hillary Clinton won Pennsylvania by a ten percent lead last night and reaffirmed that this bid for the Democratic nomination is far from over. Given the number of delegates that she currently holds, there is a possibility that we will have a presidential candidate that hardly anyone likes.

The "Smear Ads" Issue

Like it or not, it's an American tradition, and despite the fact that people complain about it, deep down in places they don't want to talk about, I don't think they would be happy without them. I hear so much negative press about negative ads, and all I can think is, "What did you expect?" You are running for the most powerful position in the world...no, it's not going to be nice.

There. I finally said my piece on that subject.

Study Shows High Number of Mental Health Injuries

As the article states, I am sure it is higher. There is a stigma in the military (just like in most of society) that views mental illness as a weakness and treats anyone that tries to seek assistance for it like a pariah. These soldiers also have the risk of losing security clearances that are vital to not only maintaining their current jobs, but needed to pursue jobs in the civilian sector supporting their expertise.

Supreme Court Upholds Lethal Injection

SCOTUS just declared that lethal injection is not a violation of the Constitution's policy against cruel and unusual punishment, which was obviously a letdown to all the prisoners on death row that want more mercy than they gave to their victims. While my faith teaches that one should not judge and that the death penalty is wrong, I cannot help but find it interesting that prisoners on death row expect more justice than what they allowed the people they killed, and the lives that were destroyed as a result of those actions.

Pope Calls Clergy Scandal "Shameful"

One of Pope Benedict XVI's comments on his way to the U.S. was an expression of shame over the clergy abuse scandals. It's about time Rome responded!

Pope Debuts in U.S.

Pope Benedict XVI will be touring the U.S. starting today. His stops include the White House and a synagogue.

Suspect in Slain Pregnant Marine Case Caught

Marine Corporal Cesar Laurean was arrested in Mexico. He escaped and stayed at large by using the same skills taught to him in the Marine Corps...put that in your hookah and smoke it.

More Torch Protests

Another problem with the passing of the torch because of demonstrations in San Francisco. I am starting to wonder is China getting the hint...

Petraeus Pushes for Patience

Gen. Petraeus asks the government for more time, because six years just isn't enough. Well, he's got until next November...well, technically next January.

Anniversary of King's Death: 1929-1968