friday's window

Here is the beautiful view from my kitchen sink.  Our house snuggles up to a hill (translation:  rattlesnake habitat) and it makes for some great wildlife viewing.

This morning I found myself pondering some recent events while looking at the about-to-bloom irises.


















I was thinking about recent news of South Park (the crude TV show on Comedy Central) being targeted with jihad. Seems the show's creators poked fun at the prophet Mohammed and it didn't go over too well with certain radical Islamic groups. Never mind that South Park pokes fun at virtually EVERY religious and social group in the world. They've done horrible things with Jesus, the Pope, Tom Cruise (and Scientology), Buddha....if it's a religious group, they've absolutely, tastelessly skewed it. To my knowledge, none of the other groups have issued a fatwa and pledged death to the creators of this show. Comedy Central caved to the jihadist pressure and bleeped the last episode of the show every time Mohammed was mentioned. All I can conclude is the powers at Comedy Central have no cajones and don't understand the concept of free speech in America. Radical Muslims have NO sense of humor.
I was also thinking about Franklin Graham (son of Billy) being dis-invited to the National Day of Prayer because he criticized elements of radical Islam for their attacks of 9-11 and for their abysmal treatment of woman in their culture. It doesn't matter if Reverend Graham speaks the truth:   we must be careful to not offend.
Lastly, I was remembering the crazy shooter at Fort Hood. All the evidence pointed to the fact this guy was part of a radical Islamic group and he had relationships with jihadists. He gave LOTS of signs as to his true agenda, but political correctness kept many, many folks in the military from speaking up about the impending danger.  Many of our fine military men and women (plus some of their innocent families) needlessly lost their lives.
Sorry to be such a downer, but I must conclude free speech is under terrible assault in the USA.
Here's what bugs me. If I visit or immigrate to a country....let's say Indonesia...I would go there with the knowledge that Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country. I wouldn't be shocked to see women in burqas nor would I be surprised at the calls to prayer several times a day. That's the way they roll in Indonesia. I would have to adjust to fit in.
In the U.S., we are a predominantly Judeo-Christian country. Our Founders believed in a Creator and our system of laws have deep Judeo-Christian roots. Being free in America means that those of other religions and cultures are welcome to settle here. They are welcome to practice their religion freely. They are welcome to live their lives in peace. But....here is where I differ from the current mind-set....we are not required to CHANGE and give up OUR traditions to accommodate our immigrants. Most especially, we won't give up free speech. You come to America, you are going to hear and see free speech. Don't be surprised by that fact. It might offend you, but that's how WE roll.
Sorry...I'm shouting, but this is important to me.  It would be dishonest of me not to talk about it.

On a more pleasant topic.  Kept the in-laws' bichon frise for a few days.

Lucy was an absolute angel from heaven! Doxy had mixed emotions, at times.

I tried to teach her some tricks, such as the famous bichon 'wave' or shaking hands. She was having NONE of it. She was perfectly content in her role as doggy angel. She snuggled on my lap, licked my wet ankles when I exited the shower, played a little doggy tug-of-war, and generally lovingly gazed at me.

Everyone should have to suffer such adoration! That is my wish for you this weekend-that you are the object of pure adoration.  Yes, you're worth it.   Blessings and love to all.