Copyright (C) 2005 by John Chuckman

posted by Sawyer Pangborn @ 1:42 PM // |

In the midst of the Terri Schiavo controversy, I have come to the conclusion that there is a bigger problem at hand. It involves more than just one person's life. In fact, it deals with the loss of over 1,700 lives and possibly more with those who are missing. Yes, I am talking about the Iraq War.

People are so angry and steaming with the Terri Schiavo controversy, but yet they're proud of their "President," who sends our troops out to kill and be killed. In terms of life lost, the Iraq War is bigger and more problematic than the Schiavo controversy. At the worst, how many people will die as a result of the Supreme Court? One. People talk about how the Schaivo case is mainly about money. As of 8:49 AM, the cost of the war is $158,196,453,262. If the court case is involving $5,000,000, that means the cost of the war in Iraq is about 31,000 (31639 exactly) times more than this case.

Granted, her life is important. It will also set a precedent for cases like hers in the future. The war in Iraq is also setting a precedent. It sets in stone the idea that if something is suspicious, you can destroy an entire country, killing as you please, to try to find something that is merely a suspicion and does not exist. Do we want future Presidents invading England because he/she thinks that they may have had something that could harm the United States, like truth? This is just as ridiculous as President Chimpy invading Iraq, searching for something that really does not exist. Are we really that self-centered that we only try to stop threats to our country?

This bumper sticker shows my feelings about the arrogance of the United States and our self-centered attitude. We should not just think that God will bless our country because as conservative Christians say, "our nation is a God-based nation." We should ask that God blesses the whole world with peace, safety and equality.











UPDATE: Interested where I got the money spent on Iraq? This site includes that, plus a comparison to what that money could have done, if put into something more constructive and useful to society.

posted by Sawyer Pangborn @ 7:30 AM // |

If you look at the "Associated Link" above this, you will see several of the items that are now on my wishlist from Target. Below I'll include the specific ones I like most. I really like them all, but these ones are the coolest.




Men's Roma Atletica Hot Red Mockba Crew Tee





Men's Roma Atletica Vintage Red CCCP Track Jacket

posted by Sawyer Pangborn @ 8:48 PM // |

In a story from CBN News,

"The lead guitarist for the heavy metal group Korn recently shocked the music world when he announced that he was leaving the band.

Brian Welch had become a born-again Christian. He followed his announcement with a trip to Israel, where he was baptized in the Jordan River. "

Isn't that amazing? The power of God works in amazing ways. Welch was on what seems to be the other end of the spectrum of lifestyle, and he suddenly turns 180 degrees to become a Christian. He led a fairly worldly life,

Welch said, "I've done hard drugs, I've done soft drugs. I've seen everything. I've done what teenagers dream about, especially guys. I've seen all that, and no drug or nothing compares with walking with the Lord."

God works in amazing ways to change peoples' lives in just a matter of minutes, much like Brian Welch's life. I am excited to hear some of the Christian music he says he will begin making.

posted by Sawyer Pangborn @ 9:19 AM // |

My school has a tradition of taking their vocal ensemble (Proclaim) and handbell choir (His Design) on a annual tour used for outreach as well as to perform for people where a handbell choir would not usually be seen. This year, we traveled through New Mexico and Arizona, performing at churches and schools on Zuni, Hopi, and Navajo Indian Reservations. I took a great deal of photographs, ranging from people to scenery to symbols. If you're at all interested in how the tour went, be sure to check out the link above.

posted by Sawyer Pangborn @ 3:39 PM // |

After making some changes to my blog, I ran into some serious problems with my template. I've reverted back to the "stock" template. I'm still tweaking things, so if you see an error or a problem, let me know.

posted by Sawyer Pangborn @ 9:16 PM // |

Basketball is over, and practices have already started for the one sport that I enjoy most - Soccer. I seem to have more ability in soccer than I do in basketball, and also get more enjoyment out of it. I've found recently that the "golf team" (if they even can be called a team) believes that soccer isn't a sport, but golf is. The ironic part is, how many old, fat men do you see playing soccer? What about golf? I do believe the former is less than the latter. In simple terms, old fat men don't play soccer. Which inherently means that soccer requires athletic ability. Don't get me wrong, golf takes some skill and technique, but not nearly as much as my beloved sport. Even in the eyes of ESPN, golf is a mere "game." Contrary to many golfers, there is a difference between sport and game. But back to ICS Soccer. With around 19 players, we will have plenty of substitutes, and ironically, have more players than basketball did this year. I rejoice in this fact that there are some people who know what sport to play.

posted by Sawyer Pangborn @ 8:40 PM // |