Assault on Western civilization

July 3, 2019

Western civilization was founded on a set of philosophies that focus strongly on the sanctity of individuals and their power of logic and reason. This belief led to a desire to trust things that could be proven to be true or legitimate, from government to science. Judeo-Christian morality has formed the basis of most Western notions of ethics and behavioral standards. Thus, the attack on Western civilization must begin with the attack on the church and Christian values, and, just as important, the family unit must be undermined. The reason why the church, Christian values and family are ...

Kicking the in-laws out

July 3, 2019

Dear Annie: My in-laws who live across the country have basically tricked us into agreeing to host them for almost a month. Here is how it happened: My father-in-law (who almost never travels, unless it’s for his benefit) asked to stay with us so that he and his wife could spend time with family. We were under the impression that this would be for a weekend. We extended our offer to host them. Now, I love these people. But they are, hmm, “difficult.” Whether it’s complaining about our home, furniture, (pick anything and insert it here) or trying to engage us in discussions ...

Bribing the Palestinians won’t work

July 2, 2019

The Trump administration thinks appealing to North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un by dangling promises of prosperity in front of him if he agrees to change his ways is the path to peace on the Korean Peninsula. So far there have been no agreements to build a Trump resort and Kim has made no effort to adopt any other form of capitalistic behavior. Undeterred, the administration’s front man for Middle East peace, the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has revealed part of his plan (the rest he says will come after Israeli elections this fall) to settle the multi-decade conflict ...

Exploring intimacy or avoiding stress

July 2, 2019

Dear Annie: I’ve been going through a lot lately, and it’s taken an emotional toll. Among other things, I’m in love with someone I can’t have. My family is a mess, too. My parents should have divorced a long time ago but are still married, probably just to avoid the hassle of splitting up. My brother’s mentally unstable, and while I do absolutely everything I can to support him, that takes a toll on my own well-being. In my own life, I’ve found myself exploring my sexuality — which is, of course, an important and beautiful part of figuring out one’s identity. I’m ...

Americans have a lot to celebrate this Fourth of July

July 1, 2019

Sixty-six percent of Americans believe that the Fourth of July is one of our nation’s most important holidays. To celebrate, 62% of Americans will watch fireworks, 54% will enjoy a cookout with family and friends, 19% will attend a parade, 13% will go to the beach, and 11% will sing patriotic songs. Only 6% will read the document that started it all: the Declaration of Independence. And to be honest, many probably mix up the declaration and the Constitution. But the vast majority continue to embrace the core ideals expressed in our nation’s founding document. Ninety-four percent ...

Adding pets to disaster plans

July 1, 2019

Dear Annie: I have a message I hope you will please share. The last several years have seen numerous natural disasters. The human toll has been great, but there are thousands of other victims that have no voice. Pets, especially cats, are left behind. I encourage all pet owners to have a disaster plan for their pets. Please make sure you have some basic supplies that are readily accessible. Carriers, medications, leashes, working flashlights to help find them if it’s dark or if the power is out. If there is time, food, bowls and beds would be great, too. I even keep brand-new pet ...