thoughts while cramming for a current events quiz

Friday, October 24, 2008
Gender equality in military debated
Women cannot hold some posts in U.S. forces, angering advocates of same treatment for sexes.
Jerome L. Sherman / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

I'm going to let Jason (the Marine) speak. Quotes (with permission) are directly from gmail chat or aim, cleaned for grammar and language.

Women aren't allowed on submarines: "they're not allowed to surface for 3 months. Think of all the guys on board of a sub not allowed to be surfaced with women there."

Women aren't allowed in infantry or cavalry, "basically not allowed in combat." Jason said "You know how bad I feel when women get hit? Imagine how bad I'd feel if they get shot, blown up, anything of that sort." Do most Marines feel that way? "Most of them do. However, there are a lot of female Marines that can kick f---in a--. And all Marines are allowed in combat if there's an attack, so female Marines have fought and died. They're put through the exact same test as the men."

"These women aren't asking for special privileges," said Manning, a Navy veteran. "We think women and men should be allowed to do any job they are physically qualified to do."

What Manning--and most people--miss is that this isn't an issue of physical strength. Sure, men tend to be physically stronger, but there are plenty of women who are physically stronger than plenty of men. Those men who are lower on the "physical strength" scale aren't going to join the Marines. Keeping women from combat has nothing to do with lack of physical strength. This is the United States Marine Corps--if you're not physically strong, you're not going to finish basic training, regardless of sex.

I sent this quote to Jason, and he said "Women can kill people like the best of 'em. Just when they start getting hurt, people freak out." What do you mean by "freak out"? Jason said "If you and I were getting shot at, and you got shot, I would freak out and be more concerned about helping you than shooting back." Are a lot of Marines like this?

"Like this? It's why they don't allow it."

Jason continued: "Also, you have to get into some pretty dirty situations in the field, including field hygiene, involving quickly pulling down clothes, using baby wipes to clean the four important parts, and getting clothed again in less than a minute."

Why are people so upset about it? "They don't want to see women dying. It would be all over the TV. And women would be targeted."

And what about basic training? Men and women go through the same training, Jason said, but they're separated. "Three months of intense training and spewing testosterone can make you really want a woman, and if they're in easy access that can lead to huge problems," Jason said.

No need to be insulted.

Prominent former priest convicted of abusing boy

It really upsets me that the rest of us get a bad name because of the actions of a few. This isn't what the Catholic Church teaches.

It really upsets me when people get angry at the church or hate the church or leave the church because of the actions of a few. This isn't what the Catholic Church is.

It really upsets me when people say or assume or joke that all priests are like this. Most of them are not. Most of them are really awesome.

No takers for contest that requires abstinence
The Associated Press
Thursday, October 23, 2008; 8:56 PM
ATLANTA -- A contest that would pay $10,000 to an engaged couple, as long as they abstain from premarital sex, hasn't gotten any takers. The deadline for the Marriage for a Lifetime contest is Oct. 31. The prize includes free flowers, invitations and other wedding treats.

I thought this was interesting. But it bugs me that they portray chastity as something no one lives by. I know tons of people who live this way--no sex outside marriage. I'm wondering why the contest wasn't advertized more.

Friday, October 24, 2008
Today's talkers
Virtual 'slaying,' real charges
Mari Yamaguchi / Associated Press

TOKYO -- A 43-year-old player in a virtual game world became so angry about her sudden divorce from her online husband that she logged on with his password and killed his digital persona, police said Thursday.
Go outside, meet real people, communicate in reality.