New Years Resolutions

I don't normally do this, partly because I never really thought any sort of "resolve" that could result from a date on the calendar must be very weak indeed. However this time, I realize that I could definitely use a few changes in my life. Here's my non-exhaustive list:
1. Blog at least once or twice a week.
2. Keep to a schedule for my time.
3. Read Conference talks regularly, particularly from older years.
4. Get all my homework done and turned in early.
5. Straight A's (achieve a true mastery of the courses)
6. Play a lot less video games.
7. Write my book!
8. Win 5 scholarships this year.
9. Get a Youtube channel started.

Economic Freedom of North America: 2011

I think this report should be required reading for all people. especially if you live here in New Mexico. See the graph on the first page, and look for where you live. Where does your state stand?

Open publication - Free publishing

Mormanity: Mitt Romney and the Mormon Question

From Jeff Lindsay's Blog-- Mormanity - A Mormon Blog (But Not Just for Mormons): Mitt Romney and the Mormon Question:

'via Blog this'

I had a call from a significant journalist in the US who wanted to discuss my views on anti-Mormonism and Mitt Romney. I accepted the interview, hoping that somehow I might do more good than harm in spite of dealing with controversial topics and the unpredictability of the press. If any of you lose your souls because of anything I said, well, I hope it's because I was misquoted. In fact, let me go on record now to state that I categorically deny saying whatever it was I said. Hey, that was easy--maybe I should run for office, too?

Chances are that nothing I said will make it into print--I was just one of multiple sources being interviewed for a story on opposition to Mormonism sparked by the Romney campaign. The reporter raised some common issues: "Does Romney's religion and his religious values jeopardize his ability to serve in office? Will his religious values play a role in his political decisions? Can a President be loyal to America when they follow a Mormon prophet?"
I explained that these are aspects of broader issues that are not unique to Latter-day Saint politicians. Every individual has a set of values that influence how they see the world and how they act. Whether those values are based on some flavor of Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, atheism, etc., or mixtures thereof, every politician brings a set of values and beliefs to the table, partly expressed in words but also expressed in one's track record. How those values affect future decision making is a fair question for voters to consider in every case, not just for Mormons. For example, if voters oppose abortion, then they should support candidates who also oppose abortion. I didn't mention this second example, but here's another one to consider: if people want more racial diversity in a America, then they should select a politician whose political and/or religious values will lead him or her to oppose abortion, which eliminates a higher percentage of black children than white children.

My New Non-Profit

My girlfriend and I have decided to start a non-profit organization to help the homeless get through the winter. Details coming soon!

What is a Libertarian?

Now I have tried to address this question several times so far, and I intend on publishing a short essay more fully investigating what it really means to be a libertarian.  Until then, watch this video.  :)

"Practical" Solutions to the US Debt Situation

Ok so these are not really "practical", but they are funny.  The first 5 are originals.  Submit a joke or two of your own to: howamormonthinks@gmail.com.  The best will be published and updated here.  Also, please feel free to share this post and invite your friends to crack a joke or two!

1. Rent out the white house for parties, barmitzphahs, sweet sixteens.

I mean... How much would you pay?

2. Rent those cool-looking stealth bombers for Proms. (you'll be the talk of the town then, wouldn't you?)

3. Open up the real Area 51 for tours complete with guides, spaceships, bodies of little green (grey?) men along the way. Of course the big concern there is that we'd have to make sure that people don't claim a pieces of the alien as memoirs. That and people trying to "abduct" the spacecraft for personal use (ie. joyriding, etc).

4. I can personally pay back the national debt. Just put it on my credit card.

5. With the threat of global warming (or global cooling)(or is it climate change?) we need to be more aware and more disciplined in containing the human race's footprint on the environment.  So what's the solution you say? Why, we can outlaw methane emissions. Or wait, tax it. There you go, we'd have to attach machinery to every one's behinds to help to fully quantify the fair tax amount for each and every individual.
     That could be the only fair way to do it (as I see it) And speaking of every one's behinds, let's not forget the dogs. They seem to emit those lovely aromas as often as I am alone with them in a room with closed windows and doors.

General Conference!!!

The General Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah

Conference is about to begin!!!

In a few hours General Conference will begin, and the Spirit will be spilled upon it's listeners in it's fullness.  I am totally psyched for this years conference: as there are many new things in my life and in the world at large that have changed significantly from this past April.  Today and tomorrow, I look forward to hearing guidance from some of the strongest leaders and most spiritual disciples that I have ever had the privilege to listen to.  This weekend, hope chills me.  Faith fills me.  And love thrills me.

Please, if you are in need of guidance, inspiration, or answers: Tune in, read/view past Conferences, & stream this live General Conference as it is being broadcast via this link: http://lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng

Pray, read, learn and love.  May all out there have peace in their hearts, and share a Holy cause to guide us all.

I am about to embark on an amazing experience!  :)

The Heavens Are Still Open!

The Conference Center in Salt Lake City, UT
directly across the street from Temple Square

General Conference is coming up, and for those of you that are unfamiliar with LDS culture, it's a pretty big deal.  "The reason I say “big deal” is because, for Mormons at least, we believe that this is an opportunity for us to hear counsel from people whom we believe are influenced by, and often speaking on behalf of, God"(via Paul Robichaux on Wordpress).

What sets us apart, I think, is that we believe that the "heavens are still open" and that God still speaks to his people on the Earth just like he did in biblical times.

The 9th of our 13 Articles of Faith reads:

We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

Just talking about it makes me happy. :)  As a matter of fact, I'm headed up to Salt Lake City to see them in person with my girlfriend and a few good friends this weekend.  I have a few days to prepare.

Speakers like Thomas S. Monson and Dieter F. Uchtdorf tend to inspire me to want to be a much better person.  I will definitely post my thoughts here about Conference after the weekend.

Gary Johnson: The Quip Heard Around the World (Well, Sorta)

Ok I'm gonna bite.  I just recently saw the most recent GOP Presidential debate, and I actually enjoyed it (parts of it anyway).  My candidate, Gary Johnson, was actually on the stage!!! *gasp*  Throughout the entire debate, the moderators tried to give as much fair time to each candidate to answer questions from Youtubers around the United States--However, Rick Perry and Mitt Romney's faces took up most of the screen for the night.  There were some good zingers, one-liners, and innovative ideas presented.  This lineup is by far much better representative of the Republican party than last election.  I think that there is a very good chance that the GOP will produce a winner this time around.

Anyways, for those of you that have not seen the debate yet, here is the full, nearly 2 hour debate:



For those that could care less about watching the whole thing, feel free to read this basic overview of the debate, with enough political jabs and enough gut laughs that could make someone as stiff and frumpy as the Queen of England smile.  (like this)

Letter to Kayla (2003)

     For those of you that don't know me, I first became converted to the church when I was 18.  A large portion of my conversion came through independent study of all sides of the argument, (including the sides that were not favorable towards the church).  So I am no stranger to Antis, their "arguments" and false arguments, and the hatred that is associated with it. That being said, you have a brief background of where this letter came from, and you have a basic understanding that this came from a very significant and important time in my life.

     The following is a letter that I wrote to Kayla, a young girl that I had never met before, except on a religious forum around the month of August or September 2003. On the thread, people were asking mormons seemingly innocent questions about the church at first, but it quickly turned into a lively debate between 3 or 4 anti-mormons and several regular mormons (including me).  I still remember some the things that they wrote about the church and it's teachings really shook me, and other members that had read the thread. I remember the casual member would occasionally come in, defend the church for a few posts, and then post something to the effect of, "wow, I never knew that about the church, I should really rethink my religious preference..."