I Wish I Wasn't Right

I predicted it. Prosecutor thinks 12-15 years is a harsh sentence, defense asks for an 8 year sentence, judge uses lots of strong language, then gives the guy an 8 year sentence with time off for time served while in custody. Does anyone in the judiciary understand how little confidence average Canadian has in our legal system?

Crown Prosecutor?

Maybe the Crown Prosecutor thinks a 12-15 year sentence sends a strong message, but does anyone else? I doubt it. Well, maybe some bleeding hearts on the Left, but I'm talking about normal people with normal sensibilities. Of course we'll have to wait to see how the judge waters down the sentence, speaking words about how outraged society is, but then giving a slap on the wrist.

Capitalism

A comment I left on "Small Dead Animals":

Capitalism works fine. So good in fact that its been able to be tapped to pay for all sorts of stupid ideas that don't work. But I have no strong opinions on this...

Random Stuff

I bought a CD today while I was out with the children, and started listening to it when driving home. As we listened to Puccini's aria "Nessun Dorma" Hannah got quiet, and at the end she said "That's a good song Dad!" Bright kid. Now if only we could get her to eat vegetables.

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One of the local newspapers had a story entitled "Justice Denied", about a family whose son was murdered, and how the murderer was given something like 38 months in prison. Needless to say the murderer will get time off for good behaviour, mandatory parole, etc. But I think the title should not have been "Justice Denied" but rather "Justice Expected?" When you believe in the perfectibility of man (as do the Liberal Party and most of the judges they appoint) then a legal system needs neither punishment nor deterrent.

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Probably the last barbecue of the season, so I got some nice steaks from Farm Boy. They seem to be a local success story, opening new branches. But admittedly Loblaws doesn't offer much competition.

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Work continues to go well and continues to be busy. When you have great co-workers, a boss who believes in you, and your products are starting to sell, it feels good... even if it's really busy. Did I mention it's busy?

Question

I think we need to ask the question, does Stephane Dion speak any languages other than French?

Reflecting

I'm in a reflective mood. Yesterday we attended a homeschooling conference, and listened as a family with 8 children set forth their vision for family life. In some points I agreed and in some I disagreed, but the important thing is that I continue to think about my family and how I can lead them. I know, lots of people would disagree, but denying the truth doesn't change the truth; Biblically speaking I'm responsible for my family. My understanding is that this is about setting a pattern and direction for the family, not about controlling and certainly not about making life easy on myself! So I'm reflecting on the pattern and direction I set. No, I don't see any major changes on the horizon, but it's good to reflect.

Today we heard some excellent ministry from Gerry Benjamin. Gerry is an outstanding teacher of the Bible. Yes, he had a doctorate from one of the best seminaries in the United States, but that's not where he got his knowledge of the Bible. This is the kind of knowledge that comes from a lot of early mornings in front of the Bible, rather than sleeping in. Karen is out right now at the evening meeting, and I'll go to some of the evening meetings later in the week. I always find it refreshing to listen to a pure Bible teacher.

Tonight I was sitting outside reading a book (F.F. Bruce's New Testament History) while the children played basketball. Bethany asked if she could take Hannah outside, and Joel decided to go as well. And listening to them also gave me a chance to reflect. Yes, I love my children very deeply, but objectively speaking I think I have absolutely outstanding children. They are growing up before my eyes and I love what I'm seeing in them. Bethany has become so helpful, and with a willing heart. Joel is spending a lot of time with Hannah, and frankly he's a really pleasant person to be with. Hannah is also growing up, and while she still gives evidence of being a 3 year old, she's fun to be with. I have a lot to be thankful for. I could go on and on about Karen, and I'm also thankful for a good job with a good boss and good co-workers, and I'm thankful for my country. I'm certainly thankful for my relationship with God, between the Saviour and myself. But right now I'm reflecting on my children, and I'm so thankful.

Not the usual conversation

Walking into work this morning, I was ahead of some people. I couldn't see who they were, but they were close enough that I couldn't help overhearing their conversation:

Overly Perky Female: Did you have a good weekend?

Not as Perky Male: I shot my dog.

Well, that's one way to end a conversation.

Update

Another busy week and another busy weekend. My new job is great, but it's really busy. I was able to give Karen the day off on Saturday, and looked after the kids while she got out. And it was worth the effort because she brought home a ton of fudge from Merrickville.

Today was the usual Sunday busyness, except Karen and Bethany were both under the weather. I took the younger children to church, and Hannah actually went to Sunday School!

We are organizing a conference for next weekend (Friday/Saturday) for homeschoolers in the area, and then another conference kicks off on Sunday at our church with Gerry Benjamin. Busy!

Evil Conservatives

Those evil Conservatives are trying to turn us into a bunch of Americans. Look... they've gone and armed our border guards.