Greetings and salutations!

Heading into the end of 2004, there are a couple things I'd like to get off my chest. First off, I wish each and every one of you the happiest of holidays this season, whichever one you happen to be celebrating! As a Christian, I wish a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I've never been much for political correctness and damned if I'm going to censor my own blog! So there will be no Xmas(even though that doesn't matter as X was an ancient symbol for Kristos (the Christ)...sorry to disappoint all the cynics out there) or any such silliness *S*

There are, of course, a myriad of religious, political, and social issues presently on tap. In Canada we have issues of legalized pot and gay marriage. I can agree with the medicinal use of pot but the bus pretty much stops there. My main objection to a redefinition of marriage is that it is an institution which predates any state, therefore I find any state's belief that they have the power to change this laughable. But in typical Canadian fashion, the courts will make all the decisions, and in typical Canadian fashion, the people won't do a thing about it. That's really the only commentary you'll get out of me though, as far as this blog goes.

The U.S. is embroiled in lingering issues on Iraq, the election, "moral values," economic losses and broad reforms of all kinds. I really don't have much to say on those at this time either other than my heart is with those Americans who genuinely care about the fate of their nation, and against all those incompetent morons (Ann Coultor, Tucker Carlson, etc.) whom have nothing better to do (and a clear mental incapacity to do so) than arrogantly rail against Canada. I'm generally not the patriotic type but these people need to be slapped around, at the very least *S*

But, for myself and the world at large, I am looking forward a great deal to the new year. 2005 holds a hope and sense of possibility I've not felt in some time. And while it's true that the world may continue to fall apart around us, perhaps some of the smarter people out there will actually try to do something about it. But for now, do try and focus on the Christmas season, and spread some of that peace on earth and good will toward men (and women...there you go *S* ) around.

With Hope,
Joseph