Star Trek Convention, George Takei, and the 2014 Winter Olympics

I went to the Star Trek convention in Las Vegas this last weekend.  Did you read what I just wrote?  I WENT TO THE STAR TREK CONVENTION IN LAS VEGAS!  Had a fantastic time and helped break the Guinness Book of World Records for the most people in Star Trek costumes in a single place;  a total of 1,085! Among the many stars I was able to see, I heard George Takei make a moving and inspirational speech.   The openly gay actor highlighted the struggle for the LGBT community, specifically regarding Russia’s new anti-gay laws and the upcoming Winter Olympics, which is set to take place in that country next year. 

The following is bound to piss off many of my friends and family as they span the religious and political spectrum.  They may find my Reformed Christian and Libertarian views *gasp* “Hardly Tolerable.”  My current understanding of Scripture leaves me to believe that a homosexual act is a sin.  I also have been a supporter of the LGBT community politically.  Schizophrenic?   Not in the least.  The sexual practice of another person, gay or straight, in no way restricts my life, liberty, or property and I will most certainly not restrict theirs.  We should treat others how we would want to be treated.  Respect one another.  Disagreements are bound to occur and that’s a good thing! 

There is currently a petition out requesting the President of the International Olympic Committee to relocate the 2014 Winter Olympics from Sochi, Russia to Vancouver, Canada.  Sign it.  

http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/international-olympic-committee-ioc-relocate-the-2014-winter-games-to-vancouver-2

Motor Vehicle Anarchism

DENVER- In the wake of the Venice Beach boardwalk tragedy this last weekend, a question is raised by many: “Is the need for Car Control long overdue?”  For years the national discussion has revolved around Gun Control.  However, in 2010 there were 32,885 motor vehicle deaths in the United States, three times the amount of fire-arm related homicides that same year.

Cyclist enthusiast A.K. Streeter from TreeHugger.com says that “Motorists bend and break laws systematically.”  Such sentiment has led to greater research and development into autonomous, or self-driving, cars.  These robotic cars would be able to sense its environment and navigate without erroneous or even emotional human input.  These robotic cars could also be fully electronic, drastically improving the air quality of inner cities.  Combine this technology with the efficient oversight and control of the DMV and DOT, peace and safety on the streets could very well become a reality.

Not all are in favor of an automated highway utopia, their extremism instead driving them to prefer chaos to order.  “I can’t stand all these pedestrians and bicyclists acting like they have the right of way,” says 28 year old Colorado resident John Knox.  The self-described “motor vehicle anarchist,” audaciously adds that “I admit I’ve nudged one or two [pedestrians and bicyclists] with my car.”  In response to the possibility of his car being replaced by a far safer self-driven car, Knox says, “Look, I know I am not a great driver, but it’s my right to drive.” 

Not all agree with the common misconception that driving is in fact a “right.”  Kathy Mullins of the progressive think tank The Nation Builders says, “…driving a car is a privilege…rights should be reserved for REAL rights like the right to clean air…”