“In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't.”
~Blaise Pascal
I couldn't listen to the entire day of the senate judiciary committee hearings yesterday, but I heard some portions. Here is my quick response:
Ford seemed to be sincere. In fact, after hearing part of her opening I thought Kavanaugh was finished. She didn't seem to be lying or attempting a great deception. Some use the word credible, but I don't think that means what people think it means. She had some details, but was missing a lot of others. I believe she experienced some kind of sexual assault that has traumatized her. I certainly didn't think was some kind of political operative after her testimony. Again, this is gut reaction, I don't have proof. Kavanaugh was, in my mind, more convincing. He was angry, and he should have been. If he was dispassionate I would probably be less likely to believe him. I thought he was equally sincere in his denial. He also provided many character witnesses. Again that doesn't prove anything, but it certainly provides a voice. I especially loved his testimony regarding his daughter praying for "the lady (Ford)." This tells you something about him as a parent. In the end there are three things that should be considered. First, which story has more Corroborating support? Seeing as Ford's friend who was supposedly at the party where all this happened has no memory of it and Kavanaugh's childhood friend also denies the events took place and the numerous other character witnesses from all time periods of Kavanaugh's life this supports Kavanaugh's story. Second, considering Feinstien not only had the report, but was recommending lawyers for Ford very early on but didn't release any information until the 11th hour, this smells of political chicanery. Further, Feinstien admitted she didn't know if it was true. Her own confidence in this report was shaky. Third, there is not only a presumption of innocence in the constitution, there ought to be a presumption of innocence. I realize this isn't a criminal preceding, but a couple of timely accusations ought not be enough to ruin a person's life and take away their career. Make no mistake, that is what is happening. The subsequent accusations have fallen apart quickly, so far the only one that appears possible is Ford's. Kavanaugh should be moved forward as the nominee and confirmed barring any further evidence.
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![]() Call me anything you want, but this is a tradition that should not go away. To be clear, no one has asked for my daughters hand in marriage as I sit and write this. That said, she has a serious boyfriend and that has caused me to think about this issue a little more. What will I tell my son when he comes to me and says, "Dad, this is the one, how should I approach her dad?" While there may be exceptions, it is imperative for a man to talk to the father of his girlfriend and seek his blessing before getting engaged. This shows respect to the man who will become the father-in-law and likely still has a huge influence on the wife to be. If harmony and peace with the in-laws is something you desire, talk to the father-in-law to be. Here is my advice:
Enjoy these moments with all the anticipation and stress that comes with it. Don't be freaked out. The dad might say some hard things and he may not respond appropriately to some things. If that happens extend grace to him, you are asking to take the second most important woman in his life and marry her. |
AuthorJohn Byrne is a pastor who has been spouting off his opinions his entire life (just ask his mom). This little blog is his venue for continuing in this tradition. Archives
June 2023
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