BoyinSuit

My Third Day of Law School

My morning began with me being nervous that wearing suspenders looked stupid. I've wanted a pair for the longest time and bought some to wear for today. All my nervousness subsided with someone said I looked dapper.

We heard oral arguments before the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals this morning and it was intense. I've never sat in on a court session and it was really interesting to hear the five cases that were presented. The first one involved a death penalty case and the defendant's lawyer did an awful job. It was interesting to me to think that a real man's life was on the line and I was watching it unfold. I was even nervous because now I know that I'm experiencing the real deal.

Speaking of the death penalty, I have to write about something that I've been thinking about for awhile and finally have a conclusion to. If you know me well, you know that I don't kill bugs. I reason that a fly or spider in my house has not harmed me and I therefore have to reason to end its life. As I've carefully looked at the issue of abortion, I've learned that I find abortion atrocious because it end life.

So when I was watching the oral arguments on the death penalty, I thought it audacious that a group of flawed humans were debating whether or not another human should live or die. How can I believe in the death penalty and value life at the same time? I've come to the conclusion that I cannot. There are certain rights that all criminals have, including due process. Even the worst of the worst criminals are required to representation in a fair trial. Why are the worst of the worst criminals not guaranteed a right to life? I believe that the state should not have the power to end life because the essence of life is sacred.

When I told Brian that I think I'm opposed to the death penalty, he called me a crazy liberal. But ever since I realized that ideological inconsistencies exist in political thought, I've tried to be ideological consistent. I think there are big issues that should govern our opinions.

But besides that epiphany, school was great. Meeting new people and talking about the law with equally interested people is invigorating, challenging, and fun.

 

Gay Politics

I had dinner with Ross tonight and he asked me why Brian and I don't identify with the gay community much.

I used to be heavily involved with gay political activities, but as time as gone by, I find myself less interested in being identified with gays at large. I think its because (1) the whole gay marriage debate bores me and (2) gay politics has become equal with liberal politics.

Sure, I believe in the right of gay people to marry and am grateful that people are lobbying political leaders for the right. But just because I can't legally walk down the aisle with Brian doesn't make me feel "less equal." The fact that Brian and I aren't legally married doesn't mean that our relationship is less valid. There are rights and benefits associated to being legally married, but most of those benefits are either symbolic or can be legally arranged. I know, I know--gays shouldn't have to "legally arrange" the benefits of marriage. I totally agree with that statement; but the marriage equality fight isn't my fight and it seems to be THE fight that all gays want.

For me, I'd much rather see gays accepted into the military. I believe that these smaller steps will lead to larger results. Gays want idealism to trump politics, though politics is the system that we created.

Many gays want to achieve marriage equality through the court system. I disagree that courts are avenues of social change and find myself annoyed when lawsuit after lawsuit are filed to advance social agendas. The entire "gay struggle" has a leftward slant that proclaims, "If you are gay, you must believe in abortion, gun-control, and evolution." If you don't believe in any one of those things, you are labeled with the scarlet R: Republican.

I'm glad there are good people whose cause is gay equality; it's just not my cause. I'm glad there are passioned people working for both sides of all issues because one ideology isn't always correct. Most of all, I'm grateful that I live in a country that allows intense political discussions. I only wish that the gay community at large could see it that way.

Memorial Day 2007

On this Memorial day, my thoughts are with all the soldiers and families of soldiers that are currently serving. In the past few months, my opinion of the war has really changed.

Up until President Bush requested the troop surge, I've supported our mission in Iraq. I know we were led into Iraq under false information and I know the mission goals changed multiple times. But I've felt that we had to finish what we started, cleaning up the massive mess we've made in the desert.

Even after President Bush's State of the Union address where he announced the troop surge, I believed that it could further our goals. I earnestly believed that a troop surge had a chance at stabilizing the situation and hoped that it would work. I supported the President because I really thought he cared.

Now that over 3,400 U.S. Soldiers and even more Iraqi civilians have died, I do not support the President.

Now that President Bush is requesting a second surge of troops because the first one didn't work, I do not support the President.

Now that the situation in Iraq has not stabilized in four years and we are no closer to helping establish a self-governing peaceful democracy, I do not support the President.

Now that soldiers aren't supporting the President, I do not support the President.

I'm angry that we are still fighting a war that we were unprepared for. I'm angry that the President and DOD didn't provide the troops with what they needed to fight a war. I'm angry that the National Guard, the force that is supposed to protect the nation, is serving overseas. Overseas! It is a ridiculous notion that our nation, with its military force, cannot fight a war without the National Guard, who should be protecting U.S. soil from terrorist attacks.

I think all Americans support the efforts of the military and are proud of the job they've tried to do, but it is not their fault that the good they try to accomplish is being destroyed by terrorists. Supporting the troops isn't blind allegiance to what the President wants.

It's a pity that we're in the situation we're in. I wish our Mission was accomplished when President Bush stood on that aircraft carrier. The situation in Iraq will never yield itself to another victorious banner. The only thing we can do, and must do, is protect our troops and bring them home.

The United States needs a new foreign policy not focused on military force and aggression, a new military strategy that uses our precious resources wisely and strategically, and a new leader to guide us through the tough times that are ahead. That time must be now.

No Wonder We're Fat

Golden Corral is a really depressing restaurant. Actually, I think every buffet-style restaurant is depressing. There's an overabundance of food that is almost gluttonous. I feel badly for wanting to taste everything, but not finishing anything on my plate. So much food is needlessly discarded and it makes me feel badly.

Saving the World, One Lightbulb at a Time

A big difference from living in West Valley and Salt Lake City is that West Valley doesn't provide recycling cans, therefore I had no impetus to divide my trash.

I was wrong!

Wanting to know why West Valley didn't recycle, I went to the city website where I found that they DO recycle. You just have to special order the can (which I did) and pay $4 a month extra for it (which I gladly did-- it's the environment!).

I'm so excited to get it and start separating my trash. When I told Brian, he thought I was being weird.

"Why are you all of a sudden so concerned with saving the environment?" he asked.

I seriously attribute it to the film, "An Inconvenient Truth." It made me realize that through small and simple things, I can reduce my impact on the earth. I haven't drastically changed my lifestyle as some environmentalists want me to (hybrids are expensive and public transportation, well, is public transportation).

Here a few of the small things I'm trying to do:

• I only use CFL light bulbs.
• I wash my clothes in cold and warm water--never hot.
• I turn off lights and unplug appliances I'm not using that still keep running even when they are "off."
• I use cloth rags instead of paper towels.
• I never get plastic grocery bags because they are awful for the environment.

Those are really simple things that everyone can do. They're easy AND they make me feel good!

Jesus Camp

I went to work today, painted baseboards after work, and invited people over to watch the documentary, "Jesus Camp."

The film showed child preachers, home-schooled children, and lots of singing. Throughout the movie, Scott, Megan, and Shawn commented on how crazy these evangelicals acted.

But Brian and I didn't think they were crazy at all (well, except the eight-year old cries, "No More! NO MORE!"). I believe that most children raised in evangelical homes will have good childhoods, stay true to Christian principles, and be good citizens. I don't think there is anything wrong with parents home-schooling their children and including religious instruction in their lessons. I think young children should go to church to create a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The dislike of evangelicals seems odd to me because I grew up with them. I loved the people in my ward, my bishopric, and my stake presidency. Even as I looked up to many adults in my church, I had lots of fun with them. When people talk badly about evangelicals, I think about the people in my ward and I shake my head in sadness. They are good people and because of their political beliefs they are ostracized.

Sure, people may not see eye to eye on some issues and yes, there are crazies out there ("NO MORE!"). But I think the political debate would be better if people didn't vilify each other and each side tried to truly understand one another.

Arrested Development

I finished watching all three seasons of "Arrested Development" today. When it aired on television, I heard that it was good. I even remember that it won some awards, but I never wanted to watch it. One day, Russell told me that he liked it. When Russell says something is good, it usually is; I almost never question his taste.

Russell was very, very correct in this case. Arrested Development is the funniest show I've ever seen. Better than Golden Girls, better than Roseanne, better than Family Guy, even better than the first seven seasons of the Simpsons.

This show had main plots, sub-plots, sub-sub-plots that intertwined to make me laugh. It's extremely intelligent, witty, and you have to pay attention to really "get" every joke.

Unfortunately, the show didn't receive good enough ratings to keep it on the air. While I'm sad about that, I'm kind of glad because it let them cater to their small audience. They were able to reference old jokes that make their old audience laugh instead of making lamer, new ones to get new viewers. Because of its short run, Arrested Development was able to make a few great people laugh with their really great jokes rather than making lots of lame people laugh with lame jokes.

Go buy/rent Arrested Development and watch it. You won't regret it.

Memo to Gay Men

To: Gay Men
From: BoyinSuit
Re: Touching Me

Dear Gay Men:

Just because you are gay does not mean you can touch me inappropriately. Furthermore, just because you are gay does not mean you can flirt with me. I am uncomfortable with the overt sexuality that many of you display towards me and others. If I were a straight woman, it would be called sexual harassment and you would be called a pig.

Actually, it IS sexual harassment and you ARE a pig.

I ask that you treat me with respect, especially if you do not know me. Do not touch my butt. Do not kiss me on the cheek. Do not ask me if I have a boyfriend and then say, "too bad."

If you act appropriately, I am more inclined to like you than think you are nasty. Handshakes make friends; uncomfortable hugs make you creepy.

Best Regards,

BoyinSuit

Five wheels make a car go faster

Earlier this week, Brian and I wanted to go on a double date with Scott and Ken on Saturday. Scott told us that Ken couldn't come, so we thought it would be fun if we just hung out with Scott and Shawn and went to a drive in movie.

Tonight, Scott arrived with Ken. It wasn't a problem, but Shawn felt a little weird being the fifth man out. I told him not to worry.

It started raining so we scrapped plans to go to the drive in and rented "Syrianna" at Hollywood Video. Before the movie, though, we watched the lightening storm. I tried to get a picture, but everytime, the lightning wouldn't work with me.

Shawn fell asleep during the movie and decided to go home, and I think it was mostly because he felt odd being the only single person there.

I think single people need to get over their "singleness" and just have fun with the people they are with. Shawn is good friends with 3 out of the 4 other people at my house tonight, but because of the differences in our relationship status, he felt left out.

I guess I can't empathize because I hung out with lots of couples as a single guy and didn't feel a "left out" feeling. When I see a person, I see one person, not two people. I thought tonight was five friends hanging out and its unfortunate that someone felt badly because they didn't see it that way.

BYU and Soulforce

I wrote an email to the BYU newspaper today. There is this gay rights group called Soulforce that targets religions universities for their "??spiritual violence"?� and the schools unacceptance of gays. I disagree with this groups tactics and wrote this email:

As a former gay student of your great university, I applaud BYU for their respectful message (March 22 Editorial) on the upcoming visit of the Soulforce Equality Riders. While I may understand the message that Soulforce is bringing, I strongly disagree with their tactic of targeting BYU because of its stance of not admitting openly gay individuals.

By trying to be confrontational, Soulforce might miss the great compassion and tolerance of Latter-day Saints. Since the Soulforce visit is inevitable, I hope the BYU community will show them what I see in my LDS family and friends.

BYU has been called the "greatest university in the world" and should act differently from other schools that Soulforce has already visited. While "Christians" at other universities have protested or had members of Soulforce arrested, I hope the BYU community will take the higher road and show them what Christ's love is all about: friendliness, kindness, and unconditional love.

Sincerely,
Jesse Michael Nix

I really hope that BYU acts differently when this group comes to their school (AKA not get them arrested).

Larry H. Miller

I received an email from the LGBT Resource center today in regards to Larry H. Miller speaking at the University of Utah. Then I received an email petition asking the University to pick a new speaker. Basically, both emails were about how Larry H. Miller is against gays and anyone against gays shouldn't speak at the U.

I'm sick of gay people acting like victims. I sent the following email to the person in charge of "Discover U Days"?�:

Ms. Adler,

I have been informed that the LGBT Resource Center is creating "controversy" with your selection of Larry H. Miller as the keynote speaker of Discover U Days. As chair of the Discover U Days committee, I want you to know that not all supporters of the LGBT Resource Center oppose your selection.

I am a 2006 graduate from the University and I am gay. I am also familiar with the business action of Mr. Miller regarding the movie, "Brokeback Mountain." Besides his unexplained removal of the film, Mr. Miller has not said anything or done anything else that could classify him as a "bigot" or a "homophobe."

Mr. Miller is a great donor and friend to the University of Utah and deserves to speak. Please do not let calls of diversity and acceptance sway your decision. While both are important qualities that the University should strive for, opposing an academic speech by Mr. Miller in the name of diversity and acceptance is ridiculous.

Sincerely,
Jesse Michael Nix

Numero Uno

I got so frustrated in class today because I couldn't understand a Spanish concept. I got angry when the teacher wanted to stop the whole class and I think I mildly yelled at her to just move on without me. I said I'd catch up later. During the break, I asked Beth if I was rude and she said no. During the break, I figured out the concept.

I send a birthday card to Dad and Tanner today. I hope they receive it on time (though mail from Mexico is very slow). I also sent an email to Katy Pace because her birthday is coming up and I don't know her address. So far, I'm keeping up my 2006 birthday goal!

I sent an email to Mom asking her if she thought me going to El Salvador for spring break would be a good idea. I don't really want to go on spring break with people here in Mexico. I don't know why. I'd love to just go to SLC and spend my time with Brian, but that'd be gay.

I got a haircut today. Since I've cut my own hair for years, I forgot how nice it feels to have someone else cut it. I enjoyed it immensly, though when she asked me something about my sideburns, I assumed she asked if I wanted them trimmed. Well, she basically shaved them off. Normally, this would be okay, but it looks terrible with my beard. My hair and my beard are not connected!

I did homework in the computer lab and was really productive, more productive than when I do homework in bed right before I go to sleep.

On the way home, Austin and I had a great talk about culture. I told him that I'm glad I was born an American because I think we have the best culture in the world. He said I was ignorant by saying the US was the best. I told him that American's have a better standard of living than other countries, that American's are a loving and welcoming people, and something about our country makes us the most powerful in the world. Yes, there are problems, but all countries have problems. I'm glad I was born in the US because my life is better because of it.

The water situation, specifically the shower, is annoying me! I get hot water for 7 minutes and then the water turns lukewarm/cold. One time, the hot water lasted for 20 minutes! Why can't it just be consistant! Lately, it's been getting cold after 5 minutes. Oh, the memories!

Are you a Yellow Dog?

There is a couple in my mother's church that are getting a divorce. The man is crazy and the woman is very nice. The guy is so crazy that he got a restraining order against the woman (who is nothing but nice). He doesn't have a job and gets money from his parents. He buys toys for the children and says nasty things about his wife to them.

Benjamin is going to testify at the custody hearing for the couple. He went on vacation with them last summer and told me how crazy the Dad is. Ben even said that he was scared of him because he was crazy.

Anyway, my mother is trying to maintain neutrality in the whole situation. I disagreed and told her that she should pick a side, especially when one side is obviously good! I asked her why she would stay neutral in a situation where neutrality doesn't benefit her but picking a side does.

Loyalty is a very important quality to me. I'm very loyal to my family and friends and expect the same. I hope that family and friends would side with me in most cases because they are loyal.