Chris James

I love it when I find a contentious article about something so popular as the Bible. Popular...perhaps in half the world while the other half has their own brand of fallacy. But this is a well constructed diatribe about the Good Book and how those damn Romans did it to all of us in the backside: http://www.salon.com/2015/09/20/the_right_hides_behind_a_fictional_bible_memo_to_ted_cruz_and_donald_trump_your_favorite_book_is_made_up/ I am sure there will be a lot of disagreement on this subject. But I go back to the early memories of a class I took on religion where the teacher said he was willing to discuss any viewpoint...as long as the Bible agreed with it. I lasted a week in that class and told the teacher he was a misguided and very foolish man (I was just trying to be polite).

And here we have Sarah Palin weighing in on the issue, as if anything she has to say matters: http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/palin-ahmed-was-asking-for-it-when-he-brought-clock-to-school/ar-AAevFsE?li=AAa0dzB&ocid=LENDHP Sure Sarah, let's discourage all school children from scientific endeavors. I'm sure she feels belittled by a 14 year old boy with brains.

Taken from the pages of the news these rules do exist in various school districts around the country. A Day of Reckoning "Mister Bailey…what are those things on your feet?" Ian looked down and smiled. He had saved up his allowance for weeks to buy this latest pair of Vans. "These are Vans, Mr. Cosgrove." "You can't wear them to school, they violate the rules," Cosgrove said. "They do? How are my shoes in violation of the rules?" "They have neon colors and the school board has determined that's a sign of gang affiliation." "Gangs…me?" Ian said. "That's a ridiculous assumption, Mr. Cosgrove." "I don't make the rules…and while we're at it you’re wearing mismatched socks and that's a gang symbol as well." "These were all I could find this morning…my mom is behind in the laundry." "That may very well be true, but the issues don't stop there. The pants you have on are too tight and that T-shirt…it has a slogan on it and that's illegal. Whose picture is that anyway?" Ian opened the flap of his sweatshirt. "That's Abraham Lincoln…Monday is President's Day and I thought it would be cool to wear this shirt to remind the other students. The slogan you dislike only says Abraham Lincoln-Gettysburg Address. My mother bought this in Pennsylvania the last time she was there for a conference." "It violates the rules…and so does that sweatshirt, it has a hood." "It's thirty-one degrees outside," Ian said, "I need it to keep my head warm since you guys banned hats last year." "The school board determined that a hood can mask your identity from the staff so we can't recognize you." "But that's why you make us wear these identification badges…and I might add a lot of us see that as unfair since teachers and staff members don't have to wear an ID." "You're being argumentative, Mr. Bailey…I could give you detention for that." "Go right ahead, Mr. Cosgrove…but first I want you to call my mother and explain all this to her." "I certainly will…she needs to know about you're willful disregard of the rules. Follow me to the office." Ian smiled and nodded to Erica and Jesse who had been standing quietly by their lockers filming the whole encounter. Using their phones wasn't against the rules since it was lunch period and students were allowed to turn them on for that hour in the middle of the day. Cosgrove led the way to the front office where they passed the bulletin board in the school lobby. Ian wondered if Cosgrove ever read the material posted there such as the Honor Roll. Ian Bailey was the third name from the top but a detention would count against his good grades, he might even be dropped from the list. Jesse had followed them down the hall and was still covertly filming. Ian gave him a glance and Jesse blew him a kiss. Perhaps they would laugh about this later and add the video to their blog. So far this had not been about harassment for being gay, but even gay students faced the same old oppression meted out to everyone else. "Janice…may I have Mr. Bailey's file, if you please." The secretary looked up and frowned. Ian was never in trouble…not in his family…but perhaps Cosgrove was being ignorant today. Ian followed Cosgrove over to his cubby hole of an office. Janice came to the door and handed over Ian's file and gave him a sympathetic smile. Cosgrove opened the file and looked at the student information page. "I presume your mother is at home?" Ian looked at the clock on the wall. It was almost lunchtime and perhaps she would be back in her office. "She's at work, but the clerk will answer the phone and tell you if she's in." Cosgrove looked over the rim of his reading glasses. "Perhaps that will explain why your laundry is not done. I will put this on speakerphone so that you may tell your mother why I am calling." The clerk picked up on the third ring. "Hello…" But before she could say another word Cosgrove jumped in. "I need to speak to Mrs. Bailey if you please. This is Mr. Cosgrove, the Principal at Dickerson High School. Please tell her this is about her son." "Certainly, Mr. Cosgrove. I'll put you through… Judge Bailey is in her chambers." The aggressive look on Cosgrove's face immediately changed and he looked at Ian with alarm. "District Court, Judge Bailey speaking." Cosgrove looked tongue tied so Ian spoke up. "Hi, Mom, this is Ian, we're on the speakerphone. Principal Cosgrove decided to call you before giving me detention. He says my Abraham Lincoln shirt is against the school rules and my shoes are the wrong color." There was a moment of silence. "Mr. Cosgrove…are you there?" "Yes…yes, Your Honor, I'm here," Cosgrove stammered. "Don't get flustered, Mr. Cosgrove, you’re speaking to a parent here. I will skip the First Amendment issue with the shirt for the moment, but let's talk about those new shoes Ian bought. I took him to the mall myself and all the kids are wearing them…how are they against the rules?" "Um, the colors…the school board has determined that neon colors are a gang sign." "Gang sign? That's absurd," the judge said. "What's next…underwear? I'm sure gang members wear underwear, is that the next thing on the list?" "No, Your Honor…I don't think that’s possible." "I wore my hooded sweatshirt to school because it's so cold and they banned hats last year. It seems that's against the rules as well," Ian said. "School Board again?" Judge Bailey asked. "Yes, Your Honor…that's a gang thing as well," Cosgrove said. Ian could hear his mother sigh. That sound of impatience was usually followed by a strict lecture, and now was no different. "Mr. Cosgrove, do you understand how unreasonable these rules sound? I was not aware there was such a severe gang problem at your school, in fact I doubt there is. This is Dickerson Township not Chicago where they have real issues. "There are eight members on the school board as I recall from the last election and this township only has five members on the police force. If there was a gang issue I am sure this problem would have arrived in my courtroom in the past several years. "We have no gangs, Mr. Cosgrove…unless you consider the school board itself to be a gang of idiots. At this rate the students will be going to school naked within a few months. "There is a township meeting next Wednesday. I would urge you to contact the school board and tell each of them they ought to be there because I will be making a motion to have them all removed from office. "Now back to that shirt. My son considers it a privilege to be wearing a likeness of our sixteenth President. If nothing else it's educational, other students ask him about it. I understand the need to set rules, Mr. Cosgrove, but your current rules leave no room for common sense. I urge you to be at the meeting as well. In fact, I think we'll have to move that meeting to your school auditorium to accommodate everyone. My wife and I will certainly be there." "Your wife…?" Cosgrove said. "Yes, Ian has two mothers…do you have an issue with that as well?" "Oh no…no, no…I welcome diversity in our community," Cosgrove said. "Good, then I’ll see you at the meeting," Judge Bailey said. "And Ian, if you were aware of all these rules you should have brought the matter to me at home. We'll talk this evening. Good Day, Gentlemen…and Good-bye." Cosgrove stared that the phone a moment and then hit the button to turn it off. "Heavens above. Look at the mess this has stirred up," he said. "My mom the judge is the level headed one," Ian said. "Wait until my other mom comes to that meeting and then you'll see why I would never consider joining a gang or doing anything against the rules." "I take it she's not a stay at home kind of mom," Cosgrove said. "No, she's in the Air Force, an F-16 fighter pilot…or was until she got enough rank to become the Wing Commander." Cosgrove looked like he was going to be ill and Ian smiled. "It's okay, Mr. Cosgrove, they won't make it hard on you, you're just a soldier." Cosgrove looked relieved. "Damn the school board, full speed ahead." "I think that was the Navy, but you have the right idea. Can I return to class now?" "Yes, but please don't spread this conversation around." "No, sir, I won't. Everyone will know about the rule changes by next Thursday after the meeting." "They will…now get out of here," Cosgrove said. Ian left the Principal's office and gave Janice a salute. He stepped out into the hall and flipped the hood of his sweatshirt up on his head. He grinned and flashed Jesse the V for victory sign as the boy took his picture. There were no gangs at Dickerson High, only clubs, and the strongest one was run by the gay students. Violence and hate never won a thing, but persistence and intelligence could overcome a school board.

We read it all over the media: Christianity is under attack by everyone that is not them. Those who wish to live in a theocracy should try Saudi Arabia...and good luck with that. But the United States is a country of laws that support the rights of citizens to believe what they want...at least in most places. This article is disturbing: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/progressivesecularhumanist/2015/09/atheist-mom-forced-into-court-ordered-christian-counseling/

With all the flash points out there these days...specifically religious liberty and gay rights...I doubt if there is a gay person who doesn't already know that hatred stems from some deep seated mental issues. http://news.yahoo.com/homophobic-people-often-psychological-issues-121032115.html So many societies around the world contain a large measure of homophobia. Not all of it is religious based but a great deal of it comes from church teachings, or at least that is the excuse. Bigotry in it's many disguises is oppressive and makes life difficult for those in gay communities. From far flung African and Arab nations where homosexuality is punishable by death or long prison sentences, those societies have opted out of the group of nations who accept all their citizens as equals.

I gave several nods to Kelly Slater in my story Groms because he is the hottest man in the surfing world. His ongoing competition in contests around the world only proves his longevity at the top...and then I saw this: http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/more-sports/watch-kelly-slater-land-the-most-mind-bending-trick-ever/ar-AAegUKl?li=AA54yf&ocid=LENDHP Needless to say I made up some impossible surfing moves for one of my characters in the story just to ramp up the excitement but nothing tops this. Kelly is the King of Surfing and he continues to show us his talents.

Bye-Bye Tony Abbott, good riddance. I know Des is happy with a new Prime Minister.

At first I thought this was a joke...but the doctors in China are serious. Remind me not to cut my finger if I every get to China...I could come home with someone else's hands: http://news.yahoo.com/italian-chinese-medical-team-perform-first-head-transplant-145134691.html I don't know what medicine is like over there but this seems just too extreme. Will the thoughts and memories from the donor be transferred. Damn, I would hate to get Sarah Palin's head.

Cole, the Japanese always seem to have a better relationship with their gods, Shinto teaches that. They feel Mother Nature has done them more good than bad throughout the centuries. The Arab view of Allah is as supplicants who accept anything the Big Guy throws at them. The body count in Mecca is now 107, but then they are now upstairs and enjoying their 72 virgins.

In America an event like this would bring out the loonies calling it God's vengeance...but it didn't happen here. Taking that attitude I imagine there will be some screams that Allah is not happy with his people, or maybe someone in charge just didn't pay attention to the weather reports...I favor the latter. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34226003

An interview with Troye that explains his goals in the video. A real heroic effort to change the way society views young gay boys. http://www.advocate.com/music/2015/9/11/troye-sivan-these-songs-are-about-boys

A very disturbing feature of Windows 10 that needs to go, but it seems it cannot be stopped: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/09/10/george-takei-takes-aim-at-windows-10-feature-that-could-out-kids-to-their-parents/

I recall that Twilight Zone episode when it was first broadcast. Loved the shock it gave the audience. But it reminds me of the Night Galley episode called The Boy Who Predicted Earthquakes and that was a damn fine shock for the viewers. Won't spoil the way it ended except to say the kid revealed that the world was about to change and that there would be no more wars or hunger, everything would be just fine. The reason is the shocker. Go look at it, here's the link: https://youtu.be/z_zHyxL4pdk

WOW! Troye seems to have been building his career under the radar...at least I haven't seen anything about him in quite some time. Thanks for this, Dude...looking forward to parts 2 & 3.

At issue is the rights of citizens to gain a marriage license from the state in which they live. Kim Davis has made this a religious issue when marriage by a religion is unnecessary for couple to tie the knot. God does not own marriage, neither does Christianity, this is strictly a legal matter and she is denying tax paying citizens their rights under the law. I imagine the lawsuits that are coming because of her ignorant POV will be quite expensive for the state and that she will be pushed from her job for malfeasance in office. Can't happen soon enough.

Nicholas is a wonderfully descriptive author who paints a scene with his words. I do wish he was less attracted to commas and made his sentences shorter, but that is his style. Fortunately his work presents better after an AD makeover with a proper background and readable font. This is more noticeable after reading his work at Nifty with that old MS Works style or is it Note Pad? Glad he is here with us.

We have avoided talking about Kim Davis, the irrational county clerk from Kentucky who now finds herself in jail for contempt of a court order. She deserves the sentence for trying to impose her personal religious beliefs on the taxpaying public of her county. She refused legal marriage to gay and lesbian clients, denying these people their legal rights. The story has spread across the country although Rowan County, Kentucky, where she works is just a tiny piece of land. Her personal story is just tabloid material and makes her less than able to defend her religious choice. But she is not paid to impose her demented view of gay marriage especially after the SCOTUS has spoken on the subject. And here is Leonard Pitts on the subject, one of our most treasured voices in all areas of society: http://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/religious-liberty-looks-a-lot-like-intolerance-from-here/ I respect his view on this subject. Although I don't always agree with some of his thoughts he is dead on target with this one.

Cute kids...good genes. I see these faces and so many other on the covers of personality and entertainment magazines and wonder: who the hell are these people? I am so out of touch with the celebrities of today and probably for good reason...they will be ignored tomorrow.

With stories like Nigel's I am slowly gaining an appetite for the science fiction genre, not that I can eat too much of it at one time. Thanks, Nigel, I shall probably not appreciate my dinner as much this evening. Shock endings tend to do that.

A sad loss to the gay literary community as Ryan was a huge contributor to Dabeagle's Doghouse site. I had little contact with him, although he did comment on my stories several times...and not always nicely. But critics are necessary in the development of a writer and his contributions are well noted. A sad day for his family and friends.

No crawling around on rooftops for me, Merkin, but I did the Google view of those buildings. Authors are generally good liars, stretching the truth to fit the fiction in a story. Not sure how many of us were around for the Blitz of London, but Mihangel did a great job of making us believe. For that matter I am not sure how much cow-punching time Cole has under his belt but his ability at describing a Texas ranch is just wonderful. I chose Washington D.C. for part of the Kill story because I lived there for a number of years. Always best to describe what you know or be prepared to fake it. I have not been to Montana, credit research for those scenes. Imagination, folks, that's what all of us seem to have in common and it brings the fiction alive.

My thanks to all of you for reading the story, and the insightful commentary. Remember the days when gay characters in stories were considered reprehensible by virtue of their sexuality? Then to redeem the story the author had to kill off the characters, those bad and evil gay men...what hogwash. I wanted a hero, perhaps an anti-hero, like Michael who ends up redeeming himself. I could not develop a more complex character, and on top of that I threw in Viktor. I cannot apologize for the ending because Luggie is right, I do have a sequel in mind and left the story open for it. Several parts of the storyline are incomplete, I would have to address that. But a sequel is harder to write than the original and I need time to think of an appropriate storyline to bring these characters....well, most of them...back to life. Have patience, I will come up with something. But as a post script: I have several other stories in the pipeline that I cannot ignore...No Reason to Kill part Two will have to wait a while.

Let me tell you, Nigel, Einaudi is some of the best music to play while writing. It tugs at the mind, often pulling me away from the words but never for long. Very classical stuff without being too ancient and yet I don't consider it pop music. Eli was built between the lines of Einaudi's music. Thanks for enjoying the story.

King Tut would have poled his way across the river Styx....damn, that Egyptian Viagra is strong stuff.

Inspiring! Awesome! As I said before, the gay community must step up and take responsibility for these kids and it seems they have. One down and thousands to go, there are so many needy kids, but let this serve as an inspiration. Please watch the video.