Abortion Rights

In Lawrence Hinman’s, “An Introduction to the Moral Issues” on Abortion, he asks us to consider the rights of the potential father as well as the mother. We are to consider the rights of the biological father in cases where his wishes do not coincide with those of the woman’s. It may be that the man involved does not wish to be a father, while the woman does not want to have an abortion. However, it may be the other way around, the woman desires to end the pregnancy, while the man involved wants to be a father and raise the child.

My initial reaction to this was: “When men can carry the baby for nine months, then they can have a say.” However, upon further consideration, I feel that their input should be valued. The final decision must, from necessity, rest with the woman carrying the child. Yet, during the decision making process, the man’s voice should be heard and listened to.

According to Mr. Hinman, many feminists believe that giving a voice to the prospective fathers can be seen as “an act of returning power to the oppressors.” I thought the ultimate goal of feminism was equality, not superiority. Women are equal to men and men are equal to women. Therefore, we must grant men the same rights and responsibilities that we, ourselves, want and deserve.

Mr. Hinman says, “A man can be a father and never know it, but the same is not true for a woman.” That is technically true. However, once a man knows about a child’s possible existence, his life is changed irrevocably. Just as a woman must live with the sorrow and pain that can result from an abortion, so must a man. There will always be pain associated with a child that is never known and to deny that a man can feel that pain is shortsighted and cruel.

This should not be an issue of oppressor and oppressed. It should not be a “women versus men” situation. This is a decision that, ideally, should be made together between two individuals. This should never need to be considered in the courts. However, we do not live in an ideal world. We must deal with this issue when agreement cannot be reached between the two people involved. In those instances, as much as I may be heartbroken by it, the woman’s individual choice about her body, her life, and her future must be upheld.


This was another essay I did for a Contemporary Moral Issues class I took a couple of years ago. The topic is still a good one and I still feel the same. A man should be consulted before an abortion takes place, but the ultimate decision must still be left in the hands of the woman who will have to carry and give birth to the child.

Death Penalty: Justice or Sin

While surfing various news sites, I came across a story that made me read more than the title. “Speaking out for Life” written by Joel Bewely can be found at: http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/15544891.htm. It is the story of one woman’s battle with her conscience. Her daughter is raped and murdered and she must decide if she holds vengeance dearer than her Catholic upbringing. She was faced with a decision that I hope I never have to endure and I hope each of you reading this are never faced with this type of test either. I am not Catholic or even Christian, but I do applaud Vicki Shieber’s ability to stay true to her beliefs in the face of such awful circumstances. I found an essay I wrote a few years ago concerning the death penalty and I found that my views have not changed significantly since then. I will post it here for you all to read.

In David Gelernter’s argument, “What Do Murderers Deserve? The Death Penalty in Civilized Societies” he states, “An execution forces the community to assume forever the burden of moral certainty; it is a form of absolute speech that allows no waffling or equivocation. Deliberate murder, the community announces, is absolutely evil and absolutely intolerable, period.” Here it is seen as a deterrent, a statement to the world at large that horrendous crimes will be met with terrible justice. Murder for murder is a literal example of Lex Talionis. It is the proverbial, “Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth.”

I want to say that I agree with Mr. Gelernter’s assessment. I desperately want to say that it is fair and just to take the man’s life that took my brother’s, my sister’s, or gods forbid, my child’s. However, I am unable to whole-heartedly say those very words. I do not wish to sink to that level. I do not want to have another’s blood on my hands. Perhaps, it is a form of cowardice, but I do not want to be the one who pushes the button to send someone from this world. Therefore, I could never ask it of someone else.

Mr. Gelernter says, “We are reverting to a pre-civilized state of nature. Our natural bent in the face of murder is not to avenge the crime but to shrug it off, except in those rare cases when our own near and dear are involved. (And even then, it depends.)” I think he is absolutely correct that we are reverting. However, I believe that it is the callous attitude many harbor toward murder and sentencing someone to death that is bringing us to that point. Vengeance is not the goal of our judicial system. Punishment fitting to the crime committed is. He was also correct when he said that the death penalty forces “moral certainty” upon the community. There is no turning back once a man has been executed. You cannot undo that act. Death is forever as nothing else is.

There are many criminals that this country, this community, would be better off without. No one said that these people do not exist. I, still, do not believe that I have the right, responsibility, whatever you want to call it, to deprive someone else of his life. It was not mine to grant him; who am I to take it away? I believe that working toward prevention by changing the environments of the children would be a better place to spend my time and efforts. Children are malleable and are not set in stone. We, as a communal whole, could make a difference there. Hilary Clinton was absolutely correct when she said, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Now when will the rest of the country see that and start helping each other? That is the real question.

Where is the "FREE" in Freedom

OMG! Just what is this country coming to? Now we are fingerprinting our children so they can get school lunch?!? I am beyond words for this one. Here is a link to the original blog I found this on.

Kids Buy Lunch with their Fingers

and the actual post:

Kids buy lunch with their fingers

Posted Sep 6th 2006 4:30PM by Kristin Scott
Filed under: Media, Elementary school, Middle school, Public school

I am all for the advances of technology (I get paid to blog!) but this might be a little creepy for my tastes.

The Rome City School system in Georgia is switching to a scanning system that lets students use their fingerprints to access their bank accounts to pay for lunch. What, students have bank accounts? I think I am even more scandalized.

One student defends the system, saying "all you've got to do is put your finger in, and you don't have to do the number and get mixed up." Some parents, however, are upset by the fingerprinting of their children who may not realize their rights are being violated.

I don't know - practical, or big brother-ish? I'm going with the latter.

There were many comments, here is what I posted:

It is a violation of civil rights if the school is requiring participation. I will not have my children fingerprinted/chip implanted/etc. I am not an "unreasonable parent" as Harry claims. I am one who worries about where this country is headed. It has nothing to do with "criminal" acts. It has to do with a right to privacy. It is just a few steps from fingerprinting to implanting chips. They already have chips that they are implanting in animals so you can "locate your lost dog." Let’s see, Hmmmm. I know, implant convicted criminals so that there is no point in escaping, we can just track them down - they don't have any rights anyway. Just a small step to implant them in your child at birth - for safety reasons of course. Can't abduct a child that's been lo-jacked right? Well, then why ever have the chips removed? You have nothing to hide, right?

It is not illegal to read Playboy/girl (at least not today), but it is not something I would have announced to my entire neighborhood either. It's not illegal to practice a different religion than my neighbors (again, at least not today), but it's not necessarily something I want to discuss with them. Big brother is always looking over your shoulder and he's intrusive enough already between video cameras on every corner and facial recognition software. There is no place you can go anymore to be FREE except the woods with no electricity. And believe me - I am thinking about it.

"Plan B"

I found a post about the recent approval of over-the-counter sales of the "Morning After" pill and I just couldn't let it go unanswered.

I am pro-choice. That does not mean pro-abortion. It means I believe in choice. Options must remain available to the women of the world. Their choice may not be your choice or my choice, but neither of us has the right to judge them. Leave that for whatever diety/creator/whatever you/they believe in.

Here is a link to the original blog post that got my attention:
http://lebanese-women.blogspot.com/2006/08/sex-murder-you-now-have-choice.html

And the text of the post:

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Sex - Murder - You Now Have A Choice

FDA OKs nonprescription ‘morning-after’ pill.

Does anyone know whether a young man, over the age of 17, can walk into a pharmacy and purchase these recreational, murder for sex 'pills', for their underaged girlfriends and female sex partners? That would give rise and opportunity for thousands upon thousands of underaged girl to have sex regularly without fear of pregnancy. It would also circumvent the requirement for underaged girls to have a written note from a doctor in order to purchase the 'over-the-counter' pills. It is a very frightening thought.

Life begins at fertilization - Minutes after a sperm has entered the egg. - Minutes after sexual intercourse.

What FDA has done is provide the vehicle by which promiscuity is raised to higher levels and to legalize and legitimize 'self-abortions'. In todays society, with peer pressure and the overly care-free attitudes towards sex, it is difficult for young girls to abstain from having sex.

The majority of young girls who want to have sex, want to please their boyfriends or feel outcast by their peers for not having had sex, have remained sex free out of fear of becoming pregnant. The 'morning-after' pill takes that fear away.

Sex, among the young, has been reduced to nothing more than another recreational activity. Stripping away all associations to intimacy, love and togetherness.

Abortion, whether is it is performed surgically when a fetus is present, or by the use of a 'pill', is an act of direct killing that takes the life of a living preborn human being — a life that begins at fertilization.

With the 'morning-after pill', the lining of the uterus is so irritated that the human being created will die before he or she can actually attach to the lining of the uterus. In other words, the woman's body rejects the living human embryo, and the child will die. This result is a chemical abortion.

Young girls under the age of 18 can not purchase the 'pill' without a doctor's note but they will aquire the 'pills' none the less from their over 17 year old girlfriends, sisters and irresponsible mothers.

What would God say?

- Rasha

You can go to Rasha's website to read all of the comments that were posted, but here are mine:

Ok, there is a lot here for me to comment on. Before I begin with the actual topic of "Plan B" let's address your quotes from the bible. I am not Christian. I haven't been any form of Christian for almost 15 years, but I do know the bible. In fact, I have studied it and other religious texts in my search for a path that fit me.

Now, you quote passages where your God demands fear from His worshipers. Do you follow every single command from the bible? Because I do have a few quotes that I'd be amazed to find anyone today following. They come from Leviticus and if you would like to see them pm or email me and I'll provide them.

Now, on to the topic of conception: Conception is just a word. It has no meaning other than that which people agree to give it. I do not agree that life begins at conception. The Catholic Church has flip-flopped on this issue more than once. However, I do believe that they are currently holding to that notion - next week, who knows, maybe it will be back to "with blood there is life" and that means at 8 days of gestation there is life since that is when the embryo is infused with blood. Who knows? Neither the Pope nor you have had a tête-à-tête with your Almighty Lord and Savior where He laid down the law to you. You go on what you feel in your heart. And that is great - FOR YOU! My beliefs differ. Jane down the street has different beliefs than either of us. And Joe Blow around the corner has different beliefs from Jane, me or you.

As for promiscuity, there is absolutely way too much of it. But that is my opinion. Maybe if Sex Education was actually taught in school instead of the backseat of a car, our children would understand the risks and consequences better. There are many parents who are not comfortable talking with their children about sex. Others don't know anymore than their children do. I understand how difficult it is to discuss such a sensitive subject with your children, but if the parents' aren't going to do then somebody had better step up to the plate and do it. There are actually a whole lot more scary things out there than getting pregnant. STD's, HIV, and AIDS are absolutely scarier. Teach them the dangers involved in sex and make sure that they understand all of the risks. I know some teens that really think you can't get pregnant the first time! Or that douching directly after sex will prevent STD's. It's sad, but keeping them in a closet or locked away in a tower is not an option (as much as I would like to do that for my own children! lol). It's time to step up to the plate and actually teach them about the consequences of their actions.

Now, as to "Plan B" specifically and abortion in general: Options need to be available for every possible circumstance. I have four beautiful children. I have had two miscarriages and one abortion. My abortion was for medical reasons, but it was still my choice. I live with that decision every day and will always live with it. The “Morning after Pill” protects those who are raped, date-raped, or simply screw up one night. They shouldn’t have to pay for it for the rest of their lives. A 15 year old girl is in no way ready to be a mother. I agree that she shouldn’t be having sex, but I won’t condemn her to a horrible life for making a mistake, for giving in to peer pressure, or for falling victim to the Varsity Quarterback not being able to take no for an answer.

Speaking of rape, unless you personally have been raped; do not presume to speak on the subject. It is beyond your comprehension. A rape victim feels dirty enough without having to relive that vile act every day for nine months while a visible reminder grows within her. Most rapes are not reported because the victim can’t face what has happened to her. If there is a pregnancy as a result of that act, even the strongest of women would falter.

If you truly believe that "Murder is Murder" party line, then you can't support the death penalty because that is simply state sanctioned murder. And let's not forget about self-defense or the defense of others. I will tell you here and now that if someone threatens my children in any way, they will not survive the outcome. It is that simple.

There is actually much more to be said in defense of abortion rights, but I’ve taken up enough of your blog space. Sorry for the novella, but I’m rarely online and there were so many comments to speak to .

New House

To those of you checking in with my blog occasionally, sorry about not posting for a while, but the house hunt was seriously on during May & June. July was spent settling up details of the purchase.

Ok...As of July 14, 2006 @ 1:00 pm, Dave & I were the owners of our very 1st house! Well the bank owns most of it, but there is a 1 Ft square in our bedroom that we can call ours! LOL! All of ours stuff is technically here, but I don't think we'll really be moved in for months and months yet. We're still living out of boxes.

The place is a "fixer-upper," but that's ok. It means we'll be able to make it exactly the way we like it without having to build from the ground up. My dad's house was a fixer-upper when he bought it and it looks fabulous now! Welllll, it is 20-something years later, but still it looks great!

Wish us luck - we're gonna need it!

NAVAJO MESSAGE FOR THE MOON

When NASA was preparing for the Apollo Project, it took the astronauts to a Navajo reservation in Arizona for training.

One day, a Navajo elder and his son came across the space crew walking among the rocks. The elder, who spoke only Navajo, asked a question. His son translated for the NASA people: "What are these guys in the big suits doing?"

One of the astronauts said that they were practicing a trip to the moon. When his son relayed this comment, the Navajo elder got all excited and asked if it would be possible to give to the astronauts a message to deliver to the moon.

Recognizing a promotional opportunity when he saw one, a NASA official accompanying the astronauts said, "Why certainly!" and told an underling to get a tape recorder.

The navajo elder's comments into the microphone were brief. The NASA official asked the son if he would translate what his father had said.

The son listened to the recording and laughed uproariously. But he refused to translate.

So the NASA people took the tape to a nearby Navajo village and played it for other members of the tribe. They too laughed long and loudly but also refused to translate the elder's message to the moon.

An official govenrment translater was summoned. After he finally stopped laughing the tranlator relayed the message the elder wanted sent to the moon:

"WATCH OUT FOR THESE ASSHOLES.
THEY HAVE COME TO STEAL YOUR LAND."

Origins: "Although it might possibly have earlier antecedents as yet unknownt to us, the origin of this tale appears to be a joke Johnny Carson included in his Tohight Show monologue on the evening of 22 July 1969, two days after Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first men to set foot on the surface of the moon. " from Snopes.com

Flight 93 - The Movie

Ok, first of all - I have not seen the movie. I do not intend to see the movie. At least not at this time. I also do not intend to see the one done by Oliver Stone. I think it’s supposed to be called World Trade Center, but don't quote me.

I have several reasons for not wanting to see either of these movies. On 9/11/01, I lived in Jersey City. I attended Hudson County Community College. I took the bus to school in Journal Square every day. I was just getting off the bus when the first plane hit. We thought it was just some Cessna that got too close and there would be a fire and some injuries, maybe even a death or two. We never thought for a minute that anything of that scale could have possibly happened. I went in to class. We heard bits and pieces throughout the first bit of class through peoples' cells. Eventually, we were on break and went outside. We had a clear (I wanted to say perfect, but absolutely nothing about that day was perfect) view of everything happening across the river. I watched those towers fall. I have no need or desire to relive that day through a movie.

Next, I think the timing of the release of these movies is suspect. Our president's polls are at an all time low. Between the gas prices and the Iraqi war/action taking so much longer than intended, he's dropped like a rock. These movies are designed to make us relive a period in our lives which horrified us and made us unify in ways that haven't been seen since WWII. We gave away much of our freedoms and personal liberties directly after that act of terrorism. In a way, the terrorists won - that round anyway. They hate us for our freedoms and we allowed them to be taken away. Isn't that exactly what they wanted all along?

Anyway, I think these movies may be timed to boost our president's lagging polls. If everyone relives the horror of that terrorist act, we will again feel that patriotic swelling of breast and believe that anyone who disagrees with our government is wrong - even other American citizens. (Can you hear the sarcasm in my voice yet?)

I am ex-Air Force. I joined because I believe everyone has a right to their opinion and a right to express it. I was (and am) willing to die to defend that right. I am determined to give my children a country that they can be proud to be part of. They will learn that blind obedience is nothing but lambs to the slaughter. I question our leaders. I question our laws. I question - myself. This is our responsibility.

Freedom isn't free. It never has been. Why should it be now?

PC America

Due to the climate of political correctness now prevailing in America, Kentuckians, Tennesseans, and West Virginians will no longer be referred to as "HILLBILLIES."

You must now refer to them as APPALACHIAN-AMERICANS.

And furthermore ..

HOW TO SPEAK ABOUT WOMEN AND BE POLITICALLY CORRECT:

1. She is not a "BABE" or a "CHICK" - She is a "BREASTED AMERICAN."

2. She is not a "SCREAMER" or a "MOANER" - She is "VOCALLY APPRECIATIVE."

3. She is not "EASY" - She is "HORIZONTALLY ACCESSIBLE."

4. She is not a "DUMB BLONDE" - She is a "LIGHT-HAIRED DETOUR OFF THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY."

5. She has not "BEEN AROUND" - She is a "PREVIOUSLY-ENJOYED COMPANION."

6. She is not an "AIRHEAD" - She is "REALITY IMPAIRED."

7. She does not get "DRUNK" or "TIPSY" - She gets "CHEMICALLY INCONVENIENCED"

8. She does not have "BREAST IMPLANTS" - She is "MEDICALLY ENHANCED."

9. She does not "NAG" you - She becomes "VERBALLY REPETITIVE."

10. She is not a "TRAMP" - She is "SEXUALLY EXTROVERTED."

11. She does not have "MAJOR LEAGUE HOOTERS" - She is "PECTORALLY
SUPERIOR."

12. She is not a "TWO-BIT HOOKER" - She is a "LOW COST PROVIDER."

HOW TO SPEAK ABOUT MEN AND BE POLITICALLY CORRECT:

1. He does not have a "BEER GUT" - He has developed a "LIQUID GRAIN
STORAGE FACILITY."

2. He is not a "BAD DANCER" - He is "OVERLY CAUCASIAN."

3. He does not "GET LOST ALL THE TIME" - He "INVESTIGATES ALTERNATIVE DESTINATIONS."

4. He is not "BALDING" - He is in "FOLLICLE REGRESSION."

5. He is not a "CRADLE ROBBER" - He prefers "GENERATIONAL DIFFERENTIAL RELATIONSHIPS."

6. He does not get "FALLING-DOWN DRUNK" - He becomes "ACCIDENTALLY
HORIZONTAL."

7. He does not act like a "TOTAL ASS" - He develops a case of
RECTAL-CRANIAL INVERSION."

8. He is not a "MALE CHAUVINIST PIG" - He has "SWINE EMPATHY."

9. He is not afraid of "COMMITMENT" - He is "RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGED."

10. He is not "HORNY" - He is "SEXUALLY FOCUSED."

11. It's not his "CRACK" you see hanging out of his pants - It's "REAR CLEAVAGE

BITCHOLOGY

When I stand up for myself and my beliefs, they call me a bitch.

When I stand up for those I love, they call me a bitch.

When I speak my mind, think my own thoughts or do things my own way, they call me a bitch.

Being a bitch means I won't compromise what's in my heart. It means I live my life MY way. It means I won't allow anyone to step on me.

When I refuse to tolerate injustice and speak against it, I am defined as a bitch.

The same thing happens when I take time for myself instead of being everyone's maid, or when I act a little selfish.

It means I have the courage and strength to allow myself to be who I truly am and won't become anyone else's idea of what they think I "should" be.

I am outspoken, opinionated and determined. I want what I want and there is nothing wrong with that!

So try to stomp on me, try to douse my inner flame, try to squash every ounce of beauty I hold within me. You won't succeed.

And if that makes me a bitch , so be it. I embrace the title and am proud to bear it.

B - Babe
I - In
T - Total
C - Control of
H - Herself


B = Beautiful
I = Intelligent
T = Talented
C = Charming
H = Hell of a Woman


B = Beautiful
I = Individual
T = That
C = Can
H = Handle anything

Pagan Lightbulb Jokes

Q: How many Witches does it take to change a light bulb?
A: What do you want it changed into?

Q: How many toads does it take to change a lightbulb?
A: One, if you can remember which one used to be the electrician.

Q: How many Family traditionalists does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Candle light was good enough for our ancestors, it’s good enough for us!

Q: How many Gardnerian witches does it take to change a light bulb?
A: It’s a third degree secret.

Q: How many Starhawk Witches does it take to change a light bulb?
A: (plaintively) “There are starving villages in Africa that don’t even HAVE light bulbs...”

Q: How many Frost “School of Wicca” Witches does it take to change a light bulb?
A: “Just you! That’s right, YOU! And for only $195 we’ll send you our complete “Witches Magic Power of Light Bulb Changing Course” with real knowledge that you can apply this to ANY light bulb ANYWHERE! Listen to the testimony of a young couple from Wisconsin who...”

Q: How many solitary Witches does it take to change a light bulb?
A: (if they actually ask ‘how many?’, drum your fingers and stare at them as you wait for them to grasp the obvious)

Q: How many Ceremonial magicians does it take to change a light bulb?
A: One. They hold it up, and the world revolves around them.

Q: How many Dianic women does it take to change a lightbulb?
A: That’s W-I-M-M-I-N, and it’s still not funny!

Q: How many Aries does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Only one, but it takes a hell of a lot of light bulbs.
Q: How many Taurus does it take to change a light bulb?
A: What, me move?
Q: How many Gemini does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Duh - 2
Q: How many Cancer does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Only one, but he has to bring his mother.
Q: How many Leos does it take to change a light bulb?
A: A dozen. One to change the bulb, and eleven to applaud.
Q: How many Virgos does it take to change a light bulb?
A: One to clean out the socket, one to dust the bulb, one to install, and two engineers to check the work.
Q: How many Libras does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Libras can’t decide if the bulb needs to be changed.
Q: How many Scorpios does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None. They LIKE the dark.
Q: How many Sagittarians does it take to change a light bulb?
A: One to install the bulb, and a Virgo to pick up the pieces.
Q: How many Capricorns does it take to change a light bulb?
A: The light’s fine as it is.
Q: How many Aquarians does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Have you asked the bulb if it WANTS to be changed?
Q: How many Pisceans does it take to change a light bulb?
A: What light bulb?
Q: How many astrologers does it take to change a light bulb?
A: “Don’t ask me now, Mercury’s retrograde

MY PHILOSOPHY OF HOUSECLEANING!

I don't do windows because ...
I love birds and don't want one to run into a clean window and get hurt.

I don't wax floors because...
I am terrified a guest will slip and get hurt then I'll feel terrible (plus they may sue me).

I don't mind the dust bunnies because ...
They are very good company, I have named most of them, and they agree with everything I say.

I don't disturb cobwebs because...
I want every creature to have a home of their own.

I don't Spring Clean because ...
I love all the seasons and don't want the others to get jealous.

I don't pull weeds in the garden because ...
I don't want to get in God's way, he is an excellent designer.

I don't put things away because ...
My husband will never be able to find them again.

I don't do gourmet meals when I entertain because ...
I don't want my guests to stress out over what to make when they invite me over for dinner.

I don't iron because...
I choose to believe them when they say "Permanent Press."

I don't stress much on anything because ...
"A Type" personalities die young and I want to stick around and become a wrinkled up crusty ol' woman!!!!

New Year's Resolutions

1. As I let go of my feelings of guilt, I am in touch with my inner sociopath.
2. I have the power to channel my imagination into ever-soaring levels of suspicion and paranoia.
3. I assume full responsibility for my actions, except the ones that are someone else's fault.
4. In some cultures what I do would be considered normal.
5. My intuition nearly makes up for my lack of wisdom and judgment.
6. I need not suffer in silence while I can still moan, whimper, and complain.
7. When someone hurts me, I know that forgiveness is cheaper than a lawsuit, but not nearly as rewarding.
8. I am at one with my duality.
9. Blessed are the flexible, for they can tie themselves in knots.
10. I will strive to live each day as if it were my 50th birthday.
11. I honor and express all facets of my being, regardless of state
and local laws.
12. Today I will gladly share my experience and advice, for there are no sweeter words than "I told you so!"
13. A scapegoat is almost as good as a solution.
14. Just for today, I will not sit in my living room all day in my underwear.
Instead, I will move my computer into the bedroom. [already done and done!]
15. I will no longer waste my time reliving the past; I will spend it worrying about the future?
16. The complete lack of evidence is the surest proof that the conspiracy is working.
17. Before I criticize a man, I walk a mile in his shoes. That way, if he gets angry, he's a mile away and barefoot.