My turn on the soapbox

I don't usually like to get all opinionated on this here blog, but for some reason I couldn't sleep this morning and decided I needed to write about this topic.  I guess I feel pretty strongly about it. 

(Oh and forgive the missing capitalizations-- my right shift key just broke).

The honor code at BYU.  I've been thinking about it a lot in light of the basketball player, brandon davies, who got kicked off the team for premarital sex.  I have heard support for the school, "good for them!" and criticism for the school, "how dare they!"

Here's the thing.  we all knew what we were getting ourselves into when we signed on as students at the church university.  No one was holding anyone's feet to the fire forcing us against our will to take on the honor code.  granted, there are always those people who choose not to respect the contract they signed and those individuals often get away with it and don't have to face the consequences of their actions while enrolled at the school.  whatever.  but what good is the honor code with no enforcement? and why is it dumb for someone who chooses to live by the honor code to choose to go to BYU? and do you realize that by saying you think the honor code is stupid you are judging me for thinking it is worthwhile and important?

This brings me to a larger issue. I've decided that many times the people who have an issue with the establishment of rules, commandments, and expectations, don't like accepting consequences or the idea of being personally responsible.  we can be all about "freedom of choice" but when it comes down to accepting the consequences of those choices we feel "judged" and being judged is not fair or cool. 

the blame rests on poor brandon davies' shoulders, and I think he recognizes this.  It's a great analogy for life. we are all team players, whether we want to recognize it or not, and our actions affect the members of our team. some of us don't like the pressure or responsibility and want to do our own thing. but guess what? No matter how hard we try, we will always be part of the team and sometimes our actions dictate whether the team goes on to win or lose.

so give me a break with all this "there's no personal choice at BYU"-- that's stupid.  whether you like it or not, we chose to come to this earth based on the fact that there would be personal choice. everyone gets to choose how to live their lives.  you choose your own lifestyle, that's fine, just don't put me down, or make me feel stupid for the lifestyle I choose. and realize your choices are affecting those closest to you as well.

a little sweaty Kitty to lighten the mood.

it all comes down to this-- If you agree to the rules, you agree to the consequences.  If you don't agree with the rules then get off the bus and stop making fun of the people who are trying to get on.

Phew. that should be enough for at least six months.

P.S. I forgot I wanted to add:  Fire warms.... fire burns.