Cocoa You Are Missed

A few weeks ago a dear friend, Marie, lost her treasured Cocoa, one of the cutest tiny dogs I have ever seen. She had such a sweet disposition and, no matter how many of us big hulking humans were at the house, she never got cross with us, always wagging her tail and just wanting her share of attention. I know she was like a child to Marie and my heart breaks for you Honey, I know you still grapple daily with the loss of her, and I understand, our pets ARE our children and when we lose one, even though we go into it knowing it is inevitable, it is never, ever easy. Things here have been hectic but that is no excuse. We love you like family and know you will somehow overcome this and we want to help and be there for you if you need us.
 She is, after all, in a good place now (and more and more evidence pointing to that fact surfaces all the time so forget what anyone tells you about no heaven for animals, its hooey). I know you can never replace her, but you will always remember her so she will really never leave.

At Cross Purposes

Just came across an interesting article today that shows that there are seven states that will not allow a "godless" person to hold office.

I have been trying to explain to my Christian friends how very scary it is for an agnostic like me in this country right now. It seems that if you are not "of the faith" you are an immoral soul and should be shunned. Frankly, I cannot think of anything that has caused more death and destruction historically than "god", or rather, the belief  in one, and perhaps it is these narrow minded believers who need to take a look at who is doing what to whom.

I am thinking of launching a ship, maybe I will call it The Mayflower, and finding a deserted land where I can practice (or not practice) my religion as I see fit...oh wait, isnt that what THIS country was supposed to be about? Silly me.

here is a list:

Arkansas, Article 19, Section 1:
No person who denies the being of a God shall hold any office in the civil departments of this State, nor be competent to testify as a witness in any Court.

Maryland, Article 37:
That no religious test ought ever to be required as a qualification for any office of profit or trust in this State, other than a declaration of belief in the existence of God; nor shall the Legislature prescribe any other oath of office than the oath prescribed by this Constitution.

Mississippi, Article 14, Section 265:
No person who denies the existence of a Supreme Being shall hold any office in this state.

North Carolina, Article 6, Section 8
The following persons shall be disqualified for office: Any person who shall deny the being of Almighty God.

South Carolina, Article 17, Section 4:
No person who denies the existence of a Supreme Being shall hold any office under this Constitution.

Tennessee, Article 9, Section 2:
No person who denies the being of God, or a future state of rewards and punishments, shall hold any office in the civil department of this state.

Texas, Article 1, Section 4:
No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office, or public trust, in this State; nor shall any one be excluded from holding office on account of his religious sentiments, provided he acknowledge the existence of a Supreme Being.