If we can agree that something, anything at all, exists then there are only a few ways to account for its existence.

Self-creation. Perhaps it popped out of nothing. The notion of self-creation is logical nonsense. In order to perform an act of self-creation a non-existent object would have to exist which is a logical contradiction. It may make for amusing cartoons but the reason we laugh is that it is nonsensical. Self-creation is irrational.

Self-existence. Something that is described as “self-existent” has the power of “being” within itself and is not dependent upon anything else for its existence. It exists without having been created, it is not derived or contingent. It has always existed.

Created. If something exists then it may have been created (put into existence) by something else. It is derived and dependent upon another being for its existence.

So What? Since something (i.e. you, a star, the universe) exists now, and we can discount self-creation, then we have two rational possibilities – either it is self-existent or it was created. Observation, history, and common sense lead me to believe that not all extant things are self-existent or have existed for eternity past. Not too many people would believe that my shirt has existed for all of time.

Suppose you say that the universe itself is eternal and there is no need to believe in a creator God. Is that rational? I already mentioned my shirt. That’s part of the universe. “No” you say, “I mean matter is eternal.” When you say “matter” you’re simply referring to undifferentiated objects that exist (have mass and occupy space). Do you mean trees, stars, or electrons? Dr. John H. Gerstner said “The trouble with matter is that it has a mater” – mater being Latin for “mother.”

If you grant that not all of universe has always been in existence but argue that there is some undiscovered object, part or thing that has always existed and is the source of matter, you have just described the entity commonly referred to as the Supreme Being or…God. It doesn’t get us beyond deism but it’s a start.

Summary. If there ever was a time when there was nothing, absolutely nothing, then there could not possibly be anything now because out of nothing, nothing comes. To sound smart let’s say it in Latin. Ex nihilo, nihil fit. If something, anything, does exist now, reason not only allows for but demands that there must be something that is self-existent or else there would be nothing now.

For Fun. Next time a professor says “the universe is all there ever was/has been” ask “which part of the universe?” If he/she says “matter is eternal” ask “which specific matter?” When a world renowned scientist says the universe originated via “spontaneous generation” shrug and say “but mr/mrs. super genius, Billy Preston sang “nothin’  from nothin’ leaves nothin.’”

If you find the subject interesting do some research on “Cosmological Argument.”

And here’s a fun article: Was There Ever Nothing? A thought journey on the beginning of time and the origin of the universe

On a hunch I Googled “UPS bailout union.” Bingo!

Since progressivism is back in vogue with a lot of current politicians it would behoove Americans to learn more about it. Here’s an article by Jonah Goldberg for starters: You want a more ‘progressive’ America? Careful what you wish for.

For those already aware of the evils of progressivism, I offer a more light-hearted experience – A Glenn Beck vs. Woodrow Wilson game.

Glenn Beck vs. Woodrow Wilson Game

A single dollar grows into $1 Million at the following rates:

0%     Never
03%    468 Years
05%    284 Years
10%    145 Years
15%     99 Years
20%     75 Years

Next time you hold one of those lowly single smackers in your hand consider planting that seed instead of blowing it on a candy bar.

If the data is correct then the global temperature has been in a cooling trend for the past ten years. Call me crazy but I’m not sweating a one degree swing over a 130 year period. I believe that there’s a pretty good consensus that there have been ice ages in the past-prior to the industrial revolution. Now, how do you suppose they ended? Me wonder if big burning ball in sky have power to change. Me hope it change for good.

Check out the president’s cat-like reflexes. He reminded me of Sugar Ray Leonard back in the day. Given the circumstances, I think Bush came off as very cool. Now if we could just get him to slip the run-away bailout spenders at home rather than taking an “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em approach.”

By the way, there’s a soccer section in the WII Fit game that would help one prepare for an event like this.

Tebow is a conservative’s dream.

• He was born to Christian missionary parents who were encouraged to abort him by doctors who thought the unborn child had been damaged due to complications during pregnancy.
• He is the first homeschooled Heisman trophy winner.
• No mamby pamby dish-rag Christian male, Tebow is all kinds of tough, having finished a highschool game with a broken leg and broken NCAA touchdown records while playing multiple games with a fractured hand.
• He spent last summer doing missions work in the Philippines, Croatia and Thailand.

Tim Tebow is a truely inspirational individual and a fantastic role model for everyone from young aspiring athletes to old arm-chair quarterbacks.