Justice and Going out with a splash of colour

At The Vic this week, Chris Mulherin facilitated a discussion on justice, what it means and how we should think about it.

We discussed the idea of inherent human dignity, as different from relative dignity. We discussed euthanasia and abortion and human trafficking and even why it's potentially theologically heretical to suggest that a Christian shouldn't vote for a non-Christian.

We discussed how the foundations of our Western discernment of the inherent equal value given to humans lies in our Judeo-Christian heritage and the teachings of Christ. It isn't something we naturally come to, as it can be seemingly logical to understand the different worth of people from different castes.

We talked about the dangers of tying rights to attributes. A student in a Uni class maintained that a human doesn't have rights until they can understand they have them, using this as a pro-abortion argument. However the (hopefully) inherent value understood to be given to all God's creations leads us to understand that this argument doesn't stand when applied to the mentally handicapped. We (hopefully) have an inherent understanding of the dignity they're entitled to (as being very distinct from social dignity, or perceived dignity) and the argument falls apart.

I feel very grateful for my brand of feminist upbringing and for God's blessing on my life.

I've also come to a rather momentous decision. Don't be afraid. I've thought about it and I think it's for the best.

It's been three and a half years. My friend Divya first got me onto it. You've seen pictures and you've heard how therapeutic it's been. Thank you, Divs. Thank you all those who have donated to my enjoyment. But it's time. People who've known me for a long time will back me up in saying that I was colourful enough before, and so too will I be afterwards.

I am giving up the colourful nails.

Tonight I donated my nail polish collection. It's going to a good home, and for those around me who still want to borrow a bottle or two, I can send you down the road to visit them all.

I've never cared what people have said about me because of it. I've never cared what anyone thinks, as long as I haven't hurt anyone in the process. And in the past, I'm sure I haven't. Sadly, I can no longer say this is true.

Here's my last shot at digital (get it?!) beauty. Last night I had no idea that this would be the last time, but I think it's a fair final effort.


Also, I'm in the process of reworking my name. I don't want people to get confused. I've got an explanation in the side bar and in the questions page, but I'm still concerned that people will be put off. I'm not a closet communist, nor would I ever hope to be chairman of anything really.

I don't want to be spineless or a pushover and I'm always my own person, but I think compromise is part of being an adult. And if some simple changes around here will create better relations and save people from copping flak, then it's the least I could do.

I hope that in this spirit I'll be met in the middle concerning other simple things.

Much love, as always,

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P.S. In much lesser news- I'm messing around with the header. Whadya think?

P.P.S. I will work hard and love you as best I can, A.T., turning to God for guidance and learning day by day to better serve you, just as you will serve me. Don't have fear. Have faith in God's plan for us and the work He will do in our lives. I'm so proud of you. Congratulations on your GP training placement. I hope your rest brings you to a better state of health. Have confidence. My prayer is that you see the blessings of working as hard in your social, spiritual and family life as you've done so far in your career. I hope this never loses its value and is a reminder of my life-long commitment to a life lived for God, in partnership with you: I love you. Don't feel inadequate. Ask and it shall be given. I'm looking forward to a life filled with joy, where difficulties are worked through together, as an unbreakable unit, with God's help.