Ricochet is the best place on the internet to discuss the issues of the day, either through commenting on posts or writing your own for our active and dynamic community in a fully moderated environment. In addition, the Ricochet Audio Network offers over 50 original podcasts with new episodes released every day.
Ask Amelia: Unequally Yoked?
It’s Friday, which means it’s time for Amelia Hamilton to share her advice on mani-pedis, matrimony, and Metamucil.
How long before pedicures are included in Obamacare? Because I can’t wait much longer; it’s getting hard to put on boots. — Kender M.
Dear Kender,
I can’t imagine that Obama would stand for some people being able to afford pedicures while others have to trim their own toenails. The procedure should be considered an essential podiatric service. Somebody should talk to Bernie Sanders about this, really. Sounds like something he’d be into.
Should I marry someone who is my political and spiritual opposite? Can a Conservative Christian (me) and a liberal atheist (her) be successful in marriage? — Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
Gosh, that is a big question. By asking it, I suspect that you might already know your answer, but don’t like it. Most dating sites won’t match up Republicans with Democrats, because those couples tend not to be successful. For Christians who consider marriage a covenant and/or sacrament, how does an atheist partner fit into that?
For both politics and religion, it likely matters how important those are to you. If they’re a key part of your values system and way of life, it could be really difficult to reconcile that. It seems to me that children would be a significant issue. If you’re planning on having kids, what will you teach them? It’s a parent’s job to teach values (whether or not the child embraces or keeps them), so which would you teach the kids? If you’re not going to have children, I suppose you could simply try not to discuss politics or religion, but that will leave out most substantive discussions, as world views and values are largely intertwined in those two forbidden subjects.
Of course, I don’t know you, your special lady friend, or your situation. There are always those who beat the odds. Think about it carefully and prayerfully, and make the best decision you can for both of your futures. I’m wishing you all of the best!
This election season is making me constipated. Do I need more fiber in my diet? — @SHannitysHair
Dear Hair,
Fiber is an important part of any healthy diet, and an election cycle is enough to make anyone sick. With more than year to go, you’d better consult a physician and a sommelier.
Agree? Disagree? Have something to add? Leave a comment!
Want to submit a question? Tweet using #AskAmHam or e-mail askamelia@mail.com
Paula Abdul was wrong.
Dear Anonymous,
No, of course not. This sounds like she is ridiculously hot and you are willing to look past the obvious. Having tried this it is doomed to fail, but don’t let that stop you. It didn’t stop me.
Do not buy the ring.
Have fun this weekend.
You can’t be any more full of it than the candidates are.
Pedicures are not currently covered by Medicare, and I doubt that Obamacare will cover them any time soon. I recommend asking your podiatrist to give you a pedicure and report to the insurance company that he gave you some covered service. This works well, as you get a free service, the doctor gets paid, and there is no victim. Everybody wins.
Hay, Anonymous,
Go for it. There’ll be no pressure or last minute shopping at 7-11 come Christmas time.
“With more than year to go, you’d better consult a physician and a sommelier.”
Skip the sommelier. If the debates are making you queasy, why would you want to add a professional peddler of pretension to the mix? There are only two kinds of wine – ones you like, and ones you don’t. If that doesn’t work, try Scotch.
I like the ones that go well with hot atheists.
Is that like “you don’t have to buy me a present this year.”?
More like,”Thank God Yer an atheist, so I don’t ever have to buy You Christmas presents.”
Yeah, but you’ll probably have to spring for Darwin’s birthday gifts.
Just great. Anniversaries are already impossible to remember. How in the [predacted; awaiting Fred Cole’s permission] do You remember Darwin’s birthday?
Fred puts out the nativity and celebrates Christmas. Don’t think Yer gettin off easy courtin’ an atheist. Gonna have to spring for Christmas and Darwin’s Birthday.
If I could, I’d award this best and most hilarious comment of the day. Getting Fred Cole and Darwin into the same sentence is brilliant, but “predacted” is genius.
No. Just remember: when marriage begins, the fun ends. So you better have a relationship based on more than “fun.”
(Also been there done that.)
So Kender M has already got his Viagra if its hard while putting on his boots . Any problems after that, call a tow truck.
That’s the problem with marrying atheists. They’re always evolving new
holidays you have to buy them a gift for.These posts always make me think of this song by John Prine:
i agree. Predacted. Phenomenal word, Jimmy Carter is great at genius.
Where were you last week when I was looking for you?
Oh, yes, he can.