The Magna Sententia Podcast with Anna and Ellie Sherise. Hosted by Rodger McMillan.

This week:

• The Sherise Method: Release
• “Sniper Who Terrorized Washington Area Is Executed” (Reuters)
• “Massachusetts Man Says He Was Fired For Telling Colleague Her Gay Marriage Is Wrong” (FOXNews.com)
• Magna Sententia & Religion
• “Fort Hood Victims: Sons, A daughter, A Mother-To-Be” (CNN.com)
• “Fort Hood Gunman Awake And Talking As Its Revealed He ‘Attended Same Mosque In 2001 As September 11 Hijackers’” (Daily Mail)

Download Episode 5

The Axiom Of Respect

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Treating Themselves And Others

Respectfully And Respecting

Only Those Who Earn It

Yesterday, I read the article “Hooking Up For Sex: Sluts Or New Feminists?” and have been thinking about it ever since. As a 48-year-old woman who has been married nearly 30 years with three grown children, a business degree, and a deep desire to help our society, I would like to join the conversation about this “new kind of feminism” where women defend their “right to have sex whenever and with whomever they choose.” I grew up in the 1960’s and 70’s and have seen our nation change from having a generally traditional culture to our culture of today, and while there have been a number of great improvements, for the most part, I do not like what I see. In fact, I believe that our society is currently headed down a road to some extremely difficult times.

First, I want you to know where I am coming from: I am not affiliated with an organized religion because I believe that such institutions can be extremely rigid, hypocritical, and unloving. Politically, I am neither conservative nor liberal. I believe in fiscal responsibility and social equality; therefore, I do not fit in either major party. I was a stay-at-home mother for 15 years and believe that children are best raised by their parents, not daycare centers or schools. However, I believe women should enjoy every opportunity men take for granted and will be happy when the “glass ceiling” is broken on every level. I am not a traditionalist, and I am not a feminist.

To me, feminism has helped to create both good and bad in our society. Feminism has made it possible for all women to be free to pursue every career. Further, woman today can be independent and live their lives for themselves. In addition, men now play a more active role in raising children and running the home, which benefits parents and children, resulting in stronger familial bonds.

On the other hand, I believe that in many ways, feminism has also been devastating for children and male-female relationships. Countless women no longer value the vital role of being a mother (not just giving birth, but actively mothering children), and because of this, we now have a nation of children without character, a work ethic, communication skills, a sense of responsibility, or social graces. Moreover, relationships have become disposable, and a lot of women think “empowered” means cutting down men for being masculine.

To me, these “new feminists” are nothing more than sluts who are so delusional that they don’t even know they should be ashamed of themselves. They are not good for other women, men, or our country in general. It is completely illogical to believe that you can have casual sex without physical or emotional consequences, and as for the casual sex double standard, women should be pushing for men to also be labeled as “sluts” and “whores” for engaging in this type of behavior, instead of encouraging this ridiculous notion that “a real woman uses her sexuality in any way she pleases.” Additionally, we do not have to limit ourselves to the extremes of abstinence and promiscuity. There is a middle ground of making sure you know someone long enough before sleeping with him or her so that your sexual relationships remain meaningful.

Perhaps it is time for woman to embrace their femininity, intelligence, and valuable role in making our nation, families, and relationships strong.

Anna Sherise
Co-Creator of Magna Sententia
Co-Author of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society

Every Monday, we explore a concept of Magna Sententia.

Today’s Axiom:

The Axiom Of Responsibility

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Taking Responsibility

For Themselves And Their Children

The following is an excerpt from Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society by Anna and Ellie Sherise:

Exercising Parenthood

Many individuals treat parenthood as a biological state, rather than a serious responsibility. In contrast, Magna Sententia advocates exercising parenthood, which means that parents actively participate in their children’s upbringing and are involved in every aspect of childrearing. When parents exercise parenthood, they do not delegate any of their responsibilities to daycare centers, schools, extracurricular activities, employees, relatives, friends, or any other person besides themselves. While parents may utilize these resources to enhance their children’s development, these resources are not ultimately responsible for their children. Therefore, parents cannot expect other people, an institution, or program to raise their children for them.

As the Axiom of Responsibility indicates, parents demonstrate valid behavior by taking responsibility for their children. In addition to providing the fundamentals of food, clothing, shelter, and medical attention, all parents living according to Magna Sententia are the directors of their homes and establish close relationships with their children. These parents raise their children to have character and instill in them the value of education and a work ethic.

The Magna Sententia Podcast with Anna and Ellie Sherise. Hosted by Rodger McMillan.

This week:

• The Sherise Method: Rectify
• “Four Teens Arraigned In California Gang-Rape Case” (Agence France-Presse)
• “Richmond Gang Rape Seen As Nearly Inevitable” (SFGate.com)
• “Cellphones, Texts And Lovers” (NYTimes.com)
• “Obama Coaxes States To Change With School Dollars” (AP)
• “In Defense Of Extreme Pornography” (Reason.com)
• “Conscious Capitalism” (FlowIdealism.org)

Download Episode 4

Dear Anna and Ellie:

My wife and I have been married for nine years and have had trouble for the past three. We have three children ages, 8, 5, and 3. We decided a few months ago that we are going to divorce and I am certain that is the best option. In fact, ever since we made our decision, we have started to get along better. Keeping our marriage together was just too much pressure. We are talking about custody, our finances, and everything else and we are able to reach compromises on almost every subject – but we don’t know how to handle the upcoming holidays.

Our families are close and get along well. We are afraid that our divorce is really going to upset everyone. We always go to her sister’s house on Christmas Eve, our parents and siblings come to our house on Thanksgiving, and we thought it would be best to not tell anyone until January so that the holidays are not all upset for everyone.

What do you think of our plan? My wife hates to lie to our families, but I think we are saving them from feeling bad and also giving our kids a nice Christmas.

–Soon To Be Divorced

Dear Soon To Be Divorced:

Before we discuss whether it would be better for you and your wife to announce your divorce now or after the holidays, we have to ask: Are you absolutely, without question, beyond a shadow of a doubt certain that divorce is really the best option? Only you and your wife can truly answer this question. There are many couples who quit too soon, looking for greener pastures when the going gets rough and never fully realizing the benefits of long-term commitment; then again, there are other couples who don’t quit soon enough, wasting years of their lives in an unhappy relationship and fooling no one (children know whether or not their parents love one another). Divorce may in fact be the best option for the two of you, but if there is any part of either of you who feels like you would like to give your marriage one last shot, please speak up and see if you can work it out!

All of that said, it sounds as though you and your wife are really handling the situation well. Children are exceptionally hurt by divorce when their parents belittle and badmouth one another, making them feel like they have to “choose sides.” We commend both of you for working together to reach compromises on matters that often end up to be bitter, ugly battles. By keeping your divorce amicable, you are taking responsibility for your children and doing them a world of good.

It is wonderful that your families are close, and we know that you and your wife are only thinking of your families in your plan not to tell anyone of your divorce until January. Unfortunately, we believe withholding this information may actually do more harm than good. Yes, everyone may have a “nice Christmas” (Don’t kid yourselves: Your children are going to know something is up and others probably will too.); however, when you do make your announcement, there is a great chance that your families will be hurt because you didn’t tell them right away. In many cases, not telling feels as much of a betrayal as an outright lie.

Tell your families as soon as possible. It may be difficult, but it is better for all of your relationships. (Trying to keep up appearances may even further strain your relationship with your wife.) Remember that just because you tell them now, it doesn’t mean you have to take action immediately. You can still wait until January to separate and start legal proceedings.

We wish you and your family the best in handling this very difficult situation. Please contact us if there is anything more we can do.

–Anna & Ellie

Do you have a life or relationship question for Anna and Ellie? Do you want to know how Magna Sententia applies to your situation? Submit your question here!

Disclaimer
Anna Sherise and Ellie Sherise are not licensed or trained healthcare professionals, counselors, or financial advisors. “Ask Anna & Ellie” is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended to take the place of the care and advice given to you by your physician, counselor, other healthcare professional, or financial advisor. Sherise Media LLC, its members and representatives, specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this article and/or website.

Every Monday, we will explore a concept of Magna Sententia.

Today’s Axiom:

The Axiom Of Respect

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Treating Themselves And Others

Respectfully And Respecting

Only Those Who Earn It

The following is an excerpt from Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society by Anna and Ellie Sherise:

How Not To Be The Employee Of The Month

• Do not show up, and do not notify your employer that you will be absent.
• Arrive late.
• Come to work drunk or high.
• Attend meetings unprepared.
• Gossip about management and co-workers at the water cooler.
• Surf the Internet, make personal calls, balance your checkbook, plan your wedding, or file your nails on company time.
• Take long lunches every day.
• Sleep at your desk.
• Do substandard work, and take your time doing it.
• Disobey direct orders from management.
• Ignore safety rules.
• Steal office supplies and equipment.
• Destroy company property.
• Punch your co-worker.
• Sexually harass your subordinates.
• Lie about how many hours you worked.
• Embezzle funds from your employer and its clients.
• Walk off the job.

For further reading on this subject, check out “Uh Oh – You Said THAT At Work?”

The Magna Sententia Podcast with Anna and Ellie Sherise. Hosted by Rodger McMillan.

Sorry for the delay! For more on Ellie’s recent diagnosis, please see Celiac Disease & Dermatitis Herpetiformis.”

This week:

• The Sherise Method: Recognize
• “Writer Claims Letterman Workplace Sexually Charged” (ABCNews.com)
• “FAA Revokes Licenses Of Wayward Northwest Pilots” (AP)
• “Police Give Party Tips For Safe Halloween Revelling” (NewbergGraphic.com)

Download Episode 3

The Axiom Of Responsibility

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Taking Responsibility

For Themselves And Their Children

A few days ago, we received a comment on an article we posted back in April, “Teens Who Commit Murder Don’t Deserve A Second Chance.” Our article focused on the case of Quantel Lotts who was convicted of first-degree murder at 14 for the stabbing death of his then 17-year-old stepbrother and is now serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Lotts came from an extremely abusive home with drug-addicted, negligent parents and believes that his punishment is too harsh: “‘They locked me up and threw away the keys.’ [. . .] ‘They took away all hope for the future.’” (“Teens Locked Up For Life Without A Second Chance“)

Lotts’ case is one of many that prompt the question, “Should our society sentence juveniles, in particular those who came from bad homes, to life without parole?” To us, the only logical answer is, “If they commit murder, definitely.” Yes, Lotts’ parents contributed to his actions through their negligence and abuse, and they ought to be in prison for the way they treated him. Nevertheless, he still took away his stepbrother’s life and must be held responsible for his crime. Our laws are meant not only to protect our society, but also to provide justice for victims and their loved ones, and there is no justice when we make excuses on a case by case basis for murderers who have taken away the life of another human being.

In light of this argument, the comment (which links to Feministing.com: “Sara Kruzan: Life Without Parole For Killing Her Pimp“) asks how we would handle the case of Sara Kruzan, now 29, who was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole at 16 for killing “G.G.,” the pimp who repeatedly raped her and forced her into prostitution when she was only 13 years old. Like Lotts, Sara came from an abusive home with a drug-addicted mother, and when she met G.G. at 11, she looked up to the 31-year-old as a “father figure.” In just two short years, she went from making the Principal’s Honor Roll to working the streets. Watch Sara tell her story in her own words:

To us, Sara’s case is not really about whether or not our society should sentence juveniles who commit murder to life without parole; rather, it causes our society to examine the difference between murder and self-defense. Teens who commit murder deserve harsh sentences, but no one should be punished for acting in self-defense, even if these actions result in the perpetrator’s death. (Note: Legally, self-defense is not premeditated or “vigilante justice.”)

Did Sara murder G.G., or was she merely acting in self-defense? It is easy to imagine that after being raped and abused for three years, Sara felt trapped by G.G. and that she had no other way out. She was clearly without the monetary resources necessary to escape: As she said in her interview, “The girls would bring their money and give it to [G.G.]. [. . .] Everything was his.” However, the judge called her actions “well thought-out” and claimed she “lacked moral scruples,” ultimately sentencing her to life without parole. Without detailed facts of what actually transpired, we personally cannot support or condemn Sara’s conviction or sentence.

What is tragic about both of these stories is that neither of these teens would have been in the position to commit murder if their parents had only done their jobs. It is incredible how destructive bad parents can be! Parents, please take responsibility for your children and treat them with the utmost respect: The quality of their futures depends on it.

Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society

Every Monday, we explore a concept of Magna Sententia.

Today’s Axiom:

The Axiom Of Responsibility

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Taking Responsibility

For Themselves And Their Children

The following is an excerpt from Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society by Anna and Ellie Sherise:

Include The Right People In Your Life

The most significant aspect of taking care of yourself is including the right people in your life. If you are surrounded by individuals who make you feel badly about yourself and your decisions, or who demonstrate invalid behavior, you will never have the freedom to experience the benefits of Magna Sententia. Before people can relate well to others, they have to look at all of their relationships and make sure that they are not allowing themselves to be torn down. Strong individuals have healthy relationships, and part of taking responsibility for yourself is having the strength to exclude negative people from your life.

This world is filled with all types of people, and even though many are kind and warm, some individuals are mean, rude, hurtful, and insensitive. Not only can their lack of consideration hurt your feelings, but it can also be hard to know how to respond to their thoughtlessness. Instead of taking action, you might be in the habit of merely remaining silent, frustrated, and filled with resentment when others blatantly treat you poorly. Unfortunately, self-respect suffers when people do not speak up for themselves.

Additionally, there are those who are more subtle in their discourtesy, using manipulation to get their way. These individuals often degrade you with insulting “jokes,” making fun of you and what you achieve. Further, manipulators may cry so that you feel sorry for them and give in to their demands, which is particularly hard to refuse if the manipulation has gone on for some time. People who manipulate are usually masters at slowly robbing you of yourself. If you form close relationships with individuals like this, your self-confidence can completely disappear, especially if you long to please them.

Understand that desiring peace with others is a wonderful quality. In contentious circumstances, a great leader explores all viable options, hoping to find a peaceful solution. Families function much better when the adults of the home get along well and teach their children to treat one another in a manner that creates harmony. Idealistically, trying to make others happy would make the world a better place; however, in reality, trying to please people who will never be pleased only makes life miserable.

The Axiom Of Responsibility

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Taking Responsibility

For Themselves And Their Children

As you may have read in our latest post, I was recently diagnosed with Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) and thus also Celiac Disease (CD). I was completely shocked! It wasn’t until I met someone with CD in my late teens that I even knew the condition existed, and when I went to my dermatologist for help with an extremely itchy rash that I’d had on my hands and legs for the past several months, I had not a clue that it could be related to gluten intolerance.

Magna Sententia includes taking responsibility for your health, and CD, especially if left untreated, can damage your body in a myriad of ways: CD greatly increases your risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and is also associated with Type I Diabetes, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Crohn’s Disease, Osteoporosis, Anemia, Alopecia (hair loss), and Dental-Enamel Hypoplasia, just to name a few. Therefore, it is important for all people to be aware of CD ⁄ DH and make sure to get checked by a qualified health professional if they suspect they may be suffering from either of these disorders.

What Is Celiac Disease?

The following is taken from the Celiac Disease Foundation brochure “Celiac Disease“:

Celiac Disease (CD) is a lifelong, digestive disorder affecting children and adults. When people with CD eat foods that contain gluten, it creates an immune-mediated toxic reaction that causes damage to the small intestine and does not allow food to be properly absorbed. Even small amounts of gluten in foods can affect those with CD and cause health problems. Damage can occur to the small bowel even when there are no symptoms present.

Gluten is the common name for the proteins in specific grains that are harmful to persons with Celiac Disease. These proteins are found in ALL forms of wheat (including durum, semolina, spelt, kamut, einkorn and faro) and related grains rye, barley and triticale and MUST be eliminated.

“Classic” symptoms of CD are: “abdominal cramping, intestinal gas, distention and bloating, chronic diarrhea or constipation (or both), steatorrhea (fatty stools), anemia, weight loss with large appetite or weight gain,” fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

CD is diagnosed through antibody blood tests, and “the only treatment is the lifelong adherence to the gluten-free diet.”

What Is Dermatitis Herpetiformis?

The following is taken from the Celiac Disease Foundation brochure “Dermatitis Herpetiformis“:

Dermatitis Herpetiformis is a skin manifestation of Celiac Disease. The skin lesions of Dermatitis Herpetiformis are intensely itchy. They typically begin as groups of red bumps, often with tiny blisters on the surface of the bumps, and commonly arise on skin around the elbows, knees, buttocks, back of the neck, and scalp.

“Dermatitis Herpetiformis” is a descriptive name for the disease because “dermatitis” means inflammation of skin as manifested by redness and “herpetiformis” means similar to herpes which shows clusters of lesions. The disease is not related to herpes virus infection at all. An American dermatologist, Louis Duhring, first described the disease in 1884, and, in the past, it was called Duhring’s Disease.

The diagnosis is made by skin biopsy and blood testing.

Avoidance of all gluten is important to control the disease and prevent skin lesions from forming and to prevent the possible development of lymphoma. In addition to avoiding dietary gluten, medications may be used to help treat Dermatitis Herpetiformis. Two common medications are Dapsone and Sulfapyridine, both sulfa-based drugs.

Interesting Facts About Celiac Disease & Dermatitis Herpetiformis

• The University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research estimates that as many as 1 in 133 Americans has CD, making it one of the most common genetic diseases.
• CD is an autoimmune disease, not a food (wheat) allergy. Food allergies do not result in the body attacking itself and can improve with time; CD causes the immune system to attack the small intestine and is for life.
• Because the onset of CD requires the genetic predisposition, as well as an environmental stimulus ⁄ trigger (similar to the onset of schizophrenia), the onset of CD can occur at any age.
• Although anyone can get CD, it is more common in people of Northern European decent.
• It is speculated that CD is a result of humans going from a nomadic to an agrarian lifestyle and not being able to adequately evolve.
• All people with DH have CD, but only roughly 20 percent of those with CD have DH.
• Individuals with DH may or may not have classic symptoms of CD.
• Researchers believe that gluten can’t pass through skin, so in general people with CD only need to worry about ingesting gluten. However, DH may be aggravated by hair products, lotions, cosmetics, etc. that contain gluten.
• Numbers of autistic children have improved on a gluten-free ⁄ casein-free diet. (Casein is the protein found in dairy products.)

Resources For Celiac Disease & Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Although I realize I have only scratched the surface of CD ⁄ DH, I have found a few resources to be immensely helpful: Living Gluten-Free For Dummies by Danna Korn, The Gluten-Free Gourmet Cooks Comfort Foods by Bette Hagman, and Celiac.com.

If you have any tips for me or would like to clarify or correct what I have found in my research, please feel free to contact us or make a comment. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Ellie Sherise
Co-Creator of Magna Sententia
Co-Author of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society

Disclaimer
Anna Sherise and Ellie Sherise are not licensed or trained healthcare professionals, counselors, or financial advisors. This article is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended to take the place of the care and advice given to you by your physician, counselor, other healthcare professional, or financial advisor. Sherise Media LLC, its members and representatives, specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this article and/or website.