Signing of the Constitution 1787
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Final Presentation - Mono Okeah
(Carey)
The Society of Blogging Nations (SOBN)
Our first order of business as a society of blogging nations was to develop policies on the security of people in their persons and their houses as against unreasonable searches and seizures. Our SOBN Search and Seizure policies are as follows:
Search & Seizure Policies:
"People have the right to be secure in their persons, houses, personal property, vehicles, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrant shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
(Lauren)
Our second order of business was to bring life to our blogging nation. And so Mono Okeah was born. Nestled on a small Caribbean island, Mono Okeah established a Constitution to determine its government would function and describe their powers and methods for resolving conflict. Mono Okeah quickly became a nation to be envied.
Birth of a Nation:
Country: Mono Okeah
Motto: "A Unified Land of Opportunity"
Population: 50,006
The Constitution of Mono Okeah is the supreme law of the nation Mono Okeah. It is the foundation and source of the legal authority underlying the existence of Mono Okeah and the federal government of Mono Okeah. It provides the framework for the organization of Mono Okeah's government and for the relationship of the federal government to the states, to citizens, and to all people within Mono Okeah.
The Constitution of Mono Okeah defines the three main branches of government: a legislature, the bicameral Congress; an executive branch led by the President; and a judicial branch headed by the Supreme Court. The Constitution specifies the powers and duties of each branch. The Constitution reserves all unenumerated powers for the respective states and the people, thereby establishing the federal system of government.
All positions of power are elected by the people of Mono Okeah through majority vote. The President can serve a 4 year term for a maximum of 3 terms and if death should occur, the Vice President will serve temporarily until a new President is elected. The position of Vice President is an assistant to the President and may serve as temporary President but will not automatically become President unless the people elect them into the position.
(Mina)
Our third order of business was to establish Mono Okeah's policies on life and death.
On Life & Death
Right to die:
A civil right...legal! In our country, adult citizens must go to any of our right to die hospitals accompanied with their will where their wish must be noted and notarized. These facilities are funded through citizen taxes and insurance covers this procedure.
Right to abortion:
A civil right...legal! In our country, women in their first trimester may choose to abort a fetus without questions. If at any time the pregnancy becomes a health concern for either the fetus or woman during any trimester, as indicated by a doctor, then an abortion is legal. There is mandatory sex education provided by schools and free contraception provided, no questions asked.
(Shannon)
Our fourth order of business was to address policies on borders, culture, and values because Mono Okeah contains a sizable minority who are descendants from the indigenous Monoa tribe which originally inhabited our island. They are ethnically, culturally, economically and religiously different from the rest of the population and choose to stay that way. Their religious practices include the concept that women should not work outside the home, that they should marry as early as possible and have as many children as they can. Given their position on birth control (against) and abortion (dead set against), they are set to overtake the rest of the population by the year 2040 if current trends continue. They speak their own language and require women in public to be fully covered in a burka-like gown. They refuse to learn English.
The Monoa tribe has an extremist branch that has taken to smuggling other ethnic Monoans onto the island from the adjacent Trubu Island where they share common ancestry. They have also taken to random acts of terrorism, such as bombing schools where girls attend and holding your people hostage for money. They also hold parades through their own streets calling for the "Return of the Monoan Legacy." They are funded, in large part, by a drug-smuggling operation that accompanies the human trafficking operation from Trubu.
Mono Okeah established policies on border, culture, and values.
Competing Values:
Immigration - immigrants coming into our country who are 18 years of age or older must participate in mandatory community service and education programs for 3 years (as temp citizens) to earn their citizenship. While participating in this program they will earn minimum wage salary that will be taxed to help fund the program. If immigrants are found to be living in our country illegally they will be offered the citizenship program or face deportation.
Cultural Assimilation - Country's values will be inculated through education and community service to ensure unity and a thriving value system.
Economic Development - to ensure all cultures live in unity in our country, education through schools and outreach programs will educate its citizens about the many cultures that coexist abiding be the same values of peace and unity.
Freedom of Religion is one of the many freedoms of Mono Okeah, so to ensure these freedoms while protecting citizens (in response to wearing masks and burquas as an expression of religion) any and all government establishments can only be entered with a thumb scan to record the identity of those entering to protect from acts of terrorism.
If a group (like the Monoans) are found guilty of planning a terrorist/extremist act that affects the freedoms of fellow citizens their citizenship will be revoked and they will be deported. If found guilty of carrying out a terrorist act they will be subject to harsh penalty under law...i.e., life imprisonment or death.
(Carey)
Our final order of business in Mono Okeah, was to establish how our country dealt with gay rights and marijuana use. And so it was resolved that:
Gay/Lesbian Rights:
In Mono Okeah gay and lesbian couples have a legal right to join in marriage. Just like marriages between men and women, gay and lesbian couples, upon qualification may adopt child after being married for 5 years.
Marijuana:
In Mono Okeah medicinal marijuana is legal with a Doctor's prescription. Non-medical marijuana is legal for adults to use in 1oz quantities and may be purchased legally at licensed marijuana vendors who pay to be legally licensed. The marijuana purchased will be taxed and the taxes will go towards rehab programs and towards enforcing these regulations. Smoking is permitted away from children (under 18 years of age), in well ventilated areas, and in designated smoke zones to avoid "contact highs".
So in closing, after we entertain you with Mono Okeah's national anthem, we invite you to celebrate the forming of our country...Mono Okeah by eating a dish that is indigenous to our country, croissants. And you may ask, "why are they all wearing flowers in their hair and wearing sundresses" well the flowers are a symbol of our beautiful nation and sundresses and sun shirts are our native attire.
The Society of Blogging Nations (SOBN)
Our first order of business as a society of blogging nations was to develop policies on the security of people in their persons and their houses as against unreasonable searches and seizures. Our SOBN Search and Seizure policies are as follows:
Search & Seizure Policies:
"People have the right to be secure in their persons, houses, personal property, vehicles, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrant shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
(Lauren)
Our second order of business was to bring life to our blogging nation. And so Mono Okeah was born. Nestled on a small Caribbean island, Mono Okeah established a Constitution to determine its government would function and describe their powers and methods for resolving conflict. Mono Okeah quickly became a nation to be envied.
Birth of a Nation:
Country: Mono Okeah
Motto: "A Unified Land of Opportunity"
Population: 50,006
The Constitution of Mono Okeah is the supreme law of the nation Mono Okeah. It is the foundation and source of the legal authority underlying the existence of Mono Okeah and the federal government of Mono Okeah. It provides the framework for the organization of Mono Okeah's government and for the relationship of the federal government to the states, to citizens, and to all people within Mono Okeah.
The Constitution of Mono Okeah defines the three main branches of government: a legislature, the bicameral Congress; an executive branch led by the President; and a judicial branch headed by the Supreme Court. The Constitution specifies the powers and duties of each branch. The Constitution reserves all unenumerated powers for the respective states and the people, thereby establishing the federal system of government.
All positions of power are elected by the people of Mono Okeah through majority vote. The President can serve a 4 year term for a maximum of 3 terms and if death should occur, the Vice President will serve temporarily until a new President is elected. The position of Vice President is an assistant to the President and may serve as temporary President but will not automatically become President unless the people elect them into the position.
(Mina)
Our third order of business was to establish Mono Okeah's policies on life and death.
On Life & Death
Right to die:
A civil right...legal! In our country, adult citizens must go to any of our right to die hospitals accompanied with their will where their wish must be noted and notarized. These facilities are funded through citizen taxes and insurance covers this procedure.
Right to abortion:
A civil right...legal! In our country, women in their first trimester may choose to abort a fetus without questions. If at any time the pregnancy becomes a health concern for either the fetus or woman during any trimester, as indicated by a doctor, then an abortion is legal. There is mandatory sex education provided by schools and free contraception provided, no questions asked.
(Shannon)
Our fourth order of business was to address policies on borders, culture, and values because Mono Okeah contains a sizable minority who are descendants from the indigenous Monoa tribe which originally inhabited our island. They are ethnically, culturally, economically and religiously different from the rest of the population and choose to stay that way. Their religious practices include the concept that women should not work outside the home, that they should marry as early as possible and have as many children as they can. Given their position on birth control (against) and abortion (dead set against), they are set to overtake the rest of the population by the year 2040 if current trends continue. They speak their own language and require women in public to be fully covered in a burka-like gown. They refuse to learn English.
The Monoa tribe has an extremist branch that has taken to smuggling other ethnic Monoans onto the island from the adjacent Trubu Island where they share common ancestry. They have also taken to random acts of terrorism, such as bombing schools where girls attend and holding your people hostage for money. They also hold parades through their own streets calling for the "Return of the Monoan Legacy." They are funded, in large part, by a drug-smuggling operation that accompanies the human trafficking operation from Trubu.
Mono Okeah established policies on border, culture, and values.
Competing Values:
Immigration - immigrants coming into our country who are 18 years of age or older must participate in mandatory community service and education programs for 3 years (as temp citizens) to earn their citizenship. While participating in this program they will earn minimum wage salary that will be taxed to help fund the program. If immigrants are found to be living in our country illegally they will be offered the citizenship program or face deportation.
Cultural Assimilation - Country's values will be inculated through education and community service to ensure unity and a thriving value system.
Economic Development - to ensure all cultures live in unity in our country, education through schools and outreach programs will educate its citizens about the many cultures that coexist abiding be the same values of peace and unity.
Freedom of Religion is one of the many freedoms of Mono Okeah, so to ensure these freedoms while protecting citizens (in response to wearing masks and burquas as an expression of religion) any and all government establishments can only be entered with a thumb scan to record the identity of those entering to protect from acts of terrorism.
If a group (like the Monoans) are found guilty of planning a terrorist/extremist act that affects the freedoms of fellow citizens their citizenship will be revoked and they will be deported. If found guilty of carrying out a terrorist act they will be subject to harsh penalty under law...i.e., life imprisonment or death.
(Carey)
Our final order of business in Mono Okeah, was to establish how our country dealt with gay rights and marijuana use. And so it was resolved that:
Gay/Lesbian Rights:
In Mono Okeah gay and lesbian couples have a legal right to join in marriage. Just like marriages between men and women, gay and lesbian couples, upon qualification may adopt child after being married for 5 years.
Marijuana:
In Mono Okeah medicinal marijuana is legal with a Doctor's prescription. Non-medical marijuana is legal for adults to use in 1oz quantities and may be purchased legally at licensed marijuana vendors who pay to be legally licensed. The marijuana purchased will be taxed and the taxes will go towards rehab programs and towards enforcing these regulations. Smoking is permitted away from children (under 18 years of age), in well ventilated areas, and in designated smoke zones to avoid "contact highs".
So in closing, after we entertain you with Mono Okeah's national anthem, we invite you to celebrate the forming of our country...Mono Okeah by eating a dish that is indigenous to our country, croissants. And you may ask, "why are they all wearing flowers in their hair and wearing sundresses" well the flowers are a symbol of our beautiful nation and sundresses and sun shirts are our native attire.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Simple Truths
Gambling… Good or bad, it’s legal, but our society allows bad as long as it is approved of by popular opinion. Apparently, children are not allowed to accompany their parents in the casino even though they would not be gambling themselves. Why?
Maybe because when they watch their stupid ass parents losing the Christmas money, they might have something to say about it. Gee, how uncomfortable might it be to have a small child making more freaking sense than you?
Maybe because when they watch their stupid ass parents losing the Christmas money, they might have something to say about it. Gee, how uncomfortable might it be to have a small child making more freaking sense than you?
T-Swizzle
Since this week is a free blog and I have yet to blog about my home gurrl Taylor Swift, I figured this would be the perfect opportunity. I am still bitter that I did not get my tickets to her concert in time. She was in Fresno about a month ago but the tickets sold out in a matter on minutes. :( Pooo. Anyways, after the recent flood in Nashville, she donated $500,000 of her own personal money to relief. Way to go TSwift!
Speaking of generous celebs, Will.I.Am started this new charity called I.Am.Home. He was on Oprah Monday talking about it. He is helping people pay off the major debts they have on their houses. Oh-so generously, he is using entirely his OWN money to do this. I don't remember his exact words but he basically said: Why would I ask other people for their money when I have a ton of my own? He is not a big spender on materialistic items. He does not want the latest and most expensive threads from France. On his birthday he bought his grandma from the Projects a beautiful new house. What a guy.
Well, since this blog went from being about Taylor Swift to being about Will.I.Am, here is a link to his I.Am.Home website. After a year of using his own money to aid those in need, he plans on expanding and asking for donations from others.
Gay/Lesbian Rights:
In Mono Okeah gay and lesbian couples have a legal right to join in marriage. Just like marriages between men and women, gay and lesbian couples, upon qualification may adopt child after being married for 5 years.
Marijuana:
In Mono Okeah medicinal marijuana is legal with a Doctor's prescription. Non-medical marijuana is legal for adults to use in 1oz quanitities and may be purchased legally at licensed marijuana vendors who pay to be legally licensed. The marijuana purchased will be taxed and the taxes will go towards rehab programs and towards enforcing these regulations. Smoking is permitted away from children (under 18 years of age), in well ventillated areas, and in designated smoke zones to avoid "contact highs".
In Mono Okeah gay and lesbian couples have a legal right to join in marriage. Just like marriages between men and women, gay and lesbian couples, upon qualification may adopt child after being married for 5 years.
Marijuana:
In Mono Okeah medicinal marijuana is legal with a Doctor's prescription. Non-medical marijuana is legal for adults to use in 1oz quanitities and may be purchased legally at licensed marijuana vendors who pay to be legally licensed. The marijuana purchased will be taxed and the taxes will go towards rehab programs and towards enforcing these regulations. Smoking is permitted away from children (under 18 years of age), in well ventillated areas, and in designated smoke zones to avoid "contact highs".
Mono Okeah Anthem
Rivers run to and fro in Mono Okeah
All for one and one for all in Mono Okeah
A unified land of opportunity, that's Mono Okeah.
For peace, freedom, and unity
There's only one place to be...
Mono Okeah, Mono Okeah, Mono Okeah for me.
All for one and one for all in Mono Okeah
A unified land of opportunity, that's Mono Okeah.
For peace, freedom, and unity
There's only one place to be...
Mono Okeah, Mono Okeah, Mono Okeah for me.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Arizona's Immigration law
I thinks that the law that just passed in Arizona is ridiculous.It's not right that its assumed just because you may look hispanic you may be an immagrant.You must prove that you're not by having proper paper work on you at all times.There is no corrlation between looking hispanic and being an immagrant.When i ride me bike or go out for a walk i don't take anything with me because i usually don't have any pockets and i shouldn't have to and now if i was in arizona and got asked to prove my citizenship i would be taken to jail because i didn't have anything on me.Immigration may be a problem but i think there are more reasonable solutions that don't discriminate against people who look hispanic.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Mono Okeah's Competing Values
Immigration - immigrants coming into our country who are 18 years of age or older must participate in mandatory community service and education programs for 3 years (as temp citizens) to earn their citizenship. While participating in this program they will earn minimum wage salary that will be taxed to help fund the program. If immigrants are found to be living in our country illegally they will be offered the citizenship program or face deportation.
Cultural Assimilation - Country's values will be inculated through education and community service to ensure unity and a thriving value system.
Economic Development - to ensure all cultures live in unity in our country, education through schools and outreach programs will educate its citizens about the many cultures that coexist abiding be the same values of peace and unity.
Freedom of Religion is one of the many freedoms of Mono Okeah, so to ensure these freedoms while protecting citizens (in response to wearing masks and burquas as an expression of religion) any and all government establishments can only be entered with a thumbscan to record the identity of those entering to protect from acts of terrorism.
If a group (like the Monoans) are found guilty of planning a terrorist/extremist act that affects the freedoms of fellow citizens their citizenship will be revoked and they will be deported. If found guilty of carrying out a terrorist act they will be subject to harsh penalty under law...i.e., life imprisonment or death.
Cultural Assimilation - Country's values will be inculated through education and community service to ensure unity and a thriving value system.
Economic Development - to ensure all cultures live in unity in our country, education through schools and outreach programs will educate its citizens about the many cultures that coexist abiding be the same values of peace and unity.
Freedom of Religion is one of the many freedoms of Mono Okeah, so to ensure these freedoms while protecting citizens (in response to wearing masks and burquas as an expression of religion) any and all government establishments can only be entered with a thumbscan to record the identity of those entering to protect from acts of terrorism.
If a group (like the Monoans) are found guilty of planning a terrorist/extremist act that affects the freedoms of fellow citizens their citizenship will be revoked and they will be deported. If found guilty of carrying out a terrorist act they will be subject to harsh penalty under law...i.e., life imprisonment or death.
Cultural Etiquette
It is not only respectful, but it is necessary to learn the language of a country that you plan on living in or traveling to. As Americans, we feel that everyone should know English whether they are in our country or whether we are traveling abroad. Since English is so commonly used, it often feels like it is the universal language that should be known by all. Although I understand that English is one of the more common languages spoken, i believe that we should take it upon ourselves to learn the languages in order to broaden the network of people we are able to communicate with. I have little tolerance for those who come to America and cannot speak English and do not even attempt to learn it. In order to not be hypocritical, I am a strong believer in being multi-lingual so that traveling abroad can be less stressful. Along with learning the language of the country you are in, I believe that you should also immerse yourself in their culture and ways of life. Having an open mind and abiding by the common courtesies of the country you are in is essential.
In our discussion today about our counties beliefs about immigration, our group seemed to be open to others coming to our country as long as they abided by our laws and learned about our history and culture.
Here is an article about different cultural etiquette.
Religion... love it OR leave it for someone else!
Today in class, we spoke about violence driven by religion. I believe I understand correctly, that the religion of Islam is thought to be the most violent and holds no benefit for society. It sounded that way to me.
I have to say... I personally have not met God and cannot tell you whether you are right or wrong in your beliefs. Frankly, I have seen religion work wonders. Unfortunately, I have also seen just how insane people act on behalf of religion.
We all want to understand our purpose in this life and many of us feel that religion provides us with that purpose. It sounds good... all religions (other than outright hate groups) claim to support good versus evil. You would think that would make our society stronger and healthier, but it's all subjective. One person's good is another person's evil. Nothing is clear besides the hypocrisy with which we treat one another. I know (probably very little in the scheme of all there is to know) about the religion of Islam, but I do know that there are some wonderful people in this world who happen to subscribe to it and yet, do not have a mean bone in their bodies. I also know that the bad apple doesn't always ruin the bunch, but rather spoils the bunch’s reputation and that is unfortunate. After all, look at the all the hateful deeds that have been done in the name of Christianity... I prefer not to lump all Christians in with those freaks who call themselves "doing God's work." I sometimes feel that the eradication of all religions might help, but I support our freedoms of religion and speech and in the end will always uphold those rights. For better or worse? We're stuck with each other. Let's make the best of it, shall we?
p.s. Please watch the video below because it is important to know that it isn't religion that hurts people, but rather people who do harm and should be held accountable INDIVIDUALLY.
I have to say... I personally have not met God and cannot tell you whether you are right or wrong in your beliefs. Frankly, I have seen religion work wonders. Unfortunately, I have also seen just how insane people act on behalf of religion.
We all want to understand our purpose in this life and many of us feel that religion provides us with that purpose. It sounds good... all religions (other than outright hate groups) claim to support good versus evil. You would think that would make our society stronger and healthier, but it's all subjective. One person's good is another person's evil. Nothing is clear besides the hypocrisy with which we treat one another. I know (probably very little in the scheme of all there is to know) about the religion of Islam, but I do know that there are some wonderful people in this world who happen to subscribe to it and yet, do not have a mean bone in their bodies. I also know that the bad apple doesn't always ruin the bunch, but rather spoils the bunch’s reputation and that is unfortunate. After all, look at the all the hateful deeds that have been done in the name of Christianity... I prefer not to lump all Christians in with those freaks who call themselves "doing God's work." I sometimes feel that the eradication of all religions might help, but I support our freedoms of religion and speech and in the end will always uphold those rights. For better or worse? We're stuck with each other. Let's make the best of it, shall we?
p.s. Please watch the video below because it is important to know that it isn't religion that hurts people, but rather people who do harm and should be held accountable INDIVIDUALLY.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Mono Okeah's laws on right to die and abortion:
Right to die:
A civil right...legal! In our country, adult citizens must go to any of our right to die hospitals accompanied with their will where their wish must be noted and notarized. These facilities are funded through citizen taxes and insurance covers this proceedure.
Right to abortion:
A civil right...legal! In our country, women in their first trimester may choose to abort a fetus without questions. If at any time the pregnancy becomes a health concern for either the fetus or woman during any trimester, as indicated by a doctor, then an abortion is legal. There is mandatory sex education provided by schools and free contraception provided, no questions asked.
Right to die:
A civil right...legal! In our country, adult citizens must go to any of our right to die hospitals accompanied with their will where their wish must be noted and notarized. These facilities are funded through citizen taxes and insurance covers this proceedure.
Right to abortion:
A civil right...legal! In our country, women in their first trimester may choose to abort a fetus without questions. If at any time the pregnancy becomes a health concern for either the fetus or woman during any trimester, as indicated by a doctor, then an abortion is legal. There is mandatory sex education provided by schools and free contraception provided, no questions asked.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
We're All On Our Way Somewhere
Right to die: This is a civil right that EVERYONE wants to have for themselves.
To prove it... Imagine that you have just been attacked by a crocodile and your injuries will lead to certain death, though it will take time to succumb to the wounds and the pain is beyond explanation. Nothing left to live for. No quality and no ability to even speak any last words due to the pain. No matter, politics, religion or fear, you would certainly beg for a compassionate end. That is all right to die is.
I have more to say on this subject, but it is close to my heart and I will have to revisit it. I just can't right now.
Right to abortion: Thank you to the men who support women's right to access a safe abortion. I just don't think it should be up for a vote. Both the right to a safe abortion (adding the clear need for free contraception and sex education that is aimed at promoting individual happiness and social responsiblity) and right to die are civil rights issues and shouldn't even be up for a debate because these issues are RIGHT and we should have the courage to stand by them.
Doing the right thing isn't always easy in a world that wants to make a statement about the SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE, while these same people support killing people for oil, the death penalty and YES, even PROLIFE. Interestingly, the sanctity of life ends once your born.
To prove it... Imagine that you have just been attacked by a crocodile and your injuries will lead to certain death, though it will take time to succumb to the wounds and the pain is beyond explanation. Nothing left to live for. No quality and no ability to even speak any last words due to the pain. No matter, politics, religion or fear, you would certainly beg for a compassionate end. That is all right to die is.
I have more to say on this subject, but it is close to my heart and I will have to revisit it. I just can't right now.
Right to abortion: Thank you to the men who support women's right to access a safe abortion. I just don't think it should be up for a vote. Both the right to a safe abortion (adding the clear need for free contraception and sex education that is aimed at promoting individual happiness and social responsiblity) and right to die are civil rights issues and shouldn't even be up for a debate because these issues are RIGHT and we should have the courage to stand by them.
Doing the right thing isn't always easy in a world that wants to make a statement about the SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE, while these same people support killing people for oil, the death penalty and YES, even PROLIFE. Interestingly, the sanctity of life ends once your born.
Abortion
Personally I don't believe in abortion at all unless the mother was rape victim or if there are pregnancy complications where the baby or her would be in danger.I think that way to many teens use abortion as a way out and I think the baby shouldn't be aborted because the parents were being irresponsible.But then again everyone should have the freedom to make the choice themselves.Making the choice to abort the baby should definitely be make in the first trimester if that's the path someone chooses to go down.Waiting until later on in the pregnancy is completely irresponsible and no matter how you choose to think about it,it's murder.
Pulling the Plug
I believe that everyone has the right to live, and with this right to live, they have a right to death. If someone is terminally ill, in extreme pain, or in a vegetative state, they should be able to be killed peacefully. Oftentimes, families will decide not to pull the plug on a loved one who is terminally ill. It can be extremely hard to accept the fact that they are dying, but if someone is no longer able to live a peaceful life, artificially keeping them alive is not the answer. Who are we to tell terminally ill patients "It's not your time yet. If we give you a bunch of drugs, surgeries and keep you hospitalized, you'll be around for a few more months! You may still be in pain and probably a vegetable... but at least you'll be alive"?
My grandpa currently is having heart problems, as he has for many years, but has decided that he no longer wishes to go to the hospital for treatment. Laying in a small, white cell-like room, hooked up to a plethora of cords and tubes is not a decent way to live. My grandpa is spending his last months in the comfort of his own home, being cooked meals by his wifey, watching college football and basketball games, and puttering around as he always has. Props to Gramps!
Here is an article on "Pulling the Plug"
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Opportunities For The Wealthy, supported by the poor
Life is full of opportunities and we know this because against all odds people do succeed. Not everyone mind you, but a handful of them do. So, is it a question of personal determination? Is it that they were lucky enough to be motivated and given direction by a mentor? I guess the real question is, were they in the right place at the right time?
The ugly truth is, plenty of people (even in this great country we live in) are disenfranchised by a system that was set up to fail. This land of opportunity has become a land of corporate greed with plenty of government support. There is a cycle of poverty that is consuming us and it continues to grow larger with each passing day. I cannot count the number of times that I have heard people say that, “all you have to do to succeed is simply pull yourself up by your bootstraps.” The image alone is ridiculous. You can’t physically pull yourself up by your bootstraps. This statement along with the image only serves as further proof that denial is not just a river in Egypt. It is a diversion tactic that works well, so I have seen. The fact of the matter is, there happens to be people in the world without bootstraps, much less boots and that saying suggests that we have the tools, but aren’t making use of them.
I know that I am not alone in the knowledge that funding for education continues to be cut and that alone scares the hell out of me. The best way to control people is to limit their access to a good education! This country is most definitely BY the people, is just isn’t FOR the people. Who is it for? … The top 1%, whose wealth leaves the other 99% of us in their dust. I understand that most of us have been tempted by the carrot that was dangled in front of us, that suggested we too could be wealthy if we worked hard enough, but that carrot no longer exists, unless you’re still hanging onto the hopes of winning the lottery. The disparage between the haves and the have nots, is so great that the haves will either have get the hell out of Dodge or invest in their country, in order to avoid the angry mob that WILL come after them. What do you think they’ll do? How many of those greedy bastards do you think have their own island already picked out? Everything has its end… and the end has begun. To prove it, we can no longer afford to buy the products that we used to make, because our jobs have been sent overseas in order to create an EVEN LARGER PROFIT for those businessmen who wanted more, even in the face of all that would be lost by those who have given their utmost for the most meager income.
Screw corporate welfare! The public welfare system is a drop in the bucket compared to the welfare we give to big business and what do they do with it? They misspend the people’s money and when their businesses fail, they pocket millions and go bankrupt only to start all over again AND they continue to do so with our money. We are so harsh and selfish towards one another, while at the same time, we accept a great deal of crap from the wealthy. Something that I have always been aware of, but never had confirmed until recently by someone I know (who happens to be on the other side of this argument) said to me, “There’s a secret that the wealthy use to control the rest of the population and that secret is to stir up conflict amongst the poor to keep them fighting one another while we’re running for the door with all the money.” We are such idiots not to see that. Does it make you mad? It should!
I know something else that I hope gets you thinking and spreads like wild fire… Our government, though they appear to run us, only do so because we have yet to grab hold of the reigns. They operate on OUR money, NOT on their own! The day WE decide to HOLD OUR TAX contributions RANSOM with a very clear and unified statement to our government that we have a set of demands that must be met before we will relinquish that money, then and only then, will we have the control. Our taxes are supposed to pay for those things that benefit our society as a whole. We have the right to say how our money is being spent. Please, talk about this with someone. Generate this conversation, regardless of where you stand on the issue. Get the opinion of an elder. What do you think the answer is? By the way, I don't mind being wrong. Having an opinion leads to a discussion and right or wrong, I care about what works and I know that what we have is not working... What I do mind is an unwillingness to think. I know we can do better.
The ugly truth is, plenty of people (even in this great country we live in) are disenfranchised by a system that was set up to fail. This land of opportunity has become a land of corporate greed with plenty of government support. There is a cycle of poverty that is consuming us and it continues to grow larger with each passing day. I cannot count the number of times that I have heard people say that, “all you have to do to succeed is simply pull yourself up by your bootstraps.” The image alone is ridiculous. You can’t physically pull yourself up by your bootstraps. This statement along with the image only serves as further proof that denial is not just a river in Egypt. It is a diversion tactic that works well, so I have seen. The fact of the matter is, there happens to be people in the world without bootstraps, much less boots and that saying suggests that we have the tools, but aren’t making use of them.
I know that I am not alone in the knowledge that funding for education continues to be cut and that alone scares the hell out of me. The best way to control people is to limit their access to a good education! This country is most definitely BY the people, is just isn’t FOR the people. Who is it for? … The top 1%, whose wealth leaves the other 99% of us in their dust. I understand that most of us have been tempted by the carrot that was dangled in front of us, that suggested we too could be wealthy if we worked hard enough, but that carrot no longer exists, unless you’re still hanging onto the hopes of winning the lottery. The disparage between the haves and the have nots, is so great that the haves will either have get the hell out of Dodge or invest in their country, in order to avoid the angry mob that WILL come after them. What do you think they’ll do? How many of those greedy bastards do you think have their own island already picked out? Everything has its end… and the end has begun. To prove it, we can no longer afford to buy the products that we used to make, because our jobs have been sent overseas in order to create an EVEN LARGER PROFIT for those businessmen who wanted more, even in the face of all that would be lost by those who have given their utmost for the most meager income.
Screw corporate welfare! The public welfare system is a drop in the bucket compared to the welfare we give to big business and what do they do with it? They misspend the people’s money and when their businesses fail, they pocket millions and go bankrupt only to start all over again AND they continue to do so with our money. We are so harsh and selfish towards one another, while at the same time, we accept a great deal of crap from the wealthy. Something that I have always been aware of, but never had confirmed until recently by someone I know (who happens to be on the other side of this argument) said to me, “There’s a secret that the wealthy use to control the rest of the population and that secret is to stir up conflict amongst the poor to keep them fighting one another while we’re running for the door with all the money.” We are such idiots not to see that. Does it make you mad? It should!
I know something else that I hope gets you thinking and spreads like wild fire… Our government, though they appear to run us, only do so because we have yet to grab hold of the reigns. They operate on OUR money, NOT on their own! The day WE decide to HOLD OUR TAX contributions RANSOM with a very clear and unified statement to our government that we have a set of demands that must be met before we will relinquish that money, then and only then, will we have the control. Our taxes are supposed to pay for those things that benefit our society as a whole. We have the right to say how our money is being spent. Please, talk about this with someone. Generate this conversation, regardless of where you stand on the issue. Get the opinion of an elder. What do you think the answer is? By the way, I don't mind being wrong. Having an opinion leads to a discussion and right or wrong, I care about what works and I know that what we have is not working... What I do mind is an unwillingness to think. I know we can do better.
Earth Day
"The earth was not given to us by our parents, it was loaned to us by our children."
As Earth Day rolls around, I got to thinking: How can I contribute to/celebrate this year? About 2,500 gallons of water goes into only 1 pound of beef! Recycling 1 aluminum can save enough energy to watch TV for 3 hours (or is equal to half a gallon of gasoline). By simply being more conscious of how we treat our planet and the resources that we are using, we can make Earth an even better place to live.
Disney's new Earth Day movie "Oceans" comes out tomorrow, and I can't wait to see it! Anyone else excited? I'm thinking I'll hop over after I see Date Night.
So far today, I walked to the grocery store with my mom (verses driving) and we picked up plastic bottles and other litter that we saw on the side of the trails. My ongoing act to stay "green" is being a vegan and I am at a little over 2 months now! Whoooo! There are so many little things that we can do in our daily lives that will greatly benefit the future of our planet. It sounds cliche, but even though it often feels like one person doing their part cannot make a big change in the world, if we work together to just do a little, we will see substantial results.
Earth Day Network is a fantastic tool for learning more about helping our planet.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Nation of Mono Okeah
Country: Mono Okeah
Motto: "A Unified Land of Opportunity"
Population: 50,006
The Constitution of Mono Okeah is the supreme law of the nation Mono Okeah. It is the foundation and source of the legal authority underlying the existence of Mono Okeah and the federal government of Mono Okeah. It provides the framework for the organization of Mono Okeah's government and for the relationship of the federal government to the states, to citizens, and to all people within Mono Okeah.
The Constitution of Mono Okeah defines the three main branches of government: a legislature, the bicameral Congress; an executive branch led by the President; and a judicial branch headed by the Supreme Court. The Constitution specifies the powers and duties of each branch. The Constitution reserves all unenumerated powers for the respective states and the people, thereby establishing the federal system of government.
All positions of power are elected by the people of Mono Okeah through majority vote. The President can serve a 4 year term for a maximum of 3 terms and if death should occur, the Vice President will serve temporarily until a new President is elected. The position of Vice President is an assistant to the President and may serve as temporary President but will not automatically become President unless the people elect them into the position.
More to follow...
Motto: "A Unified Land of Opportunity"
Population: 50,006
The Constitution of Mono Okeah is the supreme law of the nation Mono Okeah. It is the foundation and source of the legal authority underlying the existence of Mono Okeah and the federal government of Mono Okeah. It provides the framework for the organization of Mono Okeah's government and for the relationship of the federal government to the states, to citizens, and to all people within Mono Okeah.
The Constitution of Mono Okeah defines the three main branches of government: a legislature, the bicameral Congress; an executive branch led by the President; and a judicial branch headed by the Supreme Court. The Constitution specifies the powers and duties of each branch. The Constitution reserves all unenumerated powers for the respective states and the people, thereby establishing the federal system of government.
All positions of power are elected by the people of Mono Okeah through majority vote. The President can serve a 4 year term for a maximum of 3 terms and if death should occur, the Vice President will serve temporarily until a new President is elected. The position of Vice President is an assistant to the President and may serve as temporary President but will not automatically become President unless the people elect them into the position.
More to follow...
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Elected on Friday, assassinated on Saturday
I like this song because of the reference to the expectation of a good president being assassinated soon after taking office. That's how you know you're on the right track; the bullets start flying. If you're not a threat to greed, you're not doing your job! That is why I believe a "CAREER POLITICIAN" could never be considered effective, because the only way to remain in the game is if you play both sides and therefore, create no change, just business as usual.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Crosswords
I thought that todays activity was a great idea and alot of fun.We had to really think about the puzzles and we got to brainstorm together to get the right answers.Working with the other groups to trade answers helped everyone out.Then our group kept our free cards till the end which i think was a good advantage.It also got me thinking about how many things I didn't know even if it was a really easy one but I just couldn't think of it at the time.It make me want to start doing the crossword puzzles i figure It's more productive than Facebook.
Get Rid of the Electoral College!
So many people have fought and even died fighting (in their own country and at the hands of those who are supposed to protect us, and they did so) for the right to vote and we who have made no such sacrifices have benefited from their efforts and yet, so many of us choose again and again, not to vote.
Many people feel (and are) disenfranchised by the process. I say VOTE ANYWAY and become involved by making your concerns and demands for a better process heard.
I can’t imagine that those people who choose not to vote believe that the outcome will be a good one. Or do the bastards think that the rest of us can do it without them? You know, one person = one vote. Knowing that the majority of us are in the same boat and should be able to vote for OUR benefit makes me happy… and then I remember two things that really piss me off. First, that damned carrot that has been dangled in front of us by the ultra wealthy. You know which carrot I’m talking about; the one that suggests that we have the chance to become wealthy, too. Most of us (even secretly) hope for this. Who knows, we could win the lottery! Greed drives us to vote in favor of the wealthy and against the poor (yes, against ourselves), because after all, we don’t want to have it hard once we become wealthy, too. Second, can you say ELECTORAL COLLEGE?
True… we have the right to vote and we vote for the president and vice president we want, but it’s just for show. We don’t choose who our president or vice president will be. Check it out if you don’t believe me: Article II of the Constitution section 1. Also, see the Twelfth Amendment. Lastly, the United States Code, Title 3, Chapter 1.
I think the Electoral College should be disposed of. Do you agree with me, or with the many people who think that we aren’t capable of making important decisions and should leave it to Congress, because after all, it’s just too much work?
How we have gotten this far is certainly not because Congress has looked out for our best interests. If you want something, you have to fight for it. If you don’t want to fight for it, just step back and stay out of it, but never step up with the attitude that voting to give away our rights makes you (in any way) patriotic.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
TOMS A Day Without Shoes
I think that this was a very good cause. I walked my day without shoes (and I walked my dog without shoes as well, so that is 6 feet right there). I think that TOMS recycled, vegan and earth-friendly shoes are a great way to support our planet. Not only are they great for the environment, but for every shoe that you buy, a pair also is given to a child in need. We, especially in America, often forget that it is a privilege to even have one pair of shoes. This day of a awareness helped to make many people realize just how hard it is to go all day without a pair of shoes on your feet. I know, by the end of the day, my feet were pretty much black and I had stepped on countless object, some of which even stuck to my feet. Shoes, although a vital part of hygiene, are often no where to be found in places such as Africa. This leads to many people with foot diseases and bacteria growth. So (not to sound like a commercial for TOMS) but buy a pair today and help out those in need! They are some of the most comfortable shoes I own.
Here is a link to an article about A Day Without Shoes.
Search & Seizure Policy:
"People have the right to be secure in their persons, houses, personal property, vehicles, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrant shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
"People have the right to be secure in their persons, houses, personal property, vehicles, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrant shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
Thursday, April 8, 2010
YouTube-BadCopCaughtOnTape
I tried, but could not post this youtube video. Please take a look at this video called Bad Cop Caught On Tape. It is a disgusting example of how ridiculous and out of control law enforcement agents can become. If this son-of-a.... treated any one this way in front of me he would be very sorry.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
A Rough Run In
I watched the video Ten Rules, by CATO and got at least 82 minutes in before resigning to this blog. I want to say that I am delightfully surprised that this kind of work is not only being compiled and delivered, but promoted. I remember, not so long ago… it was not at all a topic for discussion; this organized, educated form of dissent. It does make me think of the type of training that would happen during the civil rights movement, so that good might come out of an unfair situation where the power was strongly tilted toward the law and away from the people. This really gets me fired up, in a happy way. It can be so frustrating to feel powerless and at the will of some jerk who just happens to be wearing a badge. I don’t dislike all cops! I take people on a case by case basis, but it just so happens that most of what I know both first and second hand of law enforcement agents is negative. So, I’ll share a traffic stop incident I had the great fortune to be involved in. I was pulled over by two motorcycle Highway Patrol Officers and I knew that they pulled me over for speeding, but this was the second time that I was pulled over in the same area for driving 10 miles over the speed limit “while passing.” As most of us know, it is permitted to exerlate your speed within 10 miles per hour to pass. Both times, I was clocked speeding with my turn signal on and while reentering the lane ahead of the car that I was passing. I explained politely the first time, which was my first ticket ever… for anything, and it was a no go. This time, both officers approached my vehicle on either side and right off the bat; just their walk said everything… I knew they were prepared to be arrogant. I did what Judge Billy Murphy said; I remained calm and put my hands on the steering wheel waiting for instructions. The officer said, “You know why I pulled you over don’t you!” “You were driving like a bad-out-of-hell and could have killed someone!” He actually went on a bit and I can't remember it word for word anymore, but it was worse. Okay, so then he asked for my ID and registration and I told him that I keep my cash and ID in my sock and asked if it was alright if I get it. He looked over to his co-cop and laughed out loud telling the guy, “Did you hear that, she keeps her ID in her sock!” Normally, I would never get so worked up, but I had been having major problems with my neck becoming disjointed causing great pain and this greatly limited my movements, at times completely. This of course did not put me in a good mood and as life altering as it was, the last thing I could possibly take was some power tripping ass thinking he could get away with insulting me. I said to him, “I put my ID and cash in my sock because of a physical disability I have that prevents me from carrying a purse” and then I cussed him out and told him that he was a disrespectful piece of ****. I was so irritated with him and his co-cop, who was pacing back and forth like I was in BIG trouble. I looked to the guy, who couldn’t have weighed more than
105 lbs and told him he didn’t scare me and that I certainly wasn’t afraid of someone the wind could blow over. He got a hella funny look on his face, walked back to his bike and that was the last I saw of him. The officer ticketing me told me I was only 10 miles over the speed limit and apologized for insulting me (even after I cussed him out). I know that I shouldn’t have, but the pain I was in and the frustration of being yelled at and insulted without ANY cause simply pushed me to a place I thought I was well above. Sharing this, I want to be clear… I know what is right, maybe more than most, but it is a lot easier to do the wrong thing under stress. For most of us, just being pulled over is insult to be followed by financial injury that is coming and that is stressful enough to get verbal. That is why I am so glad that we have all been given access to some information that can mean the difference between freedom and modern day slavery (aka: jail time). By the way, I did not go into any kind of detail in regards to how ridiculously animated these jerks were. P.S. I was still irritated after he apologized and I told him he was a punk ass ***** and to piss off, before I started my vehicle and left. I suppose the fact that the pain I was in, AND my knowledge of the absolute importance of remaining physically calm was part of the reason that he let me go without a fight. That and the knowledge that he was being filmed insulting me over a physical disability! Anyway, I do believe in speaking up for myself, but cussing the guy out went a bit far… even for me. If not in pain, I should not expect to go there again.
105 lbs and told him he didn’t scare me and that I certainly wasn’t afraid of someone the wind could blow over. He got a hella funny look on his face, walked back to his bike and that was the last I saw of him. The officer ticketing me told me I was only 10 miles over the speed limit and apologized for insulting me (even after I cussed him out). I know that I shouldn’t have, but the pain I was in and the frustration of being yelled at and insulted without ANY cause simply pushed me to a place I thought I was well above. Sharing this, I want to be clear… I know what is right, maybe more than most, but it is a lot easier to do the wrong thing under stress. For most of us, just being pulled over is insult to be followed by financial injury that is coming and that is stressful enough to get verbal. That is why I am so glad that we have all been given access to some information that can mean the difference between freedom and modern day slavery (aka: jail time). By the way, I did not go into any kind of detail in regards to how ridiculously animated these jerks were. P.S. I was still irritated after he apologized and I told him he was a punk ass ***** and to piss off, before I started my vehicle and left. I suppose the fact that the pain I was in, AND my knowledge of the absolute importance of remaining physically calm was part of the reason that he let me go without a fight. That and the knowledge that he was being filmed insulting me over a physical disability! Anyway, I do believe in speaking up for myself, but cussing the guy out went a bit far… even for me. If not in pain, I should not expect to go there again.
Sleep-Eaters
I read this article and thought it was a joke at first. I think sleepwalking would be funny to witness but this takes the cake. I do not know what would trigger waking up and binge eating a bunch of food. Maybe these people need to eat more during the day. How weird would that be to wake up to a bed full of crumbs from a cake that you cannot remember eating and a black eye from walking into the fridge door? I would be so pissed if I was a sleep-eater. I would be eating this delicious food but not be able to fully enjoy it. What's to blame? My guess is all the chemicals we put into our bodies from the food we eat to the pills and medication we take. Here is the article from the New York Times
Study Finds More Woes Following Foster Care
In this article it talks about the problem with kids who turn 18 and "age out" of foster care.Most of which who get covicted of a crime or have kids who are getting some sort assistance from the public.Only 6 percent of them actually recieve a community college degree.They have no shoulder to lean on for help and guideness and as humans we all make mistakes except their mistakes tend to have greater consequences.As of now Illinois, New York, Vermont and the District of Columbia allow youths to remain in foster care to age 21.In 2008 the Congress passed a law providing matching money to states that extend foster care to the age of 21.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Midterm
I thought that the midterms today went very well.I liked the idea of how we picked our order and the coin toss was a nice twist.It seemed like everyone was a bit nervous but once they got up there everyone did a great job.The political group was one of my favorites with Arnold Schwarzenegger's accent.The blog groups organized their information in different ways to present which was also well done.Everyone made valid points on their topic and had done research and was able to inform the class thoroughly.
Liberty to Speak Out About Food
“In times of great change the power shifts from all things big and goes back to the small. The power waivers in that which has become conglomerated, that which was built upon the old. Power reverts back to the individual. All truth can then only be found with the individual. Such it is in this time of greatest change in all history.” -Pila of Hawaii
One’s liberty to exercise freedom of speech is only as powerful as those who put it into use. Many food industries will not exercise this use of freedom of speech because they want to leave the American Population in the dark. That is why we, as a country, must speak out against putting these chemicals and food-like substances in our mouths.
Barbara Kowalcyk has devoted herself to passing “Kevin’s Law”, a law giving the USDA the ability and power to shut down plants that repeatedly produce meat containing E-coli and other deadly pathogens. After her 2-year-old son died from eating a hamburger that was tainted with E-coli, this became her life long mission. Kevin’s Law has yet to pass because the beef industry has such tight control of Congress. Only through people like Barbara who speak out against large industries, are we using our liberty of freedom of speech and changing the world the way we want it to be changed.
As a nation, we are naïve and are taking advantage of our Freedom of Speech rights. It seems that we do not care about the health and diet of our country. We as a nation must exercise our freedom of speech in order to see change. We need to know what is going into our foods, and only then will we stop putting the chemically produced, pesticide filled garbage in our mouths.
Freedom of speech... Use it, or lose it.
The freedoms afforded us have been achieved through the blood, sweat and tears of those persons with restless and eager spirit, those impatient and those unwilling to settle for less, those disrespectful and arrogant souls who believe they are worth more than what they are currently getting, those who don’t care what you think… as long as what you think is that they are only here to serve you; to suffer all of their days so that you may prosper while they struggle. Those people have my respect because they know what they are fighting for. They are awake and involved and they are aware that waiting patiently and quietly for equality will get them nowhere. Shock and awe… Sometimes it takes a bit of shaking things up in order to bring about change. Just because we’re real good at telling our children to be fair and share, doesn’t make up for the real example we’re setting through both our actions and our inaction.
I see the trouble our country is in, hell… the trouble our world is in. We didn’t get here overnight and we won’t recover anytime soon.
I have not been sheltered from the troubles that have afflicted our world and even so, I have never been more concerned than I am now. My biggest concern is that our response time, in regards to the emergency outreach to those who need our help the most, is pathetic. We go about our lives, happy in the thought that we have been unscathed; as we watch our neighbors lose their jobs to outsourcing and their homes to greedy bankers and their lives to healthcare that is solely in it for an unseemly-profit. Our country is in trouble and we may just be saved long enough to be sacrificed last. I can hear the cries now… why doesn’t anyone care? How can they watch me suffer and do nothing to help?
I have always found it a curious thing, how adults are so good at telling children about the importance of treating others well. Even when I was a child, I saw the hypocrisy in what adults say versus what they do/and do not do. It is hard for me to believe that any child is oblivious to that double standard, and that is even more disheartening because without a decent example to lead them, there is little reason to expect that they will be any different.
I say this in the spirit of embracing my right to freedom of speech, and in the hope that if it doesn’t lend itself to change, that it just pisses you off.
I see the trouble our country is in, hell… the trouble our world is in. We didn’t get here overnight and we won’t recover anytime soon.
I have not been sheltered from the troubles that have afflicted our world and even so, I have never been more concerned than I am now. My biggest concern is that our response time, in regards to the emergency outreach to those who need our help the most, is pathetic. We go about our lives, happy in the thought that we have been unscathed; as we watch our neighbors lose their jobs to outsourcing and their homes to greedy bankers and their lives to healthcare that is solely in it for an unseemly-profit. Our country is in trouble and we may just be saved long enough to be sacrificed last. I can hear the cries now… why doesn’t anyone care? How can they watch me suffer and do nothing to help?
I have always found it a curious thing, how adults are so good at telling children about the importance of treating others well. Even when I was a child, I saw the hypocrisy in what adults say versus what they do/and do not do. It is hard for me to believe that any child is oblivious to that double standard, and that is even more disheartening because without a decent example to lead them, there is little reason to expect that they will be any different.
I say this in the spirit of embracing my right to freedom of speech, and in the hope that if it doesn’t lend itself to change, that it just pisses you off.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
"Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us."
-- William O. Douglas, Former United States Supreme Court Associate Justice
Below is a copy of a blog that I found extremely interesting that seemed to really address the controversies that surround Freedom of Speech. A link to the actual blog and orginal article is at the bottom of this blog.
September 28, 2009
Another Controversy at Tufts: Racism or Free Speech?
Earlier this year I wrote about an incident at Tufts University in which a drunk White student used racial slurs in harassing a group of Korean American students. As Inside Higher Education reports, Tufts is now dealing with a new controversy regarding its Asian American students, but this time it involves two groups of Asian Americans on opposite sides:
Two weeks ago, In-Goo Kwak, a freshman studying international relations and an immigrant from South Korea, put up a series of posters around his dormitory parodying the campaign poster of Alice Pang, another freshman of Asian descent who was running for the Tufts Community Union Senate. Kwak was not actually running for a student government position, but posted the parody next to Pang’s at the encouragement of his dorm mates. who thought he was right to poke fun at the air of political correctness he perceived on the campus.
Pang’s poster included the campaign slogan, “small person, big ideas,” with the exclamation “hurrah!” next to her portrait. Kwak’s parody poster looks strikingly similar in design to Pang’s and includes the slogan “squinty eyes, big vision.” Next to Kwak’s portrait is the word “kimchi!” — a traditional Korean dish. Additionally, where Pang’s poster read “vote on Thursday,” Kwak’s said, “Prease vote me! I work reary hard!” in deliberately broken English. . . .
Linell Yugawa [Director of Tufts' Asian American Center] sent an e-mail to the entire Tufts community denouncing Kwak’s parody. . . .
“Many Asian/Asian Americans and individuals of other racial backgrounds have been angered, hurt, and offended by these posters,” Yugawa wrote . . . “The posters not only mocked an authorized campaign poster, but used negative and racist stereotypes that correlate with the discrimination and dehumanization of Asians. These posters go beyond affecting one individual or group, but offend all who have an understanding of how racist stereotypes impact our lives.
“Some may argue that we need to ‘lighten up’ and/or ‘reclaim’ the stereotypes and words that have harmed us and our communities. While it is one thing to mutually engage in this type of conversation, it is another to post stereotypical and racist language that is open to interpretation and hurtful to many.”
There seems to be a few different issues here. According to Kwak (the student who put up the parody poster), the main issue here is freedom of speech and his right to criticize what he perceives to be political correctness gone overboard. My response is, yes he has the freedom to criticize what he perceives to be political correctness. But along with that, other students have the same freedom to denounce him as ignorant and I agree with those criticisms against Kwak.
It is a tricky situation in that yes, to a certain degree, one strategy for us as Asian Americans to fight back against the prejudice and discrimination that we’ve experienced through the years is to appropriate the stereotypes and reclaim the derogatory slurs that have been used against us and to turn them around for our own purposes. Other cultural minorities groups have been successful in doing this, such as Mexican Americans reclaiming the term “Chicano” and gay Americans reclaiming the term “queer.”
However, this does not mean that Asian Americans should start going around spouting stereotypes left and right. Such an effort to reclaim derogatory slurs needs to be focused, coordinated, and consensual. Unfortunately, Kwak’s effort in the form of his parody poster were none of those.
Instead, as Director Yugawa noted, his effort made fun of another Asian American student and used offensive stereotypes that rekindled very painful memories for many Asian Americans. Instead of uniting other Asian Americans as allies in the fight against anti-Asian racism, he alienated them.
The lesson here is that Asian Americans have a right to criticize what they believe to be political correctness and even to try to reclaim offensive historical caricatures. But in the process of doing so, if they use demeaning stereotypes against other Asian Americans, they should be prepared to accept the criticisms and denouncements that will inevitably follow. Ultimately, freedom of speech goes both ways
Read more
-- William O. Douglas, Former United States Supreme Court Associate Justice
Below is a copy of a blog that I found extremely interesting that seemed to really address the controversies that surround Freedom of Speech. A link to the actual blog and orginal article is at the bottom of this blog.
September 28, 2009
Another Controversy at Tufts: Racism or Free Speech?
Earlier this year I wrote about an incident at Tufts University in which a drunk White student used racial slurs in harassing a group of Korean American students. As Inside Higher Education reports, Tufts is now dealing with a new controversy regarding its Asian American students, but this time it involves two groups of Asian Americans on opposite sides:
Two weeks ago, In-Goo Kwak, a freshman studying international relations and an immigrant from South Korea, put up a series of posters around his dormitory parodying the campaign poster of Alice Pang, another freshman of Asian descent who was running for the Tufts Community Union Senate. Kwak was not actually running for a student government position, but posted the parody next to Pang’s at the encouragement of his dorm mates. who thought he was right to poke fun at the air of political correctness he perceived on the campus.
Pang’s poster included the campaign slogan, “small person, big ideas,” with the exclamation “hurrah!” next to her portrait. Kwak’s parody poster looks strikingly similar in design to Pang’s and includes the slogan “squinty eyes, big vision.” Next to Kwak’s portrait is the word “kimchi!” — a traditional Korean dish. Additionally, where Pang’s poster read “vote on Thursday,” Kwak’s said, “Prease vote me! I work reary hard!” in deliberately broken English. . . .
Linell Yugawa [Director of Tufts' Asian American Center] sent an e-mail to the entire Tufts community denouncing Kwak’s parody. . . .
“Many Asian/Asian Americans and individuals of other racial backgrounds have been angered, hurt, and offended by these posters,” Yugawa wrote . . . “The posters not only mocked an authorized campaign poster, but used negative and racist stereotypes that correlate with the discrimination and dehumanization of Asians. These posters go beyond affecting one individual or group, but offend all who have an understanding of how racist stereotypes impact our lives.
“Some may argue that we need to ‘lighten up’ and/or ‘reclaim’ the stereotypes and words that have harmed us and our communities. While it is one thing to mutually engage in this type of conversation, it is another to post stereotypical and racist language that is open to interpretation and hurtful to many.”
There seems to be a few different issues here. According to Kwak (the student who put up the parody poster), the main issue here is freedom of speech and his right to criticize what he perceives to be political correctness gone overboard. My response is, yes he has the freedom to criticize what he perceives to be political correctness. But along with that, other students have the same freedom to denounce him as ignorant and I agree with those criticisms against Kwak.
It is a tricky situation in that yes, to a certain degree, one strategy for us as Asian Americans to fight back against the prejudice and discrimination that we’ve experienced through the years is to appropriate the stereotypes and reclaim the derogatory slurs that have been used against us and to turn them around for our own purposes. Other cultural minorities groups have been successful in doing this, such as Mexican Americans reclaiming the term “Chicano” and gay Americans reclaiming the term “queer.”
However, this does not mean that Asian Americans should start going around spouting stereotypes left and right. Such an effort to reclaim derogatory slurs needs to be focused, coordinated, and consensual. Unfortunately, Kwak’s effort in the form of his parody poster were none of those.
Instead, as Director Yugawa noted, his effort made fun of another Asian American student and used offensive stereotypes that rekindled very painful memories for many Asian Americans. Instead of uniting other Asian Americans as allies in the fight against anti-Asian racism, he alienated them.
The lesson here is that Asian Americans have a right to criticize what they believe to be political correctness and even to try to reclaim offensive historical caricatures. But in the process of doing so, if they use demeaning stereotypes against other Asian Americans, they should be prepared to accept the criticisms and denouncements that will inevitably follow. Ultimately, freedom of speech goes both ways
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The Pursuit of Happiness
The don't ask don't tell policy takes away our soilders rights to speak out and be honest.The Bill of rights gives us the freedom of speech yet our men and women in the army who are serving our country have gotton that right taken away from them.Personally I'm not sure how happiness can be reached if we are not able to be honest with those close to us.How can you pursue happiness when you are asked to to avoid the truth and hide yourself? When one of your most valuable right such as your freedom of speech is taken away, that can only further you from happiness.
Freedom to Speak About Food?
What does freedom of speech entitle? It gives people the right to speak about facts and their beliefs. Many say that knowledge is power. If one has the right to speak freely about what they know, should they? In the documentary, "Food Inc.", people go behind the curtain and find out more about what they are consuming whether they know it or not. Many people in the meat and dairy industries have not been able to speak out about the chemicals, pesticides, and harsh treatment of the animals they work with and slaughter. Freedom of speech must be put in use if it is to remain one of our liberties. If one has the liberty to better society and inform their fellow citizens of what is being put into their food that may be causing their body and health harm, I believe that it is their job to do so.
Here is information from PBS about secrets food companies may not be telling us.
Free to say... whatever?
Freedom of speech is a basic right, simply because... Well, let’s just face it... no matter what democracy means to you, no one wants to give up their freedom to speak. Should we ever give it up or have it taken from us, we will know then what it means to be without democracy. We run into problems with freedom of speech, but only when someone else says something that offends us. Whether we like it or not, that is going to happen. To do away with someone else’s right is to do away with your own. There are laws against defaming one’s character, but the legal expense can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars. The average person cannot afford such a defense. So, instead of helping; this defamatory law works against the majority of people who fall into the category of not being rich. How does it hurt? When “big money,” knows it can do what it wants and get away with it, because you cannot point out any wrong doing without being accused of defamation, then that law serves tyranny. I don’t want to leave you thinking that you don’t have freedom of speech. There are clever ways to say what you mean to say, while protecting yourself and your freedoms at the same time. Please visit the site: (Defamation law and free speech) for more information about how to protect yourself from lawsuits and keep your freedom. Currently, there are (and there always will be) issues that cause concern and even a great deal of pain to so many. One particular freedom of speech court case has made its way to the Supreme Court after a U.S. appeals court overturned a five million dollar award because the award violated the First Amendment’s free speech rights. I do not see that a decision has come back from the Supreme Court, as of yet, but I suspect that they will uphold the appeal court’s decision. I am of course, speaking of the case against the pastor, Fred Phelps, of the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas, for protesting at private funerals held for service men because of "America's tolerance for gays and lesbians" in the U.S. military. Talk about kicking someone while he's down! Personally, I find it sickening how we treat one another so badly. One might suggest that the problem here is that these people of faith have lost their way and do not represent the true religious ways. I can’t even go there... I do not believe that religion can provide the answer in this case. Live and let live. My answer; I have to go back to my original plea... that we simply treat others the way we want to be treated. Is that just too simple to understand? I hope not.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The Thing We Call Freedom of Speech
So our 5th Amendment right is to freedom of speech, Right? So now I guess this is where I get to have my say so in the freedom of knowing I can say whatever I want to. This picture up here is a picture off of the a website to "The WestBoro Church." You may hate what I have to say but I get to do it anyways. I am sorry but to have these children up here with signs like this is one of the dumbest things I have ever seen. I don't see how people, don't see by having our children involved in things like this, the hate cycle just goes, and goes, and goes. It really pisses me off to see that you have to use children to try and get your bull sh** message across. For this "So called church" (I'm sorry I never read in the bible that god pretty much hates everyone but these assholes) to go to a funeral and put up signs saying "GOD HATES FAGS" and whatever else they put up is just crazy. I don't see how they don't see that a family member's have just lost a love one and that being hard in itself, you have to add to the stress of this and act like a complete jerk. ( Well in nicer words than I would like to use since this is for a class project ) Here is the link to these dumb ass people so you can see for your self I am not making this up. Please click here
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Some bad deeds need not be punished.
"Power without law is tyranny;
Law without power is meaningless"
What is power without law? Is it tyranny? Power with law can be tyranny, too.
Power without law… if used for purposes that benefit those who are eligible to benefit, then yes, without law, power can still be useful.
Law without power is meaningless?
Very TRUE!
Applying the quote above to the 1962 film, starring John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart, “Who Shot Liberty Valance?” there is a lot to consider…
Liberty Valance was a gunman employed by the local cattle cartel, directed to keep the town in line so that the barons could monopolize the local resources to insure their beef industry. He used his power to intimidate and abuse others. He definitely enjoyed dishing it out and he did so without the power of the law behind him. In this case, yes… Power without law is tyranny, because the man was a tyrant! But, what if he were Sherriff? Could he still intimidate and abuse people? Of course he could! So, I cannot go along with the absolute that says as long as the law is behind you, no one will call you tyrannical. I do, however; feel that law without power is meaningless. We have laws because we understand that just knowing right from wrong, does not ensure that everyone will always make the right choice. We realize that in order to promote that our civil liberties are not trespassed upon; we must deter those who would otherwise trespass upon us. How else do you deter someone from doing what they know is wrong, but to uphold a penalty? Absolutely, I feel that law without power is MEANINGLESS! By the way, it is just as true that upholding the law some of the time leads people to think that breaking the law might just be worth it. The penalty should be case specific and not biased, but the law must still be upheld and without laxity.
Did Tom Doniphon shoot Liberty Valance because he was in love with Hallie and would have done anything for her, even though she was married to Ransom Stoddard, as some people have suggested? Did he do so, as a favor (that he knew would not be acknowledged) for a woman he loved because he thought that her husband being killed in a shootout would be too much for her? I think not. If he loved her that much, he probably would have let her husband die so that he could “pick up the pieces.” No… People do strange things for love, but murdering someone for love unrequited, would be a rare thing, I think. The probability that Doniphon shot and killed Liberty, was likely because he was sick of his bullying ways, which were not limited to his interactions with Ransom. Face it, he did everyone a favor, himself included. That is why, Ransom held onto the truth, of who shot Liberty Valance, until after Doniphon was dead; so that Doniphon could not be prosecuted for doing the right thing in that situation. Speaking of “law without power is meaningless,” Ransom built a very successful political career on the people’s belief that he had and was not afraid to use, his power. And what did the reporter do? He threw away his notes from his meeting with Ransom. Even he knew that some bad deeds need not be punished, which proves that there exists the opinion, that special circumstances can and do apply. Yes, it was just a movie, but I maintain that art does tend to imitate life… with flair! It is through art that we are able to tell of things that would not be received in the same way if they were spoken in a crowd of strangers; certainly not in the reality of day to day life. Hooray, for art!
Like the song says…The point of a gun was the only law that a man like Liberty understood….The man who shot Liberty Valance, he was the bravest of them all!
Law without power is meaningless"
What is power without law? Is it tyranny? Power with law can be tyranny, too.
Power without law… if used for purposes that benefit those who are eligible to benefit, then yes, without law, power can still be useful.
Law without power is meaningless?
Very TRUE!
Applying the quote above to the 1962 film, starring John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart, “Who Shot Liberty Valance?” there is a lot to consider…
Liberty Valance was a gunman employed by the local cattle cartel, directed to keep the town in line so that the barons could monopolize the local resources to insure their beef industry. He used his power to intimidate and abuse others. He definitely enjoyed dishing it out and he did so without the power of the law behind him. In this case, yes… Power without law is tyranny, because the man was a tyrant! But, what if he were Sherriff? Could he still intimidate and abuse people? Of course he could! So, I cannot go along with the absolute that says as long as the law is behind you, no one will call you tyrannical. I do, however; feel that law without power is meaningless. We have laws because we understand that just knowing right from wrong, does not ensure that everyone will always make the right choice. We realize that in order to promote that our civil liberties are not trespassed upon; we must deter those who would otherwise trespass upon us. How else do you deter someone from doing what they know is wrong, but to uphold a penalty? Absolutely, I feel that law without power is MEANINGLESS! By the way, it is just as true that upholding the law some of the time leads people to think that breaking the law might just be worth it. The penalty should be case specific and not biased, but the law must still be upheld and without laxity.
Did Tom Doniphon shoot Liberty Valance because he was in love with Hallie and would have done anything for her, even though she was married to Ransom Stoddard, as some people have suggested? Did he do so, as a favor (that he knew would not be acknowledged) for a woman he loved because he thought that her husband being killed in a shootout would be too much for her? I think not. If he loved her that much, he probably would have let her husband die so that he could “pick up the pieces.” No… People do strange things for love, but murdering someone for love unrequited, would be a rare thing, I think. The probability that Doniphon shot and killed Liberty, was likely because he was sick of his bullying ways, which were not limited to his interactions with Ransom. Face it, he did everyone a favor, himself included. That is why, Ransom held onto the truth, of who shot Liberty Valance, until after Doniphon was dead; so that Doniphon could not be prosecuted for doing the right thing in that situation. Speaking of “law without power is meaningless,” Ransom built a very successful political career on the people’s belief that he had and was not afraid to use, his power. And what did the reporter do? He threw away his notes from his meeting with Ransom. Even he knew that some bad deeds need not be punished, which proves that there exists the opinion, that special circumstances can and do apply. Yes, it was just a movie, but I maintain that art does tend to imitate life… with flair! It is through art that we are able to tell of things that would not be received in the same way if they were spoken in a crowd of strangers; certainly not in the reality of day to day life. Hooray, for art!
Like the song says…The point of a gun was the only law that a man like Liberty understood….The man who shot Liberty Valance, he was the bravest of them all!
Law Without Power is Not Meaningless
"Power without law is tyranny;
Law without power is meaningless"
I disagree with this quote. Power without law can indeed be considered tyranny. However, law without power isn't necessarily meaningless. Without law there is disorder. Just by existing, law creates order and therefore is meaningful. Even with law and power there can still be tyranny. If I had to choose a character to do without, I must then choose John Wayne, unfortunately.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
In the movie Stewart's character couldn't do much because he had law without power.Wayne's character had power without law.This quote "Power without law is tyranny; Law without power is meaningless" explains the problems that wayne and stewart's characters had.This movie showed how important it is to have a good balance of law and power.We also see examples of why its important everyday.There are many laws that wouldn't be followed by us on a daily basis if there was no power behind it.But in my opinion if one character had to be choosen over the other I would pick Wayne's character because more could be done with his power and authority.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
"Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who possess it; and this I know, my Lords, that where law ends tyranny begins!"
(William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham, speaking in the House of Lords, January 9, 1770; cited from John Almon Anecdotes of the Life of the Right Hon. William Pitt, Earl of Chatham (London: J. S. Jordan, 1792) vol. 2, p. 21.)
If I had to choose between power or law similar to John Wayne and James Stewart's characters in "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance", I do not believe that it would be possible. I believe one is synonomous with the other. Law is necessary and in order to enforce law power is necessary. However, like the quote above states, too much power corrupts and without law tranny begins.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
"Power without law is tyranny; Law without power is meaningless"
Law and power go hand in hand. In a government without law, those who hold power decide everything. In the film "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" John Wayne's character is an authority figure in a small town without an enforced law. John uses his gun as a power and sign of authority. This town would otherwise be in complete chaos. James Stewart's character is a man of the law who has little power. He tries, in many circumstances, to make laws and rules enforced. Because he does not have a gun, his power is meaningless. In order to gain respect and authority, one must have a balance of law and power under their belt.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Democracy Is Like Communism
Democracy is like communism. They both work, in theory. A democracy becomes less efficient with a larger population. And with a larger population comes more unintelligent/uninformed voters. This is, perhaps, a bigger issue than whether a person has the capacity for good or evil. Misinformed voters leads to incompetent politicians being elected. Whether by environment or choice or many other factors, most Americans are grossly misinformed.
Democracy is necessary
"The capacity of people for good makes democracy desirable; their capacity for evil makes democracy necessary." I agree with this quote because people want a good outcome and to go towards future success.Therefore knowing that they intend good they desire democracy so their voice can be heard.But people can also go towards bad decisions that will do more harm than good which is why democracy in necessary.Power can corrupt just about anyone so having democracy will limit the corruption.Having majority rule will increase the chance of a better outcome.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Democracy A Necessary Evil
I like to believe that people are inherently good. I also believe, however, that power can corrupt even the best of us. What makes democracy such an effective form of government is that no individual is in complete power. A democratic society has certain inherent checks and balances which limit any one person or branch's power and therefore limits the chance for corruption. This is an ideal situation, however, and obviously is not always true.
Immigration
Immigration is keeping loved ones apart. In this case, less than a year ago a man was separated from his girlfriend who was deported back to China. Instead of bringing our nation together laws are separating us still to this day. The only way she would be able to stay is if he proposed in order for her to get a green card. A green card is the only way she would be able to permanently live in our nation. Even though in some cases marriage may not be a problem others shouldn't be forced to marry in order to permanently live somewhere else.
Democracy
The agree with the quote "The capacity of people for good makes democracy desirable; their capacity for evil makes democracy necessary". People in an ultimately ideal society would always put others wants and needs before their own. This would mean that selfishness would be nonexistant. In the real world, most peoples' intent is not to harm others, yet in the process of advancing their own desires, society often puts other people at risk. Democracy is necessary in the sense that the majority of people will be pleased if the majority of people are listened to.
This article from the New York Times relates to the "democracy rules" in the United States decision to form a democracy in Iraq.
The Link Between Internet and Television
In this day and age, the Internet is one of societies main forms of connection. Although radio and television may have once played a large roll in American traditions, the Internet is beginning to take over. Not only are people signing on to chat rooms and posting blogs about their day-to-day events and emotions, but they are also writing about what they view on television. The connection between television and the Internet are being more strongly linked. People are now watching television shows such as American Idol, the Olympics, the Superbowl, and various award shows and blogging about them. Humans are naturally inclined to want contact with other humans in order to feel that they are being heard. This feeling of importance also gives many people an outlet to vent to others. Connection amongst other people is very important in personal growth and understanding of other peoples' views.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence can happen to anyone. Just in the past 10 years or so, the laws have gotten a lot tighter. People now that commit this horrible crime are getting a lot more time in jail. Domestic violence can make families, friends, and the people that it happen to, shut down. Connections with other people can end up being very hard to make. A lot of the time the person who the domestic violence has happen to don't know what to do, so they end up just keeping everything to themselves. They are embarrassed, don't know where to go, or even feel like it was there fault. I have done a lot of research on this topic for many reasons. If any one is interested in reading more about this subject or know someone that is going through this problem here are a few websites to check out. One being my personal blog that has lots of info on this subject (click here). The next one being a website that I found very useful for information (click here). If you just remember one thing about this post that should be that no one should ever have to go through this. It changes people who have been through this. If you know this is happening to someone please speak up. They may not at the time think you are helping them, but really you are saving their lives.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Passports required for going to a different country
As much as we love exploring and meeting new people it can be quite difficult to visit other countries.Lots of us love the idea of traveling somewhere and learning about other cultures.Many places like Europe,aren't very hard to travel to.You can just use your US passport, travel there and come back.But other places like in the middle east can get a bit more difficult.There is a long process that you have to go through to visit if you don't have a passport for the country you're trying to travel to.It may take years to be able to travel there and because of that many people who would like to go there don't even try.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Crony capitalism
In order to enable more jobs to exist the recovery act was created by Obama awarding one of three major window company’s money to create jobs. Serious Materials is not the only window company to manufacture energy efficient windows but yet they are the only company awarded this due to its political ties. In turn this effects the thousands employed at other major window company’s. I think of this in a more general aspect, it starts with window company’s receiving money but turns into food, auto transportation ect. So one can only imagine the effects on people’s social life when you can no longer trust in the security of your employer.check this vid out
California's Anti Paparazzi Law Signed
For many years, celebrities and socialites have petitioned to have an Anti-Paparazzi Law signed. Jennifer Aniston has been a strong force behind this law. Civil penalties are to be enforced behind those who sell or buy videos or photographs of people including celebrities and their families. Endangering families and children of celebrities is one of the main points that pushed Governor Schwarzenegger over the edge and convinced him to sign this law. Princess Diana, for example, was killed by a paparazzi crashing into her car. This policy limits the connection that media outlets and paparazzi have with celebrities.
This article from the Huffington Post further explains this law.
Immature Republicans Crippling Congress
The Republicans' latest strategy in congress to filibuster and reject anything and everything proposed by the Democrats, even if they agree with them, is immature and crippling to our democratic process. Both sides of congress must find some common ground and connect with one another or we'll have no hope for progress. I find it amazing that grown men are capable of immaturity levels comparable to those of high school students. I don't see any solution for this problem other than for the Republicans to grow-up, and stop being so stubborn and characteristically closed-minded. We have real problems right now, and this juvenile behavior is not helping.
California Prop 8 Affects Same-Sex Couples from Forming Connections...
Proposition 8 (or the California Marriage Protection Act) was a ballot proposition and constitutional amendment passed in the November 2008, state elections. The measure added a new provision, Section 7.5 of the Declaration of Rights, to the California Constitution. The new section reads:
“Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”
Per our assignment: "Find a law or policy that exists (preferably in your area of interest) that affects people's ability to form connections with others."
The California Marriage Protection Act affects homosexual's ability to unite in marriage similar to heterosexuals. To Learn more about Proposition 8 from an unbiased perspective, click here.
Society and Their Views on Drunk Driving and Hit and Run
On Saturday night Feb. 13, 2010 a man had been at Folsom City Slickers Bar and went outside to his car were two men had jumped him. This man (in the picture above) was a 58 year old, who has heart coniditions and a pacemaker. He managed to get away and get into his car where once again he was pulled out and beat some more. He got away once again and got into his car where when he had backed up, he caught his attacker with his door and ran him over. This man drove off and went staight home (about three blocks way) and called 911. Now I live in the apartments that is right behind this bar. Trust me I have heard so many different stories about this. Plus I know this family, I have grown up with his sons, who I have known for over 15 years. My sister was there when all of this happen. To me, two laws come into play with this one. Was the man drinking and driving? And was this a Hit and Run? The article from the website News10, has alot of people talking. It is funny how someones horrible nightmear can get a bunch of people that don't know each other talking about the same thing. To me, I don't think either of these two laws come into play. If you are getting beat to all hell you have that right to get out of there any way possible. As for the hit and run part, I still think it was all self defence. Why would anyone stop when there were two men who already pulled you out of the car once? You wouldn't, you would keep on going to make sure you were safe. Its these laws that can really get people talking and even to get people fighting in some cases. To read about this story please click here
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
"The Pursuit of Happiness" has several meanings to me.The Bill of Rights gives us the freedom to express ourselves,make our own decision and to live the life that we wish to live.We are given many great opportunities to pursue our passions and to become who we truly want to be.I don't believe that happiness comes from money or fame or power.I think it comes from good friends and family and from leading a good life.The struggles that we go through to achieve what we want make us more grateful and through that we find our own happiness.Above is a quote from the show One Tree Hill about finding your way and not forgetting who you are.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Happiness Synonymous With Freedom
I think the "pursuit of happiness" is a subjective idea. Every American has a different opinion about what happiness is. To me, happiness is being free; free to do what I want, when I want, as long as I don't impede on anyone else's freedom. Today, our society is governed by the ideals and traditions of what seems to be the majority, but these ideals often impede the freedom of those who's ideals differ. For example, I have no problem with every other American believing in a certain religion, but once their beliefs begin to govern how I live, I've lost my freedom.
Declaration of Independenca
To me the meaning of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness has a lot to do with the U.S holiday that celebrates the signing of the declaration of independence Making us part of an independent colony. This would be Independence Day July, 4 I am talking about. This to me is the foundation of our vary ability to pursue any sort of an independence.
Monday, February 8, 2010
"What Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit Of Happiness Means To Me"
"THANK YOU!!!"
My feeling on life are; life is crazy! You get a million hands dealt to you and it is up to you to make the right choice. A lot of the time you may pick the wrong hand. For me, that is the story of my life. It is up to you to make those wrong hands right. When (like me) you have three kids, it is one of the hardest things to make sure you can show them the right way, so that they don't make the same mistakes you did.
As for what liberty means to mean; let just say "Thank God We Live In The U.S.A.!!" Thank you to all of those who are or have put their lives on the line to fight for our freedoms. Without you we would not have the freedoms that we all have today. To everyone out there my suggestion to you is, if you come across anyone that has or is fighting for all of those freedoms that we all take for granted, you should take the time out and say "THANK YOU!" It will only take a couple of minutes out of your time to do so. Cause remember with out them you would not have all of those freedoms you have today.
In the pursuit of happiness, mine and many others being a higher education. Obama has a new plan for student loans. As it was put in "The New York Times" an overhaul on student loans. His plan to help students receive more of the loan by not having to pay the banks. For the loan to come straight from the government and take out the middle man (meaning the banks). This was posted in the "The New York Times" on February 4, 2010. To read this please click here!!
In the photo on the left, The Education Secretary, Arne Duncan said " The lending industry's lobbying campaign has been anticipated."
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