I see this article by The Telegraph about alleged American involvement in the uprisings and rebellions in Cairo, Egypt, and I think to myself, "This isn't the first time..."
Sadly, the United States has backed rebellious groups in countries, particularly Iran, to overthrow or undermine the government. So, these accusations aren't all that surprising. I think the United States needs to stop trying to install democratic governments across the globe - you can't force people to do what you want and have happy nations. The United States is a protector and support of democracies; this does not mean we have the right to go to other countries and impose our ideals and beliefs on them because we believe that democracy is the only way to go. This just makes our relations with the international community that much more tense and difficult.
Oh WikiLeaks.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Compare:
2011 State of the Union Address
"Where does it go after the words are spoken?" That's what I heard while watching the live stream of Wall Street Journal commentators online.
After an "uplifting" speech from our President, what action is actually going to be taken?
I enjoyed the central theme of the speech - to come together and do what is necessary, not popular. To be quite honest, his words about the banks really reminded me of FDR and his trust-busting. But, is it really Main Street vs. Wall Street again? I thought the President wanted to bring everyone together - "one country, one people." So, why bring up that argument again.
"It's because of this spirit, this great decency and great strength, that I have never been so hopeful about America's future than I am tonight," says President Obama. And then, a standing ovation is given. Then, Vice President Biden starts to clap a few minutes later, but nobody joins him. It's so funny.
On the other hand, Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin had an all-too-realistic speech. I don't think he did nearly as good of a job reaching out and connecting with the American people. I, personally, liked some of the ideas he talked about, especially limited government. But, why does the GOP have such a hard time connecting with the masses? Not the Tea-Party fanatics, the general population of the U.S.
P.S. Vice President Biden...You can't start nodding at President Obama's speech in the first 3 minutes of his speech when he hasn't said anything of real substance yet.
Click HERE for an interesting article about Mr. President's "facts" in his speech.
After an "uplifting" speech from our President, what action is actually going to be taken?
I enjoyed the central theme of the speech - to come together and do what is necessary, not popular. To be quite honest, his words about the banks really reminded me of FDR and his trust-busting. But, is it really Main Street vs. Wall Street again? I thought the President wanted to bring everyone together - "one country, one people." So, why bring up that argument again.
"It's because of this spirit, this great decency and great strength, that I have never been so hopeful about America's future than I am tonight," says President Obama. And then, a standing ovation is given. Then, Vice President Biden starts to clap a few minutes later, but nobody joins him. It's so funny.
On the other hand, Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin had an all-too-realistic speech. I don't think he did nearly as good of a job reaching out and connecting with the American people. I, personally, liked some of the ideas he talked about, especially limited government. But, why does the GOP have such a hard time connecting with the masses? Not the Tea-Party fanatics, the general population of the U.S.
P.S. Vice President Biden...You can't start nodding at President Obama's speech in the first 3 minutes of his speech when he hasn't said anything of real substance yet.
Click HERE for an interesting article about Mr. President's "facts" in his speech.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Whose Place is It, Anyways?
Schools. We go to school to learn. We go to school to gather the fundamentals to build upon them later in life and to develop our own perspective on the world. I don't go to school to hear teachers telling me what to believe or what not to believe. It's ultimately my decision.
Some teachers I've had are excellent at maintaining an apolitical standpoint during class discussions in classes such as AP U.S. History. But, it really bothers me when other teachers start to interject their own political biases and opinions. It's okay to take jabs at certain political parties, as long as you're making the equal amount of jabs at the other political parties. There has to be a balance of some sort, don't you think? If someone bashes CNN and MSNBC, then it's only fair to bash Fox News. When I can't figure out what political orientation a teacher has, I think that the teacher has succeeded in teaching me what I need to know - no more, no less. But, when I tell my friends, "Oh, yeah. That teacher bashes ____ all the time. They must be of _____ party," I think there's something wrong.
I know in elementary schools, high schools, and colleges across the nation, there are probably teachers who aren't necessarily doing their job. They step over the boundaries. But, how do kids stand up to that? Tell their parents? What about handling it on their own? Have we created a society where it's not okay to stand up in a classroom and say that you don't agree that abortion is the right way to go?
Perhaps. And if we have created such a society, then what do we do. Democracy is all about majority rule, but minority rights. Let's not forget that.
Some teachers I've had are excellent at maintaining an apolitical standpoint during class discussions in classes such as AP U.S. History. But, it really bothers me when other teachers start to interject their own political biases and opinions. It's okay to take jabs at certain political parties, as long as you're making the equal amount of jabs at the other political parties. There has to be a balance of some sort, don't you think? If someone bashes CNN and MSNBC, then it's only fair to bash Fox News. When I can't figure out what political orientation a teacher has, I think that the teacher has succeeded in teaching me what I need to know - no more, no less. But, when I tell my friends, "Oh, yeah. That teacher bashes ____ all the time. They must be of _____ party," I think there's something wrong.
I know in elementary schools, high schools, and colleges across the nation, there are probably teachers who aren't necessarily doing their job. They step over the boundaries. But, how do kids stand up to that? Tell their parents? What about handling it on their own? Have we created a society where it's not okay to stand up in a classroom and say that you don't agree that abortion is the right way to go?
Perhaps. And if we have created such a society, then what do we do. Democracy is all about majority rule, but minority rights. Let's not forget that.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
'Ole Huck Finn
People ban books. People censor inappropriate images. But, I don't think it's really necessary to take out the "n-word" from the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain. Yes, in the 21st century we're not allowed to use the "n-word" against African-American people because it's quite offensive. I completely agree.
But Twain's infamous masterpiece was written in the 19th century, when it was normal to refer to people of black color as "n-word." So, this idea to continue reprinting of controversial novels such as this is ridiculous. We could be spending our time doing other things, no? It just shocks me that parents would sue a high school over requiring their child to read this book full of "racial slurs." Yes. In the 19th century, slavery was still a very real thing. It seems that everyone in today's society wants to sue everyone else when something bothers them - it can be anything from a cup of tea that's too hot and burns their tongue to a simple book. I think people today are just too self-involved and lack common sense. It's okay to have these characteristics, but at least recognize you have them.
But Twain's infamous masterpiece was written in the 19th century, when it was normal to refer to people of black color as "n-word." So, this idea to continue reprinting of controversial novels such as this is ridiculous. We could be spending our time doing other things, no? It just shocks me that parents would sue a high school over requiring their child to read this book full of "racial slurs." Yes. In the 19th century, slavery was still a very real thing. It seems that everyone in today's society wants to sue everyone else when something bothers them - it can be anything from a cup of tea that's too hot and burns their tongue to a simple book. I think people today are just too self-involved and lack common sense. It's okay to have these characteristics, but at least recognize you have them.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Operation: Embarass the Girl
Kids are cruel; we all get that.
At school, there's always assemblies on bullying. A rising threat in today's society is cyber-bullying/stalking. Just recently, two girls were arrested for the "stalking" of a minor under the age of 16. They created a fake Facebook profile, uploading inappropriate (some nude) pictures with the minor's face photo-shopped onto obscene images.
These two girls who allegedly created this fake profile thought it'd be funny; the poor victim was teased and tormented because of all the pictures and comments on the Facebook page. Boys are mean and violent, but girls can be just plain vicious.
We wonder why there is such a high depression rate and suicide rate amongst teenagers and young adults here in the United States - this is why. People don't respect each other anymore and the internet is often used as a means of targeting people anonymously. So these two girls call this kind of hoax a joke. I think it's a joke that they're making fun of their former "friend," but in the end, they were caught and they're in legal trouble. Did they really have nothing better to do with their time than to make a fake Facebook profile?
Somebody sounds a little insecure.
For more info, click here.
At school, there's always assemblies on bullying. A rising threat in today's society is cyber-bullying/stalking. Just recently, two girls were arrested for the "stalking" of a minor under the age of 16. They created a fake Facebook profile, uploading inappropriate (some nude) pictures with the minor's face photo-shopped onto obscene images.
These two girls who allegedly created this fake profile thought it'd be funny; the poor victim was teased and tormented because of all the pictures and comments on the Facebook page. Boys are mean and violent, but girls can be just plain vicious.
We wonder why there is such a high depression rate and suicide rate amongst teenagers and young adults here in the United States - this is why. People don't respect each other anymore and the internet is often used as a means of targeting people anonymously. So these two girls call this kind of hoax a joke. I think it's a joke that they're making fun of their former "friend," but in the end, they were caught and they're in legal trouble. Did they really have nothing better to do with their time than to make a fake Facebook profile?
Somebody sounds a little insecure.
For more info, click here.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Chinese Moms
If you haven't, yet, you should read the article on the Wall Street Journal about Chinese mothers; it's written by a Chinese mother, Amy Chua, who is a professor at Yale Law School.
Essentially, it talks about her approach to disciplining and raising her two daughters, instilling certain values in them. Personally, I think she's over the top. If you look at the list of the things her daughters CAN'T do, they include: 1) no going to sleepovers 2) no participating in school plays 3) not complaining about not being in the school plays 4) never being allowed to get lower than an A on anything...and the list really does go on and on.
What I was more interested in was the fundamental differences between "Chinese" or Asian cultures and Western cultures is that Asian moms aren't afraid to tell their kids the truth. These days, people in the U.S. are all about being sensitive to people's feelings. You NEVER tell someone they're fat, even though they may be overweight and you're just looking out for them. People need to hear the truth. And you know what? THE TRUTH HURTS.
A lot of Western parents are okay with B+'s, B's, and B-'s. I know that was never the case at my house; no B's allowed - really. It really instills this idea that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it. Like Professor Chua says, you don't start to like something until you're good at it. So, instead of allowing your kids to be complacent and accept mediocrity, sometimes you have to push your kids a little to help them to understand that value of hard work.
You have to find a balance.
Essentially, it talks about her approach to disciplining and raising her two daughters, instilling certain values in them. Personally, I think she's over the top. If you look at the list of the things her daughters CAN'T do, they include: 1) no going to sleepovers 2) no participating in school plays 3) not complaining about not being in the school plays 4) never being allowed to get lower than an A on anything...and the list really does go on and on.
What I was more interested in was the fundamental differences between "Chinese" or Asian cultures and Western cultures is that Asian moms aren't afraid to tell their kids the truth. These days, people in the U.S. are all about being sensitive to people's feelings. You NEVER tell someone they're fat, even though they may be overweight and you're just looking out for them. People need to hear the truth. And you know what? THE TRUTH HURTS.
A lot of Western parents are okay with B+'s, B's, and B-'s. I know that was never the case at my house; no B's allowed - really. It really instills this idea that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it. Like Professor Chua says, you don't start to like something until you're good at it. So, instead of allowing your kids to be complacent and accept mediocrity, sometimes you have to push your kids a little to help them to understand that value of hard work.
You have to find a balance.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Arizona Rep. Shot
Democratic Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords has been shot while holding a small event at a Safeway in Tuscon. A gunman came up and shot her in the head from four feet away.
I'm ashamed to say that the gunman, who is now in custody, is reportedly in his "late teens or early 20s" by NPR. My generation really just thinks impulsively. Why did he shoot her? I have no idea what his motives are. What I do know is that you can't just go and shoot someone because you're unhappy with the status quo or because you're unhappy in general. If you're angry at a government official or policies being implemented, you write letters and formally address your concerns. You find some kind of diplomatic and peaceful way to get your message across.
Why do people think that just because you kill someone, the issue goes away? Is it some kind of attempt at becoming a symbolic martyr? You just seem like a fool, perhaps ruining things for the group of people who are trying to deal with the same issues in a more direct and calm way.
I pray for Rep. Giffords.
I'm ashamed to say that the gunman, who is now in custody, is reportedly in his "late teens or early 20s" by NPR. My generation really just thinks impulsively. Why did he shoot her? I have no idea what his motives are. What I do know is that you can't just go and shoot someone because you're unhappy with the status quo or because you're unhappy in general. If you're angry at a government official or policies being implemented, you write letters and formally address your concerns. You find some kind of diplomatic and peaceful way to get your message across.
Why do people think that just because you kill someone, the issue goes away? Is it some kind of attempt at becoming a symbolic martyr? You just seem like a fool, perhaps ruining things for the group of people who are trying to deal with the same issues in a more direct and calm way.
I pray for Rep. Giffords.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Shift in Power
There's a new Speaker of the House. The Republican party holds the majority in the House. I see more of a balance, now, in the government. Remember, there has to be a balance of power here.
So, why are Democrats so outraged and so determined to put Nancy Pelosi back into her old position? Maybe they're scared that Obama's absurd plans won't be passed now...Regardless, the people have spoken. They obviously are displeased with the "change" Obama and his adminstration have brought; get it? A change from the change.
Sometimes, I think that people forget that these representatives and senators are supposed to be the speakers for the people they represent. They have to always take into consideration what the people of their state or district want and be that voice in government to relay the people's desires to the people in charge. But, along the way, I think it becomes more of a power struggle and what each party wants, not necessarily what the people want.
So, why are Democrats so outraged and so determined to put Nancy Pelosi back into her old position? Maybe they're scared that Obama's absurd plans won't be passed now...Regardless, the people have spoken. They obviously are displeased with the "change" Obama and his adminstration have brought; get it? A change from the change.
Sometimes, I think that people forget that these representatives and senators are supposed to be the speakers for the people they represent. They have to always take into consideration what the people of their state or district want and be that voice in government to relay the people's desires to the people in charge. But, along the way, I think it becomes more of a power struggle and what each party wants, not necessarily what the people want.
Monday, January 3, 2011
The Correct Term
What's more appropriate:"illegal alien" or "undocumented immigrant"?
I think that the people who come to the United States, crossing our borders, illegally, are illegal aliens. They are not simply undocumented immigrants. They are criminals who have crossed the border, cutting the other people who get green cards, apply for citizenship, and are waiting in line. Why soften it up and change the term to undocumented immigrant? Leo Laurence of Quill Magazine made some silly remark saying that the Society of Professional Journalists is advocating the changing the term "illegal immigrant" because it is politically incorrect.
Silly Leo. It's funny that the Society of Professional Journalists then goes to publish a note on its website: "The views expressed by Leo Laurence in Quill Magazine, SPJ's Diversity Committee blog "Who's News," and on subsequent television programs are his personal opinion and do not reflect the views of SPJ nor its Diversity Committee. Contrary to what has been reported, SPJ has not engaged in any initiative to end the use of the term 'illegal immigrant.'"
Is it a crime to come into the United States illegally, even if it's just so that he/she and his/her family can have a better life?
Yes.
I think that the people who come to the United States, crossing our borders, illegally, are illegal aliens. They are not simply undocumented immigrants. They are criminals who have crossed the border, cutting the other people who get green cards, apply for citizenship, and are waiting in line. Why soften it up and change the term to undocumented immigrant? Leo Laurence of Quill Magazine made some silly remark saying that the Society of Professional Journalists is advocating the changing the term "illegal immigrant" because it is politically incorrect.
Silly Leo. It's funny that the Society of Professional Journalists then goes to publish a note on its website: "The views expressed by Leo Laurence in Quill Magazine, SPJ's Diversity Committee blog "Who's News," and on subsequent television programs are his personal opinion and do not reflect the views of SPJ nor its Diversity Committee. Contrary to what has been reported, SPJ has not engaged in any initiative to end the use of the term 'illegal immigrant.'"
Is it a crime to come into the United States illegally, even if it's just so that he/she and his/her family can have a better life?
Yes.
