Laina, my dog, eats grass and a lot of it. I have no idea why she does it and I have not really seen many other dogs eat as much grass as she does. In fact her nickname is "brown cow." It must be an ingrained habit, maybe it was way she satiated her thirst as a puppy because she was deprived of water, or maybe she has just always found that grass had a sapid quality to it. Whatever the reason, I am not Laina, so I will never know or understand why she does it. It is something I have to live with and accept. Now granted, I am talking about a dog so I should not understand, but the underlying principle is that she is different and no I should not understand. But not understanding someone or something does not mean we can not be sympathetic or empathetic to their cause.
It is with this idea in mind, that I dedicate this blog to the UC Berkeley Republicans. You might have heard about their bake sale designed to mock the attributes of affirmative action. Not only was this idea ludicrous and offensive, rightly so to many, it also highlights this student group's complete inability to remotely understand the differences and circumstances of others. By adding the story of my dog, I hoped to make a simple comparison that even the Berkeley Republicans could understand, by using an animal I hope to quietly make a point about how this reflects their feeling about humanity in general. (oops, that cat's out of the bag) So in anticipation of the fact that they still might not get it, I am going to make a short business plan (that is what young republicans specialize in usually anyways right?) highlighting my Reverse Affirmative Action Bake Sale, right here on my blog below. (haha I have no idea how to make a business plan, I am a humanities person) So, here goes:
I will only sell Red Velvet Cupcakes and the base price will be $5.00, depending on which how much ease you live your life, that value will be subtracted from the cupcakes to display the advantages you are so lucky to receive in your quest for the top-
Some background info on Berkeley's undergraduate student body from Fall 2010- 53% are women and 47% are men, 4% were Black, 1% Native American, a whopping 43% were Asian, 13% Hispanic, 33% White, and 8% ethnicity unknown.86% were from California. Yearly tuition this year is +$34,000. GPA range for freshman are 3.76-4.0
So if you are a White or Asian male or female, take off $.50, you most like come from a suburban school, so, minus another $.50 for that, outfitted with modern technology and all of your needs.
White Black Asian Hispanic American Indian Other
Cupcake Price 4.00 5.00 4.00 5.00 5.00 5.00
Take off another $.50 if you are NOT a first generation college student, and another $.50 if you are NOT receiving a Pell Grant because you are poor.
White Black Asian Hispanic American Indian Other
Cupcake Price 3.00 5.00 3.00 5.00 5.00 5.00
Now, lets add $.50 if you grew up in a single parent household, another $.50 if you are a first generation college student. We will top that off with another $.50 if you are the only one in your household who speaks English, and another $.50 if you went to a ghetto urban school where you were fearful on your walk to or from school.
White Black Asian Hispanic American Indian Other
Cupcake Price 3.00 6.50 3.50-4.00 7.00 6.50 6.50
Now obviously this a rough projection, since I have other things to do, like listen to NPR and make croissants in my kitchen, in a good neighborhood, on a lake in relative comfort. Anyways my comfortableness is besides the point, what is the point is the price difference in my demonstration. I think it too nice. I could add in a comparison of unemployment rates relative to Berkeley's stats, along with medicare and medicaid rates, etc.. I think African Americans and Hispanics find it more than just 2x harder to get by than their white suburban counterparts. But to argue that they are granted equal opportunities as you, Berkeley Republicans, is just laughable. To suggest that their road to Berkeley is paved in gold is an insult to them, their mentors, families, and in general humanity. It is delusional to think that you are being discriminated, that your life is harder. America is the land of opportunity for everyone, not just those who have an easy way to get there. It is the accessibility of the opportunity that is at stake, not their ability or relative success at getting through that opportunity. So the next time you decided that your snarky little experiment is a good idea, why don't you head over to LA and visit and inner city school and then tell me you are right.
Me
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
The Dichotomy of Truth
My masters thesis consisted of 113 pages, contained 322 footnotes, which were all garnered from 38 different sources. Now all of this was just for my simple little masters thesis, which took me a little less than one whole year to complete and subsequently defend. The thesis is of little to no consequence to anybody but myself and possibly my advising professor, thought I am sure he has already forgotten about it. However, it was what is required of many people who go on for advanced degrees. It proves we can manufacture an original idea, or thesis, and do the work required to back it up and defend it, which is the ultimate proof that we are not that crazy. But, here is the little secret, when you sit down to really do it, finding and doing the research is actually enjoyable and not that hard. The fact that your research contributes to the evidence that you are not completely insane with your thesis, makes it all the more rewarding. It is with this thought in mind that I am politely requesting our politicians to please stop outright lying. No, I am demanding it.
Had I been disingenuous or dishonest with my research I would have failed, period. Two years of studying down the drain, years of tuition money wasted, and more importantly my reputation damaged beyond repair. I could never return to another "reputable" school. Not to mention I have a conscious. So, as I stated before, all of my work is of zero consequence to anybody but me, how come if I mess up I have a higher price to pay then lets say Michele Bachmann? Beginning simply, a quick Google search of John Wayne or Waterloo, Iowa for that matter would have given her ample proof that, in fact she did not have the correct information when she stated the famous western star was also from Waterloo, Iowa. Somebody in her camp should have been fired, or she should have been discredited. Further proof of her inability to tell the truth was her ludicrous statement that the HPV vaccine causes mental retardation. The John Wayne lie, or misinformation, was just a plain little white lie, no harm, no foul. The HPV vaccine lie has the potential to harm many young women's lives throughout the country. If I ever contributed to a lie that could potentially cause the death of one person, I could not live with myself. But, then again, as also stated earlier, I have a conscious.
Going back to my original point, why are we letting opportunistic politicians make false statements that have the potential to cause great harm? Is it because some of us just plainly do not want to hear the truth? Those little truths that might add a little inconvenience to our lives are so repugnant to many, is utterly mind blowing to me. Which brings me to the Rick Perry phenomenon. I would love to see the research for his book, when I say research, what I mean by that is the notes he wrote on his research before he wrote his damning book filled with claims about Americans being lied to. It is just as near as the bible to some people, who take his word as seriously as the gospel. Then again, he tells the certain population out there what they want to hear, double for his debates. Lets take his claim that many scientists are now questioning the claim that climate change is caused by human beings. Now, I believe that got just a "False" rating on politifact, but it should have gotten a "Pants on Fire" rating in my opinion. If you read the research that politifact does for you, you come across the 2010 study by the US National Academy of Science. Their study found that out of the 1,372 climate researchers a gigantic 97-98% of them have recently written that they in fact do believe climate change is caused by human beings. Why can he make that claim without any repercussions?
Now to get down to it, I am a moderate. You search moderates, Jon Huntsman, our president, and people like David Brooks or Paul Krugman (who admittedly is very liberal, but I do love him!), do they have "False" claims, yeah, but nothing outrageous that puts the health of people or the world at stake and in grave danger. Honestly. I did 15 minutes of research for this post and realized that no, not every politician does this. In fact, many of them do not. Why are we letting the quack jobs and nut-bags (do not get me started Palin) take over our political rhetoric. As an American I am totally ashamed at what comes out of there mouth. As a moderate I am confused as to why someone like Jon Huntsman is not taken more seriously, when he is the most contentious of what he is saying. As an over-educated waitress, I am becoming increasingly bitter that politicians who are not even qualified to take orders at McDonalds are continually looked up to and actually encouraged to behave the way they do. But then again, as I said before, I have a conscious.
Had I been disingenuous or dishonest with my research I would have failed, period. Two years of studying down the drain, years of tuition money wasted, and more importantly my reputation damaged beyond repair. I could never return to another "reputable" school. Not to mention I have a conscious. So, as I stated before, all of my work is of zero consequence to anybody but me, how come if I mess up I have a higher price to pay then lets say Michele Bachmann? Beginning simply, a quick Google search of John Wayne or Waterloo, Iowa for that matter would have given her ample proof that, in fact she did not have the correct information when she stated the famous western star was also from Waterloo, Iowa. Somebody in her camp should have been fired, or she should have been discredited. Further proof of her inability to tell the truth was her ludicrous statement that the HPV vaccine causes mental retardation. The John Wayne lie, or misinformation, was just a plain little white lie, no harm, no foul. The HPV vaccine lie has the potential to harm many young women's lives throughout the country. If I ever contributed to a lie that could potentially cause the death of one person, I could not live with myself. But, then again, as also stated earlier, I have a conscious.
Going back to my original point, why are we letting opportunistic politicians make false statements that have the potential to cause great harm? Is it because some of us just plainly do not want to hear the truth? Those little truths that might add a little inconvenience to our lives are so repugnant to many, is utterly mind blowing to me. Which brings me to the Rick Perry phenomenon. I would love to see the research for his book, when I say research, what I mean by that is the notes he wrote on his research before he wrote his damning book filled with claims about Americans being lied to. It is just as near as the bible to some people, who take his word as seriously as the gospel. Then again, he tells the certain population out there what they want to hear, double for his debates. Lets take his claim that many scientists are now questioning the claim that climate change is caused by human beings. Now, I believe that got just a "False" rating on politifact, but it should have gotten a "Pants on Fire" rating in my opinion. If you read the research that politifact does for you, you come across the 2010 study by the US National Academy of Science. Their study found that out of the 1,372 climate researchers a gigantic 97-98% of them have recently written that they in fact do believe climate change is caused by human beings. Why can he make that claim without any repercussions?
Now to get down to it, I am a moderate. You search moderates, Jon Huntsman, our president, and people like David Brooks or Paul Krugman (who admittedly is very liberal, but I do love him!), do they have "False" claims, yeah, but nothing outrageous that puts the health of people or the world at stake and in grave danger. Honestly. I did 15 minutes of research for this post and realized that no, not every politician does this. In fact, many of them do not. Why are we letting the quack jobs and nut-bags (do not get me started Palin) take over our political rhetoric. As an American I am totally ashamed at what comes out of there mouth. As a moderate I am confused as to why someone like Jon Huntsman is not taken more seriously, when he is the most contentious of what he is saying. As an over-educated waitress, I am becoming increasingly bitter that politicians who are not even qualified to take orders at McDonalds are continually looked up to and actually encouraged to behave the way they do. But then again, as I said before, I have a conscious.
Friday, September 23, 2011
What are we doing?
Perhaps you have heard of Edmund Burke, if not, he is most commonly know as the founder of modern conservatism. He we a 18th century philosopher who was a great admirer of the American Revolution and a unyielding critic of the French Revolution. If you are unfamiliar with his work, then you must be asking yourself, "What is the difference?" The answer is easy. It is simply, extremism. He revered the American practice of forming their institutions and constitution on the ancient traditions of Great Britain. He hated the French for slaughtering their nobility with the guillotine and for tearing down and dismembering all of France's ancient institutions and traditions. His philosophy is the bases for why American Conservatives, after 1917, despised communists and communist revolutionaries who were prevalent in Latin America in the 1960's and 1970's.
Poor Edmund Burke. He must be rolling in his grave today. I say these words with a keen eye on not only our politicians, but also the American citizens who are so intent on letting their manufactured anger continue to be their guiding principle. To understand my own personal fear, all one must do is listen to the national discourse, the political debates, and the never ending line of talking heads. It is found in the cheering of those at the recent Republican debates about how many people have been executed, or cheering at the example of the 30 year old man dying for lack of insurance, or the incessant name callings and inability of our government to do anything. The old cliche that moderation is the key is not a lie, or a fallacy. As Burke so aptly states, "social and civil freedom, like all other things in common life, are variously mixed and modified, enjoyed in very different degrees, and shapes into an infinite diversity of forms, according to the temper and circumstances of every community." So people, why all the tension?
We do not always have to agree on everything every politician says and does, but there is NO doubt in my mind that we should also believe that, like us, they want to see America succeed. I might not have agreed with 90% of what George W. Bush did, but did I for one minute think that he wanted to see the destruction of America or that his policies were created for the express purpose of killing our economy. I feel the same way about President Obama, Paul Ryan, Dick Durban, and many more. However, in the same breath, what scares the ever living day lights out of me is the fact that we have politicians surfacing whom I truly believe are only looking out for themselves. Demagogues in the Huey Long and Joe McCarthy fashion. People who enjoy the power and hearing applause. Never before, really, has this been an issue. Americans have always had moderate characters looking out for their best interest, knights in shining armor like; William F. Buckley, Irving Kristol, Arthur Schlesinger Jr., and Huber Humphrey. Today, sadly those voices are being drown out by the applause of those, who do not understand that in politics, as Burke also says, "It is no excuse for presumptuous ignorance, that is directed by insolent passion."
In that sense and without protections from influential writers, journalist, academics, and politicians, to keep these extremist in check, it falls on the American people. The true "silent majority" and "vital center." Princeton Historian Sean Wilentz wrote a piece for the New Yorker in 2010, discussing the root of extremism in today's America. Also lamenting the disappearance of reason he states, "In the absence of forthright leadership, on both the right and the left, the job of standing up to extremists appears to have been left to the electorate." What is the consequence if no one rises to the challenge? I do not even want to imagine. For I do not want any part of a world were compassion and compromise are ugly words. Or where moral judgement of others is the norm and people are excluded from opportunity and living life to the fullest because they simply adhere to a different religion, have a different skin color or sexual orientation. I do not want to be a part of a world that applauds record breaking executions or full of people who are too quick to say "I told you so" instead of offering up a helping hand.
Let's stand up for humanity, for democracy, and for what the United States of America has always stood for and let's be the community, one nation indivisible, that our Founding Fathers wanted us to be.
Poor Edmund Burke. He must be rolling in his grave today. I say these words with a keen eye on not only our politicians, but also the American citizens who are so intent on letting their manufactured anger continue to be their guiding principle. To understand my own personal fear, all one must do is listen to the national discourse, the political debates, and the never ending line of talking heads. It is found in the cheering of those at the recent Republican debates about how many people have been executed, or cheering at the example of the 30 year old man dying for lack of insurance, or the incessant name callings and inability of our government to do anything. The old cliche that moderation is the key is not a lie, or a fallacy. As Burke so aptly states, "social and civil freedom, like all other things in common life, are variously mixed and modified, enjoyed in very different degrees, and shapes into an infinite diversity of forms, according to the temper and circumstances of every community." So people, why all the tension?
We do not always have to agree on everything every politician says and does, but there is NO doubt in my mind that we should also believe that, like us, they want to see America succeed. I might not have agreed with 90% of what George W. Bush did, but did I for one minute think that he wanted to see the destruction of America or that his policies were created for the express purpose of killing our economy. I feel the same way about President Obama, Paul Ryan, Dick Durban, and many more. However, in the same breath, what scares the ever living day lights out of me is the fact that we have politicians surfacing whom I truly believe are only looking out for themselves. Demagogues in the Huey Long and Joe McCarthy fashion. People who enjoy the power and hearing applause. Never before, really, has this been an issue. Americans have always had moderate characters looking out for their best interest, knights in shining armor like; William F. Buckley, Irving Kristol, Arthur Schlesinger Jr., and Huber Humphrey. Today, sadly those voices are being drown out by the applause of those, who do not understand that in politics, as Burke also says, "It is no excuse for presumptuous ignorance, that is directed by insolent passion."
In that sense and without protections from influential writers, journalist, academics, and politicians, to keep these extremist in check, it falls on the American people. The true "silent majority" and "vital center." Princeton Historian Sean Wilentz wrote a piece for the New Yorker in 2010, discussing the root of extremism in today's America. Also lamenting the disappearance of reason he states, "In the absence of forthright leadership, on both the right and the left, the job of standing up to extremists appears to have been left to the electorate." What is the consequence if no one rises to the challenge? I do not even want to imagine. For I do not want any part of a world were compassion and compromise are ugly words. Or where moral judgement of others is the norm and people are excluded from opportunity and living life to the fullest because they simply adhere to a different religion, have a different skin color or sexual orientation. I do not want to be a part of a world that applauds record breaking executions or full of people who are too quick to say "I told you so" instead of offering up a helping hand.
Let's stand up for humanity, for democracy, and for what the United States of America has always stood for and let's be the community, one nation indivisible, that our Founding Fathers wanted us to be.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
The Young American
On the verge of turning 29, I have not had a real full-time job for three years. I quit my job by choice, mostly because I wanted out before my paychecks started to bounce and because I was not happy. I went back to school, got my masters and now I join the ranks of the chronically under-employed young adults in America. However, I am one of the lucky ones, for now. I am substitute teaching, married, and have the ability to coach volleyball, which I do not really enjoy but at least I can make a few extra bucks. But, what about all the others similar to me? The single (because they cannot afford to get married), chronically under-employed or unemployed.
I just read an article, not two seconds ago, discussing the exact situation of us young adults, and let me key you in on the gist of it...our future my friends does not look particularly rosy. People from the age of 16-34 have the highest unemployment rate since WWII. Couple that with article I read last week informing me that if young American's are ever to retire, they need to save an average of $2 million, since we most likely will have little to no safety net. The same safety net that our baby boomer parents will suck dry. With all of this negative information coming at us, it is not time to wallow in our pitiful situations, it is time we demand that our politicians and government start listening to us, not some cantankerous old fart who is bitter, for some reason, beyond our wildest dreams.
Leaving government debt out of the equation...because honestly cutting taxes continuously, while fighting two wars and trying to dig out of a recession will do that to you. So what bothers me most about the whole situation...cue silver haired men and women, "I do not want my children and grandchildren paying our governments debt." This concern rings hollow, for me anyways, when young Americans are already paying for your mistakes with our meager or nonexistent job prospects.
As long as I can remember, young peoples opinions just have not had that much weight in most situations. I say we change that in 2012. Politicians should start catering to us...the young, the vital, the future. Thankfully, most of my family and friends in that age group are painfully politically aware. They know for what and who they stand for. I honestly am not sure I can say that for a majority of Americans my age. So please, I beg of you, ages 16-34, put down your game controller or can of Budweiser, turn off NASCAR or the NFL, and get out there. Experience the world, gain perspective (you obviously have the time) and start demanding someone listen to you, because quite frankly, we are the ones getting jacked by the politicians. Not grandma and grandpa. Whether you are Republican or a Democrat, if you want a job, want to know that you are actually working towards something ( a day when you do not have to get up and go to work) that you are also an important American demographic, and more importantly that you have just as much to offer, then you have to get off Mom and Dad's couch in the basement and get it together. We are at an age where we can speak for ourselves, so get out there and do it!
ps, Please, for everyone's sake, do not just vote for someone because they were on The Real World or WWE this is the kind of political action that invalidates our opinion. It is not that easy, nor should it be. You WILL have to research a little, but I promise it does not as much as you did in college.
I just read an article, not two seconds ago, discussing the exact situation of us young adults, and let me key you in on the gist of it...our future my friends does not look particularly rosy. People from the age of 16-34 have the highest unemployment rate since WWII. Couple that with article I read last week informing me that if young American's are ever to retire, they need to save an average of $2 million, since we most likely will have little to no safety net. The same safety net that our baby boomer parents will suck dry. With all of this negative information coming at us, it is not time to wallow in our pitiful situations, it is time we demand that our politicians and government start listening to us, not some cantankerous old fart who is bitter, for some reason, beyond our wildest dreams.
Leaving government debt out of the equation...because honestly cutting taxes continuously, while fighting two wars and trying to dig out of a recession will do that to you. So what bothers me most about the whole situation...cue silver haired men and women, "I do not want my children and grandchildren paying our governments debt." This concern rings hollow, for me anyways, when young Americans are already paying for your mistakes with our meager or nonexistent job prospects.
As long as I can remember, young peoples opinions just have not had that much weight in most situations. I say we change that in 2012. Politicians should start catering to us...the young, the vital, the future. Thankfully, most of my family and friends in that age group are painfully politically aware. They know for what and who they stand for. I honestly am not sure I can say that for a majority of Americans my age. So please, I beg of you, ages 16-34, put down your game controller or can of Budweiser, turn off NASCAR or the NFL, and get out there. Experience the world, gain perspective (you obviously have the time) and start demanding someone listen to you, because quite frankly, we are the ones getting jacked by the politicians. Not grandma and grandpa. Whether you are Republican or a Democrat, if you want a job, want to know that you are actually working towards something ( a day when you do not have to get up and go to work) that you are also an important American demographic, and more importantly that you have just as much to offer, then you have to get off Mom and Dad's couch in the basement and get it together. We are at an age where we can speak for ourselves, so get out there and do it!
ps, Please, for everyone's sake, do not just vote for someone because they were on The Real World or WWE this is the kind of political action that invalidates our opinion. It is not that easy, nor should it be. You WILL have to research a little, but I promise it does not as much as you did in college.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
American's can not handle the truth
In a July 2009 article in "Food and Wine" magazine, one writer conducted an experiment that he believed would essentially solve the debate of when to salt your meat. I know it sounds funny, but in the cooking world there are not many things debated so heatedly. In fact, it is such a contentious issue that you can divide most respected chefs into two categories. Those who believe in seasoning your meat the day before and those who believe in doing it right before cooking. Feelings on the issue are so strong, that the author alluded to the controversy as being almost ideological.
In his experiment the author, who himself was a 'salt the day before kind of a guy,' readied himself for either confirmation or the devastating news...that he could be wrong. His results, however, were very surprising. He found out, that there was more than one truth to the debate. While chicken and lamb needed to be salted the day before, beef and pork should be salted right before cooking. Therefore, in this ideological spat of when to salt, both sides were indeed correct. I know. You want to think this is an anomaly. How can both be right? We are in America for God's sake...there is only one truth.
Does this at all sound familiar? As more and more Americans draw their line, sign up under who they feel is right, and choose their battle leader we are getting further and further away from actually understanding the idea that there might be more than one truth. Why are we doing this and why does it seem to be getting worse? (Insert a political opportunists name here)
I remember as a kid that nobody really knew where others stood politically, unless at some union hall or church. Now everybody is declaring where they stand, almost like we are preparing for some final battle. We are openly criticizing our friends, family, and neighbors desperately hoping that we are the ones who are right. But, then what happens next. The last time in America we declared sides so fast and rigidly was during the civil war. For what? I hope we certainly do not want one political party leading the country. That my fellow citizens is not democracy, it is totalitarianism. I get it, people are hurting and struggling to get by, but is that an excuse to want to be right so badly that you are willing to hurt your communities and families? This political competition is going to far, the fact that it is already a competition proves that.
The story above is proof that in many circumstances there is more than one truth. In our political system there is more than one truth, and there always will be. We are a democracy after all, and designed to be that way. So why can we not reconcile our ideas, values, and beliefs with other ideas, values, and beliefs? Why are we drawing lines in the sand when we need to be pulling each other up instead of continuing to tear each other down. Do some of us honestly believe that politicians of the other ilk really want bad things for our country? I am heartbroken and confused as to why anybody, even a minority group would do this. Not to mention we are becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy, we are tying the hands and attacking the only entity that can and will help us, our own government Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. We have no idea what we want. Americans are like over-tired toddler. Too tired to sleep, to hungry to eat, and too thirsty too drink. We are now willing to, as my mother used to say, cut off our nose just to spite our faces.
Thousands of people have died in Libya in 2011 just to get a taste of what we have. What do we do? Well we are patiently waiting to tell our friends, family, and neighbors, "I told you so! HAHAHA! you were wrong!" Like it or not, we are a democracy, we have a constitution written in 1787 that trumps states rights, we have the federalist papers explaining why. Still there is no way we can ever properly convey or interpret what our founding fathers wanted or meant. But this, my friends is not it. They what did they fight for? What we can do is realize that there is more than one truth, more than one solution, more than one idea. Only by working together can we get out of the mess we are in. We can do the best we can to get by, alone and fail or together and succeed. I prefer we do this together.
In his experiment the author, who himself was a 'salt the day before kind of a guy,' readied himself for either confirmation or the devastating news...that he could be wrong. His results, however, were very surprising. He found out, that there was more than one truth to the debate. While chicken and lamb needed to be salted the day before, beef and pork should be salted right before cooking. Therefore, in this ideological spat of when to salt, both sides were indeed correct. I know. You want to think this is an anomaly. How can both be right? We are in America for God's sake...there is only one truth.
Does this at all sound familiar? As more and more Americans draw their line, sign up under who they feel is right, and choose their battle leader we are getting further and further away from actually understanding the idea that there might be more than one truth. Why are we doing this and why does it seem to be getting worse? (Insert a political opportunists name here)
I remember as a kid that nobody really knew where others stood politically, unless at some union hall or church. Now everybody is declaring where they stand, almost like we are preparing for some final battle. We are openly criticizing our friends, family, and neighbors desperately hoping that we are the ones who are right. But, then what happens next. The last time in America we declared sides so fast and rigidly was during the civil war. For what? I hope we certainly do not want one political party leading the country. That my fellow citizens is not democracy, it is totalitarianism. I get it, people are hurting and struggling to get by, but is that an excuse to want to be right so badly that you are willing to hurt your communities and families? This political competition is going to far, the fact that it is already a competition proves that.
The story above is proof that in many circumstances there is more than one truth. In our political system there is more than one truth, and there always will be. We are a democracy after all, and designed to be that way. So why can we not reconcile our ideas, values, and beliefs with other ideas, values, and beliefs? Why are we drawing lines in the sand when we need to be pulling each other up instead of continuing to tear each other down. Do some of us honestly believe that politicians of the other ilk really want bad things for our country? I am heartbroken and confused as to why anybody, even a minority group would do this. Not to mention we are becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy, we are tying the hands and attacking the only entity that can and will help us, our own government Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. We have no idea what we want. Americans are like over-tired toddler. Too tired to sleep, to hungry to eat, and too thirsty too drink. We are now willing to, as my mother used to say, cut off our nose just to spite our faces.
Thousands of people have died in Libya in 2011 just to get a taste of what we have. What do we do? Well we are patiently waiting to tell our friends, family, and neighbors, "I told you so! HAHAHA! you were wrong!" Like it or not, we are a democracy, we have a constitution written in 1787 that trumps states rights, we have the federalist papers explaining why. Still there is no way we can ever properly convey or interpret what our founding fathers wanted or meant. But this, my friends is not it. They what did they fight for? What we can do is realize that there is more than one truth, more than one solution, more than one idea. Only by working together can we get out of the mess we are in. We can do the best we can to get by, alone and fail or together and succeed. I prefer we do this together.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
American Dialogue
Today, David "Blow Your Mind" Brooks provided us with an op-ed that discussed the result of study done by a team of sociologists. The gist of this study was to determine the amount of moral thought in youth today. The study was on young adults 18-23. It is a shocking reflection of our society today.
A majority of the kids had trouble deciphering or, understanding for that matter, what exactly is a true moral issue. More upsetting is that they were unwilling to let peers, and other people in general, know when they were making a poor moral judgement, like doing drugs, driving drunk, or cheating, Most responded that, to each...their own. It gets better though. They also freely admitted that no matter what they are doing or deciding to do, that if it felt right, they would continue the act. Feeling good is better than doing what it right. The degree of moral relativism, to me, is utterly scary and it speaks volumes about our society today.
For example, look at our politicians. Last night in the debate, Michele Bachmann bluntly stated that Obama had stole $500 billion from medicare. That pretty much was an outright lie, but no on called her on it. Why? Relativism...she can make it sound like he stole it...to her, Obama stole it, to each their own. Do not even get me started on liberals, who sometimes are not even grounded in reality when they lay claim to these kinds of idiotic statements. But does this really affect the American public?
Yes! I fully believe this moral relativism resides in many American adults, similar to their children. It is plain to see in the comments readers leave in online articles. There is nothing more painful than reading these comments. I would rather be branded with a hot iron that says "property of Ed" than read those comments. Aside the fact that it is painful, it is also heartbreaking. Let me just give you two examples:
"Anyone on unemployment after 52 weeks should have to do something to continue receiving checks, let them clean streets, parks, schools and cut the grass, it may provide enough incentive to find a better job."
Now this cheeky example is from an article about poverty in America on the rise...Now dear readers, I have friends who have been out of work for years, and let me let you in on a little secret, it is not because of lack of trying, period. Not to mention they are chronically under-employed when they do get jobs. For this commenter, it does whatever makes them feel good. Putting down the poor and blaming them...really?
"Obama and democrats are pure evil"....This is another perfect example.
"Boehner got 98 percent of what he wanted in the debt ceiling bill.. screw the middle class , keep accepting his "cut" from his corporate masters take orders and then bark."
This gem refers to Boehner as a dog. Name calling...another example of why were are lower than the rest of the industrialized nations in education.
Anyways, back to my point. How can we demand morality from our children if it is something we simply do not possess. Does it feel good to blame everyone else for problems? Maybe if you truly believe that...but really who does. Name calling, blatant hate and disrespect for our system will not change America or bring about a return to economic prosperity. Here is a little secret my "old fashioned" parents taught me at a young age. If it feels good to do it and it is too easy to do, then it probably is not the right thing. So let me reiterate. Please get a hold of your senses, calm down, stop hating on Obama and Boehner (They really do take the brunt) and think about morality the way, I do not know, Jesus would.
A majority of the kids had trouble deciphering or, understanding for that matter, what exactly is a true moral issue. More upsetting is that they were unwilling to let peers, and other people in general, know when they were making a poor moral judgement, like doing drugs, driving drunk, or cheating, Most responded that, to each...their own. It gets better though. They also freely admitted that no matter what they are doing or deciding to do, that if it felt right, they would continue the act. Feeling good is better than doing what it right. The degree of moral relativism, to me, is utterly scary and it speaks volumes about our society today.
For example, look at our politicians. Last night in the debate, Michele Bachmann bluntly stated that Obama had stole $500 billion from medicare. That pretty much was an outright lie, but no on called her on it. Why? Relativism...she can make it sound like he stole it...to her, Obama stole it, to each their own. Do not even get me started on liberals, who sometimes are not even grounded in reality when they lay claim to these kinds of idiotic statements. But does this really affect the American public?
Yes! I fully believe this moral relativism resides in many American adults, similar to their children. It is plain to see in the comments readers leave in online articles. There is nothing more painful than reading these comments. I would rather be branded with a hot iron that says "property of Ed" than read those comments. Aside the fact that it is painful, it is also heartbreaking. Let me just give you two examples:
"Anyone on unemployment after 52 weeks should have to do something to continue receiving checks, let them clean streets, parks, schools and cut the grass, it may provide enough incentive to find a better job."
Now this cheeky example is from an article about poverty in America on the rise...Now dear readers, I have friends who have been out of work for years, and let me let you in on a little secret, it is not because of lack of trying, period. Not to mention they are chronically under-employed when they do get jobs. For this commenter, it does whatever makes them feel good. Putting down the poor and blaming them...really?
"Obama and democrats are pure evil"....This is another perfect example.
"Boehner got 98 percent of what he wanted in the debt ceiling bill.. screw the middle class , keep accepting his "cut" from his corporate masters take orders and then bark."
This gem refers to Boehner as a dog. Name calling...another example of why were are lower than the rest of the industrialized nations in education.
Anyways, back to my point. How can we demand morality from our children if it is something we simply do not possess. Does it feel good to blame everyone else for problems? Maybe if you truly believe that...but really who does. Name calling, blatant hate and disrespect for our system will not change America or bring about a return to economic prosperity. Here is a little secret my "old fashioned" parents taught me at a young age. If it feels good to do it and it is too easy to do, then it probably is not the right thing. So let me reiterate. Please get a hold of your senses, calm down, stop hating on Obama and Boehner (They really do take the brunt) and think about morality the way, I do not know, Jesus would.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Get It Together
Is anyone else sick of the headline, "Stocks swing wildly on fears of Euro collapse" or is it just me? Just like America, if the European Union wants to navigate successfully out of this economic catastrophe it really needs to get it together. Akin to American politicians, dog racing, and a bunch of chickens with their heads cut-off, the European countries who are best equipped to handle this situation just cannot freaking come through on a solution to head off this crisis once and for all.
Like an ostrich, Great Britain has its head in the sand. Though they smartly stuck with the Pound, they are still part of the Union and just like the rest of the world has a vested interest in NOT watching the Euro collapse. So why are they so content to sit on their island and quietly watch the continent race around the track without a jockey? Oh yeah...they are also running at record deficits (which in a recession screw the deficit), with unemployment problems, and the gambit. But still, come on, do not just sit on your thumbs.
And you ask, "Well what about the Germans?" They are too busy pontificating about the importance of living within your means as a country, and making those austerity measures work...or else! Or else what? To me they sound like our own Republican party...delusional. If you think cutting everything to the bare bones will solve all problems, well my friend just pick up any of Paul "The Cool Man" Krugman's brilliant works or just his most recent article in the New York Times. We had a time without regulation and social programs...it was called the Gilded Age and it sounded awful...but you really should read about it yourself if you do not believe me. Bringing me to my unemployed self's point.
FOCUS ON CREATING JOBS! The incessant issue about this deficit is getting ridiculous. Guess what....your grandchildren will not be paying off our debt. Get over it. Really...also people HAVE TO start admitting that part of the reason we are in this mess is war fighting, continually cutting taxes on wealthy and corporation, etc...And people have to start admitting why the WHOLE WORLD was hit by the 2008 recession...The general irresponsibility of large banks and wall street. What is happening in Europe would have been avoidable...what a tragedy...but come on so could it have been in the US. People need to get it together...stop being political opportunists (ehem, Eric Cantor) and megalomaniacs. Fellow citizens....I beg of you...do not fall into the trap our politicians want...demand a singular focus on job creation...not deficit reduction....and so far Obama has come up with a game plan. Now I will call republicans bluff. Give us a substantive plan yourself. Better yet, I challenge you to do this without bringing up deficit reduction once.
Like an ostrich, Great Britain has its head in the sand. Though they smartly stuck with the Pound, they are still part of the Union and just like the rest of the world has a vested interest in NOT watching the Euro collapse. So why are they so content to sit on their island and quietly watch the continent race around the track without a jockey? Oh yeah...they are also running at record deficits (which in a recession screw the deficit), with unemployment problems, and the gambit. But still, come on, do not just sit on your thumbs.
And you ask, "Well what about the Germans?" They are too busy pontificating about the importance of living within your means as a country, and making those austerity measures work...or else! Or else what? To me they sound like our own Republican party...delusional. If you think cutting everything to the bare bones will solve all problems, well my friend just pick up any of Paul "The Cool Man" Krugman's brilliant works or just his most recent article in the New York Times. We had a time without regulation and social programs...it was called the Gilded Age and it sounded awful...but you really should read about it yourself if you do not believe me. Bringing me to my unemployed self's point.
FOCUS ON CREATING JOBS! The incessant issue about this deficit is getting ridiculous. Guess what....your grandchildren will not be paying off our debt. Get over it. Really...also people HAVE TO start admitting that part of the reason we are in this mess is war fighting, continually cutting taxes on wealthy and corporation, etc...And people have to start admitting why the WHOLE WORLD was hit by the 2008 recession...The general irresponsibility of large banks and wall street. What is happening in Europe would have been avoidable...what a tragedy...but come on so could it have been in the US. People need to get it together...stop being political opportunists (ehem, Eric Cantor) and megalomaniacs. Fellow citizens....I beg of you...do not fall into the trap our politicians want...demand a singular focus on job creation...not deficit reduction....and so far Obama has come up with a game plan. Now I will call republicans bluff. Give us a substantive plan yourself. Better yet, I challenge you to do this without bringing up deficit reduction once.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
The Brick Wall
This last week, by far, was one of the most interesting weeks of my life. Aside from my sister-in-law's wedding, there were tons of out of town in-laws I had the joy of meeting for the first time. I also discussed politics and lots of it, with conservatives, my perennial liberal father in-law who is amazingly passionate and well educated on the subject, self described tea baggers and libertarians. As someone who just finished a thesis focusing on political ideology and its relation to the formation of foreign policy, I found it especially interesting to hear what they had to say. I also had the joy of hosting two super fun Australian in-laws, whose drinking almost killed me, but it was totally worth it. As one would expect, especially anyone who has traveled extensively, the Aussies had tons of questions about our wacky political system. Mainly, why did George W. Bush get to be president, followed by, well what the hell is the electoral college, and then why do all hate each other?
Now I pride myself, obviously, on my recent ability to discuss politics without putting my two cents in. That being said...I learned a valuable lesson this weekend. The common American cannot explain the origins of our political system with any sort of indifference to a political ideology. Ask yourself...can I explain the purpose of the supreme court without throwing in the fact that you think they are activists or re-constructionists? Can you discuss current politics without adding the fact that you now think the system is broken or that liberals are better educated or that conservatives care more about family. And I warn you...if you do this to me I will call you out as I did many times this weekend.
As the poor Aussie's get ready to leave America, they are more confused as ever. When American's drink, they interrupt. Imagine explaining the electoral college with a drunk libertarian interrupting you every second, or discussing the merits of NPR or conservative intellectuals with liberals or conservatives butting in. As an American I am sad I could not help them understand better what our system is about, but honestly it is not like anyone else was trying to. They just wanted to get their own belief or ideology known, maybe foolishly they thought they could persuade the Aussies to understand the way they understand politics.
The Aussies on the other had were amazingly proud of the close relations between the two countries, how American generals believed their special operations forces were just as good as American. Also, it may be a little cliche, but also how in general the two countries have worked so closely in the fight against terrorism. So you can understand how confused they were by us, our media and let me get to the point...the stupid euphemisms they heard about the president or other politicians. What is "obamacare?" of more importantly the "Jobs killing healthcare bill?" I am sure there are ones directed towards conservatives that I just cannot think of, probably because of the Republican Presidential candidate debate last night really ground those in my head.
Let me set this straight for you all...the few who read. Regardless of what your persuasion, our system is not broken, our government is not bad, and America is still the nation it always was. Our politicians manufacture these feeling because it helps them become elected or re-elected. We forget about our checks and balances system, our constitution (bc Bachmann has perverted it so badly probably) and all the other things that make America great. If we can restore our confidence in America in general again, we will be as great as ever. If we allow negative, opportunistic politicians and political pundits to destroy our confidence in one of the greatest countries in the world, then God save us (though I am sure I would be left behind) So like I have said before, come on people and demand better. Demand greatness, not negativity, not bitterness and for God-sake demand facts that cannot be disputed (ehem...Republican candidates from the debate last night). It is not lie that if it is too easy...it is too good to be true.
Now I pride myself, obviously, on my recent ability to discuss politics without putting my two cents in. That being said...I learned a valuable lesson this weekend. The common American cannot explain the origins of our political system with any sort of indifference to a political ideology. Ask yourself...can I explain the purpose of the supreme court without throwing in the fact that you think they are activists or re-constructionists? Can you discuss current politics without adding the fact that you now think the system is broken or that liberals are better educated or that conservatives care more about family. And I warn you...if you do this to me I will call you out as I did many times this weekend.
As the poor Aussie's get ready to leave America, they are more confused as ever. When American's drink, they interrupt. Imagine explaining the electoral college with a drunk libertarian interrupting you every second, or discussing the merits of NPR or conservative intellectuals with liberals or conservatives butting in. As an American I am sad I could not help them understand better what our system is about, but honestly it is not like anyone else was trying to. They just wanted to get their own belief or ideology known, maybe foolishly they thought they could persuade the Aussies to understand the way they understand politics.
The Aussies on the other had were amazingly proud of the close relations between the two countries, how American generals believed their special operations forces were just as good as American. Also, it may be a little cliche, but also how in general the two countries have worked so closely in the fight against terrorism. So you can understand how confused they were by us, our media and let me get to the point...the stupid euphemisms they heard about the president or other politicians. What is "obamacare?" of more importantly the "Jobs killing healthcare bill?" I am sure there are ones directed towards conservatives that I just cannot think of, probably because of the Republican Presidential candidate debate last night really ground those in my head.
Let me set this straight for you all...the few who read. Regardless of what your persuasion, our system is not broken, our government is not bad, and America is still the nation it always was. Our politicians manufacture these feeling because it helps them become elected or re-elected. We forget about our checks and balances system, our constitution (bc Bachmann has perverted it so badly probably) and all the other things that make America great. If we can restore our confidence in America in general again, we will be as great as ever. If we allow negative, opportunistic politicians and political pundits to destroy our confidence in one of the greatest countries in the world, then God save us (though I am sure I would be left behind) So like I have said before, come on people and demand better. Demand greatness, not negativity, not bitterness and for God-sake demand facts that cannot be disputed (ehem...Republican candidates from the debate last night). It is not lie that if it is too easy...it is too good to be true.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Make Believe
In March, my family and I visited Ireland, which happened to coincide with the largest international horse race purse. It is the Dubai World Cup and the winner took home in $10,000,000.00. This race is not highly televised in the states, you know, not on network televisions...so for most it is not readily available to watch. This was my first time and I was repulsed by the event...even though I love horse racing almost as much as my dog. As the winner entered the proverbial winners circle it became clear he was a poser. A very young Asian man, heir to a Japanes fortune, who knew nothing of racing, much less horses. Most people who entered the race was as rich or richer than this young man, which is why my gag reflex went into hyper active mode the moment a well dressed Arab Sheik handed the young filthy rich man (Whose father swooped in a last minute) the check. The check would not even put a dent into the fortune he already possessed. So you ask yourself...where am I going with all of this?????
Well this morning as I was reading one of my faves, David "Blow Your Mind" Brooks, he made a great point about all the jibber jabber from Republicans about...duh, duh, DUH.....America's decline. I tend to mostly agree with what he has to say and today was no different. If America is in decline...who do we blame. The current crop of presidential hopeful's places the blame fully on one man's and party's shoulders, President Obama and the Democrats. "Ludicrous!" I would shout if I heard them say that...and so would "Blow Your Mind" Brooks. If America is actually in a decline, there are many factors, including most importantly but never addressed globalization. Nothing proves that thought more than the retched display of wealth I described above.
Many Americans tend to adhere to a form of complete oblivion when it comes to the outside world. Which is fine, hey whatever floats your boat right, but when it comes to our leaders ALL options...I repeat ALL options, ALL problems, ALL issues and ALL solutions need to be explored and our current government, as it is right now (partisan bickering and stalling) is completely incapable of leading us through a world that with technology continues to get smaller and smaller.
In conclusion, in the Dubai World Cup, there were 3 American horses running, the highest they finished was 5th, with the other two finishing second to last and third to last. As American's we cannot let this horse race reflect our position of where we fit into the developed world. Looking at our tests scores, our salaries, our benefits, everything...America is NO longer where it is at. I have a hard time blaming this situation on one man and one party. We are after all...ONE NATION... the UNITED STATES. That is all for the day...oh and I guess I lied when I said they would not be long...hahahahahahhaha!
Well this morning as I was reading one of my faves, David "Blow Your Mind" Brooks, he made a great point about all the jibber jabber from Republicans about...duh, duh, DUH.....America's decline. I tend to mostly agree with what he has to say and today was no different. If America is in decline...who do we blame. The current crop of presidential hopeful's places the blame fully on one man's and party's shoulders, President Obama and the Democrats. "Ludicrous!" I would shout if I heard them say that...and so would "Blow Your Mind" Brooks. If America is actually in a decline, there are many factors, including most importantly but never addressed globalization. Nothing proves that thought more than the retched display of wealth I described above.
Many Americans tend to adhere to a form of complete oblivion when it comes to the outside world. Which is fine, hey whatever floats your boat right, but when it comes to our leaders ALL options...I repeat ALL options, ALL problems, ALL issues and ALL solutions need to be explored and our current government, as it is right now (partisan bickering and stalling) is completely incapable of leading us through a world that with technology continues to get smaller and smaller.
In conclusion, in the Dubai World Cup, there were 3 American horses running, the highest they finished was 5th, with the other two finishing second to last and third to last. As American's we cannot let this horse race reflect our position of where we fit into the developed world. Looking at our tests scores, our salaries, our benefits, everything...America is NO longer where it is at. I have a hard time blaming this situation on one man and one party. We are after all...ONE NATION... the UNITED STATES. That is all for the day...oh and I guess I lied when I said they would not be long...hahahahahahhaha!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Purpose
Why am I doing this? I really have no idea. What I do know, however, is that I am unemployed, frustrated with American politics, and quite truthfully am tired of not being heard. I get that "not being heard" is typical. Am I important enough to be heard...lol NO, but I think this blog will help me feel less frustrated with those whom I feel have no business being heard, yet have a gigantic following of alienated zombies.
This leads me to the next point. I am NOT some alienated, white, middle/working class person, hell bent on allowing my anger over the cycles of our economic system to propel me into a dismal abyss of "DON"T TREAD ON ME" flags and sputtering demagogues, that perpetuate my hatred for my neighbors who I assume have a much easier go of it because in some way they are connected to "the elite" or "union thugs." Life is never that simple and to assume everyone or thing is against you, is just too easy of an excuse.
On the other hand, I am not some over-educated housewife, who sees the ultimate truth. We all know what I am talking about, the super liberal who just gets it. The, "I do not get how, you, my fellow man just can't see the light, the truth, and the way." The tendency to to feel superficially better about yourself because, you get it. You empathize with the poor, minorities, sexually repressed, etc...and the rest of Americans, shame on you. Best summed up in my theory that there is not one more judgmental than an ultra-liberal or the Christian Right. At least the Christian Right can say they have God on their side, lol! The liberal has faith in self and sometimes...it is a little too much faith.
So anyways, back to my point (and posts will never be this long again :)) All I want, and want for everyone, is to demand better of our politicians and each other. We have one of the greatest systems of government in the world. We should happily roll around in the mud of democracy together, instead we pick up democracy's excrement and throw it at each other. This specific behavior is fostered by political opportunists and the media's inability to live up to the standards of journalism. And no...I do not always mean national media...most people watch the local news, read the local paper, and obviously listen to local radio stations. Much like government, everything starts at the local level.
So while I figure out what I am really doing here, I just want to let people know (if anyone actually reads this) I am very sympathetic to many conservative and liberal ideas. Do I lean left, yes, but I am not dogmatic or stubborn, like lets say...a donkey. I truly believe a majority of Americans feel this way, and I think it is about time someone knock that rattlesnake, elephant, and donkey down a peg a two.
This leads me to the next point. I am NOT some alienated, white, middle/working class person, hell bent on allowing my anger over the cycles of our economic system to propel me into a dismal abyss of "DON"T TREAD ON ME" flags and sputtering demagogues, that perpetuate my hatred for my neighbors who I assume have a much easier go of it because in some way they are connected to "the elite" or "union thugs." Life is never that simple and to assume everyone or thing is against you, is just too easy of an excuse.
On the other hand, I am not some over-educated housewife, who sees the ultimate truth. We all know what I am talking about, the super liberal who just gets it. The, "I do not get how, you, my fellow man just can't see the light, the truth, and the way." The tendency to to feel superficially better about yourself because, you get it. You empathize with the poor, minorities, sexually repressed, etc...and the rest of Americans, shame on you. Best summed up in my theory that there is not one more judgmental than an ultra-liberal or the Christian Right. At least the Christian Right can say they have God on their side, lol! The liberal has faith in self and sometimes...it is a little too much faith.
So anyways, back to my point (and posts will never be this long again :)) All I want, and want for everyone, is to demand better of our politicians and each other. We have one of the greatest systems of government in the world. We should happily roll around in the mud of democracy together, instead we pick up democracy's excrement and throw it at each other. This specific behavior is fostered by political opportunists and the media's inability to live up to the standards of journalism. And no...I do not always mean national media...most people watch the local news, read the local paper, and obviously listen to local radio stations. Much like government, everything starts at the local level.
So while I figure out what I am really doing here, I just want to let people know (if anyone actually reads this) I am very sympathetic to many conservative and liberal ideas. Do I lean left, yes, but I am not dogmatic or stubborn, like lets say...a donkey. I truly believe a majority of Americans feel this way, and I think it is about time someone knock that rattlesnake, elephant, and donkey down a peg a two.
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