The Most Expenseive Social Issue in our History

On November 4th United States citizens not only voted for the next president of our country, but also on state representatives, judges as well as ammendments. One of those ammendments, in particular, has now become one of the most expensive social issues in our history as defenders on both sides of the issue rallied for support. Florida Ammendment 2 stated: "This amendment protects marriage as the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife and provides that no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized."

The passage of Amendment 2 poses many arguments regarding both moral and civil rights for homosexuals as well as heterosexuals. There is no line separating the two arguments because they deeply overlap by their complex natures. I’m not going to hide it, I did vote yes for Amendment 2.

There are always two sides to everything, and a catch 22 is inevitable in almost any situation, especially this one. In this case, morality meets civil rights head on and the point of separation is too intense. While I believe that everyone is entitled to equal opportunity, I remain steadfast in my beliefs in what this country was founded upon. One of those beliefs held that marriage should only be between man and wife. No matter what the law states, it will not change peoples’ emotions and feelings, so let them do what they want. But as far as legality goes, I feel that only man and wife should be recognized.

"On Skid Row"

In a class I was able to watch the video “On Skid Row,” and I can say that it was very overwhelming and devastating to say the least.

Never have I ever seen footage of such a dilapidated area characterized by extreme poverty, crime, and drug abuse. To witness, although not physically, such inhumane living conditions and ways of life of so many individuals was just sickening and disheartening. I now understand the fears that they all have living there from day to day while just hoping to make it to the next. It was even more saddening to realize that some of the children that live there really have no control over it. Since their parents live there, they were obviously born into the horrid surroundings against their will. And now they are stuck there with no opportunity and no hope, privileges most children enjoy while growing up. Every human being deserves to be treated with equality and respect and should be able to have a bright future; however for those on skid row, it is dim and unlikely to be anything but depressing and negative.

After realizing this, the footage really prompted me to want to help and make a difference for people like those living on skid row. The scale of the situation is obviously too large for just one person to take on, but that is why those willing to help must band together. I believe that together we can all make a difference one step at a time to offer the people living in conditions like that of skid row hope and opportunity.

What's on Your Mind?

People say that there are two things you shouldn't discuss with family and friends: Politics and Religion. But what's wrong with opinions?

I feel that opinions are what constitute the diversity of the world in which we live, and that they should be embraced on every scale. Opinions are what give an individual his unique identity and separate him from everyone else. Differences in opinions are healthy and necessary in today’s society because if we were to all think and act the same, then innovation based on the collaboration of many individuals’ ideas would never happen. Opinions are what form the bases of intellectual conversations and without differing ideas, then what would the world have to talk about?

Based upon my life experiences, the environment in which I was raised, and the situations I have encountered in the mere 19 years of my life, I have formulated opinions and developed morals and standards by which I conduct myself every day.
As a well educated young woman I have no shame in voicing how I feel and think that it is important to share these thoughts with others who also have an open mind regardless of the issue. My opinion is formed by what I absorb from many aspects of life. With billions of people on this planet, unless one can make his mark with his beliefs and opinions, then he will get lost and forgotten. An outspoken individual will never live with regrets.

The Media

Have you ever thought about it or are you quick to say that the media has no influence on you, what you do, eat, dress and say? So what kind of effect do you think the media has on you? Do you think it has any influence on you?

Well, in the society in which we all live, it is pretty much impossible to escape from the media and its influence on our daily lives. We are constantly surrounded by it wherever we go, from TV commercials to the radio, bill boards to magazines, newspapers etc. I do have my own morals and opinions, and often claim to not be bothered or affected by what I see, however, it turns out that I do base a bit of my lifestyle on what I see in the media. I use it more for innovative ideas and to build on my own ideology. Aside from looking at fashion magazines to get ideas about what what’s in style and what’s not, I also pay attention to “diet” media too. I often use the media, especially magazines as a form of encouragement to keep me motivated towards reaching my goal of achieving my desired look. I know what I like and what I don’t so I only gear my attention in the media to topics that interest me.

"Zeitgeist"

Zeitgeist Trailer

According to Wikipedia, Zeitgeist means the following:"Zeitgeist (pronounced [ˈt͡saɪtgaɪst] (help·info)) is a German language expression literally translated: Zeit, time; Geist, spirit, meaning "the spirit of the age and its society". The word zeitgeist describes the intellectual, cultural, ethical and political climate of an era or also a trend. “The spirit of the Age and it's Society." I just like the way that sounds.

I would like to then invite you to take a look into the perspective that Zeitgeist has to offer. The movie is divided into three parts. The first part deals with Religion, the second with the incidents of 9/11 and the third on the Federal Reserve.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

I particularly found the 9/11 video most interesting since I have actually lived through

its reality. It is amazing that some people can have so much ill will to be satisfied by killing so many for such a cause. The comparison of what we knew that day to what we know now is amazing, but I do question if we really were all that caught off guard that day…there supposedly is evidence to claim that Bush did have advance warnings about an imminent attack, but if so why did he ignore it? Was he too proud to think that we really were untouchable? I feel that what happened that morning is now history and all we can do is learn from it. We have come a long way from then, and there is only more to learn about the world outside our borders as it is indeed not black and white, if it were, life would be a walk in the park and unfortunately nothing is!