Dazed...

When President Bush mentioned last April that a court order was required for a wiretap, he forgot to mention that a court order cannot be obtained for domestic communications. Under President Carter, the Attorney General could approve electronic surveillance to acquire foreign intelligence information without a court order as long as it did not involve "the contents of any communication to which a United States person is a party." That's important. It means that the government cannot eavesdrop on our conversations without a warrant, as long as the conversation is taking place on United States soil. Under President Clinton, the Attorney General could approve physical searches to aquire foreign intelligence information without a court order as long as they did not involve "the premises, information, material, or property of a United States person." This is also important. It means that the government cannot search our houses, cars, records, etc..., without a warrant as long as they are on United States soil. President Bush authorized searches or surveillance of American citizens on United States soil, which is against the law. Presidents Clinton and Carter did not "do it, too". The Drudge Report didn't quite get it right.

Throughout this administration I've been wondering when all this will start catching up with the President and his boy Dick, and it's beginning. It didn't look good for them when there were no weapons of mass destruction. They did a pretty good job of not playing the blame game when it came to the CIA leaks. They even managed to convince people that they did not feel they were "above the law" in the torture arena. But this wire tapping thing, this is serious. But finally, a judge is so disgusted that he has quit. The new President of Bolivia called our President a terrorist. A senator is suggesting censure. I wouldn't mind hearing calls for impeachment, but I can wait until after the holidays.

Freedom From Want

This is another one I think should be reworded. I think this should have been stated as, "freedom from need". No one is ever free from want. There's always something bigger or better or more beautiful, and it's only natural to desire those things. But it's the needs Teddy Roosevelt was trying to take care of.

He wanted us to have affordable shelter, which is steadily becoming an impossibility for landlords to provide and renters to find. He knew that healthier workers were more productive, and so he thought health care for those who couldn't afford it was a good idea. The problem is, now most Americans can't afford health care without some help from their employer. He thought we should be fed at least once a day if we weren't working, and should be able to afford three squares if we were. The price of organic food is so high only a small percentage of the population can afford it. Processed and engineered food is so expensive that even soldiers and teachers are on food stamps. The air we breathe and the water we drink is polluted.

We are not and can never be free from want, and even Mr. Roosevelt was aware of that. It would be nice, though, to know that we can take care of the basic necessities of life without morgaging our futures and closing out our bank accounts.

Freedom of Speech

I think this is a natural succession from the Freedom From Fear post. Fear is what limits our freedom of speech. Censorship is nothing more than the fear that people will repeat what they hear or that someone will be offended by what is said. I'm pretty sure the Bill of Rights doesn't grant the freedom of speech as long as it doesn't offend anyone. One of my favorite quotes is from a song Fern's friend wrote. "PMAC (Parents Music Advisory Committee), you are not my parents and never will be." Warning labels on music, videos, TV shows, and video games are really for lazy parents who don't take the time to find these things out for themselves before allowing their children to listen to, play with, or view them. Putting an age limit on the purchase of such material is also wrong. If parents don't know what their kids are buying, that's their problem.

Here's another one of my favorite quotes, this time by someone much more famous. Voltaire said, "I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Besides the whole perjury and yelling fire in a crowded room thing, I think people should say anything they choose and must be prepared to be judged by what they say. No one should ever have to apologize for their words if they mean them. In fact, it takes a much bigger person to stand behind a view that is unpopular than it does to apologize for making their true feelings known.

Freedom from Fear

Despite President Roosevelt's carefully written and well-meaning words decades ago, I do not feel free from fear. In fact, I believe my government has become the personification of fear.

As a woman, I am afraid. I am terrified that myself or my child will be raped, become pregnant, and be forced to have the baby when the decision of what to do with our own bodies is finally taken out of our hands. I fear I have few advocates within the government. Women make up a small percentage of all three branches even though we are a little more than 50% of the population. Maybe affirmative action isn't just for schools and businesses anymore. I am afraid that I will not be able to afford the health care that being a women entails - regular visits to a gynecologist, birth control, breast exams, etc... I am afraid that my child will eventually be sent off to fight in a war that has no merit, no benefit, and no hope of being "won".

As an educator, I am afraid. I shudder at the thought that my lessons will have to be scripted to ensure that they are preparing students for standardized testing. I fear that I will be forced to pass students who have not earned a passing grade so that the "success rate" of the school looks good on paper. I already have too many students who come to me in 8th grade not being able to write a coherent sentence, form a decent paragraph, or read anything longer than two pages. I am afraid that I am failing them, that I am not doing enough to fight for them, and that in the end, this will be a less educated nation because I was too scared to stand up for them and therefore, lose my job.

As a citizen, I am afraid. I do not trust that those in government are looking out for the best interests of their non-corporate constituents. I do not believe that my tax money is being spent responsibly. I fear that accountability and transparency in government are things of the past and we are moving toward an era of secrecy and betrayal. I feel that my government is an intruder, not a protector. I am afraid that in 10 years, we will all be speaking Chinese. I am afraid to run for office because I know my privacy will be invaded, those around me will be targets, and every mistake I have ever made will be quietly scrutinized and made public when it suits my opponent.

We are not free from fear. We are a nation of people cowering under our beds, waiting for the White House to crash down around us any minute. We have become used to fear, almost comfortable with it, and do more to ignore it than to rid ourselves of it. Isn't it about time we refuse to be afraid?

Do No Harm: Self

The idea that someone else has the right to decide what we do with or to our bodies is absurd. There is something to be said for the survival of the fittest, and there comes a time when compassion must be balanced with caution. Removing personal responsibility from the person can only be a recipe for a disaster. While there are people who mentally or physically cannot care for themselves, the majority of us should be on our own. That is not to say that help should not be provided to us, but whether to seek or accept that help is our responsibility. For any government to suggest that they have the right to limit our personal choices is arrogant beyond belief. To do so is to say, "we know better than you", when in fact, they don't.

If a person wants to end their life, it is their choice. In some situations, ending one's life is the highest form of honor, in others, it is simply an act of mercy. If a person is experiencing chronic and unrelenting pain, dealing with a chronic or terminal illness, or suffering from a degenerative disease, the option to end their lives without consequence should be available to them. If someone wants to kill themselves simply because life has become too difficult for them, by all means, allow them to do so, after reminding them that their family will not be able to claim their life insurance. It is their life, and by definition, their choice, assuming, of course, that they are of legal age and not suffering from mental illness of some sort.

Chemical substances of any kind should be regulated, clearly labeled, and seriously considered before they are used. Organic substances, however, should be consumed at will. Each of us is responsible for what we knowingly put into our bodies. Why should anyone else get to decide how much I eat, drink, or smoke if I am doing it in the confines of my own home? We should all be held responsible for our own overuse as well. Medical conditions resulting from abuse of any substance should not be covered by the government, nor should the government be responsible for the detoxification or rehabilitation of anyone who overindulged.

Seal the Boarders, Declare Amnesty

Lately Georgie has been talking about a "guest worker" program for the illegal immigrants already in the US. This solution does not suggest how we keep people from continuously streaming over the boarders. I personally think that anyone found in the country illegal should be immediately deported, but with sealing the boarders and putting adequate security on patrol, this won't do much to solve the problem. I don't think anyone should be rewarded for getting here and staying here illegally, but I think amnesty needs to be granted for those here already. The cost of deporting all the illegal immigrants is just too high, and removing them from the workforce could be devastating to the economy, though I blame Americans who won't take jobs they think are "beneath them" for that. Since they're here and they are receiving health care, education, and other government services, it's time we had everyone registered so that we at least have an accurate view of the problem. This means that I am for National ID cards, as long as they are used within limits.

Dateline THC

Last Sunday on Dateline NBC Melissa Etheridge discussed her cancer, her recovery, and her marijuana use. Her argument is the same as most people using medical marijuana. She said she could have taken five or more pills a day that barely helped at all, or she could go the natural route, smoke half a joint, and feel better immediately.

I was glad to see this interview on national TV, and I'm thrilled that this debate and the truth about this drug is finally gaining political credibility. Marijuana has been used medically for thousands of years, as evidenced by the link above. It has been used to treat menstrual cramps, stomach pains, and pain in general. Thomas Jefferson grew hemp at Monticello. In fact, it was only made illegal because of the Mexican immigration problem. The government thought it was the cause of socially deviant behavior and making it illegal may stop people from streaming over the boarder. We all know how well that worked.

Civic Duty

Something I read the other day stated that the hyper-rich in our country have lost their sense of civil duty. While I agree, I would say that all socio-economic levels in America have seen a decline in a sense of civic pride. The decision to enter military service is sometimes linked to patriotism, but more often than not, young men and women are looking for a way to support their families and get an education. Only 30% of Americans voted in the last Presidential election, and voting is the most important civic duty next to protest, which is rarely seen and seldom heard. Getting people to perform acts of community service is like pulling teeth, unless they're trying to beef up their college transcript or get in good with the Pastor. Most parents won't even volunteer their time at their child's school unless they're coaching some sport. Americans seem to feel so entitled to what our society has given them that they forget to give something back to society. Everyone has something to offer, even if it is only time.

HUMOR

I know this won't be well recieved, but I thought it was funny. NOTE: This is about Fundamentalist (Evengelical/Born-Again/Charismatic) Christians. It's meant to be a JOKE, but it has some good points.

You know you're a fundamentalist Christian when...

10 - You vigorously deny the existence of thousands of gods claimed by other religions, but feel outraged when someone denies the existence of yours.

9 - You feel insulted and "dehumanized" when scientists say that people evolved from other life forms, but you have no problem with the Biblical claim that we were created from dirt.

8 - You laugh at polytheists, but you have no problem believing in a Triune God.

7 - Your face turns purple when you hear of the "atrocities" attributed to Allah, but you don't even flinch when hearing about how God/Jehovah slaughtered all the babies of Egypt in "Exodus" and ordered the elimination of entire ethnic groups in "Joshua" including women, children, and trees!

6 - You laugh at Hindu beliefs that deify humans, and Greek claims about gods sleeping with women, but you have no problem believing that the Holy Spirit impregnated Mary, who then gave birth to a man-god who got killed, came back to life and then ascended into the sky.

5 - You are willing to spend your life looking for little loopholes in the scientifically established age of Earth (few billion years), but you find nothing wrong with believing dates recorded by Bronze Age tribesmen sitting in their tents and guessing that Earth is a few generations old.

4 - You believe that the entire population of this planet with the exception of those who share your beliefs -- though excluding those in all rival sects - will spend Eternity in an infinite Hell of Suffering. And yet consider your religion the most "tolerant" and "loving."

3 - While modern science, history, geology, biology, and physics have failed to convince you otherwise, some idiot rolling around on the floor speaking in "tongues" may be all the evidence you need to "prove" Christianity.

2 - You define 0.01% as a "high success rate" when it comes to answered prayers. You consider that to be evidence that prayer works. And you think that the remaining 99.99% FAILURE was simply the will of God.

1 - You actually know a lot less than many atheists and agnostics do about the Bible, Christianity, and church history - but still call yourself a Christian.

Euthanasia

I'm for it. I think it's a pretty simple argument. It's your body and your choice as long as you have the mental capacity to make it. If you're suffering and you chose to end your life, that is your choice. Your family should still have rights to insurance claims as long as your condition was chronic, terminal, painful, degenerative, or mentally debilitating. There are legal ways to handle it, and Oregon has done a pretty good job. If you are old and decide your time is over, your family should be eligible for insurance claims covering funeral costs only. If life is too hard and you decide to end it all, your family gets nothing.

STOP ADAPTING! (after this post)

Start calling a spade a spade. If someone lies, call them a liar. If they steal, call them a thief. Either way, don't call them a President. Forget shielding people's feelings from the harsh reality of life. We're all adults here. We need to stop softening terms to make them sound nice. If someone is wrong, don't just say you disagree. Tell them they are wrong. Say, "You have the right to believe what you want, but you are WRONG!" Facts are not merely opinions. That's why they call them FACTS. Leading to my next point...

Don't be afraid to let it get ugly. We're not playing a game here. This is the only life you get. Don't you want to live it in the best conditions possible? Then why do you allow these conditions to be compromised by every politician that comes along? This is your country. This is your life. Don't let someone else control such a large portion of it. You're going to have to argue, debate, and maybe even endure some things you're uncomfortable with, but imagine the pay-off. You can't just hope things will get better. You have to make it happen. If not you, then who?

Be aggressive. Pick one issue and stick to it. Talk about other issues if you want, but decide what is most important and defend it. Talk to everyone about it. For some reason Americans have stopped discussing politics. We don't talk about it with friends or family. We discuss it with strangers because there's no risk. We don't have to deal with the consequences of offending anyone. Politics is not religion. You're not trying change someone's entire belief system, you're only trying to educate them on one issue. You are giving them information they didn't have before to illustrate a point. You are not trying to convince them that an invisible man controls the universe. You are not crazy. You are passionately defending FACTS.

Don't get distracted. Now that you've chosen an issue, don't get sucked into arguments about others. Relate them back to your issue because that's what you're most knowledgeable about. If you can't, opt out of the discussion. You're smart, but you don't know everything. You lose credibility when you aren't 100% sure of what you're saying. Trust me, anyone in opposition will attack you, and they'll try to catch you off-guard. If they get off-track, bring them back around. Control the terms of the debate.

Buy carefully. Do your homework and don't buy from companies who support things you disagree with. If you don't like the bovine growth hormone, only eat Ben & Jerry's. If you think Mormons are stupid, don't shop at Albertson's or Acme. If you have a conscience, stay away from Halliburton and diamonds. Trade-in the SUV for a hybrid. Better yet, get a bio-diesel car and invest in vegetable oil. If you can afford it, buy organic. It's better for you.

Run for office. You don't have to be the President of the United States if you can make a difference by being the President of the School Board. Thee are hundreds of local positions just begging for educated people to run for them. You don't need a law degree, though it always helps to study it a little. Make a difference in your community by running for a position in the area of your pet issue. Don't run for Head Dog Catcher if you would be of better use on the School Board, City Council, or Chamber of Commerce.

Tell people what you care about. Get into the practice of checking facts, especially when it comes to politicians and the media. If you find discrepancies, write them down and record the facts. Write a letter to the person who was at fault. Send the letter to local, state, and federal politicians, local newspapers, friends, family members, and anyone else you think should know. Invest in stamps.

Network with friends. Talk to people who are like-minded. You won' regret it. If you haven't heard, we can learn things from each other. That's why discussion and debate is so important. When you talk to someone who is on the same page, you learn new ways to defend your position. Benefit from the experience of others. Organize into a group and build a bigger network.

Be visible. Make T-shirts and do things together in support of your issue. Don't forget to call the media. Sponsor sports teams. Hold fundraisers. Get involved in local campaigns. Recruit small-business owners and publish a list of your issue-friendly services. Support people who support you. Recruit lawyers and hold protests. Recruit teachers and hold seminars. Get people from all walks of life and make sure they're actively involved. No one gets to throw money at the organization and stand idly by. Adopt a do-something-or-get-out-of-my-way attitude and stick to it. Demand that those around you be active participants in their communities.

Same-Sex America

We watched a heart-wrenching documentary last night about same-sex couples and their fight for civil liberties in Massachusetts. I was impressed with the filmmaker and how well he illustrated the inequalities between same-sex and heterosexual couples. What really got to us was that if a same sex couple wants to adopt a child, both names cannot be on the adoption certificate. This means that if the adopting parent dies, that child will be put in foster care rather than remain in the care of the living parent. Also, same-sex couples are not eligible for any of the benefits afforded to heterosexual couples. This indicates a clear bias against same-sex couples, and a definite violation of their civil liberties. There is no way around it, and nothing is going to convince me otherwise. As for the infidelity argument, one of the couples begging for their right to get married were together for 49 years. The others featured in the documentary had all been together for 10 years or more. It broke my heart to watch my fellow Americans fighting so hard for rights that many of us take for granted, and failing again and again.

Partisanship

I can't help but notice the US versus THEM tone that has penetrated the internet, the media, and the government. It seems we don't have anything we can come together on anymore, and the public is just as divided as everyone else. People think that it's Republican vs. Democrat, but it's not. They are ALL corrupt and hey ALL need to go. The Republicans may have made the latest mistakes, but the Democrats haven't done a whole lot to try and stop them. There are two or three honest politicians at the federal level, and far too few in state and local governments. NOTHING is going to be done until the people arise from the contentment of complacency and actually DO something. But is there anything that can be done? Are we headed for another civil war? Will it be over religion this time, or money like it was last time? This type of division cannot lead to good things.

200 Billion

The President announced that the government will be spending 200 billion of our tax dollars on rebuilding New Orleans. I won't mention that he's already spent that amount in Iraq, or that the deficit at the end of this quarter will be 333 billion dollars. It's not important that 84% of the displaced say they will not return to the city. Let's forget about the fact that it's not the best place for a city to begin with. There is more than enough money in the private sector to rebuild New Orleans, and I'm sure plenty of motivation goes along with it. Why should my tax dollars pay for it?

CompUSA

We needed to get some electronic equipment today. We went to Bust Buy and would have been better off staying there, but my husband thought what he needed may be cheaper at CompUSA. We tend to stay away from there because employees tend to follow my husband around the store. (Shhhh! Don't tell anyone. He's brown.) We weren't really in the mood for their particular brand of racism, but it was enough savings to warrant the trip. I wanted a computer program, so I wandered away to get what I needed. About five people approached me in the course of my 20 minute visit to ask me if I needed help. Though an employee was never more than five feet away from my husband, no one approached him. They stared at him. They followed him. But they didn't ask if he needed help. While we walked to the cashier, my husband and I were discussing the marked differences in our shopping experience. We passed by a manager on the way who asked if we had a problem with the service. We related how many times each of us had been approached and the manner in which he had been followed around the store, all the while, the Hispanic cashiers behind the manager nodded in agreement with our story. We also mentioned that we didn't like to shop at CompUSA because we had the same experience every time we went there. The manager went through great lengths to try to convince us that they didn't practice profiling, while the cashiers made expressions to indicate just the opposite. How can anyone say that we are living in the "land of the free" when some of our citizens experience racism in some form on a daily basis? Why hasn't our education system corrected the problem of stereotyping the races? If a Russian, Israelite, Palestinian, and Korean all live on the continent of Asia, aren't they all Asian?

All I Want is a Room Somewhere...

What do you do when you are the minority in a country and you know you will never be truely free there? The Pilgrims would suggest you cut and run, form your own country, and do as you wish. Considering that there are few Nations available now, what would be the current equivalent? In a so-called Democracy like this one, where the Republicratic party is in charge, shouldn't you assume that the government, with all its failings, are a direct reflection of the people? If people really care about their government, do they ever let it descend into this pit of inadequacy?

Do you find a country that shares your ideals? Do you pretend that things will change? How long should you wait to see if they do? Do you raise your children in a country where you know the majority of people they come into contact with will have moral values drastically different and from yours that are definitely highly questionable, most certainly turning them into social outcasts? Or do you take them to a place where you know you can raise them well, with a sense of personal and social responsibilty that will carry them through the rest of their lives? Logic, sel- respect, and self-preservation would seem to dictate the latter.

REVOLT

At this moment, 47 states are launching some kind of revolt against the No Child Left Behind Act. For those who are not familiar, the Act demands a large amount of standardized testing which takes a substantial amount of time away from instruction. Teachers have spent more time preparing their students for the testing because their salaries and evaluations are partially based on how student perform on the test. A lot of instructional time is being used for this purpose, and as a result, our students are less and less prepared for life outside of the school system. Besides all of that, though the Act is a federally mandated program, states must pay for the tests themselves, causing significant strain on already tapped-out education budgets. As a teacher, I have always been a proponent of public education. Unfortunately, teaching in public school has become a canned, scripted experience. I need more creativity and autonomy in my classroom. Homeschooling and teaching in private schools is quickly becoming a more viable option. What will happen to the children left behind by the No Child Left Behind Act?

Steal This Movie (or Book)

I highly recommend this movie/book to anyone who's feeling a little political at the moment. It's actually called "Steal This Movie/Book" because the author wanted his story to get out, but didn't want people to have o pay to read or watch it. It is about Abbie Hoffman, leader of the Yippie movement (flower children who have grown thorns), starring Janine Garofalo. I have found that when I'm feeling directionless, watching movies about political movements and the people who started them always light a fire under my butt. Iron Jawed Angles starring Selma Hayek is about the Women's Suffrage movement, and is also an excellent movie. If you're feeling especially subversive, Grass starring Woody Harrelson is informative and interesting, and Reefer Madness, The Musical starring Christian Campbell is great comedic relief. Today I will be making Chocolate Silk Tofu Pie (excellent, despite the tofu, recipes available compliments of my husband, the Chef), and watching a few movies. There's an Amazing Race marathon on the gameshow network, and we're watching it to see if we can pick up any pointers. See, Anonymous, I DO know how to relax!

Global Chaos

I haven't discussed Global Warming at all, but I think it's relevant given the recent surge in the intensity of violent storms. We had quite a hurricane season last year down here in Florida, and this year's season is only half over. On Bill Maher last night, a science professor from Stanford University mentioned that the intensity of hurricane Katrina was due to Global Warming as the temperature of the Gulf of Mexico was two degrees higher than it normally would be at this time of year. Though I agree that the "A Day After Tomorrow" scenario is probably impossible, there are a lot of other scenarios we're not looking at because, as the President says, "The jury's still out on Global Warming." What kinds of things do you see happening as Global Warming continues? Do you think we should have signed the Kyoto Treaty? What do you think are the economic benefits of ignoring Global Warming like we've been doing, and what will be the downfalls of such action?

The Eve After Destruction

Katrina has come and gone. Unfortunately, the effects will be more lasting than ever. We are short on National Guard and Reserve troops to help the people in the devastated areas. Months ago the Governor of Louisiana begged the President to bring some or most of them home to help, knowing the catastrophe a bad hurricane can bring. Because there is no one to clean up and secure the cities in the aftermath, looting and other crimes are being committed at an alarming rate. Electricity will not be restored in some parts for two months or more. New Orleans is under water because here were no troops to help secure the levies before the storm and it may never recover. I hope all of you got to see New Orleans before it sank back into the sea. If I were Chavez, I would have called President Bush immediately and offered to send Venezuelan troops to help clean up and secure Louisiana and Mississippi. What a point that would make!

Weeds

After three episodes of the new Showtime series, Weeds, I finally decided to post about it. Bringing an issue like Marijuana use to the forefront is just the beginning. The show suggests that it is difficult for a middle-class person living in the suburbs of America to cope if tragedy strikes. The death of a husband, or a wife, has put hundreds of families in similar situations since the war began, and one wonders what their spouses have to do to make ends meet. Selling marijuana to the lawyers, accountants, and business owners of a community is certainly one way to go, especially if you want to maintain the lifestyle to which you have become accustomed. And another question arises: If no one believes that marijuana should be legalized and fewer people are doing it that we think, how are suburban moms and dads making a living off of growing and selling it? What benefits, if any, do you see from the legalization of marijuana, mushrooms, or peyote? What would be he societal changes involved? Given the looming meth crisis, and the fact that marijuana has been used to treat meth addicts, does marijuana really seem so bad?

Under the Influence

I have come to think of relationships as being "under the influence" of someone. When we are in a relationship with someone, we often see things differently, sometimes from their perspective, and are able to learn and grow in our environment. Sometimes we outgrow our environment and relationships end. The influence that person had on our lives, though, never really goes away. We see things differently than we did before. We have added perspectives and experiences to our own. We have learned to discuss and debate with another type of person, making the whole world more accessible to us. We are never the same, and we can never go back.

To the man who thinks he has taught me nothing: I know you disagree with my opinions and apparently, the way I've been living my life, but that doesn't mean I didn't learn anything from you. My knowledge of Ancient Greece and Rome alone proves you taught me something. The Metallica blasting from my classroom during class changes (when I have a class) can also be attributed to you. My pride in my country and its defenders was always present, but you made it personal. It was you who made me take stock of my life, decide it was going in the wrong direction, and do something about it. The world has become a much different place in the past five years, and I have become a different person as a result. I have not always made the right choices or decisions, but I am at peace with who I am. I keep your lessons with me and use them when they're appropriate. Your leadership style alone has saved my butt with my students on a number of occasions. If you think I still have a lot to learn, you're welcome to stick around and teach me.

Frankencells

Harvard thinks they may have come up with something that could possibly, at some point in the future, solve the stem-cell question. They are combining stem cells with skin cells. I think it's great that we're finding ways around the government's problem with using these cells, but anything involving genetic mutation bothers me. Don't get me wrong, I love scientific advancement, and I'm especially for anything that could make my sister a healthier person, but I'm not sure it's smart to start fusing things together. I don't eat genetically modified foods, and I'm not sure where I stand on genetically modified body parts. I know it will be years before this is even a possibility, but I wonder where it will ultimately lead, and if it will be a place we really want to go.

Back from Oz

As an extension of my immigration post, the questions arose as to whether it is sometimes better for people to stay in countries with emerging economies, especially if they are educated. If they can wait out the current situation, they stand to make a decent amount of money when it's over and have the honor of helping to build their country's economy. My husband's family is from Colombia. Every Colombian I know who is in the U.S. is only waiting for the war to end and the government to stabilize so that they can go home and help rebuild their country. Even my husband and I plan on having a hand in rebuilding, and my husband was born (legally) in the United States. I wonder what makes people from some countries come here and never want to leave while those from others are only trying to take advantage of the economic opportunities America provides for a short period of time. Why do people who flee their country for safety reasons or economic reasons not go back home when the problems have been resolved? I know America is a wonderful place, but what happened to, "There's no place like home? ©

Illegal? No problem?

Immigration policy has been in the background of the news lately with the driver's license laws in California and the out-of-control Citizen's Boarder Patrol. The rights of illegal immigrants have come into question several times . I don't believe illegal immigrants should be able to collect the benefits of citizenship or legal immigrant status, including a free and public education. I also don't believe that the children of illegal immigrants should be able to participate in government programs even if they were born in the United States. The only real consequence for being illegally in the U.S. is to be deported, unless, of course, the person is of middle eastern origin (that is a different matter entirely). Only emergency medical care should be provided to those in the country illegally. For everything else, they're on their own. There is no reason why some people should be able to chose to bypass the legal immigration system and reap any kind of benefits. How do you feel about illegal immigrants receiving government services?

Demand Accountability, Demand Transparency

It is time for the people to finally demand what's been alluding us for years. While this can be seen in a political light, I think it needs to be applied to anyone with any kind of authority. From School Board members to CEO's to the President, we must demand accountability and transparency.

Our schools are suffering, our health care system is atrocious, and social security is dying. The public is not demanding that anyone be held accountable for these things. Senators and Congressmen are re-elected even though it's quite obvious we have some serious domestic issues. Reporters ask questions but don't require actual answers. CEO's embezzle millions and no one goes to jail. The Vice-President virtually disappears and no one asks where he's been. Parents don't get involved in their local schools. People pay thousands a year for prescription drugs and don't ask why they're so expensive. Americans are not demanding accountability from each other or their government. If things are going to improve, this is the first thing that must be changed.

People lie. People in power lie a lot. Especially when they've made a mistake. Demanding transparency doesn't mean needing to know everything about someone's personal life. It means demanding proof of what people say to us. We should see budgets and agendas for people in public office. We should know how every cent is being spent as well as what our Congressmen, Senators, and other federal, state, and local government personnel are doing during working hours. When we ask questions, we need to insist on getting the answers. We cannot allow ourselves to be appeased anymore. We know what we want. Why aren't we fighting for it?

Bush Is Boned!

I think I probably have a healthy distrust for my government. Part of my distrust comes from the number of members within our government, both Republican and Democrat, of the secret society known as Skull and Bones. This may be one of the strongest brotherhoods our country has ever seen. The Masons are also in question, but that's for another post. I don't want to engage in conspiracy theories concerning these organizations, but I do wonder about their success. What is it that has made them so successful, and how can we build our own organizations and mimic their success? I think this is one situation in which we need to fight fire with fire. I have linked this post with information on Skull and Bones. I think we need to discuss this organization and the motivation of its members. Are they only looking out for each other? Why was the organization formed in the first place? What do we know about its members and their philosophies? Are these the kind of people we want running our country?

So what do we do?

I happened to ask someone yesterday what we should do on a personal level to improve our current situation. Not only did he answer the question, but I was guilted into answering it as well. Here is a more thought-out version of the answer I gave him. Please note: clicking on the title of this post will lead you to a list of political action organizations.

I think we need to organize people in our communities by using the library system. Instead of discussing all of our various problems with the government we join together on one issue: Education. I chose education because it is through education that people learn to think for themselves, something I feel the government is trying to avoid at all costs as evidenced by NCLB. It is an issue everyone in the community can relate to, and it is a good way to rally communities around the schools.

So the question becomes: How do we organize groups of people and convince them that their participation in improving education is important? Offering free courses at local libraries in educational law is a great place to start. A lot of people really don't understand the No Child Left Behind Act and how badly it is hurting our students. Teaching parents how their children learn and lecturing on various learning disabilities is also helpful. Teachers and community leaders can volunteer to teach short classes at local libraries in politics, philosophy, and psychology. Finally, we can invite local politicians to speak to these classes and then ask them actual questions instead of the crap reporters ask. Writing Community Corner articles for our local papers about these classes and meetings increases visibility and participation. It's not something that can be done overnight, but it can be done.

No Food in Niger

People are starving to death in Niger. Why? No one paid attention when they begged the United Nations for aid after the locust swarm last year. They knew this was going to happen. They saw it coming. All they needed was a dollar per person in need. Now they need at least 8 because these people must be given health care as well. The harvest isn't for weeks and people aren't getting any less hungry. MSNBC has a list of organization accepting donations to avert the crisis.

This crisis brings up some questions. Why do we respond to tragedies rather than preventing them? Why do we only provide food rather than including the education needed for people in starving areas to find ways to feed themselves? Are we less able to care about the plight of the world with the economic problems we are facing? Have we forgotten that sometimes personal sacrifice is necessary to provide for the common good?

On Jon Stewart

I heard an interesting thing on Jon Stewart this weekend. Joe Biden said that he would have liked to see John McCain run with John Kerry in the 2004 Presidential election. Wouldn't it be wonderful to see a Republican and Democrat running together? It would prove once and for all that the Democrats are not all that far left of the Republicans and we need a third party to really stand up and speak for the people. I have found the position of the Democrats to be weak, and even Howard Dean can't pull it out of it's rut. Dennis Kusinich was closest to what being a Democrat used to mean, and unfortunately, no one paid attention to Ralph Nader. I know he couldn't have won, but don't people realize that if a third party candidate receives five percent of the vote, during the next election that party must receive access to federal campaign funds , lending those candidates visibility and a higher percentage of the overall vote, thereby restoring democracy to the two party system. I guess I'm thinking a little randomly this evening, but at least I'm looking toward a solution rather than focusing on the problem.

Men and Women

Gender roles have been changing steadily over the course of the last 100 years, and I think we may have done a little more harm than good. Women, in their struggle for equal rights, have missed certain essential truths about raising a family, and men, without realizing what harm it would do, decided that with both parents working there would be more money to take care of the family, which in America, is all you need, right? Everything that a family needs can be bought and paid for, house-cleaning services, nannies, day care, schools, and sports coaching. What cannot be replaced is the constant presence of a parent. Part of that comes from our economy. It's barely possible to raise a family when both parents are working, let alone only one. Part of it comes from our refusal to demand he right to spend time with our families. It's done well in nearly every industrialized country but ours. Many of our social problems come from the absence of parents in a child's life. Does this mean women should give back their rights? HELL, NO! They need to demand more equal partnerships, with men actually picking up half of the work, especially now that many women are making at least half of a family's money. And we all need to spend more time with our children, regardless of money or gender.

I'm a Geek, and Proud of It!

America's high school students are starting to realize that life is not about what you wear and what you watch, but what you do. The nerds are starting to realize that they are not alone. Finally, the band geeks, the science nerds, the orchestra dorks, and other academically inclined groups are banding together in recognition of the fact that they like school, they enjoy learning, and they are proud of it! It's a great trend and I hope it continues. I see a lot of Americans placing importance on things that matter little in the general scheme of things. Far too little focus is placed on excellence in academic areas, art, and music. In fact, as we are seeing, children have been ostracized for being interested in those things. If we want to change the way we look at education, we need to change the way we treat the people who are interested in learning.

Maybe We Should Learn Chinese

This article brings up a good point, American schools are lacking in cultural education. It's not just Chinese culture that our students are missing out on. The world has expanded. We can easily have contact with people of all cultures through the use of the Internet, phones, and even airplanes. We are severely behind in language education. A majority of Americans still speak only one language. An embarrassingly low number of Americans have passports and use them to travel often. Our knowledge of our own geography, let alone world geography, is reprehensible. We need to teach our children about the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and South America. We need to expand our idea of the world and how to interact with it. It starts with education.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are interested in boycotting all things Chinese, go to http://chineseboycott.blogspot.com. I should mention that I disagree with American relations with China, and I used China as an example because it was what the article was based on. I do believe that Americans have a limited view of the world, and the only way to remedy that it through study and travel.

Health Care Headaches

I've spent most of today in the University of Pennsylvania hospital waiting for my sister to be called into surgery. It has given me a troubling look at the health care system in our country and the people who rely on it. My sister has had to rely on the health care system since she was born with Tetrollogy of Fallot. When she turned 21, my parents had to petition their insurance company to keep her on because she cannot care for herself. She must rely partially on Social Security for income and health care. They have fought us tooth and nail on her open-heart surgery, and we were delayed hours today because they hadn't cleared her. It is now nearly five, we've been here since early this morning, and they have just taken her into the operating room. It took us all day to make sure the surgery was covered, and now we have to start working on her recovery. I'm tired, frustrated, haven't eaten in two days, and I could really use some help from my government.

Characteristics of Fascism

Dr. Lawrence Britt has examined the fascist regimes of Hitler, Mussolini, Franco (Spain), Suharto (Indonesia) and several Latin American regimes. Britt found 14 defining characteristics common to each:

1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism - Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic mottos (Land of the Free), slogans (Axis of Evil), symbols (yellow ribbons), songs (usually sung by Toby Keith), and other paraphernalia (bumperstickers). Flags are seen everywhere, as are flag symbols on clothing and in public displays. Putting a flag on your car is literally the least you can do. What exactly does it accomplish? Is a blind show of support really a good idea? Shouldn't we be posting questions on our cars instead?

2. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights - Because of fear of enemies and the need for security, the people in fascist regimes are persuaded that human rights can be ignored in certain cases because of "need." The people tend to look the other way or even approve of torture, summary executions, assassinations, long incarcerations of prisoners, etc. We're already pretty aware of the Abu Grab prison scandal and what's going on down at Guantanamo Bay. We've discussed the Patriot Act. Why are we allowing these things to happen without discussion or complaint? What else do you think is coming? Are there things we don't know about yet?

3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause - The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe: racial , ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, etc. We've declared a War on Terror even though we know it's impossible to defeat all of the terrorists. We're choosing villains like Saddam Hussein even though they may not be a threat. We're ignoring other possible enemies for no apparent reason. Liberals are seen as irrational because they disagree.

4. Supremacy of the Military - Even when there are widespread domestic problems, the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda is neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized. In the beginning of the war extra funding was given to the military and veteran services. Even with that funding, it still wasn't enough to get armored vehicles for the troops. Domestic issues have been largely ignored, though there are slogans to support them. Funding is lacking for education, health care, and social security. Soldiers like Jessica Lynch are glorified.

5. Rampant Sexism - The governments of fascist nations tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Under fascist regimes, traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Divorce, abortion and homosexuality are suppressed and the state is represented as the ultimate guardian of the family institution. The government is still male-dominated. Gender-roles are pretty rigid though we tend to pretend they're not. The First Lady has stepped out of the forefront and disappeared behind her husband. Legislation against homosexuals has been threatened, though it hasn't gone through yet. Women's rights are compromised and people who have abortions are vilified.

6. Controlled Mass Media - Sometimes to media is directly controlled by the government, but in other cases, the media is indirectly controlled by government regulation, or sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in war time, is very common. Reports have been shown on National TV that have been written and produced by the government, yet there were no disclaimers on the report. All media outlets are owned by a few companies or individuals which limits content. Superficial stories like the Runaway Bride are shown rather than important world events. Uproars are created over what people think should be censored, especially language expression.

7. Obsession with National Security - Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masses. Constant and vague security alerts promote fear, as does the reminded that Osama bin Laden is still at large. (When we have him, what is the point of being in Afghanistan?) A color-coded security check has been implemented and over-used. Reports abound about the unsafe conditions of trains and chemical plants. TV shows like 24 are shown that revolved around terrorism. Silly security measures are taken at airports, such as a ban on certain objects and not others.

8. Religion and Government are Intertwined - Governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion. Religious rhetoric and terminology is common from government leaders, even when the major tenets of the religion are diametrically opposed to the government's policies or actions. The current President makes mention of religion and religious issues more than others. Faith-Based initiatives are put in motion. The President interferes in legislation on the behalf of religious issues. Non-Christians grow weary of persecution and seek to remove religious symbols from government. Social issues and debate hinge on religious doctrine.

9. Corporate Power is Protected - The industrial and business aristocracy of a fascist nation often are the ones who put the government leaders into power, creating a mutually beneficial business/government relationship and power elite. Environmental protections are lifted in the interest of helping corporations. There are ax-protections for the wealthy. Corporate leaders are prosecuted and sometimes convicted but serve light sentences, certainly not befitting their crime. The President and Vice-President have obvious it's with large corporations and favor them in the bidding process for government jobs.

10. Labor Power is Suppressed - Because the organizing power of labor is the only real threat to a fascist government, labor unions are either eliminated entirely, or are severely suppressed. Teacher's unions in some states are non-existent, a Wal-Mart closed its doors because an employee tried to unionize. Working-class people are shown little respect and are often the most burdened with taxes, health care costs, tuition charges, and gas prices.

11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts - Fascist nations tend to promote and tolerate open hostility to higher education, and academia. It is not uncommon for professors and other academics to be censored or even arrested. Free expression in the arts and letters is openly attacked. Censorship has arisen in the media. Intelligent people are attacked for disagreeing with the government. In fact, some officials state in no uncertain terms that the arguments of people who disagree aren't valid because, "they just don't like us." Teachers are mistreated, education funding is cut, and arts programs are almost non-existent. The importance of discussion and debate are minimalized.

12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment - Under fascist regimes, the police are given almost limitless power to enforce laws. The people are often willing to overlook police abuses and even forego civil liberties in the name of patriotism. There is often a national police force with virtually unlimited power in fascist nations. The Department of Homeland Security has almost unlimited power. For the rest, see #3.

13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption - Fascist regimes almost always are governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each other to government positions and use governmental power and authority to protect their friends from accountability. It is not uncommon in fascist regimes for national resources and even treasures to be appropriated or even outright stolen by government leaders. President Bush has surrounded himself with people who agree. Those that changed their minds between administrations are fired, publicly humiliated, and discredited.

14. Fraudulent Elections - Sometimes elections in fascist nations are a complete sham. Other times elections are manipulated by smear campaigns against or even assassination of opposition candidates, use of legislation to control voting numbers or political district boundaries, and manipulation of the media. Fascist nations also typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections. We don't know the full extent of this yet, and maybe we never will, but elections in Florida the first time around were obviously fraudulent. Only President Bush knows what happened with Ohio this time. Groups supporting the President put out advertisements shredding competitors, even if what is said is incorrect.

Boycott Microsoft and All Things Chinese

For a while I really liked Bill Gates. He started a crusade for education that hasn't gotten a lot of press, or enough money, for that matter. Recently he had some problems with his policies on homosexuals and their rights. I hoped he'd do the right thing on this China deal. I thought, this man, who has changed the modern age with his work and made it possible for millions of people to express themselves, can't possibly intentionally limit the free speech of others just to add to his already obscene pile of money. My hopes were dashed and alas, the almighty dollar won again. He sold his product to the Chinese, filters and all, to the collective sigh of a billion voices that had hoped to be heard. So now we come to the greater question: Why would Bill Gates do a thing like that? More importantly, why are we still trading with China? Could it be that it would cost American corporations billions of dollars to close down factories and build new ones in other third-world countries? Or, worse yet, what if they had to re-open in America and pay proper wages? Just a theory.

Standing Alone

There are a thousand things wrong with the Patriot Act. Being patted down by complete strangers at airport security is one of them. Do we really live in a society that is so unsafe that we need to be felt-up in order to get on a plane? Even more importantly, when these kinds of things happen, why do we just "lube up and bend over" as some would say? I know that's a little crass, but this Law is an obscene violation of our Civil Rights and no one is saying a word. Why are we allowing this to happen? The President has been petitioning Congress to renew the Patriot Act. Why, in a country of free Americans, are we not protesting? There is no rally in the streets like there is in other countries when so many people disagree. Do we feel above all that? Are we pretending that we our leaders are more than human and do not need our guidance? Have we forgotten that our country is "for, of, and by the people"? WHERE ARE THE PEOPLE? Our complacency is going to kill us eventually, and most of us are just sitting back and watching it happen.

It is the fault of the average American that we have a corrupt and immobile government because we allow it to exist. We overlook the indiscretion of politicians. We expect our news media to be contextually accurate and non-biased. Many Americans feel they are not represented and they are not wrong, but without more involvement by average Americans we cannot expect a higher standard of government.

The Majority Rule system is not working but those in power see no reason to change it. They're paid well whether the system works or not. More and more people are choosing to ignore their government. This will allow the system to get worse until someone cries "REVOLUTION", and then we'll all be damned. Rules, both spoken and unspoken are being imposed on those who disagree with our government. The definition of freedom has been twisted and redefined by lesser men than our Forefathers had hoped.

We cannot give up control. More importantly, we cannot allow ourselves to become the tyranny we escaped when our Forefathers wrote the Declaration of independence. We must take a stand, any stand, and fight, before our countrymen start fleeing America for a place where they can remember their dreams.

Teaching Them To Fish

The One Campaign is currently undertaking the education of children in Africa. This organization is stressing the important role of education in allowing people to rise out of poverty and into hope. A child in Africa can be educated for as little as $20 dollars a year with the help of this organization. Educated students in these nations will provide opportunities and advances their family members never dreamed of. How can anyone in their right mind not see that education is the key to alleviating the suffering in the poorest of nations?

The Mission Statement of The One Campaign
"WE BELIEVE that in the best American tradition of helping others help themselves, now is the time to join with other countries in a historic pact for compassion and justice to help the poorest people of the world overcome AIDS and extreme poverty.

WE RECOGNIZE that a pact including such measures as fair trade, debt relief, fighting corruption and directing additional resources for basic needs - education, health, clean water, food, and care for orphans - would transform the futures and hopes of an entire generation in the poorest countries, at a cost equal to just one percent more of the US budget.

WE COMMIT ourselves - one person, one voice, one vote at a time - to make a better, safer world for all."

And the Supreme Court Rides Again

I have a friend with Multiple Sclerosis. She is an incredible teacher and an amazing person. Unfortunately, she is in constant pain. She wakes up three hours before she has to every day because it takes her that long to get her body moving. She has tried every pharmaceutical pain killer and none of them worked more than once. She does everything she should, eats the right foods, drinks lots of water, and exercises every day. Still, the pain is unbearable. Finally, her doctor said, "Friend, I know it's illegal and could get you into trouble, but I really think you should try smoking a joint in the morning. The effects of the marijuana will take away your pain, but still leave you fully functional. Plus, it's most likely less harmful to your body than cigarettes or alcohol. Nothing else works for you. What do you have to lose?"

My poor friend, in serious pain and with nothing else to do, found a connection and got herself some pot. Curious about how she was doing and worried that she could lose her teaching license, I called her and said, "Friend, how are you?"

With a pep in her voice I hadn't heard in months, she said, "You wouldn't believe it. After about half a joint, the pain started to melt away. I can feel it in my joints and in my muscles. I can move more easily."

I said, "Friend, aren't you worried.? You could be arrested. You could lose your teaching certificate. You could be put in jail, ridiculed, and sued by parents claiming that you were high while teaching (certainly not the case). That doesn't scare you?"

And she said, "I feel better than I have in years. Today, I sat on the floor and played with Gracie. I did my own laundry. I opened a bottle without Phil's help. I don't care if I get caught. If I do, I'll fight. I'm an adult, well aware of the effects things can have on my body. Why shouldn't I be in complete control of what goes in and out of it? I'm not hurting anyone. And for the first time in three years, I am not in pain. If my government thinks that's wrong, they are inhumane."

So I said, "Let's go to Amsterdam!"

And In Their Own Words

This young man should be commended for standing up for himself and his fellow students against a system he feels is unfair. He made sure he started his protest from a position of power, as he is ranked 6th in his class. All of our seniors should be as thoughtful and well-spoken as he. I couldn't have said it better.

Reader's Forum: Here are the reasons why I didn't graduate from Federal Hocking last weekend
By John Wood

Sunday was my high-school graduation. However, despite being ranked sixth in my class, I did not cross the stage or receive a diploma. I did not drop out at the last minute and I was not expelled. I didn't graduate because I refused to take the Ohio Proficiency Tests.

I did this because I believe these high-stakes tests (which are required for graduation) are biased, irrelevant and unnecessary.

The bias of these tests is demonstrated by Ohio's own statistics. They show consistently that schools with high numbers of low-income and/or minority students score lower on state tests. It is argued (in defense of testing) that this is not the test's fault, that the scores are only a reflection of the deeper social economic injustices. This is very likely true. What makes the test biased is the fact that the state does little or nothing to compensate for the differences that the students experience outside the classroom.

In fact, the state only worsens the situation with its funding system. Ohio's archaic school-funding system underfunds schools in poorer areas because it is based on property taxes. The way we fund our schools has been declared unconstitutional four times, and yet the state Legislature refuses to fix the problem.

The irrelevance of these tests is also demonstrated by state statistics -- in this case, the lack of them. In 13 years of testing, Ohio has failed to conduct any studies linking scores on the proficiency test to college acceptance rates, college grades, income levels, incarceration rates, dropout rates, scores on military recruiting tests, or any other similar statistic.

State officials have stated that it would be too difficult or costly to keep track of their students after high school but I find this hard to believe. My high school is tracking my class for five years with help from the Coalition of Essential Schools. Certainly, the state, with all its bureaucrats, could do the same.

Both of these factors, the test's biases and irrelevance, contribute to making it unnecessary. This system is so flawed it should not be used to determine whether or not students should graduate. More importantly, a system already exists for determining when students are ready to graduate.

The ongoing assessment by teachers who spend hours with the students is more than sufficient for determining when they are ready to graduate. However this assessment is being undermined by a focus on test preparation that has eliminated many advanced courses and enrichment experiences. Additionally, since the tests do not and cannot measure things such as critical thinking, the ability to work with others, public speaking, and other characteristics of democratic citizenship, these things are pushed aside while we spend more time memorizing for tests.

After almost a decade and a half of testing, many people cannot imagine what could be done in place of high-stakes testing, but here in southeast Ohio, alternative assessments are alive and kicking. At my school, Federal Hocking High School, every senior has to complete a senior project (I built a kayak), compile a graduation portfolio, and defend his or her work in front of a panel of teachers in order to graduate. These types of performance assessments are much more individualized and authentic, and are certainly difficult, something I can attest to, having completed them myself.

There may be a place for standardized testing in public education, but it should not be used to determine graduation.

Because of these reasons, I decided to take a stand against the Ohio Proficiency Tests, even though it would cost me my graduation and diploma. But why such a drastic measure? The reason is simple; someone has to say no. Education is the key to maintaining our democracy, and I have become disgusted by the indifference displayed by lawmakers who make statements about the value of public education while continuing to fail to fairly and adequately fund it or commit to performance-based assessments.

I have written a number of state senators and representatives from both parties recommending the state allow districts to set alternatives to high-stakes tests for graduation. Having done everything required for graduation but take the tests, I thought I would provide them an opportunity to rethink testing. Sadly, I have not received a response from any of them, even after personally approaching and rewriting them.

What this has taught me is that one voice is not enough, and to make a difference in our democracy, the people must speak with a unified voice. I encourage everyone concerned about the damage being done by high-stakes testing and inadequate funding of public education to speak out. Join me in just saying no to high-stakes testing.

Editor's note: John Wood is a non-graduate of Federal Hocking High School in Stewart. He will be attending Warren Wilson College in Ashville, N.C.

Modern Marx

Karl Marx once said, "Capitalism places value on what a person has rather than on what he or she is." Maybe this is the reason why we have so many problems in our schools right now. If a child does not value what he is, he will not value what he learns, what he creates, or what he becomes. Schools are full of designer clothes, cell phones, CD players, and gameboys. The students focus on who has what, who can conquer which date, and a myriad of other things having absolutely nothing to do with the expansion of their minds. Schools can make all the dress code rules they want and take away all electronic devices, but when parents send kids to school with these things and we have to take them, it makes teachers the bad guys. Capitalism will ultimately be the downfall of American society. We are going the way of Rome. Forget about what you have. Focus on who you are.

The Slow Death of Dissent

Americans have this strange idea that the only people who are worth listening to are experts. More credence is given to doctors, lawyers, politicians, and news anchors. Year by year, the roots of our country have been covered over slowly. We forget that those involved in the War of independence were not all experts, they were just revolutionary. Normal, everyday Americans have created the Confederacy, the League of Women's voters, the Civil Rights Movement, and hundred of other campaigns to change America and help her grow.

A country's political identity is based on its philosophy, and ours is nearly indefinable. Our entire way of being is based on an ideal. We began as a nation of philosophers and from the Puritans who came seeking religious freedom to the immigrants who give up everything to be an American, one thing still remains - the dream. This has always been a land where those who were too conservative fell by the wayside and those who allowed themselves the freedom to dream prevailed.

While Democrats and Republicans compete over who is more patriotic, what Americans really need to know is who has stayed true to the dream, regardless of political party. Engaging in childish name-calling such as Ultra-Conservative and Left Wing Radical takes our focus away from the actual issue - without staying true to the dream, we cannot all get along. We have become a nation of extremists. Whether the subject is religion, politics, or chocolate, we all have a strong opinion, but we have forgotten about the facts.

It is the fault of the average American that we have a corrupt and immobile government because we allow it to exist. We overlook the indiscretion of politicians. We expect our news media to be contextually accurate and non-biased. Many Americans feel they are not represented and they are not wrong, but without more involvement by average Americans we cannot expect a higher standard of government. The Majority Rule system is not working but those in power see no reason to change it. They're paid well whether the system works or not.

More and more people are choosing to ignore their government. This will allow the system to get worse until someone cries "REVOLUTION", and then we'll all be damned. Rules, both spoken and unspoken are being imposed on those who disagree with our government. The definition of freedom has been twisted and redefined by lesser men than our Forefathers had hoped.

We cannot give up control. More importantly, we cannot allow ourselves to become the tyranny we escaped when our Forefathers wrote the Declaration of independence. We must take a stand, any stand, and fight, before our countrymen start fleeing America for a place where they can remember their dreams.