Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Park51 Plan: Mosque NEAR ground zero.
Well I have to start off by saying whether we like it of not, our country was founded on the grounds of religious freedom.
Now, I feel for those that still have a hard heart towards Muslims because of what happened on 9/11. I understand their confused and angry because of this mosque being built. I also have much respect for them expressing their concerns. BUT, I don't think they are right to be protesting, burning Korans and hating every Muslim. Is that really the kind of picture we want to paint to the rest of the world? That we are extremist in the sense that we can't communicate our differences like civilized people?
The Mosque is not being built ON ground zero..it is 2 blocks away, and if you people who are so quick to judge did your homework you would know that there is already a mosque 4 blocks away. Should they tear that one down too? We as Americans have the upper hand here, We can show the world that just because a few idiots who believe killing thousands of people is going to win them a seat in some extremist fucked up heaven , that doesn't mean we have to become hateful and bitter towards everyone else who is part of the Muslim religion, because again, if you did your homework you would know that the Muslim faith is actually very peaceful, more peaceful than the Christian faith.
Also, Has anyone checked to see how many peaceful Muslims were killed in 9/11? Have you wondered how those family's hurt? Saying that every Muslim is a terrorist is like saying every Catholic is a Child Molester. Yeah I said it because its true. Should we tear down every Catholic church in the country because countless little boys have been tormented at the hands of their priests? You can find crazy fucked up people in every religion around the world. We shouldn't single out one specific religion.
Personally, I feel that we are still fighting a war where the enemy may no longer exist. We need to move forward and embrace every religion, there are bigger battles to be fought out there, bigger evils than a mosque being built.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Does everything REALLY happen for a reason?
Does everything really happen for a reason? It would be pretty amazing if this was true. Is it something we tell ourselves when we are trying to cope with some unexplained tragedy? OR Is it something we use to explain an unexpected good fortune?
Some things can be explained as being purely random in life and others, which appear to be random, aren't. In my short and seemingly inexperienced life I have managed to come across this question many times. There have been times when something so tragic occurs that the only way to get through it is to tell myself that some how there is a divine purpose or reason behind it. If a child is born with a birth defect, the parents might, to cope with it, tell themselves that there is a reason behind it, that out of every misfortune there is a higher power behind it. When we fall in love with a person, we say its meant to be, there was a reason we came across this person in our lives and then when we break up, we say there is a reason behind that too.
BUT,
What if we are wrong? What if things just happen to people for no reason? Where does that leave us? Hopeless, sad, and in some cases pessimistic about life in general. If the phrase "everything happens for a reason" had never been introduced to us, what would we use to explain all the good and bad in the world? Would be just simply say "that's Life"? Would we just tell each other to "get over it"? Its funny how such a small paring of words can mean so much to someone if said at the right time. How words can give someone hope in midst of some catastrophe, because some where deep in their mind they truly believe "everything, good and bad, happens for a reason". It is not about God or a hand in human affairs that is unseen. It is about the use and abuse human beings put all conditions on earth to, in their search for their purpose in life.
Now, personally, I would agree that everything does happen for a reason. Its helped explain things to me that would otherwise have left me with answer-less questions. When a father walks out on his family, or a baby dies at birth, or a car accident leaves someone in a wheelchair, when an earthquakes kills thousands and a war kills even more..if the only thing left is the glimmer of hope that it all has a reason for occurring well I am no one to discredit what gives someone else hope.
If at the end of the day, telling ourselves and those we love that "Everything happens for a reason" makes them a little happier or eases their pain just a bit, well then I think true or not, it serves the purpose of giving hope in other wise hopeless situations.
Some things can be explained as being purely random in life and others, which appear to be random, aren't. In my short and seemingly inexperienced life I have managed to come across this question many times. There have been times when something so tragic occurs that the only way to get through it is to tell myself that some how there is a divine purpose or reason behind it. If a child is born with a birth defect, the parents might, to cope with it, tell themselves that there is a reason behind it, that out of every misfortune there is a higher power behind it. When we fall in love with a person, we say its meant to be, there was a reason we came across this person in our lives and then when we break up, we say there is a reason behind that too.
BUT,
What if we are wrong? What if things just happen to people for no reason? Where does that leave us? Hopeless, sad, and in some cases pessimistic about life in general. If the phrase "everything happens for a reason" had never been introduced to us, what would we use to explain all the good and bad in the world? Would be just simply say "that's Life"? Would we just tell each other to "get over it"? Its funny how such a small paring of words can mean so much to someone if said at the right time. How words can give someone hope in midst of some catastrophe, because some where deep in their mind they truly believe "everything, good and bad, happens for a reason". It is not about God or a hand in human affairs that is unseen. It is about the use and abuse human beings put all conditions on earth to, in their search for their purpose in life.
Now, personally, I would agree that everything does happen for a reason. Its helped explain things to me that would otherwise have left me with answer-less questions. When a father walks out on his family, or a baby dies at birth, or a car accident leaves someone in a wheelchair, when an earthquakes kills thousands and a war kills even more..if the only thing left is the glimmer of hope that it all has a reason for occurring well I am no one to discredit what gives someone else hope.
If at the end of the day, telling ourselves and those we love that "Everything happens for a reason" makes them a little happier or eases their pain just a bit, well then I think true or not, it serves the purpose of giving hope in other wise hopeless situations.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
BP...I'm done with you.
It can be hard to keep track of all the devastating statistics, quotes, and facts concerning the oil spill disaster, but it is essential that the public maintain a working knowledge of what's going on, both politically and environmentally.
Despite promising efforts to stop the Gulf oil leak through a 'top kill' effort, a mind boggling amount of damage has already been done to this precious ocean ecosystem and it seems it is not getting the amount of attention it needs.
As a people, we must demand change from both an oil industry that drills first and asks questions later, and the corrupt government agencies that let them get away with it. We must also realize that we have encouraged this sort of behavior through lifestyles that are addicted to oil, and an unwillingness to make sacrifices for a cleaner, healthier future.
So the damage is done. What do we do now? Well first lets review the facts.
New estimates show the undersea well has spilled between 17 and 39 million gallons. These estimates dwarf those of BP, who claimed the spill had only released 11 million gallons to date, and mean that the Gulf leak is far bigger than Exxon Valdez, making it the worst spill in American history. I don’t know about you, but knowing that we are being fooled by the same company that caused all of this makes my skin crawl. What gives them any right to down play anything about this devastating situation? Also, SHAME ON YOU MEDIA! How dare you use the same tactics that you use for celebrity gossip on a world altering disaster. You GENUINELY can not believe everything you hear so PLEASE do your research people and don’t be left in the dark like the ignorant idiots the government and huge oil companies think you are.
The National Wildlife Federation reports that already more than 150 threatened or endangered sea turtles are dead. And 316 sea birds, mostly brown pelicans and northern gannets, have been found dead along the Gulf Coast as a result of the spreading oil. Well this just makes me sick. Don’t turn the other cheek on this. First its animals then its our economy, (WHICH DOESN’T NEED THIS RIGHT NOW).
The Minerals Management Service, directly under the supervision of the Interior Department failed to impose a full review of potential environmental impacts of the BP drilling operation because preliminary reviews of the area concluded that a massive oil spill was "unlikely." Unlikely my ass, but you know, honestly, I blame us, YES US. Because if we didn’t wait for things to affect us or come back and bite us in the ass then maybe we would have taken better care of our oceans and realized how SERIOUS a massive oil spill could be if it “UNLIKELY” happened. I feel ashamed of all of us for not seeing this coming and just being oblivious to what is going on around us.
The Department of the Interior’s Office of the Inspector General released a report indicating that at one Gulf Coast office of MMS, agency officials attended sporting events on the dime of oil companies, stored porn on company computers, used cocaine and crystal meth, falsified inspection reports, and accepted "gifts" from "good friends in the oil industry." (Links via ProPublica). I think this fact speaks for itself.
A significant amount of the oil slick is being drawn well to the south in the east-central Gulf of Mexico, meaning that it has been captured by the Loop Current. Oil in the loop is a hazard to the Florida Keys, (and entire East Coast) as well as areas of the west coast of Florida. Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico could also be at risk of exposure to the oil, which also could be drawn into the Gulf Stream through the Florida Straits, and perhaps northward to part of the Atlantic Seaboard. Yeah that’s right, our favorite vacation destinations will be affected, but that’s not a big deal right?
As much as we'd like to forget it, the Gulf Coast is prime hurricane country, and if a storm blows in, the result could be devastating. The presence of oil could lead to a more powerful hurricane because crude accumulating at the surface could be raising the temperature of the surrounding water. Because Houston and New Orleans could DEFINITELY use some more powerful hurricanes. Pshhh…=/
Transocean Ltd., the owner of the Deepwater Horizon rig leased by BP, has been flying under the radar in the mainstream blame game. Because of past experience with Gulf Oil spills, Transocean decided to insure the Deepwater Horizon rig for about twice what it was worth. In a conference call to analysts earlier this month, Transocean reported making a $270 million profit from insurance payouts after the disaster.
Perhaps because it knows the possibility of remedying the situation is practically impossible, BP has made publicly available its laughable "Oil Spill Response Plan" which is, in fact, no plan at all. Besides mentioning the protection of Arctic wildlife (probably lifted directly from the Exxon Valdez plan), the plan does not include any disease-preventing measures, oceanic or meteorological data, and is comprised mostly of phone numbers and blank forms. Most importantly, it includes no directions for how to deal with another deep-water explosion in the future.
A large number of fishermen are becoming seriously ill - and many of them believe that the chemicals that BP is using in the Gulf are to blame. Local shrimpers in Louisiana are already predicting that it will be seven years before they can set to sea again.
Gambling websites are now placing odds on what species will be first to become extinct as a result of the oil belching from BP's ruptured well in the Gulf of Mexico.
Lets just all sit back and think that until the oil is at our door steps or all the sea life is dead we shouldn’t care. Well it is at your door step, it is getting worse with every passing day and maybe we don’t see the devastating consequences of our mistakes now, but I know my generation will. By then it will be too late, actually it could very well be too late. My question is, instead of finding new places to drill or fixing a never-ending problem, why don’t we consider that maybe this is all because of us and our sick addiction to what oil gives us?
Despite promising efforts to stop the Gulf oil leak through a 'top kill' effort, a mind boggling amount of damage has already been done to this precious ocean ecosystem and it seems it is not getting the amount of attention it needs.
As a people, we must demand change from both an oil industry that drills first and asks questions later, and the corrupt government agencies that let them get away with it. We must also realize that we have encouraged this sort of behavior through lifestyles that are addicted to oil, and an unwillingness to make sacrifices for a cleaner, healthier future.
So the damage is done. What do we do now? Well first lets review the facts.
New estimates show the undersea well has spilled between 17 and 39 million gallons. These estimates dwarf those of BP, who claimed the spill had only released 11 million gallons to date, and mean that the Gulf leak is far bigger than Exxon Valdez, making it the worst spill in American history. I don’t know about you, but knowing that we are being fooled by the same company that caused all of this makes my skin crawl. What gives them any right to down play anything about this devastating situation? Also, SHAME ON YOU MEDIA! How dare you use the same tactics that you use for celebrity gossip on a world altering disaster. You GENUINELY can not believe everything you hear so PLEASE do your research people and don’t be left in the dark like the ignorant idiots the government and huge oil companies think you are.
The National Wildlife Federation reports that already more than 150 threatened or endangered sea turtles are dead. And 316 sea birds, mostly brown pelicans and northern gannets, have been found dead along the Gulf Coast as a result of the spreading oil. Well this just makes me sick. Don’t turn the other cheek on this. First its animals then its our economy, (WHICH DOESN’T NEED THIS RIGHT NOW).
The Minerals Management Service, directly under the supervision of the Interior Department failed to impose a full review of potential environmental impacts of the BP drilling operation because preliminary reviews of the area concluded that a massive oil spill was "unlikely." Unlikely my ass, but you know, honestly, I blame us, YES US. Because if we didn’t wait for things to affect us or come back and bite us in the ass then maybe we would have taken better care of our oceans and realized how SERIOUS a massive oil spill could be if it “UNLIKELY” happened. I feel ashamed of all of us for not seeing this coming and just being oblivious to what is going on around us.
The Department of the Interior’s Office of the Inspector General released a report indicating that at one Gulf Coast office of MMS, agency officials attended sporting events on the dime of oil companies, stored porn on company computers, used cocaine and crystal meth, falsified inspection reports, and accepted "gifts" from "good friends in the oil industry." (Links via ProPublica). I think this fact speaks for itself.
A significant amount of the oil slick is being drawn well to the south in the east-central Gulf of Mexico, meaning that it has been captured by the Loop Current. Oil in the loop is a hazard to the Florida Keys, (and entire East Coast) as well as areas of the west coast of Florida. Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico could also be at risk of exposure to the oil, which also could be drawn into the Gulf Stream through the Florida Straits, and perhaps northward to part of the Atlantic Seaboard. Yeah that’s right, our favorite vacation destinations will be affected, but that’s not a big deal right?
As much as we'd like to forget it, the Gulf Coast is prime hurricane country, and if a storm blows in, the result could be devastating. The presence of oil could lead to a more powerful hurricane because crude accumulating at the surface could be raising the temperature of the surrounding water. Because Houston and New Orleans could DEFINITELY use some more powerful hurricanes. Pshhh…=/
Transocean Ltd., the owner of the Deepwater Horizon rig leased by BP, has been flying under the radar in the mainstream blame game. Because of past experience with Gulf Oil spills, Transocean decided to insure the Deepwater Horizon rig for about twice what it was worth. In a conference call to analysts earlier this month, Transocean reported making a $270 million profit from insurance payouts after the disaster.
Perhaps because it knows the possibility of remedying the situation is practically impossible, BP has made publicly available its laughable "Oil Spill Response Plan" which is, in fact, no plan at all. Besides mentioning the protection of Arctic wildlife (probably lifted directly from the Exxon Valdez plan), the plan does not include any disease-preventing measures, oceanic or meteorological data, and is comprised mostly of phone numbers and blank forms. Most importantly, it includes no directions for how to deal with another deep-water explosion in the future.
A large number of fishermen are becoming seriously ill - and many of them believe that the chemicals that BP is using in the Gulf are to blame. Local shrimpers in Louisiana are already predicting that it will be seven years before they can set to sea again.
Gambling websites are now placing odds on what species will be first to become extinct as a result of the oil belching from BP's ruptured well in the Gulf of Mexico.
Lets just all sit back and think that until the oil is at our door steps or all the sea life is dead we shouldn’t care. Well it is at your door step, it is getting worse with every passing day and maybe we don’t see the devastating consequences of our mistakes now, but I know my generation will. By then it will be too late, actually it could very well be too late. My question is, instead of finding new places to drill or fixing a never-ending problem, why don’t we consider that maybe this is all because of us and our sick addiction to what oil gives us?
Friday, May 14, 2010
Once Upon a Time In Arizona
What if I had forgotten my “proof of citizenship” on a quick trip to the super market and the person driving and I were pulled over and questioned on our citizenship? In all honesty the first words out of my mouth would be “Are you kidding me!?” I would quickly reach for the wallet I forgot and search for the identification that I obviously left behind. I would begin to feel overwhelming anxiety and anger and wonder why me and why now.
At this point I am almost positive the officer would ask me to step out of the vehicle and depending on how his day has gone, this could go two ways. He could ask me nicely to give him all my information and I am going out on a limb here and based on my English, let me go with a warning
Or
Based on his own perspective, a much harsher and panic stricken reality, he could very easily tag me as an illegal immigrant and begin the process of taking me back to a country I am not from. Emotionally I would feel betrayed and physically I would be frozen in fear. These are the people that are supposed to protect me and now, because of the way I look, they are treating me like an outsider that doesn’t belong. I was born and have grown up in this country, I went to public schools, I went to public Universities, and I exercised my right to vote for the candidate of my choice in the Presidential election, and now this is how I’m treated.
This all sounds like an exaggerated version of what would really happen, but its not. Some legal citizens could easily fall through the cracks and end up resenting the country they loved.
So what should the solution be to the ongoing problem of illegal immigration? Definitely not taking matters into your own hands like Immigration is quickly becoming the new platform of controversy.
If
Let’s ask the obvious question, could a similar law come to
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Arizona's Immigration Frustration
I think that Arizona's Governor should be careful what she asks for. Do you really want to piss off every Hispanic in the country because you want attention from DC? If this is a DESPERATE cry for attention to immigration issues in Arizona their Governor is completely acting like a 4 yr old, she would have made a better decision if she would have just thrown herself on the ground and threw a temper tantrum. Not her though, she prefers to just try to legalize racial profiling, because in essence that's exactly what this new law is allowing. Last time I checked, every Hispanic I know is a citizen and would be pretty pissed off if they were randomly questioned because of their ethnicity. Texas has its share of immigration issues, along with other southern states, but you don't see our Governor crying about it or pissing off the majority, WHICH IS HISPANICS (and I'm talking about the legal ones)! Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not for just free and open immigration, I do think their should be regulations and reform implemented, but not like this, not in the most controversial and semi-racist way. If you wanted attention on immigration, well you sure as hell got it Arizona, but I think you will find that politically it was an ignorant move. Congratulations, you just bitch slapped the American Dream.
NOW, Let me just express my thoughts on those Hispanics that are out there picketing and vandalizing buildings, STOP ACTING LIKE THE IGNORANT MEXICANS THAT ARIZONA ALREADY THINKS YOU ARE! Please step back for a minute and get your anger in check for just a second and realize those of you that are citizens ARE THE MAJORITY in Arizona. Don't you think you could get your point across more effectively if you banded together as educated, level headed, voters and picked your OWN candidate to run for Governor and just kicked the old one out and done, problem solved. SET AN EXAMPLE FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION! Don't go around acting like crazy mexicans and showing the US WHY they don't need you, instead SHOW how much of a power house you actually are in this Country.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703465204575208382473306238.html?mod=WSJ_hp_mostpop_read
NOW, Let me just express my thoughts on those Hispanics that are out there picketing and vandalizing buildings, STOP ACTING LIKE THE IGNORANT MEXICANS THAT ARIZONA ALREADY THINKS YOU ARE! Please step back for a minute and get your anger in check for just a second and realize those of you that are citizens ARE THE MAJORITY in Arizona. Don't you think you could get your point across more effectively if you banded together as educated, level headed, voters and picked your OWN candidate to run for Governor and just kicked the old one out and done, problem solved. SET AN EXAMPLE FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION! Don't go around acting like crazy mexicans and showing the US WHY they don't need you, instead SHOW how much of a power house you actually are in this Country.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703465204575208382473306238.html?mod=WSJ_hp_mostpop_read
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
US to Unveil New, More Restrictive Nuclear Policy - AOL News
US to Unveil New, More Restrictive Nuclear Policy - AOL News
I really wish Obama would stop messing with everything. Yes he is President and I'm sure he has good peaceful intentions, but he is the only leader in the world who feels "peaceful". Why on earth would he think to limit our means of defense? Does he honestly think that signing a piece of paper is going to be enough for other countries to just peacefully limit their means of defense? NO. Its like in elementary school when you would make a promise to a friend and have your fingers crossed behind your back, its just a tactic to use it against them later. I still feel like I'm choking on his healthcare bill and then this?! Ok Obama I voted for you, but your quickly forcing me to be ashamed of myself for it. Stop drowning us with these ridiculous plans of yours. Start looking at the big picture and stop being such a naive President, your giving me and the rest of America a headache. I feel like I'm riding the short bus to the end of your Presidency...are we there yet?
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Men who LOVE Lycra
Men Who Love Lycra- The Daily Beast
Now this struck me as weird but kind of interesting at the same time. A full body suit made of lycra that makes people feel safe and free? And men wear it? I wouldn't want to jump to any conclusions until I try this strange practice, BUT I do think that wearing a whole body spandex suit is from some kind of F'ed up childhood. Why else would anyone do this?? Some people in the article talked about it feeling like a all over hug..hahaha...sweetheart someone didn't love you enough is what that says to me. The things people do for temporary highs is ridiculous. Get a hobby people, volunteer somewhere, or at least get out of your Lycra cocoon and socialize with REAL people! Where are these peoples friends and familys?? I would be immediately taken to the nearest psychiatric hospital if my friends or family saw me walking around in this outfit. I would like to know where you find this kind of outfit and what do you do if you have to go to the bathroom?? I just have so many questions about this..Anyway..thought I would share it and my thoughts. =)
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