Who are you? Are you a Democrat, or a Republican?
In our government, the decision-makers are separated into two categories. This is a challenging debate. Many Americans believe the two political groups to be inappropriate for government flow. George Washington did say before his resignation that we should beware of political groups and that they should not occur. "Beware of the two party system." Most American do not think that the Democrats and Republicans are representing the majority, but the extremist minorities. This may be true, and Washington is correct. The two party system only causes turmoil and long-waited laws to come out of the Senate. However, I feel that arguments and discrepancies would occur without the two party system. And obviously, people will still disagree with one another in government regardless of any side people are on. The two party system would exist even if we got rid of it some miraculous way. There will always be people that have differing ideas and thoughts than others- even in government. I know that this is what government is for: to resolve all conflicting perceptions and make them one compromised law. Government is ideally a compromise. Without this compromise, we would have no government, no order, and no country. If you ask me, I think the American government is good as it is according to political parties. Let's keep it this way.
On the idea of deciding to be a Democrat and Republican, many people claim themselves independent. When election time comes, people change from independent to whatever the party is that falls under the president they are voting for. This allows the voters to be even more extensive and active in the voting process. When the election and voting day/time ends, the voter will then change their political party back to independent. I am OK with the independent title. If one does not reside with either group, then it is fair to be away from them both. In fact, I commend who ever does this, because it means that the person is thinking of where there are in government and thinking about the political process in general.
Democrat, Republican, or Independent, it is always very important to be active and alert in our government, especially when we do not agree with how something is set up and put together.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Dreams Without Money
Blog made on September 1st
When life gives you lemons, why start with lemonade? Whatever life places in our hands, do we have to use it? If we do, I'd rather make lemon drops, or lemon cake. I would like to be out of the ordinary. Life in the world today relies on the strength of money according to success. Dreaming a dream job without money in mind is a little bit of a struggle for me. The reason for this is because I do not want a job at all, I want to be a traveling wanderer. New York's sights and car horns, Switzerland's wavy hills and smooth chocolate, and the memory foamed sand of the shore. Ask me where I would like to work the most and I would think about it. I'm still not sure. I know I want to be in the next famous band as lead but who knows if that would ever happen? Noone just makes the NBA and the NASA squad, it's all about luck and practice. I have the practice part down, but I need to work on the luck part. But imagine that: me in an all-time band? I would be so happy I'd rock myself to an Emmy Award no problem. But how do I get there? I could send some clips to MGM and Hollywood Records and try to be the next Joe Bro, or maybe jam my way through college and get seen by a special agent from a headquarters in California. I would find my band members on the border of Memphis and begin our rockstar legend. With my companions, we would rule the music world, conquering town after town, city after city, and then state after state, and then spanning the entire globe to prove one point: we can rock peoples' socks off. I would not mind being an architect either, as long as I don't have to do the math. I'll think up the creative ideas and how it will work with rough estimates of weight and size, but not the exact measurements that go along with it. I have always dreamed of making tree houses for a living. Not regular wooden boxes laying in a tree, but beautiful, well thought through, amazing tree houses that a kid could marvel at. I watched Extreme Tree Houses once on HGTV and loved seeing all the interesting ideas. But what I'll make is better. I dream of marvelous oaks with diamond shaped windows and sunlit green rooms. Smoothie machines, cinemas, and presidential suites line these tree houses. Just recently, I thought of making a treehouse at Wartburg for a project of some sort. This tree would be fake and wrap around a chain of tree houses that you must climb a ladder to get on. The houses are reserved for study only, not for sleeping in. Now, if I could do anything without worry of money, this is all I would do.
When life gives you lemons, why start with lemonade? Whatever life places in our hands, do we have to use it? If we do, I'd rather make lemon drops, or lemon cake. I would like to be out of the ordinary. Life in the world today relies on the strength of money according to success. Dreaming a dream job without money in mind is a little bit of a struggle for me. The reason for this is because I do not want a job at all, I want to be a traveling wanderer. New York's sights and car horns, Switzerland's wavy hills and smooth chocolate, and the memory foamed sand of the shore. Ask me where I would like to work the most and I would think about it. I'm still not sure. I know I want to be in the next famous band as lead but who knows if that would ever happen? Noone just makes the NBA and the NASA squad, it's all about luck and practice. I have the practice part down, but I need to work on the luck part. But imagine that: me in an all-time band? I would be so happy I'd rock myself to an Emmy Award no problem. But how do I get there? I could send some clips to MGM and Hollywood Records and try to be the next Joe Bro, or maybe jam my way through college and get seen by a special agent from a headquarters in California. I would find my band members on the border of Memphis and begin our rockstar legend. With my companions, we would rule the music world, conquering town after town, city after city, and then state after state, and then spanning the entire globe to prove one point: we can rock peoples' socks off. I would not mind being an architect either, as long as I don't have to do the math. I'll think up the creative ideas and how it will work with rough estimates of weight and size, but not the exact measurements that go along with it. I have always dreamed of making tree houses for a living. Not regular wooden boxes laying in a tree, but beautiful, well thought through, amazing tree houses that a kid could marvel at. I watched Extreme Tree Houses once on HGTV and loved seeing all the interesting ideas. But what I'll make is better. I dream of marvelous oaks with diamond shaped windows and sunlit green rooms. Smoothie machines, cinemas, and presidential suites line these tree houses. Just recently, I thought of making a treehouse at Wartburg for a project of some sort. This tree would be fake and wrap around a chain of tree houses that you must climb a ladder to get on. The houses are reserved for study only, not for sleeping in. Now, if I could do anything without worry of money, this is all I would do.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Tax Man
"Cause I'm the tax man. Yeah, I'm the tax maaaaan....."
The Beatles.
Most people do not like to pay taxes. Others pay taxes with the idea that they are benefiting and doing good for our country. Our revolution against Europe was caused by numerous things, but taxation without representation was one of them. The historical "Tea Party" is an example of this, where Americans threw tea overboard cargo ships that were heavily taxed by the British in Boston Harbor. Now, free and our own country, we still carry taxes today. However, we now have taxation with representation, meaning that we are taxed for the strength and well-being of our own country. It is no longer taxation without representation. Today, a big question according to taxes has to do with wealth. Should the wealthier be taxed heavier? I think that I would not think it was fair if I was rich and was taxed more heavily than the poor. I worked for that money, and if I wanted to give more to the government, I would do so by choice, not by force. Though this is a plausible idea to pay for our government expenses, is it moral? Or is it moral for the rich to keep their extensive money for themselves? This is quite a hard topic to give an answer too. Especially when the people making the laws and regulations may not have been in the shoes of the rich and the poor to know what impact an increase in taxes on the rich would have. Another idea could be used from this idea- up to a certain point of revenue, taxes come into effect. This would release tension on the poor but increase tension on the rich. One other idea would be to raise the taxes for everyone completely, but I would rather that not happen. But if an increase in funds to the government is needed, then I think this would be the lesser of evils. If everyone's taxes are raised equally, then business is fair. Then, this may be a form of communism. In communistic societies and countries, everyone is paid the same, no matter what the job is. Should everyone be taxed the same? To be more specific, I think that taxes should be based on property and ownership of objects. These taxes could be different, depending on the expense of the houses and objects. I think this might be the best option- taxes should be based on ownership and the quality of these things owned. I may be wrong, but I find this to be feasible right now.
The Beatles.
Most people do not like to pay taxes. Others pay taxes with the idea that they are benefiting and doing good for our country. Our revolution against Europe was caused by numerous things, but taxation without representation was one of them. The historical "Tea Party" is an example of this, where Americans threw tea overboard cargo ships that were heavily taxed by the British in Boston Harbor. Now, free and our own country, we still carry taxes today. However, we now have taxation with representation, meaning that we are taxed for the strength and well-being of our own country. It is no longer taxation without representation. Today, a big question according to taxes has to do with wealth. Should the wealthier be taxed heavier? I think that I would not think it was fair if I was rich and was taxed more heavily than the poor. I worked for that money, and if I wanted to give more to the government, I would do so by choice, not by force. Though this is a plausible idea to pay for our government expenses, is it moral? Or is it moral for the rich to keep their extensive money for themselves? This is quite a hard topic to give an answer too. Especially when the people making the laws and regulations may not have been in the shoes of the rich and the poor to know what impact an increase in taxes on the rich would have. Another idea could be used from this idea- up to a certain point of revenue, taxes come into effect. This would release tension on the poor but increase tension on the rich. One other idea would be to raise the taxes for everyone completely, but I would rather that not happen. But if an increase in funds to the government is needed, then I think this would be the lesser of evils. If everyone's taxes are raised equally, then business is fair. Then, this may be a form of communism. In communistic societies and countries, everyone is paid the same, no matter what the job is. Should everyone be taxed the same? To be more specific, I think that taxes should be based on property and ownership of objects. These taxes could be different, depending on the expense of the houses and objects. I think this might be the best option- taxes should be based on ownership and the quality of these things owned. I may be wrong, but I find this to be feasible right now.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Relevant Religions
There are three religions that have so much similarity: Christianity, Muslim faith, and Jewish faith. Christians believe in Jesus Christ as the son of God. The Jewish believe Jesus Christ as a prophet. The Muslims believe in Allah, or one central God over all. I am surprised by how closely related these religions are. I did not realize this until our small group discussion in Scholars 101 last week. I hope that I always keep this in mind, because although these three religions have different perceptions and ideals, they tie so well together. Muslims were heavily persecuted during the 9/11 terrorist attack. What was not kept in mind was that all Muslims are not alike. Most Muslims practice the faith according to Allah, not the mass killings of innocent people. This was an unfair persecution from us as Americans, but who else were we supposed to point fingers at? Anyway, the Jewish were not treated so well either. Germany had there hand on them for a long time with horrible repercussions. It is those times that we all look back and dread for the wronged Jewish. The Christians were not quite oppressed, unless you include the Quakers, who came to America to practice their faith freely. The Quakers did not, however, stress the same qualities of Christianity. The Quakers were firm in tradition, and did not budge from historical works. Christianity can change from tradition, as long as faith is being practiced by oneself. What an interesting phenomena! I should have been more aware of this. And another thing- religions usually contain some sort of sentiment along the lines of good and bad. If your good, you are rewarded- if you are bad, then you face heavy consequences. It could be the act of going up or down the ladder of prestige in the next life, the amount of riches received after this life, or if heaven will be home after death, it is nice to know that the world religions want us to be better people.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
My Name is Khan
What a great movie! I love the idea. This movie clearly shows that people with religious and physical/mental minorities can be implemented in society, depending on level of minority, and tells us that everyone should be treated fairly. I also love the romance idea to the movie, although I hate to admit it. When you think about it, how Khan is trying to see the president, he is really going after his dreams. I mean, who would have the mindset to meet the president on their own and go with it methodically? Well, a lot of people. But the way Khan is pursuing this dream, and because no one else really feels the same way he does, it is quite surprising. I am so glad I had a chance to watch this movie. What intrigues me is that Khan has had no way to communicate he feelings when he was a kid, but has grown to understand how to show his feelings through actions, words, and writings. This story can be used in our own lives:
First off, be kind to others that may seem different then you. If we treat each other in a kind manner, than we can learn from one another and grow with this experience. Mingling with others is key to success. I find it very exciting and interesting to talk with random people. Of course, it makes the situation less awkward, such as standing in a long line or waiting for something, but it also gives me great insight on my outside world and what I can do with my impact in the world everyday.
Second, love can be found anywhere. Whether by looks, personality, time and place, or all 3: love is not a set thing. Usually, I tell myself: the girl that I will marry will be this, this and this, but in reality, the woman I marry may be someone I have never dreamed of.
Third, fear is only a frame of mind. If we step past our fear, we can help diminish the barrier between our dreams and the place we want to be. I love playing ukulele for people and an audience. This is mainly because I feel a sense of accomplishment; I feel that every performance makes me better. It is as if I think to myself, 'For every performance, I could play for the world." I like to think this way.
What a great choice! My Name is Khan is informative on the matter of minorities and our everyday life.
First off, be kind to others that may seem different then you. If we treat each other in a kind manner, than we can learn from one another and grow with this experience. Mingling with others is key to success. I find it very exciting and interesting to talk with random people. Of course, it makes the situation less awkward, such as standing in a long line or waiting for something, but it also gives me great insight on my outside world and what I can do with my impact in the world everyday.
Second, love can be found anywhere. Whether by looks, personality, time and place, or all 3: love is not a set thing. Usually, I tell myself: the girl that I will marry will be this, this and this, but in reality, the woman I marry may be someone I have never dreamed of.
Third, fear is only a frame of mind. If we step past our fear, we can help diminish the barrier between our dreams and the place we want to be. I love playing ukulele for people and an audience. This is mainly because I feel a sense of accomplishment; I feel that every performance makes me better. It is as if I think to myself, 'For every performance, I could play for the world." I like to think this way.
What a great choice! My Name is Khan is informative on the matter of minorities and our everyday life.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Previously in Scholars #1
Previously in Scholars 101...
We had a discussion in our small groups about a group called the gypsies. I may add that the word "gypsy" can encompass various groups of people, with both similar qualities and drastic differences. Just as an airplane can be classified as an airship, but their are some airplanes that can drive on water- so is the variety of individuals that are included in the name "gypsy." Now, gypsies have a harsh stereotype under their name. The rumors spread and say that gypsies live to travel, steal and own nice things, and believe in predetermined marriage. The dislike for gypsies is so immense that students may not be allowed to enroll in school in Europe. From my experience, I have noticed stereotypical gypsies in America. These people I met cam from Arkansas, wore very nice clothes, and had really nice things. They moved constantly, maybe at least once every year. The people around me explained the stereotype of these individuals, and I could understand what they were talking about. I could see what they were saying. Stereotypes can be daunting... I am sure that there are people who may call themselves gypsies or not, but all people are different. Not one gypsy is alike. Perhaps, our stereotypical thoughts are actually something of the past, or may not be true at all.
Summary Points
We had a discussion in our small groups about a group called the gypsies. I may add that the word "gypsy" can encompass various groups of people, with both similar qualities and drastic differences. Just as an airplane can be classified as an airship, but their are some airplanes that can drive on water- so is the variety of individuals that are included in the name "gypsy." Now, gypsies have a harsh stereotype under their name. The rumors spread and say that gypsies live to travel, steal and own nice things, and believe in predetermined marriage. The dislike for gypsies is so immense that students may not be allowed to enroll in school in Europe. From my experience, I have noticed stereotypical gypsies in America. These people I met cam from Arkansas, wore very nice clothes, and had really nice things. They moved constantly, maybe at least once every year. The people around me explained the stereotype of these individuals, and I could understand what they were talking about. I could see what they were saying. Stereotypes can be daunting... I am sure that there are people who may call themselves gypsies or not, but all people are different. Not one gypsy is alike. Perhaps, our stereotypical thoughts are actually something of the past, or may not be true at all.
Summary Points
- Gypsies can either be a stereotype classification or a word that they call themselves
- Gypsies do not need to believe similarly together
- Gypsies can be seen in across the world
- Gypsies stereotypically travel and steal
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Outfly
I may be gullible...
But I'm not THAT gullible. Upperclassman think they can make dates and rumors up, but I know something the other freshman don't know. Outfly is not tomorrow. "It's tomorrow, it's tomorrow!" Pfft, what a joke. If it was tomorrow, it would be every day the past month. Zach Sommers said that too, and he's the one who made the date. Here are a list of facts that I know Outfly consists of:
FACT #1: Outfly is real
FACT #2: Outfly is before the weather gets too cold
FACT #3: Outfly will be when everyone least expects it
Looking at the facts, it is clear that Outfly is certainly uncertain. No one will know when Outfly is, because it is possible that the Outfly decision makers, including the president of Outfly, can change the date if need be. Outfly was supposed to be last Tuesday, but the weather was too unpleasant to continue with the plans. Therefore, Outfly was changed to a later date. Why not change the date once more, when everyone believes Outfly to be tomorrow? I'll tell you one thing- if I were student body president of Wartburg, I would make sure that people were surprised. When the whole campus, including teachers, assume classes being dismissed the next day, I would make sure to have some fun with the power I have in choosing the Outfly date.
Let's be honest, I would love Outfly to be tomorrow. I wish it would have been today, but we need to use our cognitive thinking as freshman. Look around you: do you hear everyone talking about Outfly? It's true, and you may have joined them, but remember: Outfly will never be when everyone thinks it is. What fun would that be? I understand that we all know when Christmas is, but it is the idea of wondering exactly when the presents arrive. We'll never know when the presents get here, or when Outfly gets here. Get homework done and plenty of rest, and who knows? Tomorrow could be a great day without any work to do whatsoever, and it just so happens to be Outfly. Me, however, I am betting someone five bones that Outfly is not tomorrow, so let us agree to disagree it is not tomorrow, but instead, Friday.
Yay for Outfly!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)