Yeah, ok, sorry. I know that since you mind so much, I'm making a joint entry.
Day 3: Talking As If You're Listeners Are Omnipresent
So this one was a real eyeopener. Not that I make a habit of talking badly about people or anything. It wasn't so much that as having raise the question, "Would this person I'm mentioning be comfortable with me talking about them to another person"
Not even bad stuff.
For example, I babysat my cousins on day 3 (which was a Saturday). They were talking about our other cousins' cute little dogs. And I told them a story about how one time, one of the dogs grabbed our cousin's underwear and dragged it around the house. The boys found this very funny, but I had to stop and think, "would our other cousin like them to know that?" In this case, I don't think she would mind, but it allowed the question to sit in the back of my head the rest of the day. What don't people want shared? Obviously, secrets are secrets and they are kept between people, but little stuff. Little embarrassing stories that no one ever says "Don't share that" about, but are still questionable when brought up elsewhere. So I guess what I'm trying to say is, you can get yourself into an interesting situation by sharing some information that perhaps wasn't expected to be shared. So I guess I'll try harder in the future to see what is appropriate to share about others and what is not.
Day 4: Only Saying Positive Things
I consider myself to be a pretty optimistic person. Generally. But wow was I surprised on day 4. I definitely did not say positive things all day. I sure did say a lot about John McCain and Sarah Palin. And knowing me, they weren't necessarily nice things.
I let myself fall into a trap of bitter ranting and I don't stop easily. Part of it was that I got a ride back to school from a friend I haven't talked with in a while. So we caught up, and she asked "Whatever happened between you and Caleb? Do you still talk?"
And that most definitely held some negatives.
Which is a problem I still wrestle with after how many months? The issue is this: If I speak positively and let go of my anger, I feel I am not justifying myself as an individual. It's saying, "Ok, he's right. He was right about everything. I am immature and it was wrong to be upset if he didn't call when he said he would."
But I don't feel like an immature person. I feel I can act immaturely, but I feel like I am so much wiser than I got credit for. And I don't want to let go of that, because what will be left of me? My decisions are made on my maturity to pass up drinking, drugs and premarital sex. If I give up on that, then what's the point?
I did learn some valuable lessons from that break up. I know that it was wrong for me to take it in as a way of self-loathing, and I know I should have said, "take me as I am instead of trying to change me" instead of, "oh, but I've been getting better at changing that for you!" Which I did say, more or less, on March 10th, 2008.
I know how my storytelling is perceived as narcissism and I've made significant steps to fix that. To improve myself for God and myself, not any one person. Trying to do stuff like I did for 4 days for the last few months. Ask questions, don't talk unless it's important, etc.
So I need to find balance in respecting myself and standing up for what I believe in without being negative about what was said and done. I take solace in Matthew 10:5-14
Jesus sent them out with the following instructions:
"As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near'.
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts;
Take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his or her keep.
Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay in that house until you leave.
As you enter the home, give it your greeting.
If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.
If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.
So those are my thoughts on a 4 day journey.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Day Two: Asking Questions
Sorry for not updating yesterday - I got home rather late last night and wanted to spend time with my family (and also spend a decent amount of time sleeping...although that didn't happen)
As mentioned, yesterday was a day to ask only questions. I tried to concentrate on other people's lives more than my own. Rather than giving detail about what was going on in my life, I would give a quick answer and ask them about theirs. I would like to consider myself a generally curious person, so I felt like this wasn't much of a change from usual conversation other than I was more aware of it.
It got difficult when in a real conversation, where mutual sharing needed to happen. It's hard to have a discussion when one person does all the talking. I did slip into some unnecessary comments yesterday, but at least I was aware of them. Again with the talking for the sake of their being noise rather than silence.
Most of what is unnecessary, I find, is stories. It's a way of reminiscing for me, or trying to connect people to an awesome way I've felt, but it doesn't always end up working out how I hope. I guess it can be taken as me wanting to talk about myself. And truly, that isn't my intention. In fact, most of my stories revolve around something funny my friends said, or something awesome my family members do. So it's not about me necessarily, but more about what I appreciate in my life. One of the reasons I talked about Caleb so much when we dated, I imagine, because he was something I appreciated. And I know that all my cute stories about him could drive my mom nuts.
But at least I was conscious of it all, and hopefully, I will continue to be once these four days are over. When the day is done, I'll give you a little update about my current test. :)
As mentioned, yesterday was a day to ask only questions. I tried to concentrate on other people's lives more than my own. Rather than giving detail about what was going on in my life, I would give a quick answer and ask them about theirs. I would like to consider myself a generally curious person, so I felt like this wasn't much of a change from usual conversation other than I was more aware of it.
It got difficult when in a real conversation, where mutual sharing needed to happen. It's hard to have a discussion when one person does all the talking. I did slip into some unnecessary comments yesterday, but at least I was aware of them. Again with the talking for the sake of their being noise rather than silence.
Most of what is unnecessary, I find, is stories. It's a way of reminiscing for me, or trying to connect people to an awesome way I've felt, but it doesn't always end up working out how I hope. I guess it can be taken as me wanting to talk about myself. And truly, that isn't my intention. In fact, most of my stories revolve around something funny my friends said, or something awesome my family members do. So it's not about me necessarily, but more about what I appreciate in my life. One of the reasons I talked about Caleb so much when we dated, I imagine, because he was something I appreciated. And I know that all my cute stories about him could drive my mom nuts.
But at least I was conscious of it all, and hopefully, I will continue to be once these four days are over. When the day is done, I'll give you a little update about my current test. :)
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Day One: Silence
So here's the report on my first day of the four day test.
Today's challenge was to stay silent unless I felt I had something necessary to say. If what I said in a conversation "makes a difference" then it was worth saying.
I'll admit, I forgot until about 8:30 this morning. I had done a decent amount of useless talking in the first 30 minutes of my honors class, cracking jokes about random things.
I was not silent for the day - I don't think that was the point. In fact, I know that's not the point. The point was to make good, pointed conversations that actually meant something and learning to separate the meaningful stuff from the useless.
And I suppose I could consider most of today a success.
I really noticed how often I trail off into nothingness. I tried to make sure that everything I said today had a point to it- that I wasn't just talking for the sake of it. Part of noticing this is the acknowledgment that I'm a freshman- just as awkward as I was at age 15 stepping into the high school, except I don't have parents I go home to every night. And I've found more here than anywhere else that I feel like I need to say something worth value. I've been so shy in the last 2 months, and I feel like if I don't converse with people, I'll never make friends. So I say something, anything for the sake of saying it.
So now I need to figure out a way to make friends and acquaintances without feeling like that. I know that I can be personable and likeable- so why am I having such a hard time?
This activity has brought on a lot more than I initially expected, but God works that way, I suppose.
Not much more to say than that *smirks*
Today's challenge was to stay silent unless I felt I had something necessary to say. If what I said in a conversation "makes a difference" then it was worth saying.
I'll admit, I forgot until about 8:30 this morning. I had done a decent amount of useless talking in the first 30 minutes of my honors class, cracking jokes about random things.
I was not silent for the day - I don't think that was the point. In fact, I know that's not the point. The point was to make good, pointed conversations that actually meant something and learning to separate the meaningful stuff from the useless.
And I suppose I could consider most of today a success.
I really noticed how often I trail off into nothingness. I tried to make sure that everything I said today had a point to it- that I wasn't just talking for the sake of it. Part of noticing this is the acknowledgment that I'm a freshman- just as awkward as I was at age 15 stepping into the high school, except I don't have parents I go home to every night. And I've found more here than anywhere else that I feel like I need to say something worth value. I've been so shy in the last 2 months, and I feel like if I don't converse with people, I'll never make friends. So I say something, anything for the sake of saying it.
So now I need to figure out a way to make friends and acquaintances without feeling like that. I know that I can be personable and likeable- so why am I having such a hard time?
This activity has brought on a lot more than I initially expected, but God works that way, I suppose.
Not much more to say than that *smirks*
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The Great Tongue Test
This is something my bible study group will do starting tomorrow. I'm excited to try this: this kind of experiments are really eye opening.
Day One: Silence
Here’s the challenge: See how little you can say in 24 hours.
In every situation, ask yourself, “Will what I say make a difference?”
James 1:19-21 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
James 1:26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
Day Two: Asking Questions
Here’s the challenge: Once your silence test is over and you’re ready to use some words again, Just Ask Questions.
Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Ecclesiastes 3:7b …a time to be silent and a time to speak.
I Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, is not proud.
Mark 10:46-52 and also James 1:19 again
Don’t you love it when other people live out these Scriptures around you? Who impresses you more, the person who frequently shares their resume or the person who asks about yours? At our core, we want to be known and appreciated.
Day Three: Speaking as if Your Subjects are Omnipresent
Here’s the challenge: Only say about people what you would say to their face.
That goes for everyone: your family, roommates, professors, bosses, or anyone else you tend to talk about.
Ecclesiastes 10:20 Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird of the wing may report what you say. (Solomon even extends this principle to how we talk about people we may never meet!)
Psalm 101:5a Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence.
Proverbs 10:18 He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
Proverbs 11:9 With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape.
Proverbs 11:12 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
You’ll likely find that simply holding your tongue is the best response when you’re living with the (realistic) assumption that everything you say will get back to the person about whom you’re talking.
Day Four: Making Only Positive Comments
Here’s the last test: Say only constructive things. The point of this day is to look for opportunities to bring healing through your words. It doesn’t just mean refraining from hurtful comments. It means only saying things that help-deliberately choosing to bless instead of curse.
Proverbs 12:18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 10:31-32 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.
Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.
Proverbs 29:20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
I Peter 3:10 Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue form evil and his lips form deceitful speech.
Proverbs 22:11 He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Sometimes Pictures Change
I've never been much of an artist in the sense of paint brushes, oils and pastels. But I know that in my limited experience in drawing, you have a plan of what you want it to look like, and sometimes (arguably, a lot) it turns out looking like something else. Sometimes better.
Sometimes Pictures change.
The picture of my life that I've been paining in my life has been drastically changing. It was changing senior year, but now I'm almost to the point of ripping the canvas off the easel and making something else entirely.
I've been thinking a lot about my major. yeah, it's a lot of work. But I love it. I love music more than a lot of things. But it may not be enough on its own anymore. When I'm 99 (and a half) and letting go of life, I need to, NEED TO, be able to let go knowing that I left the world a better place than I found it.
And although reaching out to students in a midwestern high school is important, it may not be ENOUGH. I need to do more.
Something has changed within me. Something is not the same. Too late for second guessing. Too late to go back to sleep. It's time to trust my instincts, close my eyes and leap.
I'm not sure yet. I don't know why this fire would suddenly start if it weren't important and worth paying close attention to. My interest and concern in politics has exploded (to most of the people who know me, you'd think it couldn't get any worse, but it totally has) and a lot of my concerns lie in foreign affiars. I think about using my music as a tool to connect to people around the world. Joining the peace corps, teaching in foreign countries, seeing with my own two eyes if everything I guess is truth.
Even now I feel it's heat upon my skin.A life of passion that pulls me from within, A life that I am making to begin.
And I'm not giving up on my major as a Choral Educator. I'll probably do that someday. I have years and years for that. But for now, while my mind is clear and my heart is in the right place, I need to pursue this idea as well.
I think we know how upset I am with our current foreign policy. I want people to know that I am not repesented by George W. Bush and his doctrine of preemptive war. And this itch will not be scratched until I can do something about it.
I've got time to think about it and figure it out. Time to pray about it and figure out what God wants me to do with my life.
But all of this exciting.
Because my picture's changed.
Sometimes Pictures change.
The picture of my life that I've been paining in my life has been drastically changing. It was changing senior year, but now I'm almost to the point of ripping the canvas off the easel and making something else entirely.
I've been thinking a lot about my major. yeah, it's a lot of work. But I love it. I love music more than a lot of things. But it may not be enough on its own anymore. When I'm 99 (and a half) and letting go of life, I need to, NEED TO, be able to let go knowing that I left the world a better place than I found it.
And although reaching out to students in a midwestern high school is important, it may not be ENOUGH. I need to do more.
Something has changed within me. Something is not the same. Too late for second guessing. Too late to go back to sleep. It's time to trust my instincts, close my eyes and leap.
I'm not sure yet. I don't know why this fire would suddenly start if it weren't important and worth paying close attention to. My interest and concern in politics has exploded (to most of the people who know me, you'd think it couldn't get any worse, but it totally has) and a lot of my concerns lie in foreign affiars. I think about using my music as a tool to connect to people around the world. Joining the peace corps, teaching in foreign countries, seeing with my own two eyes if everything I guess is truth.
Even now I feel it's heat upon my skin.A life of passion that pulls me from within, A life that I am making to begin.
And I'm not giving up on my major as a Choral Educator. I'll probably do that someday. I have years and years for that. But for now, while my mind is clear and my heart is in the right place, I need to pursue this idea as well.
I think we know how upset I am with our current foreign policy. I want people to know that I am not repesented by George W. Bush and his doctrine of preemptive war. And this itch will not be scratched until I can do something about it.
I've got time to think about it and figure it out. Time to pray about it and figure out what God wants me to do with my life.
But all of this exciting.
Because my picture's changed.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Public Service Announcement
I am really tired of people assuming I want to know the happenings in my ex-boyfriend's life.
I don't. Like, really, really don't.
It's much easier to remember him the way he was when we had a mutual, interdependent relationship. I don't so much want constant reminders that we are that different.
I don't want to feel this uncomfortable.
But I wonder if I should make a 'public service announcement' or talk to people about it rather than hearing it and being bothered by its contents (I shouldn't be, but since I am, it's better just not to hear it).
Maybe just a "from now on, I'd rather not want to hear about it, thanks..."? It doesn't happen as much as it used to, but really, I'd like to stop it altogether.
Generally, it just makes me feel ill. Eau Claire works as a general remedy, but...
I don't. Like, really, really don't.
It's much easier to remember him the way he was when we had a mutual, interdependent relationship. I don't so much want constant reminders that we are that different.
I don't want to feel this uncomfortable.
But I wonder if I should make a 'public service announcement' or talk to people about it rather than hearing it and being bothered by its contents (I shouldn't be, but since I am, it's better just not to hear it).
Maybe just a "from now on, I'd rather not want to hear about it, thanks..."? It doesn't happen as much as it used to, but really, I'd like to stop it altogether.
Generally, it just makes me feel ill. Eau Claire works as a general remedy, but...
Friday, October 17, 2008
Political Flexing
So, I get sent anti-Obama emails all the time. And usually I ignore then and delete them. I've expressed my views of why I'm voting for Obama on more than one occasion, so I felt no need to reply and tell them I disagree. But this one could not go unreplied:
YOU AIN'T GOING TO LIKE LOSING... PLEASE READ THIS WITH AN OPEN MIND I know everyone has a different opinion on the war and our current President. But, this article makes a lot of sense, take 2 minutes, read it and give it some thought. When electing the next President, 'the only decision you have to make is who you want sitting in that seat in the White House when - not if - WHEN we get hit again and millions of American lives are put at risk!'
This is from: 'You ain't gonna like losing.' Author unknown.
President Bush did make a bad mistake in the war on terrorism. But the mistake was not his decisio n to go to war in Iraq . Bush's mistake came in his belief that this country is the same one his father fought for in WWII. It is not.
Back then, they had just come out of a vicious depression. The country was steeled by the hardship of that depression, but they still believed fervently in this country. They knew that the people had elected their leaders, so it was the people's duty to back those leaders. Therefore, when the war broke out the people came together, rallied behind, and stuck with their leaders, whether they had voted for them or not or whether the war was going badly or not.
And war was just as distasteful and the anguish just as great then as it is today. Often there were more casualties in one day in WWII than we have had in the entire Iraq war. But that did not matter. The people stuck with the President because it was their patriotic duty. Americans put aside their differences in WWII and worked together to win that war.
Everyone from every strata of society, from young to old pitched in. Small children pulled little wagons around to gather scrap metal for the war effort. Grade school students saved their pennies to buy stamps for war bonds to help the effort. Men who were too old or medically 4F lied about their age or condition trying their best to join the military.
Women doubled their work to keep things going at home. Harsh rationing of everything from gasoline to soap, to butter was imposed, yet there was very little complaining. You never heard prominent people on the radio b elittling the President. Interestingly enough in those days there were no fat cat actors and entertainers who ran off to visit and fawn over dictators of hostile countries and complain to them about our President. Instead, they made upbeat films and entertained our troops to help the troops' morale. And a bunch even enlisted.
And imagine this: Teachers in schools actually started the day off with a Pledge of Allegiance, and with prayers for our country and our troops! Back then, no newspaper would have dared point out certain weak spots in our cities where bombs could be set off to cause the maximum dama ge. No newspaper would have dared complain about what we were doing to catch spies. A newspaper would have been laughed out of existence if it had complained that German or Japanese soldiers were being 'tortured' by being forced to wear women's underwear, or subjected to interrogation by a woman, or being scared by a dog or did not have air conditioning.
There were a lot of things different back then. We were not subjected to a constant bombardment of pornography, perversion and promiscuity in movies or on radio. We did not have legions of crack heads, dope pushers and armed gangs roaming our streets. No, President Bush did not make a mistake in hi s hand ling of terrorism. He made the mistake of believing that we still had the courage and fortitude of our fathers. He believed that this was still the country that our fathers fought so dearly to preserve.
It is not the same country. It is now a cross between Sodom and Gomorra and the land of Oz. We did unite for a short while after 9/11, but our attitude changed when we found out that defending our country would require some sacrifices. We are in great danger. The terrorists are fanatic Muslims. They believe that it is okay, even their duty, to kill anyone who will not convert to Islam. It has been estimated that about one third or over three hundred million Muslims are sympathetic to the terrorists cause... Hitler and Tojo combined did not have nearly that many potential recruits. So... We either win it - or lose it - and you ain't gonna like losing.
America is not at war. The military is at war. America is at the mall, o r watc hing the movie stars. ( Remember Obama said in his book 'Audacity of Hope', 'I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction'.....what better place for the Muslins to control our country, than in the office of the President of USA . If you ever forwarded an e-mail, now's the time to do it!)
I couldn't let this one go unanswered. If this kind of mindset was the reason I was getting these emails in the first place- a mindset with false information, I had to say something. So I flexed my understanding of situations, did some research and replied with this:
I would like to say, I read this and found a few misconceptions. I've been learning a lot in my World Politics class, and the theories we've been discussing directly affect what's going on today.
One of the more prominent things we've discussed is the idea of the "Security dilemma" and the "Prisoner's dilemma". The idea basically states that if a country acting as a unit is afraid for its survival, it can make irrational decisions to protect itself. This can be avoided by a shift of mindset. If instead of using Militaristic hard power as we have been using for the last 8 years, we used mutually benefiting diplomacy in foreign policy, we would find much more cooperation in the world. If we worked through the Power of the UN, as we did in the end of WW2, we would find foreign countries more willing to cooperate and discuss America's interests.
The forwarded email made it seem like a country was the cause of 9/11, when in reality the Taliban caused the attack. Iraq has never been attached to Al Qaeda, according to this CNN article: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/03/13/alqaeda.saddam/
Barack Obama has expressed many times that if the United States receives good information that Osama Bin Laden can be found, we will follow. I believe that this is a cause Americans will unite under.
People, my generation, still fervently believe in this country. If people didn't care, they wouldn't say anything. Instead, people are complaining because they want change. It's not that they're never happy or need to suck it up, it's people expressing their rights and their views in order to make change happen. In hopes that their government will listen to them and make a difference. Barack Obama is trying- he has done much more with a grassroots campaign, visiting places all over the country, reminiscent of William Jennings Bryan's Whistle-stop campaigning.
Even FDR had critics- on broadcast, in the newspaper, etc. He dealt with critics throughout the Great Depression and World War II, from the New Deal to Court Packing to American Internment Camps. But he is looked back on as a compromiser and one of the United States' Best presidents. The fact is, George W. Bush has not been a very good leader. It is nationally acknowledged that President George W. Bush has made poor decisions in the last 8 years. His current average approval rating is around 34 percent. This article goes into detail about Bush's misleading statements involving the war in Iraq: http://projects.publicintegrity.org/WarCard/
And although we want to stand behind our president and our country, this country is made up of its ideals. This is a country of civic nationalism, devoted to the idea of free speech and pursuit of happiness. And if we are going to fight for what our fathers fought for, its the ability to stand against injustice. And if people feel that George W. Bush has been unjust during his term, they have the right to do so. We're a place of religious freedom and acceptance of different ethnicities. People come to this country for the opportunities provided by our rights. That's what we're built on. Not a race or a religion, but freedom. I believe that this is the most important part of fighting for this country. What else are we built on but the ideals of our founding fathers?
Starting in 2003, my school started every morning off with the Pledge of Allegiance. Schools are promoting patriotism.
In reply to the comment about Hitler and Tojo, it must be admitted that the world has grown vastly in size since that time. 300 million has a different value 1939 than it does in 2008, the same as $10 has a difference. In reply to 300 million being sympathetic to terrorism, I am not sure how much I trust that source. "sympathetic" can be mean a lot of different things. Even if it were the case that all 300 million decided to go against the United States, that's not as large as our current population estimated at 305,403,967 people. In addition, we have many allies through NATO, which is in a pact to support us if ever attacked (called into affect for the 1st time on 9/11). In terms of sheer damage, there is no comparison. The United States can hurt others so much more than it can be hurt. We are the world's only superpower.
I believe that it isn't the American lifestyle, opportunity or freedoms that upset people around the world. It isn't our McDonald's restaurants or shopping malls. It's the Foreign policy that people don't like. When interviewed in the 2004 Documentary "I Know I'm Not Alone" by Michael Franti, Iraqi's were unhappy with Bush's preemptive foreign policy, not American lifestyle. I believe that we as humans, no matter where we live, experience a lot of the same things: life, death, family, love. That alone is enough reason not to attack another country: because the loss of a son or a daughter hurts equally in the north as it does in the south, east and west.
Finally, I need to address the alarming misquotation of Barack Obama in his book "Audacity of Hope". The actual quote, found on page 261 is as follows: "Of course, not all my conversations in immigrant communities follow this easy pattern. In the wake of 9/11, my meetings with Arab and Pakistani Americans, for example, have a more urgent quality, for the stories of detentions and FBI questioning and hard stares from neighbors have shaken their sense of security and belonging. They have been reminded that the history of immigration in this country has a dark underbelly; they need specific reassurances that their citizenship really means something, that America has learned the right lessons from the Japanese internments during World War II, and that I will stand with them should the political winds shift in an ugly direction."
The quote was in reference to a repeat of Internment camps, not about siding with Muslim leaders of foreign countries. Even if he was a Muslim, wouldn't it seem more likely that foreign leaders would want to cooperate, rather than with someone of a different belief system?
But Obama is not a Muslim. He has family ties back to Kenya, yes, but he is 100% American, just like anyone else born on American soil. He, his wife and his two girls are Christian. They attended the United Church of Christ, a non-denominational protestant church. Since the campaign trail, they have started looking for a new Christian congregation (preferably in the D.C. area!) Muslim belief in Allah does not mean a hatred of Christianity. On the contrary, following the teachings of their prophet Mohammed, it is believed that the Muslim God is the same God that Jesus Christ believed in. If we can share a God, we can share a world.
In love & peace,
Lauren
And as strange as it seems, I was really proud of what I had done, almost the way I felt after writing my Prufrock Paper for AP Lit. This election has given me a real sense of purpose- I talk to real people, hear about their concerns and try to make a difference by reporting back to the Obama campaign. I do get hung up on quite a bit, but the other night phonebanking I talked to almost every other person I called. Some of them were really great conversations.
I had a talk with a man leaning McCain/Palin but was relatively undecided who talked with me about his concerns & worries about the future of this country and I greatly appreciated the way he respected me. When we hung up he said, "keep fighting the good fight", even though I was not supporting the candidate he was potentially supporting - he told me to keep going.
And I will, down to the very last minute.
YOU AIN'T GOING TO LIKE LOSING... PLEASE READ THIS WITH AN OPEN MIND I know everyone has a different opinion on the war and our current President. But, this article makes a lot of sense, take 2 minutes, read it and give it some thought. When electing the next President, 'the only decision you have to make is who you want sitting in that seat in the White House when - not if - WHEN we get hit again and millions of American lives are put at risk!'
This is from: 'You ain't gonna like losing.' Author unknown.
President Bush did make a bad mistake in the war on terrorism. But the mistake was not his decisio n to go to war in Iraq . Bush's mistake came in his belief that this country is the same one his father fought for in WWII. It is not.
Back then, they had just come out of a vicious depression. The country was steeled by the hardship of that depression, but they still believed fervently in this country. They knew that the people had elected their leaders, so it was the people's duty to back those leaders. Therefore, when the war broke out the people came together, rallied behind, and stuck with their leaders, whether they had voted for them or not or whether the war was going badly or not.
And war was just as distasteful and the anguish just as great then as it is today. Often there were more casualties in one day in WWII than we have had in the entire Iraq war. But that did not matter. The people stuck with the President because it was their patriotic duty. Americans put aside their differences in WWII and worked together to win that war.
Everyone from every strata of society, from young to old pitched in. Small children pulled little wagons around to gather scrap metal for the war effort. Grade school students saved their pennies to buy stamps for war bonds to help the effort. Men who were too old or medically 4F lied about their age or condition trying their best to join the military.
Women doubled their work to keep things going at home. Harsh rationing of everything from gasoline to soap, to butter was imposed, yet there was very little complaining. You never heard prominent people on the radio b elittling the President. Interestingly enough in those days there were no fat cat actors and entertainers who ran off to visit and fawn over dictators of hostile countries and complain to them about our President. Instead, they made upbeat films and entertained our troops to help the troops' morale. And a bunch even enlisted.
And imagine this: Teachers in schools actually started the day off with a Pledge of Allegiance, and with prayers for our country and our troops! Back then, no newspaper would have dared point out certain weak spots in our cities where bombs could be set off to cause the maximum dama ge. No newspaper would have dared complain about what we were doing to catch spies. A newspaper would have been laughed out of existence if it had complained that German or Japanese soldiers were being 'tortured' by being forced to wear women's underwear, or subjected to interrogation by a woman, or being scared by a dog or did not have air conditioning.
There were a lot of things different back then. We were not subjected to a constant bombardment of pornography, perversion and promiscuity in movies or on radio. We did not have legions of crack heads, dope pushers and armed gangs roaming our streets. No, President Bush did not make a mistake in hi s hand ling of terrorism. He made the mistake of believing that we still had the courage and fortitude of our fathers. He believed that this was still the country that our fathers fought so dearly to preserve.
It is not the same country. It is now a cross between Sodom and Gomorra and the land of Oz. We did unite for a short while after 9/11, but our attitude changed when we found out that defending our country would require some sacrifices. We are in great danger. The terrorists are fanatic Muslims. They believe that it is okay, even their duty, to kill anyone who will not convert to Islam. It has been estimated that about one third or over three hundred million Muslims are sympathetic to the terrorists cause... Hitler and Tojo combined did not have nearly that many potential recruits. So... We either win it - or lose it - and you ain't gonna like losing.
America is not at war. The military is at war. America is at the mall, o r watc hing the movie stars. ( Remember Obama said in his book 'Audacity of Hope', 'I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction'.....what better place for the Muslins to control our country, than in the office of the President of USA . If you ever forwarded an e-mail, now's the time to do it!)
I couldn't let this one go unanswered. If this kind of mindset was the reason I was getting these emails in the first place- a mindset with false information, I had to say something. So I flexed my understanding of situations, did some research and replied with this:
I would like to say, I read this and found a few misconceptions. I've been learning a lot in my World Politics class, and the theories we've been discussing directly affect what's going on today.
One of the more prominent things we've discussed is the idea of the "Security dilemma" and the "Prisoner's dilemma". The idea basically states that if a country acting as a unit is afraid for its survival, it can make irrational decisions to protect itself. This can be avoided by a shift of mindset. If instead of using Militaristic hard power as we have been using for the last 8 years, we used mutually benefiting diplomacy in foreign policy, we would find much more cooperation in the world. If we worked through the Power of the UN, as we did in the end of WW2, we would find foreign countries more willing to cooperate and discuss America's interests.
The forwarded email made it seem like a country was the cause of 9/11, when in reality the Taliban caused the attack. Iraq has never been attached to Al Qaeda, according to this CNN article: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/03/13/alqaeda.saddam/
Barack Obama has expressed many times that if the United States receives good information that Osama Bin Laden can be found, we will follow. I believe that this is a cause Americans will unite under.
People, my generation, still fervently believe in this country. If people didn't care, they wouldn't say anything. Instead, people are complaining because they want change. It's not that they're never happy or need to suck it up, it's people expressing their rights and their views in order to make change happen. In hopes that their government will listen to them and make a difference. Barack Obama is trying- he has done much more with a grassroots campaign, visiting places all over the country, reminiscent of William Jennings Bryan's Whistle-stop campaigning.
Even FDR had critics- on broadcast, in the newspaper, etc. He dealt with critics throughout the Great Depression and World War II, from the New Deal to Court Packing to American Internment Camps. But he is looked back on as a compromiser and one of the United States' Best presidents. The fact is, George W. Bush has not been a very good leader. It is nationally acknowledged that President George W. Bush has made poor decisions in the last 8 years. His current average approval rating is around 34 percent. This article goes into detail about Bush's misleading statements involving the war in Iraq: http://projects.publicintegrity.org/WarCard/
And although we want to stand behind our president and our country, this country is made up of its ideals. This is a country of civic nationalism, devoted to the idea of free speech and pursuit of happiness. And if we are going to fight for what our fathers fought for, its the ability to stand against injustice. And if people feel that George W. Bush has been unjust during his term, they have the right to do so. We're a place of religious freedom and acceptance of different ethnicities. People come to this country for the opportunities provided by our rights. That's what we're built on. Not a race or a religion, but freedom. I believe that this is the most important part of fighting for this country. What else are we built on but the ideals of our founding fathers?
Starting in 2003, my school started every morning off with the Pledge of Allegiance. Schools are promoting patriotism.
In reply to the comment about Hitler and Tojo, it must be admitted that the world has grown vastly in size since that time. 300 million has a different value 1939 than it does in 2008, the same as $10 has a difference. In reply to 300 million being sympathetic to terrorism, I am not sure how much I trust that source. "sympathetic" can be mean a lot of different things. Even if it were the case that all 300 million decided to go against the United States, that's not as large as our current population estimated at 305,403,967 people. In addition, we have many allies through NATO, which is in a pact to support us if ever attacked (called into affect for the 1st time on 9/11). In terms of sheer damage, there is no comparison. The United States can hurt others so much more than it can be hurt. We are the world's only superpower.
I believe that it isn't the American lifestyle, opportunity or freedoms that upset people around the world. It isn't our McDonald's restaurants or shopping malls. It's the Foreign policy that people don't like. When interviewed in the 2004 Documentary "I Know I'm Not Alone" by Michael Franti, Iraqi's were unhappy with Bush's preemptive foreign policy, not American lifestyle. I believe that we as humans, no matter where we live, experience a lot of the same things: life, death, family, love. That alone is enough reason not to attack another country: because the loss of a son or a daughter hurts equally in the north as it does in the south, east and west.
Finally, I need to address the alarming misquotation of Barack Obama in his book "Audacity of Hope". The actual quote, found on page 261 is as follows: "Of course, not all my conversations in immigrant communities follow this easy pattern. In the wake of 9/11, my meetings with Arab and Pakistani Americans, for example, have a more urgent quality, for the stories of detentions and FBI questioning and hard stares from neighbors have shaken their sense of security and belonging. They have been reminded that the history of immigration in this country has a dark underbelly; they need specific reassurances that their citizenship really means something, that America has learned the right lessons from the Japanese internments during World War II, and that I will stand with them should the political winds shift in an ugly direction."
The quote was in reference to a repeat of Internment camps, not about siding with Muslim leaders of foreign countries. Even if he was a Muslim, wouldn't it seem more likely that foreign leaders would want to cooperate, rather than with someone of a different belief system?
But Obama is not a Muslim. He has family ties back to Kenya, yes, but he is 100% American, just like anyone else born on American soil. He, his wife and his two girls are Christian. They attended the United Church of Christ, a non-denominational protestant church. Since the campaign trail, they have started looking for a new Christian congregation (preferably in the D.C. area!) Muslim belief in Allah does not mean a hatred of Christianity. On the contrary, following the teachings of their prophet Mohammed, it is believed that the Muslim God is the same God that Jesus Christ believed in. If we can share a God, we can share a world.
In love & peace,
Lauren
And as strange as it seems, I was really proud of what I had done, almost the way I felt after writing my Prufrock Paper for AP Lit. This election has given me a real sense of purpose- I talk to real people, hear about their concerns and try to make a difference by reporting back to the Obama campaign. I do get hung up on quite a bit, but the other night phonebanking I talked to almost every other person I called. Some of them were really great conversations.
I had a talk with a man leaning McCain/Palin but was relatively undecided who talked with me about his concerns & worries about the future of this country and I greatly appreciated the way he respected me. When we hung up he said, "keep fighting the good fight", even though I was not supporting the candidate he was potentially supporting - he told me to keep going.
And I will, down to the very last minute.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Little Things
I've been sitting on my computer for an hour or so, brooding over a problem the size of an anthill turning into a mountain, because it's what I do.
And then Shauna said something that reminded me that once upon a time, a boy who cared immensely for me asked my father if it was alright if we dated.
And I smiled and was thankful for remembering it. And I thought it was nice that such a nice memory didn't have to be ruined.
And if things could feel so nice once, certainly, my anthill sized problems can resolve, and surely, I will find another boy like that someday.
And then Shauna said something that reminded me that once upon a time, a boy who cared immensely for me asked my father if it was alright if we dated.
And I smiled and was thankful for remembering it. And I thought it was nice that such a nice memory didn't have to be ruined.
And if things could feel so nice once, certainly, my anthill sized problems can resolve, and surely, I will find another boy like that someday.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The difference between a cult and a campaign
is that eventually a campaign ends. Does it go a little something like that, Kevin? Don't want to mince the words...
There are those moments in life, where you feel yourself catch fire. I have been wrapped up in this election since the very start, and this won't end until the Fourth of November.
That's 26 days from now if I've done my math correctly. If I haven't, I should take remedial math soon. But until November 4th, I will be working my hardest to get Barack Obama in the white house. I've been working with the College Democrats here at UWEC and I still feel like I'm not doing enough. Tomorrow, we're raiding the dorms to try to get people registered. On November 4th, I will be missing all my classes to stand on campus mall and get people to vote. (Sorry mom, but I've been assigned a job)
I've started to realize just how important it is to vote. I've always thought so, but now more than ever. Our Nation is not built on ethnic nationalism. We do not have a common culture, language or religion. Or at least, in theory. We are built on a civic nationalism, a common idea that every person was created equal, that their values and opinions MATTER. And if we don't act like it, that right might as well be taken away. I mean, people DIED for this belief- died for a seemingly impossible cause. Going against the worlds superpower of the time for the right to vote. Want something to be proud of? It's the right to share your opinion. It's being able to say "I'm a citizen of the U.S. and my opinion matters!" The enlightenment ideals that this country was built on is the only thing keeping me devoted to this country. The idea that a person is a person is a person is a person.
Not only is this our right, ladies and gentleman, it is our RESPONSIBILITY. If we want to live up to our founding fathers' expectations, it is to continue to be involved in politics, to be informed individuals, and to support a candidate that best fits your views. I'm sorry, but not voting in this election is not an option.
I've heard people say "It doesn't matter if I vote. I'm one person." In the 2000 election, the state of Wisconsin went blue by an average of 1 vote per ward. ONE VOTE. In 2004, it was by two votes. Talk about making a difference. I've also heard "I trust the system of checks and balances to stand up to any president, no matter how corrupt they are." But the fact is, the person elected will represent YOU. Do you want that to be someone with 10 houses and a private jet or God forbid, a self proclaimed "Hockey Mom"? The system of checks and balances may be able to undo a veto, but it can't undo a stupid comment made that can insult a foreign leader. It can't undo our terrible economy. Do you want to risk that?
I've heard some people say that religion is what keeps them undecided in this- whether it's voting for their candidate or voting at all. My belief as a Christian voter is in the Our Father- "thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven". If you believe in a heavenly kingdom, you'd better work to make those things happen here. Think about the things that Jesus wanted. God gave us free choice, he allowed us to make decisions for ourselves. Shouldn't our government provide the same thing? Shouldn't it allow women to make the choice about their own bodies, allow individuals to make the choice about their domestic partners? Jesus came for peace. Through DIPLOMACY, FRIENDSHIP and RESPECT, not war or hard power. He had no intention of fighting the Romans. As religious people following Jesus Christ, shouldn't we be doing the same? Diplomacy and Love? Ladies and Gentlemen, John McCain and his fellow republican warmongers need to be stopped. He has no intention of using diplomacy. He has no intention of pulling out of Iraq. It is time for people to stop dying. There is no such thing as a winnable war, and there is no such thing as a good or just war. War is NOT a necessary evil. As a Christian, I believe this is the antithesis of what God wants. And by not voting, you are not supporting a candidate who can stop this. You are handing it to a man who will continue condemning thousands of people living on the other side of the world to death, like we have been since 2003. No one can do your job for you. YOU HAVE TO DO IT YOURSELF.
But perhaps I'm preaching to the choir...or to no one at all. Point being, I am throwing myself into this, because it is the most important thing in my world right now. And I believe that I am doing the right thing.
And we all know how ridiculously loud mouthed I am about my support for Barack Obama. But as Noam Chomsky once said, if you don't believe in freedom of expression for the people you despise, you don't believe in it at all. If you support John McCain, fine. If you believe he is the right man for the job, alright. I disagree, but use your right to express it. Vote for the person you want to represent you. Every person they meet, every thing they say, is going to reflect on YOU. That's why this is important.
Here's the funniest video I've seen lately to back up my point:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhDRVKDcXQo
This is probably going to be my political dumping grounds for the next few weeks. Share it with your friends.
peace, diplomacy & liberalism,
-Lauren
There are those moments in life, where you feel yourself catch fire. I have been wrapped up in this election since the very start, and this won't end until the Fourth of November.
That's 26 days from now if I've done my math correctly. If I haven't, I should take remedial math soon. But until November 4th, I will be working my hardest to get Barack Obama in the white house. I've been working with the College Democrats here at UWEC and I still feel like I'm not doing enough. Tomorrow, we're raiding the dorms to try to get people registered. On November 4th, I will be missing all my classes to stand on campus mall and get people to vote. (Sorry mom, but I've been assigned a job)
I've started to realize just how important it is to vote. I've always thought so, but now more than ever. Our Nation is not built on ethnic nationalism. We do not have a common culture, language or religion. Or at least, in theory. We are built on a civic nationalism, a common idea that every person was created equal, that their values and opinions MATTER. And if we don't act like it, that right might as well be taken away. I mean, people DIED for this belief- died for a seemingly impossible cause. Going against the worlds superpower of the time for the right to vote. Want something to be proud of? It's the right to share your opinion. It's being able to say "I'm a citizen of the U.S. and my opinion matters!" The enlightenment ideals that this country was built on is the only thing keeping me devoted to this country. The idea that a person is a person is a person is a person.
Not only is this our right, ladies and gentleman, it is our RESPONSIBILITY. If we want to live up to our founding fathers' expectations, it is to continue to be involved in politics, to be informed individuals, and to support a candidate that best fits your views. I'm sorry, but not voting in this election is not an option.
I've heard people say "It doesn't matter if I vote. I'm one person." In the 2000 election, the state of Wisconsin went blue by an average of 1 vote per ward. ONE VOTE. In 2004, it was by two votes. Talk about making a difference. I've also heard "I trust the system of checks and balances to stand up to any president, no matter how corrupt they are." But the fact is, the person elected will represent YOU. Do you want that to be someone with 10 houses and a private jet or God forbid, a self proclaimed "Hockey Mom"? The system of checks and balances may be able to undo a veto, but it can't undo a stupid comment made that can insult a foreign leader. It can't undo our terrible economy. Do you want to risk that?
I've heard some people say that religion is what keeps them undecided in this- whether it's voting for their candidate or voting at all. My belief as a Christian voter is in the Our Father- "thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven". If you believe in a heavenly kingdom, you'd better work to make those things happen here. Think about the things that Jesus wanted. God gave us free choice, he allowed us to make decisions for ourselves. Shouldn't our government provide the same thing? Shouldn't it allow women to make the choice about their own bodies, allow individuals to make the choice about their domestic partners? Jesus came for peace. Through DIPLOMACY, FRIENDSHIP and RESPECT, not war or hard power. He had no intention of fighting the Romans. As religious people following Jesus Christ, shouldn't we be doing the same? Diplomacy and Love? Ladies and Gentlemen, John McCain and his fellow republican warmongers need to be stopped. He has no intention of using diplomacy. He has no intention of pulling out of Iraq. It is time for people to stop dying. There is no such thing as a winnable war, and there is no such thing as a good or just war. War is NOT a necessary evil. As a Christian, I believe this is the antithesis of what God wants. And by not voting, you are not supporting a candidate who can stop this. You are handing it to a man who will continue condemning thousands of people living on the other side of the world to death, like we have been since 2003. No one can do your job for you. YOU HAVE TO DO IT YOURSELF.
But perhaps I'm preaching to the choir...or to no one at all. Point being, I am throwing myself into this, because it is the most important thing in my world right now. And I believe that I am doing the right thing.
And we all know how ridiculously loud mouthed I am about my support for Barack Obama. But as Noam Chomsky once said, if you don't believe in freedom of expression for the people you despise, you don't believe in it at all. If you support John McCain, fine. If you believe he is the right man for the job, alright. I disagree, but use your right to express it. Vote for the person you want to represent you. Every person they meet, every thing they say, is going to reflect on YOU. That's why this is important.
Here's the funniest video I've seen lately to back up my point:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhDRVKDcXQo
This is probably going to be my political dumping grounds for the next few weeks. Share it with your friends.
peace, diplomacy & liberalism,
-Lauren
Friday, October 3, 2008
Counting Blessings
I've got awesome friends:
and an awesome Dad (with photoshop) too:
How awesome is that?
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Strange Sensations
Do you ever hear, see or smell something that brings a strong reminiscent, nostalgic feeling of "I've felt this before"?
I'm not sure exactly what it was that brought it, but I've been thinking, (feeling?) Little Women all day. When I say that, I'm referring to the fall musical of my senior year. And I don't know exactly what it is that's making me feel this way, or why I can catagorize it as that, exactly.
To summarize my feelings during that musical, I would use the words: stress, fear, momentum, work, envy, openness, accomplishment and nostalgia. Not always the most pleasant of sensations...yet today I remember it with feelings, and it's a good feeling.
Peculiar isn't it? I spent a lot of time Senior year wishing I was out of it, and a lot of time clinging to it for dear life. Looking back at this blog alone, a lot of crappy stuff happened, but I still look back on things fondly as time passes.
I wonder if people say that college is the best time of their lives for the very same reason.
Granted, I am having fun. Lots of it, in fact. I'm adjusting a lot better than I origionally believed I would. But it is different than people painted it. I don't feel any bigger, smarter or worldlier in my little over a month here. I'm still just Lauren, back in Freshman year...except it's a bigger place now. I can see upperclassmen as I saw them a couple years ago. Knowing that they were once in this spot, and knowing that I will be in their spots in coming years. Knowing that I'll be one of the loud, example setting Seniors in WOCO is an exciting feeling...
(We won the pep-rally cheering competition, Yell Like Hell, last night, much to the Statesmen's dismay. Go WOCO!)
I am glad to be at the point where aquaintences and shallow friendships are becoming deeper friendships built on more than "we have English class together" or "we both like Friends" (which, oh my goodness, Caitlin, Shauna and I can't stop watching to save our lives. It's week 3 and we're in Season 3 of 10. I'm sorry for not beliving how easy it is to start a series & need to finish it) I now have people I really feel like I can talk to about problems.
The one thing I am concerned about is people getting to know all of me. I feel like certain people only see certain sides: and for me to feel completely comfortable, they need to see that I'm deeper than one level. For example, the College Democrats, who I have been actively part of for over 2 weeks, needs to see more than just the loudmouth liberal- there's also morality and relgion making up a large part of my reasoning. And they don't know it yet. Same with bible study- it makes me feel like I'm kind of fake. I don't know how to let them see other facets of my life if we only ever talk about one thing...but that's the point of those groups, you know?
I can't grasp my words today. I need to get more sleep.
Peace & Love
I'm not sure exactly what it was that brought it, but I've been thinking, (feeling?) Little Women all day. When I say that, I'm referring to the fall musical of my senior year. And I don't know exactly what it is that's making me feel this way, or why I can catagorize it as that, exactly.
To summarize my feelings during that musical, I would use the words: stress, fear, momentum, work, envy, openness, accomplishment and nostalgia. Not always the most pleasant of sensations...yet today I remember it with feelings, and it's a good feeling.
Peculiar isn't it? I spent a lot of time Senior year wishing I was out of it, and a lot of time clinging to it for dear life. Looking back at this blog alone, a lot of crappy stuff happened, but I still look back on things fondly as time passes.
I wonder if people say that college is the best time of their lives for the very same reason.
Granted, I am having fun. Lots of it, in fact. I'm adjusting a lot better than I origionally believed I would. But it is different than people painted it. I don't feel any bigger, smarter or worldlier in my little over a month here. I'm still just Lauren, back in Freshman year...except it's a bigger place now. I can see upperclassmen as I saw them a couple years ago. Knowing that they were once in this spot, and knowing that I will be in their spots in coming years. Knowing that I'll be one of the loud, example setting Seniors in WOCO is an exciting feeling...
(We won the pep-rally cheering competition, Yell Like Hell, last night, much to the Statesmen's dismay. Go WOCO!)
I am glad to be at the point where aquaintences and shallow friendships are becoming deeper friendships built on more than "we have English class together" or "we both like Friends" (which, oh my goodness, Caitlin, Shauna and I can't stop watching to save our lives. It's week 3 and we're in Season 3 of 10. I'm sorry for not beliving how easy it is to start a series & need to finish it) I now have people I really feel like I can talk to about problems.
The one thing I am concerned about is people getting to know all of me. I feel like certain people only see certain sides: and for me to feel completely comfortable, they need to see that I'm deeper than one level. For example, the College Democrats, who I have been actively part of for over 2 weeks, needs to see more than just the loudmouth liberal- there's also morality and relgion making up a large part of my reasoning. And they don't know it yet. Same with bible study- it makes me feel like I'm kind of fake. I don't know how to let them see other facets of my life if we only ever talk about one thing...but that's the point of those groups, you know?
I can't grasp my words today. I need to get more sleep.
Peace & Love
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