Today, a young man took his own life at the University of Texas, at Austin. On the way to school, I heard on the news that there was a gunman at the University of Texas at Austin, only to discover later that his goal was to commit suicide.
Suicide is a topic that isn't really talked about that often in schools like drugs, alcohol, and sexual education. My school offers "wellness" classes in order to provide lifestyle advice for us high-schoolers; often, there are topics of stress and time management. But, I really think that depression and suicide itself need to be addressed more in teen environments where suicides are more prone to occur.
At a local school, Henry M. Gunn High School, there have been several suicides on the Caltrain tracks. I never really thought about the impact of depression and suicide, but with this suicide at the University of Tecas at Austin, I can't help but wonder why people commit suicide.
In my opinion, teen suicides appear to happen due to depression and specifically - bullying/harassment. I think this gives more perspective to the idea that people need to treat others nicely and with respect. You never know how much impact you may have on a stranger.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
STOP TEXTING
People. Stop texting while you're driving. Stop talking on the phone sans Bluetooth while you're driving.
I assume that many of you would not like to get into an accident or lose your life because you choose to rebel against the laws of society and do illegal things with your precious cellphones while you drive an automobile, endangering not only yourself, but also the possibly-innocent people around you.
As you're driving, it's not all about you. In a way, yes, you want to keep yourself safe, but in order to do that, you might want to look out for those other cars in neighboring lanes. Today, my friend was driving somewhere to get frozen yogurt, and she needed directions. I received a text message from her, asking me where the frozen yogurt store was located. I was scared to text back - SHE WAS DRIVING.
That statistics prove it. Texting/talking on the phone (with or without Bluetooth) while you're driving is "equivalent to a major airliner going down every week in this country" according to a member of FocusDriven (Yahoo! News).
I assume that many of you would not like to get into an accident or lose your life because you choose to rebel against the laws of society and do illegal things with your precious cellphones while you drive an automobile, endangering not only yourself, but also the possibly-innocent people around you.
As you're driving, it's not all about you. In a way, yes, you want to keep yourself safe, but in order to do that, you might want to look out for those other cars in neighboring lanes. Today, my friend was driving somewhere to get frozen yogurt, and she needed directions. I received a text message from her, asking me where the frozen yogurt store was located. I was scared to text back - SHE WAS DRIVING.
That statistics prove it. Texting/talking on the phone (with or without Bluetooth) while you're driving is "equivalent to a major airliner going down every week in this country" according to a member of FocusDriven (Yahoo! News).
Score for Congress!
The United States is slowly beginning to understand and now, reinforce, the idea that using the word "mentally retarded" is not politically correct. It's just an excuse for people to use "retarded" as a synonym for other words meaning stupid, idiotic, etc.
Congress has passed legislation to change the phrase "mentally retarded" to "an individual with intellectual disability" in all kinds of laws, such as health and labor laws.
As many of you may know, I am very much against using words such as "retarded" and "gay" as substitutes for insults, suggesting that being mentally retarded (as it used to be called) and gay are negative things in society. Words are hurtful. That old saying of "sticks and bones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" does not stand true. Words hurt. A lot.
I applaud Congress for taking this step in support of quite literally banning the "r-word"!
Congress has passed legislation to change the phrase "mentally retarded" to "an individual with intellectual disability" in all kinds of laws, such as health and labor laws.
As many of you may know, I am very much against using words such as "retarded" and "gay" as substitutes for insults, suggesting that being mentally retarded (as it used to be called) and gay are negative things in society. Words are hurtful. That old saying of "sticks and bones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" does not stand true. Words hurt. A lot.
I applaud Congress for taking this step in support of quite literally banning the "r-word"!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Real Secret Agents?
When I think of spies, I think of James Bond and ninjas. It's hard for me to imagine real spies.
If you live in America, shouldn't you be loyal to this country? P. Leonardo Mascheroni, a physicist, and Marjorie Mascheroni, his wife, have been accused by the F.B.I. of trading nuclear secrets to Venezuela to aid them in their quest for nuclear weapons.
How did the F.B.I. track them? Well, allegedly, they were promised almost $800,000. I'm just wondering how on earth they suspected this particular couple? Is the United States simply paranoid now that so many countries are seeking to gain access to nuclear weapons, or are we always just on the look out for suspicious activity?
If this accusation is eventually proven to be true, I will personally feel insulted. I feel like people aren't proud of the United States. Whether or not it be in regards to spies or even criticism of the country, if you live here, you're choosing to live here.
If you live in America, shouldn't you be loyal to this country? P. Leonardo Mascheroni, a physicist, and Marjorie Mascheroni, his wife, have been accused by the F.B.I. of trading nuclear secrets to Venezuela to aid them in their quest for nuclear weapons.
How did the F.B.I. track them? Well, allegedly, they were promised almost $800,000. I'm just wondering how on earth they suspected this particular couple? Is the United States simply paranoid now that so many countries are seeking to gain access to nuclear weapons, or are we always just on the look out for suspicious activity?
If this accusation is eventually proven to be true, I will personally feel insulted. I feel like people aren't proud of the United States. Whether or not it be in regards to spies or even criticism of the country, if you live here, you're choosing to live here.
Protect the Pope
The papacy and clergy have been influential in Western society for over several centuries, now. The fact that the Vatican still exists today, along with the Pope as a symbol for Catholics all over the world. The Pope is exulted to be a highly religious and moral figure who stands as a leader of the Catholic world.
But why? Since the 11th century, those in control of the papacy have shown traces of corruption. To be honest, I don't think often of the Vatican, save for the fictional stories brewed by Dan Brown. But, hearing about the public confession of the molestation and sexual abuse of children by priests of Catholic church really bothered me. Just as radical Muslims are antagonized and stereotypes all over the world, perhaps the Catholics and Christians are also being tainted by the simple actions of others. Although I may not appreciate the Pope and his influence in the grand scheme of things, I do see his frustration and the difficult position he has been placed in, since he stands as the international representative of the Catholic church.
I just hope that the angry people don't succeed in terrorizing or killing him.
But why? Since the 11th century, those in control of the papacy have shown traces of corruption. To be honest, I don't think often of the Vatican, save for the fictional stories brewed by Dan Brown. But, hearing about the public confession of the molestation and sexual abuse of children by priests of Catholic church really bothered me. Just as radical Muslims are antagonized and stereotypes all over the world, perhaps the Catholics and Christians are also being tainted by the simple actions of others. Although I may not appreciate the Pope and his influence in the grand scheme of things, I do see his frustration and the difficult position he has been placed in, since he stands as the international representative of the Catholic church.
I just hope that the angry people don't succeed in terrorizing or killing him.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
One for All? All for None.
There's lots of talk going on about the GOP nominee for Delaware, Christine O'Donnell. She gets steamrolled by Rove on Fox, and her credentials are sketch, or so they say.
So, when she suddenly upsets veteran Mike Castle, it's a big deal. The GOP doesn't look too happy. But, will they rally behind her and help her win the seat in the Senate? Maybe she's not their favorite nominee, but will they support her? Romney makes a point that the GOP needs Senate majority in this upcoming election, so he's going to write a $5,000 check for O'Donnell. Will other GOP members do the same and contribute to her campaign?
At the end of the day, is it about each person's individual take on things and position in politics? Does one stay loyal to his/her party or his/her beliefs? One's beliefs and the belief of the party you support may not always be the same. I know it's not for me, 100% of the time.
Isn't it weird that O'Donnell looks like Sarah Palin? Very strange.
On a side note, Meg Whitman is spending $119 Million of her own money on her campaign for CA governor. Maybe I should go help out with the campaign, again.
So, when she suddenly upsets veteran Mike Castle, it's a big deal. The GOP doesn't look too happy. But, will they rally behind her and help her win the seat in the Senate? Maybe she's not their favorite nominee, but will they support her? Romney makes a point that the GOP needs Senate majority in this upcoming election, so he's going to write a $5,000 check for O'Donnell. Will other GOP members do the same and contribute to her campaign?
At the end of the day, is it about each person's individual take on things and position in politics? Does one stay loyal to his/her party or his/her beliefs? One's beliefs and the belief of the party you support may not always be the same. I know it's not for me, 100% of the time.
Isn't it weird that O'Donnell looks like Sarah Palin? Very strange.
On a side note, Meg Whitman is spending $119 Million of her own money on her campaign for CA governor. Maybe I should go help out with the campaign, again.
Friday, September 10, 2010
International or National Citizen
In the 21st century, we have several international organizations: the UN, WHO, ICC, and much more.
Why are a majority of these organizations based in the United States or Europe? Though we all strive to be a multi-national community, where each citizen is, in fact, an international citizen, the world will most likely continue to be dominated by Western forces. For now.
Perhaps, one day, Asians will rule the world! Just kidding. No, but really, you have to ask yourself, if we are trying to bring third world countries to a higher status, be that economically, politically or socially, why do the powers of the West resound throughout everything? I don’t know. I see it’s fitting, seeing that Western society has been dominating world politics for a while now. But, is it fair?
Why are a majority of these organizations based in the United States or Europe? Though we all strive to be a multi-national community, where each citizen is, in fact, an international citizen, the world will most likely continue to be dominated by Western forces. For now.
Perhaps, one day, Asians will rule the world! Just kidding. No, but really, you have to ask yourself, if we are trying to bring third world countries to a higher status, be that economically, politically or socially, why do the powers of the West resound throughout everything? I don’t know. I see it’s fitting, seeing that Western society has been dominating world politics for a while now. But, is it fair?
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Extremist
Extremists. Definition? Over-enthusiasts that reflect poorly on the rest of the population. We have extreme Christians. We have extreme Muslims. Extreme anything never seems to be the answer. This would be the case with Pastor Terry who decided it would be okay to burn Qur’ans. False.
It is unjustified to stereotype all people of Islamic faith as extremists who want to kill people in the name of Allah. That, too, is false. So, why would this Christian pastor want to burn hundreds of holy books? I don’t know. It’s true that American flags are burned, not because they are old and deteriorated, but because America is loathed in places throughout the world. It’s true that people burn Christian bibles. It doesn’t make it right to add Qur’ans to the list of sacred things being burned.
But, I’m more concerned with the potential consequences of his actions – the death of more Americans. On top of that? I don’t want to be made to look like a fool because I’m Christian or because I’m an American.
It is unjustified to stereotype all people of Islamic faith as extremists who want to kill people in the name of Allah. That, too, is false. So, why would this Christian pastor want to burn hundreds of holy books? I don’t know. It’s true that American flags are burned, not because they are old and deteriorated, but because America is loathed in places throughout the world. It’s true that people burn Christian bibles. It doesn’t make it right to add Qur’ans to the list of sacred things being burned.
But, I’m more concerned with the potential consequences of his actions – the death of more Americans. On top of that? I don’t want to be made to look like a fool because I’m Christian or because I’m an American.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
The Role of the First Wife
What's the role of the American President's wife? Is she an adviser to the president and politically active? Or is she the welcoming First Lady of the house to guests and a public figure? Or is she both?
I remember Laura Bush blending into the background, but also still giving an impression of being active politically and socially. She had her causes to advocate, just as Michelle Obama does now. However, when I read that Michelle Obama said, "“I’m his wife, not his senior adviser.” (NY Times) I quite agreed. The wife of the President of the United States does not have necessarily be his sole source of advice not should she be butting into situations she shouldn't be. However, to an extent, being the president's wife, you have an obligation to be a public figure/role model to millions of citizens across the United States. Also, when it's time for you to be serious and support/assist your husband (whether or not that be staying at home and being supportive) you shouldn't be flying around the world. No matter what the reason. President Obama isn't exactly #1 Mr. Popular right now, is he?
When I think of famous First Ladies, I think of Jackie Kennedy - so beautiful and welcoming as the hostess of the White House, or Eleanor Roosevelt - so tactful and helpful in multiple aspects during her husband's term in office. When I think of Michelle Obama, her Harvard degree makes me think that she might be more politically active, as in not simply becoming known for her shopping sprees and jet plane rides. I guess I was wrong.
I remember Laura Bush blending into the background, but also still giving an impression of being active politically and socially. She had her causes to advocate, just as Michelle Obama does now. However, when I read that Michelle Obama said, "“I’m his wife, not his senior adviser.” (NY Times) I quite agreed. The wife of the President of the United States does not have necessarily be his sole source of advice not should she be butting into situations she shouldn't be. However, to an extent, being the president's wife, you have an obligation to be a public figure/role model to millions of citizens across the United States. Also, when it's time for you to be serious and support/assist your husband (whether or not that be staying at home and being supportive) you shouldn't be flying around the world. No matter what the reason. President Obama isn't exactly #1 Mr. Popular right now, is he?
When I think of famous First Ladies, I think of Jackie Kennedy - so beautiful and welcoming as the hostess of the White House, or Eleanor Roosevelt - so tactful and helpful in multiple aspects during her husband's term in office. When I think of Michelle Obama, her Harvard degree makes me think that she might be more politically active, as in not simply becoming known for her shopping sprees and jet plane rides. I guess I was wrong.
