Kudos to FFFFound.com
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Equality on the Micro Level
Sometimes the best examples of some of the most controversial issues comes in the forms of simple circumstances.
Take equality for instance:
I had entered my class today expecting to receive my test results from the previous week (One of those tests you don't want to see, but must face head on). Upon sitting in my desk, I had noticed that the board indicated that our test was to be given at the end of class. Having that knowledge I gladly accepted, and welcomed the next 3 hours of note-taking.
During the first half of the hour, our teacher had given us the reason for why he/she decided to withhold our tests till the end of class.
"My intentions of giving you your tests back are because I don't want to disorient your note taking (Keep in mind this teacher is prudent about sharing his degree in education). However, your class received the most A's out of all of my classes."
And my teacher began to read the students who received A's on the test.
Student 1, Student 2, Student 3... and so on.
Now in the midst of this welcomed silence, I had suddenly realized that my own teacher had committed a mistake. In the aftermath of the name calling for the A recipients, there was a chaotic atmosphere that filled the room. A once neutral and equal room had shifted into a classroom that consisted of two opposing elements, comfort and stress.
Comfort because those who had earned their A's were now clear of stress; and were then able to carry on with the torturous note taking without problem.
Stress because those who had not had their named called were now taken from their temporary comfort and forced into a zone where their grades were now limited to lesser degrees.
I turned to my classmate and asked if I was crazy about this quick little theory, and if it was justified enough to raise my hand and call my teacher out for.
Just the look in his face gave me the answer I needed.
I assertively raised my hand and politely spoke:
"Not that I am bitter about not receiving an A, but don't you(the teacher) believe that by calling out the A's you have now disoriented your students?"
In which my teacher replied:
"I'm glad you asked that question (sound like many of our politicians?). I simply gave out the A's because it would allow the rest of the class to locate the students who they could possibly study with." The rest of his response, in respect, was completely off the target of answering my inquiry.
Now let me just remind you, the question I raised was NOT a question of important degree. Rather, it was a legitimate question that aimed to support my teacher's initial theory. My aim was not to belittle my teacher, to humiliate him/her, or disrupt class. It was meant to clarify what his/her theory actually meant.
My teacher's response was illogical and somewhat depressing.
I looked at all the students in the room and found most silent, yet pleased to know a student other than him/herself felt subordinate.
I didn't follow my teachers response with another question, rather I simply knew from his response and physical actions that I had made my point clear and understood. Also our "mini breaks" are five minute breaks, which probably only allow one question and answer to be addressed.
For the next 2 1/2 hours, I wrote my notes, watched a video about mud, and thought about whether or not I had received a B, C, D, or F. My notes were unreadable, my eyes wondered away from the television and into my thoughts, and for a good period of time, I was a paranoid student. It was discomforting.
Towards the end of class, my teacher laid out the tests upon the counter and told us to pick it up. There were those who confidently rose and headed towards the counter, and those who hesitantly awaited an unknown future. Again, there was an inequality.
After class, numerous students confronted me and thanked me. They explained how for a lack of a better word, "shitty" they felt up until they had received their test. I simply thanked them for letting me know, and said it allowed me to feel a little more sane for raising and questioning my teacher.
In the beginning we were all equal.
However, somewhere along the line an authoritarian source (the teacher) segregated and gave privilege to those with favorable traits (Those with A's), which was justified on the grounds of an illogical belief.
These favorable trait carriers leisurely carried on with their plans, confident and comfortable.
This created a micro-level of chaos within those whom did not carry these favorable traits. Giving way to negative feelings and emotions, which could have deprived them of the activities and dampened their confidence of carrying on.
Ironically in the end, we all ended up where we were in the first place, equal.
We had all received our grades.
It didn't matter whether we had received an F.
It mattered that we received our tests at the same time.
Could this be how equality is experienced on the macro level?
Thankfully, in my example, we are eventually equal in the end.
But for some, this equality takes years, decades, or even generations to occur.
Lesson learned.
Question authority, Demand answers, and Advocate for what is of Justice and Equality.
Eventually, Liberty will not be a trait for the few, but a natural right for the many.
And if you're wondering if I wrote this because I received a bad grade, I got a B-.
Take equality for instance:
I had entered my class today expecting to receive my test results from the previous week (One of those tests you don't want to see, but must face head on). Upon sitting in my desk, I had noticed that the board indicated that our test was to be given at the end of class. Having that knowledge I gladly accepted, and welcomed the next 3 hours of note-taking.
During the first half of the hour, our teacher had given us the reason for why he/she decided to withhold our tests till the end of class.
"My intentions of giving you your tests back are because I don't want to disorient your note taking (Keep in mind this teacher is prudent about sharing his degree in education). However, your class received the most A's out of all of my classes."
And my teacher began to read the students who received A's on the test.
Student 1, Student 2, Student 3... and so on.
Now in the midst of this welcomed silence, I had suddenly realized that my own teacher had committed a mistake. In the aftermath of the name calling for the A recipients, there was a chaotic atmosphere that filled the room. A once neutral and equal room had shifted into a classroom that consisted of two opposing elements, comfort and stress.
Comfort because those who had earned their A's were now clear of stress; and were then able to carry on with the torturous note taking without problem.
Stress because those who had not had their named called were now taken from their temporary comfort and forced into a zone where their grades were now limited to lesser degrees.
I turned to my classmate and asked if I was crazy about this quick little theory, and if it was justified enough to raise my hand and call my teacher out for.
Just the look in his face gave me the answer I needed.
I assertively raised my hand and politely spoke:
"Not that I am bitter about not receiving an A, but don't you(the teacher) believe that by calling out the A's you have now disoriented your students?"
In which my teacher replied:
"I'm glad you asked that question (sound like many of our politicians?). I simply gave out the A's because it would allow the rest of the class to locate the students who they could possibly study with." The rest of his response, in respect, was completely off the target of answering my inquiry.
Now let me just remind you, the question I raised was NOT a question of important degree. Rather, it was a legitimate question that aimed to support my teacher's initial theory. My aim was not to belittle my teacher, to humiliate him/her, or disrupt class. It was meant to clarify what his/her theory actually meant.
My teacher's response was illogical and somewhat depressing.
I looked at all the students in the room and found most silent, yet pleased to know a student other than him/herself felt subordinate.
I didn't follow my teachers response with another question, rather I simply knew from his response and physical actions that I had made my point clear and understood. Also our "mini breaks" are five minute breaks, which probably only allow one question and answer to be addressed.
For the next 2 1/2 hours, I wrote my notes, watched a video about mud, and thought about whether or not I had received a B, C, D, or F. My notes were unreadable, my eyes wondered away from the television and into my thoughts, and for a good period of time, I was a paranoid student. It was discomforting.
Towards the end of class, my teacher laid out the tests upon the counter and told us to pick it up. There were those who confidently rose and headed towards the counter, and those who hesitantly awaited an unknown future. Again, there was an inequality.
After class, numerous students confronted me and thanked me. They explained how for a lack of a better word, "shitty" they felt up until they had received their test. I simply thanked them for letting me know, and said it allowed me to feel a little more sane for raising and questioning my teacher.
In the beginning we were all equal.
However, somewhere along the line an authoritarian source (the teacher) segregated and gave privilege to those with favorable traits (Those with A's), which was justified on the grounds of an illogical belief.
These favorable trait carriers leisurely carried on with their plans, confident and comfortable.
This created a micro-level of chaos within those whom did not carry these favorable traits. Giving way to negative feelings and emotions, which could have deprived them of the activities and dampened their confidence of carrying on.
Ironically in the end, we all ended up where we were in the first place, equal.
We had all received our grades.
It didn't matter whether we had received an F.
It mattered that we received our tests at the same time.
Could this be how equality is experienced on the macro level?
Thankfully, in my example, we are eventually equal in the end.
But for some, this equality takes years, decades, or even generations to occur.
Lesson learned.
Question authority, Demand answers, and Advocate for what is of Justice and Equality.
Eventually, Liberty will not be a trait for the few, but a natural right for the many.
And if you're wondering if I wrote this because I received a bad grade, I got a B-.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Obama Speech 2/25
Yeah yeah I was at work.
Lets just say I was living Obama's speech.
Lets just say I was living Obama's speech.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Monday, February 16, 2009
Congratulations Hugo Chavez!
In a decisive victory for Huge Chavez, Venezuelans narrowly voted 54% to support a constitutional referendum that allows unlimited term limits for the Presidency.
So here is my congratulatory letter to President Hugo Chavez.
Compliments Huge Chavez!
For your graduation from President to Dictator!
Its going to be a pleasure seeing you in power for the next three decades or so.
Sincerely,
Alexander Shahparnia
P.S- This is madness.
So here is my congratulatory letter to President Hugo Chavez.
Compliments Huge Chavez!
For your graduation from President to Dictator!
Its going to be a pleasure seeing you in power for the next three decades or so.
Sincerely,
Alexander Shahparnia
P.S- This is madness.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Take My Eyes But Not The Shirt!
Yes, if your a fan of Forgetting Sarah Marshall, you probably recognized that unforgettable quote.
But there's always a reason for everything.
Folks,
I was watching my news sources the other day when I heard the ridiculous price tag of the Economic Stimulus Package.
(Right now, it is about 720 Billion Dollars)
And it got me thinking.
Where the heck are we going to get 720 billion dollars worth of this material?
Answer:
Well money is made of cotton and linen. To be exact, 75% cotton and 25% Linen.
So, the answers are pretty simple.
1. Nationalize every cotton and linen store in the country.
(Is this why my local Linen's and Things ran out of business?)
2. Call on every American to donate their cottons and linens to the Crane Paper company, who manufactures the paper money.
Yes America, I know its hard, but it's time we all round up our baby blankets and Ed Hardy shirts.
Criminalize quilting.
And for once in our lives, purchase that silk suit we've been dying to get.(But never had a valid reason too)
Sadly though, our country has developed a plan B to my A.
And if you think my plan is crazy, just listen to this one.
America has managed to find a way to print 720 billion dollars, devalue our money, and save your precious linens at the same time.
(While staying environmentally friendly as well!)
You see, only 3% of our money is actually tangible... leaving 97% digital.
Therefore, we are going to pull a Chris Angel, create 720 billion dollars out from
"credit", and condense it into digital convenience.
So the next time you need to borrow money, just punch your computer, television, or Leap Frog learning system.
Better yet, just take your hands, and start snatching our bills out of thin air.
Because America, in our country, we don't need physical proof to know somethings out there. (Take Iraq's weapons of mass destruction for example)
We've got something called faith.
And when you've got faith, anything is possible.
Ain't that something.
But there's always a reason for everything.
Folks,
I was watching my news sources the other day when I heard the ridiculous price tag of the Economic Stimulus Package.
(Right now, it is about 720 Billion Dollars)
And it got me thinking.
Where the heck are we going to get 720 billion dollars worth of this material?
Answer:
Well money is made of cotton and linen. To be exact, 75% cotton and 25% Linen.
So, the answers are pretty simple.
1. Nationalize every cotton and linen store in the country.
(Is this why my local Linen's and Things ran out of business?)
2. Call on every American to donate their cottons and linens to the Crane Paper company, who manufactures the paper money.
Yes America, I know its hard, but it's time we all round up our baby blankets and Ed Hardy shirts.
Criminalize quilting.
And for once in our lives, purchase that silk suit we've been dying to get.(But never had a valid reason too)
Sadly though, our country has developed a plan B to my A.
And if you think my plan is crazy, just listen to this one.
America has managed to find a way to print 720 billion dollars, devalue our money, and save your precious linens at the same time.
(While staying environmentally friendly as well!)
You see, only 3% of our money is actually tangible... leaving 97% digital.
Therefore, we are going to pull a Chris Angel, create 720 billion dollars out from
"credit", and condense it into digital convenience.
So the next time you need to borrow money, just punch your computer, television, or Leap Frog learning system.
Better yet, just take your hands, and start snatching our bills out of thin air.
Because America, in our country, we don't need physical proof to know somethings out there. (Take Iraq's weapons of mass destruction for example)
We've got something called faith.
And when you've got faith, anything is possible.
Ain't that something.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Barack Obama and the Double Edged Sword
Sounds like a flick that may be out in theaters this summer right?
Wrong.
It's really the continuing criticism that President Obama has been receiving about his nominations; and how his administration is suffering through their goal of attempting to establish a "transparent" government.
Now you know me, I'm all about transparency.
If my government is cookin' something, I wanna know what it is, and if I'll be able to sample it. (For example, our previous "stimulus" bill tasted horrible... but then again it was shoved down my throat without permission, and yours.)
However recently, the media has been super nosy.
I mean so nosy that our poor President cannot even begin to simmer any ingredients together without someone shouting "Too much salt!" or "Remove the carrots!"
I mean holy crabs. (See picture to the right for an image)
The guys only been on the job for 2 hours, and yet it is as if the man has done more Pwrong doings than Bush has done in his entire presidency! (For a quick but fair synopsis of Bush's mistakes, please refer to 2005's "V for Vendetta".
Now I'm not saying President Obama's recent nominations are not worthy of criticism.
Yes, he's had about 200 nominations go sour.
However, give the President some credit!
The fact that he has owned up to every mistake is in every right a step towards developing government accountability.
And now that we have an open and honest* President, the man has become completely vulnerable.
I mean, where did this enthusiasm come from all of a sudden?
Do we really reward honesty negatively?
Heres the deal:
Mistakes are made, they are always going to be made.
There is no Trail without Error.
It is impossible to take a step in the right direction without encountering obstacles.
(Just take Dorothy and the Yellow Brick Road for example.)
Having that said, it is better to start finding solutions to these obstacles rather than interrogating them and wasting valuable time and money.
A solution does not mean giving birth to controversy and chaos.
It means moving solving and executing a previous "failure".
If you enjoy dwelling upon "failure", then with all due respect be my guest.
But for the rest of us who would like to see our country a little more productive, lets carry on with business and move ahead.
* denotes honesty on a contingent basis.
Wrong.
It's really the continuing criticism that President Obama has been receiving about his nominations; and how his administration is suffering through their goal of attempting to establish a "transparent" government.
Now you know me, I'm all about transparency.
If my government is cookin' something, I wanna know what it is, and if I'll be able to sample it. (For example, our previous "stimulus" bill tasted horrible... but then again it was shoved down my throat without permission, and yours.)
However recently, the media has been super nosy.
I mean so nosy that our poor President cannot even begin to simmer any ingredients together without someone shouting "Too much salt!" or "Remove the carrots!"
I mean holy crabs. (See picture to the right for an image)
The guys only been on the job for 2 hours, and yet it is as if the man has done more Pwrong doings than Bush has done in his entire presidency! (For a quick but fair synopsis of Bush's mistakes, please refer to 2005's "V for Vendetta".
Now I'm not saying President Obama's recent nominations are not worthy of criticism.
Yes, he's had about 200 nominations go sour.
However, give the President some credit!
The fact that he has owned up to every mistake is in every right a step towards developing government accountability.
And now that we have an open and honest* President, the man has become completely vulnerable.
I mean, where did this enthusiasm come from all of a sudden?
Do we really reward honesty negatively?
Heres the deal:
Mistakes are made, they are always going to be made.
There is no Trail without Error.
It is impossible to take a step in the right direction without encountering obstacles.
(Just take Dorothy and the Yellow Brick Road for example.)
Having that said, it is better to start finding solutions to these obstacles rather than interrogating them and wasting valuable time and money.
A solution does not mean giving birth to controversy and chaos.
It means moving solving and executing a previous "failure".
If you enjoy dwelling upon "failure", then with all due respect be my guest.
But for the rest of us who would like to see our country a little more productive, lets carry on with business and move ahead.
* denotes honesty on a contingent basis.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Come out of the cabinet!
So recently, there has been so much talk about Obama's cabinet appointees.
Are they legit?
Where have their hands been, and have they washed them?
How did they forget to pay their taxes from the 2003-2004 fiscal year?
Where do babies come from?
Anyways,
It got me thinking creatively.
Because honestly, I'm not going to answer those questions... so if you were looking for those...just keep reading.
My creativeness lead me to dream of what I like to call, the DREAM TEAM CABINET!
(A.K.A: Who I would appoint to my cabinet if I were elected President of the United States)
So without further ado, here it is. (I kept it to five in order to have you all fill in the rest of the seats...or maybe even replace my suggestions)
1. Secretary of State: None other than Gotham's own, the Dark Knight!
For the millions and billions of us who have seen this, and the 2 or 3 who have not experienced pure justice, the Batman is the only man to truly conduct foreign affairs. I mean, have you seen the guy conduct his business? He's got jurisdiction everywhere, even China! (Hopefully, Morgan Freedman would come with this deal; cause then we would have God on our side.)
2. Secretary of Defense: Carmen San Diego: With today's terrorists hiding in the most unusual areas, it takes one to know where one would hide. With Carmen at my side, Osama Bin Laden could only find a safe haven on the planet of mars. Then again, I'm sure they've crossed paths before.
3. Secretary of Energy: Sunny Delight: Because sooner or later, someone has to unleash the power of the sun. So why not do it for a just cause like energy independence. (On the upside, it has a full serving of Vitamin C in every serving. So not only would we be energy independent, we would be cold and flu independent!!!)
4. Secretary of Treasury: Scrooge McDuck: A venture capitalist duck who got rich by being "smarter than the smarties, and tougher than the toughies"? He is definitely a man who could renew our old love for the "gold standard". I mean look at his vault...
5. Vice President: Sarah Palin, played by Tina Fey. Thanks to my great friend Cho, I could not fight her suggestion of this Vice President pick. This is like have your bagel toasted and not toasted at the same time... if you know what I mean.
Anyways, I encourage all of you to comment your suggestions in the comment box located directly underneath this great work of art.
Who would you chose to nominate in your cabinet?
Think hard, don't take it to seriously, and make sure you repeat this video until your finished!
Alex
Are they legit?
Where have their hands been, and have they washed them?
How did they forget to pay their taxes from the 2003-2004 fiscal year?
Where do babies come from?
Anyways,
It got me thinking creatively.
Because honestly, I'm not going to answer those questions... so if you were looking for those...just keep reading.
My creativeness lead me to dream of what I like to call, the DREAM TEAM CABINET!
(A.K.A: Who I would appoint to my cabinet if I were elected President of the United States)
So without further ado, here it is. (I kept it to five in order to have you all fill in the rest of the seats...or maybe even replace my suggestions)
1. Secretary of State: None other than Gotham's own, the Dark Knight!
For the millions and billions of us who have seen this, and the 2 or 3 who have not experienced pure justice, the Batman is the only man to truly conduct foreign affairs. I mean, have you seen the guy conduct his business? He's got jurisdiction everywhere, even China! (Hopefully, Morgan Freedman would come with this deal; cause then we would have God on our side.)
2. Secretary of Defense: Carmen San Diego: With today's terrorists hiding in the most unusual areas, it takes one to know where one would hide. With Carmen at my side, Osama Bin Laden could only find a safe haven on the planet of mars. Then again, I'm sure they've crossed paths before.
3. Secretary of Energy: Sunny Delight: Because sooner or later, someone has to unleash the power of the sun. So why not do it for a just cause like energy independence. (On the upside, it has a full serving of Vitamin C in every serving. So not only would we be energy independent, we would be cold and flu independent!!!)
4. Secretary of Treasury: Scrooge McDuck: A venture capitalist duck who got rich by being "smarter than the smarties, and tougher than the toughies"? He is definitely a man who could renew our old love for the "gold standard". I mean look at his vault...
5. Vice President: Sarah Palin, played by Tina Fey. Thanks to my great friend Cho, I could not fight her suggestion of this Vice President pick. This is like have your bagel toasted and not toasted at the same time... if you know what I mean.
Anyways, I encourage all of you to comment your suggestions in the comment box located directly underneath this great work of art.
Who would you chose to nominate in your cabinet?
Think hard, don't take it to seriously, and make sure you repeat this video until your finished!
Alex
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
President Obama Suspends Guantanamo "Gitmo" Prosecutions
Executive orders rock!
Score one for the attempts to slowly halt Guantanamo operations!
Score two for justice!!
And three for exclamation marks!!!
Score one for the attempts to slowly halt Guantanamo operations!
Score two for justice!!
And three for exclamation marks!!!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Obama Inauguration Address Video 1/20/2008
Per request of my readers, here is Obama's Inauguration Address from Monday, January 20th, 2008.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Obama's Speech from the Lincoln Memorial 1/18/2009
Incase you missed out, here's Barack's speach from earlier today!
Simple and sweet.
---
I want to thank all the speakers and performers for reminding us,
through song and through words, just what it is that we love about
America. And I want to thank all of you for braving the cold and the
crowds and traveling in some cases thousands of miles to join us here
today. Welcome to Washington, and welcome to this celebration of
American renewal.
In the course of our history, only a handful of generations have been
asked to confront challenges as serious as the ones we face right now.
Our nation is at war. Our economy is in crisis. Millions of Americans
are losing their jobs and their homes; they're worried about how
they'll afford college for their kids or pay the stack of bills on
their kitchen table. And most of all, they are anxious and uncertain
about the future -- about whether this generation of Americans will be
able to pass on what's best about this country to our children and
their children.
I won't pretend that meeting any one of these challenges
will be easy. It will take more than a month or a year, and it will likely take many. Along the way there will be setbacks and false starts and days that test our fundamental resolve as a nation.
But despite all of this -- despite the enormity of the task that lies ahead
-- I stand here today as hopeful as ever that the United States of America will endure, that it will prevail, that the dream of our founders will live on in our time.
What gives me hope is what I see when I look out across this mall. For in
these monuments are chiseled those unlikely stories that affirm our
unyielding faith -- a faith that anything is possible in America.
Rising before us stands a memorial to a man who led a small band of
farmers and shopkeepers in revolution against the army of an Empire,
all for the sake of an idea.
On the ground below is a tribute to a generation that withstood war and
depression -- men and women like my grandparents who toiled on bomber
assembly lines and marched across Europe to free the world from tyranny's grasp. Directly in front of us is a pool that still reflects the dream of a King, and the glory of a people who marched and bled so that their children might be judged by their character's content. And
behind me, watching over the union he saved, sits the man who in so many ways made this day possible.
And yet, as I stand here today, what gives me the greatest hope of all is
not the stone and marble that surrounds us today, but what fills the
spaces in between. It is you -- Americans of every race and region and
station who came here because you believe in what this country can be
and because you want to help us get there.
It is the same thing that gave me hope from the day we began this campaign
for the presidency nearly two years ago; a belief that if we could just
recognize ourselves in one another and bring everyone together --
Democrats, Republicans, independents; Latino, Asian and Native
American; black and white, gay and straight, disabled and not -- then
not only would we restore hope and opportunity in places that yearned
for both, but maybe, just maybe, we might perfect our union in the
process.
This is what I believed, but you made this belief real. You proved once more
that people who love this country can change it. And as I prepare to
assume the presidency, yours are the voices I will take with me every
day when I walk into that Oval Office -- the voices of men and women
who have different stories but hold common hopes; who ask only for what
was promised us as Americans -- that we might make of our lives what we
will and see our children climb higher than we did.
It is this thread that binds us together in common effort; that runs
through every memorial on this mall; that connects us to all those who
struggled and sacrificed and stood here before.
It is how this nation has overcome the greatest differences and the
longest odds -- because there is no obstacle that can stand in the way
of millions of voices calling for change.
That is the belief with which we began this campaign, and that is how we
will overcome what ails us now. There is no doubt that our road will be
long, that our climb will be steep. But never forget that the true
character of our nation is revealed not during times of comfort and
ease, but by the right we do when the moment is hard. I ask you to help
reveal that character once more, and together, we can carry forward as
one nation, and one people, the legacy of our forefathers that we
celebrate today.
Thank you, America. God bless you.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
California Education Budget Cuts, Again
Lets face it.
If I was me four years ago, I wouldn't be caught dead complaining about budget cuts in California's educational system.
However, over the past few years, with strong and supportive rhetoric from teachers and the harsh dose of reality, I have begun to prioritize my education as the tier in my cake of success.
So having that been said, I'm angry.
Knowledge: The intangible treasure that every child, teen, and adult should immerse themselves in. It is the energy that fuels our countries competitiveness, our democracy, and our passions.
Heck, its the heart of life- and without it, we would see ourselves somewhere between Fahrenheit 451 and The Giver.
Which brings me to the issue at hand.
With California's Educational system ALREADY ranking somewhere between 43rd and 47th in the nation in per-person spending; and with the No Child Left Behind program reinforcing this figure even further...
Gov. Schwarzenegger has decided to improve our Education by proposing to cut an additional $4 billion from California's public schools.
Yes we have billions of dollars to quickly float failing corporations, banks, investment firms, and car companies; but we don't have the urgency to invest dollars to invest in our EDUCATION.
(Is it because there is no tangible interest our government can profit from?)
If there is one sector we should be pouring, no HEMMORAGING our dollars into, it should be our Education. (I capitalize Education because it is like a god)
If there is one bill that our state and national congress should be urgently working on, it should be a bill that is in favor of bailing out our Education.
I would LOVE to complain that we are overspending on Education, heck I wouldn't even mind complaining about a state deficit because of Education.
Because this investment is an investment that insures everyone the treasure of knowledge.
It ensures that every child, teen, and adult is NOT left behind.
It is a bailout that would reach more citizens than any bailout has yet to accomplish.
And nonetheless, it ensures that every citizen is NOT left stupid.
So Arnold, please quit acting dumb, learn to value education, and smarten up, stupid.
If I was me four years ago, I wouldn't be caught dead complaining about budget cuts in California's educational system.
However, over the past few years, with strong and supportive rhetoric from teachers and the harsh dose of reality, I have begun to prioritize my education as the tier in my cake of success.
So having that been said, I'm angry.
Knowledge: The intangible treasure that every child, teen, and adult should immerse themselves in. It is the energy that fuels our countries competitiveness, our democracy, and our passions.
Heck, its the heart of life- and without it, we would see ourselves somewhere between Fahrenheit 451 and The Giver.
Which brings me to the issue at hand.
With California's Educational system ALREADY ranking somewhere between 43rd and 47th in the nation in per-person spending; and with the No Child Left Behind program reinforcing this figure even further...
Gov. Schwarzenegger has decided to improve our Education by proposing to cut an additional $4 billion from California's public schools.
Yes we have billions of dollars to quickly float failing corporations, banks, investment firms, and car companies; but we don't have the urgency to invest dollars to invest in our EDUCATION.
(Is it because there is no tangible interest our government can profit from?)
If there is one sector we should be pouring, no HEMMORAGING our dollars into, it should be our Education. (I capitalize Education because it is like a god)
If there is one bill that our state and national congress should be urgently working on, it should be a bill that is in favor of bailing out our Education.
I would LOVE to complain that we are overspending on Education, heck I wouldn't even mind complaining about a state deficit because of Education.
Because this investment is an investment that insures everyone the treasure of knowledge.
It ensures that every child, teen, and adult is NOT left behind.
It is a bailout that would reach more citizens than any bailout has yet to accomplish.
And nonetheless, it ensures that every citizen is NOT left stupid.
So Arnold, please quit acting dumb, learn to value education, and smarten up, stupid.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Take the day off, it's Inauguration Day!
Nationalism.
It seems that in these days, Americans aren't given enough time or reason to exercise their nationalism.
According to USA.gov, 'we the people' are given three holidays that are specifically affiliated with our nation.
1. President's Day- A legacy to honor past presidents.
2. Independence Day- Celebrating the date of July 4, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed.
3. Veterans Day- A day to honor and celebrate American veterans. I include this day because of the significant importance of veterans and serving soldiers who sacrifice their lives to insure the former listed are protected.
Three holidays. Four days off in total.
Thats out of 365 days in a year.
Pretty sad right?
I enjoy the three holidays we are given, in fact, I can't remember the last time I woke up on presidents day and saw children and adults alike running through the streets dressed up like Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Richard Nixon.
Seriously, I can't remember.
Which brings me to my point.
Shouldn't Americans be given a holiday that celebrates a relevant accomplishment?
One that every American today could relate too?
Maybe... one that celebrates universal suffrage?
Heres a proposition.
Inauguration day.
Inauguration Day is a day our President is sworn into office to head our state, and government.
Its a day that celebrates our representative democracy, and demonstrates the success of our free and fair elections. Its a day that symbolizes the rights of Americans to speak out, demonstrate, and advocate for their candidate; whether or not their candidate was successful.
So heres my question.
Why shouldn't we be given Inauguration Day as a national holiday?
Let me know your thoughts, and lend me some comments.
ImaginNation.
www.imnation.blogspot.com
It seems that in these days, Americans aren't given enough time or reason to exercise their nationalism.
According to USA.gov, 'we the people' are given three holidays that are specifically affiliated with our nation.
1. President's Day- A legacy to honor past presidents.
2. Independence Day- Celebrating the date of July 4, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed.
3. Veterans Day- A day to honor and celebrate American veterans. I include this day because of the significant importance of veterans and serving soldiers who sacrifice their lives to insure the former listed are protected.
Three holidays. Four days off in total.
Thats out of 365 days in a year.
Pretty sad right?
I enjoy the three holidays we are given, in fact, I can't remember the last time I woke up on presidents day and saw children and adults alike running through the streets dressed up like Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Richard Nixon.
Seriously, I can't remember.
Which brings me to my point.
Shouldn't Americans be given a holiday that celebrates a relevant accomplishment?
One that every American today could relate too?
Maybe... one that celebrates universal suffrage?
Heres a proposition.
Inauguration day.
Inauguration Day is a day our President is sworn into office to head our state, and government.
Its a day that celebrates our representative democracy, and demonstrates the success of our free and fair elections. Its a day that symbolizes the rights of Americans to speak out, demonstrate, and advocate for their candidate; whether or not their candidate was successful.
So heres my question.
Why shouldn't we be given Inauguration Day as a national holiday?
Let me know your thoughts, and lend me some comments.
ImaginNation.
www.imnation.blogspot.com
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