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Friday, September 21, 2012
Saturday, September 15, 2012
On a serious note...
The recent events in Libya are tragic. I feel for those who were targeted and attacked, those who lost family members, those who have to live among violence every day, and those who have to figure out how to clean up this mess. One of the main things that disturbs me is that it's another reminder of the prevalence of religious persecution. Do we really still have to face this issue that's existed for centuries plus all of the new issues introduced by modern society?
Call me naive, but I just don't get it. I don't get why people care about the religious affiliations of their neighbors or politicians or strangers on the other side of the world, as long as they aren't harming anyone. If someone is an upstanding citizen who tries to do good for others, does motivation really matter? Why should we care if his/her actions are induced by a desire to go to heaven, a desire to become a liberated soul through reincarnation, a desire to please ancient ancestors, or simply by upbringing and personal choices?
It's really difficult to separate religion from culture from moral code. I really couldn't tell you which of those factors dictates individual decisions I make in my life. I have a religion, but I don't live by each and every one of its principles, and I like to keep whatever I do or don't do private. Unless asked, of course. It's unfortunate when religious stereotypes prevent us from learning. In fourth grade, a boy in my class asked if I attended church on Sundays. When I said no, he announced to everyone that I was a devil worshiper. They all agreed with him. My 10-year-old self kept quiet but was furious. Apparently, being well-behaved and doing volunteer work didn't count for anything - simply not going to a Christian church was enough to make me the devil's friend. The sad part is that I can't blame this boy's comment on childhood ignorance. I'm pretty sure he would think the same thing today.
Here's hoping for some change by the year 3012.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
Election 2012
Disclaimer: I typically don't post anything political or religous on my social networks. However, this being our blog, I feel like I should be able to. Also, this isn't to start an argument, more simply to speak about how this election is different for me.
So this year is a different election year for me. In the past, I didn't really pay as much attention to the difference conferences or battles. But this year, 2012 is my FIRST election year. And as a citizen and a type-A personality, I feel like I need to make a well informed decisions - one that's based on issues that I care about, rather than who I like better. I will also try to forget that the first thing I heard out of Mitt Romney's mouth was about how women should stay home rather than work - but that's a different discussion for a different day.
I just took a quiz to factor different issues and see where I stand for the election. Here are some thoughts. It also sparked an interesting discussion with myself.
I believe in strict gun control. I don't believe that the general population should have access to AK47s and other fighting rifles.
I believe that it's a woman's right to choose. Granted, I would like to see some framework around clinics being safe and clean, as well as rights for the girl.
I support stem cell research, and think it's a great way to cure/treat certain illnesses.
Climate change - do we need more proof? With the droughts, extreme rains causing flooding, high temperatures, low temperatures - the climate has been all over the place! And the polar bears may become extinct - that makes me sad.
The Arizona immigration law makes me angry. Being an immigrant, it really angers me that people can be taken to jail if they don't have their papers on them. I have a friend who looks like an immigrant and her husband looks like an American - and it's the opposite of who would get arrested.
Healthcare - My dad is self-employed and my mom doesn't work. Health insurance wasn't high on their priority list when they first moved to America and had a family/house/business to run. It's barely a priority now. It's crazy to think that we don't have a national plan in place for self employed families to take advantage of. Besides, wasn't the American Dream part of people coming to the US and having options available to help build the country.
Like everyone, it pains me to see 60% of some of my income go towards taxes. When I was young, I thought we should just not have to pay those. As I've gotten older, I realize that taxes provide the nice roads I like driving on, maintain the state parks I like hiking in, ensure that teachers have the funds necessary to educate kids and that public officials have better benefits as they are putting their lives on the line for me each day. In the past, I was fiscally very conservative, but I am growing up and starting to understand the benefits.
Enough seriousness. I'm excited to see the events of the next few months and voting!
So this year is a different election year for me. In the past, I didn't really pay as much attention to the difference conferences or battles. But this year, 2012 is my FIRST election year. And as a citizen and a type-A personality, I feel like I need to make a well informed decisions - one that's based on issues that I care about, rather than who I like better. I will also try to forget that the first thing I heard out of Mitt Romney's mouth was about how women should stay home rather than work - but that's a different discussion for a different day.
I just took a quiz to factor different issues and see where I stand for the election. Here are some thoughts. It also sparked an interesting discussion with myself.
I believe in strict gun control. I don't believe that the general population should have access to AK47s and other fighting rifles.
I believe that it's a woman's right to choose. Granted, I would like to see some framework around clinics being safe and clean, as well as rights for the girl.
I support stem cell research, and think it's a great way to cure/treat certain illnesses.
Climate change - do we need more proof? With the droughts, extreme rains causing flooding, high temperatures, low temperatures - the climate has been all over the place! And the polar bears may become extinct - that makes me sad.
The Arizona immigration law makes me angry. Being an immigrant, it really angers me that people can be taken to jail if they don't have their papers on them. I have a friend who looks like an immigrant and her husband looks like an American - and it's the opposite of who would get arrested.
Healthcare - My dad is self-employed and my mom doesn't work. Health insurance wasn't high on their priority list when they first moved to America and had a family/house/business to run. It's barely a priority now. It's crazy to think that we don't have a national plan in place for self employed families to take advantage of. Besides, wasn't the American Dream part of people coming to the US and having options available to help build the country.
Like everyone, it pains me to see 60% of some of my income go towards taxes. When I was young, I thought we should just not have to pay those. As I've gotten older, I realize that taxes provide the nice roads I like driving on, maintain the state parks I like hiking in, ensure that teachers have the funds necessary to educate kids and that public officials have better benefits as they are putting their lives on the line for me each day. In the past, I was fiscally very conservative, but I am growing up and starting to understand the benefits.
Enough seriousness. I'm excited to see the events of the next few months and voting!
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