Home of the... brave?

Ya miss me? Ya I didn't think so, oh well. Here's some reading to kick start your weekend and hopefully your thought process.

As many of you already know (if you have come out of your Dos XX and Corona daze yet) Cinco De Mayo was this week. So most of you drank for no real apparent reason... good for you, your an American and you have rights so you had the right to do so. That's interesting because apparently what you didn't have the right to do was to wear a T-shirt with an American flag on it to high school on that day. On the 5th of May, Cinco students were asked to remove their T-shirts which were either American colors or had American flags on them. The school's administration called the shirts "incendiary". Assuming that these kids weren't committing arson, Merriam Webster's dictionary online gives the definition of "a person who excites factions, quarrels, or sedition : agitator".

Here are my thoughts on the incident:

As I know it to be true these students were not in the face of any particular students or taunting them with their clothing choice. Unless I'm mistaken or have not heard all the details these students just wore these shirts (sure it was in a rebellious way, I'm not saying they didn't do it solely because it was Cinco De Mayo because I'm sure that's the only reason they did it) and went about their day at school in a normal matter. If these assumptions are wrong some of the following opinions may change.

These students did nothing wrong, period. In school we teach and even force patriotism upon students, making them stand up and say the pledge of allegiance every morning (I don't have a problem with it I'm just sayin...) so why is it a problem when they decide to show that patriotism on their own? We get so upset with the "youth of America" because they are so disconnected with politics or have no world view, but the second they decide to stand for something or take pride in something they are sent home from school? That doesn't seem right to me. In this clip (http://bit.ly/cIJpMh) there is an interview with a Hispanic girl who feels the students were wrong. I wonder if she even knows what the holiday is? It's NOT even a holiday in Mexico! It is only recognized in the Mexican state of Puebla. It is Mexico's equivalent of The Alamo, an event not celebrated by many in the United States outside of Texas. It's NOT Mexico's independence day that day is September 16th (doesn't sound as cool to surround a marketing campaign of drinking beer though so you don't know about it), and if it wasn't an excuse to drink Mexican beers, I'm about 95% confident nobody would celebrate it here either.

As in most cases, a larger picture is needed to really see what's going on here. In my opinion this isn't about these 5 students. This is just another case in the dumbing/watering down of America. Last week I read an article about the Boy Scouts of America. This organization has taken charge in molding a moral base and a sense of the great outdoors in young men for many years. But now as a Boy Scout you will be able to earn a (excuse the following language) Fucking Award for playing Video Games! That's right an organization known for the outdoors and teaching right from wrong is now promoting sitting in front of the TV and playing video games.

You wanna know why our economy sucks and people can't find jobs? It's not George Bush's fault it's not Barrack Obama's fault... IT OUR FAULT! Take some damn responsibility for yourself. We take dodgeball out of P.E. because it's too mean for kids, we give participation awards for everything (try just showing up and getting a raise at work), we sue each other because we spill coffee on ourselves.... AHHHHHH. Maybe the terrorists are right, maybe we do need to be killed. Cause we're acting like freakin' idiots. Other countries are blowing by us in education as we are busy leaving no child behind why don't we stop with fancy political slogans and do something about it? Other countries are catching us financially, as well as becoming our creditors while they collect interest on all our debt. And as our own political parties are busy telling everybody that the other side is soooo wrong most of the country is busy losing interest in politics. Many people in my age group and group of friends, including myself are becoming or already are disgusted with politics in this country. The youth movement was so inspired in this past election and I wouldn't be surprised if, that election may be the last to have an inspired youth movement. I was very interested in politics and now I just get sick when I hear about the left being liberal hippies or that the right hates people. They both suck and they've both lost me. Mickey Mouse for President!

Where is the American spirit that created modern day capitalism? Where is the winning attitude that turned a country of misfits into the most powerful country in the world? Why can't we tell kids, adults or the American people as a whole the truth anymore? Are we so dumb that we just need to have our ego's stroked so we don't get our pretty little feelings hurt?

STOP BEING A BUNCH OF PUSSIES AMERICA!

Geez in the real world you don't always win. In the real world sometimes you just flat out get screwed over. But we need to learn that at an early age so we don't fall apart when that happens as an adult. I love this country with all my heart but more and more often I'm so utterly embarrassed for us.

I was asked this week by my Dad and I forwarded the question on as well. What is greatness? As I tried to figure out the answer to that question (if there is a right answer) I came up blank. But what I do know is what greatness is not. Greatness is not sending home kids who wear the flag of their country on their shirts ON ANY DE MAYO.

What a Nobel thought...

As I'm sure most if not all of you have heard by now President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009. That's what this post will be about.

But before I go any further I must enter the following disclaimer: I am NOT qualified or have done the necessary research to say which of the candidates who were nominated "deserved" the prize the most. I am sure that all the candidates that made it to the final selection phase had qualities or have done work that has helped make this world more peaceful. My job is to recruit IT people for IT jobs. The Nobel committee's job is to determine the winners of awards in several categories, one of which is the Nobel Peace Prize. They don't call me and tell me what candidates suck without talking to them so I'm not gonna tell them they are right or wrong.

What I can do is write a social commentary about the reactions of people over the award... so I will.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner for 2009 was President Barack Obama. Immediately after his selection being announced many Americans were... outraged? Yes you got it our President was awarded one of the worlds most respected and honored awards but yet a large majority of his country was up in arms of the selection. According to Nobelprize.org the other candidates who were nominated will not be available to be released for another 50 years so even if you are upset that he won, it would be difficult to compare him to his competition. What we do know is that 205 candidates were nominated... wow and we get all a flutter in the voting both when the Green Party or an independent makes it a total of three people to choose from for President.

According to the Nobel committee he was selected "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples". This committee that chose Obama as the winner for this years award was not American based (there aren't even any names that I feel comfortable pronouncing) this committee was made mainly, it seems from members of Scandinavian countries. Scandinavian countries are generally pretty neutral or European biased. They sat in a room with information on 205 nominees and decided that President Obama was the best candidate for the award. It is seldom and fairly rare that an American wins this award to begin with so a bias towards the United States does not seem in play here.

What is hard for me to comprehend is the complete hate that (and I don't want to make this a political discussion but I think I have to a bit here) the Republican party has for this award being given to the President. It is odd for me to see a party built on the backs of trust fund babies, old money, and a long lineage of wealth and power, having such trouble coming to terms with an award that could possibly be given to a recipient that "isn't worthy". Really? Why can't you be happy for the leader of your country being awarded this prestigious award? If it was the other way around Bill O'Rielly would be busy not spinning this into the Democrats not being patriotic, so I'll say it where's your patriotism BILL?

It is just disheartening that we have such a narrow view of world politics. Turn off CNN and FoxNews one day and try reading political articles from other countries on American issues. President Obama has given us credibility once again on a global scale. We are no longer a threat to attack countries that didn't attack us. For months (and shit this time years) before elections we focus on which party within our country is more fit to lead. But after that time period we need to shift our focus internationally. If we fail to notice how and what we look like from a global perspective we will continue to fall behind the rest of the world. Yes I said CONTINUE to fall behind. Our kids are dumber than most developed nations, our money is worth less and less everyday, countries like India and China are catching us in technology and science exponentially every single day... but we're still the greatest country on Earth right? Well we have big guns so I guess so.

I love this country more than anything. And YES I do think we are the greatest country on Earth. There aren't many countries that would even let me write such a public article online. I just want us to start acting like it. We don't have to act like 17 year old boys with issues over the size of our penis'. Going to Europe and Asia and Africa and the Middle East and wanting to be their equal, their partner, their global neighbor is not a sign of weakness. It is quite the opposite it is a sign of extreme confidence, strength and humility. You know who we are most of the time? We are Michael Jordan at his enshrinement speech as he was inducted to the basketball hall of fame a couple months ago. He knows he's the greatest player to ever touch a basketball, we knew he was, and most everyone thinks the hall of fame can shut its' doors now. But instead of taking the time to thank the people that helped him get there he thanked the people he ran over to get there, he pointed out the weak that he beat over and over again. He took his last chance to make sure we all knew it... BUT HE DIDN'T HAVE TO! And neither do we. There is a reason the world does business in English, and does their global transactions in the US Dollar... It's because we are the greatest country in the world. We don't need to go around acting like it.

President Obama can see that we are the greatest country on Earth and he wants everyone else to be a part of it. The rest of the world could see it... when will we? Congratulations Mr. President WE are proud of you!

"The True Gentleman... who is himself humbled when necessity compels him to humble another" - John Walter Wayland

Politics is neat!

100 in 1000 update:
Ummm...crap I gotta get on that stuff. Especially that whole book a month thing...only a few days left.


Not too much has changed since the last time I posted so felt I would finally resort to the post that all of you knew was coming...a political post! {insert scary horror music...just in time for Halloween}

On Tuesday November 4th, 2008 this country will have an election that will change us forever. This is at least the most important election in a generation, and dare I say the most important or at the very least, the most significant election in this nations history. Barack Obama (please don't let me jinx this) looks like he will beat John McCain in the general election. At the age of 26 and growing up in a neutral state like New Mexico I never really experienced any outright racism. I was pretty sheltered to the racism that surrounded me although it probably wasn't too blatant in sleepy Rio Rancho. Going back only a few decades racial tensions and civil rights issues were at a peak. The middle of the 20th century was filled with civil rights issues and battles between races that we (well most of us sane individuals) see now as ridiculous. On April 7th, 2007 I posted a story about The Little Rock 9, it's a story about a school that was forcefully segregated. The reason I bring that post up is to look how far we've come as a nation. We've come from a country that discriminated against people because they had a different skin color. Now I'm not saying that racism is dead, by all means I am fully aware (especially since living in Texas) that racism is not dead. But the strides we've made to accept people of all walks of life, is what this country was founded on.

We are a diverse nation and we need to be represented in that way. So no matter who you vote for on Tuesday remember to take a second and admire the progress we've made as a country (unless your a racist bastard...well then your opinion doesn't really mean much to me anyhow). I will be watching the votes come in on Tuesday night and I'll be a proud American. I be watching a moment that this country is fundamentally founded upon. That moment will show us all that no matter what hand you're dealt, or the odds you're up against you truly can be whoever you want to be.
If you are a McCain supporter, please don't write to me and try to change my mind by telling me I'm a terrorist or socialist, or that Obama will let other countries take us over or whatever else. People who offer up those suggestions, make themselves and other republicans look like idiots. I am not completely to the left I'm actually more towards the center (I just truly believe in Obama). I welcome any comments about either candidate, but please for your own sake at least have sources or statistics that come from reputable places. You're not going to change my mind...but it's a free country speak your mind if it moves you to do so!

P.S. if you think Palin would be a great president hold your breath till I say when...