In the first full day in office Obama said that he would make the white house more transparent and that if he thought something should be keep from the american people for what ever reason that it would be reviewed by a someone other then himself.
I think that is really amazing.
He also made some tough statements against lobbyist and the new rules that would have to be followed by them. Like not holding a position in Washington for at least 2 years.
I feel like he is doing some great things already. But don't worry I won't let my love for him stop me from calling it like I see it. I plan on keeping an eye on him.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Editorial #1 Final Draft
Political speech deciphered:
Obama’s inaugural speech
We can all agree that when it comes to political speeches we have to learn to read between the lines. Although the day after the inauguration President Obama made the promise to make the White House and what goes on within our government more transparent, his inaugural speech still needs to be deciphered.
Lets start from the beginning and work our way through a speech that we found to be quite compelling. President Obama begins by talking about taking the oath “amidst gathering clouds and raging storms,” and then goes into the plights that face our great nation: war, economics, health care and our failing school system. What was really being said was, “I just want to say thank you for handing me such a long laundry list of things to do, and I only have four years to clean it up or I lose my job, too.” He followed this with a CYB (cover your butt) statement that these indicators of crisis are “subject to data and statistics.” Real meaning – “If you turn the paper upside down it doesn’t look so bad.”
Of course there has to be the lines about God given rights of equality, freedom and the pursuit of happiness. Does this mean that we finally have a government that supports gay rights? We don’t know. The translation for that is far too advanced for a mere college journalist. But fear not American people and UNK students alike, because those of us who are non-believers have already come to terms with the fact that we don’t get God given rights. At least we are counted among the strengths of the patchwork heritage that is America.
Moving on, President Obama also spent some time talking about how America is great because we worked hard and earned it, that we as a nation do not take shortcuts or settle for less and that our path is not one “…for those who prefer leisure over work.” Oh yeah, he did it all right; he took a stab at President Bush. For the record, Bush spent on average 63 days per year on vacation. We don’t know anyone who gets that much time off of work.
That was not the only dagger of words that hits home to the old administration either. Obama-speak, “power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please.” What it really means, “Just because we can go to war without the sanction of the UN does not mean that we should.”
We have come to a time in the history of our nation when an inaugural address has to include the dreaded T word, terror. Unfortunately there was nothing new said on the topic, but the words that are repeated need to be remembered, that the American spirit cannot be broken by terror.
We enjoy picking apart speeches and reading between the lines, but that does not change the fact that many great things were said in Obama’s inaugural speech and grand pledges were made. We believe that everything he said can be done, not because we believe in him, but because we do believe in the American people and what we can accomplish when we work together.
Obama’s inaugural speech
We can all agree that when it comes to political speeches we have to learn to read between the lines. Although the day after the inauguration President Obama made the promise to make the White House and what goes on within our government more transparent, his inaugural speech still needs to be deciphered.
Lets start from the beginning and work our way through a speech that we found to be quite compelling. President Obama begins by talking about taking the oath “amidst gathering clouds and raging storms,” and then goes into the plights that face our great nation: war, economics, health care and our failing school system. What was really being said was, “I just want to say thank you for handing me such a long laundry list of things to do, and I only have four years to clean it up or I lose my job, too.” He followed this with a CYB (cover your butt) statement that these indicators of crisis are “subject to data and statistics.” Real meaning – “If you turn the paper upside down it doesn’t look so bad.”
Of course there has to be the lines about God given rights of equality, freedom and the pursuit of happiness. Does this mean that we finally have a government that supports gay rights? We don’t know. The translation for that is far too advanced for a mere college journalist. But fear not American people and UNK students alike, because those of us who are non-believers have already come to terms with the fact that we don’t get God given rights. At least we are counted among the strengths of the patchwork heritage that is America.
Moving on, President Obama also spent some time talking about how America is great because we worked hard and earned it, that we as a nation do not take shortcuts or settle for less and that our path is not one “…for those who prefer leisure over work.” Oh yeah, he did it all right; he took a stab at President Bush. For the record, Bush spent on average 63 days per year on vacation. We don’t know anyone who gets that much time off of work.
That was not the only dagger of words that hits home to the old administration either. Obama-speak, “power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please.” What it really means, “Just because we can go to war without the sanction of the UN does not mean that we should.”
We have come to a time in the history of our nation when an inaugural address has to include the dreaded T word, terror. Unfortunately there was nothing new said on the topic, but the words that are repeated need to be remembered, that the American spirit cannot be broken by terror.
We enjoy picking apart speeches and reading between the lines, but that does not change the fact that many great things were said in Obama’s inaugural speech and grand pledges were made. We believe that everything he said can be done, not because we believe in him, but because we do believe in the American people and what we can accomplish when we work together.
To help or hinder
My mother spent years telling me that the people you choose to hang out with can either elevate you to be the best person you are capable of being or it can drag you down and hinder your growth. It took me years of learning the hard way that this is true and I have burned many bridges with people that I did truly love because they dragged me down.
This is why after what happened last week I was very distraught over whether I had made the right decision in joining this group. In the first week I have been disillusioned.
I believe whole-heartedly in what this organization stands for but my heart was broken and I was left dumb founded to find out that there is a crisis going on here that I will not even pretend to understand.
I joined this group to help me better myself and to become the best person that I can be. I find time to volunteer once a week because I believe in the sprit of volunteerism. I have worked hard for my classes and the wonderful opportunities I have had, being an RA, my position on the school newspaper, the opportunity to study abroad just to name a few.
I have done everything right yet I am being punished. And when I hear that my fellow friends lie I have to question whether this is a group that will help me or is this a group that will hinder me.
Although it kills me to say this, after what I heard last week I am temped to say that if I chose to walk away, as of right now, I would not be the one in this situation that will be loosing out. I wish with all my heart that my last comment is untrue.
But wishes cannot come true if you sit around and wait for them to happen. We have to work as a group to make this situation better, not for me, but for the betterment of the whole group. For all of us - past, present, and future.
And last, once I have made a commitment come hell or high water I will see it through.
This is why after what happened last week I was very distraught over whether I had made the right decision in joining this group. In the first week I have been disillusioned.
I believe whole-heartedly in what this organization stands for but my heart was broken and I was left dumb founded to find out that there is a crisis going on here that I will not even pretend to understand.
I joined this group to help me better myself and to become the best person that I can be. I find time to volunteer once a week because I believe in the sprit of volunteerism. I have worked hard for my classes and the wonderful opportunities I have had, being an RA, my position on the school newspaper, the opportunity to study abroad just to name a few.
I have done everything right yet I am being punished. And when I hear that my fellow friends lie I have to question whether this is a group that will help me or is this a group that will hinder me.
Although it kills me to say this, after what I heard last week I am temped to say that if I chose to walk away, as of right now, I would not be the one in this situation that will be loosing out. I wish with all my heart that my last comment is untrue.
But wishes cannot come true if you sit around and wait for them to happen. We have to work as a group to make this situation better, not for me, but for the betterment of the whole group. For all of us - past, present, and future.
And last, once I have made a commitment come hell or high water I will see it through.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
College Dating
My campus topic is going to be dating in college.
Pros-
Pros-
- You get to see them
- Please post comments if you know of any more pros for this topic. HELP!
- They just stop talking to you. Would it be that hard to just say, "I'm not interested in you" then at least you would know.
- They bug you all the time while you're trying to get homework done.
- It is only about the "hook up"
- There are the "Someone broke my heart and now I'm afraid to love again" emotional cripples.
- Simple lack of time.
- Once again if you have any suggestions for pros or cons please post a comment.
Read between the lines
We can all agree that when it comes to political speeches we have to learn to read between the lines. Although the day after the inauguration President Obama made the promise to make the White House and what goes on within our government more transparent, his inaugural speech still needs to be deciphered.
Lets start from the beginning and work our way through a speech that I found to be quite compelling. President Obama begins by talking about taking the oath “amidst gathering clouds and raging storms,” and then goes into the plights that face our great nation, war, economics, health care, and our failing school system. What was really being said was, “I just want to say thank you for handing me such a long laundry list of things to do and I only have four years to clean it up or I loose my job, too.” He followed this with a CYB (cover your butt) statement that these indicators of crisis are “subject to data and statistics.” Real meaning – “If you turn the paper upside down it doesn’t look so bad.”
Of course there has to be the lines about God given rights of equality, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. Does this mean that we finally have a government that supports Gay Rights? I don’t know. The translation for that is far to advance for a mere college journalist. But fear not American people and UNK students alike, because those of us that are non-believers have already come to terms with the fact that we don’t get God given rights. At least we are counted among the strengths of the patchwork heritage that is America.
Moving on, President Obama also spent some time talking about how America is great because we worked hard and earned it, that we as a nation do not take shortcuts or settle for less, and that our path is not one “…for those who prefer leisure over work.” Oh yeah, he did it all right; he took a stab at President Bush. For the record Bush spent on average 63 days per year on vacation. I don’t know anyone who gets that much time off of work.
That was not the only spear of words that hits home to the old administration either. Obama-speak, “power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please.” What it really means, “Just because we can go to war with out the sanction of the UN does not mean that we should.”
We have come to a time in the history of our nation when an inaugural address has to include the dreaded T word, terror. Unfortunately there was nothing new said on the topic but the words that are repeated need to be remembered, that the American sprite cannot be broken by terror.
I enjoy picking apart speeches and reading between the lines but that does not change the fact that many great things where said in Obama’s inaugural speech and grand pledges were made. I believe that everything he said can be done, not because I believe in him, but because I do believe in the American people and what we can accomplish when we work together.
Lets start from the beginning and work our way through a speech that I found to be quite compelling. President Obama begins by talking about taking the oath “amidst gathering clouds and raging storms,” and then goes into the plights that face our great nation, war, economics, health care, and our failing school system. What was really being said was, “I just want to say thank you for handing me such a long laundry list of things to do and I only have four years to clean it up or I loose my job, too.” He followed this with a CYB (cover your butt) statement that these indicators of crisis are “subject to data and statistics.” Real meaning – “If you turn the paper upside down it doesn’t look so bad.”
Of course there has to be the lines about God given rights of equality, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. Does this mean that we finally have a government that supports Gay Rights? I don’t know. The translation for that is far to advance for a mere college journalist. But fear not American people and UNK students alike, because those of us that are non-believers have already come to terms with the fact that we don’t get God given rights. At least we are counted among the strengths of the patchwork heritage that is America.
Moving on, President Obama also spent some time talking about how America is great because we worked hard and earned it, that we as a nation do not take shortcuts or settle for less, and that our path is not one “…for those who prefer leisure over work.” Oh yeah, he did it all right; he took a stab at President Bush. For the record Bush spent on average 63 days per year on vacation. I don’t know anyone who gets that much time off of work.
That was not the only spear of words that hits home to the old administration either. Obama-speak, “power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please.” What it really means, “Just because we can go to war with out the sanction of the UN does not mean that we should.”
We have come to a time in the history of our nation when an inaugural address has to include the dreaded T word, terror. Unfortunately there was nothing new said on the topic but the words that are repeated need to be remembered, that the American sprite cannot be broken by terror.
I enjoy picking apart speeches and reading between the lines but that does not change the fact that many great things where said in Obama’s inaugural speech and grand pledges were made. I believe that everything he said can be done, not because I believe in him, but because I do believe in the American people and what we can accomplish when we work together.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Obama's words and down with the old regime
When listening to political speeches one must remember to read between the lines. What is not being said but is being implied is sometime more telling and more important then the word vomit coming out of the mouths of politicians. Don’t get me wrong I voted for Barak Obama, he is my president, I support him, and listening to his inauguration speech brought tears to my eyes. I would have cried if I had not been sitting in class watching it. For the first time sense I have started voting for the present of the United States, I have hope. I have hope for the future of our country and for the future of the world as a whole. It brings to my mind the quote by Lester Burnham from the movie American Beauty, “My heart fills up like a balloon that's about to burst. And then I remember to relax, and stop trying to hold on to it, and then it flows through me like rain. And I can't feel anything but gratitude.”
I have spent the last eight years not standing for the national anthem or the pledge of allegiance because not only did I not vote for Bush, but in my mind he stole the presidential office. Eight years of avoiding the news because I couldn’t handle the BS and eight years of being afraid to speak my mind because I might get locked up. If you think I’m being paranoid then look at this information on the ACLU’s website. This deals with the “Free Speech Zones” that spiked under the Bush administration. They are also known as “Free Speech Cages,” now that sounds scary. And here is a link about people being arrested for speaking out against Bush.
And another. I could keep finding and posting links to sites telling of the terrors that some have faced for speaking their minds but I think you get the point. I have learned to keep my mouth shut and my head down, at least on the Internet, when it comes to this topic, and speaking my opinions now about Bush is a little frightening to me.
That being said, I'm really glad we have a democrat in office. They try to help the people, not oppress them. This was meant to be a post on reading between the lines of what Obama said in his speech but it turned into my heart felt love of our new DC. Democrats everywhere. This just might lead me to believe in god just so I can say "Thank god for a new era."
I have spent the last eight years not standing for the national anthem or the pledge of allegiance because not only did I not vote for Bush, but in my mind he stole the presidential office. Eight years of avoiding the news because I couldn’t handle the BS and eight years of being afraid to speak my mind because I might get locked up. If you think I’m being paranoid then look at this information on the ACLU’s website. This deals with the “Free Speech Zones” that spiked under the Bush administration. They are also known as “Free Speech Cages,” now that sounds scary. And here is a link about people being arrested for speaking out against Bush.
And another. I could keep finding and posting links to sites telling of the terrors that some have faced for speaking their minds but I think you get the point. I have learned to keep my mouth shut and my head down, at least on the Internet, when it comes to this topic, and speaking my opinions now about Bush is a little frightening to me.
That being said, I'm really glad we have a democrat in office. They try to help the people, not oppress them. This was meant to be a post on reading between the lines of what Obama said in his speech but it turned into my heart felt love of our new DC. Democrats everywhere. This just might lead me to believe in god just so I can say "Thank god for a new era."
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Lets be more Swiss
The first thought I have when I hear the name Osama bin Laden is why can’t we find a guy who has to use a dialysis machine? That being said, the article A bin Laden subtext makes note of the enemy of bin Laden, a group known as Hamas. I agree that just because Hamas is an enemy of bin Laden it does not make them a friend of the United States, but they don’t have to be a friend to be used by our government. History has shown time and again that the US is good and using angry groups to aid our own agenda. Then again, history has shown that those same groups end up turning their anger against the US because they got used and then dropped like a bad one-night stand after the mission was accomplished. Oh I remember now, that’s why Al Qaeda hates us. Lets try a new tactic called “keep your nose out of other’s business.” The Swiss do that and people love them.
Article -
A bin Laden subtext
Article -
A bin Laden subtext
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