Progress in the Justice System?

I was looking over CNN.com and came across a somewhat disturbing story. Ameneh Bahrami, an Iranian woman, was blinded by a young man named Majid in 2004. He admitted to attacking her with acid, but says that they are in love and he wishes to marry her. Ameneh said that this was not the case, and if he were to be let off, he would surely kill her. Also, Majid's mother tried to form an arranged marriage between the two, and when she said no, the problems began. The most interesting part of this case is Ameneh's want for justice. She said that, "I am not willing to get blood money from the defendant, who is still thinking about destroying me and wants to take my eyes out". Rather than receiving financial compensation for her suffering, she wants a more sinister brand of justice. She urged to the courts of Tehran that her attacker should be blinded with acid as well. She based this off Islamic law; an eye for an eye. Shockingly enough, the panel voted unanimously for the sentence. He is to be blinded by acid, but not to have his face deformed as she did. When asked about her reasoning for not demanding Majid's face to be mutilated, she stated that, "Of course, only blind him and take his eyes, because I cannot behave the way he did and ask for acid to be thrown in his face".

This whole situation concerns me. Perhaps a more appropriate quote for this situation ought to be that, "an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind". I cannot believe that the courts actually voted in such a way. Even more appalling is that Ameneh claims that she is not behaving as Majid did, but she demanded that his eyes be destroyed by acid. Either the judicial system in Iran is insanely corrupted, or personal ethics has gone astray. Progress does not simply apply to the individual nation, but the human race as a whole. I guess this "opens our eyes" a little bit. Many think that the justice systems have, internationally, improved. I thought so until I saw this headline. I believe, now, that progress hasn't been truly made throughout the world.

Taxpayers Finally Catching A Break

Gas prices have officially dropped to an average of $1.75 a gallon. This is a record low since March of 2004. The decreased demand for gasoline has caused the prices to go down significantly. It seems that the hard working taxpayers are catching a bit of a break. People have been making the effort to cut costs on certain luxuries in order to secure the necessities. Based on the current price of gasoline, I would say that many people are doing their part.

Both R.W Emerson and H.D Thoreau detailed the concepts of materialism, and how the stuff you own can own you. They thought that life is not about who has the fanciest car, house, etc. I feel that many people are starting to pick up these ideas because of the current economic situation. Driving as a means of transportation to work, the grocery store, and other activities is a necessity, but a lot of it is rather pointless. I have witnessed this first hand. I cannot tell you how many times my friends and I have spent great amounts of time just driving around, listening to music, in our gas guzzling suv's. Even though we live in a very prosperous area, this trend has changed, and as a direct effect of the economic situation. Parents are no longer paying for their children to drive their cars any longer. Because of this, teenagers are simply not driving as much. From the lower ends of society, all the way up to the higher, people are making changes to compensate for our delicate economy. As a direct effect of the taxpayers efforts, gasoline is now more affordable than in the last 5 years. Emerson and Thoreau would be proud of this change, and perhaps amazed in the national effort to make the change.

National Reform

As a direct effect of the current economic situation, many changes occurred. People were laid off left and right, and could not afford many of the daily necessities. On a larger scale, many of our nations corporations, such as General Motors, are on the verge of collapse. A national reform effort is needed to get the mangled economy back on its feet. Barack Obama plans to make a 175 billion dollar stimulus package, as well as creating 2.5 billion jobs that will "rebuild the nation's roads and bridges, modernize its schools and create more sources of alternative energy."

This would prove to be a huge reform, especially in terms of energy. For the past century, fossil fuels have powered the American people. We all realize that this cannot be the case forever. Not only are we running out of these fuels, but it does vast damage to our environment. If Obama's plan becomes approved, and his plans to revolutionize energy are enacted, I think America will set an example of a much needed International reform. Going from one of the biggest consumers of fossil fuels, to the implementers of alternative energy would be huge.

What Would Ralph Waldo Emerson Say?

In American Studies class we read part of Ralph Waldo Emerson's Self Reliance. Emerson, a transcendentalist, believed that all people should voice their thoughts and accept them as fact, regardless of societies approval. On top of this, he believed that accepting ideals that a person does not truly believe in to fit into society is both ignorant and cowardly. What I am wondering, is how far Emerson truly believes in these ideals?
All of the people in my class remember, even if only vaguely, the September 11th terrorist attacks. The only things I remember were the fear, chaos, and mystery that I was seeing. In Barack Obama's speech on the election night, he talked about how he and his administration would defeat all those who have tried to destroy the world. I would like to know what Emerson would say to the beliefs and thoughts of these people.
The idea that Emerson seemed to give off in our reading that everyone, no matter what beliefs they have, should live those beliefs out, but what I would like to know is if Emerson thought that peoples beliefs were wrong. I do agree with some of what Emerson says, that people should not conform to the common beliefs of a society just to fit in, but I do not feel that every belief is good. Would He agree with Barack's belief about defeating those who have tried to destroy the world? This is where Emerson has left a void. Can a transcendentalist say that everyone's beliefs are right, even just for the individual person? Would Emerson say that the killing of people is justified because of what the killers thought was right? Maybe he believed that everyone should accept their own thoughts as truth, but taking action on those thoughts may be another story. I found the reading so interesting because of the absolute nature of the beliefs. Do you think that a belief justifies actions?

We The People

During our studies of the late 1700's, we have learned many aspects of our countries Independence. Some things that were valued in both the declaration and the constitution were the rights to be represented in order to be taxed, the equality of all people, and a system of government where the people, not a king, decide the countries affairs. Although these things were stated in these historic texts, they were not entirely accurate. When written, the term "the people" meant primarily white men. Native Americans, women, freed blacks, and slaves were not considered to be under this qualifying term. Slavery was not abolished until 1865, a full 89 years after the declaration was signed. Black people and white people could not even use the same drinking fountains, or entrances to stores up through the 1960's. Now, 40 some years later, an African American man is the president of our country.
For the first time, we now have an African-American president. As I watched president elect Obama's speech in Grant Park, I knew it would be something I would remember forever. Obama was going to the White House, a house that slaves built. When he started talking about Ann Nixon Cooper, I realized how truly far America has come. Her parents lived in the time of slavery, and being 106 years old, she has witnessed so many of the inequalities that our country has had. For some time she was not allowed to vote because she is a woman and because of her skin color. But more importantly, she lived to see the first African American president. I find it astonishing that one person has seen so much in her lifetime. This made me think and realize the great distances our government has gone. I think that the term "the people" is at least much closer to being a true statement. The Declaration and constitution may have not solved many of our nations problems, but it certainly sent our country in the right direction.

Yo, What Happened to What's His Face?

The 2008 election is getting tense, and both parties are getting very anxious. It's anyones guess on who is going to be the next president. Every day we see commercials supporting and scolding from the Republicans and Democrats. But what many people may not have thought about recently, where is George Bush? It has certainly felt like he has been out of the publics eye for a while. White house officials say that hes busy working to fix the economic crisis, but will anything he does make a difference?
In class we were talking about the "lame duck" period of presidency. This is when the new president has been elected, but has not yet been given their position as president. I think that this lame duck period has started early for George Bush. This week, for example, a few events have been canceled, and he is spending time with his family at Camp David. It actually does make sense for him to keep a low profile during the election season though. It is the opinion of many that George Bush is not a very good president, and the Republicans want to win this election. With a shockingly low approval rating of 28 percent, and a past full of unpopular decisions, he is proving to be a very big threat to the success of the Republican party. Political commercials have been addressing McCain's similar views with Bush. I believe I saw in a commercial that he voted 92 percent of the time with Bush. I believe that the president is enjoying a period of relaxation. Even if he tries to address some of the issues with full effort, he is almost out of office and probably won't be listened to. We'll see if he can stay out of the spotlight for a while longer, and if he costs the republicans the election.

A Helping Hand

I was looking at various current events around the web and I came across a video. There was an auction for foreclosed homes, and something very generous happened. A woman whose house was being put up at the auction was sitting on the sidelines crying. Another woman came up to comfort her. After talking about the situation for a while, the woman decided to take action. She purchased the house without seeing any pictures of the property, merely believing the other womans word. She handed over the house to her. When asked about her act of kindness, and why she did it, she stated, "Because people need to help each other".
Such generosity is not often seen at the person to person level, especially from a stranger. I found it remarkable how caring and generous this woman was. She was not worried about the risk of the home possibly being foreclosed again, she was doing what she thought was right. When we talk about idealism in class, I think of a society where everyone picks up each other when they fall down. This happening in the real world makes me think that idealism can work. The woman was not thinking about the risk, but the benefit of providing someone with a second chance.

McCain Embraces The Underdog Status

Recent polls taken by CNN show Obama with 49 percent of the national vote, and McCain with 43 percent. McCain does not seem to mind being behind as of now, he stated, "I love being the underdog. You know, every time that I've gotten ahead, somehow I mess it up". When asked his opinion on Palin's effects on the election, he said "I could not be more pleased". It seems that he would not be terribly disappointed if he were to lose the election. When he was asked about the possibility of losing he said he doesn't think about it. Later in the interview with McCain regailed some of the details about his life, "I've had a wonderful life...I'm the luckiest guy that you have ever interviewed and will ever interview. I'm the most fortunate man on earth, and I thank God for it every single day".
McCain seems to have a new attitude on the presidential election. He suggests that no matter what happens, he won't mind because he has had a very wonderful life. His wording did seem a little egotistical, perhaps, but the point is that he is both idealistic and optimistic about the election. He is idealistic in the sense that no matter what happens, he has a great life in Arizona to go home to, and that he is so lucky for his great life. As far as I've seen, this is a new side to John McCain. Maybe he's preparing himself for the worst and lessening the blow by appreciating his life.

Bailout Plan Put Into Action

The 750 billion dollar bailout plan is starting to be put to use. The Bush administration plans on investing 250 billion dollars into the failing banks in order to get them on their feet. New policies are also being made to insure non-deposit accounts, or business accounts. Lending between banks may also be administered to chip away at the credit situation. Some people feel that there is not a specific plan, that the government is trying random things to solve the problems. Other feel that they are addressing effects of the financial situation, not the problems. Something I found very interesting, the U.S is offering an unlimited amount of money to the banks of the E.U, Switzerland and England at a fixed interest rate. It seems sort of odd to be lending money in a state of financial crisis.
It seems that the U.S government has attempted to solve the financial problem with many different angels. FDR was a believer in experimentation when he tried to get America out of the Depression, so maybe some good will come out of all this. The stock market did go up roughly 1000 points today, but we are still down nearly 30 percent on the year. We'll see what happens.

European Economy in Crisis Too?

Today I came across an article that seemed strikingly familiar. The U.S is not the only place having economic troubles. Germany is now in a potential state of meltdown, as many banks are on the verge of failure. Iceland also is in trouble due to its credit situation, and Britain may have to step in to pick up some slack. In Germany, many large players in the economy have already collapsed, including the Hypo Real Estate Company worth some 49 billion dollars.

As I read, I stopped and thought. This seams almost too similar to the situation in the U.S, and ironically it is happening and the same time. I re-read the article just to make sure that it was, in fact, about the failing European countries. It goes to show that we can learn from our past mistakes, including economic issues, regardless of where they were made. Currently, many Europeans are at risk of losing their life savings as so many did during the Great Depression. We'll see what happens when the banks re-open on Monday.

Losing Business in an Economic Crisis?

I found an article in the editorial section of the Chicago Tribune titled "Still Waiting". This article talked about how the U.S is currently stalling to close an agreement regarding the trade of nuclear supplies and technology with India. We are stalling because they have not yet signed the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.
The claim of the article was, "There is no excuse for congress to keep sitting on this Deal"

Evidence: "U.S companies will lose billions of dollars worth of business with India if congress can't make up its mind" "Other countries, such as France, stand ready to jump into the void" "The longer congress delays a vote on the agreement, the more time other countries have to swoop in and begin trade with India" It makes no sense for congress to delay the agreement any longer. There is a lot of money to be made in this deal and if congress does not act soon, we will lose the opportunity.

Warrant: "But the approval of the IAEA and the NSG free worldwide nuclear powers to commence nuclear trade with India" Before, the U.S was hesitant to trade because India had not signed the treaty, and that they had tested a nuclear bomb in 1974, but now they can begin trade and it would be perfectly legal.

Appeals: This article as primarily appeals to logos. It simply makes no sense to delay a vote any longer. If the U.S continues to wait, a huge opportunity for business will be lost. It is especially unwise not to take advantage of this opportunity in our current economic state.

This argument seems to be very compelling. Bush has even stated that India has always kept their nuclear technologies safe and secure, so what is the hold up? It does not make any sense to delay this deal any longer. Either we act soon or we lose Billions of Dollars worth of business. The Decision seems even simpler because it would aid our current economic situation.

Finding Hope in Perilous Times

Early Sunday Morning, a helicopter crashed into a home in Kenosha Wisconsin. The two people aboard died instantly, but the five people inside the house escaped unharmed. The helicopter belonged to Midwest Aviation Services. Information as to why it was flying at the time or if it even had clearance was not found. Also, it did not have a designated flight plan, but flight plans, although they provide safety, are not mandatory.

Wesley Bernhardt, of the Kenosha Fire Department stated, "Its an amazing miracle that no one was injured inside the home". Maybe the idea of a miracle is thrown around lightly, but in this case, it is quite miraculous. The house was heavily burned and the helicopter smashed through the center of the house. Despite the destruction, everyone inside made it out alive? This is indeed a tragedy, but it also provides hope. Imagine how much worse this situation could have been if the helicopter crashed into a school. In times of peril, looking for the good in a situation can help overcome a tragedy. In the case of the puritans, finding hope in their religion could helped them get through their hardships. Regardless of their eventual fallout, their willpower and faith lead them through years of peril. Perhaps they did create examples for the future.

Decision 08, The Native American View

Native Americans against Obama have created a video explaining many of the issues that Obama promised to address. Obama said that "Few have been ignored in Washington as much as the Native Americans, the first Americans". He said that Native Americans would be a top priority. However, on a bill regarding improvement for housing and the high unemployment rates on reservations, he voted absent. The Native Americans feel that they cannot vote for someone who will make claims about aiding their situation, and not living up to those claims. They are looking for someone who will address their situation, and they feel Obama is not their candidate.

The video goes on to express many of the issues depicted in Reservation Blues. The issues described were poverty, unemployment, poor school funding, poor housing, sicknesses, starvation, and poor political representation. I felt that this related to what we have been studying in class because it makes a connection between Alexie's descriptions of reservation living to the real world. Watch the video and voice your opinion.

Working out the kinks

I'm having some fun setting up my blog, just figuring out how it all works.

First Post

this is the first post