A Victory For America

This morning health care reform passed in the Senate along party lines with a final tally of 60-39. Unbelievable. We finally achieved it. Let it be known though that I wish this bill would have been bipartisan. Health care legislation got through both Congressional chambers and is headed to a conference committee. This is not the be all, end all, but it certainly is a step in the right direction because it extends coverage to more than 30 million people. Democrats finally did something with their towering advantage in the Senate. The dwarfing majority in the House already passed a climate change bill and an overhaul regulating the financial industry. If we could get one more landmark piece of legislation passed before next year's midterms, I would be happy as a clam. If we can get both passed, I'd be ecstatic.

There has been an incredible amount of speculation about next year's midterm elections. While I'm no political pundit, I'd say that the balance will change slightly. Republicans will pick up seats in both the House and Senate. How many depends on how the economy is doing, as that is the chief concern of most Americans. If Democrats can finalize health care and pass the climate change or financial regulation legislation, maybe even both, then they will retain control in the House and Senate. Why? This will prove they can govern efficiently and get important policies implemented. As we head into the new year, if there is one thing I would tell the majority party it would be do not take your commanding lead for granted. Even though there is an identity crisis and ideological struggle within the minority party, history shows that they will pick up seats in the midterms.

For now, Merry Christmas America. We are one step away from implementing the largest social policy since Medicare passed in the 1960s.

A Reflective Nature

Over the past week I have had nothing to do. Well, nothing of pressing matters. There is my list of goals to accomplish, but as far as commitments go, it has been very low key. I like that. It's the way break should be. Over break I have started realizing a paradox that exists within my personality. I am a people person. I love to meet new faces and enjoy getting to know new people. At the same time though, I keep a tight circle of friends who I would take a bullet for. This seems odd. I feel like I'm good at letting people into my life, but maybe I'm not. It is kind of funny to come to this realization, but it could be because those friendships have stood the test of time. The kind of friendships where you can finish each other's sentences and know exactly what the other is thinking. I would like more of those. Perhaps I need to branch out more.

I have also realized that I am a very low maintenance person, which I am a-okay with. I don't really need much to make me happy, nor do I enjoy pop culture that much. I enjoy movies every now and again as well as discovering a new band or artist here and there, but I largely shy away from the Hollywood-esque nature of our society. Perhaps it is because I consider it superficial or maybe it is because it doesn't appeal to me. Either way I would rather spend my time picking my brain and learning what the world has to offer. (That is not to say following pop culture is a bad thing.) I'm slowly learning how the world works and who I am. Or I at least hope I am. If not, then I guess I can't complain. I have never been happier with my life and hope I can still be a positive force for good in this world. Is that too much to ask?

A Growing Disillusion

I feel as though I have grown disillusioned lately by politics. It isn't that I don't taking part in the democratic process because I do. It seems there are always a select few out there who ruin it for others. Maybe it's just me. I feel like there have been so many victories in the House of Representatives this year (health care, climate change, financial regulations, the stimulus), but then they fall short or get watered down in the Senate. It may sound silly, but this is distorting my view of human nature. I have always believed that human nature may not be the best thing in the world, but it certainly can do a lot of good. When our nation is at a tipping point though, I feel like everyone should come together and figure out the most effective course of action, not the liberal or conservative way of doing things. Even though I may fall on one side of the aisle, I will point fingers at both sides. The lack of cooperation that exists among and in the parties is almost disheartening. Maybe it's just me, or maybe it's the truth. But either way, I am a little shocked I am growing disillusioned.

Winter Break 2009: A Boot Camp

As Winter Break approaches, I have decided this year to do something different from the obligatory do-nothing-for-a-month approach over break. It will involve a variety of different goals. It will be an excellent way to expand my horizons and appreciate the finer things in life. Though they are simple, I think it will be a lot of fun.

Read at least 3 classic works of literature by the end of the break. I want to expand my appreciation for the finer works of literature. The best way to do this is to read and understand them. I feel that it is important for a person to be well versed in the classics, the books that have had a profound impact on society. Reading expands your view of human nature and society which is something I always appreciate.

Go dancing at least one night a week. As I picked up swing dancing this semester, I have really enjoyed it. It would be really awesome to keep up with it over break. It's great exercise and a good way to kill an evening. I always welcome company.

Have at least one meaningful, thought-provoking conversation a day. Simply because I am not in school does not mean I want my brain to take a vacation. Rather, I want to still be intellectually stimulated. This time not by the required fields of study, but by things that interest me. The conversations could be about the future, philosophy, different cultures, human nature, current events or any number of different topics. The point is I would like to keep my brain active.

Learn to cook four new dishes by the end of break. With nothing to do, I may as well learn to cook. Hopefully I will not have to rely on sandwiches and freezer meals as much as the average college student.

Pick up a new hobby. I currently only have billiards, dancing, reading, and running as real hobbies. Writing used to be one, but I consider that as more than a hobby now as I do it for school, The State Press, and enjoyment. Maybe I will pick guitar up again or become an avid chain smoker. Just kidding, cigarettes will not be my new hobby. But I want to make an effort to pick up a new hobby and stick with it.

Play billiards at least three times a week. As president of the billiards team, I need to be better. While I am a cut above those who leisurely play pool, I am nowhere where I need to be if I plan to lead a team to a national tournament. Consider this an important one.

Leave Arizona at least once. With so much free time on my hands, I would like to leave this state. I have been to every state surrounding Arizona minus Utah. Maybe that's where I'll go. Is there anything interesting to do in Utah? Maybe Miss Sarah Raynes can help me with this one. Of course California is always the default, but I'd like to be different. Who would like to accompany me?

Write two short stories or creative nonfiction pieces. In talking with my English professor this semester, she pointed out I view writing as a bridge to between the arts and reality. It is an art I can use in a practical manner. This being said, I feel I need to appreciate art for art's sake. I can write academic essays and persuasive pieces with the best of them, but I lack in creative writing. While I do not plan on becoming an Emily Dickinson or Lewis Carroll, I would still like to be decent in this area of writing.

The precedent has been set. While these are fairly simple goals, I must make it a priority to seek out these opportunities if I wish to accomplish them all. It will be be a fun winter break. These are things I have been wanting to do for a while. Save a working a few days a week, I will be largely free to pursue these goals.

The Fight

Several events lately have affirmed my resolve to fight for those who do not have a voice, for those who might be afraid to speak out. It deeply saddens and infuriates me when people are not given the same opportunities. I can honestly say that I have never been so moved in the past couple of days. I now know and understand why human rights is a passion and protecting people has never been higher on my to-do list. Not much more can be said. I'm very diplomatic and pragmatic, but you best believe I do not concede when it comes to opportunities and rights for other people. It is as simple as that. It is something I possibly could not be more passionate about and seems like a no-brainer. But we still have people trying to stifle minority groups and put up with hate crimes and violence against others. This is why I am a feminist and speak up for the gay community. This is why I have educated people about conflicts happening on the other side of the world. This is why I have educated people about the DREAM Act. All so I can leave the world a better place than when I entered it. I am a very even-tempered person, but cross me on this subject and you best believe I will stand up for others.

Student Journalism At Its Best

A New York Times article caught my eye this morning. This time it did more than just pique my interest, it spoke to me. Students from Northwestern's school of journalism have been probing old criminal cases as a part of the Medill Innocence Project. They watch the watchdog. These students have investigated the work of police and prosecutors; they have been very effective in their work. The results these students produce is incredible. It included the release of 11 inmates and the reduction of death row sentences. Now they are under fire by prosecutors who have made ridiculous demands. They have subpoenaed for everything from grades to grading criteria to e-mails regarding interviews. These requests overstep boundaries set up by the law. If this can happen in Illinois, why couldn't it happen here? Why not to me? Lord knows I have been critical of the ASU administration. To a certain extent I feel these prosecutors are not just insulting the group of students at Northwestern, but moreover degrading the art of student journalism. Yes, we are not Andersen Cooper or Thomas Friedman, but we are the next generation of skeptics. If student journalism dies, who will watch the watchmen?

The Cat's In The Cradle?

As I sat at my favorite Mexican restaurant last Thursday night, reveling in the fact that the weekend has arrived, an old Harry Chapin song. It was none other than "Cats In The Cradle." Having enjoyed the song as a kid, I never fully understood it. Now I fully do.

It follows a father and son. When the son is growing up, the father never has time to spend with his son. Nonetheless, the son still wants to be like his father. As time progresses, the tables turn. The son grows up and the dad grows old. Now, the dad wants to spend time with the son who has a life of his own.

Maybe I was just in a nostalgic mood, but hearing this song made me examine my time management habits. Do I really put time in where time is do? Do I cultivate my friendships and relationships with people or do I chase after fruitless, unfulfilling goals?

While we all have obligations to meet, it is important to sit back every once in a while and wonder who you are and what type of mark you will leave on this world. That is what Harry Chapin taught me last Thursday night.

Naivety: I Welcome It

I am not really sure what the purpose of the blog is; it seems that it is an outlet for me to explore life and figure things out. That being said, one thing always gets me. Young people are always looked down upon for being naive. Why is that looked down upon?

Naivety is portrayed as a bad thing. It is portrayed as ignorance or laziness; when really it should be portrayed in a completely different way. Someone who is naive is generally optimistic and hopeful about their future; they had yet to be jaded and crushed by the world. They still have that altruistic nature about them. But often times our elders dismiss students as naive or out of touch with the real world. But if we weren't told no, what could we accomplish? The boundaries could be limitless.

Now I by no means have all the answers or will claim to. Hell, I have just recently figured out what I want to really study in college. Though my field of study and personality has changed, their is one part of me that has stayed the same. I still believe in the goodness of people and the belief that our best days lie ahead of us. I refuse to believe that we as a people have reached our potential and that it is all downhill from here. 

While I do not have all the answers, I know one thing; I am determined to not become cynical towards the world like so many people do once they enter the "real world." My altruistic nature will not be wasted, neither should yours. Deep down, we all have that little child that dreams, that wishes. That little child that yearns for second chances. 

Let that little child run free. If we are too make it further in life, we must be able to trust each other in difficult times. I may sound like an idealist, but I prefer the term realist because I believe in the goodness of people.

A 180-degree turn

I came into college with a conviction and drive. My goal was to be an amazing music educator; I was dead set on changing lives through music. Last fall, I became jaded and realized enough was enough. The music school had a monopoly on my life. I decided I wanted more out of life, so I switched my majors last spring. This in essence was a lifestyle switch for me. I didn't know what to expect this semester. I started the semester with two completely different majors. Political Science and English Literature are a far cry from Music Education.

Now, I have no clue what I want to do with my future. My "old self" would be freaked out. Everything had to be figured out; I prided myself on having a vision. Well, my current self is a-okay with taking it a day at a time. I used to think I understood everything. Now I realize, I really don't.

I only know this moment. As they say, "Yesterday's history and tomorrow's a mystery." While this is a somewhat dismal outlook. I have become more focused on the present. What can I do in this moment? How can I help others? What will help me be successful? The future is a long way off, but the time is now. 

I revel in the idea of figuring it out as you go. If we live life in the stereotypical script society hands us, it wouldn't be any fun. We are graduate high school, then college. We get married and get a job and eventually have kids. We cart the kids around to soccer practice and help them with homework and wistfully watch them go into the world one day. Then we grow old and enjoy our golden years.

Does that sound like a bad life? Absolutely not. But I want something a little more, something a little different. I have no clue what it is yet, but I am sure I will figure it out along the way. Half the fun of being 20 is that your script hasn't really been written for you yet. We are writing it right now. Our experiences at this age affect our future. What discipline will you study? What connections will you make? What skills will you develop?

The future comes at us fast, but even though I have no clue what I want to do or where I will end up, I know I will be happy. I will not settle for a job I do not enjoy; I hear too many middle-aged people complain they don't like their job. Moreover, I would like a job that makes a difference in the world.

I fully buy into Ghandi's quote, "Be the change you would like to see in the world." A big movement starts with something small. It grows and grows until it cannot be ignored. I also believe in Martin Luther King Jr.'s quote, "Our lives end the day we stop caring about what matters." My life will end the day I do not have a pulse. No matter how cynical or jaded I may become, I resolve to always keep my altruistic, idealistic nature.  I will be a voice for those who do not have one.

I have come a long way in a year. I appreciate everyone in my life and the value of hard work. I am thankful for the talents I have and wish to develop them. Most of all, I want to just do work. I am ready to get my hands dirty and leave this world a better place when I leave it.

School Spirit

As I was standing in the student section last night during the ASU football game, I finally realized how much school pride ASU has. Everybody bleeds maroon and gold; I love it. They are proud of this university in some way shape or form. Ed Ableser, a state representative from ASU's legislative district, said some of the Republicans in the legislature are more militant Sun Devil fans than he is. He also added that some compromises over bills have been hatched at football games.

So I ask, at a point in nation's history when everything seems divisive, why can't we all just have a little patriotism? Or at lest find some common ground to unite us so we can move forward as a country. I hate to break it to some people, but Obama is not Hitler or Stalin. He has not systematically killed 6 million people or starved his people. Let's just find a common cause and do work.

If emotional college students can find common ground over something like school spirit, rational adults should be able too as well. One of the best things about being in college is the diversity of the atmosphere. Walking through the Memorial Union, there are about 8 different languages being spoken at any point in time.

This generation by far, I believe has the best chance to overcome the partisan atmosphere that has overcome this country. This generation, for the most part, is more tolerant to liberal ideas. This can be seen in the gay rights movement, or the Modern Civil Rights Movement (so it has been called).

Despite this fact, our nation is still divided over issues. I'm not advocating we become best buddies with everyone, but patience and a common goal might be nice. That's all. Those two simple things could accomplish everything we every dreamed of.

An Experiment

I'm going to make this week's column an experiment. I am going to challenge myself to write in the frame of an editorial I like. Rules and boundaries have been set. The topic has been chosen. It's game time. 

Curt Schilling to Run for Senate Seat?

As I was on The New York Times website this evening, I saw that Curt Schilling has taken an interest in the late Ted Kennedy's Senate seat. I was a little taken aback by this fact. I will always imagine Curt Schilling as the badass that took the mound several times for the Diamondbacks in the 2001 World Series. 

I now wonder if a new trend is sweeping the nation. When a celebrity's career is dead 

and dried up, do they feel it is time to go into politics? 

Arnold Schwarzenegger is governor of California, comedian turned politician Al Franken is

now a senator for Minnesota, and Val Kilmer is considering a bid for the governor's seat 

in New Mexico in 2010. 

Sometimes I ask myself what business The Terminator, an SNL comedian, and Batman 

have in politics? But I guess the answer is simple. They live in this country, just like you 

and me. The only reason the media has a field day is the public is used to seeing them 

in one role and one role only. Famous people have a right to voice their opinion just 

as much as normal people do.

So should Schilling run for the Senate seat? I don't know. If he can do the best job, 

then sure. If he is doing it for media attention, then no.