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.