Senseless Squabbling

In a perfect world, where we all sit around in a giant circle passing around a pipe while seeing "We Are The World", our government would put aside all their differences and be the bigger person when it comes to important issues that have to deal with specific groups of the population who rely a great deal on the decisions they are making that could maybe enhance their state of living.  

When it comes to issues like children’s health care, you would think that government leaders would manage to say, “Y’know guys, a lot of kids are sick or dying and they need to have medical coverage. Let’s talk this over like rational people and come to a mutual decision that benefits everyone.”  

The idealistic reality is idealistic for a reason, in the “most likely won’t happen in this century sort of way”.  

Last week, the U.S. Senate voted to increase the State Children’s Health Insurance. President Bush stated prior to the vote he would veto the decision if approved.  

The expansion would cover 4-8 million children. Not surprisingly the Democratic favored bill has gotten the attention of President Bush’s veto pen. 

Bush has stated that the bill would force a “raise in taxes on working people and would raise spending between $35 billion to $50 billion”.  

Other Republicans, like Sen. David Vitter have raised issue with the fact that illegal immigrants will benefit from the bill, which would act as “glaring loopholes”.  

Since the Democrats managed to regain the upper hand in Congress the political tensions have translated into more of a pissing contest, than an actual forum of political discussion.  

Republicans say one thing; Democrats oppose it, and visa versa. It seems both sides are more concerned about their public image and whether or not they get the other to admit defeat than focusing on the important issues at hand. A lot of it is a more sanitized than the politics used in the old Roman days, back in the time of Julius Caesar – minus the brutal acts of blood shed this government seems more interested in fostering personal power than overseeing those who need them.

Pieces of the Past

During my junior year of high school myself a several of my peers were pulled into the auditorium for a presentation. We were probably just happy to get out of class but the presentation itself was a two-fold opportunity.

Sojourn to the Past, an organization which mission is to educate students on the Civil Rights Movement, took a group of students from my high school and several others around the Bay Area to the south to follow the trail of the Civil Rights Movement. 

The trip opened my eyes to a lot of thing. It was a humbling experience (even though I was sleep deprived for the half the trip) that taught me more than I could ever learned in the classroom.  

This week marked the 50th anniversary the Little Rock Nine’s integration into the all white Central High, and was met with a wave of protests upon their entry. On the trip, I met a few of the Little Rock Nine. We met, Minnijean Brown Trickey, who if you met her without knowing her past would not think a person with such a bubbly personality had experienced such hardship.  

But the one woman who does stand out specifically from the trip is Elizabeth Eckford. Our group met her in the auditorium of Central High. Before she made her appearance it was requested that we do not clap, yell, or anything. The Little Rock Nine experience had shaken her to deeply any outbursts made her feel horribly uncomfortable – can’t say I blame her.  

Eckford had the unfortunate experience of walking all the way to Central High as a crowd of people followed her, yelled, and taunted her.  

Four years since seeing her in Little Rock and even 50 years later Eckford still holds firm to her belief that if she were given the chance to go to Central High again on that fateful day she would not. I always hear the saying everything heals over time. But in Eckford’s case, some things are just too painful to heal. -- Eming Piansay

Free Speech : To Have and Have Not

Free speech is the simplest, yet most complex you will come across in your life. Journalists of today have come head to head with free speech. Especially the more out spoken writers on the left and right side of the political spectrum get their fair share of whipping from their counterparts.  

Last week a student newspaper at Colorado State University that headlined their editorial page “Taser this … F—k Bush.” The uncensored headline was in response to the freedom speech issues that were raised last week when a University of Florida student was tasered by police after trying to ask Senator John Kerry a question during his speech. Since the editorial’s release The Rocky Mountain Collegian publication has lost many of its advertising customers, forcing the newspaper to cut back on salaries and has ultimately put the Editor in Chief’s job on the line.  

How is it that free speech can cost so much? Maybe this is an idealistic take on what the 1st Amendment stands for, but having an opinion that does not literally read -- “lets go out and burn down the White House” – doesn’t explain why the headline is making so many people mad. I see “F—K Bush” every other day, tagged on buildings, walls, and bathroom stalls.  

The fact that this is a school publication and the circulation is probably concentrated mostly to the Colorado area does not mean “F—K Bush” will insight a riot on the White House lawn. This one incident is a thump nail on a wall of journalists who have spoken out against the Bush Administration and have taken an opposite stance in comparison to their right leaning counterparts.  

Sadly, The Rocky Mountain Collegian may end up getting their wish with their “Taser this…” headline – their choice to speak out on the matter may be the beginning of their end. Not to mention a reminder that Free Speech costs $1.50, a bag of chips, and your soul. -- Eming Piansay

Debating the Right to Bear Arms

Following tragedies like Columbine, and Virginia Tech, it is no surprise that teachers and school officials want to carry firearms not only for their safety but the safety of the school campus – which could prevent similar horrific events. One Oregon teacher wants to be allowed to take her concealed weapon with her to work because of threats made against her by her ex-husband.  

The teacher believes that having “responsible armed adults on campus” may be key in preventing other school tragedies.  

I have never felt comfortable around guns. Even guns that are on safety or empty make me uncomfortable. I guess the idea that a piece of crafted metal that can end my life in an instant is a legit sort of fear.  

I don’t know how comfortable I would be in knowing my teachers were carrying around firearms. Sure, it would potentially defuse a really bad situation if someone came to school with a gun and opened fire. However, there are a few ‘what ifs’ that come to mind. If teachers and the potential shooter started exchanging bullets from one side of the room to the other who is to say students wouldn’t be caught in the middle, adding up to an even deadlier outcome.  

Given the rise in school violence it is obvious some action needs to taken in school security. However, having teachers walk around with firearms seems like something you do as a last resort. In a typical A to B then C setup, instead going through the traditional steps, it seems like people seem more interested in realizing the problem (A) skipping over (B) and jumping over to C. Schools need to be better equipped in dealing with school violence. Instead of turning school faculty into gun slingers there needs to be a way of tackling the issue of school violence without applying factors that may end up instigating it.  

UPDATE: Maybe I need to clarify myself a little further. I am not advocating whether or not people in general should not be using firearms. My concern for firearms rests only in school staffers who are allowed to carry them. Carrying about a loaded pistol in a school of students from middle school, high school and so on is not the only way of dealing with the problem of school violence.  

It is a matter of safety. Guns should not be a school campus. Period. Even if it is under a registered permit. As I stated before, there should be other ways of dealing with the threat of school violence. Something that doesn't require getting all trigger happy. -- Eming Piansay

UGH! Leave My F--king iPod Alone!!

I’m probably the only person in the iPod friendly community who had to leave the room when the media announced a possible release of an updated iPod.  

I was perfectly content after the last upgrade: black, 30-60 gigs, longer battery life, and in color. I didn’t download movies or anything but I was very, very content with the new edition. I really didn’t think Steve Jobs could out do himself after this but of course, if there’s a dollar sign there’s way.  

The new iPod consists of a touch-activated screen, with a wireless Internet connection, and lets users buy music from any Starbucks that has a wireless setup. Just what I needed in my life: another reason to get caffeinated. Sooner or later Apple is going to attach an extendable couch so you can lie down and chill while you cruise the Internet.  

The upgraded iPod has the same 3.5-inch screen as the iPhone. The “cheaptest” iPod, if you can call it cheap, is $299 dollars and only 8-gigabytes. The 16-gigabyte is priced at $399. The cheapest of the two, which costs about the same as the 30 gig, black iPod , doesn’t even come close to it’s capacity.  

I know it sounds kind of creepy, but my iPod is like my baby that I adopted from a very large, corporate orphanage. I love everything about it and wouldn’t change it for the world. If my “baby” ends up dying and I’m forced to replace it with an iPod that can barely hold half my library – well—needless to say, hell hath no fury like an angry iPod user. -- Eming Piansay

Video Games Provoking Social Change

When my best friend started getting me into video games it was mostly first person shooter games. I watched him crawl through dingy pipes, shoot at weird looking aliens, and ultimately save the world. My hero.  

Normally, I wouldn’t expect video games to be aiming for setting some kind of example on its fan base. 

However, a new video game, ICED allows players to get into the shoes of immigrants in the United States who are trying to live an average life while avoiding the risk of being taken off to the Department of Homeland security’s Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement office.  

 

I suppose this was an answer to the game released not too long ago. Border Patrol allows players to shoot at immigrants from Mexico as they try to enter the United States while crossing the border. I wonder what kind of sick and twisted brains get paid to shovel out that kind of crap.  

ICED may be only a small chip off a bigger block of getting younger people aware of these important social issues. Even though it is only a video game if is gets people anymore aware – all the more power to ‘em. -- Eming Piansay

Tech Love Unlimited

If the all the technology on the planet Earth suddenly ceased to work and no one could log onto their e-mail, check their MySpace page, charge their iPods, or get their laptops working the sceniro from every corner of the world would be a horrified scream, which would echo to the outer reaches of the universe. Guys in suits might throw themselves from the Empire State building.  

The whole tech craze isn’t limited to the usual countries that have been hubs for tech savvy individuals. 

When I visited the Philippines earlier this month I soon learned that you couldn’t do much without a cell phone. The whole country relies on text messaging. Everyone has a cell phone. Even the boy riding the cow probably had a cell phone. 

In the matter of three weeks I managed to better my text messaging skills but when I came back I had problems shifting to the U.S. standard text message setup. That was maybe the biggest culture shock I experienced.  

Back in America, the computer, cell phone, Blackberry, iPod, and every other tech-related piece you cherish like a member of your family, has become an extension of us. 

Everyone probably knows this is true but to think there could be a day where everything with any sort of electronic hook-up could go – bye-bye would be a true test of Darwinism, the survival of the fitness. 

Those who live without the ever-present technological necessities will dominant and those who cause Hell to freeze over the lose of their phone will be the first to go. I’d probably be gone by breakfast time, brunch if I’m lucky. -- Eming Piansay

Past and Present

I'm gonna start uploading the blogs I posted on New America Media ... I 've been meaning to but.. alas... I have flaked. So, as of now I will start posting old and new blogs. Too old? DEAL WITH IT. 

War Buddies

This week Newsweek reported that Vice President Dick Cheney had at one point considered asking the Israel government to “launch a limited missile strike on a Iranian nuclear site”. At that point the U.S. government would be given the green light to strike Iran. If this report is indeed true, then I hope the Republican and Democrats Presidential hopefuls take a side note from this story as what one should not do while they are in office. Are we our own terrorists? By going out of our way to get into skirmish with neighboring countries, or getting our allies to do it for us, we are literally opening the door for people to hate us. No one likes to befriend a bully, unless you’re the one reaping in the rewards. Just recently Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stated Iran had no need for nuclear weapons and declared Iran will not go to war with the U.S. Now, I can’t say I won’t take his word without a grain of salt, but that goes that same for with the White House repeatedly stating Iran is harboring nuclear weapons. Who are you suppose to believe – when both sides say the other is lying? -- Eming Piansay

Now This Ain't Fair

The Other "Big Love

Try and imagine HBO’s Big Love but completely twisted and psycho. If you've seen the show you probably have an idea of where I'm going with this. I’m not a religious person. Nor am I an expert in the area. However, when young people are blatantly being exploited against their will – I think it requires some kind of rant.  

Last week Warren Jeffs, Prophet, Seer and Revelator (whoa, that’s a mouth full) of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a religious sect that broke off from the Mormon church, was arrested and charged with "being an accomplice to rape”. The FLDS practices polygamy, even though the Mormon Church has given up polygamy since 1890, the FLDS still holds the tradition.  

Jeffs stands accused of setting up marriages with adult males and underage girls. The 14-year-old victim was forced by Jeffs to wed her 19-year-old cousin. Here’s the rest of the story.  

This is not the only case of unethical actions in the FLDS. Another victim of abuse,Sara Hammon, at the age of 14-year-old left the FLDS community. The sexual abuse was simply too much to bear for such a young girl. What I hate more than anything in the world is when people use scare tactics to justify their beliefs. The 14-year-old girl was told if she did not have sex with her husband she would lose her salvation.

Telling a 14-year-old girl that she will probably go to hell if she doesn’t have sex is the most twisted, mind-warping thing anyone can say. Having grown up and been taught what is supposedly right and wrong it is not hard to imagine her believing that. It is such a crazy, messed up concept. Won’t give it up? You’re going to hell.  

Some of us cling to salvation like it’s a life raft, others have other ways of finding worth in their existence, but some people – like Jeffs – gave up theirs a long time ago. -- Eming Piansay

Tinkering With Tinker Bell

I personally really hate it when things from my childhood, which I absolutely adored, get changed. When my old elementary school got a face-lift I cringed at the sight of red and yellow dolphin and sailboats got displayed on the schoolyard.

Now, I have a twisted sick love of my old childhood cartoons. Don’t ask me why. Don’t ask me to justify it – because I can’t do so without making myself looks like a creepy freak, which has the imagination of a seven year old.

This summer I went to Disney World. There, I helped support the Disney economy with my trusty credit card and splurged on unnecessary merchandise. If there’s one thing I saw a lot in and around the Disney World theme part was a whole lot of Tinker Bell.

By the time I saw my ten millionth Tink t-shirt I started to ask myself, “When did Tinker Bell get so popular?”

Apparently my question was going to be answered a few months later when this story came out.

I recently wanted Peter Pan and remembered how much I enjoyed it. I never realized before, but Tink was one of the only strong female characters in the Disney franchise. Even though she only speaks in her – ugh – fairy language, her actions portray her as a sassy, strong willed, independent woman. Her personality, I think, is a great departure from the typical Disney female character from the older films.

Now, Disney is trying to capitalize on Tink’s success by coming out with a whole new batch of merchandise dedicated to her. Including a movie, where she actually speaks (yes, no more jingle-jingle) and is reportedly to be voiced by Brittany Murphy.

I don’t know which scares me more, the fact that another straight to DVD movie is coming out clearly nowhere near the caliber or the old time Disney movies, or the fact that Brittany Murphy is going to be the voice. I can’t imagine Tink speaking English, much less Brittany Murphy’s voice coming. This has super-ubber weird written all over it.

I really wish Disney would stop trying to remake and mangle the old Disney films. Some things should really – really – really – be left alone.

What Fear Breeds

Religion can do a lot of things. It can inspire, create conversation, cause disputes, but recently religion seems to be coupled with one thing specifically: fear. After the attacks on 9/11, religion has been the epicenter of a lot of discussion. Let it be the Al-Qaeda declaring war against the West in the name of God, or the conservative branch in America who thinks marriage between a two individuals is a slap in the face of God himself. From the United State’s point of view the point of religion of most concern is the religious groups who believe the attacks on 9-11 were justified. Even though some theorists believe the 9-11 attacks were conspiracy staged by the government itself – but we won’t get into that. The New York Times reported that federal prison chaplains were ordered to remove religious materials and books from the chapel libraries that are normally available to prisoners. Many prisoners, angered by removal, have filed a class action lawsuit for the violation of their right to practice religion, which is guaranteed to them in the First Amendment.

Traci Billingsley, a spokeswoman for the Bureau of Prisons, said the agency was acting in response to a 2004 report by the Office of the Inspector General in the Justice Department. The report recommended steps that prisons should take, in light of the Sept. 11 attacks, to avoid becoming recruiting grounds for militant Islamic and other religious groups. The bureau, an agency of the Justice Department, defended its effort, which it calls the Standardized Chapel Library Project, as a way of barring access to materials that could, in its words, “discriminate, disparage, advocate violence or radicalize.”

Not everyone is a terrorist. But if you’re in prison and religion brings you some kind of comfort no one has the right to take it away from you. First Amendment! Hello!? The attempt to neutralize “recruiting grounds” in jail for potential terrorist cells is a lame attempt to flex the muscle of homeland security. These people are in jail. JAIL. I wouldn’t be so much worried about terrorist cells developing because of the amount of religious texts at the local chapel libraries – but more worried about the hell the prisoners are going to raise because of the blatant injustice that is being tossed at them. -- Eming Piansay

Potty Problems

Bombs Away

Last week, the United States showed how lax they are in domestic security. Five nuclear warheads were loaded on to a B-52 bomber and flown from North Dakota to Louisiana. The mistake took place as 400 missiles were to be put out to pasture. The five warheads were loaded under the wings of the plane. From the content of the article, it sure didn’t seem like an accident, since the warheads were placed on the exterior of the plane. It wasn’t like someone put the warheads in a giant box and accidentally set it down on the tarmac next to the plane.  

It seems a little strange that someone would load active warheads for a simple transport from point A to point B.  

Though it could be easily argued that the warheads were necessary and that all planes should be loaded with extra support like that. However, if you were flying over the United States with a batch of warheads, I would think that would be of some concern – especially since they are flying over civilians.  

If anything, the United States should be a little more aware of the immediate dangers of their own little mess up that are of a more local threat, no matter how trivial it may appear. -- Eming Piansay

Pink Kitty Shame

This vlog is in reference to how to cops in Thailand have a new form of punishment. I'm still trying to figure out how to edit this properly. -- Eming Piansay Yo! Vlog

Bombs Away

Last week, the United States showed how lax they are in domestic security. Five nuclear warheads were accidentally loaded on to a B-52 bomber and flown from North Dakota to Louisiana. The mistake took place as 400 missiles were to be put out to pasture. The five warheads were loaded under the wings of the plane. From the content of the article, it sure didn’t seem like an accident, since the warheads were placed on the exterior of the plane. It wasn’t like someone put the warheads in a giant box and accidentally set it down on the tarmac next to the plane.

It seems a little strange that someone would load active warheads for a simple transport from point A to point B.

Though it could be easily argued that the warheads were necessary and that all planes should be loaded with extra support like that. However, if you were flying over the United States with a batch of warheads, I would think that would be of some concern – especially since they are flying over civilians.

If anything, the United States should be a little more aware of the immediate dangers of their own little mess up that are of a more local threat, no matter how trivial it may appear.

-- Eming Piansay

Cheating : The New Status Quo

“Everyone does it”.

During my stint in high school there were numerous times where I saw my fellow classmates cheating. Most times subtle; other times so obvious it pained me that my teacher didn’t see the girl in the third row turn around to her friend during a brain burning test and getting the answers without having to strain a brain cell.

Of course, I’m probably guilty of the same. Though, not as bad as test cheating, I copied down homework from my friends prior to our art history class. In my defense I worked my little brain on overdrive to scan through that huge book to look for the answers. But when it comes to being midnight on a Sunday and all you want to do is close your eyes and go to la-la land, cheating does not look too bad.

As I got into college cheating became something you didn’t really talk about. Sure, you’re told not to do cheat. Warned that you’ll be kicked out of school and what not – but when you’re under the gun of passing sixteen units, working a full time job, sometimes you just have to give yourself a break and do a little bad thing.

Yes, yes yes. I know. Cheating is bad. It is unethical. It is a horrible habit that could ruin you in every respect. But taking on the desperate side of the spectrum, not everyone can be blamed for trying to make ends meet. The above story cites the Wikipedia as a form of ‘cheating’ whereas some think it is just a method of help. It would be very, very interesting to go through your whole high school and college career using only Wikipedia. I hope someone, someday tests that theory.