Religous Differences-we claim tolerance, but is it true?

I was sitting in the library, procrastinating on Facebook as usual before I actually sit down and do work, when a woman came up to me. Very nicely, she said, “Excuse me, do know which way is North, and which way is East? I wasn’t a hundred percent sure, but I told her the directions I thought they were, and let her know I wasn’t completely certain. She didn’t seem too worried about it, and asked, “Do you mind if I pray here?” I didn’t mind at all and said, “Of course, go right ahead.” And that was the end of it, so I thought.

I started thinking about it and said to myself, Wow, that was really considerate of her to ask….. Wait a second. Why should she have to ask? She wasn’t encroaching on my space, we were a few feet apart, and wouldn’t cause a bother to anyone.

The more I thought about it, the more confused I was. Why, as Americans, can we accept the most annoying things as commonplace, yet a woman felt she needed to ask *my* permission if she could honor her God in my mere presence. This makes me feel both sad and angry. Sad, because why should someone have to ASK to do something that would/should not affect anyone else around her just because it is religious in nature and she is a Muslim? No Christian or Jew would feel the need to ask to cross themselves, or throw a hebrew prayer out.
I’m Angry because as Americans, we always preach equality, and freedom, yet those freedoms are limited to only those like us. Why? Is our entire culture a hypocrisy of the foundation our forefathers built for us? I just can’t believe that the people I most of the time feel so proud of, could be like this. Maybe I was naive to think this way, but the inequalities are just staring right in my face now.

If Americans are so great, so understanding, so free, why don’t we grant the same freedoms to ALL of the people in this country. Now, this could go one of two ways. de facto, and de juro. By law, yes these people have the freedom to practice their religion. But socially, culturally, do they have all of the freedoms we do? I don’t think so, not anymore. The more I look into the subject, the more I am convinced. The fact that they even need to ask if I feel comfortable for them to pray near me says two things: One, she *is* very considerate, to ask. Because I wouldn’t have. And two, She shouldn’t have to ask. Period. Ever. Unless it would cause a disruption to the people around her. in which case, she can ask, but I would still do it even if they said no–unless there was a viable alternative.

This has just got me thinking. Something needs to be done. Raising awareness that all people are equal. Or maybe nothing can be done, and it’s all a personal thing, that everyone individually needs to work on. I’m not sure.

Maybe I’m just naive for thinking everyone is equal, no matter who they are? I never thought of it as a radical notion, but I’m beginning to feel like it is thrown around in theory a lot more than it is in practice.

Just a few thoughts of mine today.

Ohio University not a ‘riot’ at Palmerfest, but a shining example of police brutality

Hey guys. This isn’t my normal post, but since it is big news at OU and now nationally, I wanted to give everyone a better grasp on the situation. Now, read this in addition to the news reports because though they did not get all of the information correct, they give you the basics, which I don’t really want to get into. This is just another viewpoint, from a journalist who was actually there–me. This is solely my observations and my opinions, and I am telling you the truth when I say this: It was bad.

The so called “riot” at Ohio University was no riot at all. it was a block party that got out of hand, and was handled badly by the police department. I was there, and I saw the entire thing. I was sober, I was not participating in the fire activities, and yet even though I complied with the police in every way I could, I was chased by mounted officers multiple times, almost trampled twice, and even kicked by one of the horses. I saw a young woman backed all the way up to a tree, also trying to comply with the mounted officer’s requests to leave. She was scared of the horse and had no where else to go. She was crying, and yet the officer kept coming towards her. Finally, a young man stepped in and asked the officer to leave her alone, because she was scared and trying to leave. Granted, the guy had to yell in order for the officer to hear him, but it in no way was in a threatening manner. Next thing I know, I see the young man being wrestled and clubbed to the ground by not one, not two, not three, but FOUR officers, and one of them saying, “B**** had her chance to leave.” I saw two people get trampled, and even caught it on my camera phone video. (Though the quality isn’t great, you can still see the horse, the people, and hear everyones outraged cries) I saw another mounted officer chase an Iraq vet down the road, even though he was not doing anything wrong. He then proceeded to say, “I’m so glad I came back for this.” I’ve read comments from a firefighter who saw both of these things.
I had three friends hit with a club, and one of them even maced. Her eyes were still red all day Sunday. Another one of my friends was put into the hospital at O’Blenness after dealing with the officers. He still has the bruises and concussion to prove it, from where the officers beat him to the ground.

Now, we acknowledge five horses were injured. And I believe I can speak for the student body when I say that we are very sorry that happened. I do not think in anyway it was intentional, BUT I do not think those horses should have been in that situation anyway. Three of the horses were hit by thrown objects, I believe. One, Objects that would not have injured them if the police would have put the correct protective gear on the horses from the beginning (they put them on AFTER horses got hit). Two, How dare the officers blame the so called ‘riot’ on the fact that the horses stepped on temporary fencing and glass. They are supposed to be wearing protective boots, AND the officers brought them into a block party atmosphere, where the Police ENCOURAGE putting up temporary fencing to contain the parties. If you read the police department’s press release, you will see that some of their claims are loads of BS.

Now, do not misunderstand me. I in no way am saying the police didn’t have reason to be there. I saw the fires, I saw the students being incorrigible, and I saw students throwing things at the officers, and I completely agree that those individuals should be treated accordingly and arrested. I agree the police were needed to handle the situation. What I do not agree with was the fact they are blaming all of the students there, when in was only a few very intoxicated ones who ruined the fun for everyone. This in no way reflects upon the students at OU, as I’d venture to say that almost half of the 8000+ students there were NOT from OU, and do not care about our reputation as being a relatively peaceful “party school.” What I am saying is that yes, Palmerfest got out of hand, yes, the police and fire department were needed, and yes, there was definitely police brutality happening, and it totally uncalled for.

***
Afterthought: I am proud to say I go to OU, and nothing about this past weekend could ever change that. We are going to hold our heads up high, lick our wounds, and defend ourselves against these slanderous comments.
I have a few videos throughout the night, though I only posted one to youtube.com– here it is.

President’s First 100 days in a nutshell

Hey guys, RebeccaMae here.
Anyway, thought I’d provide a handy dandystreaming video of President Barack Obama’s 100 days in a nutshell, on the President’s 100th day. I’m cute like that.

Personally, I think he’s done a marvelous job so far–I mean, it’s not like he has a small plate to deal with. And while it hasn’t been perfect, nothing ever is. I think it will be quite some time until we really start to feel the effects of the changes he has implemented, but it is definitely a start. Plus, Bo Obama is really really cute.

Anyway, to cut things short, here’s the video, courtesy of the friendly people at CNN.

North Korean threats aren’t big news?!

So, I’m poking around the ‘net, as usual, when I stumble on a site called “The Daily Beast.” It’s a blog site, with recent news, all-in-all really interesting. So I read this story about North Korea threatening anyone who shoots down their “peaceful satellites” during our war games with South Korea, aptly called “Key Resolve,” as an act of war, and has put all military personnel on alert.

After reading that, I was shocked. So I go to CNN, where the story is a tiny blip on the radar. Not a top story, not even on the first page. The only thing related was on the ticker, that said: North Korea. Usually I love CNN, and applaud their journalism, but there wasn’t enough info. So where did I turn? Google, of course. Which pulled up an AP story from early this morning.

Here’s the link:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jjz-1FsdSMQjYDWp3qoa60B4b_jwD96Q7E3O0   or, if you look to the right, I posted a direct link.

My question: If these satellites/missiles/whatever they may be aren’t top news, what is? Why isn’t the threat of war a top story? We, as journalists should be all over this! And if we are, the top media outlets should be as well! I mean, I know it isn’t like we’re actually in war, but the threat is there, and it’s quantifiable. 

Why isn’t our media telling the people about this? This is big news! I want to know exactly what is being done by North Korea, what does our reliable intel say , and what our government is planning to do about it! I don’t like being threatened, at all. I want to push back (but I’m not sure this is the best action, or just my pride speaking…)

On another note:

Personally, I don’t think this “satellite” is in fact peaceful. I think it is a cover, and I think North Korean Officials who though of it are idiots. Did they think that we were just going to stand back and let this happen (if we do, Imma be pissed….) I’m not saying lets go to war, because that’s not smart, and I don’t want another Iraq on our hands. But While North Korea is powerful enough to cause some real damage, they’d have to be really, really stupid to declare war on us. Plus, Do they think the rest of the world is going to side with them? Countries like China wouldn’t risk aiding them. The entire thing was very ill-conceived. I understand their sovereign power, but to potentially put the rest of the world at risk is not an option I want them to have.

Now I’ve only confused myself, because the more I think about it, the more I don’t know what to do. It’s vastly complicated.

Back to my original topic: Hello, Media! It’s time to wake up! These are serious issues! I expect to be informed about them a little more aptly! I mean I know you only print what news that will sell, but this is important.

Maybe that’s just me, I don’t know.

Tip of the day: In Ohio, it’s better to dress warm rather to dress down. Layers are key!! That way, when it gets warmer and is sunny, you can take a layer off; then an hour later when it’s cold again and you think it’s going to snow, you can put them back on. (Trust me people, I know. The only predictable thing about Ohio weather is it’s unpredictable.)

Internet-great as social media, but are we losing some basics of writing?

Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely love the internet. But is it just me, or does no one know the basic rules of writing? I’m not saying I don’t love that anyone can make their voices heard online, but Geez.

I’d kill for everyone to use spell check. Just incase they don’t have it, I’m compiling a list of words commonly misspelled online– and I’ll try to be nice about it.

 

Definitely- This one is probably one of the biggest offenders. I’ve seen it done many different ways. How I had to remember it: definite + ly. if you remember definite being the root word, you’ll get it right.

Calendar- just remember: “e” between the “a’s” (don’t know the grammar rule for that… I guess I’m just as bad as other people…)

Embarrass (ment)- Double the r and double the s.

Intelligence- Make sure ends with “-ence” or else you look like an ass.

It’s/Its- I’ll admit, this one is a bit trick for me. It’s- “It is” CONTRACTION. Its- Possession. I forgive easily on this one, as sometimes I do it as well….

There/They’re/Their- drives me absolutely bonkers.  They’re- ”They are.” Their- possessive. There- everywhere else.

You’re/Your- ”You are” vs. Possessive. ’nuff said.

 

So I’ve gone on my little rant about these things. Though I don’t really think this qualifies as a ‘blog’ per se, because I didn’t really write anything unique. I’m on break though, so I should have more time to update a bit more, hopefully.

Tip of the day: If there is snow on the ground, wear shoes. (I never thought I would have to say that, but apparently spelling isn’t the only basic knowledge people are losing…)

Barack Obama snags Presidency, Youth ‘Baracks the vote’

Senator Barack Obama will be the 44th President of the United States of America.

I can’t believe I wrote that.

I am so proud. I know this campaign has been long, and a lot of work. I’m listening to John McCain give his speech now. His campaign was horribly done, and I’m so glad we didn’t elect him.

That’s just me though.

This is a short one. Just me getting this out there.

I truly believe he will bring the change we need and unify our country.

GOBAMA= The next President of the United States!

Advice for the day: never use the popcorn button on your microwave and walk away. (Stupid moment, I know.)

My Bucket List

50 things I must do before I die

So, I saw the movie. I decide to make my own list. I’m going to add to it, but right now I’ll just do as many as I can think of. These aren’t in any particular order. They’re just coming to me.

1. Fall in love.

2. Get a job doing something I love.

3. Fight “the man” and win.

4. Live abroad for at least a year.

5. Visit London and Adelaide at least once.

6. Have my name known for the right reasons.

7. Hire a maid. (I’m very messy.)

8. Write a book. (And publish it!)

9. See a war/crisis first hand, and help.

10. Learn how speak French fluently. (I’m working on this one.)

11. Buy my mom and dad each a house.

12. Teach someone something unforgettable and important.

13. Adopt a child.

14. Go to New Zealand and see the Rugby team perform a “Haka.”

15. Travel to Ireland.

16. Meet Barack Obama, Anderson Cooper, and Angelina Jolie.

17. See my sisters get married, have children, and find their bliss.

18. Find my bliss.

19. Get kicked out of somewhere I shouldn’t be.

20. Get lost and just go exploring.

21. Drive a 1967 Mustang Convertible. Love that car.

22. Drag race, and win. (On an approved course, obviously)

23. Go to Vegas, and lay it all on the line. (Okay, maybe not ALL.)

24. Spin a globe, say “pick a place, any place” stop it randomly. And just go.

25. See the Northern Lights.

 

Okay so, it’s a short list for now. I’m sure it will get longer. Right?

Advice for the day:

Don’t wear flip-flops in the rain in Autumn. The leaves are slippery, and if you’re walking on hills, it’s not good,