Andre Serrano Public Feed
Globalization Q4 Benchmark
The most challenging aspect of this project was simply trying to
find where globalization is evident in the city of Philadelphia. Not that there
was a shortage of ideas, on the contrary, it was just that my ideas were often
confused with ways Philadelphia impacts the world, not vice versa. Also some
topics were more challenging that others. For example, security and terrorism, but I think I was just over thinking the assignment.
Most of the images required me to travel around the city - whether it was a
special trip to China town or 30th street station. However, many of the
pictures were actually of items or place that I pass in my daily routine. For
example, the t-shirt marked with "made in Jordan" evidenced how trade
influences Philadelphia. My favorite picture was probably the China town wall,
just because I had seen it a few times, but I had never necessarily noticed its
elegance.
There is an abundance of places where globalization is evident within the city
that most people generally wouldn't consider prior to this project. Everything
from the clothes that we wear to the cars that we drive are pieces of
globalization. I would assume that Philadelphia has the same amount of
globalization, if not more, than most other large cities. Many of the feats are
the same; however, there are certain characteristics about Philadelphia that I
would assume are devoid in other cities, for example, China town.
Almost There
U mad bro?
Gotta love the jersey shore.
Prom
The End of The World
Prom
So Close
Tarea 12/05/11
Pienso que es bueno que hay derechos de humanos, pero desafortunadamente, en muchos paíces, no es importante. El gobierno es muy corrupto.
2. ¿Crees que es importante saber que tenemos los 30 derechos humanos universales?
Pienso que es importante saber los 30 derechos humanos universales. Si privo de tu derecho, puede demanda en el juzgado.
3. Si todos supiéramos nuestros 30 derechos humanos universales, ¿crees que lo sociedad sería diferente?
No porque en muchos paíces, el gobierno no tiene cuidado.
Countdown
20 days until classes end.
31 days until graduation.
109 days until Penn move in day.
Life is good.
Story Telling
Contrary to popular belief...
Rigoberta y Ghandi
- ¿Quién es Rigoberta Menchú?
Rigoberta Menchú es un activista de Guatemala. Apoya los indios. Informó el mundo de todo el opresíon en Guatemala. - ¿Quién es (el otro pacifista que escogerion)?
Escogí Ghandi. El fue un activista de India quien reunir los Indios para revueltar contra de los Británicos. - ¿Qué tienen en común?
Los dos apoyan un causa sin violencia. - ¿Cuáles son unas diferencias entre los dos?
Ghandi fue de India. Tambien fue assasinado. La familia de Rigoberta fue assasinado. Rigoberta exilío a Mexico. - ¿Por qué crees que no se incluye Menchú en los textos de historia ni en el curriculo?
Menchú no se incluye en los textos de historia porque ella es un mujer hispanica y muchos de los textos en los Estandos Unidos escribí de hombres blancos.
- En cuanto a (With regards to)
- tener en común (to have in common)
Guatemala y Rigoberta Menchu
- ¿Qué aprendiste hoy sobre Guatemala?
Guatemala es un país con la meyoria de la poblacion esta los indígenas. Guatemala se parace tan Africa, una minoria de la poblacion es blanco. - ¿Qué aprendiste sobre Rigoberta Menchu?
Rigoberta Menchu escribí un libro de su vida y como ella se escapó de la represión del gobierno y como la familia murieron.
Ahorita
- ¿En qué país se tomaron estas fotos?
Chile
¿Cuándo se tomaron?
El revolucion de Chile - ¿Qué pasó en la primera foto?
Una casa abandonado - ¿Qué pasa en la segunda imágen? ¿Quiénes son?
Los soldados abusan los mujeres. - ¿Por qué estaba allí el grupo en la tercera (third) foto? ¿Quiénes son?
Un grupo de estudiantes en los Estados Unidos quien quiere ayudar. - ¿Cómo es la topografía de este país?
Un playa.
Surprising Saturday
Scholarships
"Blacks Are Lazy"
We should punish those who add to the country's turmoil, not those trying to fix it.
We are getting out of Philly at the right time.
Jordan Debate
Sazon
El restaurante se llama Sazon.
¿Hay jugo de naranja?
No hay jugo de naranja.
¿Hay té de coca?
No hay te.
¿Hay mariscos? ¿Qué tipo?
Si, hay pargo guisado.
¿Hay sopas y ensaladas?
Si, hay sopas y ensaladas.
¿Hay flan?
Si, hay flan.
¿Hay hamburguesas? ¿Son parecidas (the same as) a las hamburguesas de McDonald's?
Si, hay hamburguesas, pero no el mismo que McDonalds.
¿Te gustaría comer en este restaurante?
Claro que si! Senorita manuel paga?
¿Qué pedirías si pudieras comer allí?
Comería bistec encebollado.
¿Y de beber?
Bebería jugo de tamarindo
¿Qué no te apetecería comer? Pabellon vegetenario.
Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead
USA USA USA
High Expectations
And with any luck, this prom will be even better!
Urinary Track Infection
What's worse, her medication cost $315.00. I might have to rethink not having a job this summer..
A Haiku About Penn
Only five months remaining
This doesn't seem real
Public Vs Private
Preguntas de Hugo Chavez
Pienso que hay mucho personas quien no le gusta porque el es un socialista, pero pienso que el hace mucho por esta país. Desde fue presidente, ayuda el clase pobre.
2) Si fueras Venezolan@, ¿votarías por él? Explica tu respuesta.
Target Shoppin'
Target has some interesting employees.
Spring Break
El Bola
A Joke Gone Wrong
A Day In The Life: Kenya
Worst Birthday Party Ever
It was time for lunch, but with my newfound confidence from skating I was eager to get back out there. I wolfed down my Pizza and watched as the zambini cleaned the ice to perfection. After getting back out, I wanted to test out my new skills. I ventured from the wall and began skating. However, I quickly found myself off balance and face down in the ice.
Now for this next part, I have no clue exactly how it happened, but someone ran over my lip with their skate. There was blood all over the freshly polished ice, and they had to rush me to the hospital, where I got several stitches. The recovery time took a couple weeks for them to dissolve. Worst birthday party ever.
Confused
Taylor's Birth Day
This is why you need texting.
Fun Day
Wrestling with my dog.
Going to Ritas.
Eating amazing food.
Going to a Phillies game.
= An awesome day.
Reflective Post #2
I am having difficulty updating my posts throughout the day. I've heard there is a way to connect Twitter to Facebook and then have the twitter posts timed, but I have yet to figure it out. Also, I am trying to provide as much background information as possible that I deem necessary, but it's difficult finding pictures and videos of people that at least look similar enough to pass for each other.
Spy Skills
A Very Productive Saturday.
Go to the gym: check
Do homework: check
Party: check
A very productive Saturday.
What The Hell?
University of Pennsylvania
4:14-I can do this. It's not that long.
4:32-WHAT THE HELL IS TAKING SO LONG
4:47-I CANT TAKE THIS
4:52-I didn't get accepted. I shouldn't even be this nervous.
5:00-OMG I'M ACCEPTED TO PENN
5:01-Check Penn's financial aid availability: $40,000.
5:15-Mom walks through the door.
5:16-Tackles mom
Moral of the story: Ivy league schools cause so much anxiety, and if you're not careful, someone will end up with a bruised back.
Benchmark Reflection
Q3 Benchmark Reflection
Overall, India is in much more stable condition than Egypt. Its strong trade
ties with the west and its neighboring countries have allowed its economy to
flourish in recent years. However, it has some significant weak spots. India is
much more susceptible to global warming and climate change than Egypt because
of its unique geography and dependency on agriculture. Both countries have made
efforts to improve the relationships with its neighboring countries; however,
both India and Egypt have had an array of boarder disputes and diplomatic
tension.
The
5-point framework was sometimes difficult to assess. For example, considering Egypt
is a developing country, it has been making great strides in green technology
to combat global warming; however, if they don't reach their goal of 20%
renewable energy by 2015, it could have disastrous effects for the stability of
the country, greatly affecting tourism and the agricultural sectors. It was
difficult to assess this aspect of their collapsibility rating because there
are so many pros and cons.
I'm
really proud about the layout of my project; however, in some parts of the
project, it was difficult to find information and I think that that is
reflected in the final product. I enjoyed this project, despite questionable time management throughout the entire process. One addition I would make to this project would be to add more categories to compare each country to. I think someone could get good understanding as is, but it would only be improved by adding certain categories. For example, if an issue a country has doesn't fall under the pre-existing categories, it could appear more stable than it actually is.
A Nation's Collapse
College
A Valuable Lesson
The Break Up
College
10:55 pm - Accepted to Lehigh University
Pretty productive day if you ask me.
Tuition
Panic
--And thats when I woke up, angered that I won't know how this dream turned out.
A Not-So-Awesome First Day of Spring
Interpretacion de Diego Rivera
Way to go, Justice Department.
We're All Different
Phillies Seats
Five Photo Story
An Annoying Addiction
A Tradition
Diego Rivera
Esta obra de arte es bien. Los colores son apogado pero dijó un cuento. No se por que pinta de esta cuentos porque el es de un familia muy rico, y esta cuentos de son los trabajadores y la clase obrera.
First Snow Storm
A Twisted Fantasy
Ashamed
I hated that life style, but at least I had a place to stay and food to eat – a thought process I thought was very mature for my age. That was, at least, until I went to Mr. and Mrs. Walker. They came off as very nice people, but the actual experience was much different. I was probably about 4 at this time – blissfully ignorant to the world. I didn’t know what exactly to expect, but these people – these people that were entrusted with a child’s life, often forgot to – or neglected to comply with the bare minimum to satisfy a good quality of life for a child. I would sometimes go for days without eating, and if I acted out of line, I would get beaten. And when I say “out of line”, I don’t mean stealing or taking their car for a joyride. I was, after all, only four years old. I would get beaten for merely crying when they had guests over – not in front of them obviously, they were particularly careful about giving the wrong impression to the public. When we went to the market, for instance, we would act as a perfect family. Unless, of course, I would do something that embarrassed them in public, oh yeah, I would pay for that later. They would ensure that I would learn my lesson when I got home. Sometimes they would even take turns beating me, as if they got some twisted pleasure from beating a child.
The Effects of Bipolar Disorder
I had heard him cry thousands of times before and it bothered me each time, but this time was different. I heard those screams and I just lost control. This just seemed to make everything worse. The crying intensified and Christy’s pleas for me to stop just made me angrier and then I…
Ahorita
Análisis
Contenido y Significado
B. Cierto o Falso:
1) Esta obra de arte está pintada en colores brillantes. Falso
2) El cuadro es enorme. Cierto
3) Guernica es el nombre de la ciudad que fue bombardeada durante la guerra civil de España. Cierto
4) La ciudad era poblada por la clase alta. Falso
5) La obra lleva un estilo surrealista. Falso
C. Lee la sección de Contenido y Significado. Según la lectura, di lo que significa/simboliza cada objeto:
1) el toro - Fuerte
2) el caballo/la yegua - La femindad
3) el ave - La libertad
4) los personajes con las bocas abiertas, los ojos desorbitados y cuerpos deformados - El dolor.
My Puppy!
A day at the beach
A Life Changing Trip
Fun Day
Machuca
La pelicula se trata los ninos en una escuela en Chile. Los ninos ricos va a escuela con los ninos pobres y no llevarse bien, pero Machuca y Gonzalo. Estan Amigos, pero los familias son muy diferentes. Uno es el izquierdista y el otra es momios.
2) Los dos protagonistas son Machuca y su amigo, Gonzalo. ¿Cómo te relacionas
Son amigos. Gonzalo no atacó Machuca cuando los ninos pobres se atace. El tambien ayuda machuca durante el quiz y pasar el tiempo con esta familia.
3) Compara tu vida con la de Machuca. Nombre dos similitudes y dos diferencias.
Las vidas son muy diferentes. La familia de gonzalo es la clase alto y son enojado que los curas son comunismos. La familia de machuca es la clase obrera y los gustan el comunismo.
4) ¿Qué observas sobre Chile en la época (the era) cuando toma lugar esta película?
El país es dividen del comunismo.
5) ¿Qué crees que va a pasar en el siguiente segmento que veremos en la próxima clase?
Pienso que el militar van a participar.
Eek!
Another Baseball Story
Let me rewind – It was the championship game. The series was tied 1-1 in a best of three match. We were the underdogs, by far. The only reason we even made it to the playoffs was because there was no elimination in little league, an attempt to promote fairness, I guess. We already shocked everyone by beating the Athletics once. With our backs on the wall, we were able scrounger up a big inning. The score was 7-3. All of a sudden, our pitcher started acting uncharacteristically, walking several people in a row and giving up big hits. The fielders started to get uneasy as the score was creeping up on us. It was now 7-6 with the bases loaded and the count 3-0, the coach walked out to the mound, and signaled for a pitching change. He was calling for me. I threw my warm up pitches and prepared for the most unnerving baseball experience of my life. I immediately threw two pitches for strikes, knowing that if I missed, we would lose the game. He then proceeded to foul off the next couple of pitches. I prepared for the next pitch. I winded up. SWING AND A MISS.
--From this point, it's all sort of blurry. My teammates came racing in and bombarded me at the pitchers mound. We were awarded our championship trophies and were left with an experience we would never forget, being the underdogs the entire season, coming back to beat the beast team in the league.
A Photo Story
A Baseball Story
However, that senior swagger is usually aligned with lackadaisical attitudes and pure entitlement – some might call it “senioritis”— and it was that attitude that dismissed most seniors from attending mandatory practices and team workouts. That, and the fact that most of the seniors lacked the knowledge of the basic fundamentals of the game, and had never played baseball for an organized team, generally didn’t make them suitable captains.
That’s where I came in. Although I didn’t have the title as team captain, I had played baseball since I was six and I was eager to help lead my team to the success that I knew we were capable of. I was often put in charge of team workouts and spent most of my time instructing the less experienced players on the precise technique for fielding baseballs and getting more power behind their swings. We didn’t start truly playing together as a team until the end of the season, and although the team ended 4-6, a disappointing record by anyone’s standards, we showed improvement from the previous years, and I’m excited for next season.
This is sort of proof that you don’t have to have a title to make a difference. True leaders can inspire people to perform to their potential by simply putting forth their best effort, and leading by example. I was an effective leader because I never assumed I was better than any of them. Unlike my senior counterparts, I never thought I was too good for practice, and once I was able to gain their respect, I noticed a much more responsive attitude from most of the kids, that allowed us to play together as a team.
First Debate Tournament
My first debate tournament went well. I made it to the semi-finals – a feat deemed unattainable by someone in their first debate. In this round we were clearly outmatched. The opposing team had been debating for years and subsequently, their case was much more solid. After the debate was over my partner and I left the room immediately, too bummed out to have to stay and listen to the negative commentary. We had just taken our seats in the auditorium of about a hundred people when they host of the tournament came through the door, and gave a look of pure confusion. “Why aren’t you two up there getting ready?!” she said hastily; and all of a sudden everything changed. Chris and I ran outside the room to let loose with some giddy screaming and jumping, just long enough for us to compose ourselves and get back inside to debate.
As I said, the finals were in an auditorium in front of close to a hundred people. This was a personal test because public speaking had always been an issue for me. I knew the results would be close. Unfortunately, I lost the debate by a two to one vote; however, the skills that I gained that day had a lasting affect as I eventually went on to succeed at several other prestigious debate tournaments.
Lost At Sea
Promises Promises
Adios
The damage is done, good bye.
Life
A Common Mistake
Perfection, a misconception – ends in rejection.
Snowboarding
Woke up early to go snowboarding
Had a 2 hour drive
Couldn’t keep my eyes open
Had expresso for the first time
Had too much expresso
Was really hyper
Scared Harrison because I was going 90 on the turnpike
Scared Harrison because I was driving with no hands
Got to the mountain
Got a really good parking spot
Sucked going down the mountain the first time
Thought it would get better
It didn’t
Banged my head on the ice
Had to take a break
Got disgusting food from the cafeteria
It made me miss the food at my job
That just made me hungrier
Tried to think of anything but food: nada
Went back down the mountain
Banged my head on the ice, again
Wanted to leave
Got in the car
Got more expresso
Got home at 10
Thought I was going to go to sleep early for once
Was too jittery from the expresso to sleep
Called Bari
Looked at the clock - 2:38
Blamed Bari for keeping me up late
Finally went to sleep
Going to be exhausted tomorrow
Dissapointment
Mi Cuento
Valentines Day Journey
It’s been thirteen days, two hours, forty-seven minutes since Michael left – crossing Mountains, through steep valleys and over rivers to visit the girl he loves.
Valentines Day Journey
It’s been thirteen days, two hours, forty-seven minutes since Michael left – crossing Mountains, through steep valleys and over rivers to visit the girl he loves.
Not Your Ordinary Wednesday
After that was over, we headed over to the school district to be honored by the Super Intendant of the School District of Philadelphia, Arlene Ackerman and several of her colleagues.
I Don't Trust Her
Raging Rapids
Itunes Story
"Hey ya!"
"There's a place. Follow me across the universe, a thousand miles. I wanna rock & roll all night. All you need is love, get the party started. You're beautiful."
"I am the walrus."
"What the hell? Call me when you're sober."
Raging Rapids
Q2 Benchmark Reflection
Selecting my topics was a fairly difficult process. It was difficult to find relative laws and cases that are applicable to my life. The older I get, the way the government is involved in my life changes - it's hard to say whether or not they are more involved because it is involved in different ways. Up until the age of 18, the government can force you to go to school, and they have passed laws recently regulating what I can eat in schools. Before 18 they are trying to protect you. After 18 their primary interest is the rest of the country. They take more taxes to help provide for people who are less fortunate, and they require to do things such as register for selective service in the need of a draft.
Gov Benchmark: How The Government Impacts My Life.
Don't Ask Don't Tell: Blog Post 5
I have witnessed a complete turnaround in regards to the support it received in the senate. Originally, it was placed inside a larger defense bill; however, rejected the bill, deeming it too complex to be able to sufficiently debate the topic before the Christmas break. When the bill was apparently dead, Susan Collins presented the bill in a piece of stand alone legislation as a last attempt to get it through the senate, and on December 18, In a 65-31 vote, the Senate passed the repeal that would allow thousands of Americans to serve in the military being openly homosexual. This was a historic achievement by president Obama. This victory was symbolic of several victories Obama added to his repertoire throughout a very productive lame duck session. Although failing to pass the Dream Act, he was able to sign a nuclear arms treaty with Russia, and cut taxes for millions of Americans.
This was a pressing civil rights issue that had taunted the gay community for 17 years. I personally agree with President Obama who strongly advocated for soldiers to serve in the military being openly gay. "I don't know what it's like to be picked on for being gay. But I do know what it’s like to grow up feeling that sometimes you don’t belong. It’s tough.” This was a historic moment in Obama’s presidency. He was able to come through on a campaign promise that reigned in thousands of voters, and he was able to repeal a law that had hindered our nation’s security and the freedom of thousands of Americans.
How to Obtain a Liquor License
The bureaucratic function I chose to investigate further was how to obtain a liquor license.
The process to obtain a liquor license isn't that strenuous, but it does take a lot of time and money. The application fee in Philadelphia can range between $65,000 and $100,000. You submit the fee with the application and all necessary documents to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, which then starts an investigation through the applicant's history. If you have a criminal record your application can almost immediately be disregarded. Throughout the investigation you must submit a public notice to your local newspaper incase the public has any objections to you receiving a liquor license.
All of the required paperwork was relatively easy to fill out. All of the questions were straight forward. We were also asked to supply the proposed food menu, interior/exterior designs, a code compliance certificate for the premises.
I think all parts of this process are necessary. The application fee, to an extent, ensures that only qualified people obtain a liquor license. The public has a right to know who is serving alcohol in their neighborhood, and it is essential to make sure that no criminals receive a license.
Bureaucratic functions have become increasingly difficult to obtain because it is essential that, at least in this situation, only qualified applicants make it through the process.
DADT: Blog Post 4
Dear Joe Manchin,
I am writing to you with regards of the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” repeal. This is history piece of legislation is absolutely necessary to reverse this discriminatory law that has plagued our nation for nearly 18 years despite abundance of criticism and ridicule.
"Don't Ask Don't Tell weakens our national security, diminishes our military readiness, and violates the fundamental American principles of fairness, integrity, and equality."
In a survey of 400,000 service men, it was deemed that the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell would not affect their ability to perform their civic duty. 92% stated that their unit’s “ability to work together,” with a gay person was “very good, “good” or “neither good nor poor.” And 70% of Service members said they would be able to “work together to get the job done” with a gay service member in their immediate units.
The pentagon has also vowed that the implementation of this legislation would not hinder any current military efforts. Thus, there is no reason to vote against this bill that has deprived thousands of Americans from the freedom to serve their country.
You’re vote is essential to the passing of this blatantly homophobic law. I strongly urge your vote in the upcoming attempt to pass this law once it is taken out of the military spending bill and regarded as stand-alone legislation.
Sincerely,
Andre Serrano
P.S. You can learn more about this issue at my blog.
__________________________________________________________
It is absolutely essential to reverse the homophobic law that has deprived millions of American from serving their country in the military. To make the greatest impact, I decided my efforts would best be targeted towards the members of the senate who still oppose the law even after the pentagon’s report. Historically, senators have continuously voted along party lines, with the exception of Joe Manchin. Therefore, I deemed it appropriate to target Joe and the Republican Party.
Resea de Mar Adentro
- La película "Mar Adentro" se trata de la vida de Ramon Sampedro. Cuando se saltó de un acantilado, el rompe su cuello. El es un tetraplejico, y esta pelicula es de esta viaja a morir.
- Hace la pregunta es un derecho que vivir o un privilegio. Quitarse la vida es trajico, pero a vivir y no experiencia la vida es muy deprimido. No es moral porque los seres quieridos de Ramon afectarían para mucho tiempo despues de el murio.
- Para mi, no respeto Ramon, pero estoy de acuerdo con el. Si fuera en esta posicíon, hariá usar el silla de ruedas. Pero, eventualmente probabalmente haría la misma cosa.
- Me gusto la pelicula. Para mi, es interesante porque nadie sabe que harían que estan es esta posicíon. Es interestante, pero es un poco aburrido. No hay acción.
Repeal DADT: Blog Post #3
Attempts have been made to revise DADT, the homophobic law enacted under Bill Clinton to keep gays out of the military. In May 2010, an amendment was passed in the House of Representatives, however it lacked the necessary 60 votes to get the bill passed in the senate.
Also, attempts to pass DADT are becoming increasingly more difficult. Prior to the recent election 90% of democrats were in favor of the repeal, versus 97% of republicans, and since the election has drastically shifted the power to republicans, it can only damage the odds of getting it approved. Therefore it is a fair assumption that the window of opportunity is quickly closing.
Despite the general public being largely in favor of an amendment to the bill, Republicans have decided to vote along party lines.
The pentagon has recently issued a study regarding the current amendment. It has concluded that lifting a ban that prevents gays from serving in the military would result in “minimal and isolated incidents to the risk to the current war efforts.” The pentagon requested that the survey, which was given to more than 400,000 active troupes, address the issue of a repeal potentially hindering the military’s ability to fight. More than 70% of the respondents to the survey suggested the results to the move would be either positive or nonexistent – thus eliminating the only legitimate argument of withholding the ban.
Gay rights activists have begun a campaign around ten different states to aid the process of the DADT amendment. The Human Rights Campaign and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. Joe Solmonese, President of HRC, recently said in a statement: “As we approach the waning days of this congressional session, we must continue to demand immediate action on critical legislation.”
Repeal DADT: Blog Post #2
Chaka Fattah is currently the representative for Pennsylvania’s second district, which includes sections of the city of Philadelphia.
Congressman Fattah has a long history of voting in favor of issues regarding gay rights.
- He voted yes for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
This act was designed with the intent to make it an unlawful employment practice to discriminate against an individual on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation,
He voted no for on constitutionally defining marriage as one-man-one-woman.
Therefore, it was no surprise when he voted in favor of abolishing the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy. His response to the issue was: “the worldwide injunction issued today by Judge Virginia Phillips to stop enforcement of the ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ policy concerning gay and lesbian members of our military is welcome and long overdue.”
In 2006 he spoke to a group of Iowa state university students and said "The day that the leadership of the military comes to me and says, 'Senator, we ought to change the policy,' then I think we ought to consider seriously changing it."
However, since losing the election to Barack Obama, McCain has been the president’s biggest critic, so it was no surprise when his stance on the issue changed when Obama announced his current push to repeal the bill.
"At this moment of immense hardship for our armed services, we should not be seeking to overturn the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy," he said bluntly, before describing it as "imperfect but effective."
Repeal DADT: Blog Post #1
In 1992, officer Allen Schindler was stomped to death by a shipmate for being openly gay in the military. This was later used as a means of justifying the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Law - with claims of protecting the well being of homosexuals. However, this blatantly homophobic law has been embraced by the military as a way of recruiting straight officers, who would have otherwise been deterred by the awkwardness of boarding with an openly gay man. Since the policy was put in place in 1993, over 12,500 troops have been discharged due to their sexual orientation. The Government Accountability Office reported that it has cost $95.4 million for recruiting and $95.1 million for training replacements for the 9,488 troops discharged from 1994 through 2003. This law has been used as a tool to reject the very people it was made to protect, and it is costing the government money to train the replacement troops that it could have otherwise used to bolster the military.
This issue has been widely debated, especially within the past few months, with John McCain being the leading advocate. When asked about the repeal on DADT, Senator McCain backs the current policy. "This successful policy has been in effect for over 15 years, and it is well understood and predominantly supported by our military at all levels," McCain said “At a time when our Armed Forces are fighting and sacrificing on the battlefield, now is not the time to abandon the policy."
This bill has unfortunately been made into another example of a left vs. right wing issue. When asked about the repeal of the bill, Senator Susan Collins was quoted saying “It’s the right thing to do. I think it’s only fair, but I cannot vote to proceed to this bill under a situation that’s going to shut down the debate and preclude Republican amendments. That too, is not fair.” This is what politics in the United States has come to entail – a type of science where politicians tread a thin line between what is right, and what will get them reelected.
Accused of being a political ploy with the November elections coming up, President Obama has made this his main priority. Obama claimed he delayed acting on the repeal because with two wars he did not want anything to distract him from his health care fight. Although there is no constitutional right to serve in the military, President Obama made it clear that DADT would not impose on our first amendment right. “We find unity in our incredible diversity, drawing on the promise enshrined in our Constitution: the notion that we are all created equal, that no matter who you are or what you look like, if you abide by the law you should be protected by it.”
There has been several attempts to change the bill, however the pending legislation has increased within the past couple of months. The Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010 is a bill that seeks to establish a tradition of nondiscrimination regarding sexual orientation in the Armed Forces, by repealing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. This bill would also authorize the reappointment of otherwise qualified individuals previously discharged on the basis of their sexual orientation
Although this bill was made with the intent of helping homosexuals, it has served as a of homophobic legislation, that has lead to the dismissal to thousands of qualified soldiers. My partner and I are lobbying for the repeal of DADT because not only is it not fair, but it will make our military stronger, and allow us to allocate funds elsewhere to help bolster the military. Our goal is to bring more publicity to this already heated debate in hopes of more people acknowledging the need to repeal this widely contested bill. There is plenty of already pending legislation that we hope to bring recognition too.
Altruism In Evolution
Altruism In Evolution
Reciprocal
altruism is described as when one animal acts for the benefit of another animal
and in doing so decreases its own fitness. It is in an organism’s best interest
to behave altruistically, because that increases the chances of an organism
returning the favor – thus enhancing its chances to pass on it’s genes. This is
true in organisms, from humans to vampire bats. Most social organism can
benefit from behaving altruistically.
It is the
foundation of evolution that organisms have the need to pass on its genes. Without
it, we would all go extinct. Friends don’t keep providing favors to another
friend, if the other friend never reciprocates, businesses stop providing
services to another business if that business is about go to bankrupt. It’s
human nature to do what’s in the best interest for you.
Vampire
bats also provide an excellent example of altruism amongst organisms. Vampire
bats require blood meals every night. Due to the nature of their diet, they
begin to deteriorate after merely two days of missing a meal. regularly
regurgitate blood and donate it to other members of their group who have failed
to feed that night, ensuring they do not starve.
The
cliché “nice guys finish last” has been disproven throughout the years. By
behaving altruistically, an organism reduces the number of offspring it is
likely to produce itself, but boosts the number that other organisms are likely
to produce. So why would an organism behave in such a manner? The reason for
this behavior is because in the future the giving animal expects to be able to
receive that same service in its own time of need.
Citations
- Axelrod, R. and Hamilton, W. D., 1981, ‘The Evolution of Cooperation’, Science, 211: 1390-96
- "Biological Altruism." Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 2003. Web.
- Mesterton-Gibbons, M. a. L. A. D. (1992). "Cooperation Among Unrelated Individuals: Evolutionary Factors." Quarterly Review of Biology 67(3): 267-281.
The Development, Relief, and Education For Alien Minors Act
Election Day Questions
1. What
motivated you to come out and vote?
She found her parent’s voter registration card and
it made her realize that not everyone was born with the right to vote and she
wanted to take advantage of it.
3. Do you vote in every election? (How regularly do you
vote?)
All the major elections.
4. Do you know why we vote on Tuesday?
No
5. Where have you encountered the highest amount of ad
campaigning? Radio, TV, print, internet, other.
TV
6. What was the most memorable campaign ad that you have
encountered?
“I am not a witch” -Christine Odonnell.
7. Are you always sure of who you are going to vote for
when you walk into the booth or are you still deliberating?
She just votes democrat.
8. What changes do you hope to see in Philadelphia as a
result of this election?
More Jobs
9. What impact do you feel that your vote will have on the
election?
She feels like the voter turnout for today was particularly low in this district, so hopefully her vote will make an impact.
10. Did you
learn about voting in school? If
yes, did that impact your willingness to vote today?
Yes and yes