Soft Language Can Still Harden Hearts

As I read the article, War on Terror: Obama Softened the Language, But Hardened Muslims Hearts, written by Stuart Gottlieb my first reaction as I get through the first few paragraphs is "of course watching your words hasn't exactly made Muslims thrilled." Softening words doesn't change what we're saying. It's like saying "oh, I see you've gained a little more weight, more to love" verses "I think you've gained some weight," they both mean the same thing and I think in regards to such serious subjects as terrorism sugar coating language doesn't make a difference, because it isn't the main issue.
"These starkly negative trend lines suggest the limited utility of language in fighting terrorism. Yes, terrorism is a propaganda-fueled activity – an ongoing battle to win hearts and minds and attract new recruits to fight for the cause. And of course the language used in combating terrorism is vital – the counterproductive "smoke 'em out" rhetoric of the Bush administration is a case in point," points out Gottlieb. Yes, language is a key tool in recruiting propaganda-fueled activity, but is it a key element in stopping it? Will terrorists stop because we call them something different? Will people hate one another less because they are labeled differently? I think not.
It makes since that Muslims have "hardened hearts" on this issue. Its like saying "all Germans that had blonde hair and blue eyes during the Nazi era, were out to humiliate and ultimatley phase out the Jews." Not all Muslims are terrorists and referring to them with such wording, taking it back, re wording negativley, positivley, just isn't cutting it. Obama's administration has done a good job moving in right direction, but it isn't quite there yet. "His administration seems to have overlearned a key lesson of the Bush years – that overstating the threat of terrorism has costs attached. So, too, does rhetoric that understates the threat, especially when detached from policy." I think that as a whole yes there still are concerns to be had, and I think language is important, but we have to walk the walk too.
"It is not too late to reverse this troubling trend. The White House can begin by focusing less on overly reassuring rhetoric – which has not paid dividends at home or abroad – and more on a candid accounting of the threats faced and the policies employed to confront them."

SOURCES: Stuart Gottlieb, Oct. 14, 2010, War on Terror: Obama Softened the Language, But Hardened Muslims Hearts, Christian Science Monitor.

Waiting for Superman to Reform Education? He's Already Here.

      

     The economy, water pollution, discrimination, poverty, unemployment, energy, climate change, healthcare, national security, and pandemics- all of these problems can begin to be resolved if one of Americas biggest problems can be put under control and advanced- EDUCATION. James W. Gurthie writer for the Christian Science Monitor quotes the movie "Waiting for Superman"in his article,'Waiting for Superman' to reform education? He's already here", “In America right now, a high school students drops out of school every 26 seconds. That’s...1.2 million a year. These drop-outs are 8 times more likely to go to prison, 50% less likely to vote, more likely to need social welfare assistance, not eligible for 90% of jobs, are being paid 40 cents to the dollar of earned by a college graduate, and continuing the cycle of poverty.” You, and I, our neighbors, and theirs can all come together and change these odds.  Gurthie is writing to you, me, Americas teachers, voters, writers, politicians, and all citizens. Education is something that in some way can benefit each and every single one of us. Its something no one can ever take away from you, or me once we have it. Its our spring board to many of our dreams.
    In his writing Gurthie talks about the movie "Waiting for Superman" directed by Davis Guggenheim. After reading this article I decided before I would write this blog I would go see this movie, and I did. Its only playing in a few places in Austin right now;, A couple of the  Alamo Drafthouse locations and Regal Arbor Cinema 8 in Great Hills. It was absolutley inspiring, and quite a beautiful film. I think it is definetly worth seeing. I don't want to give too much away, but it follows five students all of whom have different realms of struggles due to the flaws in Americas educational system. "Those five students are the stories behind the statistics.  Their parents desperately want a good education for their children, but their hands are tied by the systems shortcomings- which Mr. Guggenheim exposes."  

     To get the results we as Americans deserve in our educational system we must keep up with the public pressure, and band together to make a statement. Parents must continue to demand better results, and must continue to fight for what their children deserve. Parent involvement is the key ingredient to the push in a better education for our children. Education system improvements is something even all political parties can agree on. "The Bush administration joined both parties in Congress in 2001 to enact No Child Left Behind Act. This legislation provided an important accountability platform. The Obama administration’s Race to the Top initiative uses a different vocabulary, but is pursuing a similar reform logic, and has been willing to use political persuasion and financial incentives to muscle recalcitrant states into line with reform." Although both of these reforms do have rough patches, they have a starting point and both agree that students deserve the best education possible.

We must pressure our systems, and spread awareness near and far.

     Americas educational system is failing our students- its time for us to stand up and demand for our youth, and our future what they deserve. Because this countries future is on their shoulders, and if we don't give them the knowledge they need to form a solid foundation, our country is going to crumble and we will have no hope for conquering other issues such as, the economy, water pollution, discrimination, poverty, unemployment, energy, climate change, healthcare, national security, and pandemics. Without education where would we even be able to begin? We together must band together for our future, our children and change the face of education.

Make a Difference. Go see 'Waiting for Superman' 

Sources: Guthrie, James "Waiting for Superman, He's Already Here.", 29, Sept.,2010- The Christian Science Monitor  http://www.waitingforsuperman.com/

Why Are We Americans Getting the Constitution So Wrong?

     "On this day, 223 years ago, the U.S. Constitution was born, giving Americans the freedoms that they hold dear, the freedoms that men and women have died to defend. And yet, despite its brevity (slightly more than 7,500 words, compared to the roughly 77,000 words of the first Harry Potter book) very few Americans know about the document that is the cornerstone of their way of life" - says Lion Caldaria writer of the article "Why Do Americans Get the Constitution So Wrong?" 
    I think this piece is definitely supposed to provoke our minds and question our own understanding of the Constitution. Caldarias' intended audience is us, those reading, many of us not even knowing our rights as American Citizens. Much of Americas modern day society is constitutionally "challenged"; unknowing of the document that forms many of their rights. 
    Caldarias points things out such as our politicians misquoting the constitution. Senator Burris of Illinois (Obamas replacement) said referring to a health care issue, “What does the Constitution say? To provide for the health, welfare and the defense of the country.” Well news flash Burris- the word "health" isn't even in the constitution. Its kind of scary that not even our politicians, and representatives are aware of what the constitution says. 
    I really do have to agree with Lion Caldaria and the points that she has made in this article; she goes on to say "There is no good reason for the Constitution to be misquoted. Its genius is its simplicity. In slightly more than 7,500 words, it lays out the framework for the greatest way of life and most just legal system in the world." She's making us see that this document is so simple and miraculous,  yet we can't even take the time to be aware of its genius content. The constitution offers rights that blend well with Americans way of life; more rights than many other countries in this world. Our country has given us a promise; which can be found in the constitution, that not a lot of countries have given their citizens. We have had soldiers fighting, risking their lives, and dying for our rights and we can't even have the respect to know what rights they are fighting for? We know more about Kim Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan, and Kanye West and who they're dating and what they're doing than we know about one of our most valuable documents. Put it this way, without the first amendment you may not even be reading this blog. 
    Caldaria says she's thankful for the 19th Amendment giving women right to vote- I am, and I think many women should be thankful too. Where would we be in todays society without that amendment? Without that amendment we wouldn't have a vote, or get to have an input in our society and government. Personally, that is more powerful and valuable then knowing what song is at the top of the charts this week, and who the next hot celebrity couple is. If we gave half the energy we put into social networks, celebrity gossip, and worrying about being one step ahead of the trends; we could "establish more justice," for ourselves and our communities. 
     “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” America has given us this promise, now lets embrace it and utilize what this country has given us.

SOURCES:
Caldaria, Lion. "Why Are Americans Getting The Constitution So Wrong?", The Christian Science Monitor. 17 Sept. 2010 n.page.