For Your Information #4: Ethics in my Generation

For Your Information #4: Ethics in my Generation

My last post was on immigration, and I posted an edited version of a paper I wrote for a class. I rather liked this idea, as it actually gives my papers more meaning than to just be turned into one teacher once and be forgotten. So, I now present to you my paper on my personal ethical code. This paper really seeks to question how we do ethics in the digital age.

Statement on Personal Ethics Code

To be frank, I feel a slight association with the character Gordon from the movie Billy Madison. Gordon and the titular Billy find themselves competing for the right to take over the company Billy’s dad owns. During the competition described as an academic decathlon, Gordon is asked to define modern business ethics in light of recent insider trading and loan scandals. After rambling several incoherent introductions to his answer, he pulls out a gun and demands for another question. Gordon reacts in this way because he is unable to even attempt a definition of business ethics. While this is supposed to be comical moment, it does accurately portray the level of understanding many have of ethics (Billy Madison 1995).

Personal codes of ethics are vital to a person’s life. One of my core values is the need to understand why I believe something and ultimately why that belief leads me into action. In light of last weeks lecture, and in consideration of further research, I would describe myself as an unethical person. This statement does not mean that I am corrupt, but that I do not view myself, as I am today, as a subscriber to a specific ethical code, therein making me unethical. I believe that I have subscribed to the modern epidemic of what I will Millennial Ethics (ME). ME is most noted by the ability of its practitioners to invoke the axioms of any other ethical code when it is convenient to do so. ME provides an opportunity for its practitioners to hold beliefs and make decisions on things we know little to nothing about. Those of us with ME often unwittingly refute the principles of a specific code in one discussion, but then appeal to its arguments in another discussion. To further explore ME this paper will discuss the context in which ME was born, the ways in which it varies from the Pluralistic Theory of Value (PTV), and explore whether or not ME is a legitimate ethical code to subscribe to or not.

My Persuasion and Attitude class last semester discussed the issue of how modern Americans formulate opinions and beliefs. I believe that experience can help inform this discussion on ethics. We learned that the number of competing messages a single person encounters in any given day is beyond measurable. With this understanding, we identified our tendency to formulate poorly researched or supported opinions. Some may claim that it is necessary to form these unsupported opinions due to the increasing demand for awareness and our inability to adequately research 1000s of topics. However, the fact remains, we posses an immeasurable amount of beliefs that we are unable to fully support. I believe this climate has enabled the proliferation of ME.

If ME provides its subscribers with the opportunity to make decisions based on bits and pieces of other ethical codes, how does it vary from PTV? In short, it is about intent and self-awareness. PTV provides the opportunity to reflect on competing values, and this opportunity accounts for the ability of individuals with PTV to invoke the precepts of different codes at different times. I argue that this contains a certain level of understanding and awareness of both ethical codes, and oneself. ME is contrastingly different as it facilitates decision making and the formation of opinions without identifying the competing values. To summarize, PTV understands that any given opinion or decision will be made in light of competing values, and ME provides its practitioners with the ability to hold opinions and make decisions without consideration of existing values.

I would argue that ME is not a legitimate or ethical standard. In class we defined ethics as a rational process founded on principles. Therefore, ethics begin when elements within a moral system conflict, and they are not so much the study of right and wrong, but a look at conflict between equally compelling values. My previous definition of ME states that individuals with ME do not need to reflect on the conflict of values. People with ME may not know this, but they value having an opinion more than having an opinion they understand. The conservative versus liberal argument is a popular one on campus, and I am familiar with both my tendency and the tendency of others to cling to party lines on any given topic. There is a small blog on campus called the Conservative Voice. The blog serves as an article distribution and comment board. People on this board often establish what party they identify with and then rarely ever express views that differ from the platform of said party. I have seen many participate in discussions on topics they have no understanding in, myself included, and I contribute this to the value that it is more important to have an opinion than to have an informed opinion. Since ME does not provide specific measures in belief formation or decision making, and since it does not demand an understanding of competing values, I would argue that ME is not a legitimate ethical code.

I started this paper by saying that I do not think I am an ethical person, and I defended that statement by identifying my ME code. However, at this point, I reject the ME as a legitimate code and believe that my self-awareness and gained understanding of competing values has me on the road towards PVT. This assignment has helped me identify my personal ethics and the awareness of the different codes has provided me with the challenge to hold myself to a higher standard.

For Your Information #3: Immigration

For Your Information #3: Immigration

I recently wrote a paper for my senior seminar class on immigration. The paper sought to answer thee question, "What would an ethical code look like that had immigrants best interest in mind?"

The research and writing process were very helpful to me, and I want to share the paper here.

Ethics for the Strangers

“Ultimately, the danger to the American way of life is not that we will be overrun by those who do not look like us or do not yet speak our language. The danger will come if we fail to recognize the humanity of [immigrants]--if we withhold from them the opportunities we take for granted, and create a servant class in our midst” (Obama).

Immigration, both legal and illegal, is a large contributor to the growing population of impoverished people in the United States. The Office of Immigration Statistics (OIS) has predicted that as of the 2006 census, about 57% of all illegal immigrants and 30% of all legal immigrants in the US are Mexican-born (Mexican Immigrants). In both categories, the Mexican population is higher than that of any other demographic. For this reason, this paper will explore the ethical consideration behind immigration policy and how the current system affects undocumented Mexican-born immigrants.

This paper contends that illegal immigrants from Mexico are one of the demographics that most needs to be served in the US, that ethical treatment of these people is not happening currently, and that the ethical treatment of immigrants is in accordance with several of the main ethical codes discussed in class. This paper will begin by justifying the need for critiquing the country’s ethical code in regards to the treatment of illegal immigrants. With an understanding of the severity of the issue, this paper will then explore what considerations need to be taken into consideration when forming an ethical code that seeks to meet the needs of these people. Finally, this paper will defend the position that America has failed to live according tomany of its own established ethical systems, since it is within the precepts of said systems to provide for immigrants.

Creating a system that treats Mexican-born illegal immigrants ethically is of utmost importance to the integrity of the United States, and the well being of a large number of people. The population size, and the surrounding economic realities are reasons why the US needs an ethical code governing the treatment of Mexican-born immigrants. Statistics report that there are roughly 20 million illegal immigrants in the US, and that over 57% are Mexican-born (Mexican Immigrants). This number, coupled with the number of legal Mexican immigrants accounts for over one-tenth of the entire population born in Mexico (ibid). Of this population, 78% reside in just four states (Beyond the Border). California alone has nearly half of the population of Mexican-born immigrants (ibid). Mexican immigrants are a huge demographic in the US, and they must not be ignored due to the scope of those affected by the lack of ethical treatment.

The US Census of 2006 found that, “60.2 percent of the 8.9 million Mexican-born adults age 25 and older had no high school diploma or the equivalent general education diploma (GED), compared to 32.0 percent among the 30.9 million foreign-born adults”, and that, “only 5.0 percent of Mexican immigrants had a bachelor's or higher degree, compared to 26.7 percent among all foreign-born adults” (Mexican Immigrants). While these numbers are disheartening enough, the impact is magnified when considering the correlation between education and crime. The Department of Justice reports that, “about 75 percent of America’s state prison inmates, almost 59 percent of federal inmates, and 69 percent of jail inmates did not complete high school” (Harlow). Another recent survey of dropouts concludes that they are more than eight times as likely to be in jail or prison (Bridgeland, DiIulio, and Morison). These numbers mean that a lack of education is a direct predictor of the likelihood of criminal behavior or at least receiving court appointed jail time. This means that over half of the Mexican-born population is at an increased risk of engaging in criminal behavior and and/or receiving jail time.

Furthermore, the US Census Bureau has reported that education directly impacts annual earnings (see fig. 1; see fig. 2). Findings show that over a lifetime, a person with a Bachelor’s Degree will earn, on average, almost twice as much as those with a high school diploma (Job Salary Earnings). The data shows the effect education has on an individual’s annual earnings, and the trends project that over 60% of Mexican-born immigrants earn under $23,400.

High levels of incarceration and low levels of projected income are not the only problems facing Mexican-born immigrants. These people are often the victims of horrific stereotyping and hate crimes. A similar demographic in New Zealand has recently struggled through an event that could easily occur in the US as well.

To put a very long story short, a New Zealand newspaper published a story based on the reputed findings of a university economist. The economist, Dr Greg Clydesdale, reportedly found evidence that the country’s economic woes were stemming from the education levels, crime rates, and low employment of the people group known as the Pacific Islanders (de Bres 149). An article written by Joris de Bres refutes nearly every claim made by Clydesdale. De Bred points out that Clydesdale’s report is often inaccurate and borderline criminal due to seemingly purposeful omissions, half-truths, and uncited sources. However, it is the reaction that Clydedale’s report produced that should concern the Mexican-born immigrants in the United States. The initial storied received a total of 216 comments on the first day, “a high response rate for a news story. The vast majority accepted the findings of Clydesdale’s reported study as fact…Many…welcomed the findings, which, in view of the some- times very unpleasant nature of the comments, clearly confirmed their own prejudices” (151). The response from the native born citizens was overwhelmingly negative. The aftermath left a divided community, with one group justifying their prejudices with unsound information, and the other group deeply hurt and “gutted” (153). Is this far from reality in the US? Or is it already happening?

On a recent blog discussion, an APU student voiced his opinion that illegal immigrants cost the state of California $10 billion a year, and that they should therefore be sent back to where they came from. When presented with the idea that this would only force oppressed people back into oppression, he responded by saying it was not his concern. (Re: The Bible). At this point, this paper has established the size of the Mexican-born immigrant population, the affects their education levels has on their earnings and likelihood of incarceration, and the prejudices of the general population as reasons why the United Stated needs to reconsider what ethical treatment of Mexican-born immigrants entails.

In order to relieve the oppression the Mexican-born immigrants are living in, an ethical code must derive from the values of meeting human needs, hospitality, and providing for children. Since I am a Christian, I have a difficult time separating my ethical code from my Christian values and morals. Therefore, this section of the paper will often look to Christian justification for many of the values in an ethical code constructed with Mexican-born immigrants in mind. The first value in what shall be called Ethics of the Strangers (ES) is the value of providing every human their physical needs. In the United States, the prominent ethical codes often fall one step short of this value and value meeting the physical needs of US citizens. The concept of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is engrained in most US children. However, ES is dependent on foregoing national ties. ES values looking out for all people equally, not just American citizens. This value is important because it will motivate people to put the quality of life of none-citizens above the desire to bask in immeasurable fortune. Furthermore, and more importantly, it will inspire people to make sacrifices for the truly oppressed, even when the US citizen is not overly comfortable. It is easy to say that a rich person can neglect buying her sixth car in favor of buying an immigrant the only meal they will eat that week, but it is much harder to say that a poor woman should pay for that same meal when it means she will not eat for the first time that week. It is much harder to think in the latter, but that belief is what ES is dependent on: putting everyone’s needs on the same level and relinquishing convictions to one’s own people. This facet of ES needs to be applied to the Mexican-born immigrants because our system is setting them up for failure. Our system allows us to neglect their needs while attending to the most frivolous desires of groups who do not have to worry about every being uncomfortable due to a lack of resources. Our current system enables statistics like 60% of Mexican-borns do not have high school level educations, and are expected to live on close to $20k a year. The danger is that it not only allows those realities, it then grants the US citizen the right to look down on the Mexican-borns and even dare to accuse them of being responsible for some inconvenience. Valuing all people is about giving up comfort. ED is about giving our vast amount of comfort to those with none. ES must then value hospitality.

Hospitality in ES has both Judeo-Christian roots and American roots. In Romans 12:13, the Bible says that Christians must, “Practice hospitality” (Holman Christian Standard Bible, Rom. 12.13). Biblical teaching is that we must, “regard the foreigner who lives with you as the native-born among you. You are to love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt” (Lev. 19.34). Similarly, Deuteronomy charges Israel with the need to, “love the foreigner, for you were once foreigners in the land of Egypt” (Deut. 10.19). These Biblical teachings are foundational to ES. The value of hospitality is important because it promotes the understanding that we share “our” land with others, and that they deserve the same provisions we once received when we were strangers. From an America standpoint, the country was founded by immigrants who were strangers in the land. Both the original settlers and the founding fathers of the Union were strangers in their land at one point. The American people have striking similarity to the Israelites of the Old and New Testament, and they should therefore appreciate the Israelite value of hospitality. This component of ES should be applied to those in need because it validates their existence and communicates the fact that we see them as humans. Humans who have both physical and emotional needs that need to be met. This component of ES is important because the absence of this value results in dehumanization, which expresses itself in smugness, indifference, and uncompassion.

Finally, ES must value the desire to provide children with hope. This value may seem simple, and in reality it is. One of the biggest contributing factors for immigration is the hope that a child will have a better life in the new country (de Bres 153). Barbara Dreaver, one of the Pacific Islanders from New Zealand identifies her mother’s desire for Barbara to have a chance at life as a motivation behind their move to New Zealand. “She is hard working, clever, beautiful and well spoken…Like other islanders she has dared to dream big dreams for her kids” (ibid). Dreaver identifies the reality that our current ethical system tends to value money, and that that value dehumanizes immigrants. Dreaver says that according to Clydesdale’s report, and the current value of money, “my mum is not the sort of immigrant wanted in this country because economically she's not worth a lot” (ibid). ES is about shifting our values from money and material resources to the value of people. The element of trying to provide for children is one specific shift that is needed because it will allow US citizens to categorize people’s hard work and care for their children as more valuable than the money they can provide the system with. As Dreaver says, this value will allow the United States to realize that immigrants such as her mother are, “worth everything decent”, despite, “[not being] economically worth a lot” (ibid).

Truthfully, Ethics of the Stranger is not that different from several existing ethical codes. Of the existing codes discussed in class, Kant’s Categorical Imperative, Utilitarianism, and Joseph Fletcher and Situational Ethics are all codes that are prevalent in the United States, and they all have elements that should look similar to ES. Kant’s “do unto others” is very similar to ES’s value of hospitality. Utilitarianism’s value for doing the largest good for the largest amount of people is also a similar value to ES’s value of providing for all people. Joseph Fletcher and Situational Ethics’ value in, operational definition, and conceptual definition of love are all in line with ES’s commitment to justice and the rejection of indifference.

Ethics of the Stranger doesn’t so much make a point to say something new, but to say the same thing louder, and with more conviction. ES believes that United States citizens need to embrace the axioms of many of the already prominent ethical codes within the country. The country tends towards Millennial Ethics (as described in my last paper) which allows its citizens to pick and choose standards which benefit the self, but in order for the oppression of the Mexican-born immigrants to decline, the citizens need to embrace the values of advocating for all people, showing hospitality to strangers, and respecting qualities such as fighting for children above economic contributions. For it is as President Obama says, we need to recognize their humanity and acknowledge our opportunities, but ES is about then giving our opportunities to those that do not have them.

Works Cited

"Beyond the Border - Immigration Issues |." PBS. Web. 11 Mar. 2010.

Bishop, Sharon. "Thinking About a Professional Ethics." Language Assessment

Quarterly 1.2/3 (2004): 109-122.

Bridgeland, J., DiIulio, J., & Morison, K. (2006). The silent epidemic: Perspectives of

high school dropouts. Washington, DC: Civic Enterprises.

de Bres, Joris. "10. The Clydesdale report: Issues of media and academic responsibility."

Pacific Journalism Review 15.1 (2009): 149-167.

Harlow, C. (2003). Education and correctional populations. Bureau of Justice Statistics

Special Report. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice.

Holy Bible, Red-letter Edition: Holman Christian Standard Bible. Nashville: Holman

Bible, 2004. Print.

"Job Salary Earnings Comparison - College Degrees and High School Diploma." Top

Online Colleges & Universities | Online Degrees & Education at EarnMyDegree.com. EducationDynamics. Web. 10 Mar. 2010.

"Mexican Immigrants in the United States." Migration Information Source. Web. 13 Mar.

2010.

Lopez, Rod. Personal interview.

Obama, Barrack H. Speech at National Association of Latino Elected & Appointed

Officials. Washington D.C. Jan. 2008. Speech.

"Re: The Bible and Immigration." Web Log comment. Facebook. Web.

United States of America. U.S. Census Bureau. Average Annual Earnings—Different

Levels of Education. Earnmydegree.com. EducationDynamics. Web.

"Your Education and Your Earnings." Political Calculations. Web. 10 Mar. 2010.

Rant and Rave #4: Student Leaders

Rant and Rave #4: Student Leaders

There is a disturbing trend I have noticed in my time at APU. Since my sophomore year, I have seen or been aware of many student leaders who do not live according to the contracts they sign. I have come to realize that I have little to no patience for this. I cannot respect the people who choose to engage in public drinking, sexual intercourse, or even tobacco use.

A little background info: Strengths Finder is big on my campus, and I think part of my stance on this subject can be informed through a look at one of my top strengths.

My Responsibility strength is the basis for the component of my philosophy dealing with adherence to duty. This strength leads me to believe that roles should only be taken when someone can say that they will fulfill all required duties. For example, I have almost no tolerance for those student leaders who violate stipulations of the Student Leadership Contract.

All student leaders willingly sign the contract, which states that students will not engage in sexual activities, consume alcohol, or break any other student code of conduct. However, I am personally aware of a few cases, and have heard of numerous occasions where student leaders fail to adhere to the contract’s conditions.

These cases both break my heart and anger me. I am pained because of the loss of influence that comes with the loss of integrity. A student leader defuses their ability to be a presence and a voice when they openly engage in violations. They forfeit both their integrity and their influence, and I believe this is a universal principle for all leaders. Violating duties, and engaging in hypocritical acts undermines one’s own integrity, and their ability to positively influence others.

Rant and Rave #3: The Caf

Rant and Rave #3: The Caf

Oh the caf, the bane of my APU tenure. Dramatic?Yes. Accurate? Mostly.

My time at APU has been most noted with my education of the human condition. I have become aware of the hardships that face many of the people in the world. This realization has produced a spirit of appreciation in me. However, I still have a hard time being content with APU's cafeteria.

My main qualms are with Hospitality Services as a whole, but it manifests itself in the Caf. There is one huge, gaping issue with food service on this campus. Ask any freshmen, and 9/10 will give you the answer first time: The Caf needs more hours.

This RR is not on the Caf food. Sure it could be better sometimes, but really, the only time it is ever bad is on the weekend. Speaking of weekend, what food isn't bad on the weekend?

Food service hours are severely limited Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. On Friday and Saturday the Den, Heritage Court, and Sam's Subs close around 3:30. This is a problem. This means that the only available food through student meal plans is served in the Caf from 5:00-6:30. Let me repeat that. There is no food service on campus after 6:30 on Friday's and Saturdays.

How this reality has continued over the course of my college career is bewildering. It seems unreal to me that the hours are so limited on weekends. I for one average a dinner at 8, and a late night dinner around 11. As is, I am probably paying an additional $10 every Friday and Saturday on food.

Perhaps one way for students to actually use all their meals (since so many leave upwards of 40 meals on their plan every semester), would be to have increased hours on weekends.

Rant and Rave #2: The Clause

Rant and Rave #2: The Clause

I do not want to come across as too strong here. Yes, this is a Rant and Rave post, and yes, it is on the Clause, but I am RR'ing about a specific thing, not the newspaper as a whole.

Since my time at APU, I have noticed something about the Clause. It has terrible editing. I do not think it is an overgeneralization to claim that nearly every article a typo, grammatical error, or editing snafu. Since the start of this semester, I have noticed at least one of the above in every edition of the Clause.

Lets be realistic here. I know that the paper is largely ran and operated by students. Students who, like myself, are in over their heads with homework, meetings, social events, and life. However, it is also their job to produce that paper, and not only that, but many of them desire to become professionals.

Well Clause staff, you need to get past silly editing mistakes.

For Your Entertainment #5: Poetry

For Your Entertainment #5: Poetry

"Media"

Don't say I'm wrong when I'm true
Don't say I'm bored when I'm content
Don't say I'm in need of more when all I need is less

Your convoluted messages of glamour and glory spark my gag reflex
The money wasted on trying to figure me out
Is meant to for more

Nothing is ever enough
There is always more
Another product to push
Another sale to pitch
Another dollar to earn
Another dollar to spend

But I will have no more
I will take no more



“The opposite of both love and hate?

am I so prideful
to believe that nothing can quench My thirst?

I go day to day
thinking I am the only
One who feels this way.

pride comes before the fall.
I pray salvation comes before this wall consumes My being.

I am a shell of a thing, hardly a corpse of a man.
I long for a good cry,
a good laugh,
a good hurt,
a good anything.

for far too long,
nothing I have known has been good.

indifference
threatens to overthrow Me;
to rout My spirit
that was once ablaze.

I long to love.
I long to hate.

this absence of emotion threatens to destroy Me




"When Murder Happens"

As karma often does,
It has done again.

Pains from the past resurfacing.
But this time they surface on me.

I wish I could say I am sorry,
And give you some amount of
Atonement.

So I am sorry,
but I’m sorry because I meant it.

My actions I do not regret.
My words,
They shan’t be taken back

So even now,
When I get my just dues.

I fully understand, because now is
When Murder Happens.

So even as your grip strengthens,
I understand, because now is
When Murder Happens.

A Few of my Favorite Things #2: Random Ideas

A Few of my Favorite Things #2: Random Ideas

I love daydreaming. I can often times spend hours just mulling over random thoughts, events, theories. So, here are a few:

1. Deja vu? What is it. Some say that it is a byproduct of being tired and your brain can not keep up with reality. But if I ever wrote a piece of fiction...this is how I would put my spin on deja vu.

So suppose time travel exists. You know in movies and TV some dude always says, "Don't touch anything...if you even step on a plant wrong you can change the future!"...well technically speaking, if time travel has ever occured, we are living in the last version of the future that ever will exist. Otherwise we would not be coherent right now.

If time travel does exist, then we have theoretically lived through many different futures, and they would all be different in some ways and similar in other ways. My theory is that deja vu is when the present we are living now somehow coincides with a present we lived before. They line up similarly, but not perfectly, but close enough that it feels like we have already lived it.

2. Real-World Foreshadowing. I am going to be a bad author and assume that everyone is familiar with the literary device called foreshadowing. My theory is that this device is an adaption of real occurances.

What I mean is, foreshadowing happens in real life. Maybe not as dramatically as in stories, but it still does. Something that happens to be about once a day is I will see someone and think, "is that [insert name]...oh, no its not". Then I will turn around/turn a corner/look in a different direction and see the person I thought that other person was. Weird huh? Or maybe I am insane. Oh, no I am not, cause apparently insane people never acknowledge the fact that they are insane. Man...im crazy (just proved my point).

For Your Information #2: Nostalgia

For Your Information #2: Nostalgia

Some songs seems to stir this weird feeling of nostalgia and contentment in me. It is weird. But I dig it...cause it is nice to feel content some times. And it is also very nice to remember. Remember the faces of those who matter most, but for some reason I see least.


I find it funny that I tend to over glorify the past. I often take a singular moment that was nothing special...and in my mind make it something great that should never be forgotten. For instance, the motivation to this "note" is a song by J.E. Borgen called "All this Rain".

I listened to it a lot when my entire family went to florida a few years ago to visit my grampa. Now, when I say entire family...i mean 10 people. Two of which are handicap...ages ranging from 2-54...representing 7 different sets of grandparents (my siblings are adopted)...and most of which are more than a little bit insane. SO it was no small feat. But yeah...i was in the back seat of a rental car listening to this song while it was actualing raining outside...and it was nothing special...but now I think about it and smile...

For Your Information #1: APU Ultimate Frisbee

For Your Information #1: APU Ultimate Frisbee

For six years now, APU has had an Ultimate Frisbee team. What is Ultimate frisbee?

The team was established by a group of several friends, and they started playing games against other club teams around Southern California. Since then, the team has played teams from every corner of the country, and has competed in tournaments in as exotic and far locations as Stanford, CA and Las Vegas.

The APU Ultimate Lover's play an average of 6 tournaments a year, totaling close to 35 games. Since my freshmen year, the team has had its best year (the 2008/2009 season saw the Lovers win a school record 27 games, and a fifth place finish at the Southern California Sectionals), and this year, with a change of management and personnel, the team is facing one of the hardest seasons since its inception.

The Lovers play 3 times a week on Adams field from 4-6. The team is always looking for new people to come and play. If you are interested in playing contact Adam Lofgren

For Your Entertainment #4: Poetry

For Your Entertainment #4: Poetry

"Architecture"
I'm coming to realize the pain God must feel each time each of us turn our backs on him.

I'm coming to realize the hurt I have caused is so deep.

The feelings I feel are but bits and pieces of the pain and agony He faces with each passing moment.

How much worse are your feelings of abandonment? How much more genuine your claims?

My shed tears fall on grounds of my own design. My life structures my own demise.


"The Red Light Blinks (also a title of one on my songs and of one of my short stories"

The red light blinks

I notice it in the sky

Faint motion catches my eye

It moves slowly towards the West

And I continue on my path towards the East


"Half Moon Street"

Metaphor for a journey unfinished
Hyperbole of a truth that leads to the fiction that is our lives

The cycle is not finished
The circle not yet complete

If you get to know me
You know a soul with no repeat

My years of bottled up emotions go stagnate
For they had no means to excrete

Time spent on all of you was wasted
My level of friendship you could not meet

But my life is not finished
I can walk a few more feet

This story is not over
I've written but one sheet

Rant and Rave #1: Conservative vs. Liberal

Rant and Rave #1: Conservative vs. Liberal

Ahh, the age old debate, or at least on college campuses. Being in my senior year at Azusa Pacific University, I have seen this argument time and time again, and I have begun to feel an awful bitterness towards both sides.

A little history: I grew up in a midwestern, middle class suburb. My parents and I have attended church since I can remember, and I have grown up in circles with conservative biases. My church, neighborhood, and schools growing up all told me that it was Christian to be conservative. Furthermore, they all seemed to reject liberalism as some sort of demi-religion. A religion that has replaced God with the worship of humans, nature, and any other number of evil things.

However, my dad is a scientist (gasp!). An earth scientist. A geologist. My relationship with my dad has largely informed the current beliefs I hold. Not wanting to stray to far off topic, I will simply say that he has shown me that religion and science can not only coexist, but they actually inform each other. Science, the study of God's creation, actually informs Humanity's understanding of the Divine.

Bringing it back: So, conservative or liberal? In my opinion, neither.

I don't think either actually defines the majority of the people who identify themselves as such, but the lack of other appropriate titles forces the majority of people to choose one or the other.

People who are really similar throw insults back and forth, and then hold to party lines and platforms that make no sense with the rest of their values, but they have to, because it is all or nothing.

Either it is right to be a conservative. Or it is right to be a liberal. Cognitively you and I might not believe that, but that is how our system is set up, and that is why both sides fight the other with such tenacity and maliciousness.

Both camps present their platforms as being one complete structure. Every precept, of every claim, or every stance, on every topic is interrelated, and this causes an inability to admit flaws in any position.

If conservative A were to admit to liberal X that the conservative view on immigration may be slightly flawed, every other belief the conservative had would be called into question. This is the dominant mentality I have seen, and as a result, students on this campus refuse to engage in conversations with each other.

Great man and woman from both the Left and Right engage in disgraceful arguments.
I see conservatives acting like 4 year olds all the time, but I also see liberals acting the same. Both sides enforce poor values and morals, and both sides promote good values and morals. The problem is people actually think one side is better/worse than the other. You get 6 with one, and half a dozen with the other.

So, which is it? Again, in my opinion, neither. Where does that leave us? I am not sure. But I will address this in future posts.

For Your Entertainment #3: Poetry

For Your Entertainment #3: Poetry

"Untitled- April 2007"

The echo chimes within these walls.
I listen to it rise and fall.

Like us, the wave tires from motion.
Rapid movement can not last, no matter the devotion.





"The Disillusioned"

Inspiration eludes me,
The marginalized is all I know.
The filth of this culture chokes the lungs of creativity.

All I see now are contradictions.
My battle between love and lust grows old.
All I long for are meaningful truths, and all I know is fiction.

Words fail m,
The rapid pace of distraction sapped my mind long ago.

Acting without thinking is animalistic,
But thinking without acting forms a prison.
And I, for one, am tired of these bars confining me.



"Untitled- March 2007"

This was not my intention:

To swell your eyes,
Bruise your brow,
Bend your back,
And elicit a scowl.



"Pain"

A knot resides in my chest.
A bundle wound unlike any other.

A weight sits on my being.
A mass greater than any other.

I'm choking from inside out.
Despairs dark grip holds on tight.


"Darkness"

Darkness is not a shadow.
At least not in the terms we know.

It is a blanket of comfort to those of us who stoup this low.

For Your Entertainment #2: The Red Light Blinks- Short Story

For Your Entertainment #2: The Red Light Blinks- Short Story

The red light blinked.

__________________________________________________________________

“Good morning San Francisco!”

“And what a good morning it is Bob”.

“ Too true John, too true”.


Slowly, the 30 something man rose from his position on the couch. He basked in the bliss that exists in the few minutes of time before one remembers why they slept on the couch the previous night. In his mouth, the familiar taste of beer and cigarettes lingered. The smell of fresh coffee filled the air, and the scent found its way into the man’s nose.
“Looks like today is gonna be rather mild. Not too hot, not too cold.
Temperatures will be around average, and there is a very, very small chance of rain. What’s the morning commute looking like John?”
“Well, in-bound traffic is traveling at a steady pace. About 25 minutes from Sue Ave. to downtown. Not great, but not too bad either.”
“Seems like today is just a run of the mill day huh?”
“ Yep, looks to me like you can say…”

Remembering why he was on the couch, the man turned off the alarm clock and meandered into the kitchen. The man’s wife stood by the counter. He approached her as she busied herself with a pot of coffee.

“Good morning.”
“Don’t good morning me”
“Hun, listen. I’m sorry. Really I am. Really. I stopped by the bar on my way home because some of the guys at work were throwing a party for Dan.”
“Dan?”
“The new guy, its his birthday. Mark has been telling me to make my presence known for weeks. So, I figured I would, you know. Go to the bar. Hang out with the guys.”
“That’s ok. But it is not ok that you didn’t call. And it is not ok that you come into my house at 2:30 in the damn morning, reeking of booze and cheap perfume.”
“I told you, they dressed Dan up as a dancer…you know, the new guy hazing treatment.”
“I know, I trust you. But that was not the issue. I was worried sick. You were supposed to be home by 11, 12 at the latest.”
“I’m sorry. I just last track of time.”
“Typical.”
“Ok. Excuses aside. I just put myself ahead of you. I acted selfishly.”
“How…”
“I didn’t call. That shows that I was not concerned with your feelings.”
“Keep going.”
“I did not think of what you had in mind for last night.”
“That’s true.”
“And it was also selfish of me to assume that you would be ok with me being at some strange bar with a bunch of guys you don’t care for. And…”
“That’s enough. I know you care…you just need to practice showing it sometimes. Now if you don’t get a move on, both you and Pat are gonna be late.”
“Oh that’s right! Pat has to go in early today. Where is he, and how much time do I have to get ready?”
“In his room, and 10 minutes.”
“Damnit.”
________________________________________________________________
And still it blinked.
________________________________________________________________________

“Well, it appears that the President is still on schedule for his visit.”
That’s a first.”
“Easy there John.”
“Ha. I think the President of the United States can handle a little crack from a local radio personality. Or, at least, I hope.”
“Well anyway. The whole city is looking forward to his address. The guys at civic center have been working relentlessly the last several weeks, preparing for his stay”.
“CLICK”.

Nearing his son’s school, the man turned off the radio and addressed his son.
“You know, lots of people are going to be at the civic center tonight”.
“I know dad, I’m excited too”.
“Well actually, I have been meaning to talk to you about this. I want you to stay home”.
“But Dad…”
“No “buts” Pat. I want you and your mother to stay at the house tonight.
“Why? You get to go”.
“They expect over 100,000 people to be there, and over 40 senators as well. Security will be very tight”.
“Then why can’t I go?”
“Because the circumstances are just asking for something to happen. Put 100,000 people in a tight space, add some hyper sensitive police forces, and you get your self a tense situation.”
“Dad…”
“I won’t hear any more. Promise me you will not be there.”
“…”
“Promise me.”
“Ok fine, I promise.”
“What do you promise?”
“I promise to not go to the civic center tonight.”
“Thank you.”
____________________________________________________________

A short 30 minutes later, the man parked his car, and went into his office. Although not fabulous or high paying job, his position at the civic center offered many personal opportunities to him. He never really viewed himself as being much of a white collared, cubicle office, working man, but he did what was demanded of him. Unlike the rest of the people at the office, he did not fill his 10’ X 10’ space with pictures and icons of his personal life. He kept his office the way he had acquired it: one fake rose bush in the corner, the little statue of a Greek thinking man, an old stereo, and a single picture of a sunflower hanging at an odd angle on one of the cubicle walls. The man’s ability to keep work at work, and home life at home made him a target of his boss’ attention. Ever since he had started working there he had rose in the ranks at a fast place. He starting off at an entry-level position, but he now supervised over 10 men. His ambition and his desire to do the best at whatever was asked of him is what enable him to be the subject of multiple promotions. His boss found it odd when he passed up yet another promotion opportunity. The man said he was fond of being assistant director of special events.
Normally, the he would lose himself in his workload, but today, he couldn’t help but look forward to his lunch break with excitement and nervousness.
__________________________________________________________________


“Its 11:30 AM and the President’s plane has arrived, and it appears as if his convo is now headed to his hotel, where he will stay for a few hours before his speech tonight”
“Oh it’s so exciting, Bob. And to top it all off, the day is just getting warmer. We have exceeded are expected high by about 10 degrees now.”
“Oh a very nice day indeed.”
Without further ado, the man turned off the old radio and left his office. Walking at a steady pace, almost running really, he preceded on his path. Past the offices of the civic center and to the outside amphitheater. He past the security guards and the check point stations with a flick of his I.D. badge and continued on his course. Coming to a stop behind the pulpit, which would soon be the Presidents conduit to the nation. Being in charge of this specific event, he wanted to make sure all was correct, and that there would be no unexpected surprises or mistakes. Doing a final round, he came to inspect the core of the pulpit, and all was in its place.

The red light blinked.

“Please mom, please!”
“What did your father say about it Pat?”
“He said don’t go…and to stay home with you. But he did not know that I could get extra credit by going.”
“Why did he want us to stay home?’
“He said it would not be safe. But he also said there will be lots of police and security. Please.”
“Alright, fine. But only for a little while. We will go, and come back home before it is done and that way he won’t know we even went.”
“Thanks mom! You’re the best!”

The time had come. The president’s caravan was moments away, and the man stood near the pulpit, awaiting the arrival. Nervousness threatened to overtake the man. Never had he taken on such a job as this. But this was the real deal. This was the major league. This was the President of the United States of America.
The man played with the small device in his pocket absently. Fingering it over and over again in those moments that passed like lifetimes. The man’s mind wondered and played possible scenarios of how this day would turn out.
A loud noise jolted the man back to reality. Really, it was more like a number of loud noises: The most distant being the protestors at the entrance to the amphitheater, the jeering of the uncivilized, and the polite applause of those with dignity. The sound was deafening, but even louder was the truth that rang out in the man’s mind then. For surely the President had arrived, and soon he would be standing at the pulpit, ready to deliver his speech.
“Mom, come on.”
“Where are we going Pat?’
“Ms. Fenning said to meet the rest of our class by the news tent because they are going to talk to us.”
As the pair approached the tent, the news crew talking to Ms. Fenning looked their way, and rapidly moved towards them. After all, they were the family of the man in charge of the day’s events.

The man grew nauseous as the President stood before him with his hand outstretched. Reluctantly he shook the hand in front of him, he could not back out now.
“I’m told you’re the man that got the events of today together.”
“That would be me…sir.”
Choking back the urge to laugh, the man ignored the all to true words of the President and motioned him to follow him onto the platform that was home to the pulpit. His temperament changed quickly. It was time fore him to fulfill his duty. Instinctively, his hand went to his pocket again. In that moment, he thought he heard the voice of his son, but he quickly dismissed it as cold feet. There was no way he could have heard a single voice with that crowd all around. And yet, he hesitated. But he had come to far to stop now. He lifted the plastic case on the device in his pocket, and pressed the button that lay underneath the protection of the case. In that moment, he new he was done. The bomb was set, and the President was making his way towards the mic on the pulpit. His voice being that which would ignite the bomb. 5 seconds; the time from the Presidents first word into the mic, to the time of the explosion.
“Good evening.”
It was set. The bomb began its last clicks, sounding them over the loud speakers.
“Click. Click. Click…”
The man looked up to the large screen monitor to his right. What his eye saw burned a whole in his heart. There on the large screen TV stood his son and his wife.
“…Click…”
Although he knew he had succeeded in his mission, he also knew he had damned those he loved most. A single raindrop fell on his brow. His eyelash had the impulse to wipe the water from his eye, but…
“Click.”
…the red light blinked no more.

A Few of My Favorite Things #1: English Football (Soccer)

A Few of my Favorite Things #1: English Football (Soccer)

English Football. A thing of beauty.

I grew up with my older brother, Craig, playing soccer. Craig is 10 years older than me, and much of my elementary school days were filled with admiration for him. Craig was a great soccer player, and it was his example which got me into the game.

I would go into our backyard with him and marvel as he kicked the ball higher into the air than I could fathom. He seemed like a giant then. He seemed like a god. This man amazed me, and I wanted to be like him.

Craig developed my love of soccer. Together, with my dad, we would watch any and all games that graced American broadcasting.

Enough with history. How about today? Well, I have only got more and more enamored with the game. Picking a team to follow in high school served to only enhance my love for soccer. I am a Chelsea FC fan.

Chelsea has a long history in the English Premier League. In recent years, Chelsea has had their fair share of success, and my love for the sport has grown with every season.

Why you should consider English Football:

1. It is getting more accessible: I can find nearly every game online, and many matches are broadcasted on regular cable networks. For a monthly fee as low as $5 in some locals, a homeowner can watch a new endless supply of soccer on their TV.

2. The game is fun! Seriously: I know it may not seem American to like a sport where score lines can be as low as 0-0 after 90 minutes of play, but soccer's excitement is in every element of the game, not just the scoring. Now, imagine if there is excitement in every pass, dribble, and run. How much more is the excitement of a game winning goal? A goal that comes in the last five minutes of a game! That is excitement.

3. National pride: Soccer is a sport of epic proportions. No other sport hosts such a tournament as the World Cup. Just coming from the Winter Olympics, I have seen firsthand the level of national pride that comes with watching our athletes compete. Americans banned around teams and athletes that most had never given a thought to before, and they loved it. The World Cup, and all other international games, provide an opportunity for entertainment that is largely going to waste.

For those interested, start here

Need more convincing?

Yay or Nay #1: Alice in Wonderland

Yay or Nay #1: Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland (2010), Tim Burton's re-imagining of a classic tale of mystery, wonder, and intrigue fall short.

Based on the world from Lewis Carroll's novel, Tim Burton takes far too many liberties with characters and plots and presents a rather nonsensical picture for his audience.

Set Design: 8/10

This was a very pretty movie to look at. All of the locations were vibrant and it all worked to make the locations of Wonderland its own character. Truly, Wonderland may have been the only character I liked in this film. Of particular note are the final battle and the tea party. The final battle took place on a giant chess bored. I found this to be quite inventive, and the tea party reflected the state of desperation the world of Wonderland was in.

Character Design: 8/10

I have seen many varying opinions on this facet of the film. Different critiques feel Burton's imagination took precedent over quality. The Hatter is often mentioned by critics who disliked the film's character design. Personally, the film was pretty to look at, I always had something to appreciate, and this merits an 8/10. It tended towards being over done, and I think a slightly more subtle approach could have made a greater impact.

Plot: 4/10

This was the movie's downfall. Rather than taking the great template of Carroll's novel, Burton saw fit to take the story to a new chapter. However, this new chapter was more reminiscent of Narnia, than Wonderland. Burton's story makes Alice into a dragon slaying hero, and to say that this felt forced, is an understatement. Not once did I believe in Alice the hero of arms. The character of Alice is a hero, and a warrior, but of the pen and voice, not sword and shield.

Overall Score: 7/10

I cannot in good conscience give this movie a higher rating than a 7/10 or a "C". Therefore, Nay.

For Your Entertainment #1: Man vs. (vending) Machine

For Your Entertainment #1: Man vs. (vending) Machine

With hard work comes hunger. With incredible academic rigor, combined with procrastination, comes something much MUCH worse.

The story begins on a normal night, completely unremarkable. However, it happened to be the night that I had to pull an all nighter to finish a paper on ethics for my senior seminar class. After finding upwards of 10 sources (4 journals, 4 websites, 1 interview, and 1 Bible...for those interested), and creating quite the proficient outline, I gave in to the insistent naggings of my stomach. Proudly producing a $5 bill from wallet, I made for the forth floor vending machine with a slight hop in my step. I arrived, and true to my strategic self, I decided to cash my $5 in for quarters at the change machine adjacent to my buildings vending machine (after all, quarters are as good as gold on a college campus) But oh how I would come to rue this decision!

I cheerfully slipped the bill into the slot with smile upon my face. Rejected. It was an old bill after all, but nothing some slight flattening couldn't fix. The better part of 15 minutes went by with no luck. With all options exhausted (yes, even ironing it), I was close to resignation. But then I remembered the money we RA's keep in a hidden place from lockouts and such. Yes, there I would find my singles and change. There I could leave the damn $5 in exchange for something better. The best thing is, it worked. $4 in quarters and a $1 bill. I made way to the vending machine with that familiar hop returning. I immediately slip the $1 into the change machine and out slides 4 quarters. Palming the other 3, I go to insert the first quarter into the vending machine, and look! A fresh stock of the TGI Friday's Potato Skins. Score. Something's amiss? My quarter won't fit...

The change slot on the vending machine is jammed, and I just changed my only dollar. I produce my keys and unceremoniously jab them in and out of the slot. After several minutes of this I realize it is other change which is blocking the slot, a better option than say paper. Hope.

Another 5 minutes go by. I'm sweating. Annoyed. Hungry...and then a coin goes down the slot. Then another, and another. The key stab method was working, and the change was all falling into the return bin. Nearly $2. It feels clean, so I throw a nickel in to test it. It goes in! I then put in 4 quarters, and select A4 (the potato skins). I get a beep and a flashing "$1.00" sign. The change went in, but it didn't count. It wasn't in the return slot. It was just gone. That hope a minute ago gave way to an almost stifling despair. I went to the RA hiding place one more time. I had left a $1 there earlier. I placed 3 quarters, 2 dimes, and a nickel in its place, and returned to the damned machine. The bill slides in without event. A4. Bag of skins falls. Not exactly sure I can call that a victory, but 265 calories never tasted so good...