Hello to all today:

Well on Friday I was hit by another vehicle on my way home from school. I was like 4 miles away from the house. I was turning a corner and BOOM! I was hit by another car...head on!

I'm ok...went to DR. I have whiplash and pulled some muscles in my shoulder and back. I also have second degree burns on my arms from the airbags.

Mostly, I am depressed. The car will probably be totalled out so there goes the last thing I had in my name! I mean now I have to get a new car since I don't have any form of income...boyfriend pays for everything...I don't know how I'm going to get another car. I don't know if it'll be easy since boyfriend and I are not married.

Wow...one little turn and everything becomes more complicated!

I don't know.
I guess I just wanted to let you guys know

Thanks for stopping in today:
Nik

Hello to all today:



I would like to talk today about the little thing we call media. In today's world we can not only find anything in a blink of the eye via the Internet, we also are seeing things in real time. Think of September 11th. How many of us actually watched the second tower be hit? How many of us saw the people on the street as they were on the street?

Mass media

Now, let us think about the impact of this media. For this topic I would like to look at schools and violence. During a conversation in my class, I realized this is a hot topic and many people have an opinion on it. So here we go...would school violence be as prevalent in our school systems without this instant gratification of media? When a school is under attack by student or just any random person, we as a nation are instantly aware of the situation.

On the negative side of this we are exposing ourselves to the idea that there are some really messed up people out there. We are also exposing this idea to our children. We are learning and teaching fear. We are exposing ourselves to the finality of death.

On the positive side of this we are exposing ourselves to the idea that there are some really messed up people out there. We are also exposing.....ok you get the point?

School shootings are scary. They frighten us because our children should not have to walk through metal detectors on their way to ninth grade English, nor should they have to be confronted with the death process at such a young age. Ask a child or the parent of a child if they feel safer now.

Mass media

Many people blame the media for the war in Iraq...I know follow me here. Some say that the negative spin on the war has caused American's to reject the war altogether.

I applaud the media for finally bringing this footage to the American people. It's really easy to support a war that you don't know anything about. For example, it's easy to support a war when you always think we are winning, and have no idea there is a civil war blazing away where our troops are stationed. It's really easy to support a war when you don't see American soldiers on their third stay in Iraq. It's really easy to support a war when you don't see the heartache and the pain in children who's parents have been gone for over a year. (PLEASE NOTICE I SAID SUPPORT A WAR AND NOT SUPPORT OUR TROOPS)

Mass media

Shall we look at mass media in politics? Do we really need to? Okay-sure not a problem. How simple is it turn off the radio, the TV, or the Internet when you start to hear something you don't agree with? I know at least one person who has not watched the first political debate, news conference, or politician this term and will vote for the republican in her area...because that's what she believes.

Hopefully, through mass media some of us have seen or heard something that made us not only think for ourselves, but question the things we have believed for so long...that may have been a lie -- flat out and simple.

Give me your thoughts.
How do you guys view mass media and its impact on your life and those around you?
Would you like to see changes within the media industry?

Thanks for stopping in today:
Nik

Hello to all today:

This post is going to be extremely simple. How do you guys feel about having a woman pres?

I really like Hillary Clinton. I hope she runs and I hope she wins in 2008. I am worried however, about her baggage...that being the former pres Clinton. I am afraid that many people will not even give her a chance due to her relationship with him.

What do you guys think? Yes or no on women presidents...and who would you like to see run in 08....man or woman?



Thanks for stopping in today:
Nik

Hello to all today:

Politics, Politics, Politics. Yes, I know that all of my recent posts have centered around this subject, but I feel like that our political atmosphere needs to be addressed. It seems like so many Americans want to complain about the issues in politics but have no interest in actually discussing the system itself. So I am going to attempt to do just that.

Our political system is divided, and at one time it was believed that the majority of people fell to the right. Those on the left were college professors and minorities. Recently, from talking to local school students (those interested), and some of my friends outside of school I see a split in ideals, and how one views the political system. This post comes from the conversation I had with my father a few nights ago.

We have two main systems...Republicans and Democrats. However, if I am not mistaken there are a few Independents in the Senate and maybe one or two in Congress. But the majority of representatives are of the previous two. In America we have had numerous political fronts (the Whigs, the Know-nothings, etc.).

In today's world it would be a benefit for a party to arise out of the overwhelming split in these two main parties. The majority of American's do not vote. They choose not to vote for various reasons: they don't think that their vote will matter, they do not see a candidate that they are willing to actually vote for, but mainly they don't agree with much of a candidates beliefs.

My question is if there is a majority of people who do not vote for these reasons then why is there not a party to represent these people? I used to think if a party came up it would split the Dem. party and eventually make the Rep. stronger. (I think this because the Rep. are a religious party and usually vote on morale issues...which in turn makes them stronger, not to mention most voters are older in age, thus they are loyal to a party due to years of support)

My Dad wants to see a third party emerge. He said it would bring back the democracy and actually challenge politicians to campaign again instead of slandering the opponent. I think there may be some merit to this.

What do you think would happen if there was a strong third party? Who do you think it would effect the most? Do you think it would encourage more people to vote?



Well I have a power-point presentation to complete so I hope I will have more time to address this later.

Thanks for stopping in today:
Nik

Hello to all today:

Here are some little things I would like to share with you and anyone else reading! These are my beliefs, and this is what I want to discuss before elections! These are the issues important to me.

1) I believe there should be strict gun control laws brought into my state and others throughout the US. Accidents have just become too frequent, and violent murders are usually associated with weapons such as guns. I understand that tougher gun regulations will not put a stop to violent crime, but it could detour those only considering a crime.

2) I believe there should be a separation between church and state. I also believe religion should not be used in politics by either party. I also think religion should stay out of the white house and any other house where public decisions are made. ALSO, no one should be using God as a backup for war. (BTW -- where is God's approval now that thousands have been slain and war is not coming to an end?)

3) I believe in a US medical plan...to cover all her citizens not just the elderly and poor (which is not effectively done anyway). I think that the US needs to catch up with our friends and neighbors around the world and help keep our people healthy!

4) I believe that education should be given a larger chunk of economical funding! There are plenty of reasons I believe this but the main point is our children and our future deserve the best in tools and teachers no matter where they live or their economic status. P.S. I also vote yes for a voucher system given the opportunity!

5) I believe there should be a stronger backup for social security, and I think there should be appointed officials making sure America's elderly are being taken care of!

6) I believe that America should be recognized for the strength and power in uplifting countries rather destroying them. I think we should become more interested in feeding the poor in Africa (hell I'd even settle for the poor in New York City) then helping democracy start in other countries...(i'll come back to this point!).

7) I think that my representative should be willing to fight for a better fuel source than the one we have now. I.e. solar energy, wind energy, energy from grains and corns! We should not be investing millions if not billions into coal energy plants...we already have them, and they are not safe for the environment, and we KNOW this now. It is time to move on to a healthier America! A healthier world!

8) I believe there should be stronger penalties for anyone who breaks the law. I don't care if you are the President or Mel Gibson. It is time for ALL people to be held responsible for their crimes. I am ssssooo sick of appoligies...I want fairness.

9) I believe that every person should have the same rights. I think that one person and his/her neighbor should be held to the same standards and be granted the same rights no matter what! That means NO EXCEPTIONS.

10) I believe that America needs to be a little more acceptant of those entering into our country. We are at war in another country fighting for democracy, but allow those people in the US to practice it here and our feelings change? I don't get it.

These are just 10 of the things I am looking for in the up coming elections. There are some deletions such as abortion and the death penalty. I have deleted issues like these off my 'wish list' because these issues are not too political. People who pick their representatives on these issues are naive and have no idea what they are really voting for! That is why there are so many incompetent leaders in our nation today. I think everyone should make a list of what you want answered and send it to the people running in your state, in your county and demand answers to these questions.

Stop allowing leaders control your vote by appealing to your morals. Whether you agree or not...please pay closer attention to who you are electing this time.

Feel free to tell me what you guys are looking out for this term...or if your not looking out for anything.

Thanks for stopping in today:
Nik