When Freedoms Can Go Wrong

Thousands of US diplomatic cables were leaked, and now relations with other countries that have taken years to grow and maintain are at risk. And that is just the lesser of the possible negative effects of the leaks

Although I am a firm believer in the First Amendment rights of everyone, I do believe that the safety and well-being of Americans is more important. The leak of these classified documents to the entire world is a show of weakness to the everyone around us.

I believe that Putin's criticism of America after one document from American defense secretary Robert Gates icily described Russia's current government was every bit justified. Although Secretary Gates' opinion is important and most likely true, it is not something that Russia, or for that matter, even Americans needed to know about.

The actions of this person who is supposed to not only an American soldier, but American soldier, are not excusable. He has undermined US-international relations that are going to be extremely hard to mend.

So I believe that Putin had every right to discuss his issues with the US on "Larry King Live". Those are things that he should have never heard through a leak on the internet. His country did not deserve to be publicly humiliated, no matter if it is true or not, in the way that it was.

A Clean Jim Morrison?

Florida Governor Charlie Crist is trying to give something to The Doors frontman Jim Morrison that he rarely experienced in is life as a rockstar-- a clean slate.

Crist has made a public statement of his intention to "submit Morrison’s name to a state clemency board next month."

He is trying to clear Morrison's name for the infamous incident in 1969 when Morrison allegedly exposed himself to a concert crowd in Miami during a particularly "raucus" performance. He was issued five one felony and misdemeanor charges. Morrison "was fined $500 and sentenced to six months in jail but never served the time; he was appealing the conviction when he died in Paris in 1971 at 27. "

The New York Times offers great insight into what the governor intends to do, how the people who worked with the case when it initially happened are reacting to the news and what the DA's office plans to do with if the clemency board looks into the matter.

While Crist, an Independent and former Republican, explained that he wants to clear Morrison's record because he feels "that maybe an injustice has been done here."

"Claude R. Kirk Jr., who was Florida’s governor from 1967 to 1971, seemed annoyed to be asked about the Morrison case by telephone this week. "

He felt that the right that had been done when the case came before the state and Morrison was found guilty. He also had quite an opinion of Morrison's manner of death.

"Morrison died in the condition he elected to die," Kirk said.

The district attorney of Miami-Dade County, Katherine Fernandez Rundle, said that if the case were brought to her office, she would not "waste [her] lawyers’ time in an effort to fight an attempted pardon."

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Many Doors fans are elated at the news of a possible new record for Morrison. Many people are not so happy to see it happen, posthumously or not. However, in a society where an heiress can cry her way out of a drug sentence, an actor can murder his wife and get away with it, and large businesses can take millions of dollars from investors and tax payers alike and not face any liability, I personally see no reason to not give Morrison a pardon. After all, there was actually no tangible evidence in his case, and he did not get his fair appeal that was rightfully his.

Gross Journalism

We are in an era of talking heads. A time when we let far right or far left wing nuts spoon feed us our news, based on our political preference. It is sickening, really. But the least you can do, when you are CLEARLY not a news network, but a thorn in the side of real news journalism, is admit what you truly are.

The New York Times reported that Keith Olbermann would be allowed to return to work. His show "Countdown" is described in the Times as being a "megaphone for Democrats and the most popular program on MSNBC."

What was Olbermann suspended for, you ask? Giving money to three Democratic candidates. Although donating money to candidates is not against MSNBC's policy, potential gifters must first clear it with the network, which Olbermann did not do.

Now, I do not think that it was bad that he have the money to the candidates. I think that he was appropriately punished. I think that he did not deserve to lose his job. My problem lies with another MSNBC network "news" host.

Rachel Maddow had the audacity to say because Olbermann was punished, it "confirmed that that Fox News was a 'political operation' while MSNBC was a 'news operation'." In my humble opinion, Maddow is off her rocker.

Fox News markets itself as being "fair and balanced", even though they are clearly supporters of the Republican/Conservative cause. By my standards, it is not a legitimate way to get 'fair and balanced' news. However, neither is MSNBC. The fact that Maddow felt the need to make a distinction makes no sense to me. Just because the network does not use its name as a fundraising tool does not mean that it is not tainted. The bias-fuled, one sided news that you see on MSNBC is not too different than what is on Fox... it just has a better presentation.

...And that's how I feel about that. It's just gross journalism, plain and simple. Entertainment.

The Bears? Really?

So the story that I'm blogging about this week is an old one... but that is what makes it so great. The Bears game facing the Longhorns was discussed in a section of the New York Times weekly collegiate football picks, where the Times unanimously supported Texas for the win against Baylor.

The author flat out said that "A loss to the Bears, no matter how talented they are, would be a low point for Texas under Mack Brown."

Well, looks like ole Mack has hit rock bottom. Almost a week after the Bears took the win from the Horns, making them 7-2 this season, the team is ranked 22nd in the nation.

Although I am generally not a competitive person, the outright dismissal of Baylor football was a bit hard to deal with, and I cannot deny the joy that swelled when we finally won the game. Perhaps this win will convince other doubters that the Bears are hungry for wins and a real force to be reckoned with.

A Stoners' Memoir

Michiko Kakutani penned a lovely, in-depth description of Rolling Stone guitarist Keith Richards' memoir, "Life". The article, located here, gives a detailed look into the once troubled rock-star's past, and offers readers explanations for many choices and accounts of the consequences of those choices.

As a Rolling Stones fan, I am very excited about this book. I believe that Richards is at the perfect age and point in his life to write such a book. It is important for there to be an accurate account of the life of clean and sober, influential rock musician. The rehabilitated Keith Richards is able to describe things that he has lived through that could possibly make an impression on younger musicians.

I think that the book will be a fun, insightful read, and I look forward to reading it.

Republican Donors Invitation in the NYT...Good or Bad?

The New York Times published an article today about an extremely exclusive meeting of the Republican donors' minds. The article was accompanied by an excerpt of a copy of a letter sent to possible donors, inviting them to this meeting to be held in at a resort in Ranchos Mirage, California. The invitation is from one of the two brother/billionaire co-owners of Koch Industries, a company that has long supported libertarian ideas.

I am afraid that my emotions about this topic are very mixed.

My first question is about the Times printing the letter, that includes the place, date and time of the meeting. Is it ethical for it to be printed, assuming that the letter was not directed towards the press and is presumed to be a secret? Perhaps there is someone who does not want the some of the wealthiest men in America supporting causes that they do not believe in, and that person wants to do harm to these men. Or is it the right of the people to know who is controlling the strings of government?

My next issue is the idea that a few wealthy members of society decide how to govern a nation. Does that make sense? Now, be sure that I am not saying these are not good, respectable people. But who is to say that they are not looking out for their own bottom line, instead of the good of the nation? I believe that the presence of knowledge, wisdom and good will, not money, should determine who makes decisions. But am I wrong? Should those who have been fortunate to have fortunes have such a large say in the government? I do not want to come across as wanting to limit free speech and the right to support the beliefs you choose, but why is there so much secrecy? Would it not be for the good of the people to have transparency?

What do you think about it all? You can read the article here and decide for yourself.

The Miners' Mindset

An article in the New York times described how the Secrecy Pact is Eroding.

When the 33 Chilean miners were rescued, the collective sigh of relief from everyone keeping up with them could almost be felt anywhere. The men, who had survived being over 2,000 feet underground, had made a pact of secrecy during the 69 days that they were trapped in the mine. They were going tell the story together, and they were going to share the money from it.

However, when they made it up to the surface, it seemed that the pact was not as tight as it was supposed to be. As news outlets from around the world began offering the miners, who are poor for the most part, good compensation for their stories it became too hard to refuse for some. Some of the men have already given interviews, while others are set to give them later on.

I believe that it is very noble for the miners, who depended on each other for over two months, to try to share their profits. However, I also believe that it is going to be extremely hard from here on out to accomplish that in anyway. Even with their book, some miners will contribute more than others, and will want to be compensated for that.

It means a lot that they have not yet given any real detail as to what went on in the collapsed mine, even though they have given several interviews separately. I just find it hard to believe that they will be able to keep it up, at the rate that they are being offered large sums of many from many news outlets.

One thing is certain, though. The miners have made it through an amazing ordeal, and after this initial storm of media coverage, should be able to live well in the long run. I pray that they can continue being on friendly terms, and that their are no disputes, for their sakes.

Is three a crowd?

American politics are at a stand-still. Both sides of the government are bogged down with loyalties to special interest groups, companies and party platforms that it is nearly impossible to practice law-making without partisanship barring compromise.

Politicians are too willing to bend their moral values and the basis of what they were elected for than to risk losing essential campaign dollars. Their concern is not for the people they represent, but instead for getting re-elected.

In an article by Thomas L. Friedman, a columnist for the New York Times, there was a comparison of America to the great fallen empire of Rome. Friedman quoted the book “The Condition of Man” by historian Lewis Mumford. The book, which recounted the fall of Rome, described how "everyone aimed at security: no one accepted responsibility." The excerpt continued to describe details of problems within the structure of the empire. As Friedman commented in his Op-Ed, the account deeply echoed the appearance of American society today.

Politicians are not held accountable for their actions as representatives of the people of the United States of America. Americans are looking for and clinging to the idea of security-maintaining what they have.

As Friedman points out, the problem is not with the "inner-go" of America. We are still intellectually curious and adventurous for the most part. The problem is with the idea of the Democrat and Republican parties controlling the country, and not running it with the best intentions for the present and future.

I agree with Friedman's hint of a "serious third-party candidate" for the President if the two major parties do not shape up (which is highly unlikely). This country NEEDS a true voice, that can look into the needs of the future, as well as the present, that can speak the true necessities of the citizens, that can look for solutions and plan ahead, without having to worry about party politics.

In George Washington's farewell address, he warned against political parties. "The disorders & miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security & repose in the absolute power of an Individual," of Washington said. The point of a democracy is so that the people rule. The people. Something needs to happen so that the people's voice is heard, be that a major third party, party reform or the abolishing of the two-party system all together. So to answer the name of the post, I believe it might not be. Three just may be the answer.


The article can be found here.

Back on Top

The young Spanish tennis star, Rafael Nadal, is back at No. 1 on the Association of Tennis Professionals annual ranking.

Nadal also finished first in the 2008 ranking.

According to an article in the New York Times, "Nadal has won nine major titles in his career and is one of seven men to complete a career Grand Slam."

The 23-year-old is very excited about the win. He is ranked over Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Roger Federer of Switzerland.

Although personally I am a Federer fan, I am truly happy for Nadal and his amazing feat.

Also noteworthy—there are four Spaniards in the Top 20 of the ATP ranking this year, meaning they have more representatives in the Top 20 than any other country.

Unknown Secrets of the Known

Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has announced the name and release date of his upcoming memoir.

The book, “Known and Unknown,” is said to be "both a fascinating narrative for today’s readers and an unprecedented resource for tomorrow’s historians," by Adrian Zackheim, whose firm Sentinel is publishing the memoir.

Rumsfeld served as defense secretary under Presidents Gerald Ford and George W. Bush. He also served in various other positions, including four terms in the House of Representatives, a partial stint as White House Chief of Staff under Ford, and leading roles in two large corporations.

According to an article by Julie Bosman of the New York Times, publishers promise "revealing details" from his extensive government career, as well as bits about people ranging from Margaret Thatcher to Elvis Presley and Dick Cheney to Saddam Hussein.

I don't know about you, but I am pretty excited about the memoir's Jan. 25th arrival.

Paying the Price

It has been months since the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, but many people are still feeling the effects of that devastating gulf gusher.

Many of the independent owners of BP gas stations are still reeling from the disaster. Although they had no part in the actions that caused the spill, they are dealing with large dips in sales, which in many cases equates to problems maintaining middle-class lifestyles.

As someone who was raised by self-employed people, I cannot help but be upset for these small business owners. I know how hard it was for my mom when our local convenience store was struggling, and the idea that innocent people are suffering because of bad calls made at a corporate level is infuriating.

In an article written by John Collins Rudolf in the New York Times about the station owners' struggles, single, independent BP store owner Jayendra Patel described that his sales have fallen to almost 50 percent of what they were before the spill.

Although it is the people's right to decide where they want to spend their money, BP should support the owners of its independently branded stores so that people such as Mr. Patel may not worry about having to lose their livelihood because of something that was out of their hands.

Life's a dance

Well, this has been a crazy two weeks. My community lost three great people. It was the nine year anniversary of 9/11. Kanye did well at the VMA's. And it is the two year anniversary of Hurricane Ike, as well as my 19th birthday.

I would like to start out with just sharing some small memories of the three amazing people who lost their lives recently-- Billie, Lauren and Mickey. Billie was my mom's friend. She went to our church. She was a laughter- filled, wise, beautiful woman. She was strong and courageous. She let me gaze in awe of her (awesome) cars. Billie lost her long battle with cancer. Lauren was a young, talented, beautiful girl. Although I didn't know her as well as many of my friends, I knew that she radiated a bubbly, fun-loving personality. I can honestly say, I never heard her say anything negative. Lauren was the victim of a hit-and-run accident. Mickey was a prominent figure in our community. He was half of the town photography studio.. the other half being his lovely wife, Celeste. Mickey's effervescent personality always brought out the best in the people he was photographing. Mickey lost a very short battle with cancer. It was a blessing to know each of these individuals. Their lives have left an imprint on the ones they have left behind. Though they are gone, they will not be forgotten.

Next I would like to remember the victims that lost their lives on September 11, 2001. I pray that peace has come to their families and that we never forgot how much we lost that day.

Today is also a day of remembrance. It is the second anniversary of Hurricane Ike. Although Ike destroyed the area that I was born and raised in, it gave a great gift-- the opportunity to come together as a community and rebuild. I will never forget the day my family lost almost everything, but found each other.

Moving on to the lighter stuff...
So I watched the MTV VMA's. Don't hate. I generally despise MTV, but for some reason I tend to tune into award shows. They don't air the music I primarily listen to, but I am sometimes reminded of music that I grew up on. I almost forgot how much I loved Mike Shinoda and Chester Bennington. I'm really glad that they were on. I was also excited to see Kid Cudi being nominated for Pursuit of Happiness (great song, by the way). I really don't care for Lady Gaga and Katy Perry; they get on my nerves. I especially dislike Haley Williams and Taylor Swift. They can't sing! Ahh! But really, I'm not going to lie. My favorite part was Kanye West's finale. I agree with the consensus that he is an egotistical maniac, but he is still a talented entertainer. At least give him that.

And now on to the elephant in the room:
Today is also my birthday. :) It is the last year of my teens. It's kind of bittersweet. I know, I know-- I'm a baby. But at least when all of my friends are turning 30, I will be turning 29, and so on. :D

Well that's all for now. Tune in for a news story next!


P.S. The title of this post has nothing to do with this post. I just got that song stuck in my head.

Hipsters..

After writing an on an emotional topic last, I decided to lighten the mood with this piece. Please note the photo of my roommate, Lindsey Thiele, above. As Lindsey sat there in her pajamas attached with suspenders to her body, probably faking the reading of this vintage copy of The Catcher in the Rye, I was inspired. Everything about this photograph is screaming hipster. From the key tattoo on her writst, headband, eye make-up, bandanna and suspenders, to the music playing, lighter, bunch of bananas (which she happens to be allergic to) and aloof/elitist look on her face, Lindsey epitomizes the image of the child who is so in trend with rebelling trends.

Because the whole premise of what it means to be a "hipster" is at times hard to quantify, I have done as much YouTube and UrbanDictionary research as I felt necessary.

Below are two videos that I feel have reached into what it means to be a hipster.







I hope you can come away from this post a little more aware of what it exactly means to "be a hipster". :)

Atrocity

So if you have not yet heard of the sickening "widespread systematic rape and pillage" of villages in the Congo, I must warn you that it is not easy news to swallow. When I first heard about it, the number of women that had been reported as being raped was around 200. Now, according to United Nations officials, the number has risen to 500, with victims as young as 7. Let me be clear, this number is just from late July into August.

In an updating article in the New York Times about the situation, it was reported that U.N. officials have also accused the Congolese soldiers of the rapes. The article pointed to serious holes in the protection of these women by the U.N.

Although the government should be in control of these situations, it is ultimately the responsibility of the U.N. to step in and help these victims when their own government fails them. The idea that agencies knew that at least a few victims were reported and didn't visit the area for days is simply not okay. What is the purpose of this organization, if not for atrocious acts as this?

It is imperative that these villagers have more support than they are getting. That much is obvious.

When I was walking to class today, I was worried about how wet my backpack was getting. Not whether or not I would have a safe, comfortable, dry place to lay my head at night. I was not worried about having enough food to fill my stomach. My thoughts weren't burdened with images of my family being murdered, or fear of me being raped by violent militants. My thoughts were dreaming of a Spring Break trip I wanted to take. The fact that we as a culture take for granted so many things that these people don't even know exist is truly sad. To know that they would be grateful knowing they didn't have to worry about being brutally attacked in their own homes is enough to make me not want to eat my dinner, which probably cost enough to feed a family for a week.

The people of the Congo, and many other places for that matter, are in need of our help. For some people, that will mean just actually thinking about their problems, and praying for them. For others, it will mean finding ways to help physically, and traveling to their aid. And for others it will mean rallying for the good people of the country and bringing to light the despicable acts that take place there. It doesn't matter at what capacity one serves, as long as people can just take time to realize that there are far worse circumstances that they could be living in, and try to better the people living through them.

The U.N. has a great mission. It just needs to be more diligent in helping following through with prompt aid to those who need it.






Links to the the article of site of the photo are below:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/08/world/africa/08nations.html?ref=africa
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/4184706.stm

Who do you carry the torch for, my young man?

Let me begin by saying that I believe in the duty of Christians to uphold a Christian lifestyle and to minister to non-believers, so that they may be saved by the grace of Jesus Christ. That being said, I feel that is necessary to address the building of the "Mosque on Ground Zero". That key statement, the one fueling the debate, is wrong.
Today (September 1, 2010) the New York Times writer Colin Moynihan wrote about how "United States Representative Charles B. Rangel waded into a polarizing debate on Wednesday as he spoke out in favor of an Islamic center and mosque planned near ground zero. " NEAR ground zero. Not ON. In fact, the proposed spot for the center is two blocks away.

When I came to Baylor, I knew much less about my denomination that I thought I did. In fact, I knew quite a bit less about my faith as a whole. Thankfully, Baylor requires me to take courses to learn the Bible and the history of Christianity. The latter is quite a sad story.
I knew that Christians suffered, but I was not aware of the extent that they were tortured. I was also not aware of how unsafe it was to be considered a Protestant when the group split with the Roman Catholics, and that Baptists (or Ana-baptists) were even persecuted by their fellow Protestants. I had no idea that one of the defining characteristics of being a Baptist was believing in religious freedom.
Although I completely agree with the fact America was founded on Christian principles, I still believe that our forefathers wanted the citizens of this country to be able to practice their religions freely and with the knowledge that they were protected by the law.
For the Christians that are so angry with the thought of this mosque, I ask you, who do you carry the torch for, my young man? Is this anger for the benefit of Jesus Christ? Or would he want you to open your arms to those who believe differently than you and try to show them that they are loved by you and the Creator?I can most certainly say that he would not want you to shun them.

Although I do not support Representative Rangel from a political standpoint, I do stand with him and many others on this matter. I believe that the many Muslim-Americans who have fought side by side with Christians and other non-Christians for the freedom of this country have the right to practice their faith in a safe environment. I am aware that this statement will alarm people, but I feel convicted that it is the right answer. Judging all Muslims for the acts of terrorists is not fair. For example, what if all Christians were judged for the iniquities of our ancestors such as the crusades, slave trade and the Holocaust.

Rangel suggested that "some of the opposition to the center reflected critics’ unwillingness to embrace the country’s tradition of religious freedom and said that 'we cannot allow this type of intolerance to continue.'"
I agree with both notions. I believe that we as Christians are looking for something to be upset over as opposed to doing what we are supposed to.

We as Christians- as Americans- must be able to embrace this religious culture so that we can hold true to our core values.

Also, so I must give credit where credit is due. My witty and incisive title is a direct quote from the Brand New (best band in the world) song Archers. It's a great song by a great band on a great album. Check it out.

Unfortunate find? Really, Mallory?

I know, both my url and blog names are weird. It was hard try and come up with something that fit me. I guess you should know that my name means unfortunate. Perhaps you should know that I was born on Friday the 13th. Some unlucky things have happened to me, but I like to think that out of those things, have always come great experiences.
I'm fairly average, yet far from normal. James Dean once said, "Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today." I think that's really significant. I used to believe that my dreams just disappeared when I got older. What really happened was I just closed my eyes to them. I thought of them as merely something fantastical, yet impossible. But how great would it be if we could just live out our dreams? How amazing would it feel if we lived to our true potentials, instead of becoming complacent and perfectly accepting of mediocrity? There are so many things one could accomplish if they had an infinite amount of time to do it. But that limit-- the idea of time-- puts a damper on our spirits of adventure. Dreaming as if you'll live forever gives you the ability to re-imagine all of the great ideas and curiosities that you had, and pretend that you have all of the time in he world to do it. In the same sentence, however, Dean challenges someone to live life as if they have no time at all. It seems ironic. Could it be that believing you had very little time left to live can bring you back to the place where you started and make you want to accomplish the things that you once dreamed of? Why yes, that's exactly what it could do.
So what exactly does the quote of the late, great James Dean have to do with being unfortunate? Well to be completely honest, not very much. It was actually a very fortunate find. I was perusing a store for some decorations and couldn't find anything to spruce up our drab living room. Void of inspiration, I stumbled upon the most stunning, large, black and white shot of Mr. Dean with the lovely quote printed on the bottom of it. I had to have it.
I purchased the iconic photo, and now feel a sense of renewal for my apartment, as well as future (as cheesy as that may sound). And there you have it-- born out of a (somewhat) unfortunate situation, I found good fortune.


Thanks for bearing through that first post. :)