I cried aloud
In my anguish I cried for my mother
But no one came
I had suffered extreme indignities
People stared at me
I had been tossed about
And now my hair had been shingled as a cowards!
Then
I lost my spirit
Monday, November 2, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Crossers, Coyotes, and Corruption
The US-Mexican border is a battleground of political, ethical, and financial viewpoints. It is continuously the subject of heated debates and controversy. Lately, the number of deaths among illegal immigrants attempting to cross the desert in order to get into America has been on the rise. However, the ones who are to blame is not entirely set in stone. I believe that the fault lies with the Mexican government who fails to provide for their people, the smugglers who take the illegals over the border, and the immigrants themselves who take risk it all to come over to the US.
The Mexican government has been under the control of corrupt government officials and incompetent legislators for a number of years. Their government simply does not have the structure nor the leadership needed in order to provide a safe, productive nation for it's people. Most of Mexico is in extreme poverty, with families of 12 living in homes built for 2 people. You would believe that with its beautiful beaches, abundant resources, and rich culture that Mexico would be a leading power in Latin America. The sad truth is that the government is so corrupt and incapable of using those resources to their full potential that the future looks bleak for the people of Mexico. In their desperation, the people of Mexico decide to attempt the dangerous trek from wherever they are into the United States. With the lack of water and scorching heat from the desert sun, many immigrants die due to dehydration and heatstroke.
In order to increase their chances of making it through the harsh terrain into the US safely, many immigrants choose to hire a smuggler, or “coyote”, to take them safely across the border. As it turns out, most of these so called smugglers tend to be con artists looking for a quick buck. Smugglers will not hesitate to leave anyone behind who cannot continue the journey, leaving the person out in the sun to eventually die. Immigrants who find themselves sick or injured will likely be abandoned. Felicitas Martinez was one of these abandoned immigrants. When she had fallen ill, her guide abandoned her in the middle of the desert and ran off with her money. She soon died due to heatstroke and dehydration. Her family was left distraught at the news of their beloved daughters death.
In the end, it comes down to the individuals choice as to whether or not they will attempt a near suicide run through the hell that is the desert. Whether or not they feel it is their only option, or if they just want economic gain is irrelevant. The fact of the matter is they are the ones that take that journey into the belly of the beast. The Sonoran desert is one of the largest and hottest deserts in North America, a barely hospitable landscape. If they find that they are on the verge of death and will have to turn back in order to survive, many succumb to illusions of grandeur or salvation, only to continue and die shortly thereafter. It is hard to sympathize with those that would willing break the law at their own expense.
Illegal immigration (mostly from the south) is a very controversial and much talked about topic. It stands among those other grand issues such as the economy, gay marriage, etc. It is important to know the facts, and weed out the lies ones would try to tell you to sway your opinion. It is equally important to know who or what factors into the problem. The smugglers, immigrants, and Mexican government itself all equally contribute to the problem. If we as a people know the source of a problem, we can rally and stop it. This, however, is an issue that will not be solved immediately. Only through diligence, the passage of time, and the power of the people can we stop deaths on the border.
The Mexican government has been under the control of corrupt government officials and incompetent legislators for a number of years. Their government simply does not have the structure nor the leadership needed in order to provide a safe, productive nation for it's people. Most of Mexico is in extreme poverty, with families of 12 living in homes built for 2 people. You would believe that with its beautiful beaches, abundant resources, and rich culture that Mexico would be a leading power in Latin America. The sad truth is that the government is so corrupt and incapable of using those resources to their full potential that the future looks bleak for the people of Mexico. In their desperation, the people of Mexico decide to attempt the dangerous trek from wherever they are into the United States. With the lack of water and scorching heat from the desert sun, many immigrants die due to dehydration and heatstroke.
In order to increase their chances of making it through the harsh terrain into the US safely, many immigrants choose to hire a smuggler, or “coyote”, to take them safely across the border. As it turns out, most of these so called smugglers tend to be con artists looking for a quick buck. Smugglers will not hesitate to leave anyone behind who cannot continue the journey, leaving the person out in the sun to eventually die. Immigrants who find themselves sick or injured will likely be abandoned. Felicitas Martinez was one of these abandoned immigrants. When she had fallen ill, her guide abandoned her in the middle of the desert and ran off with her money. She soon died due to heatstroke and dehydration. Her family was left distraught at the news of their beloved daughters death.
In the end, it comes down to the individuals choice as to whether or not they will attempt a near suicide run through the hell that is the desert. Whether or not they feel it is their only option, or if they just want economic gain is irrelevant. The fact of the matter is they are the ones that take that journey into the belly of the beast. The Sonoran desert is one of the largest and hottest deserts in North America, a barely hospitable landscape. If they find that they are on the verge of death and will have to turn back in order to survive, many succumb to illusions of grandeur or salvation, only to continue and die shortly thereafter. It is hard to sympathize with those that would willing break the law at their own expense.
Illegal immigration (mostly from the south) is a very controversial and much talked about topic. It stands among those other grand issues such as the economy, gay marriage, etc. It is important to know the facts, and weed out the lies ones would try to tell you to sway your opinion. It is equally important to know who or what factors into the problem. The smugglers, immigrants, and Mexican government itself all equally contribute to the problem. If we as a people know the source of a problem, we can rally and stop it. This, however, is an issue that will not be solved immediately. Only through diligence, the passage of time, and the power of the people can we stop deaths on the border.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
IAT
For the age test, I was definitely surprised by the results. The things is, I prefer talking to and being around older people then younger people. I just think that my results were based around my ability (or lack thereof) to respond quickly to the questions. And they also switched it up on me.
On the weapons test, I was found to be neutral in choosing between the associations. That doesn't surprise me in the least. Most of the test is just based on getting the right answers, and not so much your opinions on either party. I feel neutral on just about everything, so that result matched me perfectly.
On the weapons test, I was found to be neutral in choosing between the associations. That doesn't surprise me in the least. Most of the test is just based on getting the right answers, and not so much your opinions on either party. I feel neutral on just about everything, so that result matched me perfectly.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Icon Reflection
One of the most important things a teacher can do to start a school year on the right foot is have a fun project that still teaches something important. I feel that this Icon project did a fine job of doing that. I for one liked the whole idea of a photo with an artistic statement combination. It gave us just enough creative freedom to really personify ourselves in the image. The image I did was actually one of the best photoshop jobs I've ever done. People looking at it won't be able to tell that I did anything, but that's the real beauty behind it. I think that my artistic statement that came with it though, wasn't on par with the photo. It was still good, but the image really takes the cake on this one. All in all, it was a good project to kick-start a good year.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
On The Sunny Side Of The Street.
Grab your coat and snatch your hat, leave your worries on the doorstep.
Just direct your feet to the sunny side of the street.
Can't you hear that pitter pat and that happy tune in your step.
Life can be so sweet on the sunny side of the street.
I used to walk in the shade with the blues on parade.
BUT I'M NOT afraid the rover, crossed over.
If I never had a cent I'll be rich as Rockfeller.
The gold dust at my feet on the sunny side of the street.
I used to walk in the shade with those blues on parade.
But I'm not afraid 'cause the rover, he got over.
If I never had a cent I'd be rich as Rockfeller.
All those chicks 'round my feet,
On the sunny side of the street.
The song is basically about staying positive and not letting things bother you. The way that the message is convened though is different though. Instead of directly telling us that we should be happy and stay positive, he (Frank Sinatra) talks about staying on the "sunny" side of the street. No, there is no literal sunny side of the street, but there is something know as looking on the lighter side of things, which is exactly what staying on the sunny side of the street means. He also goes on to say "If I had never had a cent, I'd be as rich as Rockefeller". What he's trying to say is that even if he was broke and on the streets, he would still have a great fortune, not one of material wealth, but one of happiness and joy and positive emotions. Beyond staying positive though, I believe there is an underlying message in this song. Twice he mentioned "walking in the shade, with the blues on parade" but then later said that he had gotten over it. I think the hidden message in this song is that no matter how hard things can get, and not matter how rough your life is, there is always going to be a sunny side of the street. And as long as we keep walking down that sunny side with a happy tune in our step, all of us can overcome our obstacles and hardships.
Just direct your feet to the sunny side of the street.
Can't you hear that pitter pat and that happy tune in your step.
Life can be so sweet on the sunny side of the street.
I used to walk in the shade with the blues on parade.
BUT I'M NOT afraid the rover, crossed over.
If I never had a cent I'll be rich as Rockfeller.
The gold dust at my feet on the sunny side of the street.
I used to walk in the shade with those blues on parade.
But I'm not afraid 'cause the rover, he got over.
If I never had a cent I'd be rich as Rockfeller.
All those chicks 'round my feet,
On the sunny side of the street.
The song is basically about staying positive and not letting things bother you. The way that the message is convened though is different though. Instead of directly telling us that we should be happy and stay positive, he (Frank Sinatra) talks about staying on the "sunny" side of the street. No, there is no literal sunny side of the street, but there is something know as looking on the lighter side of things, which is exactly what staying on the sunny side of the street means. He also goes on to say "If I had never had a cent, I'd be as rich as Rockefeller". What he's trying to say is that even if he was broke and on the streets, he would still have a great fortune, not one of material wealth, but one of happiness and joy and positive emotions. Beyond staying positive though, I believe there is an underlying message in this song. Twice he mentioned "walking in the shade, with the blues on parade" but then later said that he had gotten over it. I think the hidden message in this song is that no matter how hard things can get, and not matter how rough your life is, there is always going to be a sunny side of the street. And as long as we keep walking down that sunny side with a happy tune in our step, all of us can overcome our obstacles and hardships.
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