even by a millimeter

Teachers Don’t Hate America! (and Then There’s the Bad News)

2010-09-30T16:39:00.000-07:00

Here's my newest American.com blog post, which was published today in conjunction with the release of our new study, High Schools, Civics & Citizenship: What Social Studies Teachers Think and Do.

Good news rarely gets its fair play. But here’s a worthwhile gospel according to a new study released today by AEI: teachers don’t hate America!

Although public school teachers are often accused of being left-wing and anti-American, this new survey of over 1,000 high school social studies teachers says otherwise. An impressive 83 percent of teachers report seeing America as a “unique country that stands for something special in the world” (see graph below). This finding parallels a study of the general public which found that 84 percent of respondents see America in the same light.

So what does this mean for our high school students? Well, it likely means they aren’t being taught to view America as a fundamentally flawed country. Instead, 82 percent of their teachers find it important to teach students to “respect and appreciate their country but know its shortcomings.”

For those waiting for the bad news, it’s not clear that high schoolers are actually gleaning anything from these well-intentioned teachers. Regarding key concepts of citizenship, no more than 24 percent of public school teachers express great confidence that most of the students from their high school have learned these concepts before they graduate. So while our students aren’t learning to disavow America, they may not be learning how to participate, either.

America’s Best (and Worst) Cities for School Reform

2010-08-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

This post was originally published on American.com.

Today AEI’s Rick Hess and the Fordham Institute’s Stafford Palmieri and Janie Scull are releasing a major study ranking the reform environments in America’s 25 largest cities and a handful of other noteworthy places. While many education studies focus on test scores, this report instead takes a look at numerous environment-related indicators, acknowledging that education reform is a bigger undertaking than just adopting the pedagogical fads of the moment.

Not surprisingly, New Orleans came in at the top, followed closely by Washington, D.C., and New York City. Rounding out the top five were Denver and Jacksonville. It’s interesting to note that all top five cities’ states are round-two finalists in the Department of Education grant competition Race to the Top. Those winners will be announced today at noon.

Cities were scored on the ability to attract talented individuals; access to reliable funding from both public and private entities; a robust charter school community; application of helpful quality-control metrics for entrepreneurial endeavors; district friendliness to nontraditional education providers and reform; and municipal support for entrepreneurs and district reforms. As witnessed in cities like New Orleans and D.C., noticeable reform requires political support, financial flexibility, gutsy and talented individuals, and useful checks and balances.

Despite its limitations and imperfections—the authors were subject to survey responses and public data—“America’s Best (and Worst) Cities for School Reform” is an interesting and useful way to consider school reform. While ranking the health of a city’s ecosystem is a common approach in many sectors, it’s a rarity in education. By considering the environment of a city, the report looks beyond the popularity of particular pedagogical or reform practices within the district and instead lays out a more comprehensive guide for sustainable and penetrating school reform. For further reading on such a holistic approach to ed reform, I recommend Hess’s newest book, Education Unbound.

New ‘Edujobs’ Bill Threatens Long-term Reform

2010-07-06T13:58:00.000-07:00

I spent most of last Thursday night glued to CSPAN and Twitter as I followed the "edujobs" saga. This post is a result:

Late last night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Rep. David Obey’s (D-Wisconsin) amendment to the “edujobs” provision in the House version of the 2010 Supplemental Appropriations Act, which focuses mostly on defense. To pay for the $10 billion edujobs provision, Obey’s amendment proposes to siphon $800 million from the Race to the Top fund and other education initiatives—charter school grants and the Teacher Initiative Fund—championed by the Obama administration. In response to the amendment, the White House announced, “If the final bill presented to the President includes cuts to education reforms, the president’s senior advisors would recommend a veto.”

The bill will move on to the Senate, to be voted on when session resumes the week of July 12th. A key education expert in the Senate shared with me this morning that it is “highly unlikely that the House version of the defense supplemental will become law” and that the Senate version will likely succeed instead. The Senate’s passed version of the defense bill contains no education provisions. And, this afternoon, 13 senators signed a letter to Senator Daniel Inouye, chairman of the Senate’s appropriations committee, asking him not to cut $800 million from education reform efforts.

We once again find rhetorical battles over “it’s for the kids.” American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten spoke out against the Department of Education and President Obama’s opposition, accusing the Department of Education of trading teacher jobs for its pet programs. She said failing to save these jobs will cause “well-documented harm to children.” The National Education Association’s “Speak Up For Education and Kids” initiative urged their Facebook fans last night to call their members of Congress and urge them to vote for the Obey amendment.

On the opposing side, Democrats for Ed Reform and 25 other education reform organizations released a statement decrying the amendment for cutting funds to programs that “show promise in improving the quality in education for ALL our nation’s schoolchildren.” Eric Hanushek of the Hoover Institution wrote, “When push comes to shove, it is appears that it is not about the kids—it is about the adults.”

So which is it? Are America’s schoolchildren most at risk with understaffed classrooms or with underfunded initiatives seeking to spur educational entrepreneurship? A case could certainly be made for both. Saving teaching jobs is a noble aim, but one that shouldn’t be pursued at the cost of reforms which are working to improve both the teaching profession and the quality of American education.

Teaching Citizenship

2010-07-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July! Here's a post I recently published on The Enterprise blog:

Recent education reforms such as the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the Common Core standards movement have kept the spotlight on mathematics and reading, overshadowing other vital subjects such as history and civics. A 2006 study by the Center for Education Policy found that 71 percent of the surveyed districts reported they have reduced instructional time in at least one other subject to make more time for reading and math due to NCLB. The Center for Civic Education, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and many others have launched impressive campaigns to attract attention back to civic education. However, the lack of useful data on both expectations for civic education and teachers’ attitudes towards civic education makes thoughtful policy discussion difficult.

Students’ civics knowledge has remained rudimentary and stagnant over the years. The most recent 2006 NAEP civics test reports that only 27 percent of twelfth graders scored at or above the proficient level. Students in grades 4, 8, and 12 who took the NAEP civics test in 1998 scored at the same level as students in 2006, with improvement only in grade 4.

However, there’s little clarity as to what is meant by “citizenship” in schooling today. In 1996, 86 percent of respondents to the annual Phi Delta Kappan/Gallup poll said “prepar[ing] students to become responsible citizens” was a “very important” goal for public education. However, the 2000 poll found that training “responsible citizens” wasn’t nearly as important as “enhance[ing] people’s happiness and enrich[ing] their lives” and “dispel[ing] inequities in education among certain schools and certain groups.” The PDK/Gallup poll has not asked questions regarding citizenship and schooling since 2000.

Most essential to assessing our civics education is a better understanding of teachers’ attitudes and actions in regards to citizenship and the classroom. Before suggesting reforms to current policies that may stunt civic education, we must understand what teachers are being expected teach, what teachers are teaching, and what civic ideals teachers esteem in their classrooms. It’s very possible that our idea of civic education has evolved over the years and that current policies, curricula, or even school structures are not supporting our goals.
AEI’s new Program on American Citizenship has partnered with AEI’s education policy department to take a closer look at precisely that. The forthcoming fall 2010 report, “Schools, Civics and Citizenship: What Teachers Think and Do,” asks teachers what civic values or facts they believe to be most important for their students to learn, what the current system expects to be taught and what is realistically happening in their classroom.

A preliminary read of the survey data suggests that almost half of the teachers surveyed have seen social studies de-emphasized as a result of NCLB and that teaching “facts” is considered amongst the least important objectives for social studies teachers. Stay tuned for the AEI report this fall. It promises to be a helpful addition to the discussion, and will offer guidance on what to do next to ensure our children are getting the best education.

Too Alone

2010-04-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

I'm too alone in the world, yet not alone enough to make each hour holy.
I'm too small in the world, yet not small enough to be simply in your presence, like a thing-just as it is.

I want to know my own will and move with it.
And I want, in the hushed moments when the nameless draws near, to be among the wise ones-or alone.

I want to mirror your immensity.
I want never to be too weak or too old to bear the heavy, lurching image of you.

I want to unfold,
Let no place in me hold itself closed,
for where I am closed, I am false.
I want to stay clear in your sight.

--Rainer Maria Rilke

WWFG

2010-04-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

Those who know of my new life here in DC often hear about WWFG, which translates to "Weekly Women's Food Gathering." Here's the latest photo op from our goodbye dinner for our beloved Mary (LA girlfriends if any of you need a roomate, Mary's your girl!)

From L to R: Rachel, Kerry, Mary, Christy, me, Karen, Whitney & Amy. Missing are Carmela, Jackie & Jaclyn.

March Madness

2010-03-27T18:58:00.000-07:00

Looks like my first-ever attempt at a March Madness was a bust. However, I did discover another way to compete without relying on my own (very lacking) athletic abilities--which is worth the temporary humiliation of being at the bottom of my office pool. Watch out March 2011, I'll be prepared!

And while I'm on the topic, a shout out to my alma mater, Azusa Pacific University, for being the first NAIA school since 1998 to have both their women's and men's basketball teams in the championship. While we didn't walk away with wins, it was still quite the feat. I couldn't be prouder while reading LA Times' "Azusa Pacific loses, but triumphantly." Go Cougs!

Race to the Top… For What Reasons?

2010-03-25T18:15:00.000-07:00

*This blog was written by my colleague, Daniel Lautzenheiser & I and published on AEI's blog The Enterprise.

With the announcement of the Race to Top (RTT) winners expected in early April, many of us in the edu-space have turned our eyes back to the Obama administration’s $4.3 billion education initiative. Today a new report has been released, which takes an in-depth look at the RTT application process to date. Among other concerns, Andy Smarick, an adjunct scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and a former deputy assistant secretary at the Department of Education, worries that “many states were giving the impression that they were competing not because they were deeply committed to reform, but because the recession had decimated their budgets.” Both the rhetoric and the numbers appear to lend credit to such a concern.

Smarick gives several examples in his third report of the Education Stimulus Watch series: New York Governor David Paterson seemed to make his motives clear when he said, “There is a potential $400 to $700 million that can come into this state to help pay off some of these bills. Seven hundred million would be very helpful right now.” Ohio’s—a finalist state with a weak application, notes Smarick—Senator John Husted said, “During these tough and uncertain financial times, I believe it is imperative that Ohio be in a strong position to take advantage of the Race to the Top dollars.” And more overt was Illinois Governor Pat Quinn’s declaration that “we want to get Illinois in that race and make sure we get as much money as possible from Washington.”

In addition to such rhetoric, the numbers seem to raise suspicion. As shown here, 15 of the 16 finalists in the first round of RTT requested more than their maximum recommended amount per guidelines from the Department of Education. Massachusetts, whose budget range was $150-250 million, asked for $287 million. New York, with a $831 million request, asked for $131 million more than their $350-700 million suggested amount. Top prize goes to Florida, whose $1.1 billion ask was $400 million above their budget range. All told, these states requested $6.5 billion, or more than $2 billion more than the entire RTT fund.

It’s understood reform efforts cost money to enact over the long haul—reason to be even more skeptical of RTT, since this $4.3 billion is just a drop in the $64 billion federal education bucket. But in the face of these extraordinarily high ask amounts and worrisome comments from state politicians, it’s hard not to believe this is simply another overly ambitious and ill-timed reform effort that starts strong but lacks proper oversight.

The underlying fear is, in the face of massive budget shortfalls, winning states will use RTT money to plug budget holes instead of investing in promised reforms. This worry is only exacerbated by requirements under the brand-new health insurance bill requiring states to maintain current Medicaid and children’s health insurance levels, potentially making spending cuts in education far more likely. As the RTT round-one winners are announced and states begin to enter the second round of applications, the Department of Education would be wise to stop and consider states’ motives.

bones.

2010-03-10T18:58:00.000-08:00

What is love?

I can’t put it to words.

But my pen on the paper knows.

It can’t help but write of love.

Can you feel love?

These bones of mine are stiff.

But I know these bones were made to love.

When love comes, my bones will know.

They’ll crackle and tighten.

But wait. Deep sigh. Exhale.

Love brings rest.

Can you learn love?

I’ve read all about it.

My mind is full of Jane Austen, Shakespeare and Rumi.

When love comes, my mind will race.

It’ll imagine and muse and wonder.

But wait. Deep sigh. Exhale.

Love brings simplicity.

What is love?
Rest. Simplicity.

Sounds like His love.

snowpocalypse 2010

2010-02-08T07:18:00.000-08:00

Friday morning's local Washington Post homepage read: "Awaiting Snowmaggedon" http://bit.ly/bsFoVL. And we survived Snowpolalyspse/Snowmaggedon/Snowtorious BIG 2010! This storm ended up being the 3rd largest in the history of DC. After 28 straight hours of 26 inches of snow, we finally got out of the house and played! We went sledding on the Capitol lawn, walked to our favorite coffee shop and just enjoyed a sunny, post-blizzard morning.

dual degree

2010-02-05T07:24:00.000-08:00

Columbia University and Wits University of South Africa just announced a dual degree program with both universities schools of journalism. The degree "reflects the global nature of journalism in the 21st century." Students spend a year in Johannesburg and a year in New York studying advanced journalism. A journ program in two of my favorite places? Too good be true! Something to add to "maybe one day" list...

http://www.mediaclubsouthafrica.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1504:dual-degrees-from-wits-columbia&catid=49:medianews&Itemid=113

all blogged out?

2010-02-03T10:38:00.000-08:00

Blogging is on the decline amongst the younger folks. According to a new study, "young people are losing interest in long-form blogging, as their communication habits have become increasingly brief, and mobile." Surprise, surprise. Us Generation Y-ers have found yet another means of communication to be too "complicated" and "time-consuming." And I'm as guilty as anyone. My blog continues to shrink in the frequency and substance of posts. I've found much more delight in my 140 character commentaries (follow me on Twitter at @JennaMSchuette).

I find this to be troubling--and a matter that won't simply be solved by more adderall. Blogging encouraged many of us youngest, aspiring writer types to consistently practice our trade--even if just for an audience of one. But, why put the hours in to blogging when you can generate much more traffic via punchy, well-thought out, 140-word sentences? My answer's likely one to be touted by journalism professors. Blogging, now, isn't about the reward of an audience, but rather a classroom. It's a place to practice. And more importantly, I guess, it's a place to engage. It's vital that we keep writing.

A Penny Saved

2010-01-13T07:51:00.000-08:00

Whew! I just finished my first research conference at AEI--an accumulation of six months of exhausting planning, researching, editing, & worrying. And, CSPAN joined us all day for live coverage of "A Penny Saved: How Schools and Districts Can Tighten Their Belts While Serving Students Better."

Given our education system's enormous financial dependability--we count on $600 billion in local, state & federal funding--and our economy's unpromising instability--half of the states are anticipating a cumulative shortfall of $144.8 billion for FY 2010--this is a timely topic. We must consider smart, sustainable ways to cut costs while also freeing up financial resources that can then drive promising reforms. My boss, Rick Hess, and Eric Osberg of the Fordham Institute did a wonderful job of bringing together key scholars, researchers, consultants, and district leaders to offer hopeful solutions to our education funding shortfall. Be on the lookout for the research compiled in an edited volume, to be published by Harvard Ed Press this coming fall!

A few highlights:

"Notice I don't have a PowerPoint presentation. We cut PowerPoints." --Jose Torres, Superintendent School District U-46

"The pressure for success from the outside world, state, federal, the community, has to become greater than the pressure for maintaing the status quo. My Superintendent friends always told me, 'Nate you gotta remember, no superintendent ever got fired cause the kids can't read.' You get fired because you shifted dollars around, you took away money from some favorite program that wasn't working."--Nathan Levenson, former superintendent of Arlington, MA

"The public is uninformed about school budgets. They often underestimate perpupil spnding in their dist by $5,00." --Martin West, Harvard University.

"We must ask what the purpose of public education is. We don't all agree on that." --Lily Eskelsen, vice president of the National Education Association

joy to the world

2009-12-20T20:53:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from my home to yours!

Education Unbound

2009-12-18T20:47:00.000-08:00

Below is my first post for the American Enterprise Institute's blog, The Enterprise.

In an interview with Washington Post education columnist Jay Matthews, New York City Public Schools Chancellor Joel Klein sensibly notes, “systems don’t change because you charm them. Systems change because you have levers that enable the system to move. And it’ll be noisy because the people who are there often like the status quo.”

Successful reforms and new practices have failed to change education on a grand scale because of the barriers that lie within our current system.

In a similar spirit, AEI’s Rick Hess takes an in-depth look at such barriers in his upcoming book, Education Unbound: The Promise and Practice of Greenfield Schooling. Using examples of vibrant organizations and individuals who are finding promising ways to address our nation’s education needs, he offers, as Klein puts it, “a well-thought-through analysis of how to enable entrepreneurialism and innovation to flourish in a way that will drive truly dynamic school reform.”

Greenfield schooling eliminates obstacles to problem solving; outfits districts and providers to assess achievement on a multifaceted scale; creates policies that attract, retain, and respect teacher talent; and frees up capital for new ventures that are willing to shake the status quo. Enacting such levers will allow for sustainable, effective approaches to address our nation’s education needs.

returning. again.

2009-11-13T20:42:00.000-08:00

After two years of absence from my most beloved place on earth, I will be returning to Paarl, South Africa tomorrow for two weeks!

What I'm most looking forward to:

Holding precious Yonda, the daughter of my dear friend Andiswe (both picture here), and speaking to her in English for the first time
Sunday mornings (and afternoons) at Harvest Church
Relearning Xhosa with Luba
Orange sunsets in the township
Hearing Kathleen's "baaei lekker" when I surprise her with me visit
Lots and lots of Rooibos tea!

Attempting to cook an American Thanksgiving with South Africa ingredients
Causing a ruckus with Joey, Sammy & Luba
Hiking Table Mountain in Cape Town

Hope for an education

2009-11-12T20:39:00.000-08:00

After spending time teaching in South Africa schools, I can say this NY Times article paints a beautiful and genuine picture of South Africa's schoolchildren. And after five months of working in education policy, I'm forever convinced that our systems of education need to be fundamentally restructured before we can tout the promise of the education.

Subsidized media: a plausible option?

2009-11-01T10:17:00.001-08:00

Five, ten, twenty years from now, I anticipate my morning routine to parallel that of today’s: finally jumping in the shower after 30 minutes of snooze, rummaging through my closet for anything to wear that doesn’t require ironing, bolting downstairs to grab my keys, purse, coat and whatever extra baggage I deem necessary for the day, & running out the door to the bus, hoping someone behind me will set the alarm. All seems normal, but in this future life, instead of enjoying my morning Express on the metro, I’m suddenly frantically fact-checking every story on my Blackberry. Instead of reading one or two news sources each morning, I spend my first hour at work trying to determine which stories I read were indeed true.

Why the extra hassle? Because the newsrooms were never able to pull themselves out of the crisis they face today. Because newsrooms now are lacking in resources necessary to present the news. Because now it’s become a game of who can be the loudest, not the truest.

The thought of a nation without balanced (albeit “balanced” is likely not the right adjective for our current media, but it’s close) and accurate news coverage is beyond a nightmare. It will usher in the decay of any healthy democracy—as demonstrated in many countries around the world.

SaveTheNews.org is a pivotal campaign striving to develop a public policy focus on the journalism crisis. The organization has managed to capture my attention (and my Twitter feed) time and time again. They suggest five policy priorities for lifting journalism out of its current crisis: new ownership structures, new incentives, journalism jobs program, research and development, & new public media.

After assisting in the production of my boss’ upcoming book, Education Unbound, (ASCD, February 2010—be on the lookout!) I think I can buy in to SaveTheNews’ suggestions with a few cautions. While my boss’ book focuses strictly on the education sector, the same intuitions apply. Markets left to their own will often fail. The key in a market-based approach to problem solving is to create constructive guidelines. As stated in SaveTheNews’ report, “A true Fourth Estate should be neither dependent on the whims of the market nor subject to shifting political landscapes.” While the comparison of the newsroom to the classroom isn’t completely parallel, I think it can make the point. Like the newsroom, the classroom is a longstanding institution, which serves the public good. Like the newsroom, the classroom has been unable to adapt to meet the needs of a changing world. The solution here, I believe, is to lift the barriers to innovation and make room for those able to problem solve.

SaveTheNews’ suggestions are brilliant examples of appropriate government involvement. New ownership structures (i.e. the creation of nonprofit and low-profit newsrooms) and new tax incentives would allow news organizations to realistically thrive. R&D can foster new ideas and show us what works (or more likely what doesn’t work). The importance of research and development is consistently undervalued in just about every field but science. The opportunities for R&D in the realm of media are endless.

The only policy suggestions I take issue with are those that involve heavy government funding in either the training of journalists or operations of a newsroom. When government money is so directly involved in non-government functions, you risk bias. However, ironically, the news source I trust most—the BBC—is funded by government. The SaveTheNews’ report challenges fears of government sponsorship by providing compelling research which shows that subsidized media is just as critical of government action as private media. Further research of my own (after all, I am a journalist at heart) may convince me that subsidies aren’t as problematic if we can indeed build safeguards that buffer newsrooms from the political pendulum. Stay tuned.

22.

2009-10-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

I was so grateful to have had my dear friend Kimi come ring in my 22nd birthday with me. We've now celebrated 19 birthdays together. Here's to being a twenty-something!

social media is here to stay

2009-10-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

"Social media isn't a fad, it's a fundamental shift in the way we communicate."

A good friend of mine, and fellow media nerd, passed along this video to me. Quite compelling. I was grabbed by the quote, "We no longer search for news, the news finds us..." Often, I find myself using Twitter as my own search engine. Twitter is my personal news feed. One click and I have a constant access to the worlds dearest to me.

Since moving to DC, I've been constantly intrigued by the intertwining of media, politics, and civic life. Social media, I believe, is ushering in a new era of just about everything--shopping, learning, relationships, citizenship, career, politics, activism, faith. And undoubtedly, this is no fad. Social media is here to stay, and to revolutionize our world. The possibilities are thrilling.

They haven't gotten it right in the past, either.

2009-10-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

In light of Friday's events, I've done a bit of research in regards to the Nobel Peace Prize. Stalin and Hitler were nominated, as was Gandhi. Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela have received the prize, as has Yasser Arafat. So maybe the seemingly haphazard decision to award Obama shouldn't be such a surprise.

Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin were both nominated for the award. (Although the nomination for Hitler was later withdrawn.) Gandhi--one of the most poignant symbols of peace in the 20th century--was nominated five times, and was never awarded the prize. And

in 1948, the Nobel committee decided not to give an award because there was "no suitable living candidate." This year, there were 205 nominees for the award--a record in the history of the prize. And while, we don't know officially who those nominated were (the names of the nominees will not be released for another 50 year, in compliance with Nobel policy), the rumored list is quite impressive, ranging from Afghan women's rights activists to American philanthropies to Chinese revolutionaries. So clearly, this isn't the first time well-deserving individuals have been passed up. (See previous post)

However, it would've been noble to see President Obama join a much smaller number within the Nobel Peace world--the number of people to decline the prize. The only person to ever decline was Vietnamese politician Le Doc Tho was was awarded the prize in 1973 along with US Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger. They were both awarded the prize for their negotiation of the Vietnam peace accord. However, Le Doc Tho did not accept because he felt that because of the current situation in Vietnam, he was not yet deserving of such a prize. A very honorable gesture. And one that would've likely been very politically favorable for President Obama, had he done the same.

And while it is still quite disturbing that he was nominated for such a prize just eleven or so days into the job, my research has revealed that the committee of given Norwegian elected officials haven't always got it right in the last 109 years. So, it's yet another mishap in this crazy world.

And I'll end with another interesting research tidbit: a poll on the Nobel Peace Prize website that asks "Did you know about Barack Obama's efforts for a nuclear weapon free world? 54% answered no.

Huh?

2009-10-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

This morning, I was running late as always. I set the alarm, locked the front door, then the security gate, and I was off. With my purse & heels in one hand, dry cleaning & breakfast in the other, I sprinted the two blocks to the bus stop--all while trying to wrestle my coat over both arms. I spent the rest of my commute trying to jam my shoes and dry cleaning in my purse, and thus, forwent my morning paper.

When I arrived at my desk, the first headline in my morning news search caught me off guard. In a panic, I browsed the other headlines. Clearly, I had missed something in the between the end of yesterday's 13 hour work today and this morning's sprint to work. I looked to CNN for some sort of answer: Did we wipe out Al Qaeda? Did we find a way to provide clean water to millions in Africa & Asia? Did our 10% unemployment rate drop to 4%? Are American 3rd graders now reading?

There was no answer to be found. And I as logged into Twitter, I was relieved. I was not the only one confused as to why our president, Barack Obama, was the 2009 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

In an attempt to make sense of this all, like any good journalist, I wanted to check out the other nominees. Unfortunately, a quick perusal of the rumored nominees left me with only more questions. Here's a sample of those nominated for the prestigious international aware:

Morgan Tsvangirai is an influential opposition leader in Zimbabwe. Last year he ran for president against Zimbabwe's president since 1980, Robert Mugabe. In the midst of the campaign, Tsvangirai was imprisoned and beaten by Mugabe's government. Since then, as the first elected prime minister he has successfully transitioned Zimbabwe from a violent dictatorship via democratic reform.

Several Chinese activists were also over looked, including Hu Jia, who was imprisoned for campaigning for human rights in the PRC, and Wei Jingsheng, who spent 17 years in Chinese prisons for urging reforms of China's communist system.

American mountain climber Greg Mortenson is the founder of the Central Asia Institute has built nearly 80 schools, especially for girls, in remote areas of northern Pakistan and Afghanistan over the past 15 years. (I highly recommend his book, Three Cups of Tea)

Also passed up was Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, a philosophy professor in Jordan who risks his life by advocating interfaith dialogue between Jews and Muslims.

Afghan human rights activist Sima Samar currently leads the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission and serves as the U.N. special envoy to Darfur. Again, deserving, but no luck.

So what does it take to win a Nobel? I'm not quite sure. Yes, our president has become a symbol of hope to many Americans and to those around the world. But does being an icon warrant such an honor? I'm not sure it does.

In his last will and testament, Alfred Nobel created the award, which was to be given to "the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses".

As violence continues to rise in Afghanistan and Iraq, and as Secretary Clinton continues a schoolgirl exchange of unpleasantries with North Korea and as Jews and Muslims continue to assault each other, I find myself lacking any examples of increased peace in the last nine month.

To quote the lyrics of Gary Jules, "It's a very, very mad world."

my new adventure

2009-09-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

So lately, I've found myself envying friends that are living in far away places--Morocco, Argentina, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, the list goes on. The freedom outside a nine to five job (or in my case, an eight-thirty to six-thirty job) is invigorating. While my friends are learning Arabic, attending culinary school, climbing mountains, feeding mouths and teaching students, I'm writing book proposals, researching teacher equity and editing chapters on budget cuts--all fascinating tasks, but within the confines of four walls on domestic soil. However, while walking to my neighborhood farmer's market on this crisp fall morning, a pleasant thought occurred: my quest for freedom may look differently these days, but I have indeed found freedom. I've found it in the hustle of the city.

There something about DC that ignites a fire within me that burns so rapidly I find myself gasping for air. Whether I find the city deserving or not, my new home is the epicenter of the world--or at least for now. And I embrace this new adventure, which has promise to be as exotic as Morocco. As I tune my ear to the voices around me, I hear French, Swahili and Mandarin. I hear a Southern twang and Bostonian grunt.

Some of my most mundane tasks of daily life are constantly intersecting with the grandour of history and present civic life. On my way to the grocery store, I drive past the Capitol. On my way home from dinners with coworkers, I walk past the White House. My favorite walking loop takes me past the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court. My morning commute funnels me right through Union Station, a hub that has welcomed many presidents and world leaders. An ordinary day on the job can include following my boss to testify before Congress or running into former vice president Cheney in the elevator.

And, just like in places abroad, the chance for adventure abounds. I'm surrounded by bigness--which is occasionally translated into greatness. In the midst of “bigness” you find small treasures. Like, the quaint little coffee shop with organic cream and Italian espresso, from where I write now. And the corner window on the third floor of the National Portrait Gallery which humbly boasts the carved initials of a Civil War soldier. Or the whole in the wall cafe with the best Ethiopian food in town.

So while my new playground may not be the Sahara desert or the German countryside, I'm learning my concrete jungle is exactly that--a jungle with plenty of adventure.

Influence trumps truth: the rise of the post-journalistic world

2009-09-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

"The honest, disinterested voice of a true journalist carries an authority that no self-branded liberal or conservative can have."

In the October issue of The Atlantic journalist and editor Mark Bowden writes a beautiful piece on the tragic swap of thoughtful reporting for quick, "ammunition" journalism. He revisits the media's treatment of Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the Supreme Court. Large news outfits were drawing their clips from political operatives--including bloggers--not professional journalists. And this is not unique to the Sotomayor story. Bowden calls this the post-journalist world. This world is no longer about facts.

Bloggers' intentions are to highlight their side, to build a case for their opinion. On most occasions, blogs are our personal op-ed pages. Words, facts, quotes, even video clips can be manipulated to our liking and disseminated with little fear of harsh consequences. And here, in the blogosphere the value is placed on winning, not accuracy. Influence trumps truth. What a loaded shift that is.

Throughout my journalism education, we were overwhelmed with the importance of reporting true facts, with the virtuous purpose of equiping citizens to sovereignly govern themselves. Journalism had the power to temper fear-mongering and deception often coupled with politics. The rise and maturation of the newspaper provided an invaluable public service. It was the fourth branch of government--the ultimate check. Bowden notes, "Without journalism, the public good is viewed only through a partisan lens, and politics becomes blood sport."

The game of politics has unlikely changed over time. Persuasion has always been a necessary tool and power is always the aim. But there was a healthy caution to the game--provided by the journalist. Now, as hard reporting gives way to the quest for influential banter, truth becomes irrelevant.

The collapse of journalism seems to be a final victory for relativists. But can society truly rest happy in an environment where truth is undecipherable? I'm a strong believer in the power of truth. And therefore, I cannot accept that journalism has seen its best days. One day, truth will rise again.

As Bowden poignantly writes, "Journalism, done right, is enormously powerful precisely because it does not seek power. It seeks truth."

Deja vu?

2009-09-10T06:40:00.000-07:00

Recent political slander has been awfully redundant. It seems as if political pundits--and the average American mudslinger--have forgotten parallel events in our recent political history. We're so quick to anger over events that we've defended in the past.

Last week, parents, politicians, activists, and scholars were up in arms over President Obama's plan to address our nation's schoolchildren on Tuesday. (I found some validity to the frustrations, but for reasons beyond the simple address. See last week's post)

This week, Representative Joe Wilson's disrespectful outburst during President Obama's health care address has raised quite a stink--and over a million dollars, too--among liberals of all walks, and moderate or level-headed conservatives.

Likewise, when President George H. W. Bush gave a similar speech to school children in 1991, Democratic lawmakers ordered an investigation and The Washington Post wrote, "The White House turned a Northwest Washington junior high classroom into a television studio and its students into props."

In other similar bout of deja vu, President George W. Bush was booed by Democrats during his State of the Union speech in 2005.

Today, mud slinging is the name of the game--even in prime time media. I certainly don't seek to silence the dissension, that is what makes America so great. And, I happen to agree that our elected officials should respect each other in all arenas, and that any president's address to young and impressionable should be carefully scrutinized. However, let us of be mindful of double standards and think twice before we respond in fury. When we scold a Republican for lashing out against our Democrat president, let's remember that just a few years ago Democrats were booing our Republican president. When we protest our liberal president's address to our children, let's remember we saw a conservative president do the same thing a decade ago.

I think Thomas Paine said it best, "Moderation in temper is always a virtue, but moderation in principle is always a vice."

Coverage beyond Afropessimism: Lessons from New News Out of Africa

2009-08-31T20:12:00.000-07:00

The African continent is diversely rich land with dynamic stories beneath its surface, stories beyond that of Afropessimism—the turmoil and hopelessness often displayed in today’s media. I recently re-read Charlayne Hunter-Gault's New News Out of Africa and was as inspired as the first time around. In her book she lays out the role that journalists play in sharing the new and hopeful news of Africa.

In the first section of her book she recounts her award-winning coverage of South Africa. The second part of New News out of Africa tells a story that’s often overlooked by the foreign media. Hunter-Gault uncovers a renaissance movement that is sweeping across Africa, the new and hopeful news. For decades now, Africa has been portrayed to the rest of the world in the context of the four D’s—death, disease, disaster and despair—which has created an overwhelming “Afropessimistic” attitude towards the continent. But rising up from the ashes of famine, genocide, poverty and dictatorship is a new generation of African leaders. This continent stands in the shadows, anxiously waiting for the world to see its potential. And it’s up to the journalists to paint hope into picture the world sees.

In her last section, she discusses the role of the media in this new renaissance. “If there is to be an African renaissance, we, the media, remain a vital part of it,” Namibian editor Gwen Lister said. In the last decade, independent media voices have increased and strengthened, and they are paving the way for new news. Hunter-Gault writes, “the emergence of the African journalist also holds out the promise of influencing the perspective of international journalist, who all too often continue to feed the world distorted pictures of the continent.” She notes that many international journalists perpetuate the four D’s—death, disease, disaster and despair—in their coverage of the continent. Often editors only want the “bleeding” stories, or journalists’ coverage of an issue is shallow because they only “parachute” in long enough to gather some sound bites and facts to report back.

Hunter-Gault calls the foreign media to be vigilant in their coverage of Africa. When democracies fail and the freedom of the press is restricted within a country, the responsibility falls on “journalists outside the country both to make contact with the beleaguered journalists inside and to keep the country’s story alive in their media.” But again, there is new news here. The African media is progressing, and finding a new independence. They, like government leaders, are taking ownership. “African journalists are now being seen as the first line of defense when it comes to making sure there are checks and balances on their individual governments,” CNN Africa correspondent Jeff Koinange said.

As Hunter-Gault ends her book, she asserts that African journalists will best tell the new news out of Africa. We need to encourage Africans to tell their stories, the stories they live, the stories that will “give rise to a new generation of Africans and also to a new generation of the world’s people who will understand the continent in a way that will them to embrace is as the mother of us all.”

Madame Pelosi's jet

2009-06-20T17:14:00.000-07:00

"Madame Pelosi wasn't happy with the small private jet that comes with the Speaker's job...no, Madame Pelosi was aggravated that this little jet had to stop to refuel, so she ordered a Big Fat 200 seat jet that could get her back to California without stopping!"

I’ve heard about this rumor quite a bit over the last 3 years—and it’s infuriated me, of course. So like any good journalism graduate, I decided to look into the details. For many, this is old news. But I was tired of receiving forwarded emails regarding the topic, so I wanted to create a simple hyperlink that could relay truth.

After Sept. 11, 2001 President Bush decided for security reasons (because the speaker of the House is next in line after the v.p. for presidential succession) that the speaker should travel via military planes. According to the Andrews Air Force Base spokesperson, Pelosi almost always flew the same Air Force C-20B, a 12-seater plane, as her predecessor Dennis Hastert. When Pelosi became speaker, House Sergeant at Arms Bill Livingood (according to his own account) worried that the small craft would be unable to travel to her home district of San Francisco without stopping to refuel. Livingood, (who was first elected by a Newt Gingrich-led House in ’95), asked the Air Force and the Department of Defense about getting a bigger plane. However, according to the articles I looked up, Pelosi didn’t actually request a larger plane, just one that would allow for nonstop flights (still a little high maintenance, I’ll contend). White House spokesman Tony Snow even denied rumors that Pelosi wasn’t asking for a larger plane. Anyway, just thought I’d pass this along, as I was surprised (but comforted) to hear the truth.

graduated.

2009-05-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a Bachelor's of Arts in political science & journalism.

In two weeks I'll be moving to Washington, DC to work as a research assistant in education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute. And off I go!

published

2009-02-13T17:39:00.000-08:00

An article I wrote this past summer while interning at American Enterprise Institute was published today on The American, a magazine focused on political and entrepreneurial ideas in the marketplace.

The article is about two recent college graduates who are blending their business minds with their caring hearts. It's part commerce, part philanthropy. As the organization's executive director says, it's an "I'll meet you in the middle" approach.

There is much to be harvested on this middle ground. I find much hope for the impoverished world through social enterprise--a blend of economic competition and humanitarian compassion. Such a combination has a promising future, and one that seems to appease this rising generation of business and political leaders.

the woes of relativism in journalism

2008-12-08T20:22:00.000-08:00

Being part of a college newspaper could be one of the bigger tests of self-esteem. Having your words in ink for all your peers to read and critique can be nerve-racking, especially when they stir up controversy. As a former opinion editor for my student newspaper, I remember always being a little nervous whenever the paper was distributed. Not only were my thoughts open to the public, but I also had to take responsibility for the opinions of four or five other student writers.

It took me several issues to gain the confidence to write and assign hard-hitting stories on issues like birth control and abortion, global health, political parties, public policies, sexual abuse and campus affairs. However, essential to the journalism education is learning how to take a stand and stay standing in the midst of opposition and criticism. No lecture or book can prepare a budding journalist for his or her first dose of disparagement.

Unfortunately, I’ve found my student newspaper is currently not providing such an education to its journalism students. Controversial subjects like gay marriage, race relations, party politics, foreign policy, gender issues—all hot topics in light of this year’s presidential elections—are absent from the opinion pages. According to inside sources, the paper has intentionally shied away from such subjects, particularly proposition 8, because the editors feel they cannot ask students to take an unpopular stance on issues that may result in negative backlash from the student body.

Beyond protecting student writers, editors have also noted self-censorship for the sake of self-preservation. They expressed concern that if sections were too controversial, the university administration may force censorship, as seen in other student newspapers like APU rival Biola University’s The Chimes. Because of a few inappropriate and touchy articles, The Chimes is required to submit their copy for staff review before going to print.

However, one look at the opinion pages of The Chimes and it’s clear that their mandated review has not kept the paper from covering hard-hitting issues. The Opinion section boasts headlines like “What if the Right is wrong?”, “The reasons behind ‘No-bama’”, and “Eugenics, systematic genocide and President-elect Barack Obama.” To be fair, APU's The Clause has touched on issues like pornography, women in leadership, religion and science, and the presidential elections. However, approach is everything. By the end of many articles, the writers seem to have all but retracted her or his original opinion.

So who or is what is to blame? While the opinion editor sure is at fault for coddling her writers, I cannot help but think it goes deeper. My generation is a generation of relativists. We’re quick to condemn intolerance and slow to judge anyone. Those, in and of themselves, are great qualities. However, has relativism begun to taint Generation Y’s opinion writing?

I often find myself writing a “no judgment” clause in the midst of my columns and editorials. I’m quick to remind my readers that my way may not be the right way. To offend anyone but the close-minded folk would be so “intolerant” of me! But what is the point of living in a free society if we walk around with our tails in between our legs in fear that our beliefs may cause offense?

Maybe this aversion to oppose others comes from the way we were parented. Many of my generation grew up with “helicopter” parents—the ones that bully our coaches into putting us in the game or confront the mothers of our archenemies. We grew up with the desire, or burden, to please Mom and Dad because they poured all their energy and resources into our success.

Or maybe it’s because in the midst of our human rights campaigns and protests, we’ve come to believe that everyone deserves the right to say what they want, love who they want, and worship how they want. Ironically, though, relativism actually ends up nullifying the concept of justice because relativism says there are no standards that are absolute. And my generation fights for justice on the basis that it is a value that should apply to everyone.

Regardless of the root of paradoxical relativism, it’s hurting the expression of ideas. By shying away from offending, the student newspaper is surrendering its freedoms of speech. It is a sad day for those of us who daily enjoy First Amendment rights when relativism begins to infringe on the freedom of ideas and beliefs. Students, both writers and readers of news and opinion, need to begin to take a stand or the healthy dialogue that comes from disagreements will begin to whither on this campus. And that should begin with the leadership of campus opinion editors.

you call that a prank?

2008-11-14T09:23:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, a group of students noticed a white truck parked in our university parking lot with a swastika painted in the middle of a confederate flag. Of course, they were outraged and contacted our Campus Safety. The driver of the car was detained and questioned. The story is that he & his friends had been pranking each other over the past two weeks and that was the end result. Then, this student was too lazy to wash his car that week, and had been driving his car on campus all week until it was reported on Friday.

It took our students FIVE DAYS to report two of the most insensitive and hateful symbols in our society. I don't doubt that when students saw they car, they didn't agree with it. However, not until Friday did someone care enough to take the effort to report it. That deeply saddens me. How have we become so concerned with our own time that we cannot stop to stand against something that so hateful and wrong?

Then the next Wednesday, I picked up our student newspaper The Clause to find this article. With a title like "Prank taken too far?" the paper, probably unintentionally, seemed to dismiss the act as a prank. The rest of the article when on to describe what a nice guy this student was and that he didn't mean to do. Just because he's a "nice" guy and didn't mean to offend anyone, doesn't make it okay. Below is my letter to the editor:

Thank you for acknowledging the racist actions that took place last week on our campus in “Prank Taken Too Far?”(11/12). I know “hot topics” are risky for student journalists to tackle. And in order for our student body to start addressing racism on our campus, we need to begin to openly discuss the brokenness in our community. Our administrators’ honest and specific letter was a start. And your article had the potential to be another great step. However, the failure to present both sides was a step back.

Since the Clause is a communitarian paper, I think it was appropriate to give Andrew Salazar a chance to share his side. However, the article failed to present the “other” voice. Your staff writer did not interview those (who I hope are the entire student body) who were offended by Salazar’s truck. There should be no doubt in the eyes of the students, that this act, regardless of original intent, is seen as unacceptable. Never are the confederate flag or the swastika symbols that should be excused in the name of a prank. Whether or not it was your intention, the absence of such thoughts speaks loudly. Your oversight has deeply hurt the student body and I hope you will take that hurt to heart.

As a former Clause editor, I understand the nature of a student press and all the complexities that go into producing a paper. There are a dozen explanations for why they reported the story like they did. However, in light of the sensitive state of our campus, their oversights have only added to the hurt and frustration so prevalent on our campus.

But the bigger picture is not simply the insensitivities of the student newspaper. It's the system our school, and most of our society, operates under. It's a system that allows these actions to be labeled a "prank" because they never meant to be hurtful. This system failes to recongize that racism in the 21st century does not look like segratation, lynchings & other blatant acts as it did in the 60s. Racism today looks like stereoptypes, social segregation & asking a member of a minory race to speak for her/his entire race.

Until we begin to acknowledge that racism still exists today, in ways that maybe don't stand out to those in the majority culture--those who, whether they want to not, benefit from the system--then we have little hope at become a just society.

And for those of us who claim to be Christians, I think APU president Jon Wallace has some wise words. "We can talk about faith and empathy, but sometimes we must just do justice... we live in accountability to each other and to God—that we act with justice, mercy, humility, and love of another kind with each other and with our neighbors."

from the outside

2008-11-13T17:10:00.000-08:00

Our presidential election has captured the attention of the world. And Obama’s victory has captured their hearts. And no better time then now.

Below is an excerpt from a post-election email from my dear South African friend. I think this letter is pretty telling:

"Obama's election was really cool. It lifted the morale of this  country. People from different walks of life, including the most  conservative South Africans were talking about it ... the US  elections came at a time where we are going through a very  interesting time in our politics … I think the world will be a little safer with Obama. The Iranians who Bush labeled as 'axis of evil' have  welcomed Obama's election, Hugo Chaves was also raving about Obama's  election, the Pope was one of the first people to congratulate him,  the German chancellor was pretty excited about Obama's election, she  said she knows that the relationship between the EU and the US will  not be as fragile as its been under Bush and our very own Nelson  Mandela said Obama's election was an inspiration and he believes  he'll go on and become a good president.    Anyway, the excitement is still evident here. This weekend was a voter registration weekend and a lot of people registered. The whole  nation is saying, "Yes, I can!”

Currently, in one of my classes, I’m studying the recent history of U.S. relations in the Middle East and I’m realizing the grave implications of the negative reputation we’ve established in the last 60 years. Our cultural ignorance, inconsiderate national interest, and manipulative politics has put the American people in harm’s way—not to mention the livelihood of our global allies, as well.

When it comes to international relationships, we must approach the world holistically and creatively. We must make the effort to understand the cultures we engage with. And above all, we must value humanity—all humanity. We must grant dignity to all we come in contact with. And that’s where I believe our future president will excel.

The time is now to reshape our image—from the inside and, maybe more importantly, from the outside.

race in the Race

2008-11-07T15:58:00.000-08:00

Did it really happen? Did America finally elect an African-American president? Are we really not going to be governed by an old white male? How comforting. It’s about time.

The polls are showing that race was not a defining factor in the election. And clearly, that is true. But what about for those where race was the defining factor?

What about the skinheads from Tennessee who planned to kill 88 African Americans and eventually our new president? What about those text messages I got telling all white people to report to the cotton fields in the morning, courtesy of President Obama? What about my peers who mourn that we have elected a “terrorist” as our president? What about the student at my university who flew a confederate flag with a swastika in the middle?

Race is still a factor. So how we do continue as a nation united? I’m afraid I don’t have any answers. But I do know we certainly can’t pat ourselves on the back and pretend that now all racism has been eliminated from America. We still have a long way to go.

a new hope

2008-11-04T23:19:00.000-08:00

Whether you voted red or blue, tonight is a proud moment in U.S. history. As I watched President-elect Barack Obama give his acceptance speech, I knew this was a night to remember. For decades to come, this speech will be replayed in classrooms across the world.

I spent part of the night discussing the victory with my politically invested friends. But the best part of the night was spent with those friends, who would, for the first time, have a president that looked like them. And I realized the election of Barack Obama wasn’t as much about the change in policies in America but rather about the change in spirit of America.

Hope is a powerful thing. It’s stronger than any welfare system. It’s more productive than any assembly-line worker. It’s far more trustworthy than any politician. And once lost, it’s a hard thing to get back. But tonight, I saw hope restored. And with a new hope, I see America restored to its people.

your VOTE affects the world

2008-11-01T17:05:00.000-07:00

titles or actions?

2008-10-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

The Washington Post wrote a very telling story today on Liberty University students’ campaign for McCain. The article briefly touches on the point that most evangelical, religious right folk originally opposed McCain, in 2000 and in 2008—and with much fervor, too. But now, they are falling in line, again, with the GOP and claiming McCain as their candidate.

Why? Is it just because McCain is Republican? Did the religious conservatives even examine Obama’s stances? Or have they allowed the framing of Obama’s “pro-choice” stance or "socialists" economics to cloud all other possibilities?

But that’s actually not the topic I wish to touch on today. Although it is one that deserves more thought.

What resonated most with me in this article was one of the student activists’ comments. "My goal is not to make laws Christian but to make government as small as possible so you can be as biblically Christian as you so choose," says Meghan Allen.

The role and size of the government is a question I struggle with often in my politics.

In my ideal world, the Christian church and other faith communities would be so active in caring for the poor, seeking justice and helping the oppressed, as Isaiah writes in chapter 1 of Isaiah. However, due to a number of reasons, the Church has departed from that—at least on a grand scale.

So do we put our hope—or at least our efforts—into a system of this world?

Maybe that’s not the ultimate answer. I think I’ve read somewhere that Jesus is the only way. But maybe, in the meantime, we do support a form of government that looks closest to Jesus’ words in Luke 4 and Matthew 25. Maybe we support a government that “brings good news to the poor,” feeds the hungry, clothes the naked and cares for the sick.

Maybe that government won’t do such things in the name of Christ. But maybe that doesn’t matter. Maybe, just maybe, actions mean more than words or titles. Maybe we shouldn’t be scared of the titles given to policies, but instead focus on what those policies look like, and how they line up with the words of the Christ we claim to follow.

Yes on Prop 11

2008-10-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

The California election has been bombarded by attack ads on both sides of Prop 8. And while it certainly is an important issue, what may stand to be even more impacting is Prop 11. This proposition addresses redistricting—a practice that often taints true democracy. And it’s a proposition that must pass.

Every ten years, maps outlining the borders for legislative districts must be redrawn to make sure each district is similar in size, in order to maintain equal representation. The state legislature is responsible for drawing up the maps for 80 seats in the State Assembly, the 40 seats in the State Senate and California’s seas in the U.S. Congress. Whoever is in office at the time of redistricting wins the jackpot because they can map out districts in a way that lend to their easy re-elections. Currently there is a 99% re-election race in the California legislature. This redistricting puts little accountability on our lawmakers.

Prop 11 will create a 14-member independent citizens commission to redraw the state legislative district maps based on strict non-partisan rules. Prop 11 will make the redistricting process transparent and considerate of already existing city and county boundaries.

With the next map to be drawn in 2011, Prop 11 is essential to keep our government fairly representative of California.

"the post-american world"

2008-10-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

Recently, there’s much some controversy over a book Obama was photographed holding in his hand. Conservatives have raised concern over Obama’s reading of The Post-American World by Fareed Zakaria. I’ve received several email forwards with captions below this photo reading “Revealing! Obama is reading The Post-American World, written by an Muslim” or “Post-America? This photo exposes Obama’s radical ideas and intent for this country!”

A handful of emotions come up when reading such emails. For one, America isn’t reading enough these days. If Americans were well read, this book would be on the top of the list as it is of key intellectual value to our society. And if Americans had read this book, they’d realize in no way is the book “anti-American.” Also, American conservatives should note that Zakaria is the editor for Newsweek International, a magazine often favored over Time by conservatives.

Second, claims that this book was written by a Muslim only shows ignorance and intolerance. While it’s a bit unclear as to whether or not the Indian-born author is a practicing Muslim, it’s important to note the extreme Islam that is manifested in terrorist behavior is not the norm. If the longtime American-resident is indeed a practicing Muslim, I doubt he is calling jihad upon his neighbors. This assumption that all Muslims equal terrorists only proves ignorance.

But what I want to give is a brief-synopsis of the book, in a hopeful effort to clear up misunderstandings. The Post-American World is about a new era, which is no longer dominated by America. However, it’s not the decline of America, but rather the “Rise of the Rest.” Because money makes the world go ‘round, economics is the root of this new trend. Now, other countries are able to compete at the same economic level as the U.S. These countries include Japan, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Russia, South Africa and others. While the U.S. still remains the military superpower, the global spread of capital, labor, innovation, ideas and information are beginning to limit the American influence world-wide. While some may see this “rise of the rest” as a threat to America, Zakaria praises the success of global capitalism (a cornerstone in the conservative ideology) and suggests that the superpowers in the UN embrace this shift. He suggests inviting these countries to participate in G8 summits, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

For America, the “rise of the rest” means that America will need to work a little harder. He argues that the U.S. has passed up some key opportunities in recent years. "[It] has had an extraordinary hand to play in global politics—the best of any country in history. Yet by almost any measure—problems solved, success achieved, institutions built, reputation enhanced—Washington has played this hand badly." His lenses are certainly tainted by the Bush doctrine and subsequent mess in Iraq. But he doesn’t pass all the blame on the recent administration’s poor decisions. Instead, he argues that since the collapsed of the Soviet Union in 1991, Washington has become “careless, arrogant and lazy.”

However, he notes that this rise of the rest is not to America’s detriment, if played right. Because countries are becoming more democratic, open and market-friendly, this shift could be beneficial. But the U.S. first must come to understand they will need to cooperate and even compromise with the rest of the world. It is not longer the global boss. He praises the America’s success in globalizing the world, but warns America to not forget to globalize itself.

While the title may raise alarm, it’s good read and one that represents a lot of current thinking coming out of today’s top think tanks and publishing houses. So, pay attention, America and start reading!

Prop 8

2008-10-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

Well this is a rare moment—I’m glad I’m a Californian. Yes, I said it. And if you know me, that’s a big statement. But I’m proud I’m a Californian because this is a big election. And as party of the voting constituent in California, a belll-weather state, what I say will in part dictate what happens in the rest of the country.

What happens in California doesn’t stay in California… it’s coming to a state near you.

And even more uniquely, Californians have a Constitution that supports direct democracy. So we can write our own laws, apart from our legislature, as vote on them. It’s a freedom that carries much responsibility. This year, California voters will vote on 12 different propositions. Of those propositions, Prop 8 has received national attention, because it very likely will have national implications.

Prop 8 seeks to put into the California Constitution that only a marriage between a man and a woman is recognized by the State. In 2000, voters passed a law to define marriage between a man and a woman. In May 2008, the California Supreme Court said that the State Constitution gives same-sex couples the right to marry.

Some background, marriage has been defined by the State and society as a union that produces offspring. The government has provided tax benefits to those marriages that have produced offspring, because children are an asset to society. And, whether it is its place or not, the government had deemed homosexual marriages the most beneficial relationships for society—hence the gold star called marriage.

As of 2007, domestic partnerships—whether homosexual or heterosexual—give domestic partners the same state rights and benefits as married spouses. However, the Defense of Marriage Act, signed by President Bill Clinton in 1996 does limit some of the federal rights. Currently, marriage is a right for everyone, given that your marriage fits the definition. So technically, we all, gay or straight, have the same right. However, the current definition of marriage does not give validation to homosexual couples who have made lifelong commitments to each other.

Those arguing for Prop 8, state that this decision will restore the definition that voters approved by 60% in 2000. Because traditional marriage has been deemed the ideal by the State, there is a law that requires schools to encourage marriage. So by changing the definition of marriage, it will affect education. Depending on the individual that can be a positive or negative change for society.

The argument against Prop 8 is that the Court already made it decision. And, that domestic partnerships, or civil unions, are not the same as a marriage. They are just legal documents and do not provide the same dignity, respect and commitment that marriage does.

Again this is an issue of equality versus freedom. (See my previous blog.) And this proposition, in my opinion, is not as much about civil rights as it is about validation and social respect—two noble pursuits. But the question is, is it the government’s job to demand such respect? During the Civil Rights movement, the government changed our laws in order to give equal rights to all. However, they didn’t, or couldn’t, force everyone to change their attitude. Can you force some to accept and affirm another person? Should you?

Those are the questions I’ll be struggling through during the coming weeks.

equality vs. freedom

2008-10-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

I’ve always why wondered conservatives and liberals have approached civil rights from such a different angle. I know good-hearted and well-meaning people from both camps. Yet, it’s always perplexed me why both sides support particular issues—ones that either violate personal freedom or restrict civil equality.

I heard a very enlightening lecture last night that may have shed light on my perplexities. This great country was built on two ideas: freedom and equality. (Granted, it’s still taking us a long time to get the equality thing down.) The Puritans and the Pilgrims arrived in America to found a new country that allowed for religious and individual freedom. Now, again, we certainly didn’t get it right the first time, considering we put millions in captivity in the midst of our efforts. But nonetheless, the country was based on the ideals of freedom and equality.

However, it’s interesting to note that these two ideals are often in conflict with each other. In order to one to happen, the other must come first. But, in which order? And where do put our value?

And hence, the divide. Generally, liberals would ascertain that equality must come first in order to have freedom. And conversely, many conservatives will say freedom is the means to equality.

Equality first means unless we treated each individual equally, there is no freedom. It also means that sometimes we sacrifice our own freedom for everyone else’s equality. To value freedom first means, that unless each individual is free to be his or her self, then equality will not come to be.

This tension between equality and freedom applies to many issues on the table for the November election. For example, in the case of Prop 8, those who favor equality above freedom would argue that it’s unfair—or unequal—that some couples can enjoy the dignity of marriage while others can. For those in favor of Prop 8, they would argue that California law still gives the same rights and benefits to same-sex couples, but preserving marriage between a man and a woman allows religious institutions the freedom to continue to conduct their business according to their beliefs. More on this in the coming blog.

So as Christians, what should we value? Paul writes on both topics. In Galatians, he says that we have been set free so that we may be in bondage to Christ, so that we may love others. And then he later talks about mutual care, which is displayed as love, and ideally equality. This is the idea that when one has come on bad fortune and the other the opposite, the one with more to give recognizes that both are equal, regardless of circumstance, and generously shares. And when the tables have turned, the one who received will give back. In the midst of differences equality is mutual care for each other.

There seems to be a case for both. And I think it’s one of those “agree-to-disagree” principals. But what will set Christians apart from the rest of the world, is the choice to love each other in the midst of differences.

As you make your decisions about what candidates and propositions to support, take the time to work through these ideals of equality and freedom. It’ll most likely add clarity as you make your personal decision.

The choice to lead? I think not.

2008-10-18T23:57:00.000-07:00

Last week, in Azusa Pacific University’s student newspaper The Clause, Laura Kinney wrote, “Women have the choice of leadership” (10/15). Her opinion article was in response to the ever-clever Anna Quindlen’s 10/13 Newsweek column “The Leadership Lid.” In this article, Quindlen makes the valid point that women are still an anomaly in leadership—only 20 percent of leaders in business, journalism and politics are women. At a global level, our female representation in politics ranks 69th, putting us behind Iraq and North Korea.

How have we managed to stifle female leadership more so than countries that bear Bush’s “axis of evil” stamp?

In The Clause article, Kinney negates Quindlen’s well-reasoned argument and instead argues the low numbers don’t attest to discrimination, or any other –ism, but rather because of choice. Women have simply chosen not to lead.

While there’s no virtue in diminishing women who genuinely have made that choice, I don’t believe women have willingly ceded the opportunity to lead. Or at least, I certainly hope that more than 20 percent of workingwomen aspire beyond what the glass ceiling has to offer.

I offer a simple example to make my point; last year during APU’s student government elections, three very capable women and one very capable man ran against a student body president. Today, we are lead by that very capable male. I believe all three of those women had every intention of leading our student body.

Until we stop justifying the absence of female leadership while offering up the “token” women leaders—ahem, Sarah Palin, Meg Whitman, and Katie Couric—as cheap examples of equal opportunity, women’s mobility will remain at a stalemate.

This letter was printed in APU's student paper, The Clause.

live thoughts from the debate.

2008-10-07T23:57:00.000-07:00

6:00 PM PST Watching CNN debate coverage of town hall-style presidential debate in APU’s Student Union

6:10 PM McCain is asked for suggestions as to who would take over for Treasury Secretary Paulson. He suggests Meg Whitman, who is the former CEO of EBay. Point for McCain—he knows of EBay! Take that, critics who think he's "out of the loop!"

6:13 PM McCain addresses the issue of Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac. He accuses Obama and "his cronies" (minus a point for McCain—his choice in vocab dates him) for allowing Americans to purchase homes way beyond their means. Obama was the second highest recipient of Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac in history. McCain cites his vocal opposition to Fannie & Freddie. It's about time McCain brings up that point. Throughout the years, he has consistently spoken against Fannie & Freddie.

6:16 PM Obama claims he alerted Paulson that we were in a sub-prime lending crisis a year ago. So who had the insight? And why didn't Obama address McCain's accusation of benefiting from Fannie & Freddie? Sounds fishy to me.

6:19 PM McCain says, "We can fix our economy. Americans are the best workers in the world. We've got to give them a chance. They are the innocent bystanders in the biggest financial crisis in our time."

It’s interesting that both candidates blame each other. The Democrats resisted tighter regulation. The Republicans pushed for too much financial deregulation. But what about all those greedy Americans who insisted on spending beyond their means? We’ve got to take some individual responsibility for this mess. I don’t think we’re as innocent as we want to be.

6:20 PM "How can we trust either of you when both of your parties got us into this global economic mess?" A brilliant question, that won’t receive an honest answer.

Obama of course goes back to George W. (I'm amazed at how much he focuses on George. We all know he messed up. Move on. Stop capitalizing on someone's mistakes & come up with some creative ideas.) "I'm cutting more than I'm spending… Are our priorities working for you? We've got to put an end to lobbyists & special interests dictating public policy.” I find it hard to believe he’ll put an end to that.

6:29 PM McCain states we need to eliminate some government programs. We have to look at what programs aren't working. For example, defense spending (AMEN to that!). He recommends a spending freeze except for vital programs like defense, veteran's defense & others. Which others, I wonder? But I agree. It’s time to cut back on government & give that power to nongovernmental organizations.

6:35 PM Obama proposes doubling the Peace Corps, which is a bad idea. During his administration, Clinton introduced an initiative to send out 10,000 Peace Corps volunteers by 2000. And in 2002 Bush asked for the current Peace Corps to be doubled. Congress passed a\ budget increase at $325 million in 2004. Both presidents pat themselves on the back because they sent Americans out to help the less fortunate. However, this did nothing to solve the problem. As an accepted and potential Peace Corps volunteer, I’ve been informed that countries were receiving too many volunteers for their infrastructure to support and in turn, American Peace Corps volunteers were becoming bored & actually causing mischief--and thus harming the American reputation.

6:39 PM Obama says he wants to provide a tax cut for 95% of Americans. If you make less that $250000, you won't lose a dime. And if you make less than $200,000 you will receive a tax cut. Economic experts have said once retirees and those without children are factored in, only 81% of American will truly benefit from Obama's tax cuts. And my other question is, won’t that discourage productivity for those at an income level of $250,000? Why make $251,000 if you can avoid the extra tax and just make $250,000?

6:50 PM McCain voted against a Bush-Cheney bill currently on the floor with all kinds of "goodies for the oil company." But Obama voted for the bill. I’d be interested to see why.

6:54 PM McCain gets a few of the facts to his healthcare plan wrong. "The government will do this and the government will do that. I propose a $5,000 refundable tax credit for each American family to buy their healthcare," says McCain. Some things to note about his plan: It’s actually $2,500 per individual. Workers would be taxed on the value of any employer-paid health benefits, which would offset some of that credit. Experts have said a tax credit plan like this could cause companies to reduce health benefits for their employees.

7:02 PM McCain: "We don't have time for on the job training." --maybe one of the better sound bites of the night.

7:09 PM "Should America respect Pakistan?"

Obama: We have this situation in Pakistan because we went into Iraq before the job was finished in Afghanistan. It's important to end the War in Iraq & finish the job in Afghanistan. We have to change our policies in Pakistan. We can't coddle their dictator. He needs to expand our non-military aid so that they have more invested. If we have Osama bin Laden in our sight & Pakistan is unable or refuses to take him out, then we will go in. We will kill Osama and we will crush Al Qaeda. I agree with Obama on all of the above. However, it’s important that we don’t simply end Iraq, but that we finish what we started, no matter how corrupt it started. Unfortunately, our current president has put us in harm’s way and now we’ve got to clean up after him.

McCain: Teddy Roosevelt said, "Talk softly, but carry a big stick." Obama wants to talk loudly and carry a small stick. I can’t say which one is better. I feel safer with Roosevelt’s plan. But am wondering what’s morally right.
7:20 PM McCain reminds us that when he looked into Putin’s eyes, he “saw a K, a G, and a B.” Maybe it's time to drop that line…

7:26 PM "If Iran attacks Israel, will you wait for the UN Security Council or will you act on your own?"

McCain: We will obviously not wait for the UN Security Council. Russia & China would provide obstacles. Iran is not only a threat to Israel but the entire Middle East. Definitely a military answer.

Obama: We cannot allow Iran to have nuclear weapons. We will never take military action off the table. And we cannot provide veto power to the UN. If we can diplomatically blah blah blah... which doesn't answer the question. But I will agree with Obama, that we should have direct talks with not only our friends but also our enemies.

7:31 PM What don't you know? And how will you learn it?

Points for anyone who answers this correctly.

Obama: Ask Michelle.
McCain: The future.

Guess that’s a tie. And pretty indicative of the entire night.

don't vote. or do?

2008-10-04T17:30:00.000-07:00

October 20th is the deadline in Calfornia to register to vote.

VOTE.

It's your right. And your duty. One that millions of Americans have died to protect.

Just do it. Then you'll also have the right to complain.

Not yet.

2008-10-01T17:25:00.000-07:00

Well gosh darn, Thursday night was one for the history books. You betcha, it was the always-dull vice presidential debates. Yet this year was different. For the first time, a hockey mom took the stage to win the hearts of the 70 million Americans that tuned in to watch the debate.

I will say, Governor Palin’s performance was quite impressive given her recent blunders in interviews with CBS, ABC and even the always-gracious-towards-the-right Fox News. Her charm certainly had the GOP cheering, and probably letting out a few sighs of relief, too. She was witty and well spoken. She even managed to avoid equating her geographic position with her foreign policy experience.

She made it very clear she wasn’t from Washington. “It's so obvious I'm a Washington outsider. And someone just not used to the way you guys operate,” Palin told Senator Biden.

Exactly. She’s not used to the way Washington is run.

Sure, Washington’s corrupt and could use a big dose of reform. But it will continue to operate as it has for the last 200 years, and Governor Palin simply does not know the operations manual. So how will she be able to gain the respect, and attention, of those inside the Beltway?

I’ll admit, I do like Ms. Palin. I appreciate her spunk, her ambition and her strong resolve. And I do think she’s smart, too. I’d probably even vote for her to lead my state or represent me in Congress. But to be second in command?

Not yet.

Education for All

2008-10-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

A lawsuit questioning the constitutionality of a California law which grants in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants is continuing forward in a state appellate court. Three year ago a group of out-of-state students filed a lawsuit against California’s public university and community college systems. Out-of-state students are angered that illegal immigrant students growing up in California are paying the discounted in-state rates.

Legally, states must provide K-12 education for undocumented children. For the last seven years, undocumented immigrants in California have also had access to in-state University tuition rates. The plaintiffs are arguing that federal law requires states that provide in-state tuition rates to undocumented students must offer the same for out-of-state students.

The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 clearly states, “An alien who is not lawfully present in the United States shall not be eligible on the basis of residence education benefit unless a citizen or national of the United States is eligible for such a benefit.”

While it’s easily understood to be unfair to provide public benefits to children whose parents are not contributing to the tax system, it’s also important to keep societal values in check. Most of these children crossed the board illegally not by choice, but by the will of their parents. It seems immoral to withhold an education from bright students because of their parents’ mistakes.

And beyond the moral duty of California, it is in the state’s economic best interest to provide more affordable higher education for these students. To ignore California’s brightest because of their parents’ actions, is an injustice that will cost our taxpayers. Recent studies have shown that providing education for immigrants keeps them out of the public welfare system and rather participating in the marketplace. The contributions such educated immigrants will make to the California economy far offsets the costs of subsidized college tuition. Immigrants will continue to come illegally into California. It only makes sense to educate and equip these new residents to be productive contributor to our society and economy.

Given the socioeconomic state of California, it’s in the state’s best interest to educate all California youth, illegal or not. Out-of-state students should think twice before complaining and instead seek out the deeper issues behind the break in tuition.

pulpit politics

2008-09-29T15:21:00.000-07:00

“Who would Jesus vote for?”

This weekend over 30 pastors nationwide gave their opinion on “God’s choice” for 2009.

Some pastors alluded to who they would be voting for while others went as far as to state that their endorsement was the only candidate approved by God.

This pulpit politics is a result of a meeting two weeks ago between 150 pastors and Alliance Defense Fund. The socially conservative legal group pushed their “Pulpit Initiative,” which encouraged pastors to speak up this past Sunday in an effort to “restore the right of each pastor to speak Scriptural truth from the pulpit about moral, social, governmental, and other issues without fear of losing his church’s tax exempt status.”

According to law, any political endorsement from a church official violates the laws that keep tax-exempt organizations from involvement in political campaigns. However, the Alliance Defense Fund promised to sue the IRS if the department threatens these churches. ADF is arguing that these pastors are being censored by not being allowed to share their opinion.

But no one is telling pastors they can’t speak their mind. They just can’t do so when taxpayers are subsidizing their organizations. And neither can any other tax-exempt organization. It’s not a faith-discrimination thing. It’s about protecting the taxpayer’s money.

Do I want my tax money subsidizing a Baptist church’s campaign to elect the “Christian” choice for a nation I do not believe to be Christian by Constitution? Certainly not.

For example, Pastor Gus Booth of Minnesota announced in his church that, “If you're a Christian, you cannot support a candidate like Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton.” There’s no way I can support such a statement. So thank you, IRS, for protecting the use of my money.

As I go about trying to live according to the faith I’ve chosen to believe in, I try my best to picture Jesus acting in the context of our society. And I just cannot picture him standing in the synagogue telling listeners which Pharisee to listen to. Throughout the Bible Jesus continued to remind his followers that our hope is not in a worldly order but rather in a new government that is yet to come.

Maybe if pastors spent more time paying attention to the words of Jesus and less time listening to special interest groups more concerning with power than truth, our politics would look a lot different.

Accountablity Needed in Bailout Plan

2008-09-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

Congress has been handed the overwhelming task of deciding the fate of our economy. In regards to the Treasure Bailout Plan proposed by Secretary Paulson, there are several things to keep in mind. First, the potential cost of this deal, especially to the taxpayers, is drastic. Congress must come up with an effective plan that is mindful of its taxpayers. A large increase in taxpayer support will drastically limit the fiscal programs of our next president. And, why should theses losses be borne by taxpayers instead of the shareholders and debt holders? It’s time the CEOs of these companies need to be held accountable. Justice must be served. It is unfair for these executives to continue to enjoy the luxuries of second homes and expensive cars when the taxpayers are carrying the burdens of their mistakes.

When deciding on the best plan of action, Congress and the Bush Administration needs to seek a solution that promptly restores stability to our economy at the lowest cost to the taxpayer, that holds those responsible for such huge losses accountable and a plan that address the root of this crisis—the price collapse in the residential real-estate market due to a lack of government regulation on mortgage and lending companies.

I urge you all to send a letter to your senators and state representative. To find out who your state representatives in Congress are, visit www.votesmart.org. We need them to fight for the taxpayers of California and push for corporate accountability. And the urgency of this matter is paramount. Now is a time for all members of our Congress to put party politics aside and unite for the betterment of America.

“Wall Street lives on as a capitalist symbol, but the new inhabitants of its bricks and mortar have reduced its reality to an echo." --Wall Street Journal Sept. 25, 2008

A telling time for South Africa

2008-09-23T15:42:00.000-07:00

While, the world has its focus on the global economic upheaval, South Africa faces its own political upheaval—one that will define the young republic’s modern history.

Last week, Thabo Mbeki, the second president of post-Apartheid South Africa, announced his resignation. The resignation comes only after a bitter battle with the African National Conference (ANC) party leader and former deputy vice president Jacob Zuma. President Mbeki will be leaving office on Thursday after accusations that he interfered in the prosecution of Zuma on corruption charges.

Jacob Zuma served as Mbeki’s deputy president from 1999 until 2005 when Mbeki let Zuma go due to corruption charges against him. Since then, the two prominent leaders have been at odds with each other. Those tensions heightened when Zuma was elected last December as the leader of the ANC Party. That election makes Zuma the clear favorite in the upcoming 2009 elections to become the third President of South Africa.

Mbeki was elected in 1999 and reelected in 2004. In his time as president he has had his glory moments and equally dark moments. His is well respected for his diplomacy efforts throughout the continent. He has supported peace operations in Burundi, Darfur, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Ivory Coast. Although not very fruitful, Mbeki has also moderated a number of peace talks between long-time Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

But his role at home is cause for many South Africans’ disapproval. His infamous refusal to recognize the HIV/AIDS pandemic as a crisis in his country still haunts him today. He is also blamed, although maybe not rightly, for the increased economic gap between the rich and the poor. In addition, he received much criticism for firing Zuma as his deputy president in 2005.

The biggest obstacle to Zuma’s presidency was the corruption charges held against him. It has been perceived that Mbeki was interfering with the trial. "The political elite within the ANC then felt that the Jacob Zuma trial would never go away while Thabo Mbeki was in office," Adam Habib, a political analyst from the University of Johannesburg, told the BBC this week.

Because of Zuma’s current control over the ANC, Mbeki’s presidency has been rather restrictive during the past nine months so his resignation will not disrupt domestic political life.

So what’s next?

This is a defining moment in South African politics. So far, the country’s story of democracy has been a success. Thabo Mbeki is the country’s second president elected through democratic process and 2009 will bring the country’s 4th national election season.

So far the peaceful transition is telling of a working democratic society. But the rise of Jacob Zuma, a self-declared socialist and economic populist, will determine the course for South Africa. If the lifting of corruption charges are truly a result of the political elite, then South Africa could be in for a bumpy ride. Only time will tell…

the right woman?

2008-09-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

At the fearless age of ten, I boldly announced my decision to run as president of the U.S. While most candidates wait until about two years before elections to announce their campaign, I decided I might need some extra time to convince my country it was time for a woman.

I was too young to witness the appointment of Geraldine Ferraro as the first female vice presidential nominee but I do remember watching Mrs. Clinton on TV—she seemed like a strong woman with political ambition, but I wasn’t convinced that the country would ever be ready for her. So what would the best female presidential candidate look like? I figured I had thirty years to figure out.

Fast forward a decade. Mrs. Clinton did run after all, but, alas, America wasn’t ready for her. It looked like we’d have to wait another four years before a Ms. President could be a realistic hope.

But wait. Then out of the middle of nowhere, literally, hails Beauty Queen/Hockey Mom/“Political Maverick” Sarah Palin. Much like Walter Mondale’s decision to run alongside Geraldine Ferraro, Senator McCain picks the little-known governor from Alaska in hopes of shaking up an otherwise doomed race for the White House. As the first Republican female vice presidential candidate, the second X chromosome will finally find its place on the November ballot. And if the 2009 vice president inherits the power our current vice president possesses, we could get our first taste of a female president.

So, is Sarah Palin the best woman to first represent American women in the White House? I’m not sure.

At age ten, did I imagine leading our country with a child on one arm and a hunting rifle on the other? Certainly not.

I’m convinced that if Sarah Palin does enter the White House on January 20th, it will be a half-ass win for female presidential hopefuls. But only time will tell if the pseudo victory becomes a setback.

My concerns are rooted not in political ideology, but rather in feminist theory. Classical feminism of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries bred two schools of thought: conservatism and egalitarian. Conservative feminism was traditionalist and family-centered, embracing women’s roles in the home while also fighting for the education of women so that they may influence beyond the realm of the home. Egalitarian feminists sought to liberate women from their own womanhood, demanding that they be given the same rights as men. Both schools of thought worked together to bring women the rights we enjoy today.

Today, the contemporary feminism movement is dominated by the egalitarian ideology. This ideology of liberation has come to oppose female liberty—the choice to chose either the home or the workplace, or even both. Modern feminism has alienated the intelligent women who decide to rear children and care after their home. Conservative feminists, like Christina Hoff Sommers, are calling women around the country to reclaim feminism and to “Make the movement attractive once again to the silent majority of American women who really do not want to be liberated from their womanhood.”

All this to say, Sarah Palin, a could-be success story for the conservative camp, steps onto the ice with little-to-none experience and a feisty overconfidence. If she misses the goal, we could be sitting on the bench longer than we expected.

the media's war for truth

2008-03-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

Coverage of the War in Iraq, in a sense, parallels that of the Vietnam War. News coverage of wars changed drastically during Vietnam. Because of technology, citizens were getting faster and more in depth coverage. Journalists were on the front lines, reporting back with vivid images of the fighting that took place. For the first time, U.S. citizens were able to stay on top of the military’s actions.

Today, journalists are able to report from Iraq in “real time.” During the first war in Iraq, a CNN crew broadcasted live as bombs were falling in Baghdad. In the current Iraq war, journalists accompany military brigades and often right in on the action. This new access has led to more accurate and informative reporting.

The morph of press bias and sentiment of the Iraq war also parallels the Vietnam War. In the beginning years of the war, journalists were supportive of U.S. efforts and worked peacefully alongside the government. However, as the war continued to drone on, journalists became weary, skeptical and often attached to soldiers or civilians in the areas they were covering.
Soon, journalists were making bold efforts to report the losses of the military. They were no longer painting the war in a positive light.

Likewise, current journalists in the past two or three years have begun reflect their doubts and cynicisms. Often the press has been accused of being anti-Bush. While those accusations are probably true, journalists are simply reporting what they observe from the front lines. As we’ve just passed the 5th year anniversary of the war, journalists continue to pose the question of when an end will come. With U.S. war casualties (4,000) now far surpassing deaths from 9/11, many citizens and journalists alike are very skeptical.

I, personally, hold a lot of respect for the journalists in Iraq. After reading some of their personal stories, I cannot image the toll covering the war has taken on them. They are constantly exposed to violence and danger. They have put themselves in the line of battle in order to inform the U.S. public of what is going on. Like the brave men and women of our military, they are risking their lives for their country. However, in a sense, I have more respect for the journalists because of their dedication to provide the truth in a war campaign that has been filled with lies and deceit. So I commend them for their sacrifices.

The War in Iraq has been a long journey and will continue on far beyond Bush’s presidency. As technology continues to improve and journalists become even more frustrated with what they are witnessing on the battle lines, it will be interesting to see what the role of the media in this war eventually becomes.

yes we can

2008-02-07T18:38:00.000-08:00

may this leave you inspired. whether you're an obama fan or not, be encouraged:

there is hope for change.

and you, africa?

2007-12-25T21:53:00.000-08:00

Last night, along with millions of other Americans, we attended an elaborate Christmas Eve church service in a multi-million dollar building. There were enough candles to light a village. And for those that didn't want to leave the house, you could even watch it online. Church online. How brilliant.

Africa, how do you celebrate Christ's birth?

On Christmas morning, we complain about the eager children's early rising. And then we unwrap our gifts. Gadgets, clothes, books, movies, vacations, money. Some get what they wanted, some what they needed. After throwing away potentially recyclable wrapping paper, we eat. We eat lots and lots. And we play with our new toys.

Africa, what does your Christmas look like?

The day after Christmas, we rush to the stores to return the gifts we didn't like and rummage through sales to buy whatever we didn't get. There's pushing and crowds and lines and unhappy people. They picked up that sweater for $9.99 first. The rat race has continued.

And you, Africa?

dance africa dance

2007-11-14T11:33:00.000-08:00

Africa is a child who is overshadowed by the athletic talents of an older brother and the book smarts of his sister. Yet the family has failed to notice Africa’s ability to dance. This continent stands in the shadows, anxiously waiting for the world to see its potential. When the athletic brother is no longer able to compete and the sister’s mind begins to digress, Africa will still be dancing. But let’s hope she’s noticed before then.

smells of yesterday

2007-10-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

Today still smells of yesterday
To remind us
Our hands hold power
To execute evil atrocities
To suggest subtle harm
To craft calloused wounds

Tomorrow hopes on the smells of yesterday
To remind us
Our hands bear promise
To restore rightful dignity
To embrace equal peace
To create colorful love

And maybe one day, we will be a sweet fragrance.
[2 Corinthians 2:14-15]

do good

2007-07-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

social justice: ideal; a work of virtue aimed at the good of humanity as a whole, which unites people of all beliefs and political principles

the breaking of agreed rules that constitute fairness; tragedy :social injustice

“When I feed the poor, they call me a saint;
when I ask why they are poor, they call me a communist,”
Brazilian Catholic Archbishop Hélder Câmara

"Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows."
Isaiah 1:17

What is your ideal for greater humanity? What tragedy moves you to action?

unity through justice

2007-05-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

These days there is always a fundraiser for this or a protest against that. We are bombarded to join a “cause.” And Generation Y, especially, is at the forefront of such efforts.

Christian students are traveling to Africa to share their faith. College graduates are committing two years to the Peace Corps to teach about HIV/AIDS in Asia. Young business owners are donating their profits to build houses in Mexico. Filmmakers are producing movies that unveil global tragedies.

Celebrities like Bono and Angelina Jolie have used their fame to raise awareness for global poverty, orphans and the AIDS epidemic. Companies like Apple and Sprint have created products that directly benefit different social causes. Thousands of Americans rallied behind the victims of natural disasters by donating money, time and other resources.

All of this is done in the name of “social justice.”

A Sicilian priest, Luigi Taparelli d’Azeglio, first coined the term “social justice” in 1840. He used this term as an appeal to the industry leaders to meet the needs of the urban workers that had been adversely affected by the Industrial Revolution.

In modern thought, social justice is a work of virtue that is aimed at the good of humanity as a whole. Conversely, social injustice is the breaking of agreed rules that constitute fairness.

Author, philosopher and Director of Social and Political Studies at the American Enterprise Institute Michael Novak dissects the meaning of social justice in his essay, “Defining Social Justice.”

“The skills it requires are those of inspiring, working with, and organizing others to accomplish together a work of justice. It aims at good of the city, not the good of one agent only,” Novak says.

If such is true, social justice is open to all kinds of ideals- liberal, conservative and moderate. Instead of dividing, it unites people in a quest for common good, regardless of differences.

“The virtue of social justice allows for people of goodwill to reach different, even opposing, practical judgments about the material content of the common good (ends) and how to get there (means),” Novak says. “Such differences are the stuff of politics.”

So where did we go wrong? Why do we still allow the fight for humans rights to be divided between blue and red? If humanity cannot unite for the sake of each other's rights then we're a lost cause.

published in magazine "Generation WHY"

a tug of worlds

2007-04-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

As I leave my adolescence behind, I find myself in the middle of a ferocious tug of war. After many touching encounters with the world’s underprivileged, I have wanted to forsake my lavish American lifestyle. However, the desire to meet societal standards makes it a challenge. For a humanitarian spirit like myself, to buy or not to buy is a troubling dilemma.

At first glance it may seem simple. I must simply avoid the unnecessary acquisition of stuff. But I, like many American Generation Y-ers, was raised in a world where happiness, acceptance and success were all implicitly measured by the designer brands you owned, luxury cars you drove and extravagant vacations you enjoyed. I live in a land where 16-year-olds receive new SUVs and sports cars for birthday presents. A place where college students, including myself, carry their books about poverty, disease and other world injustices in designer bags. And where private schools schedule ski vacations so families can make use of their “snow homes.”

I always had an innate sense of caring for others. I would put money in the offering at church for those starving African children, and my family made several trips down to Mexico to give away our old clothes. I was well aware that there were many people in the world who lived nothing like I did. But it never really affected me. That is, until my first trip across the big pond to South Africa. There I made friends which shoeless children dressed in tattered clothing. There I held children whose parents’ lives had been stolen by a rampant disease called AIDS. At the formative age of 16, I found myself in a place that didn’t put value on brands or appearance, but rather on life, simply because life is a luxury there.

Upon returning, my heart had been transformed. Instead of longing for a new Coach purse, I wanted to see shoes on the feet of the AIDS orphans I had held. Yet within months, I was competing with my Juicy Couture-clad friends. I was spending $700 on purses. I was asking for a new, faster car. And I was concerned with the weight of Nicole Richie.

Year after year I returned to South Africa to see my friends who were delighted with their one tattered uniform and the chance to attend school with poor lighting and no heat. I held one dying child after another. And I would return each time to the States adamant that in remembrance of them, I would not succumb to our materialistic society. And time after time, I would fail miserably at my resolve.

As I am about to return to the poverty and crime plagued country that changed my heart three years ago, I wonder if seven months will be enough to transform my whole heart and mind. When I return, will I be able to ignore my society’s demand to impress? I’m not sure.

As an American Generation Y-er, consumer is my middle name. We are notoriously known as big spenders. A recent study published in the Journal of Consumer Marketing found that Generation Y responds to advertising and marketing. They are much more likely to spend compulsively. Growing up in an age of the cell phone, the credit card and the Internet, we have learned how to get what we want when we want it.

So what do we do? I’m not sure I can give any answers. So for now, I will continue to wrestle with what it means to be a globally aware young American. With time, I am certain this tug of war will be resolved and I will find myself in a place of true harmony.

published in magazine "Generation WHY"

ubuntu

2007-04-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

As you are all well aware of by now, South Africa has stolen my heart. Actually, it’s probably safe to say that South Africa has taken me hostage.

“A person is a person through others,” states a Zulu proverb and my personal favorite adage.
This maxim reflects the sub-Saharan Africa ideology of ubuntu. It is the belief in a collective bond of sharing that unites all humanity. It has been translated as “humanity towards others” or “I am because we are.”

“A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed,” South Africa Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said.

As I am about to move to the country that was founded on such a principle, I ask myself what does it mean to become “human” through other people? How am I going to allow the people I come in contact with over the next seven months to shape who I become?

My new community will consist of Xhosa and Afrikaans speaking South Africans. I will be learning the languages, eating the food, attending their churches and building relationships. When I return to the States seven months later, it is my hope that I can be called a person with ubuntu.

Tutu wisely advises that true self-assurance comes from being a part of something bigger than ourselves. In our American society the individual is emphasized, but I believe life is meant to be lived in community.

So as we prepare to leave the APU community for the summer, the semester, or even for good, I encourage you to engage in a new community. Whether it’s a missions team, a study abroad program, or a new job, immerse yourself because who you become over the summer can be the result of something bigger than yourself.

Engage by learning the language or memorizing the mission statement. Find out the history of the organization, school or country you find yourself a part of. Get to know your coworker’s favorite childhood memory or their big dream. Whatever it is, take the time to engage.

I leave you with a question wonderfully posed by former South African President and civil rights pioneer Nelson Mandela. “Ubuntu does not mean that people should not enrich themselves. The question therefore is: Are you going to do so in order to enable the community around you to improve?”

drink up

2007-03-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I went to church in a bar.
Yes, a bar.
I walked in to a nightclub and was greeted by a mammoth shark tank. To my left was a well stocked bar and on my right were billiard tables. The dance floors were now covered with chairs. The lighting was dim, but made for a cozy atmosphere. My roommate and I pulled up some barstools and took a seat.
The room was full of all kinds of people: the blonde Newport mom, the teenage music enthusiast, the biker guy with enough ink on his body to write this column, the artsy college student, the surfer with salt water still in his ears and the sweet old lady that acts like everyone’s grandma.
It seemed like truly everyone was welcomed in this place.
During regular hours, the Shark Club is a swanky nightclub. But on Sunday mornings cocktails and clutches are replaced with Starbucks and Bibles.
This Newport church isn’t the only one to hold church in unusual places. Florentine Gardens in Hollywood and The Mayan in L.A. are also transformed into places of worship.
At first impression, church in a bar may seem odd.
But I think it may be the closest thing today to Jesus’ kind of ministry.
Ideally, all ministry is Jesus’ kind of ministry. However, not all modern day ministry is done how Jesus did his. That’s not to say other approaches aren’t valid. Many forms of evangelism are effective for different audiences.
What I’m talking about is meeting people where they are instead of drawing them to us. Jesus hung out with people most of us wouldn’t spend more than a minute with. He sought after the prostitutes, the liars and the cheaters.
Jesus went out to teach, he didn’t stay in the synagogue. He seemed to only be at the temple to reprimand them or re-teach them something they thought they already knew.
His ministry was out on the lake and in the towns, wherever the people that needed to hear his message were. He didn’t make them come to him.
So often I believe we focus on making church relevant for the nonbeliever. But I think the best approach is go out of our comfort zones to meet them where they feel at ease.
I’ve always had a problem with mass evangelism. I know it can be effective and powerful. I went to a Billy Graham crusade in high school and saw the Lord do great things.
However, I personally cannot stand on a stage and try to convince people I don’t know to come to Christ. And I think more and more of my generation is feeling the same. Recently, there has been much more emphasis put on relational ministry. Sure, it may not yield as many big numbers right away. But relationships having lasting implications.
I will never forget the people who have taken the time to get to know me before ministering to me. The times I’ve had with such people have been forever impacting. To be honest, I don’t remember many sermons, but I do remember the actions of those who have met me where I was. And that has been my saving grace.
Without being pantheistic, God is everywhere. And we can find him in the most unexpected places, even a bar.

oh to resolve

2007-01-06T15:58:00.000-08:00

New years resolutions: go to the gym 3 times a week, eat less carbs, go to bed earlier, stop drinking coffee, make my bed every day, do homework on the weekends, shop less and never skip church.
What a lovely list.
Now let’s see, what will I actually do?
Well, I’ll probably go to the gym 4 times this semester. When I actually do have a free time, why would I want to go to the gym?
As long as I go to APU I will never be able to escape the carbs.
There will always be something more fun or important to do than go to bed.
No coffee? Hah.
My bed is lofted. No one will know if it’s messy.
Weekends are notorious for wasting time.
Shopping less could be a ligitimate goal. Only because my bank account continues to shrink.
And well, if I keep wasting my weekends, Sundays will be chained to homework.
So what’s my new year’s resolution for 2007?
Do life better than in 2006.
Pretty simple.
I can’t say I’ll loose those extra pounds The Clause has so graciously given to me or give up being known by name and drink at Starbucks.
But I will do what I did last year, better.
So I might make it the gym only 4 times this semester, but that’s a 100 percent improvement from last semester.
And with a smaller bank account, I guess I can be more prudent.

Awakard, please.

2006-10-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

Last week was one of the most awkward and uncomfortable weeks of the semester. And I loved it. Thanks to my classes, I was forced to immerse myself in situations that made me the minority. I was surrounded by people and ideas I didn’t understand. And for a know-it-all like me, that was painful. But I learned. And that’s my favorite thing to do.
My fish-out-of-water experiences began with my service-learning project at Gladstone High School. For one of my journalism classes, we help advise the yearbook staff at Gladstone. I was not sure how I’d be received since my background is obviously so much different than my Latino students. What was I to share with them? But then it hit me; maybe these girls had something to teach me, too. Afterall, one of the girls in my group is a 16 year old mother who not only goes to school but it also involved in a medical assistant training program. Talk about a lesson in responsibility. I walked away from my visit so excited for the reciprocal learning that I’m sure is to come in the next six weeks.
Next up, I had to attend a campus event that was sponsored by a group different than my own ethnicity. So I decided on a Black Student Awareness meeting. I’ll be honest... I was terrified. Growing up in a white upper middle class suburb, I’ve had limited exposure to the African American culture. Sure, I’ve spent the last three summers in South Africa, but that’s completely different culture. Coming into the meeting, I wasn’t sure how I would be received. And I wasn’t sure how to act. Should I just be quite and observe? Well that might come off like I don’t care. Should I participate? But who am I to offer anything to their discussion? I don’t want to be offensive.
During the meeting we discussed issues facing black youth. I attentively listened to the black students share their own personal experiences. I was intrigued. I wanted to ask so many questions but tried to stay on the conservative side of annoying. I left the meeting feeling so inspired. Here was a group of people taking an active stand on something they cared deeply about. I continued to think about the meeting throughout the next day. Their passion caught my curiosity. I think I’m going back.
I ended my week of week of awkward at a prayer service at a Muslim mosque. Talk about being nervous. I had prepared all week but still had no idea what to expect. I sat bright eyed, with my head covered, on the floor in the back. I took it all in in awe. The simplicity and sanctity of the service was touching. For the first time, I saw Muslims as people of faith, not hate. I had been so quick to generalize that I had never taken the chance to see them through any eyes but those tainted with judgment.
I left all of these events wanting more. I have so much to learn. And the know-it-all in me wants learn it all now. Some things can only be learned with experience. But why not jump-start that learning by actively pursuing those experiences?
The uncomfortable was well worth it. I hope I never get to a place where things are comfortable. Because that's when I stop learning. And that’s just boring. So bring on the awkward.

quotes, anyone?

2006-09-29T15:53:00.000-07:00

I’m a quote person. I’m just fascinated by what other people have to say. Maybe that makes me a people person. Regardless, I was in intrigued by a quote I recently read by J. Ferrante.
“Insight into everyday behavior comes from contrast. When people are exposed to different ways of thinking and behaving, they learn not only about another way of life, but they gain important insights about their own ways.”
I remember the first time I was truly exposed to a different way of thinking. It was July 31, 2004. I had just retrieved by bags and was pulling out of the Cape Town International airport. I was maybe the closest I’ve even been to a heart attack. We were making a left turn on a red stoplight. I let out a squeal and braced myself for the impact however when I opened my eyes, we were just fine. Our driver and some “veterans” on the team laughed. I was made aware that they drive on the wrong side of the road in Africa.
Wait. The wrong side? No, just the different side.
It’s amazing how quick we are to deem our way the “right” way. But what’s even more amazing is when we discover our way isn’t the only way. That sudden epiphany that Wow, they do it differently and it works too is an invaluable lesson that is often learned by exposure to contrast.
So, how do we add contrast to our lives? Look around.
Diversity has been a hot topic on campus recently. Our university is purposely striving for contrast. Differing views cultivate discussion. When we listen to what others have to say, we learn a little bit more about humanity. Again, maybe that’s why I love quotes.
Last week I was sitting on Cougar Walk struggling to focus on “The Xenophobe’s Guide to the Americans” and found myself watching the swarm of students pass by. I noticed, excuse the cliché, a rainbow of students. I heard some sort of Mandarin language. I listened to some black students talk about what seemed like an exciting BSA meeting from the night before. And next to me sat my fascinating friend from the Middle East and my spunky Chicago native roommate who I still cannot understand at times due to her thick Mid-Western twang.
So where is your contrast?
We don’t have to travel far to find others from different backgrounds and different opinions. I encourage you this week to take some time and chat with someone different than you. Find out why they do things the way they do. You’ll be surprised, you might just become a quotes person, too.