Argument Hour: Why does it matter?

I saw this commercial and it made me want to post.




but this is why. Why the hell does it matter. That's always a legitimate question.

"Hey my name is Jello."
"Why the hell does that matter?"

maybe not in such a mean sense. Perhaps, "how could this be of importance to me" But this is the point I am trying to make. If you're putting effort into something, let's try to make sure it serves a purpose. Don't say needless shit. No need to talk crap or to hate, unless you're really truly trying to inflict some damage. And if you really are trying to inflict damage, than make sure it's directed in the right areas. This is my point. You don't see a point guard juke left, and dribble right, just to end up in the same position. He's trying to move forward. So stop shuckin and jivin if it isn't really doing anything or if you don't have any plan on doing better.

Argument Hour: Misconceptions

This is all stemming from a recent trip to San Francisco, one that was actually pretty eventful, and might actually be the inspiration for a few more posts, but since it seems like it has been a while, since anyone has actually been up on this I think it should be my turn to finally put a little two cents in.

The day was actually pretty random, nice and chill. Basically we went for two things, tickets for Popsicle and to chill in SF. Upon meeting up with a few friends we just decided screw it let's drink a 40 and made our way up to hippie hill, to kick it amongst the crowd. We chose a spot a little near the trees, in a nice open patch between some knocked out bum, some guy who almost got shot up and a big ass black guy BBQ-ing.

I sat back, analyzing the situation. Not realizing how much stereotypes were actually coming into play. Everything from, the dirty white guy, to the big black guy and the smell of weed all around. Little did I know that my thoughts were completely wrong.

I like to take everyone for who they are, but little as I'd like to admit it, stereotypes and misconceptions come into play more than I would really like. I saw the big black guy, walking around with his shirt off, Mickey's in hand and all I could think of was, "this guy thinks he runs this place." Like he can't be touched.

But here's what I've come to learn from my years of experience. People are generally nicer than you think. Everyone has their good side, and everyone has their bad. The difference is, what people decide to show more often. But I kind of see it as, if you're having fun and not hurting anyone, I don't see why anyone should hate on what you're doing.

So the big black guy starts talking, and he says something to us. And I kind of decide to just see what this guy's real deal is. So I ask him what he was grillin up. And nicely he says, "Some fuckin jalepeno hamburger's dog." And it went on from there:

"Can I Get One?"
"Yeah man, first one to get here can have it. Hold up though, in order to come over you better be sippin' on a Mickey's."
So I pulled my 40 out of my brown paper bag, "Whatchu know bout' that son?"
"Go ahead and grab some bread, just save one for my homie"

The story continued on with me introducing my self. Him asking if I need some crack, and me taking down a number, just in case one day, I decided to get some. What could I say? He delivered (crack not burgers). So long story short, I like to get proved wrong when it comes to my initial thoughts and perceptions. Another realization that you really shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

Argument Hour: Competition

I haven't been on this for a while, a sad truth, but I thought since I had some time, I'd write something about how I've been feeling lately, a little segway into a future project why this is that and that is this. But for now, this is why everything is everything. And everything is competition

Let's start it with this. You can see everything is competition. Good vs. Bad, Red vs. Blue, Yes vs. No. But with every competition, there needs to be a winner and loser. And who decides the winner? Because in the case of good and bad. If it was a competition of who was nicer, then the good would always win, but if it was a competition of who was meaner, than the bad would always win. And in every case, there could be arguments. Who decides what is mean? Who decides what is good? Who can really say that this is more mean than that.

So take another example, Basketball (just because playoffs are comin up). Basketball is a competition, in which, these competitions arise. Who is the best player, who can beat who to the basket, who can score the most points, who has the best team, and so many more. But this is why you have to take EVERYTHING into account in this situation. With every competition, you are trying to outwit your opponent. Yes there is tons of skill involved, but at the end of the day, if you can utilize any skill you have and match it up perfectly with your opponents, you will arise the victor. So as one person trying to beat another, you have to utilize, your knowledge against theirs.


So a journey to the basket results in this. Are they the kind of person to fall for this trick, do they know I'm left handed, or are they weak on the right side. You do the math in your head, they have this long a reach, I am this far from the basket, I have to put this much force on the ball from here, or 2 points plus my last 28 gives me 30 for the game.. haha. You utilize the games psychology fake out your player, and come out the victor of this round.

Random thoughts, but you want me to argue about why this is that? Give me some thoughts or ideas, I've been feelin like writing lately

Argument Hour: Small Groups

It's always nice to see the good and bad in things, so you can utilize your decisions. And so for right now, I'm going to tell you why I enjoy chillin in small groups.

There are a few perks to chillin in small groups, and I'll start off with why it's hard sometimes to chill in a big group of people.

1. You don't have time to talk to everyone. When you go out with a big group of people, how do you really get the chance to talk to everyone. I could see you across the table, but only get to talk to you really for like 5-10 minutes. What can really be covered in that many minutes? Honestly not too much
2. Party too hard. When you're in a big group of people, there are some perks. Lots of cars, lots of drivers, lots of people to look out for you. You're less responsible, because odds are, there'll be someone else to help you out (though you shouldn't be dependent on it)
3. Party too often. When you have a big group of friends, there is a birthday almost every weekend. This means, drinking, partying and late nights. So often, that at times you begin to feel the grind of constant partying.

So just looking at that, it helps me appreciate the fun that can be had in small groups. Deeper conversations, moderation and more responsibility. Sometimes it's nice to have something to keep you in check.

Argument Hour: Online

This is because of freakin Tranny Tran and Kevy Kev.

So is it possible for someone to be a different person online than they are in person? And is this perhaps something that is tearing up the society today?

Think about all the bad that comes from online conversations. I mean I don't want to completely knock it because shoot I love to chat and look for things online. But the truth is, how credible are most things that are shown online.

I say anything because how many things online are word of mouth, or through some basic research, or done in a different confidence.

Take these scenarios.

1. Dateline. How many predators are there online, and even more so, how many times has Dateline lied about who they are online! I mean, that's how they catch predators, they pose as 13 year olds and as soon as these pedophiles go to the house, they book em' and charge em'. This is definitely good but this brings me to my next point.
2. Fakes. How many fakes are online. Think about all the robots that ask you to be their friends on myspace. Or these predators that could be posing as something that they are not.
3. Boldness. I've had this conversation with a few people recently. That I think at times you can be more bold online. You may say things you wouldn't say to a person's face because you have the computer to hide behind. There has been numerous times when my sister and I would talk shit to people online because they couldn't do anything to us in person. There are any number of ways you can assume ignorance. For example, "Sorry wrong window", putting up an away message or just that fact that you could be miles away from the person you are talking to.
   

This brings me to a completely different question.

"Would you do whatever you wanted if you had always had a legitimate and acceptable excuse?"

So in conclusion, I am not a more interesting person online TRAN and KEVIN! I am just more bold. And perhaps just have more opportunity!

The question that sparked this Argument:

Do you hold grudges?
grudges aren't really tangible.. so they can't be held, but if they could, I would hug them and say, it's okay grudges, you don't need to be so horrible, we can all get along.. and maybe one day, there will be no need for you.. haha

Argument Hour: Adapters

This is sparked by rockband! Haha... You know, we're living in what century now. With things like plasma screen HDTVs, the internet and any other number of technological advancements. But this is my point. With all these electrical engineers or whatever, isn't it time we move past adapters?

I understand that some things need more power to operate, and I know that this is what these huge boxes provide. But goodness, you can only plug 1 into a double outlet. I think it's time that we move beyond all this, and figure out a way we can conserve more space in our lives.

Thanks!

Argument Hour: Controversy

Let me tell you, I watch ESPN with a passion. I don't get all these sports channels so I get my coverage from ESPN. And all day today, they were talking about Golfweek and their coverage of Kelly Tilghman's remarks toward Tiger Woods. During her commentary of Tiger Woods on the tour she said, "Lynch him in a back alley" which in turn was covered in Golfweek with that stunning photo shown above.

Now there are a few things I want to cover in this. And once again, take your own angle and go ahead and argue with me. I agree, that an image of a noose, and the thoughts of lynching are sore spots when it comes to anyone of color. And I do think that the thoughts that are provoked when these things do come up aren't exactly positive. But I do think it has come to a point where things need to be taken at face value. The media, and these announcers are not really saying that some one should go kidnap Tiger Woods and hang him for what he is doing, and especially not for being black.

What I do think, is that we need to start to re associate the thoughts and images that seemingly come hand in hand with the words noose and lynch. Just like the many other things, that come with bad stereotypes. Because if you continue on with these thoughts, they are just going to bring more drama, and less equality. And isn't that what we're all fighting for, this equal opportunity to do what we want, and as we please, mind you that this is as long as it does not harm anyone else.

For example, when you think of Germans what is the first thing that comes to mind? Nazis? I know for all too many of you this is what happens. And I'm not blaming you. I'm just encouraging you to think of something else. All throughout high school I got shit for taking German, and all too often jokes were said that didn't necessarily hurt me, but would probably strike a chord with someone else. I'm not saying let's forget the past, what I am saying, is let's be open and take things at face value. Don't say things unless you truly know it's origin and what image you may be portraying.

We need to get past the point of, racial stereotypes. Yes I know, I know I know I know. Easier said than done, but I would like to reiterate this because we're living in a new age, and people did not fight for this, for it to make no difference. Take in prior accounts, but don't let it cloud your judgement.

Lastly, the magazine is there to strike up controversy. The magazine, and those who make it want you to read it. And honestly, I wouldn't ever read Golfweek, but maybe I'll read this one. Face value people! Recognize the reference but don't misinterpret!

Argument Hour: Kenny George

Let me start this one like this. Sometimes it's better to realize things before you head to far in the wrong direction. If you were going to go into some deep dark scary woods, wouldn't you want somebody to tell you whether it's dangerous or not?

I hate to shatter dreams, but it's been a while since I've done a post like this, or a post other than the whole This Book Will Change Your Life spiel. (Spiel is game in German...howla for bringing back high school) But to continue on.

Kenny George. You are on a dark and scary path, that does not lead you to the NBA. You may be 7'8" and huge like a mother, but that doesn't mean anything.

I've compiled a list, on why you should, focus on your studies.

1. Mobility. Where's your footwork? In the video, all I really saw was you shuffling left and right. Big men need more mobility. In the NBA you'll get torn up by the likes of Dwight Howard or any number of very agile big men.
2. Shot. You can't shoot, you were right there, standing a good foot and a half above your defender, and you couldn't lay it in. It's not always going to be that easy. In the NBA you got people that can hop over people, and you think people won't be able to jump as high as you are tall?
3. Speed. It takes you twice as long to get down the court as the rest of your teammates. Maybe if you were playing Yao Ming, that slow bastard, you could stand a chance. But what about the rest of the league? You'll be good for one game. Haha.
4. Passion. You don't look like you want it. It looks like you are stuck on the ball thinking, "Get the ball, get the ball, get the ball."

I admit you have potential, but I think above all you got to love the game you are playing, and it just doesn't seem like you want it that bad. You need to work hard to become faster and improve your shot. And stop holding your hands in the air like that's the only thing you can do with them.

Argument Hour: Parents

To be honest, I love the way my life is going. Everything may not be in order, but the way it is going as of right now, I am very excited about. Life is tough you don't always get what you want, but I had a conversation with my sister and my cousin the other day, about my family, the parents and just how we are, and it opened up my eyes.

The triggering statement was
"There are some things about our family you just can't change. We're ghetto, I don't know if she's ready for that"

I left the room to play poker in what my experience is, the typical Filipino style, party set up. The mothers huddled up together somewhere inside, cooking, cleaning, gossiping or watching TV. The kids running around the house or playing video games. And the dad's and few mom's that are down in the garage drinking and gambling. And so I took my seat at the table.

I admit, I always knew what it was like in the garage, I used to be on of the kids running around. But I never actually involved myself in the festivities that are a Filipino garage. I took my seat at the poker table and tried to find my place in this unfamiliar territory. It came with a rush after my first winning hand. A big pot, and then another and then another. They began to see me as legitimate competition. The rest was a rush. It came with high fives, magic sing, beer and shots.

This is where I came to my conclusion, and the point of my argument. Here at bomb$hell we pride ourselves in the life we live. And perhaps, the life we live is not all so different from those of our parents.

A few examples:
We learned Mah Jong from where? BT's dad
We're ghetto and like to drink and kick it with the bam. That's essentially Filipino garage.

I'm not sure, how well of a point I made, but I like knowing that I can just as easily kick it in the garage and talk to my dad about the same things I do with my friends.

Argument Hour - Memories

Thanks to my sister for getting me on that Radio Lab tip. But here's the deal. Is it better for you to not remember your fondest memories.

As of right now, I am arguing yes. Imagine this. Your first kiss. Or the best one you've had. How do you remember it. Was it soft? Was the timing right? Was it with an amazing person?

Who knows how it is now. It happened. Now let me make a few points

• Purity. Why is it that there is no time that the memory of your first kiss is as pure as it was when it first happened. Why does it seemingly become less and less special everytime you think about it?
• View. How are you picturing this memory. In terms of what it was or in terms of what it is now?
• Memory. How exact is the memory you have of your first kiss?

What I am trying to say, is that perhaps there is good reason for you not to remember your fondest memories. If every time you think of this memory, you recreate it in your head. Aren't things going to be a bit different? Aren't you going to get some details wrong. Perhaps even skip out on some of the key elements of that memory. Maybe everything that built up to that first kiss made it special. Do you remember every single reason and moment that occurred to make this kiss so amazing?

Furthermore, when you recreate this memory, you are viewing it from the person you are now. Maybe you hate this person now, and you no longer see the kiss for what it was at that time. Something special. You are now distorting this kiss to be something that it is not. And the next time you choose to recall this memory, you default to the last way you described it. So after years of thinking of this first kiss, it has turned from something special, to something different.

So, if you do not recall all of your fondest memories, and reserve them for other times, then perhaps you are preserving these memories, in their purest state. You are saving them for what they first were, and not distorting your thoughts to make it something different.

Just a thought.

Argument Hour - Writer's Strike

I'm not sure how many people are following this, but I NEED my TV shows. But with this writer's strike, not nearing any sort of compromise, it's time to voice my opinion. You may have your opinion, but I have mine, and that is what you are going to hear.

Now as a business major, I can see this in the business sense. And actually the studios are doing a pretty good job at keeping this on the low. It has made news, but no major headlines, no drama, just a strike. This is all working for the studio's favor, they get to hold out longer, and keep postponing resolution.

Here's how I feel:

• Right. The writer's deserve this. They are justified in their actions. They are asking for 3% of profits off of web content. They may not put the web content together, but they write it. How hard is it to give them 3% of what you make off of those things.
• Cost. How much more is it costing you to not pay these writers. Let's calculate this. There are tons of losses. Re-runs do not get any where near as much viewers, that means less demand for advertising space. This also means less views on the website, because of the lack of new material, which also results in a decrease in demand. You are losing viewers and also
• Losers. I took this one from my sister, but it seems that with this strike, you have to wonder, who are the real losers. The corporations and their profits? The writers? It might actually be hurting the little people. I don't mean me and you. But the unseen heroes in the studio. The camera people, the lighting and effects people. All these people are out of work. It's not like the corporations are crying over the loss of these employees.

Just some thoughts for today

Argument Hour: Pain & Suffering

This might hit a sour note for a few people, but I had a discussion with a very close friend of mine recently, and sometimes I think people need to be reminded of the need for all this to happen.

I have always encouraged you all to think for yourselves, and be critical. Also, I am not one to impose my beliefs on others, but as for this discussion I had, I feel that I should let you know what it was about.

My friend asked, "If there is a God, why does he allow so much pain and suffering?"

Here are a few reasons, why I feel that these things exist. I hate going through the bad times, and goodness I can't wait for them to end. But no matter how long they last, how much pain they cause, and how much I suffer. I know a time will come when it won't be as bad.

1. Appreciation. I think the main reason for pain and suffering, is that if there wasn't things to bring you down to earth, everything would have to increasingly get better and better. Every day, you would have to be earning more money, your breakfast would have to taste better than yesterdays, your friends more loving and your life more enjoyable. Why? Because you are going to naturally want more. And without pain and suffering, you don't have a way to appreciate life the way you do now.
2. Reference. If there was not good and bad, then you would have no way to gauge future events. If you did not have the pain of death, you would not know the gift of life. It would just be something there for anyone at anytime. Don't some of the best times, come after the worst times? This ties in to appreciation. If you could not look back at the things you've toiled through, then you would have no way to enjoy what you did to get there. I've always heard it's not where you go, it's how you get there. And the struggle that you go through to get anywhere in life, makes any achievement that much sweeter.
   

Enjoy it people, enjoy it!

Argument Hour: Hate...

Alright, so the post about love got a lot of responses and mixed answers. Here is my argument about hate, this might change how you feel about love. Can hate at first sight happen? Here are a couple of examples, keep in mind that there are several levels of hate.

• If you are born into a family that practices Nazisms. Isn't it programed in you to hate people that are not of the Aryan blood. You are taught to hate those that who do not have blond hair and blue eyes. Hate is part of your beliefs.
• There are times when you first meet someone, or just seeing them across the room, you automatically judge. By judging, you are not giving them a chance to show you who they really are. This is a very minimal level of hate, but by all means, it is still hate.
• For us Golden State Warrior fans; I absolutely hate the Utah Jazz. Besides from them knocking us out of the playoffs last season and them contributing to our 2 loss this year. I just hate the way they play, the color of their uniforms, their players, their logo, their "Mormon" beliefs, and etc. The point is, being from Cali, I have learned to despise Utah through the simple game of basketball.

I know my examples are irrational, but it is something to think about. Also, If hate is so easy to do, why must love be hard. Why must love at first sight not be possible? Hehe, just like all argument hours, this is here for you to think and have a mental debate within yourself.

Argument Hour: Love

Well I've been a little off point people, so I decided to write about something everybody has an opinion about. What is it? Does it exist, and how do you feel it?

There are a lot of different ways we could go about this, but I decided to write about one of my favorites. Love at first site. I've heard far too many people say that it's not possible, that it can't happen and what not. Basically with the general thinking, how could you know that a person is the right one with just a glance. I know I'm gonna get a bunch of shit for this but here is what I say.


First of all, why would you not want to believe in such a thing as love at first site. That somewhere out there a little cupid is setting people up for the best thing in their life. I know, hard to comprehend, the idea that you can look at someone and just know that they are the right one. That the instant you lay eyes on this person, emotion comes over you like nothing else you've ever experienced.

Call me hopeless, but isn't that something you would hope to happen. That the perfect person for you is only a glance away at any point in your life. I'm not saying you should expect it to happen, or that it will even happen, but that it is possible. That one day you might be backpacking through Europe or at a friends party and you'll meet someone that just takes your breath away. I think it's possible. How many times have you heard, when getting told a story of how people first met, "I knew the moment I saw her/him" It happens.

Now I remind you, don't go around saying this about every good looking person you meet, because it doesn't work that way. Just because you say something like that to yourself, doesn't mean that it'll necessarily happen. But be open to the possibility. That no matter where you are there could be someone near by that is your complete compliment.

Argument Hour: Graf Part 1: Cover Up!

There's a lot to talk about, when it comes to graf, so I've split it up into several different argument hours. Here is your part 1.

A short Bomb$hell background:

The essence of what bomb$hell is, started off in graf. That's what it's been about. The idea of art, and underground movements, and the possibility of epidemic. We came up with the idea of bomb$hell, as a store, where we could share art, ideas, thoughts and what not. I'll stop there, because we're straight copyright. Nevertheless, to bomb, is to go out on the streets and spread your tag, your throwie, whatever but it was the idea of getting up there.

This segment of "Argument Hour: Graf" is to deal with the idea of the cover up. Basically, getting buffed out. Whether it be, getting sandblasted or painted over, or repaved, I've seen to many instances why this is horrible, so here is my argument.

1. True artists will reign supreme. You may see throwies all around, good bad, whatever. But as far as real graf goes, there is no need to paint over these little pieces, because at the end of the day, they'll get painted over by bigger better pieces. A throwie will get covered by a piece, a piece will get covered by some wildstyle, but whatever is best will come out on top.
2. More harm than good. We'll all see these walls, that are covered with off colored blocks. The failed attempts of the city/transportation agency, to cover up art work put up by legitamite artists, or at times artists in training. Isn't it true that at times, all these blocks look a lot more horrible than what it is covering.
   
3. Environment. One of the reasons why I love San Francisco so much, is that you can walk around town and see all this beautiful artwork up. Whether it be just words or pictures, but it's all around. It's on walls, on trucks, in buildings and out. They have let the true artists reign supreme. Work that provokes thought, engages the eye and adds to the overall equity of the city. It's what I've come to expect from "the city". And I look forward to every trip.

Look, I'm not advocating tagging on people's homes, on children's hang outs. But where there is nothing really going on. Why not? Why not allow people to perform their talents and get people to enjoy every little crevice of the earth. You judge for yourself. But as for me. I feel that sometimes, you got to let it run its course and allow this work to keep getting better and better

Argument Hour - Originality

Ever wondered...
Who started wearing fitted caps with the stickers still on them?
Who first decided to eat their fries with cheese and onions like some kind of animal?
Who thought spinning on their head was so cool?

In a tired media driven world, we seem to believe anything new we do is originial. It may be cool and new, but is it true originality? When Avril Lavigne wore a tie when she performed, was she being orginal? Or was her sense of fashion influenced by the society that nutured her? We are the person we are today because of the events and experiences we encountered when growing up in our society. Our society itself influences what we wear, how we talk, how we dance, and more importantly, who we are as a person. So in a way, no matter what we decided to do that is new and differnent, it is not truely original (arising or proceeding independently of anything else), it has some influence by the society.

So who wore red authentic vans first? Who knows? Who cares? If you were the first one, all that means is that you were the first one. You weren't being original. It was bound to happen anyways. Our society brought about that kind of style. If you grew up in an African tribe, you wouldn't wear red vans. You wouldn't think anything close to sneakers. But man... think of it, if you're the first one, you'd be cool. Ha, everyone would laugh at you. Why? Cause that specific society doesn't see that as style. No matter how you like to think of it, you have your style because of your society, or media for that matter.

All in all, orginality is never orginal. It's just misused. But I mean, thats all in my head. I'm sure you have your ideas about the subject. For all I know, I could be completely wrong and stupid. If you think I am, then tell me. And this is all just ideas. Ideas are meant to be challenged. If you have a good rebuttal, then bring it. We will debate. We don't call it argument hour cause it sounds cute.

Argument Hour - Hunting

This is for Kenneth, because I'm sure he'll love it, that hunting bastard!

For those who consider hunting brutal, and unnecessary, I ask you to rethink your view. As part two of the argument hour begins, and another seemingly needless argument takes place, I hope you once again view life at all different angles. So as hunting is becoming a more and more extinct past time, it has in turn affected animals that are endangered. How does the elimination of a hobby that kills animals, actually hurt animals? The reason is that, a good portion of the money earned from the sales of hunting licenses goes to national wildlife preserves around the country. Now with hunting on the decline, funding for these reserves is following suit. Hunting is a highly regulated sport. With limited time frames to actually go out and hunt, as well as the costs and fees a person has to pay to actually get out there, there is actually a very limited amount of killing being done. So with these regulations, and the funding that hunting brings, can hunting actually help the animal kingdom?

Reminder: I in no way agree or disagree with what I am saying, I'm leaving it for your own interpretation. If you want to go hunt. That's on you!

Argument Hour: Where America Can Do Better 2

Addition

Media:
The American media has an important role. They are the gateway to information for many people who do not have the time to research every little aspect of life. I think that it is within this we need more probing news. I do not doubt that the news prods and pokes at different things. But, there are definitely segments of their broadcast that are needless. You do not need to criticize and ridicule everything that Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton or Britney Spears does. Leave that to Entertainment News or Access Hollywood.

As far as CNN and Fox News goes, this will never happen, but I have some ideas. Fuck this whole biased shit. Don't skew your reports to seem more liberal, more conservative, more this or more that. Just report the fuckin news. Let us decide for ourselves. You are just allowing the United States to become dumb. They're beginning to believe everything and I mean everything you say, and spitting it back out like it is their own knowledge. That's why I say question what you hear. There are too many ways for people to speak to get what they want. Read the Tipping Point, or take a stats class, or even a business writing class. They'll show you how you can speak to get what you want. But all this bias does, is make us resort to pettiness.

If all the news companies could speak like this to convey their way, then they are going to find any means to one up the competition. You know what then ends up happening? "This company is ignorant." or "That candidate is an idiot." Is this not what happened to Bush. Like I said, spit it back out. Bush is an idiot why? Because he's not a good public speaker? Just because he sounds like one? Or because you disagree with the war in Iraq? Or because that's how the media portrays him?

I don't know, sometimes all this stuff just seems a little too convenient!

COMING SOON!
Candidate Overviews. Pros and Cons of who you could vote for, if you actually decide to get up and vote!

Argument Hour: Where America Can Do Better..

I've been holding off on this, because I have been too lazy to actually do some research, and back my theories up. But I finally just decided to say screw it, and speak my mind.

In my opinion there are many things that America is lacking. And it is in this that I have some solutions. Yes these solutions are not necessarily easy, but are nice to keep in mind when you are passing by someone on the street. So here it is.

Unity.
America lacks unity. Look at the political parties, and how divided the polls have been the past elections. When was the last time you saw a majority of America stand behind something. Anything.

Knowledge.
America lacks knowledge. How many of you can name more than 4 people running for president next year. How may of you can name their stances on various subjects. Stop focusing on what clothes you are wearing, or what Lindsay Lohan is doing and go read a fuckin book. Or how about you watch CNN instead of MTV, even the Colbert Report or the Daily Show. At least they cover stuff relevant to your life. It's your country, it has to do with you! Many of you go out there and say you hate Bush, and that he is an idiot, but the second you are asked why, you stutter. I am not advocating anything that Bush has done, but I am not putting any of it down either. I want you to go out there and figure that out your damn self. Shoot, if you don't want to read a book, there are many different sources you can go to, to get information on the subject, NPR, the various movies made, and there is always youtube. Haha. Which brings me to my next subject

Conviction.
America lacks conviction. The strength to stand by what we believe, no matter what happens. We too readily take in information and just spit it back out as if it were always true. Find out what you believe,
and stick by it. Even better stand up for what you believe in. Look at the various movements over time, and what these people fought for. For example, the right to vote. People fought and died for this opportunity, and we can even find the decency to know who is running. You don't like the war? Stop just saying shit and do something about it. You don't like it that much, well there are measures you can take.

Values
When I was growing up, there were family values everywhere. From Step by Step to Full House. We made fun of dysfunctional families and glorified the good old fashioned ones. I know that this is getting harder and harder to deal with, taking into account longer work days, single parent homes and the need for both parents to work. But there are things that you can do. For one, don't have a kid until you're ready. Duh! Geniuses. But if you do decide to have one, how about you teach them some manners. Don't hesitate to put your kid in their place. Yeah they may cry, and who cares if they embarrass you at the store. You need to teach your kids that they can't do whatever they want, and that there is something out there called manners. How about you reorganize your priorities, and put family a little bit higher up there. Thanks. Also, there is such thing as American values, when was the last time these values were reinforced, revised or even spoken of. Can we recall what they are?

Safety
We lack the sense of safety. Or maybe it is just because we are so insecure. When was the last time you saw more than 4 or 5 groups of people come through your house on Halloween. When was the last time you talked to someone you were stuck in an elevator with or you bump into. All these electronics have shut us off from each other. We text instead of call, we walk past without a nod or a smile and we had to create a law just to help others out. I'm talking good Samaritans, we should not have to be forced to good things. Is it that hard to help another person out. We've been molded to act like this so break the fuckin mold. I mean, everyone is a little too stuck on self image to realize, that life is so much more than, material goods. What's the point in having all this shit if you're not having fun. Meet people, learn what they've been through, and understand that the world doesn't revolve around you.


I don't know what you think. But this is what I think. So say what you will, it is all opinion. In fact, I'd love to hear what your thoughts are. Put me in my place, I don't mind it, but don't mind me if I do the same to you

Argument Hour: Zeitgeist

Be educated. Sometimes easier said than done. But as of right now, I beg, I beg, I beg, that you keep informed. Do your own research, and figure out things for yourself.

Here is my point. Zeitgeist is meant to open eyes, and provoke thought. So think. Although there are many truths, think of different ways things can be misconstrued. And do your own research. Personally, I have only partially watched the movie, due to time constraints and so forth, but due to my religious affiliation I was forced to monitor and re-evaluate some of the things expressed in part 1 of the film. I am not doubting or putting down the movie, but once again, I beg you to keep on your toes.




Now, I am not saying that this kid has any proof either, but I am saying, he could be telling the truth. Just like the people in this film could be doing the same. Take in knowledge but do it cautiously. Statistics are a good example, of why you should be wary. Furthermore, take the example of those 9/11 bulletins, stating all this adds up to 911, or whatever, it was completely false. Be aware people, stay informed, be educated. Also, think of it in reverse, maybe the bible was not influenced by these constellations, but perhaps the constellations and the zodiac was influenced by the bible. As for Zeitgeist, I'll reserve judgement for a later date.

Parts 2 & 3:
I am not going to deny part 2. I believe our government did have a lot to do behind the 9/11 attacks. But why, is what I guess is the question. Just look at what the Bush family in itself had to gain from them. Increase in the price of shares for the companies they held stock in as well as greater power through the patriot act. But thing is, how did any of this happen. Money and greed. That's what we need to fight against. It's horrible that people can think they need that much money and care only of themselves. But nonetheless it happens. In part three, they talk about the depression, but it was cause by more than just the failure of banks. Yes it was caused by everyone withdrawing their money, and banks having no reserves to back loans, and what not. But once again there are other contributing factors, perhaps deeper than Morgan's contribution. But yet again. STAY INFORMED! DO NOT, TAKE WHAT I AM SAYING AS TRUTH! But take it as a reminder that there is always much more happening.

I guess in light of this I'll pose a question, to what extent do you believe that ignorance is bliss?