The New York Times broke a story yesterday that nauseates me.
In Austria, a 42 year old woman was freed from her father's basement after 24 years of imprisonment and sexual abuse. She had given birth to 7 children in that time.
Her mother was living in the house the whole time. The father had told her that their daughter had run away.
The man began abusing his daughter when she as 11 years old.
Crimes like this should not be stood for. When the woman went missing, there should have been an investigation. Steps need to be taken worldwide so that this never happens again.
Monday, April 28, 2008
The Government's Violation of Freedom of the Press
I barely know how to respond to the recent NY Times article reporting that the "military experts" that serve as correspondents to news stations are actually in league with our government to promote the public's approval for the war.
What is even more disgusting is that the none if the major media outlets are reporting this scandal because they are implicated in the story. I first heard this story from "The Daily Show," an institution that obviously has no ties to the official media corporations.
In a time when so much controversy has occurred over the injustices perpetrated by the Chinese government, I find that the US regime is no different.
To influence the media's coverage of an issue is a violation of the freedom of press, especially when this influence is totally erroneous.
What is even more disgusting is that the none if the major media outlets are reporting this scandal because they are implicated in the story. I first heard this story from "The Daily Show," an institution that obviously has no ties to the official media corporations.
In a time when so much controversy has occurred over the injustices perpetrated by the Chinese government, I find that the US regime is no different.
To influence the media's coverage of an issue is a violation of the freedom of press, especially when this influence is totally erroneous.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Ode to DIL
I forgot to take my literacy test
This was not me at my best
I thought a DIL class
would be a pain in the butt
I wanted to bang my head against the wall
To take a class was not my will
But then I meet Paul
and he was chill
About computers I learned a lot
And about what fly skill Paul's got
Now I am a digital master
and can use the internet so much faster
This was not me at my best
I thought a DIL class
would be a pain in the butt
I wanted to bang my head against the wall
To take a class was not my will
But then I meet Paul
and he was chill
About computers I learned a lot
And about what fly skill Paul's got
Now I am a digital master
and can use the internet so much faster
Ode to Blowout
A phenomenon called blowout
is something you should knowabout
Everyone will attend their final classes
And get drunk off their asses
Summer is almost here
But before we can enjoy the sun
We must face our biggest fear:
Exams are certainly no fun
When you haven't been to class all year
is something you should knowabout
Everyone will attend their final classes
And get drunk off their asses
Summer is almost here
But before we can enjoy the sun
We must face our biggest fear:
Exams are certainly no fun
When you haven't been to class all year
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Bigotry on W&M Campus
This Tuesday, Serge Trifkovic gave an "Anti-Islam" on behalf of a student organization on campus.
Here is a quote a video connected to Trifkovic's talks:
"Islam wants to rule, submit, and seeks to destroy our Western civilization.
In 1945, Nazism was defeated in Europe.
in 1989, Communism was defeated in Europe.
Now the Islamic ideology has to be defeated.
Stop Islamisation.
Defend our Freedom."
I am a extreme proponent of free speech, but the fact that William and Mary Campus is hosting an event that is against an entire religion makes me feel dirty all over. I am pretty sure that "serge" knows less about Islam than my great aunt mabel...For all intensive purposes, these "Students for Freedom" are hosting a "Hate Workers Art Show." We have a significant Muslim population at this school ad an even larger group of students who are pursuing middle eastern studies. In what way can an event enrich our campus if it is directly targeted against one of our demographics...What if we had an Anti-White people speaker, we sure have done and still lots of bad stuff...I am a proponent of free speech, but speech that is hateful, bigoted, and erroneous is no kind of speech for me and no kind of speech for william and mary. For a better understanding of the middle east, might I suggest Palestine Awareness week.
Here is a quote a video connected to Trifkovic's talks:
"Islam wants to rule, submit, and seeks to destroy our Western civilization.
In 1945, Nazism was defeated in Europe.
in 1989, Communism was defeated in Europe.
Now the Islamic ideology has to be defeated.
Stop Islamisation.
Defend our Freedom."
I am a extreme proponent of free speech, but the fact that William and Mary Campus is hosting an event that is against an entire religion makes me feel dirty all over. I am pretty sure that "serge" knows less about Islam than my great aunt mabel...For all intensive purposes, these "Students for Freedom" are hosting a "Hate Workers Art Show." We have a significant Muslim population at this school ad an even larger group of students who are pursuing middle eastern studies. In what way can an event enrich our campus if it is directly targeted against one of our demographics...What if we had an Anti-White people speaker, we sure have done and still lots of bad stuff...I am a proponent of free speech, but speech that is hateful, bigoted, and erroneous is no kind of speech for me and no kind of speech for william and mary. For a better understanding of the middle east, might I suggest Palestine Awareness week.
Government-Sponsored Censorship
It has recently been discovered that "Popline" a database that is run by Johns Hopkins and funded by USAID, has blocked all search results prompted by the keyword "abortion." Regardless of ideology, this site limits access to important information needed in developing countries. The article mentions that some of the articles were very pro-choice, and that upset the Bush administration. Instead of eliminating all information about abortion, Johns Hopkins should have focused on creating a more balanced catalog of information.
I think that factual, unbiased information (emphasis on the factual and unbiased) is not only powerful, but necessary in this situation. I think only good can come from making the information is available to developing countries. Without this data, fatal consequences may occur. For example, Google cooperates with the Communist Party of China to limit Chinese citizens search access, leaving the Chinese utterly ignorant of the freedom and opportunity that lies outside their country. The only acceptable barriers that I can conceive of are ones of decency, such as blocking pornographic images from search results, but even that initiative should be made personally, not by a search engine itself.
I think that factual, unbiased information (emphasis on the factual and unbiased) is not only powerful, but necessary in this situation. I think only good can come from making the information is available to developing countries. Without this data, fatal consequences may occur. For example, Google cooperates with the Communist Party of China to limit Chinese citizens search access, leaving the Chinese utterly ignorant of the freedom and opportunity that lies outside their country. The only acceptable barriers that I can conceive of are ones of decency, such as blocking pornographic images from search results, but even that initiative should be made personally, not by a search engine itself.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
The Technological Savyness of WM Students
In a recent "Chronicle" article, one UVA professor discusses the high-powered-advanced technological life of todays college students. The activities, programs, internships, and connectedness he describes about the average UVA student applies to any college student, including William and Mary students.
I think it is very important, for in today's job market, that college graduates posses the technological skills to make them competitive for jobs and graduate schools. As the years pass, more and more, occupations are incorporating technology and digitizing material. In order to function, one has to be able to deal with the technology of today and tomorrow...
I think it is very important, for in today's job market, that college graduates posses the technological skills to make them competitive for jobs and graduate schools. As the years pass, more and more, occupations are incorporating technology and digitizing material. In order to function, one has to be able to deal with the technology of today and tomorrow...
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Ode to Registration
Oh, Registration
and the consternation
I got all my classes
but feel like some asses
because my friends didn't
Over now is the suffering and the pain
of the memories which will remain
Until of course, Registration comes round again...
and the consternation
I got all my classes
but feel like some asses
because my friends didn't
Over now is the suffering and the pain
of the memories which will remain
Until of course, Registration comes round again...
Thursday, March 27, 2008
The Children of Broadway
As little as fifteen years ago, Times Square and Broadway was entrenched in filth and corruption that only New York City could produce.
Today, these areas serve as a commercialized beacon of prosperity for all who come to visit.
Nothing demonstrates this shift from shady to squeaky clean than the rencent shift in content of shows on Broadway.
The Great White Way has always been the most commercialized form of theatre that money can but, but these days, it seems as if Broadway shows have begun to stoop lower and lower to attract the largest audience base with the least amount of thought.
While the controversial and explicit theatrical experience is by no means obsolete, the theatre industry seems to have discovered where the money is: suburban moms and their frolicking children.
Perhaps beginning with "The Lion King" and other Disney musicals, such as "Beauty and the Beast," the Disney-fication of began.
"Wicked" shortly followed after, as well as Mary Poppins, followed by "The Little Mermaid."
The most recent examples of blatant adaptation for mass participation are "Spiderman: The Musical" and "Shrek: The Musical."
Broadway's recent trend toward "kid-friendlyness" is not what upsets me. It is the lack of creativity with which producers are developing shows.
If Broadway wants to get out of the rather circuitous slump of lame adaptations, she need to start putting out fresh material that resonates with the times.
Today, these areas serve as a commercialized beacon of prosperity for all who come to visit.
Nothing demonstrates this shift from shady to squeaky clean than the rencent shift in content of shows on Broadway.
The Great White Way has always been the most commercialized form of theatre that money can but, but these days, it seems as if Broadway shows have begun to stoop lower and lower to attract the largest audience base with the least amount of thought.
While the controversial and explicit theatrical experience is by no means obsolete, the theatre industry seems to have discovered where the money is: suburban moms and their frolicking children.
Perhaps beginning with "The Lion King" and other Disney musicals, such as "Beauty and the Beast," the Disney-fication of began.
"Wicked" shortly followed after, as well as Mary Poppins, followed by "The Little Mermaid."
The most recent examples of blatant adaptation for mass participation are "Spiderman: The Musical" and "Shrek: The Musical."
Broadway's recent trend toward "kid-friendlyness" is not what upsets me. It is the lack of creativity with which producers are developing shows.
If Broadway wants to get out of the rather circuitous slump of lame adaptations, she need to start putting out fresh material that resonates with the times.
Downloading Copyrighted Material
Liza might be facing prosecution for illegally downloading by Paramount/Dreamworks Pictures.
First of all "several" movies and albums is about seven, not 30. My suggestion is, that if she suspects that her actions should remain "under the radar," she should be a prudent illegal downloader. It is my understanding that only large production companies only pursue high-profile downloaders, as infrequent downloaders are not worth prosecuting.
Liza states that "we all know what uTorrent and these types of programs are being used for"
1. I have no idea what uTorrent is
2. If I had to wager a guess, I would assume that uTorrent has no legitimacy, Liza took a risk in employing it, and that she indeed, deserves to be prosecuted
First of all "several" movies and albums is about seven, not 30. My suggestion is, that if she suspects that her actions should remain "under the radar," she should be a prudent illegal downloader. It is my understanding that only large production companies only pursue high-profile downloaders, as infrequent downloaders are not worth prosecuting.
Liza states that "we all know what uTorrent and these types of programs are being used for"
1. I have no idea what uTorrent is
2. If I had to wager a guess, I would assume that uTorrent has no legitimacy, Liza took a risk in employing it, and that she indeed, deserves to be prosecuted
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Sexual Corruption in Our Government's System
Albany was in an uproar this week after Eliot Spitzer resigned in the midst of a call-girl scandal, only to be succeeded by David Paterson, the first African-American, blind governor of New York, who also happens to have conducted his own extra-marital affairs.
America has a long and shameful history of sexual corruption in politicians, and this has become even more evident in the past decade starting with Monicagate and most recently evident in the sex scandals of the 2006 general elections for Congress, as well as the multiple resignations of state senators over sexual incidents.
These scandals are disturbing and completely unwelcome as America struggles to navigate todays complicated global system. However, corruption in . In most of these cases, politicians indeed break the law in their actions. The question is, if a politician conducts himself immorally but not illegally, does he have to answer to the public in addition to his mother, wife, and children?
I notice as a write this that I refer to a state senator as "he." If we approach this issue from a feminist angle: Would a woman senator be as persecuted by the public if she cheated on her husband as a male senator is, how would the public's response be different?
America has a long and shameful history of sexual corruption in politicians, and this has become even more evident in the past decade starting with Monicagate and most recently evident in the sex scandals of the 2006 general elections for Congress, as well as the multiple resignations of state senators over sexual incidents.
These scandals are disturbing and completely unwelcome as America struggles to navigate todays complicated global system. However, corruption in . In most of these cases, politicians indeed break the law in their actions. The question is, if a politician conducts himself immorally but not illegally, does he have to answer to the public in addition to his mother, wife, and children?
I notice as a write this that I refer to a state senator as "he." If we approach this issue from a feminist angle: Would a woman senator be as persecuted by the public if she cheated on her husband as a male senator is, how would the public's response be different?
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The Infringement of Technology on College Students
Michael Wesch, a cultural anthropologist, reveals his startlingly accurate research about the daily activities of a the average college student. "A Vision of Students Today" displays an disturbing set of bad habit evolved from technological advances that almost every college study I know exhibit.
Creative camera-work hauntingly presents the current problems and personal vices large class sizes, irrevelance of readings, expensive textbooks, student debt, and the prevalence of technology in the life of the college student today.
The information did not shock me, but to see all the statistics at once was overwhelming. I can honestly say that most of those trends apply to me and my friends, and that the shameful nature of some of them had not occurred to me until that moment...
I highly recommend that every college student view this, not that these behaviors needs to be corrected, but that students be aware of such behaviors:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dGCJ46vyR9o
Creative camera-work hauntingly presents the current problems and personal vices large class sizes, irrevelance of readings, expensive textbooks, student debt, and the prevalence of technology in the life of the college student today.
The information did not shock me, but to see all the statistics at once was overwhelming. I can honestly say that most of those trends apply to me and my friends, and that the shameful nature of some of them had not occurred to me until that moment...
I highly recommend that every college student view this, not that these behaviors needs to be corrected, but that students be aware of such behaviors:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dGCJ46vyR9o
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Facebook Fiasco
The latest in a series of Facebook scandals involves one 18 year old Canadian university student and his ill-fated Facebook study group.
When Chris Avenir, an engineering student at Ryerson University, assumed the role of administrator of a Facebook study group to help stressed out students decode their cryptic problem sets, I doubt he thought that he would be facing 147 counts of academic misconduct and expulsion.
The fact is, the study group was a venue for student to offer tips on homework problem, some of which were meant to be done independently.
Students claim that the same type of study help takes place every day during in person study groups, but these meeting are not broadcasted on the world wide web.
This goes back to the old adage: if you are going to do it, at least do not post in on Facebook.
I give you, homework advise is a pretty benign form of . But toe the line in anyway on the book of Face, and if your endeavor becomes accrues more and more attention and membership, as the Ryerson study group is, you are asking for trouble.
I do however, believe that a certain misunderstanding exists between the two generations involved in this conflict. The professor and the Ryerson Administration genuinely feel as if an online cheating ring is being operated; Avenir and the other study group members believes truly that he is helping his fellow students in a way that is simply an extension of her normal social interaction within Facebook. While technically the University is in the right, I believe that the root of this problem and any similar future incidence is today's generation's all encompassing, blase utilization of Facebook to integrate all aspects of life.
When Chris Avenir, an engineering student at Ryerson University, assumed the role of administrator of a Facebook study group to help stressed out students decode their cryptic problem sets, I doubt he thought that he would be facing 147 counts of academic misconduct and expulsion.
The fact is, the study group was a venue for student to offer tips on homework problem, some of which were meant to be done independently.
Students claim that the same type of study help takes place every day during in person study groups, but these meeting are not broadcasted on the world wide web.
This goes back to the old adage: if you are going to do it, at least do not post in on Facebook.
I give you, homework advise is a pretty benign form of . But toe the line in anyway on the book of Face, and if your endeavor becomes accrues more and more attention and membership, as the Ryerson study group is, you are asking for trouble.
I do however, believe that a certain misunderstanding exists between the two generations involved in this conflict. The professor and the Ryerson Administration genuinely feel as if an online cheating ring is being operated; Avenir and the other study group members believes truly that he is helping his fellow students in a way that is simply an extension of her normal social interaction within Facebook. While technically the University is in the right, I believe that the root of this problem and any similar future incidence is today's generation's all encompassing, blase utilization of Facebook to integrate all aspects of life.
New Technology to Revolutionize the Current Conception of the Computer
Recently, the NY Times featured an article about the newest avenue of computer technology: screens activated by sound and voice. Citing the wii and the iPhone as the first taste of what is to come.
Personally, and I am a technology traditionalist, I am completely comfortable with my mouse and my clicking finger manipulating my work.
Additionally, I can only imagine how buggy the technology will be in the first few years.
Any impact on higher education, while it would not occur for awhile, would depend on the . What would the Swem library be like if everyone was dictating their 15 page research paper to their school computers instead of typing. Instead of the pseudo-soothing sounds of keys typing, the sound of stressed- out student voices would be deafening.
This technology is very interesting an innovative, but it does not have any practical purposes yet. All they have developed presently is the manipulation of images with a touch screen. I believe, however, that any advancement is advantageous. However, it does not seem to be marketable anytime soon.
Personally, and I am a technology traditionalist, I am completely comfortable with my mouse and my clicking finger manipulating my work.
Additionally, I can only imagine how buggy the technology will be in the first few years.
Any impact on higher education, while it would not occur for awhile, would depend on the . What would the Swem library be like if everyone was dictating their 15 page research paper to their school computers instead of typing. Instead of the pseudo-soothing sounds of keys typing, the sound of stressed- out student voices would be deafening.
This technology is very interesting an innovative, but it does not have any practical purposes yet. All they have developed presently is the manipulation of images with a touch screen. I believe, however, that any advancement is advantageous. However, it does not seem to be marketable anytime soon.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
The Imprisonment Rate
The New York Times just published an article announcing a study that report that over 1 in 100 American adults are in jail. This year, after an increase of 25,000, 1.6 million Americans are in jail.
For individual ethnic groups the numbers are even worse:
in 2006 the ratio of imprisoned adults are
1 in 26 Hispanic adults
1 in 15 black adults
The large amount of imprisoned juveniles were not factored into this study.
States spend a lot of money on prison costs , on average, 7 percent. Last year, the government spent 44 billion tax dollars on incarceration costs.
The US, unlike other modern countries, resorts to the imprisonment for crimes, while other countries focus on rehabilitation. The recidivism rate for the US is the one of the highest of the wealthiest countries in the world.
The state of the prison system has become ignored with all the other issues of the country, but if this problem becomes exacerbated, then it will become a major domestic crisis.
For individual ethnic groups the numbers are even worse:
in 2006 the ratio of imprisoned adults are
1 in 26 Hispanic adults
1 in 15 black adults
The large amount of imprisoned juveniles were not factored into this study.
States spend a lot of money on prison costs , on average, 7 percent. Last year, the government spent 44 billion tax dollars on incarceration costs.
The US, unlike other modern countries, resorts to the imprisonment for crimes, while other countries focus on rehabilitation. The recidivism rate for the US is the one of the highest of the wealthiest countries in the world.
The state of the prison system has become ignored with all the other issues of the country, but if this problem becomes exacerbated, then it will become a major domestic crisis.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Google's New Venture
Google plans to store the medical records of the patients in a Cleveland Clinic in a trial of its new program:to create an electronic health profile for everyone in the healthcare system.
I myself would not have volunteered my records for the Cleveland hospital's project. I refuse to give up my right to privacy and open myself up to the possibility of investigation by the governement and I refuse to allow advertisers to gain access to my personal information in a trial venture.
Yes, transferring medical records can be a pain, but unless studies show that such a system can save lives in times of emergency, I put no credence in it.
Doctor-patient confidentiality has been a sacred and honored institution which has preserved the integrity of the healthcare system and the medical profession for years. To open up such a relationship to the uncertainties of the internet creates the opportunity for corruption and abuse.
How much more will people loathe going to the doctor's when their conditions will be coded online?
Yes, they will be protected with passwords, but all internet accounts are protected by passwords, and such accounts placed in the hands of Google, who is already accumulating large amounts of powerful information, and such accounts are subject to breach.
The beauty and the terror of the internet is that it is equal opportunity. People have the capability to accomplish many forms of espionage on the internet, and only after a huge payoff can be proved to justify this move, and after all other technological options have been explored and rules out, would I support such broadcasting of medical records.
I myself would not have volunteered my records for the Cleveland hospital's project. I refuse to give up my right to privacy and open myself up to the possibility of investigation by the governement and I refuse to allow advertisers to gain access to my personal information in a trial venture.
Yes, transferring medical records can be a pain, but unless studies show that such a system can save lives in times of emergency, I put no credence in it.
Doctor-patient confidentiality has been a sacred and honored institution which has preserved the integrity of the healthcare system and the medical profession for years. To open up such a relationship to the uncertainties of the internet creates the opportunity for corruption and abuse.
How much more will people loathe going to the doctor's when their conditions will be coded online?
Yes, they will be protected with passwords, but all internet accounts are protected by passwords, and such accounts placed in the hands of Google, who is already accumulating large amounts of powerful information, and such accounts are subject to breach.
The beauty and the terror of the internet is that it is equal opportunity. People have the capability to accomplish many forms of espionage on the internet, and only after a huge payoff can be proved to justify this move, and after all other technological options have been explored and rules out, would I support such broadcasting of medical records.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
With the end of the writer’s strike, which cost the LA economy 2.5 billion dollars and the average viewer many hours of primetime television, Hollywood will celebrate a “return to normalcy” with its crowning event of the year: the Academy Awards.
Hosted by William and Mary Alumus Jon Stewart, the host of the cable TV parity news show “The Daily Show,” and my personal favorite. Stewart only had 8 days to work with his writers, whom he brought from "The Daily Show," to prepare jokes for on of the most demanding stand-up jobs in the business.
Stewart shared with NY Times reporter Bill Carter his thoughts on how his rather dry comedic style will fit in with the glitz and glamor of the Oscars:
“The thing I always have to fight is I have a tendency to undercut. It’s the comedy of deflation in large amount. That doesn’t necessarily work on the greatest night of their lives. There is a strong tension between respecting these people and somehow deflating them while standing in that room. I like that. I find that tension interesting.”
The big movies of the moment are: There Will Be Blood, No Country for Old Men, Atonement, and Juno. Juno was the only film nominated for best picture to reach 100 million in the box office.
Indeed, this year it is the black horse nominees that bring a gust of fresh air into the established and rather musty figures that attend the Academy.
Nominations like Hal Holbrook (Into the Wild), Ellen Page (Juno), Ruby Dee (American Gangster), and 13 year old Saoirse Ronan (Atonement).
My personal favorite of the year, "Once" the independent film starring singer-songwriters Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova offers one of the most hauntingly beautiful and starkly honest work of the year. The song "Falling Slowly" was nominated from its inspired soundtrack.
Nominated for best animated film, Persepolis chronicles the fall of the Shah in the eyes of a young Iranian girl in the haunting style of a black and white comic novel.
Because of the writers strike, the traditional Oscar buzz has taken a back seat to whether or not the Academy Awards will even occur. Fortunately, the stars will be hitting the red carpet this Sunday night and every confirmed movie buff like myself will once again be in her element.
Hosted by William and Mary Alumus Jon Stewart, the host of the cable TV parity news show “The Daily Show,” and my personal favorite. Stewart only had 8 days to work with his writers, whom he brought from "The Daily Show," to prepare jokes for on of the most demanding stand-up jobs in the business.
Stewart shared with NY Times reporter Bill Carter his thoughts on how his rather dry comedic style will fit in with the glitz and glamor of the Oscars:
“The thing I always have to fight is I have a tendency to undercut. It’s the comedy of deflation in large amount. That doesn’t necessarily work on the greatest night of their lives. There is a strong tension between respecting these people and somehow deflating them while standing in that room. I like that. I find that tension interesting.”
The big movies of the moment are: There Will Be Blood, No Country for Old Men, Atonement, and Juno. Juno was the only film nominated for best picture to reach 100 million in the box office.
Indeed, this year it is the black horse nominees that bring a gust of fresh air into the established and rather musty figures that attend the Academy.
Nominations like Hal Holbrook (Into the Wild), Ellen Page (Juno), Ruby Dee (American Gangster), and 13 year old Saoirse Ronan (Atonement).
My personal favorite of the year, "Once" the independent film starring singer-songwriters Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova offers one of the most hauntingly beautiful and starkly honest work of the year. The song "Falling Slowly" was nominated from its inspired soundtrack.
Nominated for best animated film, Persepolis chronicles the fall of the Shah in the eyes of a young Iranian girl in the haunting style of a black and white comic novel.
Because of the writers strike, the traditional Oscar buzz has taken a back seat to whether or not the Academy Awards will even occur. Fortunately, the stars will be hitting the red carpet this Sunday night and every confirmed movie buff like myself will once again be in her element.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Illegal Wiretaping
Recently, an editorial appeared in the Wall Street Journal discussing the "dangers" of not granting amnesty to US telecom companies.
Glenn Greenwald responded to this editorial in his blog, in an entry entitled: "The WSJ editorial page lies about our surveillance laws"
Both articles were clearly conservativist and leftist, respectively, yet Greenwald legitamized his work with facts and . While the WSJ editorial crafted its argument with elaborate description of the attempts that the "leftist" members of Congress are making to undermine The War Against Terror and speculation seasoned with a pinch of fear to flavor.
Ironically, in this rat race for war powers, the WSJ suggests that if amnesty is not approved, that telecom companies will not cooperate and Bush's license to conduct war will be crippled.
The WSJ writer points to the future decisions of Congress concerning Foreign Intellegence Surveillance Act of 1978 as the equivalent of determining whether or not the US wins its war against terror. Greenwald cites this insinuation as an example of the scare tactics continually used by the promoters of extra-constitutional actions to battle terrorism.
Greenwald, a constitutional lawyer, aptly points out that telecom communities who "cooperated" broke the law and should be held accountable, especially since other companies refused to participate in the illegal wiretapping. Moreover, the WSJ manipulated and sometimes outright manufactured facts for the purposes of its story.
Glenn Greenwald responded to this editorial in his blog, in an entry entitled: "The WSJ editorial page lies about our surveillance laws"
Both articles were clearly conservativist and leftist, respectively, yet Greenwald legitamized his work with facts and . While the WSJ editorial crafted its argument with elaborate description of the attempts that the "leftist" members of Congress are making to undermine The War Against Terror and speculation seasoned with a pinch of fear to flavor.
Ironically, in this rat race for war powers, the WSJ suggests that if amnesty is not approved, that telecom companies will not cooperate and Bush's license to conduct war will be crippled.
The WSJ writer points to the future decisions of Congress concerning Foreign Intellegence Surveillance Act of 1978 as the equivalent of determining whether or not the US wins its war against terror. Greenwald cites this insinuation as an example of the scare tactics continually used by the promoters of extra-constitutional actions to battle terrorism.
Greenwald, a constitutional lawyer, aptly points out that telecom communities who "cooperated" broke the law and should be held accountable, especially since other companies refused to participate in the illegal wiretapping. Moreover, the WSJ manipulated and sometimes outright manufactured facts for the purposes of its story.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The Resignation of Gene Nichol
Within the microcosm of the small College of William and Mary, a gargantuan movement has been ignited by the students, faculty, and staff against a select group of very powerful people.
On Tuesday morning, Nichol sent an eloquent announcement by email of his resignation in the face of a sixteen month witch hunt conducted by a very limited group of militant alumni, trustees, and government officials (all with an undeniable religious right-wing limp) in response to ideological, progressive, and even controversial decisions. His resignation was prompted by the discovery that his contract, after only a few years as president, would not be renewed by the reigning oligarchs of the campus, the Board of Visitors (BOV).
Within the coterie of college trustees, the College's Board of Visitors, decided sometime last week to not renew Nichols contract, and informed him only after a day of celebration which Nichol himself hosted, Charter Day.
To thicken the plot even moreso, Nichol revealed on his mass email statement that the BOV offered him "substantial economic incentives" to not suggest that his termination was not based on ideology. This offer was made in the midst of a 6% budget cut by the state of Virginia and the promise of more cut. This offer Nichol vehemently rejected.
Here is a highlight of some of the work Nichol has done on campus, which he himself outlined in his email as possible reasons for scandal. Mind you, before Nichol took office, William and Mary enjoyed the reputation for educating a select group of privileged WASP's in classroom run by... WASP's.
1. Nichol removed and then reinstalled in a display case a Christian cross housed in the Wren Chapel, which hosts non-religious ceremonies, with the intent to preserve a separation of Church and State and to ensure the comfort and inclusion of all students of non-Christian beliefs.
2. Nichol has refused to ban several off-colored, student sponsored campus programs, such as the recent "Sex Workers Art Show," because, despite his aversion to such things, refused to violate his students' First Amendment Rights.
3.Nichol has, with a dedication to empowering the low-income students, his Gateway scholarship program, admitted 20% more Pell students (students from families earning less than $40,000 dollars a year).
4. With a passion for diversity, Nichol has doubled the amount of faculty members of color and overseen the admission of the two most recent classes, the two most diverse groups in the College's history.
Student support of the president had been constant and passionate. Buttons that read "I heart Nichol" are a must have accessory and T-Shirts printed by the campus' branch of the NAACP stating "If President Nichol's Not Welcome Here...Then Neither Am I" have become the new mandatory dress.
Last Thursday, students held a vigil in support of Nichol's Yesterday, students, teachers, and staff in front of the school's art museum. On Tuesday, after the announcement, faculty led a rally in the heart of campus, the Sunken Gardens, in which students and teachers united in a forum that discussed the issues which fueled Nichol's non-renewal: the continual ignorance of the appropriately named Board of Visitors to the interest of the true members of College: the students, teachers and faculty.
Tuesday night, another vigil was held in front of Nichol's home (which is also on campus) in which faculty and student leaders spoke, as well as Nichol himself, and about 1500 candle bearing students serenaded him with the Alma Mater. Wednesday, a student-teacher strike began with a sit-in and "Town Hall" meeting in which students and faculty formed a list of demands and broke in to action groups to contact those in power with these demands.
On Wednesday, the strike continued with a student-teacher "Teach-In," in which students and teachers held an open forum for a sort of free-form learning experience.
Since then, petitions and emails have been drafted to members of the BOV and the Virginia legislature, demanding and explanation of Nichol's termination and a guarantee of the continuation of his policies and First Amendment rights to all members of the College.
Every event has been thoughtfully peaceful and judiciously organized.
On Tuesday morning, Nichol sent an eloquent announcement by email of his resignation in the face of a sixteen month witch hunt conducted by a very limited group of militant alumni, trustees, and government officials (all with an undeniable religious right-wing limp) in response to ideological, progressive, and even controversial decisions. His resignation was prompted by the discovery that his contract, after only a few years as president, would not be renewed by the reigning oligarchs of the campus, the Board of Visitors (BOV).
Within the coterie of college trustees, the College's Board of Visitors, decided sometime last week to not renew Nichols contract, and informed him only after a day of celebration which Nichol himself hosted, Charter Day.
To thicken the plot even moreso, Nichol revealed on his mass email statement that the BOV offered him "substantial economic incentives" to not suggest that his termination was not based on ideology. This offer was made in the midst of a 6% budget cut by the state of Virginia and the promise of more cut. This offer Nichol vehemently rejected.
Here is a highlight of some of the work Nichol has done on campus, which he himself outlined in his email as possible reasons for scandal. Mind you, before Nichol took office, William and Mary enjoyed the reputation for educating a select group of privileged WASP's in classroom run by... WASP's.
1. Nichol removed and then reinstalled in a display case a Christian cross housed in the Wren Chapel, which hosts non-religious ceremonies, with the intent to preserve a separation of Church and State and to ensure the comfort and inclusion of all students of non-Christian beliefs.
2. Nichol has refused to ban several off-colored, student sponsored campus programs, such as the recent "Sex Workers Art Show," because, despite his aversion to such things, refused to violate his students' First Amendment Rights.
3.Nichol has, with a dedication to empowering the low-income students, his Gateway scholarship program, admitted 20% more Pell students (students from families earning less than $40,000 dollars a year).
4. With a passion for diversity, Nichol has doubled the amount of faculty members of color and overseen the admission of the two most recent classes, the two most diverse groups in the College's history.
Student support of the president had been constant and passionate. Buttons that read "I heart Nichol" are a must have accessory and T-Shirts printed by the campus' branch of the NAACP stating "If President Nichol's Not Welcome Here...Then Neither Am I" have become the new mandatory dress.
Last Thursday, students held a vigil in support of Nichol's Yesterday, students, teachers, and staff in front of the school's art museum. On Tuesday, after the announcement, faculty led a rally in the heart of campus, the Sunken Gardens, in which students and teachers united in a forum that discussed the issues which fueled Nichol's non-renewal: the continual ignorance of the appropriately named Board of Visitors to the interest of the true members of College: the students, teachers and faculty.
Tuesday night, another vigil was held in front of Nichol's home (which is also on campus) in which faculty and student leaders spoke, as well as Nichol himself, and about 1500 candle bearing students serenaded him with the Alma Mater. Wednesday, a student-teacher strike began with a sit-in and "Town Hall" meeting in which students and faculty formed a list of demands and broke in to action groups to contact those in power with these demands.
On Wednesday, the strike continued with a student-teacher "Teach-In," in which students and teachers held an open forum for a sort of free-form learning experience.
Since then, petitions and emails have been drafted to members of the BOV and the Virginia legislature, demanding and explanation of Nichol's termination and a guarantee of the continuation of his policies and First Amendment rights to all members of the College.
Every event has been thoughtfully peaceful and judiciously organized.
The War on Net Nuetrality
Blogger Craig Aaron recently made a post discussing the recent trend in the government's regulation of the internet.
Aaron blames the increasing inferiority of American technology, from internet to cell phones, on the mismanagement of the government and their continued cooperation with the big corporations.
While expressing relief at the failure of Congresses recent attempts to eliminate Net Neutrality, Aaron forebodes a future in which Corporations and Congress team together in smoke-filled rooms to eliminate free speech in most sacred forum of this century.
For all of the opinions out there that claim that the internet is a cesspool of immorality and erroneous information, these developments remind me more of the Chinese internet restrictions than a sit-in of the seventies (or of the College of William &Mary).
Aaron suggests some sort of public forum to craft concepts for the future of the internet, an idea that is very much in tandem with the dynamics of the net, free,unrestricted speech.
While I think that this method in the most extreme form may end of sinking into a quagmire like debacle, I do think that public interest must be represented and discussion must be maintained between the people of America and their representatives in Congress (and of course, the entire process should be so transparent that it should boast a streak-free shine). Moreover, Congressmen/women need to become more educated about the internet and its importance in the present and future.
Aaron blames the increasing inferiority of American technology, from internet to cell phones, on the mismanagement of the government and their continued cooperation with the big corporations.
While expressing relief at the failure of Congresses recent attempts to eliminate Net Neutrality, Aaron forebodes a future in which Corporations and Congress team together in smoke-filled rooms to eliminate free speech in most sacred forum of this century.
For all of the opinions out there that claim that the internet is a cesspool of immorality and erroneous information, these developments remind me more of the Chinese internet restrictions than a sit-in of the seventies (or of the College of William &Mary).
Aaron suggests some sort of public forum to craft concepts for the future of the internet, an idea that is very much in tandem with the dynamics of the net, free,unrestricted speech.
While I think that this method in the most extreme form may end of sinking into a quagmire like debacle, I do think that public interest must be represented and discussion must be maintained between the people of America and their representatives in Congress (and of course, the entire process should be so transparent that it should boast a streak-free shine). Moreover, Congressmen/women need to become more educated about the internet and its importance in the present and future.
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