Land of the Free?

In her blog, Views from Abroad, Renata Green speaks her mind about the gay marriage issues and inequality found in modern America. She believes in “supporting equality and justice for all humans, regardless of race, gender, and sexual orientation.” I cant agree more, and I find it ridiculous; it sad to me that our nation has been cursed with prejudice, and ignorance. The fact of the matter is that there is and never has been a legitimate reason for the inequality. When I think of what America is supposed to stand for I think freedom, as do most Americans. So tell me why we have such a problem with people leading a different life than us? Renata’s blog is filled with the truth and nothing but the truth. Her commentary is concise and credible. Too bad not everybody sees it as the truth.

The 51st State

Israel has been one of the leading recipients of U.S. foreign aid since the 1970’s; most of which is military aid. They receive an average of $3 billion annually, which is more than any of the neighboring Arab countries. Egypt receives around 2.2 billion, Jordan receives about 400 million, and the Palestinian Authority receives approximately 1 billion. Not only do we support Israel the most, but Israel also a large domestic arms industry and an existing military force far more capable and powerful than that of any combination of opposing forces. Interestingly enough, the more Israel proves to America that they are more powerful than the neighboring countries, like they did in the 1967 war, the more aid they receive. It is as if America wants them to expand, even if it requires military action and the death of innocents; we want Israel to continue its political dominion of the Palestinians and its military dominance of the region.

The primary reason for the continuance of aid is far more complex than meets the eye. The United States foreign policy does not align with the actions taken by the U.S. government. On the surface, the U.S. foreign policy professes to protect human rights and freedom. Such a position should not endorse support for a nation that so clearly ignores the United Nations and recognized acts of civility. For example, Israel holds the record of towns and villages she ethnically cleansed. The constitution clearly states the U.S. stands for freedom of race, and religion which contradicts their support for a nation that consistently violates these core values. So why does America continue to support Israel? Obviously the reason are for more complex than the scope of this essay, however it is safe to conclude that control of the region is of primary concern. Would the U.S. support a state within the 50 states as Israel has? Do I believe that America’s foreign policy is high on integrity? I understand the strategy but I disapprove with the tactics. Am I proud to be an American? At times, no, but I fully recognize that I am lucky to be an American; the Alternative is frightening.

Blog Stage 3

If marijuana is legalized in California, what is the worst that could happen? Timothy Egan gives you his opinion to this controversial question in the New York Times article Reefer Gladness. This article seems to lean to the left, so its audience is most likely liberals, who are for legalization; it really speaks for them. He argues that Proposition 19, the act to legalize marijuana in California, could lower crime and violence rates. He states that the main opposition to legalization (The California Beer and Beverage Distributors and The California Cannabis Association) is driven by money; if Proposition 19 passes, then their income will fall.  He also states that the legalization movement has been running 35 years strong and doesn’t deny the cons. “pot is a mind altering recreational diversion that is not worthy of having the weight, misery and money of the criminal-judicial-industrial complex against it.”  Timothy believes that many people abuse pot, but the same can be said for television, computer games, nicotine or alcohol.

I think he makes some good points but fails to support or expand on his claims. After reading the article several times, I think the general message is one I have to agree with: yeah, pot isn’t the greatest thing for you, but neither is alcohol or cigarettes; everything in moderation.  It could actually have some benefits as well. If legalized, the taxing of marijuana could generate some serious money. Overall, I think the article is very opinionated, with little factual support.