American Exceptionalism

The leaders of the United States often talk about America in terms of being the "best," "biggest," "special," "the greatest," or other language indicating that we are exceptional. This exceptionalism is a brainwashing tactic to keep people from thinking for themselves. We are not exceptional -- and our belief in this despite mounting evidence (lagging test scores and schools, a failing economy, huge discrepancy in income), is what is actually preventing us from improving.

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, recently wrote for the New York Times, and I think he really stresses this point well: 

"I would rather disagree with a case he[President Obama] made on American exceptionalism, stating that the United States’ policy is 'what makes America different. It’s what makes us exceptional.' It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation. There are big countries and small countries, rich and poor, those with long democratic traditions and those still finding their way to democracy. Their policies differ, too. We are all different, but when we ask for the Lord’s blessings, we must not forget that God created us equal."

Countries and policies are different, but by spoon-feeding exceptionalism do your citizens since early elementary school, you are not doing anyone any favors. 

--Megan

The Gun Fights

The fight for gun control is on. The President is calling for stricter gun laws and the NRA and others are personally attacking him for this. Many don't want to see any regulations or restrictions on gun laws at all, finding even the idea of stricter background checks and bans of military-grade assault rifles attacks on liberty.   People are refusing to see what the Obama administration has called for as reasonable, though it is. Out of fear, the NRA and media have hyped the new proposed bans, regulations, and laws to be monstrous, and overbearing, a violation of personal liberties. It seems anything this President does will be given a negative spin.

The President made an attempt to empathize by saying that he enjoys shooting skeet for sport. This created a huge media frenzy, begging for photographs of the President shooting a gun. It is amazing how little privacy we allow the President (or any celebrity figure), just assuming that we are entitled to the details of his leisure life and time with family.

Of course, as soon as a photo was released, the media decides to backtrack, saying that one measly photo doesn't make up for all his laws and campaigns for gun control, his voting record, etc. 

The Daily Show did a parody of this last week, playing on a Dr. Seuss book. Watch here! 

Gun control will be an ongoing discussion during the President's second term, and we will have to see what sort of compromise is made.


--Megan

Post Inauguration Thoughts

I am incredibly moved by the words that our President, Barack Obama, spoke at his inauguration this afternoon. His speech was primarily about equality and freedom; it was a speech of hope for the nation. It acknowledged many problems we currently face, and gave listeners hope that these will be addressed in the next four years. 

Obama spoke about the need for our social systems in order to safeguard our people, keeping them healthy and safe. He spoke about how this country will thrive when all people are happy, healthy, and thriving members. Obama addressed the idea that our system often works only for some, on the backs of everyone else. He spoke of our country's success with all of us as a collective. It is an important balance between the American ethic of hard work and personal responsibility and that of everyone being equal to everyone else. It is difficult to juxtapose the idea that we must all be accountable but must all act for the greater cause of the nation and not as individuals, but he walked this line beautifully.  

I was energized by his words and his message, but find the depths of what needs to be done in our nation overwhelming. There is no question that Obama is the voice of our generation and I could not be more proud of his work. He is a symbol of progress, he is a representative of diversity and new ideas about who this country is for. I can't help but find that despite this being a day of happiness and hope, that I feel a tinge of despair. I feel that this country is fundamentally flawed, what with the second amendment and the way this country was brought into existence--on the backs of slaves. These fundamental issues have become root systemic problems of violence, anger, and socioeconomic inequality, that this country has carried with it for over two centuries.  These ugly things are written into our laws and our history books, and they are hard to ignore and overcome. While Obama's words were words of hope, we are still so far from what I dream of and what our people deserve. This is not a quick fix, but things that are part of the fibers of America, and the reason for my distaste. I recognize that these issues are fundamental issues with the identity of this country, and that leaves me at an impasse--where do I go from there? 

Both Obama and his introducer spoke in terms that quantified as America as greater or "more powerful" than other nations. While it is important for citizens to feel pride in their nationality, I think it is dangerous to speak about being such a powerful and wonderful place, particularly in light of the dangers and economic problems that we currently face. Many citizens do not have passports and do not understand for themselves the cultures of other countries, except for by what people tell them. I believe this American exceptionalism creates a certain arrogance and dislike of people from other places around the world, and I do not agree when politicians speak in these terms. 

Regardless of this, I do feel there are things to look forward to in the next four years, and I am eager to see what Obama can do. I know by his words that he believes in equality and freedom, but it will be a matter of what he is allowed to do for this nation. 

--Megan

Hurricane Sandy and the Election

If you watched any news at all yesterday, you probably saw the constant loop of storm updates sprinkled with election news. In print and on TV, reporters kept talking about the potential impact of Hurricane Sandy on the election. This was bothersome to me, knowing many people's lives were at stake and for some, life as they know it would be altered by this storm.
I think it goes without saying that there is likely to be some impact on the election based on how  the President handles this disaster. There is likely to be some impact because campaigns were cut short and early voting was closed for two days. Bottom line, though, is that is not what matters.

President Obama addressed this very well when he said, "I’m not worried at this point about the impact on the election,” Obama said in a short briefing, in a response to the only question he answered. “I’m worried about the impact on families, I’m worried about the impact on our first responders, I’m worried about the impact on our economy and on transportation. The election will take care of itself next week. Right now, our No. 1 priority is to make sure we are saving lives, that our search-and-rescue teams are going be in place, that people are going to get the food, the water, the shelter that they need in case of emergency and that we respond as quickly as possible to get the economy back on track.”

In an event of a natural disaster this large, extraneous worries, including reelection, need to be put on the back burner. The Presidency is supposed to be about being self-less. Many presidents spend their entire term trying to get reelected, campaigning, and schmoozing, and whatever else, but a president who puts that aside for the common good is a president that will demonstrate he is a leader.

Thoughts and prayers with those impacted by this large storm,

--Megan

The Presidential Debate

Obama and Romney had their first debate last night over domestic issues. The debate got a little hung up on taxes and tax cuts. I found it painful to watch, due to the back and forth between the candidates over small details, and the inability to talk about the real issues. 

Romney came out strong, with clear talking points. He looked President Obama in the eye, as though he was actually speaking with him. He came out on offense, and he dominated the debate. President Obama, as I saw in one article today, "endured" the debate. He kept his head down, and didn't hit hard when Romney claimed new things that we have not heard from him before. 

Romney and Obama discussed the hard economic times and debated whether or not Obama's administration has added to that. 

It was hard for the average viewer to decipher who was portraying the truth. Both candidates had a different idea on what caused the deficit and what was best to do about it. I'm not sure if the candidates are blatantly lying in these cases or speaking theoretically--meaning they're just as unsure as the rest of us how this crisis has happened. 

It must be said that Romney came out strong, ready to debate, and won the debate. Obama let him. Obama let him come out with an entirely different set of policies then he has been campaigning on in the past year, a much more moderate set of policies. I would have hoped to see Obama really question these moderate responses, and get to the bottom of whether or not Romney was fishing for votes or has really changed his tune. 

As an Obama supporter, I am concerned to see the President "endure" a debate in this manner, knowing that there are many undecided voters who are making up their mind based on these debates. Many will take Romney at face value, and others will see that Obama played it safe and didn't fully defend his current policies or come out to question Romney's politics. Obama didn't even mention his past accomplishments, including killing Bin Laden, until his closing remarks.

It will be interesting to see how the rest of the debates go, and the outcome of these debates.

Stay tuned!

--Megan 

Women on the rise

Women we should all be talking about..

In honor of National Women’s History Month we have decided to highlight a few women who we feel are impacting Washington D.C. and its residents. These women should be the topic of conversation at the water cooler, dinner table, and on all of our social networking sites.

Anna El-Eini became a policy analyst and community organizer in Washington, D.C., and worked with communities across the city. As a community organizer El-Eini worked to improve the quality of life of the people and to enrich local communities. In her first novel “Beating Heart” the reader is taken on a journey “to explore the city’s forgotten river.” El-Eini has written short stories and her next novel “soda Fountain” is set to release in 2012. Anyone living in the DC Metro area or involved in community activism should read this novel. You can easily purchase your copy on this blog using the Amazon widget. El-Eini is also doing local book readings, if you are interested in attending a reading and meeting the author check out her site for the latest news and updates.

March 9, 2011, Mayor Vince Gray named Kaya Henderson Acting Chancellor of DC Public Schools. Henderson received her bachelor’s degree in international relations from Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service, and her Master of Arts in leadership, also from Georgetown University. Taking over as Chancellor of DC Public Schools is no easy job. Henderson understands the challenges that lie ahead, but is eager to continue her work with Mayor Gray on education. DCPS students deserve better hopefully with a new regime this can be accomplished. You can read Kaya Henderson’s thoughts on her new position here at dc.gov

First lady Michelle Obama is literally on the move with her Let’s Move Campaign. This campaign includes helpful tips and step-by-step strategies for families, schools and communities to help children be more active, eat better and grow up healthy. President Obama and the First Lady challenge Americans to take six weeks and set active lifestyle goals. Throughout this six-week period individuals should log all of their activities with a chance to earn awards for their commitment. The First Lady includes ways that parents, children, teachers and communities can all fight to end child obesity. If you are interested in joining the movement be sure check out the website or attend one of the local meet ups. All information can be found on the Let's Move website

I would not be doing this blog justice if I did not take this opportunity to recognize your favorite bloggers as women on the rise. Megan and I are currently serving as Adult Education instructors in the District. We enjoy serving our community and are eager to become further involved in community outreach. Connect with us here, on twitter or via email



--Krystal