How?

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• Almost 24 hours after yesterday's shootings at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA it has been made known that the gunmen was in fact a student.
  
  The gunmen, who later shot himself has been identified as Cho Sueng Hui, 23. He has been described by newspapers and officials as a South Korean resident alien, and English major in his senior year at Virginia Tech.
  
  I understand that the 2,600 acre campus is extremely large, and that there are in fact 36, 000 student and faculty on the campus. But I find it so strange that the campus was not shut down, or more efforts made after the first shooting that occurred in a dorm room that killed two. I understand that they thought it to be an isolated incident, but I feel that precautions should have been taken, it could have possibly prevented the second episode which left 32 dead.
  
  I feel that so often simple measures can be taken to prevent such great tragedies. I feel that anytime such a violent act occurs in a place, especially a school, whether it kills one or twenty, it should be shut down and under strict security until the area can be declared secure.
  
  I feel great pain and sorrow for all of the people who lost their lives, or they're loved ones in this tragedy. It just leaves me wondering what could cause a person to take 32 lives in cold blood. To line innocent people up in a class room and execute them. It is something that I can absolutely not understand. But I must say that I hope that our country is not completely desensitized to this kind of horrific event, because whether it is people dying in war, in terrorist attacks, or in their classrooms they deserve our compassion, our sympathy, our sadness for them and their loss. People both living and dying deserved to be remembered.

Tragedy

Yesterday in Blacksburg, Virginia a great tragedy in our nation's history occurred. At Virginia Tech 32 students were killed and over 20 injured, making it the deadliest school shooting that the United States has ever seen. I'm sure that everyone has read, seen or heard about yesterday's tragic events, but the reaction seems different to me any way, than that that was elicited by the Columbine Shootings that took place this exact same week eight years ago.

I feel that in the last eight years our country has under gone a major transformation. I can recall eight years ago sitting in my living room with my father as he wept for all of the students and families in Columbine. But yesterday I did not see that kind of reaction from anyone. As one student brought it up in one of my classes yesterday, people seemed shocked for a moment because no one knew anything about it, and then a few kids said "Oh I have friends there, I guess I should call them." But that was it. There were no tears, there was no horror that this could happen.

Maybe people are feeling shocked and horrified by this tragedy, but I guess after all our society is getting used to this kind of thing. I know all I could think about yesterday was those poor people, getting up going to school or work, having no idea that there lives would be over in just a few short hours. Every day we get up, expecting to go through the motions of our day, and very rarely does the idea strike us that it could be our last. Maybe that is what frightens people. Maybe that's why people don't talk about these things any more; pretend that they didn't happen....pretend that everything is fine.

At What Price?

With campaigning for the next presidential election, campaigning is well under way. But at what price? Should it cost millions and millions of dollars to run for president?

Within three months of campaigning Democratic candidate Barack Obama raised 20 million dollars, and Hillary Clinton his main opponent raising over 26 million dollars thus far. Is it me, or does this seem absolutely obscene?

I think that the mere fact that elections, or rather campaigning costs so much money goes directly against the democratic ideal. It makes attaining any position in the Senate, the House, or even in the White House impossible to those that are not the 1% of the population able to afford to spend both their own, and their friends millions.

I think that elections should be free and fair...but if elections costs millions upon millions, is that free or fair? How far must we get before people open their eyes to how ridiculous this is? When will America wake up and realize that this is absurd, and should have serious limitations placed upon funds for campaigning.

Both candidates and their supporters are spending obscene amounts of money, that let's face it could probably be better spent elsewhere. Don't get me wrong I think that it is extremely important that candidates make themselves known to the public, so that we know who we are voting for, but there must be a less expensive way to do so (i.e. not spending millions and millions and millions of dollars).

"Just Do It" Response

I think that Augusten Burroughs is truly an amazing writer. He has this ability to write raw. Most of the time when you're reading his work, you're sitting there thinking to yourself did this actually happen, could this have actually happened? I have to admit that the portion of "Dry" that we read for class is the first of his work that I've read, but it truly impressed me. I saw the movie Running with Scissors, which I absolutely think did no justice to the book which I heard was amazing from everyone whose read it.

I think that his ability to take everything bad that has happened to him in his life, and twist it around to make it almost humorous is amazing. I found myself sitting there in the middle of Starbucks reading a story about a man sitting in a bar, who works in a funeral home talking about shoving a broom stick down the neck of a decapitated corpse so the family could have an open- casket. His writing is captivating, sarcastic, and effective. Needless to say...I'm hooked.

One of the things that really amazes me about him is how amazing a writer he is, with having so little education. I think that this is one of the true signs that he is a brilliant self-educated writer, who just happens to have thus far led a very interesting...to say the least life. He has found a way to take all of the pain, sorrow, and confusion that he experienced at such a young age, and was able to turn it around...truly impressive.

What I Want in a President

The Founding Fathers- the most brilliant men of their time. In America's past it was these men, these hyper-intellectuals that read Greek and Latin for fun, who became president of the United States. So I ask myself, when did it all change?

When did Americans begin wanting an average run of the mill man to be president? Someone that they felt they could sit and drink a beer with? Frankly I don't understand it. I want the most intelligent person in America to be my president (whether male, female, black, white, or purple). I want someone who can speak coherently...using real words, someone who knows politics and economics...not someone who barely passed college leading our country.

So when, when exactly did Americans begin putting things like a president's religion before his/her intellect and experience? Separation of church and state...what's that?

I think Americans need to return to their "roots." I think we need to find the Thomas Jefferson's and George Washington's of our own time, and elect him/ her as our next president. I want a person whose intelligence is overwhelming and intimidating, someone who will be equipped to lead America, not someone who will blindly attempt to lead America, making any decisions that he/she feels like making. We are in need of a leader, an intelligent, coherent, leader.

America must truly wake up, and realize what is important in a leader. is a leader's religion important? Or is experience, intelligence, past success important? Or is it being able to sit and drink a beer with the guy?

4th Anniversary of War in Iraq

Today, March 19th 2007 marks the fourth anniversary of the war in Iraq. The last four years have been the cause of much concern and strife within the American population, and the future doesn't seem to hold any quick answers.

President Bush is calling for yet another emergency funding for the war, warning Americans that their safety is on the line. One would think that Bush would begin to actually seek other alternatives and solutions to leave Iraq , since even Congress has begun to change their positions.

Several Congressman, including Senator Kerry (Bush's opponent in the 2004 election), have been speaking out. They are not denouncing the war outright, but rather the tactics of the Bush administration over the last four years.

At this juncture in time, I think that it is extremely important that Americans put their minds and mouths to work. People need to be questioning their government and its actions. No longer can we lie back, passively accepting all of the information, and reasonings that we are hand fed about this war. It has been four long years, and let's face it who knows how many more.

It's time that we demand answers, and a plan. No more tentative this or that; a real solution is crucial to the future of this war. It's time Americans open up their eyes and see what is going on. See the blood shed, the destruction, all of the horrors associated with war. Just because we can not see the daily destruction doesn't mean that it's not there. It's time for an end.

What Makes Me Scream!!!

There are many things that drive me crazy in this world..mostly things that other people do. Things that truly enrage me are when people don't use their blinkers... it drives me completely insane. I mean cut me off, do what you need to do, but please use your blinker!!!

Another one of my pet peeves is when I am at work (I work in a restaurant by the way) and you get that customer, whether they're yours or not, who feels the need to take out all of their life problems and frustrations out on you, because their food is cold, or taking too long, or their order is wrong. It's just not fair. Does it ever cross these people's minds that I am a person, that I too have problems, that I can have a bad day? No, I need to stand there smiling, apologizing (even when it's not my fault), to this awful, rude, inconsiderate person who feels the need to ruin my day as well.

Along the line of work, another thing that bothers me is people who don't know how to tip. It's 20 percent now people I mean understandably you'd leave less if the service is awful. But when everything goes fine, leave 20 percent, because we get paid like $3 an hour, and on average my paycheck is oh about $20.

Another thing (I guess you are starting to see where most of my frustration comes from) about work that frustrates me to no end is why do parents let their 13 year old kids come out to eat alone..with no money. You have these kids who come in, order as much food as their money will by and, oops what's a tip?

A Glamorous Escape... Or Is it?

People often wonder what the infatuation is with celebrities. I personally have never been obsessed with a star, or acted as an obsessed buyer of the multitude of magazines that reveal every private detail and awful picture of our contemporary celebrities. So what is it with celebrities, why are we as a public so captivated by their lives?

I think that often people keep tabs on celebrities lives because, let's face it their lives are more exciting than most of ours. Instead of having to get up and go to work or school every morning, they're getting paid to attend the hottest bars and night clubs for the sake of publicity.

I think that another reason that people tend to become infatuated with the lives of celebrities, is that it can act as an escape from the real problems that we "normal people" face every day. Their bar and bed hopping, their addictions, and their love triangles serve as much more interesting and exciting problems, than the every day I hate my job, or what do I do I'm failing a class problems, that we tend to have.

I think that ultimately these are the main reasons that people become intrigued by, or even obsessed with the lives of celebrities. I also think that examining a celebrities life under a microscope, and looking at very unflattering pictures of them is a kind of way to say "hey, my life isn't so bad" too. After looking at their addictions, arrests, accidents, and various other disorders ranging from supposed fatigue to bulimia and anorexia, it is easier for us to return to our lives and admit that maybe we like our "real problems" just a little better than we do the numerous problems that celebrities seem to have these days.

Objectivity...A Reality or a Myth?

Why does objectivity in journalism cause so much controversy?

I think that objectivity in journalism causes so much controversy because it seems that it is virtually impossible to be so.

Throughout history have there even ever been any completely objective newspapers? There is always a motive, whether it is obvious or not. There will always be biases (i.e. political parties etc.), and people know where to go to get the news that agrees with their own opinions. It has been this way since the foundation of our country, when political parties first emerged. Even the newspapers then were formed around political parties. In order to be completely objective, the newspaper, and journalist would have to cut out all affiliations. They would not be able to be considered either a conservative or liberal or anything in between paper. Is this possible?

It is also incredibly difficult to get all sides of a story. For a journalist to get all of the side, facts, and opinions in every story is incredibly difficult, and it may not be the information that they wish to deliver to the public (depending on what medium they are working for).

Don't get me wrong, I still think that journalist must at least strive towards being objective, but I don't think that it is something that is actually attainable, especially in today's society. Without the ideal of objectivity news would no longer be news, but rather commentary ( which some "news source" have already become but I will not name names in honor of trying to remain objective myself).

A Liberating Restriction?

Does having a particular structure that you must adhere to limit the creativity in your writing?

I have often been prone to answer yes to the above question, but I have decided to look into the other side of this argument.

I think that writing within a particular structure or format can enhance the creativity in your writing. When a writer is working with a particular structure it may in fact relieve some of the pressure from them, because it is one less thing that they must worry about. Having one less thing to worry about inevitably allows them to focus more on the content of their writing. If a writer is not as concerned with developing a certain style or structure in their writing they become more able to work within the piece itself as a means of expression. I think a good example of this is with poetry. Certain forms of poetry have extremely strict structures, but there is endless room within the poem to be creative.

On the other side I also think that having to adhere to one particular structure can be very detrimental and greatly restrict the creativity in a piece of writing. If a writer must keep in mind a particular structure while they are writing, they may become somewhat obsessed with that and their focus will be directed away from the content and creativity of the piece. I also believe that certain structures may stifle a writer's voice or style. Having to stick with one format may also prevent a writer from developing their own individual style or voice. A lot of times when a writer must stick to one structure there is often a great deal of pressure involved, which I think may lead to a great distraction from the content itself.

# 2 in Points for Consideration and Discussion (p. 37)

In the book Writing for the Mass Media by James Glen Stovall, the point is made that knowing the rules of grammar is crucial to good, successful writing. I completely agree with Stovall on this issue because knowing the rules of grammar, and being able to apply them correctly, allows you to express yourself in a very clear, concise manner.

I think that grammar is especially important in writing for the media because you are not writing for your self, but to express some kind of idea or fact to others. If your writing contains spelling and grammar errors, it will ultimately cause the reader to consider the intelligence, and trust worthiness of the source. When writing for the media, the writer must be aware of the grammar used because it could turn out to be very detrimental to the source if over looked.

Another reason that I believe knowing and applying grammar in a correct manner is so important is because it is a reflection of not only your writing, but on you yourself. If your writing is incoherent; lacking proper grammar, punctuation and spelling, it causes the reader to make a judgement not only on the source, but on the writer as well. The reader is liable to make a judgement concerning your level of intelligence, expertise, and professionalism.

Ultimately I think that your writing (as well as your speech) should, and a a reflection of who you are. In knowing how to use grammar, you are only making your writing that much stronger.

My Academic Career Thus Far

My academic career thus far has been extremely uncertain. I have transferred schools several times, and just transferred to Manhattanville this past fall. In the past I have taken a little bit of everything and have finally decided that I am going to be majoring in political science, and minoring in English.

I am very passionate about both areas and I feel that they are extremely important. I feel that these two areas of study compliment each other very well. I think that writing is an invaluable tool that I will undeniably be in need of regardless of what field I end up in in the future, and that is why I have chosen to minor in it. In the future I would like to incorporate the two areas and possibly write for some form of political journal whether it be a newspaper, magazine, etc.

I am very excited to be a voice for politics, and I think that it is very important for young people to be aware of what is going on in not only in our own country, but in others as well, because sooner than later it is going to have an affect on our future.

I think that this course will be helpful to me because I think that I am going to come out of it better able to express myself for the type of writing that I would like to do. I want to make my voice heard and I think that this class is going to hopefully provide me with the tools to be able to successfully do so.