Ahviahn's Blog

More thoughts on Prop. 8

The Mind of a Girl... — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:23:47 MST

Recently, upon my return from California, I was asked to do a blog about Proposition 8 here for NMYO, as well as an essay for my Crime and Punishment class. After ranting for quite awhile on an earlier draft, and researching up the wazoo, for my paper I have decided to take a different approach.

Prop 8 is a bill that got passed in California on Nov. 4 that will revoke the rights for same sex couples to get married. You see, Californians have a hard time deciding whether or not it is okay for same sex couples to get married or not. Through relatively recent history same sex marriage has bounced back and forth between being illegal and legal. This most current decision has once again remade same sex marriages illegal after being legal for a couple of years. In fact, marriage rights have been through a long stuggle, including slave marriages and marriage between two separate races.

Learning this has made me think. Why is this such an important issue? Yes, homosexual couples need the right to marry the person they love just as heterosexual couples do. But what is the big problem that there are so many that feel threatened enough to try and eradicate the problem? Does anybody remember the part of the constitution that states, "All men are created equal"? What about the fact that the bill of rights protects each person from the beliefs of others? Sure there are some things about same sex couples that not everyone is comfortable with, but is that enough to spend your money on? (I'm not comfortable with seeing feet and know quite a few people who share the same view. Maybe we should try to get a constitutional ban on feet showing in public????) Although I do not know the exact numbers there has been a HECK of a lot of money spent on this issue. On Prop 8 alone $70 million dollars were contributed. Seriously?! All of that $70 million could have been used on much more important issues than denying marriage rights.

Shall I give a few examples?

Election Boogaloo

The Mind of a Girl... — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:41:36 MDT

Last Sunday I went to an event dubbed, "Election Boogaloo." It was organized and hosted by New Mexico Hip-Hop Congress and sponsored by New Mexico Youth Organized. The free all-ages hip-hop/break dancing event was geared at getting people registered, and excited to vote in the up-coming elections. All night the event was themed in a way to encourage others to get out and vote on October 4th. There were even a few people going around in the off chance there was someone that was not already registered. (I'm happy to say that it looked like almost everyone in attendance was registered and proud to be!!)

The event was held at "The Stove" a chill, local spot just East of the Nob Hill area. The night was off to a slow start, with few people break dancing inside to an amazing DJ. One person outside started up the graffiti contest on The Stove's constantly changing wall of graffiti street art.

As the sun set, the party really got amped up as more people began to arrive. More awesome girls and guys joined in the break dancing and others entered the graffiti contest for the chance to win the $100 cash prize. Moving inside, things were getting heated as some of the guys began free styling to the beat. Their lyrics were smooth and original, expressing everything from who they were, to their choices for the up-coming elections in all categories. Later on, the contest for best beat-boxer began with some extraordinarily talented guys (sadly I didn't see any girls enter). In the spirit of election times, the winners were decided through ballot voting, and everyone was encouraged to have their voices heard. The growing crowd seemed eager to cast their vote and help decide the winner.

New to this type of scene I sat in awe as I watched the battles going on, impressed by everyone's talent and spirit. All night I noticed how much community there was between all, hugs exchanged, high-fives and general good-naturedness at seeing friends there.

Overall I think that the event was a major success! The goal was accomplished without really needing to try, and although I'm to young to vote this time around, I can see that more young people are excited about the elections than ever before.

One awesome night, In the Mind of a Girl.

Attack Ad Business and Silly Candidates.

The Mind of a Girl... — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:50:56 MDT

Quite recently our dear presidential campaign runners have been pulling out an arsenal of schpew (my word for crap which is spewed out the mouth). I admit that yes, there is some truth behind allthe BS. BUT, and you can admit to THIS, the way it's coming out is ridiculous. Our presidential candidates have proceeded to lower themselves to a level I cannot describe.

Some of the junk McCain has approved for television is almost, I repeat ALMOST, forgivable. Come on, what can you expect from a wizened ol' grandpa who, as the veteran in politics, feels threatened by the popular newcomer. All he has for comfort to listen to his "fellows" who are more than willing to sway him towards their bidding. On the opposite hand though, these ads make him seem desperate and hopeless. Like for example when he tries to compare Obama to Moses… like that's a bad thing. When that was brought to mind it made me think of Obama as the savior who is going to lead America to economic freedom.

Being compared to Moses and people "knowing" that you are famous is not something to lash out at, no matter how bitingly it is done. This is what disappoints me about the so-seemingly cool Obama. At first it seemed he would take the high road and not attack McCain, but then came out the few attack ads. He should NOT stoop so low that he has to pull out every little flaw just to take a bite right back. Does it really matter that McCain can't remember that he and his wife own seven houses in a time when the majority of Americans can't afford ONE? Think about that. I mean really, both men need to get over it and focus only on how they are going to fix America. It's not McCain's fault that he suffers from old age. Neither is it Obama's fault that he is popular, whether that be good or bad. ALL OF THIS IS JUST WAY TOO SILLY!

Youth Unite!

The Mind of a Girl... — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:42:49 MDT

As a high school student working and living in a world of adults I know that there are ways to make a change. Right now is a crucial time in the world for young (and I mean high school-aged or younger here) people to get involved. Even though the adults are trying to make a difference, it is the kids who are going to be left with the power to eternalize and propagate the ideas. When we all grow up it will be our responsibility to keep working towards a better world and keep from sliding into the mistakes preceding. I don't think that many kids my age realize the power and the potential that lies at our fingertips. All that needs to be done to help them see this prima facie is a little knowledge. There are so many possibilities that stand in front of today's youth that are just waiting for someone to reach out and grab them.

Can you Hear the Music?

The Mind of a Girl... — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:23:35 MDT

While listening to P.O.D and working on projects at NMYO I had a thought... The work that I do is like this music. Even though there is a quality of calming about the music the lyrics are strong and thought provoking. They talk about war and many not caring, poverty and destruction, corruption and sadness, children dying for greed, "today i heard what them people say, they want to live free greedy... You play under the sun while others fight under skies of gray."

It all hit me that something needs to be done. Yes, there are groups and people who are doing their parts but it's not nearly enough to make a difference fast enough. One stanza that stands out right now is, "You portray selfishness and hate while some prepare to die today. Stand up, defend, or lay down and die" because it is so true. Many people I know would rather pretend that nothing is happening, all the while feeling safe in their homes complaining if their parents don't buy them a new car because they crashed the last. As if what happens outside doesn't matter, "suffocation within because of what you are saying, to understand is to begin again, and to believe is live again." I really can't understand how this can be such an abundant "trait" in the world. Even in the countries where poverty and disease, and hunger are so obvious. "I tried living my life through your eyes, smothering me with your ways, to death, no breath you're choking what little faith I have left", trying to understand how someone could be so willingly oblivious to these glaring facts is horrendous to me. It really irks me how people have the attitude of 'I don't care', so while I'm "waiting on today, tell me it's okay, so I won't run away."

The things we do aren't outrageous and silly but we are working towards something. Our work is important because we are making a difference and letting the public know about issues concerning the community, state and even some world stuff. Spreading the word and doing what little we can to raise public awareness, even if it's just doing accountability projects and letting young people know what they can do to make a difference is big. So I'm going to continue letting people know, and doing my part, hoping for more, and getting thinking of personal ways to get things out there.

"This is how I feel, and I just wanted to, I really thought I could. Why, oh, why do we do the things we do? I try to make you see these things the way I do" in the words of P.O.D. from The Mind of a Girl.

The Amazing Cons of Offshore Drilling

The Mind of a Girl... — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:57:42 MDT

Many Americans feel that offshore drilling is going to solve the horrible issue of gas prices. While there is a need for something to change this problem, offshore drilling is not the answer. Even though offshore drilling will reduce the price of gas, it is in a manner that is ridiculous and unreasonable. The cons just out-weigh the pros.

1) It will be at LEAST 10 years from the start of drilling to make a difference. When drilling finally does make a change the actual difference will be a mere 1% or so which will lead to a wonderful 4 cents or so!

2) Negligence and/or severe weather (like hurricanes for example?) could cause major spills that take YEARS to clean up. These spills unfortunately can not be entirely cleaned therefore wash up onto shore. Spills lead to the contamination of wildlife including fish. In turn these "bad" fish can not be eaten and so deplete the coastal economy and cause food prices to rise.

3) Massive natural damage is caused not only to the wildlife but also to the ecosystems. Many may not know it but coral reefs that get affected by oil spills affect our health and air supply. Coral reefs supply not only life for a plethora of sea creatures but also medicinal resources, and help support the organisms that give off most of the oxygen in our atmosphere. Not to mention an abundance of other problems.

4) Even if there are NO spills other contaminates from the drilling process it's self are going to be released, including barium, chromium and arsenic. Over time these contaminates are going to really change otherwise pristine waters. [Revisit points 2 and 3 if you will.]

Even though these are only a few of the cons they are some of the most important. As Dianne Feinstein (the senior US Senator from California) said, "We need to promote conservation and develop clean technologies and clean fuels - like cellulosic ethanol. We need to continue to raise fuel economy standards for vehicles and improve the energy efficiency of our buildings by 50 percent."

And those are only a few of the things Americans can work towards.

All of these have the better chance of providing long term, safer jobs, and a cleaner Earth, all the while reducing our appalling dependence on oil. It's time that we start living up to our banner of Independence and reach the potential in leading everyone to a cleaner world.

Gas Prices and the Small Business Owner

The Mind of a Girl... — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:12:38 MDT

We all know that gas prices are skyrocketing into oblivion right? But not many people realize how much these prices are affecting them on a broader scale and how much prices are tied into the cost of oil. Places like grocery stores and chain companies, not to mention the consumer, are forced to deal with higher prices on necessities, like food and supplies, and especially on luxurious items. Oil prices are affecting everyone in some way, (not including travel costs) if not directly.

The ones most affected by soaring gas prices are small business owners, who are the treasure of their local communities, as well as the backbone of the economy.
As oil prices continue to rise so does the cost of transportation, shipping, supplies, and employee compensation. As a result these small businesses see a decreased profit and are forced to raise the prices of their products. Therefore, costumers are less willing to travel to a location and even more unwilling to pay the increased prices. Because of this small business owners are going to see a further decrease of profit and might be forced to cut employees or struggle to stay afloat.

Ed Silva, of Albuquerque's Duke City Graphics, said that gas prices are, "most definitely" affecting how he does business and that he has seen a 10-15% decrease in sales. Ed has owned his screen printing business for 25 years and although it is usually a fairly low cost system since gas prices have gone up, "quite a bit of people are reluctant to pay" for something like custom t-shirts for which Ed has to pay an extra .25-.45 cents each shirt. Ed says that he first noticed the effect of gas prices in February of 2008. Because of the nature of his business Ed travels around town throughout the day making various pick-ups and drop-offs of supplies and merchandise. Now, because of gas prices he needs to plan ahead for errands and pick-up everything in one run. This takes time out of his other tasks and if something is forgotten the extra trip will cost him extra time and money.