breakthesky.net » Politics

六四 (6/4)

Manda — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 15:15:06 +0000

Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

Political Elections in a Global Context

Manda — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 13:58:03 +0000

This past weekend, Australia held a federal election. From what I’ve gathered based on my Australian friends’ tweets and skimming related headlines in Google News, Tony Abbott, the leader of the conservative party, is tipped to win by a razor thin margin. Jess has a fairly good summation of the whole election debacle in Australia from a non-conservative’s point of view, for those who are interested.

Several months ago, the UK held an election for a new prime minister as well. The UK had a hung parliament, which was a big deal, and there was a bit of a kerfuffle in sorting out the new governing party. Again, most of the information I got about it was through my friends’ tweets, with a pinch from the Google News headlines.

I wouldn’t know about any of this election information (in Australia, in the UK, or any other country) if I didn’t have friends in those countries, both online and offline, which alerted me to the fact that there was an election occurring and prompted me to do some independent news research. None of this election stuff is really covered in the US media. The only election in recent years I can recall getting any US media coverage is that of Iran in 2009, which is obvious because of what happened with the protests. I know that whenever the US has a presidential election, the entire world covers it in the media. But when other countries have elections, US media is largely indifferent.

I remember in the lead-up to the 2008 US presidential election, a friend of mine from England told me he thought that the entire world should elect the US president, not just US citizens. He said that because the entire world is affected by who the US chooses, the entire world should vote. I guess that’s why US presidential election media coverage is global while elections in other countries get no coverage in the US. Whomever countries like Australia and the UK elect as their leader largely do not affect the US¹, but the decision in who becomes the leader of the free world impacts everyone.

I told a friend about the current election debacle in Australia and his response was, “Why should we care? It’s not like Australia is going to suddenly turn against the US no matter who they elect.”

Rush Limbaugh, Please Leave the Country Now

Manda — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 20:06:43 +0000

I’ve been trying to figure out the best way for me to talk about the fact that late Sunday evening, the U.S. made history when health care reform was passed. I am unbelievably ecstatic that the United States has finally caught up to modern times and is going to provide options for everyone to have health care. However, for me to weigh in as an expert in the situation would be ridiculous as I’m far from it, but I wanted to make at least some note of it on this blog.

I think I’ve found the perfect way to express my feelings about the health care bill passing, though.

For those who don’t know, the photo on the right is of Rush Limbaugh, a radio talk show host and conservative opinion leader. Limbaugh, to put it politely, is six buckets of crazy and shoots his mouth off every chance he gets to complain about liberals and the alleged existence of a liberal bias in U.S. media¹ Earlier this month, Limbaugh claimed he “would move to Costa Rica” if health care reform was passed into law. He later “clarified” his statement by saying he would only go to Costa Rica “for major medical health care” and not move there.

Well Mr. Limbaugh, I think it’s high time for you to make good on your promise. People are even raising money for your ticket out of the country! But I guess you don’t have to move, as the poor people of Costa Rica haven’t done anything to deserve dealing with you. But before you take off to Costa Rica to get major medical health care, I think you should note that Costa Rica has socialized health care provided for by a government monopoly… which happens to be the same kind of health care reform you are protesting in the U.S.

Idiot.

Seriously, just Google his name. There are a ton of links that pop up that talk about some batshit insane thing he’s said at one point or another.

Rod Blagojevich, Get Off My TV

Manda — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:01:52 +0000

Whenever I watched the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, NBC aired commercials for the newest season of Celebrity Apprentice. I believe the premiere of the show is tonight, actually. Hosted by Donald Trump, this season’s celebrities include Bret Michaels, Sharon Osbourne, Michael Johnson, and Cyndi Lauper. I don’t usually give two hoots about The Apprentice, celebrity or not, but one contestant is my ex-governor: Rod Blagojevich.

Blagojevich was impeached from his position as Governor of Illinois after it was revealed that he was allegedly trying to sell Barack Obama’s former Senate seat to the highest bidder. Prior to this scandal, there had already been talks of corruption by Blagojevich, but this particular incident was the last straw and the impeachment process began. Let’s face it, Illinois governors are not known for resisting becoming corrupted. Essentially, the man made a mockery of the U.S. government system. After news of the impending impeachment broke, Blagojevich still insisted that he had the power to appoint Obama’s Senate replacement. Blagojevich ushered in the current Illinois junior senator, Roland Burris, in the last few days he still retained gubernatorial power. Both Burris and Blagojevich were heavily criticized for this, but that’s another story.

Blagojevich’s wife, Patti, was a contestant in last summer’s I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here. The show took place in Costa Rica, and Blagojevich was not allowed to accompany his wife to Costa Rica because he was in the process of being indicted. I have equal issue with Blagojevich’s wife on a reality TV show¹, but every time I see Blagojevich smirk in the commercials for Celebrity Apprentice and say, “You’re fired? Yeah, I’ve heard that one before,” I want to slap him.

He wasn’t fired! He was impeached from office and indicted on corruption charges!

Why is the man allowed to be a contestant on Celebrity Apprentice? Why on earth is he still in the public spotlight, garnering celebrity, and retaining his fortune, when the man should be suffering reparations for his corruption as governor? Why are there not measures in place to prevent people who should be ashamed for their actions from smugly parading themselves around on TV?!

Blagojevich’s wife stated she did the show for financial reasons. The Blagojevich’s financial problems are most likely tied to the legal fees for Blagojevich’s trial. Patti Blagojevich is famous because she is the wife of a disgraced former governor, which is why she got invited to be on a reality show, but that’s also where the financial troubles stem from. Isn’t there something wrong with this picture?

Ways to Help Haiti

Manda — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:19:21 +0000

Given the tragedy that has happened in Haiti, I think it is only appropriate to skip the mindless rambling about my life for today and link to Chris Sacca’s article “Six Ways You Can Help in Haiti” and Huffington Post’s list of ways to help the Haiti earthquake relief to promote awareness about all the different ways one can help those affected by the earthquake. Melissa and Stephanie also have posted links to information about ways to help in Haiti. Additionally, the LiveJournal community Help Haiti is hosting a fandom auction to raise money for aiding the region.

Personally, I am texting “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10USD to the Red Cross relief fund¹. It’s backed by the State Department and is an effortless way to donate and make a difference in the relief efforts.

Please keep all those affected by the earthquake in your thoughts and prayers.

This is only for those in the US but there are many other ways to help Haiti if you live in another country.

Obama Erection Protection Selection

Manda — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:24:02 +0000

“Erection protection election, right here, right now! The best stimulus package Obama can offer! Hope isn’t a form of protection, so get these Obama condoms today!”

That was the cry of the street seller selling this personalized Obama three-condom selection and it attracted quite the stares from fellow passersby. He got a mixed reaction from people as the older crowd mostly shook their heads and walked away while the younger crowd struck up conversation with him before moving along their merry way. This guy was was quite the salesman, really, considering this three-condom deal cost $10USD, which is a total ripoff as anyone can get them cheaply at a store. He managed to make a few sales, my friend included (the condoms she bought are the ones pictured).

The condoms are ribbed and come in “tuxedo black.” While the condoms themselves aren’t anything special, this is definitely pretty unique packaging as I doubt people can come by Obama condoms at a regular store. Only in DC (well, perhaps in Chicago too) would you find personalized Obama condoms! Too bad he wasn’t selling any Palin ones as those might have reeled in more customers seeing as she promotes abstinence-only education :P

I wonder how Obama feels about having his very own “erection protection selection”…

Capitalism and Cows

Manda — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:58 +0000

This semester I am taking a microeonomics course as well as a Russian history course. So when I found Capitalism and Cows: an explanation of the economics of capitalism by using cows and countries/corporations, it resonated with me on more than one level because it can relate to at least two of my courses!

Here are some of my favorite examples:

A JAPANESE CORPORATION — You have two cows. You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. You then create clever cow cartoon images called Cowkimon(tm) and market them world-wide.

A SWISS CORPORATION — You have 5000 cows, none of which belong to you. You charge others for storing them.

A RUSSIAN CORPORATION — You have two cows. You count them and learn you have five cows. You count them again and learn you have 42 cows. You count them again and learn you have 12 cows. You stop counting cows and open another bottle of vodka.

Yes, these statements about how various corporations would go about with cows in a capitalist way use stereotypes, but they are quite amusing!

Sarah Palin Baby Name Generator

Manda — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:00:22 +0000

Sarah Palin’s kids have pretty unusual names. Trig, Willow, Bristol, Piper, Track… they’re not exactly your run-of-the-mill names. The Sarah Palin Baby Name Generator can “translate” your name into a name that Palin would use to name you!

Since I was Sarah Palin last year for Halloween, I was curious as to what my name would be. (That and the fact that I wanted to see what types of names the generator came up with anyway.) I typed “Manda” into the name generator and my name was Filter Skate Palin.

Huh. Filter Skate. Somehow, I still prefer the name Manda ;)

For Simplicity’s Sake

Manda — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:00:38 +0000

Dear Ms. Betty Brown (R-TX),

Your recent statement about how Asian-Americans should change their names to ones that are easier to pronounce during House testimony on voter identification legislation is not only insulting towards Asian-Americans, but also to the people you represent in Texas. Your assumption that Asian-American names are the only foreign names that are hard for the average English speaker to mispronounce is ignorant, and demonstrates your lack of cultural and awareness about the diversity on which the United States prides itself. Furthermore, your belief that citizens should change their name for the convenience of poll workers and other civil servants shows that you see poll workers as lazy and/or ignorant and do not possess the intelligence required to identify one person from another.

You are quoted as saying, “Rather than everyone here having to learn Chinese — I understand it’s a rather difficult language — do you think that it would behoove you and your citizens to adopt a name that we could deal with more readily here?” Yes, Chinese is a difficult language to learn, one of the most difficult, in fact. However, if one’s name is in a language other than English, the English speaker is not required to learn the language that the name is in, they only need to learn the name. There are plenty of Asian-American celebrities that have had their names recognized by the American public without having to change their names so that they could be dealt with “more readily” in the States – Kelly Hu, Jackie Chan, Chow Yun Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, Ang Lee, to name a few. I doubt that all of the American people who are familiar with these aforementioned celebrities as well as other famous Asian-Americans became fluent in Chinese before learning how to pronounce their names.

It would not “behoove” Asian-American citizens to change their names simply for the benefit of others. The definition of “behoove” is “to be worthwhile to, as for personal profit or advantage”¹. Your request for Asian-Americans to change their names is wholly for the benefit of poll workers and other civil servants who deal with voter registration identity, according to your statement. A name is a huge part of a person’s identity, heritage, and culture. For someone to ask others to change a part of their identity in the name of convenience is an insult. Perhaps you do not take pride in your name, Ms. Brown, but others certainly do. I have a Chinese name, and while I have never used it for official documents since it is my middle name and not my first, I would not change it because a politician thought it would be easier for others to identify me with an easy, generic name. If I ever wanted to change my name for whatever reason, it would be for reasons that benefit myself, and not others.

You are later quoted as telling the Organization of Chinese Americans, “Can’t you see that this is something that would make it a lot easier for you and the people who are poll workers if you could adopt a name just for identification purposes that’s easier for Americans to deal with?” Ms. Brown, I was a poll worker. I staffed the polls for the 2008 presidential elections, and it is not at all challenging to identify voters when signing them in at the voting precinct. Every registered voter is issued a voter registration card that has their name, address, voting precinct and district number, telephone number, and other personal information for a reason. Pronunciation was never part of the issue when I signed in voters, because their name was clearly printed at the top of their voter registration card. Also, if there were duplicate names, then a poll worker is supposed to check the corresponding address, precinct and district numbers, and telephone number on the voter registration card with the information listed in the voter directory. A duplicate name, or a name that is hard to pronounce, does not mean that it is harder for Americans to deal with when working the polls.

You also seem to be under the belief that Chinese names are the most difficult to pronounce out of all of the non-English names in the world. Either that, or you think that Asian-Americans will be easier to convince to have their names changed than the other American citizens of overseas heritage. I am assuming you are not familiar with the Chinese language, but the majority of Chinese names are one or two syllables. Compared to other foreign last names that have multiple syllables and a combination of vowels and constants not present in the English language, Chinese names are relatively easy to pronounce. Take the name Li, for example, and compare it to names like Zupancic, Blomqvist, and Juhasz. While it might not always be the case, Chinese names are not always the hardest to pronounce when compared to others, so why single out the Asian-American population? Why not ask all citizens with overseas heritage to change their names to ones like yours, Ms. Betty Brown?

You refuse to apologize for your statement, and your spokesperson states that Democrats “want this to just be about race.” Well, Ms. Brown, if it is not just about race, then what is it? It can’t be about making the work of a poll worker easier, because pronunciation is not part of a poll worker’s job. It can’t be about ignoring the cultural diversity that America is so prides itself on and asking others to conform to what you see as the “norm” for simplicity’s sake, because that would be against the American way, wouldn’t it? It can’t be about your inability to familiarize yourself with common Chinese names yet you having no problem with learning the names from other nationalities. So, Ms. Brown, if your statement isn’t about any of these things, what is it about other than your inherent racism towards Asian-Americans?

Source: dictionary.com

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Post tags: opinions, people suck, rants

My Obama Inauguration Experience

Manda — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:30:16 +0000

Instead of having only one photo in my weekly Photo of the Week post, I’m going to post five. An inauguration like the one for Obama is once in a lifetime, and one photo isn’t enough to adequately explain the experience I had at the inauguration! My Photo of the Week posts will resume its regular format next week ;)

Large crowds were already forming at around 5:30am. Some people had camped out on the Mall all night in freezing temperatures! By 5:30am, I had been walking around the city for over an hour. My friends and I were trying to find a restaurant that was open for breakfast and warmth as we made our way to the National Mall.

I arrived at the Washington Monument at 7:40am. The sun had already risen by then, and I gradually made my way to the National Mall to find a place to sit until the inauguration ceremony began. Along the way, I was greeted by many enthusiastic volunteers and other spectators who were all incredibly excited to witness and be a part of history.

The size of the crowd! I’m in that photo somewhere. It looks really crowded, and it obviously was, but not packed to the point where spectators were squashed up against each other. Everyone I encountered was really friendly, which helped the close proximity a lot.

Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Joe Biden, and Jill Biden before the ceremony started. I have video footage of Obama’s arrival at the ceremony as well as the swearing in of both Obama and Biden, but WordPress won’t let me upload the videos, so this photo will have to do.

Getting out was an absolute nightmare. They closed off one of the exits for reasons I still don’t understand, and there were just throngs of people trying to get out where fences and blocks were in place. I ended up walking on a highway to Virginia. I found out the hard way that the highway was not closed off and was still open for cars and buses…