Trayvon Martin Protests

 

By now, the story of Trayvon Martin is known all across the country and has spread like wildfire. With the aid of the internet, TV, and other forms of social media, the public is much more informed about the incident and wants Trayvon’s killer brought to justice. Marches, vigils, and rallies have been held to show the outrage of communities nationwide and have been extremely successful in supporting the Martin family. People begin to imagine their son or daughter in a similar situation, innocently walking by when something so tragic happens. It strikes a chord in people that prompts them to show their anger and fear which in this particular situation, is aimed at George Zimmerman. Hundreds of people gather in vigils and prayer services for Trayvon while in larger cities, full scale rallies are being held. On Saturday March 24^th, 2012, rallies in Columbia, South Carolina, Washington D.C,  and Chicago took place while more protests are currently being organized. Most of the protesters wear hooded sweatshirts just like the one Trayvon was wearing. Symbolic in nature, this show both support for Trayvon as well as question how a sweatshirt can pose a legitimate threat to someone. Wielding Skittles and Iced tea, protesters can’t help but question how such an event occurred and why Trayvon’s killer has not been charged.  Many are criticizing Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law which is similar to laws in 23 other states. “Stand Your Ground” allows for a person to use deadly force against someone else if they believe their life is imminently threatened and is pretty limited to self defense.

     On Twitter alone there have been 600,000 mentions of the case while 82,000 fan page likes on Facebook and Youtube views continue to skyrocket. It is evident that the case has done extremely well in becoming popularized and that through the power of protest; change might actually become a reality. While it is beginning to look like Zimmerman might actually going to held accountable for his actions, many are forgetting about or avoiding the real issue; gun control and the “Stand Your Ground” laws. It is just as important to raise awareness about gun policies and their reforms as it is to raise awareness about Zimmerman. The two go hand in hand.

Trayvon Martin

Left: Trayvon Martin  Right: George Zimmerman, 

    

     On February 26, 2012 in Sanford, Florida, a 17 year old African American teenager named Trayvon Martin was shot in the chest while returning from a convenience store. While visiting his father and future stepmother, Trayvon walked to the store to pick up skittles and an iced tea and was being followed by a strange vehicle. Inside that vehicle was the captain of the neighborhood watch program who was pursuing Trayvon because he looked to be suspicious. Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch captain, called 911 and spoke to an operator who informed him that following Martin was not necessary. Zimmerman has been known to call police frequently and in four of his calls reported suspicious people in the neighborhood, all of whom were black. In Zimmerman’s call to the police about Martin he can be heard saying “these a**holes always get away”. Zimmerman said in his recorded call that Trayvon was approaching his vehicle but then ran off. Neighbors report hearing a confrontation and a gunshot before going outside to see Zimmerman over Trayvon who was lying face down on the ground. Trayvon was shot with a 9mm handgun that Zimmerman owned and which he should not have been carrying while acting as a neighborhood watch member. There was a very limited preliminary investigation that did not charge Zimmerman and essentially dismissed the case. Fueled by outrage and a desire for justice, this story has gained huge momentum in the media and especially through the internet.

     This story is a frightening glimpse of the injustice that was so common in the times of mass prejudice. From the evidence presented, it is pretty clear that Zimmerman’s “self defense” is misguided while Zimmerman has even outright lied about the events. Before the 911 tapes were released, Zimmerman stated that he did not pursue Martin when in fact he admitted to doing so in the call. Zimmerman identified Martin as a threat from the beginning with no good reason other than Martin was walking in the rain with his hood up “just looking about”. Other than the fact that Martin was carrying skittles and an iced tea, which Zimmerman said he could not identify, Martin was in no way posing a threat. The situation should have ended when Zimmerman called the police. The 911 operator instructed him not to follow Martin and Zimmerman disobeyed that instruction.

     Unfortunately, Trayvon Martin is just another casualty to the hatred spewing, violent world we live in. People all over the country will plead for his killer to be brought to justice, as they rightfully should but give this time and the memory of Trayvon will disappear completely from the public eye and people will move on. Of course his family, friends, and all those who now fear for safety and security for themselves and their children, can never forget the incident. It is very fortunate for the Martin family that the death of their son has gained so much outrage from communities nationwide and that their son’s death became a public atrocity. Many families cannot say the same for their murdered loved ones who largely go unnoticed. It is good to know that there are people who still rally for what they believe in and that communities all over can join together for a single cause. Justice for Trayvon.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505263_162-57402215/outrage-over-trayvon-martin-shooting-spreads/ 

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/03/trayvon-martin-case-timeline-of-events/ 

The "R" Word

     I am a very strong believer in freedom of speech and the right to say what you want, no matter what the circumstances. After reading an article on CNN's website which I will link at the bottom of the page, a couple things became clear to me. The article was centered around the use of the "R" word and the derogatory use of the word "retard". It is about a mother's plea to end the use of the "R" word and more importantly to gain dignity for her intellectually disabled son and others like him. Campaigns and movements to end the use of the "R" word proved to be successful in changing medical definitions and in legislature but have not done well in convincing the ordinary person to discontinue its use. The movements recognize that banning a word is impossible and the incorrect way to approach the situation so they have focused their energy on raising awareness and understanding about people with intellectual disabilities.

     Like I have previously mentioned, I am all for our freedom of speech but this is not really a free speech issue; it is an issue of respect. I took a moment to read through the comments on the article and found this gem of sarcastic idiocracy posted by a user named "opinionguru" who says "Ban all words and thoughts that are not politically correct! It's for our own good after all ...remember, Liberals know what's best for all of us!". Discontinuing the use of the "R" word has nothing to do with being politically correct but it sure has a lot to due with compassion and the words usage. Words are just lines drawn together to form letters which when arranged can be vocalized. Words don't hurt; they are intangible things. It is the emotion and hatred behind words that make them hurt. This is why using derogatory marks, to me, is not an issue of political correctness. I really do not care if people use the "R" word at all but I do care if they are using it as a put down or hateful remark. I think it is important for us to be more aware of what we say and who we are around when we say things that may be hurtful but I do not under any circumstances believe that stopping the usage of the "R" word will do anything to further the respect of intellectually disabled people. Like the campaigns and organizations have said; the only way to end the nasty remarks and opinions is to educate society and to prove that intellectually disabled people are valuable members of society. Once people stop using the "R" word, they will find another word to take its place unless the stigma is eradicated.

     I am torn on this issue but resolve it by simply saying this; don't waste time being a terrible person. Most of us have less than 100 years of life before eternal non-existance. Value all life, no matter how different than you they may be. Everyone has a right to dignity and their own happiness in these fleeting moments. 

http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/07/living/end-r-word/index.html?iref=allsearch 

We Have A Right To Swear On The Internet

    In a technologically advanced age such as the one we now experience, the flashy new gadgets always intrigue us. We are just now however realizing the subtleties of this technology, its effect on our kids, and what that means. Since the popularization of the internet, it has largely been a free domain where pretty much anything goes granted it doesn’t involve illegal activities (and even that is hard to stop with torrenting and online piracy). In 1996, the United States Supreme Court upheld the Communications Decency Act, a law that would censor and give control of the government to prevent “indecent” or “partly offensive” material from reaching our children. Of course, when you want something done say it’s for the children. In a landmark ruling, the bill was shot down and citizen’s rights to free speech were protected on the internet in the same manner that they are protected in print, television, and radio. Where does this leave us? Well we have liberties that are for the most part being protected but there are people out there who want us to be blindly obeying, people who want to suppress our rights to free speech and mass communication.

     The next issue we face is technologies growing impact on our kids. Not necessarily lewd material but when just about every family has access to the internet and cell phones are available to kids younger and younger all the time, they are going to be exposed to things that they shouldn’t be. Profanity in particular is a staple of the internet. While what we say is protected by our freedom of speech it has an effect on our society. With Facebook and the rise of social media into daily life, it is easier than ever to contact people and talk about yourself relentlessly. Issues over cyber bullying and profane language have in late been dealt with by schools. Students who attend the same school have gotten into trouble over things they’ve said online by their administration. Where does the hand of government end? Unless the negative messages and whatnot occurs during school hours AT school, what right does the school have to intervene. It is not their responsibility nor their right to regulate what goes on beyond their direct authority. In several court cases involving students voicing their opinion about teachers and other classmates, kids have been suspended from school and have faced other consequences issued by the administration. In most if not all of these cases the students whom did not post anything threatening or violent have had the schools decisions reversed and in some cases the students have been monetarily compensated. We are kids but we still have rights like adults do when it comes to free speech and just because they are bigger than us or more influential does not give them the power to belittle and take away our fundamental liberties.

     My teacher won’t let us swear on the internet during our online activities. That is understandable to me but does this violate our rights? Does he really have the power to tell us that? Since when does simply writing a swear word especially in an online domain warrant a reaction from a teacher? I don’t know but I want to find out. It doesn’t really bother me that I can’t swear because I probably wouldn’t have anyway but I want to be able to if need be. Yes, he doesn’t want his twitter feed filled with profanity but other than stopping us from using internet in the classroom again, I don’t think the administration has any power over what we say. As a libertarian I like to exercise my rights every chance I get, partly to be a pain in the neck but mostly to show other people that they don’t have to be afraid of authority. Well, when the police are brutally attacking Occupy protesters you can never be too sure about the people “protecting” us but for the most part exercising your liberties is a healthy thing to do and even a responsibility. I don’t want to get into trouble with my school so I’m not going to swear online during class but when I’m outside of school I will say and do what I please. My conduct outside of school is not their responsibility, authority, or right to uphold.

10 New Years Resolutions For the World

1. Focus on the secular needs of the world. You can witness secular issues and can physically change them. Simply praying for something to happen will do nothing.

2. Join together for justice. If an unjust government or legislating body makes decisions that are not in favor of the people, form groups and a movement to try and end that injustice.

3. End your narcissistic mentality. Change begins with the individual and in order for you to accomplish anything, you need to shed your ego. That means everyone needs to be more humble.

4. Focus on real, important issues rather than pouring money into fruitless causes. Governments should spend money to help citizens, not to waste on failing endeavors. We're looking at you, the "war" on drugs.

5. Shed your prejudices. There will always be judgement but change begins with the individual.

6. Learn as much as you can. Knowledge is power and few have the drive to attain it. If everyone was properly educated, the world would be a much more intelligent and reasonable place.

7. Compromise. World politics is always a messy subject. Foreign policy would be much easier if compromises could be made and cooperation was mutual.

8. Try and become as self reliant as possible. Whether it be a person or a country, needing the aid of something else can end badly. Our manufacturing is reliant on China's cheap labor and look where the jobs have gone. As a society as well, self reliance leads to accomplishment.

9. Don't hold back moderate change. Change is a good thing. It's fresh, it's new. Technological progression is what has provided our world with man made wonders. Don't be the force restricting our change in technology , be the force changing our world for the better.

10. Forget about religion unless you like seeing people put complete and absolute faith in a make believe friend. Religion has caused more chaos in recorded history than any other force. Forget about what your parents told you, they are wrong. Don't commit acts of justice in order to get into heaven or receive some reward, do it because it helps fellow man. Remember, science flies you to the moon, religion flies you into buildings.

Invisible Children

     Invisible Children is an organization founded after three young filmmakers took a trip to northern Uganda in 2003 and witnessed the effects of the atrocities occurring there. Children were being abducted and forced to become soldiers for the LRA, the Lord’s Resistance Army. The LRA is led by Joseph Kony and travels throughout these remote nations in search of villages that they can exploit and strengthen their force through the use of child soldiers. Literally, children are taken from their homes in the middle of the night and forced to handle weapons and commit terrible actions. For the last 23 years the LRA and the government of Uganda have been waging a war in which nearly two million innocent people have been caught in the middle of violence and international crime, their families and villages being torn apart by murderous thugs. The LRA for the most part has left Uganda due to the increased awareness and support of Invisible Children but has gone on to other nations such as the Democratic Republic of Congo as well as Sudan.

     The LRA was formed from what was known as the Holy Spirit Movement. A woman named Alice Lakwena believed the Holy Spirit had spoken to her and ordered her to overthrow the Ugandan government for treating her people unjustly. The movement gained support but Lakwena was exiled and Joseph Kony, a supposed cousin of Lakwena, took over leadership by forming the LRA. The LRA did not receive nearly the same amount of support that the Holy Spirit Movement did which motivated Kony to abduct children in order to form his army. The LRA has abducted an estimated 66,000 children and displace well over two million innocent people during his reign of terror.



Children soldiers in Uganda

     Invisible Children, through increasing awareness about this issue and the raising of funds, have greatly changed the situation in Uganda. After their trip to Uganda in 2003, the founders of Invisible Children made a documentary in which they explained and gained support for their cause. Volunteers and activists tour their film all over the United States and have been well received by their audience. Largely unreported by the media, Kony’s atrocities have been ignored for far too long and Invisible Children is trying to stop that. They have through the funds risen, provided many of these remote villages with radios so that they can contact one another and warn each other of the LRA’s presence. This along with efforts in education and the long term development of war torn areas has already shown significant improvement for Ugandans.

Westboro Baptist Church

Fred Phelps, the scumbag patriarch behind the WBC

    The Westboro Baptist Church, or the WBC for short, is a hate group posing as a religious practice centered in Topeka, Kansas. They have an anti-American agenda that focuses on condemning primarily military personnel and homosexuals. One of WBC's favorite methods of attention mongering is picketing the funerals of our nation’s military heroes and those that live any sort of nonconforming lifestyle. By gathering large numbers of protesters, they effectively demonstrate their lack of moral basis and insane assumption that should a god exist, that entity favors the exploitation and hatred towards fellow man. Led by founder Fred Phelps, the organization has grown both with the aid of the internet and the growth of his family. The WBC is primarily controlled by the various members of the Phelps family who have defended themselves with legal degrees. They are notorious for playing the victim in legal situations to exploit whoever necessary to gain funding.

     The purpose of the WBC's message is rather unclear. In my research for this blog post I was not able to find a stated purpose for the church's existence other than to spread the message that god hates america and our ways. They claim America is immoral for our acceptance of deviant lifestyles and our support for our nations military. One thing however that nobody seems to understand is, how the WBC can justify their obvious lack of human dignity and still retain the fallacy that they will be "redeemed" or "saved" by their non-existent sky friend. Even if a god existed what kind of monster would condone these actions and reward them with eternal life? The WBC's ever tasteful (sarcasm) website domain, gadhatesfags.com, is a testament to their outlandish attention hogging. They know people will be outraged by their coarse language but yet that pleases them, knowing that they are being noticed. In response to the WBC, many prominent celebrity figures have donated large sums of money to charities that benefit the gay community as well as aiding families of deceased soldiers. They claim that they are trying to show America its transgression and abominations but yet the only abominations most people notice are the church's almost insane dogma. Personally, I consider Christianity and most other forms of religious worship to be insane but the actions of the WBC are far more horrific and intolerable than that of those who simply keep to themselves.

WBC protesters 

     If it has not been abundantly clear already, I believe the Westboro Baptist Church is a disgrace to humanity however I am a firm believer in the protection of personal rights and liberties. Therefore I understand and acknowledge their right to free speech despite my utter resentment and disgust for each and every one of them. Generally the response most people have to the WBC is one similar to mine. Counter protests usually occur right next to WBC protests in an effort to outnumber and block out the negative messages they spread. The complete lack of moral standards within the WBC is shocking yet these are the kinds of things that can happen to the world when crazy people are given a foundation to speak off of. The WBC is just another reason why religion is detrimental to our world.