Last of Our Kind

Somehow in the nation’s most populous state, on the night where Liberals claimed victory in the white house, screaming “Yes we can!” the conservatives won. Some how California, a state that (like Massachusetts) has been the trend setter in liberal ways let the country down. Somehow they have voted to once again put discrimination into the constitution, make citizens second class, and allow hate to rule.

Let it be known right here and now that this is a great injustice. Conservatives will say, “The people have spoken,” “True family values have won,” “It is a good day to be an American”

Is it? Is it truly a great day to be an American? Yes, we have just elected our first African-American President. This is great and should be celebrated, but how can we claim “change” and “progress” when with the passing of Proposition 8 we have not changed or progressed at all. In fact, we have regressed. In terms of equal rights, we have moved backwards. In this country Gay rights, Civil rights, and Equal rights should be the same. Have we not fought for years for oppressed minorities (who ironically and disgustingly voted heavily “Yes” on 8) to be treated equally? To think that we have come this far by electing Obama is commendable, but the passing of Proposition 8 shows us just how far we still have to go.

I am outraged because as an American I believe in equal rights. It is what this country was founded on. “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” “And justice for all” These are the principles that people from all over the world come to America for. This is why we are a melting pot. We take the tired, the weak, and the poor. We take them all and give them a shot at the American dream. And what is the American dream?

It is the right to be.

The right to be me, the right to be you, the right to be a Christian, a Muslim, or a Jew. It is the right to be happy and to pursue happiness. That is in the declaration of independence is it not? Was this not one of the principles this nation was founded on? To think that the founding fathers wrote, “That all men are created equal” to simply have this principle so out right ignored makes me, on a day where I should be proud, feel ashamed.

I am ashamed because in California, homosexuals no longer have the right to be.

I feel that I should end it there. However, it gets worse, much, much worse. It is worse because California also passed Proposition 2. Proposition 2 concerned the ethical treatment of animals. It asked that farm animals not be confined to cages, and be allowed to “fully extend their limbs and wings.” This is a great thing. I am glad that California passed this proposition. Animals everywhere can claim victory! But what does this really say?

It says that California voters believe animals should be treated better and have more rights than homosexuals.

Is this what America stands for? Is this what we want to represent to the rest of the world? A country that writes hate into their laws? A nation that treats people differently based on who they love and their want to express that love by spending the rest of their lives together? If this is the direction the country is headed, I fear that I will be ashamed for a long, long time.

“Change has come to America,” President-Elect Obama said as he claimed victory and spoke to the nation. Unfortunately for some, that change is not enough.

One love is not better than another,

LoOK

Watching the opening ceremonies I couldn’t help but be awestruck at the beauty that China created. The event was breathtaking in every way. It made me realize why I love the Olympics, and then reminded me how this year, watching these games will be bittersweet.

The early symbolism of Buddhism instantly reminded me of China’s recent (and longtime) crackdown on Tibet. This was just one of the many reminders that China is not a country experiencing as much “harmony” as they would want the rest of the world to believe.

Another moment I found extremely telling was the little children carrying the flag and then handing it off to soldiers of the Chinese Army. NBC said something about how this represented the State protecting the children. To me, it represented not a protection of the people but an overbearing reach by a State with its massive army. I couldn’t help but think of the Army invading Tiananmen Square to stop people’s freedom of expression and I had to wonder if these children will actually learn in depth about it, or if China will simply continue to ban information on Tiananmen in the media and on search sites such as Google, etc.

Regarding the spreading of information in China during the games I was also reminded of Joey Cheek. He is the 2006 Olympic gold medalist speed skater who was actually banned from China because he supports taking action in Darfur (China’s official reason for revoking his Visa: they said they were “not required to give a reason.”). The lack of freedom of expression and human rights in this country is shameful, and the beauty of the ceremony and the meanings of the Olympic Games mean less because of it.

Seeing the Beijing skyline filled with Fireworks I was reminded that Beijing is actually one of the most polluted cities in the world. The city is so polluted in fact that some athletes will wear masks when outdoors, and the world record holder in the marathon is actually refusing to compete for fear of long term damage due to breathing in too much pollution. However, if you listen to the Chinese they claim to have controlled the weather, causing rain and a clearing of pollution for the games.

At the end, when the torch was being run through the stunning Bird’s Nest stadium I couldn’t help but remember the worldwide protests that China wants nothing to do with.

China hopes that this will be a turning point in their history. Their optimism is noble, but the Olympics only last 17 days, and then the world will look to China to see if any real change has happened. Will their motto of “One world, one dream” become a reality, or will it simply remain a dream?

Here’s to Olympic gold,

LoOK