Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette sided with an Eastern Michigan University student who claims her dismissal from the university for refusing to counsel gay and lesbian patients violated her religious belief. Eastern Michigan University discriminated against former student Julea Ward when it dismissed her from its counseling program after she said her Christian beliefs prohibited her from counseling a gay client, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said in a court filing, EMU said that her dismissal was not due to Ward’s beliefs but rather her refusal to counsel the patient and didn't follow the assigned curriculum and professional ethics guidelines set up the American Counseling Association.
Frankly to be blunt with my response to this article, I would have to say that I side with the side with the university. Julea Ward was not complying with what her counseling job required her to do, which is to council students regardless of their sexual preference. If Mrs. Ward is not willing to counsel any homosexual students, it could open the playing field to not counseling students that differ opinion in other areas as well. Yes, for some people who are very religious it can be difficult to council students that have radically different life styles but wouldn’t that be the case in any walk in life? Adversity surrounds us and everything we do, and Julea should not be exempt from tackling it in a work setting. If anything Julea could take her knowledge from her religious background and help the student. Just because someone is religious does not mean that they should deserve different rights from any other person. The student who was seeking counseling should be allowed to speak his or her mind without negative judgment, especially if they are going there to escape exactly that.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Possible Heir to Dalai Lama Cleared of Corruption Charges
A young Tibetan lama, recognized by the Dalai Lama as the 17th Karmapa, a top spot in the Tibetan religious hierarchy of reincarnated leaders, has been caught up for the past month in legal scandal. This article goes to say that the main surprise of this whole ordeal is not the actual crime that the Karmapa and his village is being accused of but rather why is he being targeted?
the initial crime that they are being charged on is warehousing Chinese money in monks' dwellings. Many say the widely-hyped investigation was an indication of the strain between India and China regarding Tibet, and an ominous suggestion of trouble to come for the Tibetan culture-in-exile once the Dalai Lama, now 75, is gone.
Apparently donations came in small notes from different countries. Helpers and translators were accepting and writing down each transaction in great detail, the names of the people, for whom they were praying for, and for what reason. This seemingly innocuous religious exercise last month snowballed into startling news after police seized more than a million dollars in cash at the Karmapa’s makeshift headquarters near Dharamsala in North India.After the money was seized, all the key figures in the state, including the head of the police, were seen on television, joined forces and declared him guilty long before the investigation was over. A few weeks later, he was acquitted of any wrong doings... but yet the media and many from india and china have been struggling to let it past.
I am truly shocked that governments can riffle and skew things about such a important man. Frankly he was cleared of all of his charges, but then was victimized even further, without any real justification for doing so. This basically was a fulll political war in which a important tibetan lama was caught in the cross fire. one important thing that this whole thing did through was bring some light onto what is really happening within the government platforms, which could help clear some stuff up, and make law making and communication better. If it was any other average person I don't think that they could have checked out so clearly than the Lama....so? it was probably a positive thing that it was him being victimized.
the initial crime that they are being charged on is warehousing Chinese money in monks' dwellings. Many say the widely-hyped investigation was an indication of the strain between India and China regarding Tibet, and an ominous suggestion of trouble to come for the Tibetan culture-in-exile once the Dalai Lama, now 75, is gone.
Apparently donations came in small notes from different countries. Helpers and translators were accepting and writing down each transaction in great detail, the names of the people, for whom they were praying for, and for what reason. This seemingly innocuous religious exercise last month snowballed into startling news after police seized more than a million dollars in cash at the Karmapa’s makeshift headquarters near Dharamsala in North India.After the money was seized, all the key figures in the state, including the head of the police, were seen on television, joined forces and declared him guilty long before the investigation was over. A few weeks later, he was acquitted of any wrong doings... but yet the media and many from india and china have been struggling to let it past.
I am truly shocked that governments can riffle and skew things about such a important man. Frankly he was cleared of all of his charges, but then was victimized even further, without any real justification for doing so. This basically was a fulll political war in which a important tibetan lama was caught in the cross fire. one important thing that this whole thing did through was bring some light onto what is really happening within the government platforms, which could help clear some stuff up, and make law making and communication better. If it was any other average person I don't think that they could have checked out so clearly than the Lama....so? it was probably a positive thing that it was him being victimized.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wisconsin: Sen. Dale Schultz (R) Will Vote Against Budget Repair Bill
Dale Schultz, Republican State Senator who has been on the fence on the budget repair bill that will strip away public employee collective bargaining rights, will vote against the bill, according to protest organizer leadership. this means only two more to flip votes! Day 15 of protests in the capital, and I don't see it ending until the bill is killed! This whole situation has been much more than just "reforming the budget", it takes into account our first amendment rights, and other civil liberties.
I Think this article is prevalent, which almost assumes human interest. Which don't forget there is a lot of it surrounding this topic. overall I think this is a good post.
I Think this article is prevalent, which almost assumes human interest. Which don't forget there is a lot of it surrounding this topic. overall I think this is a good post.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Solidarity forever!
I have come to realize my idea that American’s have automatically been granted “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” is completely wrong. In fact the declaration is merely a call to action, the people’s right to revolution. If we look a little deeper than the widely accredited first half of the declaration we will soon understand that to maintain these founding ideals one is obligated to stand up for them. Frankly its all there, so why doesn’t anyone see it? Where did I get the sense that Americans are the chosen ones, that indeed we have already achieved these things and no longer do we have to fight for them? Look at the contemporary understanding of the founding ideas, individuality and happiness- both of these terms are now far distorted from what our forefathers have intended. Now we think of these as lifestyle opportunities that predicate “happiness” is what you get when you apply your “liberty” to express your “individuality”…but that’s not correct! Have have been led astray Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness means that we have the liberty to stand up to our government to redress our grievances.
How are the people supposed to reclaim our freedom if our understanding of democracy and our sense of Patriotism is far from true? Today we are asked to think of ourselves as the “chosen people” which in turn furthers us from our obligations of understanding and challenging our government. Since we have the notion that we are the elect our sense of patriotism has been dumbed down into uncritical support for U.S. policies. Today the overwhelming majority of middle class citizens though mistreated and poor have accepted their role in society set forth by the state, we have fallen trap to all of the illusions and deceit! Throughout history we have abandoned the notion of Patriotism and spent less time investing in what the stars and stripes truly represent. Instead of calling our stand to action “patriotism” we have called them “revolts” which undermine the exact meaning.
Every day in the capital people have been excising their rights to freedom of speech, which is one of the most important qualities of democracy. But yet day after day they have been decreasing comfort levels of the individuals that are keeping these ideal alive! We must not back down from this fight; it is a mere obligation of democracy! I stand in solidarity with the people who have ruthlessly not given up, this is our call to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness we will no longer be fooled by the illusions of state, and this is what democracy looks like!
How are the people supposed to reclaim our freedom if our understanding of democracy and our sense of Patriotism is far from true? Today we are asked to think of ourselves as the “chosen people” which in turn furthers us from our obligations of understanding and challenging our government. Since we have the notion that we are the elect our sense of patriotism has been dumbed down into uncritical support for U.S. policies. Today the overwhelming majority of middle class citizens though mistreated and poor have accepted their role in society set forth by the state, we have fallen trap to all of the illusions and deceit! Throughout history we have abandoned the notion of Patriotism and spent less time investing in what the stars and stripes truly represent. Instead of calling our stand to action “patriotism” we have called them “revolts” which undermine the exact meaning.
Every day in the capital people have been excising their rights to freedom of speech, which is one of the most important qualities of democracy. But yet day after day they have been decreasing comfort levels of the individuals that are keeping these ideal alive! We must not back down from this fight; it is a mere obligation of democracy! I stand in solidarity with the people who have ruthlessly not given up, this is our call to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness we will no longer be fooled by the illusions of state, and this is what democracy looks like!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Possible Heir to Dalai Lama Cleared of Corruption Charges
A young Tibetan lama, recognized by the Dalai Lama as the 17th Karmapa, a top spot in the Tibetan religious hierarchy of reincarnated leaders, has been caught up for the past month in legal scandal. This article goes to say that the main surprise of this whole ordeal is not the actual crime that the Karmapa and his village is being accused of but rather why is he being targeted?
the initial crime that they are being charged on is warehousing Chinese money in monks' dwellings. Many say the widely-hyped investigation was an indication of the strain between India and China regarding Tibet, and an ominous suggestion of trouble to come for the Tibetan culture-in-exile once the Dalai Lama, now 75, is gone.
Apparently donations came in small notes from different countries. Helpers and translators were accepting and writing down each transaction in great detail, the names of the people, for whom they were praying for, and for what reason. This seemingly innocuous religious exercise last month snowballed into startling news after police seized more than a million dollars in cash at the Karmapa’s makeshift headquarters near Dharamsala in North India. A few weeks later, he was acquitted of any wrong doings... but yet the media and many from india and china have been struggling to let it past.
I am relatively surprised that
http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/politics/4259/possible_heir_to_dalai_lama_cleared_of_corruption_charges
the initial crime that they are being charged on is warehousing Chinese money in monks' dwellings. Many say the widely-hyped investigation was an indication of the strain between India and China regarding Tibet, and an ominous suggestion of trouble to come for the Tibetan culture-in-exile once the Dalai Lama, now 75, is gone.
Apparently donations came in small notes from different countries. Helpers and translators were accepting and writing down each transaction in great detail, the names of the people, for whom they were praying for, and for what reason. This seemingly innocuous religious exercise last month snowballed into startling news after police seized more than a million dollars in cash at the Karmapa’s makeshift headquarters near Dharamsala in North India. A few weeks later, he was acquitted of any wrong doings... but yet the media and many from india and china have been struggling to let it past.
I am relatively surprised that
http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/politics/4259/possible_heir_to_dalai_lama_cleared_of_corruption_charges
“Tell me what religion looks like.” “This is what religion looks like!”
In light of whats happening in Madison, I thought this would be a relative thing to write about. 75 religious leaders who marched into Wisconsin’s Capitol in Madison in support of the state workers who are opposing Governor Walker’s proposal to strip public sector workers of collective bargaining right. The proposals violations of religious teachings in support of workers’ rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining that Wisconsin religious leaders across faith traditions have issued public statements, sent letters to the Governor and legislators, and are participating in rallies and public events.
Many over look one main aspect of whats going on in Madison...what the different religious groups thinks about this budget bill. before finding this article I was not even aware that certain religions might appose this bill....indeed I thought that people who belong on a certain religion may oppose but not the basis of religious standards and morals. Of course my primary reaction to this may be "Separation of church and state!!" But frankly religious groups have the same amount of rights to get out and protest something that may affect them. I think the more people, groups, and or organizations that get out there and voice their thoughts on what is going to affect them for years to come the better. The only way that protesting or demonstrating will make any difference is if everyone from different back rounds say their peace. Without these religious leaders coming out in support, some may think that they will support it and or don't stand behind the people who are against it.
"I believe we can all agree that our baptismal vow to “respect the dignity of every human being” is not served by a majority simply pushing through legislation because they have the votes necessary to do so. As Christians, it is our duty and call to make sure that everyone has a place at the table and every voice has the opportunity to be heard. Respecting the dignity of every human being requires taking the time to have honest and faithful conversation that respects the rights and freedom of all."
I am so proud that these folks are coming out and showing support that frankly violates the peoples rights in so many aspects in such a short span of time.
“Tell me what religion looks like.”
“This is what religion looks like!”
http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/politics/4295/what_religion_looks_like,_wisconsin_edition/
Many over look one main aspect of whats going on in Madison...what the different religious groups thinks about this budget bill. before finding this article I was not even aware that certain religions might appose this bill....indeed I thought that people who belong on a certain religion may oppose but not the basis of religious standards and morals. Of course my primary reaction to this may be "Separation of church and state!!" But frankly religious groups have the same amount of rights to get out and protest something that may affect them. I think the more people, groups, and or organizations that get out there and voice their thoughts on what is going to affect them for years to come the better. The only way that protesting or demonstrating will make any difference is if everyone from different back rounds say their peace. Without these religious leaders coming out in support, some may think that they will support it and or don't stand behind the people who are against it.
"I believe we can all agree that our baptismal vow to “respect the dignity of every human being” is not served by a majority simply pushing through legislation because they have the votes necessary to do so. As Christians, it is our duty and call to make sure that everyone has a place at the table and every voice has the opportunity to be heard. Respecting the dignity of every human being requires taking the time to have honest and faithful conversation that respects the rights and freedom of all."
I am so proud that these folks are coming out and showing support that frankly violates the peoples rights in so many aspects in such a short span of time.
“Tell me what religion looks like.”
“This is what religion looks like!”
http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/politics/4295/what_religion_looks_like,_wisconsin_edition/
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
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