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
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Tradition on the Nushagak River of Alaskas Bristol Bay
I'm very aware that this slideshow uses music! But I think that it adds emotion and a whole new feeling that really connects the viewer to the slideshow! I didn't know where the Nushagak river was before this slideshow, and now I'm almost emotionally connected to! one more note: great and very moving photography!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wife-beating study shocks Buddhist Bhutan's 'happiness' chief
This article addresses a common way of life for women in many countries like ones in Afghanistan and other middle eastern countries. Frankly Women are beat everyday and in the small nation of Bhutan that is no different. In the nation of Bhutan buddhist ways of life primarily leads the government and the ways of life. After A study came out summarizing that roughly 70% of Bhutan's women say they deserve the beating that they have received at one time or another came out Karma Tshiteem, head of Bhutan's Commission for Gross National Happiness, called the findings "surprising" and "shocking," and said such attitudes are "totally inconsistent" with Buddhist teachings. Gross National Happiness seeks to create an "enlightened" society in which government fosters the well-being of the people and other stagnant beings.
Living within the confines of a western lifestyle as a women with rights and civil liberties, I am personally shocked that a women would be accepting of bodily harm, and or mental abuse. No women, and or frankly any person should have the right to live life with the worries that someone will harm them. These women in my prospective, even though frankly I know little little to nothing about their way of life should not have to put up with the abuse of their spouses, and or abuse at all and if nothing is being done there is something wrong with their ways. Sakyoung Mipham wrote in one of this latest books "The tiger knows that life is precious. Whom are we going to spend it with?" which means in the most basic terms that life is a precious thing, and to achieve what we want to and or reach enlightenment, we have to think hard on who we should be spending it with and what valuable things those have to offer. He also talks about how we wake up with basic goodness, and unless we are the buddha that basic will change throughout the day, along with the people that surround us. If we all wake up with basic goodness, and most if not all of us lose that during the course of the day we should look at the people and decisions that conclude our days and choice if that is a wise way to spend our days. If these women are often married to this men what does this say about who they are surrounding themselves with?
On both ends of the violence there is a very large contradiction in the basic goodness buddhist people (and all people) should resinate. Sakyoung Mipham also continues on to say " there is always something to complain about; blaming others is not going to bring about peace or happiness. this goes to say that the people that are doing the beating, are well sanely, in either prospective not in the right way. If your wife burns the dinner, or one has a bad day, any negative occurrence one should not place blame on others but simply assess the situation and figure out every action that went into creating that negative energy.To summarize what is happening in Bhutan, is a crying shame that violates the basic ways of life, and should come to a stop either from help from Gross National Happiness or the awakening of the people.
Living within the confines of a western lifestyle as a women with rights and civil liberties, I am personally shocked that a women would be accepting of bodily harm, and or mental abuse. No women, and or frankly any person should have the right to live life with the worries that someone will harm them. These women in my prospective, even though frankly I know little little to nothing about their way of life should not have to put up with the abuse of their spouses, and or abuse at all and if nothing is being done there is something wrong with their ways. Sakyoung Mipham wrote in one of this latest books "The tiger knows that life is precious. Whom are we going to spend it with?" which means in the most basic terms that life is a precious thing, and to achieve what we want to and or reach enlightenment, we have to think hard on who we should be spending it with and what valuable things those have to offer. He also talks about how we wake up with basic goodness, and unless we are the buddha that basic will change throughout the day, along with the people that surround us. If we all wake up with basic goodness, and most if not all of us lose that during the course of the day we should look at the people and decisions that conclude our days and choice if that is a wise way to spend our days. If these women are often married to this men what does this say about who they are surrounding themselves with?
On both ends of the violence there is a very large contradiction in the basic goodness buddhist people (and all people) should resinate. Sakyoung Mipham also continues on to say " there is always something to complain about; blaming others is not going to bring about peace or happiness. this goes to say that the people that are doing the beating, are well sanely, in either prospective not in the right way. If your wife burns the dinner, or one has a bad day, any negative occurrence one should not place blame on others but simply assess the situation and figure out every action that went into creating that negative energy.To summarize what is happening in Bhutan, is a crying shame that violates the basic ways of life, and should come to a stop either from help from Gross National Happiness or the awakening of the people.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Bible’s surprisingly mixed messages on sexuality
my first thought is: Is this article coming out because the masses now accept homosexuality?
I think what the masses of people are thinking at the moment dictates what is in the news, and other things such as how we interpret faith, and law.
Does the bible actually think anything different?
I think what the masses of people are thinking at the moment dictates what is in the news, and other things such as how we interpret faith, and law.
Does the bible actually think anything different?
Monday, February 7, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Attacks against journalists
Journalists from Egypt, Great Britain, the United States, India, Australia, Greece and other countries have reported being jumped, beaten, detained and interrogated this week while reporting on the uprising against Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
Cooper among reporters attacked in Egypt Google connects Egyptians to Twitter Violence boils over in Cairo
In a one-day span, attacks on reporters included 30 detentions, 26 assaults and eight instances of equipment seized, and plainclothes and uniformed agents reportedly entered at least two hotels where international journalists were staying to confiscate media equipment, said the Committee to Protect Journalists, a New York-based organization, on Thursday.
"Mubarak forces have attacked the very breadth of global journalism: Their targets have included Egyptians and other Arab journalists, Russian and U.S. reporters, Europeans and South Americans," CPJ said in a news release.
Cooper among reporters attacked in Egypt Google connects Egyptians to Twitter Violence boils over in Cairo
In a one-day span, attacks on reporters included 30 detentions, 26 assaults and eight instances of equipment seized, and plainclothes and uniformed agents reportedly entered at least two hotels where international journalists were staying to confiscate media equipment, said the Committee to Protect Journalists, a New York-based organization, on Thursday.
"Mubarak forces have attacked the very breadth of global journalism: Their targets have included Egyptians and other Arab journalists, Russian and U.S. reporters, Europeans and South Americans," CPJ said in a news release.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
EGYPT SOLIDARITY
http://www.democracynow.org/2011/1/28/uprising_in_egypt_this_is_the
Check it yo!
Over the last week, protests have erupted in Egypt demanding the end to the ruthless 30 year rule of Hosni Mubarak.
Come to the Federal Building on 3rd and Wisconsin Ave. at 3:00pm on Sunday the 30th to show your support!
Check out the live feed from Al Jazeera: http://english.aljazeera.net/watch_now/
Check it yo!
Over the last week, protests have erupted in Egypt demanding the end to the ruthless 30 year rule of Hosni Mubarak.
Come to the Federal Building on 3rd and Wisconsin Ave. at 3:00pm on Sunday the 30th to show your support!
Check out the live feed from Al Jazeera: http://english.aljazeera.net/watch_now/
Friday, January 28, 2011
What is the Muslim Brotherhood
Muslim Brotherhood is a religious and political group founded on the belief that Islam is not simply a religion, but a way of life. It advocates a move away from secularism, and a return to the rules of the Quran as a basis for healthy families, communities, and states. he movement officially rejects the use of violent means to secure its goals. However, offshoots of the group have been linked to attacks in the past, and critics blame the Brotherhood for sparking troubles elsewhere in the Middle East. Many consider it the forerunner of modern militant Islamism
Egypt Web shutdown
To combat social media, another important weapon for the demonstrators, outside experts and people living in the country say the government has coordinated a blockage of certain communications websites and unplugged internet access entirely to parts of the country.Cellular telephone operators were told by authorities to suspend services in parts of Egypt, according to a statement from Vodafone, a global cell carrier that operates there.When social media websites were blocked, many in Egypt had found their way around it by using software called proxies.
This remains a common practice for people in China looking to skirt the government's "great wall" blocking certain Web services. Proxies can trick internet providers and routing services designed to block certain cities or countries into believing that a person is located elsewhere.
This remains a common practice for people in China looking to skirt the government's "great wall" blocking certain Web services. Proxies can trick internet providers and routing services designed to block certain cities or countries into believing that a person is located elsewhere.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Operation Babies
Ok, operation babies! six peoplewere arrested in Greece, including a doctor and lawyer, while five people were detained in Bulgaria. The investigation, dubbed "Operation Babies," discovered 14 cases of women who had agreed to sell their newborns!
the idea of buying or selling your baby just rings my brain! there are so many babies in the world that can be adopted legally.
trafficking women for sex slaves is a whole different crime, but really babies?
teacher grading parents?
Kelli Stargel, is crazy if she thinks that this bill will pass, why should a teacher have the right to grade their students involvement in their child's education? Couldn't the teacher make a call home or set up a conference?
"I think a lot of parents understand that is something that is critical," she said. "On the other hand, you have some parents that don't realize they are not providing the needs."
she even sounds like a idiot! ok I understand the fact that a parent should be involved with their children's education, but taking the liberty to grade a parent is just not acceptable, and not needed.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/01/26/florida.grading.parents/index.html?hpt=T2
"I think a lot of parents understand that is something that is critical," she said. "On the other hand, you have some parents that don't realize they are not providing the needs."
she even sounds like a idiot! ok I understand the fact that a parent should be involved with their children's education, but taking the liberty to grade a parent is just not acceptable, and not needed.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/01/26/florida.grading.parents/index.html?hpt=T2
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
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