Religion in schools has always been a controversial issue in America. The idea of people showing their faith in various ways annoys some individuals, while others love the idea of having a Christian atmosphere in a school setting. Being a Christian, I believe that is is a wonderful idea to have God involved in anyway in a school setting. I believe that it creates a positive, friendly, and uplifting place for everyone. On the other hand others may not agree.... which brings me to the news at hand that has happened this week in a small town in southeast Texas.
In the town of Kountze, football games are often centered around Christianity and the bible. Banners are often created for the football games that "holler the praises of Jesus Christ." This all ended when someone complained to a foundation that fights for the separation of church and state. On Tuesday, September 18, a day after having received a letter from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, the superintendent banned the banners, which resulted in controversy nationwide. A Facebook page was created after the ban occurred named, Support Kountze Kids Faith. As of Thursday, September 20th, it had 35,100 members.
Superintendent of the school, Kevin Weldon, explained to parents who call the 2000 U.S. Supreme Court precedent-setting decision requires religion to be kept out of public schools. Some parents support his decision. Others say they will back their children's First Amendment right to hang the banners and are working with the Liberty Institute. Liberty Institute is a Plano- based nonprofit law firm that says on its website that it is dedicated to "restoring religious liberty across America." Mike Johnson, senior counsel for the Liberty institute, said "It's important and fundamental freedom students have to engage in free speech. They are not asking anyone to believe in Christianity or accept the faith. They are just well wishes."
Link to Article: http://www.dallasnews.com/news/local-news/20120920-mix-of-bible-verses-football-stirs-controversy-in-southeast-texas-town.ece
Friday, September 21, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
Never Forget 9/11
September 11, 2001, the day where the United States of America was changed forever. It all began when "four airliners were hijacked, two slammed into the World Trade Center towers, one into the Pentagon, the target of the fourth jet was the United States Capitol building, but it crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania as passengers stopped the terrorists from carrying out their plan." It is still crazy to think that this actually happened on American soil. Thousands of innocent lives were lost that day... there were fathers, mothers, sisters, daughters, sons, brothers, uncles, aunts, family members, friends, co-workers, and many more lost that day. Examiner.com states that, "more than 3,000 people were killed that day on American soil, including the 19 hijackers who were mostly from Saudi Arabia."
I still remember September 11 like it was yesterday. I was in fourth grade walking in the hall with my class when I heard teachers talking about planes hitting two buildings. I had no idea what they were talking about ,but I knew something bad had happened. After school ended I went home and I remember watching the news and hearing about what had happened. I may have just been ten years old, but it still made me sad to hear that something so tragic happened in New York and killed so many people. My heart breaks for all the families and individuals that lost loved one that day. I can only imagine how much pain they went through that day and are still going through with each year that passes. While many lives were lost, there were also many individuals that became heroes that day too. Many individuals were brave and truly resembled what it meant to be a hero. I admire all the individuals who performed heroic acts that day including the police men, firemen, and individuals serving in the military. September 11th will always hold a special place in my heart. I will always recognize it as a day where many lives were lost and many heroes were made. To see how far we have come since September 11, 2001 is a testament in how strong of a country the United States is and how nothing can bring us down.
Friday, September 7, 2012
The Two W'S- Women and Weight
The two W's women and weight. It is something every woman deals with at one point in their life. To some women it is a big deal and to others it may not even be a concern. At least for most women, myself included, our weight plays a big role in our lives. In a way our weight can define us. It effects what clothes we can wear in the morning or throughout the day, our energy levels, and it can even have an effect on our self-esteem. Whatever the concern may be I know for a fact that weight and women go hand in hand.
In the article I read online on E news, Katie Couric said "although, I think she needs to eat more because she's so thin" about Kate Middleton. After reading this article I believe this is a great example of how harshly women are judged by individuals in the media concerning their weight. Not only are women judged by the media concerning their weight ,but they are judged by strangers everyday. The individuals that are often criticized the worst are celebrities and famous individuals, such as Kate Middleton. Many times I believe that celebrities and famous individuals try very hard to keep in shape to the point that they obsess over it and in turn it leads them to not eating and losing a lot of weight. Which results into an even bigger problem. How does weight being criticized in the media affect us normal women? It affects us by us seeing it everywhere... on the television, on commercials, in magazines, and in the newspaper. Where does it all stop? I think will live in a time and age where weight is so obsessed about that it forces women to think about it constantly. I believe that it is great to want to take care of your body and be healthy ,but sometimes I believe the media takes it a step too far. In the end, weight is an issue that will concern women as long as we are alive. As women we can let others comments about our weight affect us in a positive or negative way. After all, it is our body, our weight, and our life... the choice is ours.
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