Thursday, July 15, 2004
Most women are lucky to wear their prom dresses again even once; I've lucked out in that I can still wear mine, and have to at least six dances (ahh, Geek Prom and Love Pit) since.
So I'll let all you in on a secret... shhhhh
If you ever go to Fee Hall and look at the MSUCOM photo collage of the Class of 2006 (well, you'll have to wait until after then) and you find my picture... yep, under my suit jacket is that electric blue prom dress. It is my favorite color, and multiple people have told me I look good in it. And if I can't wear a tank top or hippie wear, then I want to look GOOD in that picture ;)
I shadowed today in little ol' Oxford, MI; had a good day. Maybe I'll be going back someday, but at this point I have no idea where I'll be in three years, let alone the next ten to twenty.
So I'll let all you in on a secret... shhhhh
If you ever go to Fee Hall and look at the MSUCOM photo collage of the Class of 2006 (well, you'll have to wait until after then) and you find my picture... yep, under my suit jacket is that electric blue prom dress. It is my favorite color, and multiple people have told me I look good in it. And if I can't wear a tank top or hippie wear, then I want to look GOOD in that picture ;)
I shadowed today in little ol' Oxford, MI; had a good day. Maybe I'll be going back someday, but at this point I have no idea where I'll be in three years, let alone the next ten to twenty.
# posted by Joanna @ 11:21 PM
Monday, July 12, 2004
Busy last few weeks, had a great vacation with family (but sans sun) in Petoskey last week and it's back to class (and an exam) tomorrow. But first I wanted to post my thoughts on the proposed marriage amendment that I'm sending to moveon.org's petition drive. I can't believe we're still talking about this!! It's a horrible example of us vs them mentality and it shows a lack of compassion and understanding. Why don't I hear more from people who disagree with the amnendment? Is it just that the anti-gay marriage folks are more vocal? Where are all the people who disagree-- stand up and be LOUD!!
"This issue is so very important on many levels.
First, marriage is about love and devotion between two people; I believe that love can be present regardless of their sexual preference. If a homosexual couple is able to devote themselves to each other and show love, that is a good marriage and a good place to raise a child.
Second, heterosexuals are not so great at marriage either-- prenuptual agreements seem to predict the marriages' ends, the divorce rate is near 50%, and within marriage there is often abuse, no communication or no love. Perhaps we should "defend marriage" from heterosexual couples too?
Third, the issue at hand is equality (not religion or politics). Homosexuals want the same rights as any other hetero American-- to be able to visit their sick partner in the hospital, to have custody of the child they are raising if something happens to the legal/birth parent, to file joint taxes... basically, to be able to be a legally-recognized couple without having to sign twenty extra contracts to have the same status as a heterosexual couple that has to sign one marriage certificate.
Fourth, the institution of "marriage" is a religious one-- what is the GOVERNMENT doing in religious issues?? We should commit to the separation of church and state, one of the building blocks of our democracy and a core part of its stability. The government should issue a "civil union" to any couple who wants to be legally recognized; then, that couple may seek a religious "marriage" ceremony from the church of their choice. Then we're all equal.
Fifth, amending the Constitution is a huge change and should not be undertaken lightly. I believe this issue is influenced by beliefs that ARE slowly changing, and we should not rush to change a document that stands as a permanent guideline to our legal system. Also, the Constitution-- beginning with the Bill of Rights-- stands to define Americans' rights and equality and freedom; it should not be used to LIMIT anyone's rights and freedoms when there is no harm to others.
Last, this issue has become so heavily politicized that it's not about rights or freedom anymore, but about how to win election votes. It's despicable. Congress should recognize and reject the politics by setting aside this vote Wednesday and waiting until next year (if ever) to debate it in an atmosphere of nonpartisanship in order to determine what is right for all its constituents, not just the campaign donors.
I am concerned about this issue. I am heterosexual, but I believe in compassion and understanding, and I believe in equality for all. Sexual preference shouldn't be a criteria for exclusion-- and don't kid yourself, this proposed amendment is all about exclusion, not "defense" of anything. Remember that most religions preach love for all human beings; any of you who considers him/herself a religious or spiritual person should stop now and reconsider this amendment within the context of love; God, Allah, Dharma, the Great Spirit, or Whoever you believe in would not approve of this amendment.
This proposed amendment would create an artificial separation of "us vs them," cause harm to all of our families, and decrease the spirit of compassion and love that we Americans hold dear. Please do not allow this proposal to go any further, and do not vote in favor of it on Wednesday. Thank you."
"This issue is so very important on many levels.
First, marriage is about love and devotion between two people; I believe that love can be present regardless of their sexual preference. If a homosexual couple is able to devote themselves to each other and show love, that is a good marriage and a good place to raise a child.
Second, heterosexuals are not so great at marriage either-- prenuptual agreements seem to predict the marriages' ends, the divorce rate is near 50%, and within marriage there is often abuse, no communication or no love. Perhaps we should "defend marriage" from heterosexual couples too?
Third, the issue at hand is equality (not religion or politics). Homosexuals want the same rights as any other hetero American-- to be able to visit their sick partner in the hospital, to have custody of the child they are raising if something happens to the legal/birth parent, to file joint taxes... basically, to be able to be a legally-recognized couple without having to sign twenty extra contracts to have the same status as a heterosexual couple that has to sign one marriage certificate.
Fourth, the institution of "marriage" is a religious one-- what is the GOVERNMENT doing in religious issues?? We should commit to the separation of church and state, one of the building blocks of our democracy and a core part of its stability. The government should issue a "civil union" to any couple who wants to be legally recognized; then, that couple may seek a religious "marriage" ceremony from the church of their choice. Then we're all equal.
Fifth, amending the Constitution is a huge change and should not be undertaken lightly. I believe this issue is influenced by beliefs that ARE slowly changing, and we should not rush to change a document that stands as a permanent guideline to our legal system. Also, the Constitution-- beginning with the Bill of Rights-- stands to define Americans' rights and equality and freedom; it should not be used to LIMIT anyone's rights and freedoms when there is no harm to others.
Last, this issue has become so heavily politicized that it's not about rights or freedom anymore, but about how to win election votes. It's despicable. Congress should recognize and reject the politics by setting aside this vote Wednesday and waiting until next year (if ever) to debate it in an atmosphere of nonpartisanship in order to determine what is right for all its constituents, not just the campaign donors.
I am concerned about this issue. I am heterosexual, but I believe in compassion and understanding, and I believe in equality for all. Sexual preference shouldn't be a criteria for exclusion-- and don't kid yourself, this proposed amendment is all about exclusion, not "defense" of anything. Remember that most religions preach love for all human beings; any of you who considers him/herself a religious or spiritual person should stop now and reconsider this amendment within the context of love; God, Allah, Dharma, the Great Spirit, or Whoever you believe in would not approve of this amendment.
This proposed amendment would create an artificial separation of "us vs them," cause harm to all of our families, and decrease the spirit of compassion and love that we Americans hold dear. Please do not allow this proposal to go any further, and do not vote in favor of it on Wednesday. Thank you."
# posted by Joanna @ 11:44 PM
