Saturday, August 23, 2008

Politics

I received my Illinois voters registration card in the mail on Thursday. I was very excited - I've been very excited about this election, because I can't wait to get Bush out of office. I figure, even McCain might do for a president, despite the fact that he seems to have totally bowed down to right-wing, religious, conservative types. But I at least figured that 1) he's a veteran, which I really respect, even if I don't think it should matter quite as much as it does to some people and 2) he doesn't seem as horrible as Bush. Those are basically my reasons - I don't respect his politics but I respect the man. But I've made no secret of the fact that I'm very much an Obama supporter: from before the primaries even. I AM worried that he's losing his zest to be a "different" president, but I get that it might be somewhat necessary to win. But I am a little disappointed about the VP pick this morning. I don't remember much about Biden, and so now of course, I'll do my research and all. But to be perfectly honest, I was hoping for Governor Richardson or Sebelius. Secretly, though I know rationally that this country isn't ready for it, I was hoping for Sebelius - first woman VP, first black president - the campaign of progressive change for a stronger party. But I will, hopefully get over it. And I'm getting excited again, because now, it's time to get the rally really going. Since Obama's from Illinois, there's tons of stuff going on around here and once I'm settle with school and work, I'm thinking I'll either volunteer for the campaign, or at least stuff envelopes one night a week telling people to get out and vote, even if it's NOT for Obama. So I'll start on my blog: GO OUT and VOTE in November!!!! I honestly don't care who you vote for, just get out and do it. I think it'd be awesome if voting turnout was absolutely, insanely huge this year, just to show people who say that Americans are apathetic to their own government and political process that they're wrong.

Monday, August 18, 2008

More School

It starts on Monday - not that I have class that day, just Tuesday through Thursday. I'm actually getting excited. I have one of my books and am planning on getting the others as soon as I can, probably tomorrow. I am also still looking for an assistantship and new job or new jobs. There's one at the public library that would be PERFECT, but I'm very tentative about it, because for some reason I'm not getting calls back. I'm revamping my resume, just in case that's dragging me down for some reason. The apartment is a disaster because I'm trying to organize and clean at the same time. Should have thought that through. Also, I have student health insurance! So exciting, because it's been awhile since I've been covered by a plan. And I was happy to see that my plan covers abortions, which is really rare. I'm proud to be a part of something so progressive, not that I think most of you will agree. Also, I'm getting ready to sell some of my Harlequin SuperRomance books, so if anyone's interested in buying I'd be glad to have you do that, before I head to a used bookstore anyway.
I'm missing Nick quite a bit, and honestly, no matter how excited I am about school starting and new books to read and new professors and students (possibly friends) I'm anxious to get it finished and move back to Iowa City and start my career.

Friday, August 08, 2008

School

I've barely started, ok, haven't really started yet, and I'm ready to be finished with school. I miss Iowa City. I miss my family. I miss my boyfriend. But despite this, I just started a new journey: I've decided to go ahead and in addition to my master's degree, I'm going to be a certified teacher librarian. I wasn't sure when I saw all the stuff you have to do, I thought about just getting my MLS and then getting certified in Iowa. But I've made the big plunge and decided to just get it all over with. Now that I'm committed: in the form of registering for a Basic Skills Test, I can't back down. And I'm kind of excited. And scared. And ready to be finished, despite having barely started at all. So wish me luck, cause I'm sure I will need it. And also, just so everyone knows and is appropriately respectful of my brain, I read in U.S. News and World Report that my program is the best in the country - even, the world. How awe-inspiring is that? They must have made a mistake when they let me in, eh?! Also, in one of my classes, I am expected to have and read 45 books in one semester. Pretty cool huh? I'm getting more excited than scared now.

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Demonization.

So many people want to demonize Planned Parenthood, and I'm sure it has its faults. But I don't see how these endorsements lead to demonization. They're logical, rational, informative, and democratic. All good things. Education shouldn't be religion-based; how could a teacher possibly explain your religious values. They should be taught at home. But sex education is about societal health: making sure the population understands the science behind sexual health and sexual activity - it's a public health issue. We make sure people understand about their health in other ways: preventing heart disease, staying healthy habits, how to prevent communicable diseases and infections. Isn't MORE solid, medically-accurate information better?

The following value statements about sexuality were endorsed
by the membership of Planned Parenthood:

Sexuality is a natural, healthy, life-long part of being human.
Every individual has a right to pursue sexual health
information and services without fear, shame, or exploitation.
That right involves access to adequate, accurate, and age-
appropriate information about sexuality, including the
advantages and disadvantages of sexual expression.
All people, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, have
rights that need to be respected, and responsibilities that
need to be exercised.
It is unacceptable to sexually pressure, force, or exploit
another person.
In a pluralistic society, we must respect diverse sexual
attitudes and behaviors, as long as they are based on ethics,
responsibility, justice, equality, and non-violence.
Information about becoming pregnant and about postponing,
preventing, continuing, or terminating pregnancy should be
easily available; the choice of whether or not to parent
should be free and informed.
Every child deserves to be wanted, loved, and cared for.
Abstaining from sexual intercourse is the most effective
method of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted
infections.
Young people explore their sexuality as part of a process of
achieving sexual maturity; adolescents are capable of
expressing their sexuality in healthy, responsible ways.
There are many healthy ways to express sexual feelings,
alone or with a partner; sexual intercourse is only one form
of sexual expression.
Uninformed or irresponsible sexual behavior poses risks.
Women, men, girls, and boys benefit from fairness and
flexibility in gender roles.
Individuals and society benefit when children are able to dis-
cuss sexuality with their parents and/or other trusted adults.
Individuals and society benefit when childbearing is postponed until maturity.

Most parents say they want their children to receive
sexuality education in school. According to a 2004
study, a majority of Americans favors more
comprehensive sexuality education over abstinence-only
education. Namely, 94 percent of the parents surveyed
believed it was appropriate for students to learn about
birth control and how to deal with the issues of being
sexually active, 91 percent thought it was appropriate to
teach about making sexual choices based on individual
values, and 83 percent supported students learning how
to use condoms. (Sex Education in America, National
Public Radio/Kaiser Family Foundation/JFK School of
Government, Harvard University, 2004.)