We were once a nation UNDER GOD. UNITED is how we once stood. As the time span from our declaration lengthens the more we forget who we are as a country and what we should be proud of. Patriotism. This is my gift to all those who will listen. Patriotism is anything but flag waving and blind conformity to the government. The words “hero” and “patriot” are often used as synonyms, most often in reference to a soldier performing his or her duty. Some of our nation’s greatest hero’s have also been among the most passionate of patriots. Ladies and gentlemen I give you Dr. Martin Luther King. Known for his nonviolent resistance against the government and the effort to overthrow state oppression qualifies as true patriotism. Now a little over 50 years from the day he made his first public stance against government oppression, we stand; no we sit and watch our own government continue down a path of oppression of its own. Citizens complain about the current recession, and bills that slither their way through the House of Representatives and slid past the evaluating eye of the senate, and only after it’s appointed the title of law does it rear its ugly head, and our freedoms lessen. Yet we the people sit on the sidelines closed lipped. With such things as these going on in our nation what do we have to be proud of? Probably nothing but that is what I am in the business to change. A sense of patriotism is the most important gift I could give you. It motivates change, and as it did when Dr. King harnessed its power it opens the door for improvement. What more could we want?
Patriotism is not solely present in a March on Washington or on a foreign country’s battlefield. It begins here, at home, before it even reaches the mouth of activists. It starts with the most simple and purest forms of patriotism, affection. Affection for your country and for those who reside in it. A sense of patriotism surged through the veins of every American on September 11th. Police officers and firefighters were finally granted the heroic respect they have always deserved. “United we stand” and “God bless America” became the rallying cries of both the Government and the people. It was believed that through this tragic event America would emerge stronger and more united than before. It is the affection that was shown to every hobbling survivor and the grief stricken loved ones left behind that brought us together. According to John 15:13 the ultimate display of love is when a person willingly sacrifices their life for another. Therefore I believe the Bible calls upon us to be patriots. Let us not wait till another September. 11 to renew our patriotism.
We can no longer sit silently by as our nation smothers us with oppression and our values, our rights are being slowly stripped away, and no one is looking close enough to notice. The stakes are high for the survival of our county, we as patriots must now speak up! We must question authority and become the Martin Luther King’s of our day. Now more than ever we need to create our country into a beacon of hope to the rest of the world. Only true patriotism, not blind obedience or half hearted flag waving can make America as strong as it needs to be. Only patriotism can save America from itself. Let us be united under god once more and be the powerful, influential nation we were always meant to be. Patriotism as my plea and the press as my voice I will make a difference in this country. One worth being proud of. My message may not reach many at first, but I won’t stop. My voice will be heard. And then, you’ll raise yours.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
A Gift i'd like to Give.....rough draft (outlined idea)
Outline: A Gift I’d like to give.
AGD:
I. Intro to gift
A. to what, to whom, how ECT. Definition: “A love and loyal or zealous support of one’s country. “
II. Why I chose to give this gift/ its importance.
a. Why I chose, what it means to me (passion here) why I want everyone else to have it.
b. Its importance, September 11 days and their infrequency, what it has done for us (Martin Luther king)
c. What it can do for us. (Blindly agreeing to Gov. Actions (Complaining about the recession and how the gov. is oppressing us but doing it with a tight closed lip.
d. Speak up! This essay is my gift, the gift of awareness. (Should I say it will continue? “My message may not reach many at first but I won’t stop. My voice will be heard. And then, you’ll raise yours.” `
Optional e. Fix placement, in-between letters, john 15:13 what we once stood as, a nation proud to by governed by god, our money, our schools, our court houses. Patriotism ran strong in our Christian nation. Concession:
Optional f. Fix placement, Misconceptions of patriotism
Conclusion: AGD tie in and finishing hard passionate note. Oratory: laugh cry and motivate to change.
PAGE 1-
We were once a nation UNDER GOD. UNITED is how we once stood. As the time span from our declaration lengthens the more we forget who we are as a country, and what we should be proud of (awkward-rewrite) Patriotism. This is my gift to all those who will listen. Patriotism is anything but flag waving and blind conformity to the government. The words “hero” and “patriot” are often used as synonyms, most often in reference to a soldier performing his or her duty. Some of our nation’s greatest hero’s have also been among the most passionate of patriots. Ladies and gentlemen I give you Dr. Martin Luther King. Known for his nonviolent resistance against the government and the effort to overthrow state oppression qualifies as true patriotism. Now a little over 50 years from the day he made his first public stance against government oppression, we stand; no we sit and watch our own government continue down a path of oppression of its own. Citizens complain about the current recession, and bills that slither their way through the House of Representatives and slide past the evaluating eye of the Senate, and only after it’s appointed the title of law does it rear its ugly head. Yet we the people sit on the sidelines closed lipped. (drifting from thesis-refocus.)
AGD:
I. Intro to gift
A. to what, to whom, how ECT. Definition: “A love and loyal or zealous support of one’s country. “
II. Why I chose to give this gift/ its importance.
a. Why I chose, what it means to me (passion here) why I want everyone else to have it.
b. Its importance, September 11 days and their infrequency, what it has done for us (Martin Luther king)
c. What it can do for us. (Blindly agreeing to Gov. Actions (Complaining about the recession and how the gov. is oppressing us but doing it with a tight closed lip.
d. Speak up! This essay is my gift, the gift of awareness. (Should I say it will continue? “My message may not reach many at first but I won’t stop. My voice will be heard. And then, you’ll raise yours.” `
Optional e. Fix placement, in-between letters, john 15:13 what we once stood as, a nation proud to by governed by god, our money, our schools, our court houses. Patriotism ran strong in our Christian nation. Concession:
Optional f. Fix placement, Misconceptions of patriotism
Conclusion: AGD tie in and finishing hard passionate note. Oratory: laugh cry and motivate to change.
PAGE 1-
We were once a nation UNDER GOD. UNITED is how we once stood. As the time span from our declaration lengthens the more we forget who we are as a country, and what we should be proud of (awkward-rewrite) Patriotism. This is my gift to all those who will listen. Patriotism is anything but flag waving and blind conformity to the government. The words “hero” and “patriot” are often used as synonyms, most often in reference to a soldier performing his or her duty. Some of our nation’s greatest hero’s have also been among the most passionate of patriots. Ladies and gentlemen I give you Dr. Martin Luther King. Known for his nonviolent resistance against the government and the effort to overthrow state oppression qualifies as true patriotism. Now a little over 50 years from the day he made his first public stance against government oppression, we stand; no we sit and watch our own government continue down a path of oppression of its own. Citizens complain about the current recession, and bills that slither their way through the House of Representatives and slide past the evaluating eye of the Senate, and only after it’s appointed the title of law does it rear its ugly head. Yet we the people sit on the sidelines closed lipped. (drifting from thesis-refocus.)
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Poem 3: Love poem
To think I thought I knew
A shame that bares its emblem proudly
I was to be different, the one not fooled.
A game I thought I could win, who was I kidding, no one ever has…
I got hurt and my pain paraded around for all too see.
I dwell within the masses now, of all those who lost to loves game,
But what’s worse than joining them, is thinking I would be
A different kind of dame, the one above the shame.
A shame that bares its emblem proudly
I was to be different, the one not fooled.
A game I thought I could win, who was I kidding, no one ever has…
I got hurt and my pain paraded around for all too see.
I dwell within the masses now, of all those who lost to loves game,
But what’s worse than joining them, is thinking I would be
A different kind of dame, the one above the shame.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Poem 2: Run- My life story
RUN.
To escape the world or find it.
RUN.
From failure and to success.
RUN.
From strife and into denial.
RUN.
To inspire and influence.
RUN.
To prove what i am made of.
RUN.
And point back to where i've come from.
RUN.
For no good reason at all.
STOP.
And fall back into all that i've finished half way.
ADMIT.
That my dreams make up what i am.
ACCEPT.
That my words define me and my actions contradict my values.
FAIL.
Yup, just fail, that i can be good at.
Catch up, Start over. In Omnia Paratus.
To escape the world or find it.
RUN.
From failure and to success.
RUN.
From strife and into denial.
RUN.
To inspire and influence.
RUN.
To prove what i am made of.
RUN.
And point back to where i've come from.
RUN.
For no good reason at all.
STOP.
And fall back into all that i've finished half way.
ADMIT.
That my dreams make up what i am.
ACCEPT.
That my words define me and my actions contradict my values.
FAIL.
Yup, just fail, that i can be good at.
Catch up, Start over. In Omnia Paratus.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Poem 1: I Remember....
I Remember Marc Direnzo. I Remember My Katie Doll I Used To Take Everywhere I Went. I Remember Tin Foil Hearts Made Out Of Lunch Sandwiches. I Remember My Talking Tree. I Remember Mud Puddles. I Remember Late Nighters. I Remember My First Training Bra. I Remember Denying I was Christian Because I Didn’t Know What It Meant. I Remember Tree Forts.
I Remember Growing Up.
I Remember My Uncles Tramp, where I learned all that grown-ups knew. I Remember Pain. I Remember Pain From Pressure. I Remember Pain From Pressure To Go The Last 100 M. I Remember Pressure To Fail. I Remember Proving Them All Wrong. I Remember Jesse Wilkinson. I Remember Hurting Him. I Remember Pretending To Be Brave. I Remember My Dreams. I Remember Giving Up. I Remember Picking Myself Back Up. I Remember Deciding To Be Independent.
I’ll Remember What I’d Soon Forget.
I Remember Growing Up.
I Remember My Uncles Tramp, where I learned all that grown-ups knew. I Remember Pain. I Remember Pain From Pressure. I Remember Pain From Pressure To Go The Last 100 M. I Remember Pressure To Fail. I Remember Proving Them All Wrong. I Remember Jesse Wilkinson. I Remember Hurting Him. I Remember Pretending To Be Brave. I Remember My Dreams. I Remember Giving Up. I Remember Picking Myself Back Up. I Remember Deciding To Be Independent.
I’ll Remember What I’d Soon Forget.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Journal entry (Stream of Consciousness) #5
Memories. Please don’t let my mind wander to something embarrassing. Trek. That’s good. Sore. Wet. Cold. Wow why did I think this was good? Hole in my tent. Got a fat lip. Kissing. Ha those shouldn’t be connected. Jumping on new train of thought. Running. Broken toe. Limping, kicking the wall. Richard. Drama. Ex boyfriends. Bad reputation. Must remove self from influence. Losing house. Moving again. 23 or 4th time? Losing count. Strength. Weakness. Give up. Press forward. In Omnia Paratus. Be Tough. Hard working. My Farm. Building a fence. Hot days, swimming. California. Beach. Casey. I date my brother’s best friends. Bad or convenient? Boys ugh distractions. Gotta focus on School. College. Career. Leave impression. Make a difference.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Impluse 2
Menu: What did you say your name was?
Non M: I didn’t. Don’t worry about it just keep reading the menu.
Menu: I don’t want to be apart of this.
Non M: you already are.
Menu: No, no im not. Who is keeping me from just getting up and walking out?
Non M: see that man in the trench coat, not yet sitting at a table.?
Menu: yes
Non M: He is. Stand up and see if im bluffing.
Menu: okay fine what do you want from me?
Non M: I want you to decide if you want an omelet or toast and then wave down the waitress.
Menu: (Signaling the waitress) I’ll have an egg white vegetarian omelet and he’ll have…..
Non M: black coffee, nothing more thank you.
Menu: Now explain, I refuse to go along with this, I will not be manipulated.
Non M: then walk, walk now to the door and see who stops you, but I will warn you, if you do you will not make it past the threshold of the door and all these innocent people will die.
Non M : will you be manipulated now?
Menu: tell me what to do.
Non M: On my cue you will excuse yourself to the bathroom, upon getting there climb out the window and there will be a black Cadillac just around the corner. Get in.
Menu: How can I trust you?
Non M: You can’t but you don’t have an option.
Non M: GO! Now!
Non M: I didn’t. Don’t worry about it just keep reading the menu.
Menu: I don’t want to be apart of this.
Non M: you already are.
Menu: No, no im not. Who is keeping me from just getting up and walking out?
Non M: see that man in the trench coat, not yet sitting at a table.?
Menu: yes
Non M: He is. Stand up and see if im bluffing.
Menu: okay fine what do you want from me?
Non M: I want you to decide if you want an omelet or toast and then wave down the waitress.
Menu: (Signaling the waitress) I’ll have an egg white vegetarian omelet and he’ll have…..
Non M: black coffee, nothing more thank you.
Menu: Now explain, I refuse to go along with this, I will not be manipulated.
Non M: then walk, walk now to the door and see who stops you, but I will warn you, if you do you will not make it past the threshold of the door and all these innocent people will die.
Non M : will you be manipulated now?
Menu: tell me what to do.
Non M: On my cue you will excuse yourself to the bathroom, upon getting there climb out the window and there will be a black Cadillac just around the corner. Get in.
Menu: How can I trust you?
Non M: You can’t but you don’t have an option.
Non M: GO! Now!
Sketch
Jogging, no running, no now sprinting, he was closing in, the cold night air burned her lunges as she raced across the parking lot. Her panicked thoughts consumed her. “This cannot be happening. Not to me. Not now. ” “ How did he find me again?”
A storm was rolling in, Dark heavy clouds hung low on the lamp posts blocking out what little light the harvest moon gave off. This is what she’d trained for. 4:20 mile come to use. Step, one two three four, and push, so close to her car but the footsteps were growing louder, how could he be closing in? Sweat trickled down her forehead, dropping her purse she let all loose. She would not be overtaken, her heaving chest begged to differ. Her stride began to shorten, she was loosing precious steam….he grasps on to her flimsy wrist. Its over.
A storm was rolling in, Dark heavy clouds hung low on the lamp posts blocking out what little light the harvest moon gave off. This is what she’d trained for. 4:20 mile come to use. Step, one two three four, and push, so close to her car but the footsteps were growing louder, how could he be closing in? Sweat trickled down her forehead, dropping her purse she let all loose. She would not be overtaken, her heaving chest begged to differ. Her stride began to shorten, she was loosing precious steam….he grasps on to her flimsy wrist. Its over.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Dialogue
Me: what were you about to say?
Driver: oh, nothing.
Me: It was obviously something, just say it.
Driver: Na, really don’t worry about it.
Me: Suite yourself.
Me: I had something to say as well.
Driver: what was it?
Me: Nope, two can play this game.
Driver: oh wow that’s mature.
Me: Just as mature as your being.
Driver: Fine, I was going to admit….
Me: what?
Driver: We’re lost.
Me: That wasn’t it was it?
Driver: Yes we really are.
Me: Fine alright we’re lost, now what?
Driver: I don’t know.
Me: Hmm…. (Crickets)
Me: I’m not buying this so just tell me the truth.
Me: Please just te..
Driver: I love you.
Me: kidding right?
Driver: Yup, just trying to get you to shut up.
Me: It worked.
Me: Why are we coming all the way out here again?
Driver: Must we go over this again?
Me: I guess not, no wait, yes we must I think I deserve to know, everyone keeps beating around the bush. Driver: Trust me you don’t want to know.
Me: Trying to scare me won’t make me forget my curiosity.
Driver: I don’t expect it to forever, just for now.
Driver: oh, nothing.
Me: It was obviously something, just say it.
Driver: Na, really don’t worry about it.
Me: Suite yourself.
Me: I had something to say as well.
Driver: what was it?
Me: Nope, two can play this game.
Driver: oh wow that’s mature.
Me: Just as mature as your being.
Driver: Fine, I was going to admit….
Me: what?
Driver: We’re lost.
Me: That wasn’t it was it?
Driver: Yes we really are.
Me: Fine alright we’re lost, now what?
Driver: I don’t know.
Me: Hmm…. (Crickets)
Me: I’m not buying this so just tell me the truth.
Me: Please just te..
Driver: I love you.
Me: kidding right?
Driver: Yup, just trying to get you to shut up.
Me: It worked.
Me: Why are we coming all the way out here again?
Driver: Must we go over this again?
Me: I guess not, no wait, yes we must I think I deserve to know, everyone keeps beating around the bush. Driver: Trust me you don’t want to know.
Me: Trying to scare me won’t make me forget my curiosity.
Driver: I don’t expect it to forever, just for now.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
A Fragmented Mind (Short Story)
A Fragmented Mind
The piano man is positioned in the corner, vigorously letting his fingers prance along the grand piano’s keys. The elegant singer draped herself across the futon as she performed. Smoke filled the air of the foyer making it difficult to see the faces of the guests. Expensive décor, posh brandy, and lavishing silk gowns draping to the floor. Yes it was there again just as I had left it. Just as I leave it every night. But wait, is he still here, I must know before I slip back. I hastily made my way to the powder room, exhaling my pent up breath as I turned the corner, I relaxed. There he was, with both hands in his pockets leaning up against the door frame, one ankle crossed over the other, his hat with its feather so delicately positioned and the rim tilted just far enough to cover his eyes. Transfixed with his demeanor I watched in awe as the left side of his mouth curled up into a crooked smile. He knew I was watching. As I turned to retreat back into the foyer his movement caught my eye, he had never budged from his place in all the nights I had been here. Or had I been here more than once, I wasn’t sure. Lifting the brim of his hat we made eye contact. My jaw dropped as he winked in my direction and then quickly disappeared around the corner
I awoke gasping for air, choking on my surprise. Sitting upright in bed, as I clutched the sides of my mattress I realized my presence was not unknown in my dream. Was that it? Was that all it really was, every night I return to the same house on the same street witnessing the same occasion. I suppose a part of me would have liked to believe I had willed my self to a different time. But that was just a fantasy.
The piano man is positioned in the corner, vigorously letting his fingers prance along the grand piano’s keys. The elegant singer draped herself across the futon as she performed. Smoke filled the air of the foyer making it difficult to see the faces of the guests. Expensive décor, posh brandy, and lavishing silk gowns draping to the floor. Yes it was there again just as I had left it. Just as I leave it every night. But wait, is he still here, I must know before I slip back. I hastily made my way to the powder room, exhaling my pent up breath as I turned the corner, I relaxed. There he was, with both hands in his pockets leaning up against the door frame, one ankle crossed over the other, his hat with its feather so delicately positioned and the rim tilted just far enough to cover his eyes. Transfixed with his demeanor I watched in awe as the left side of his mouth curled up into a crooked smile. He knew I was watching. As I turned to retreat back into the foyer his movement caught my eye, he had never budged from his place in all the nights I had been here. Or had I been here more than once, I wasn’t sure. Lifting the brim of his hat we made eye contact. My jaw dropped as he winked in my direction and then quickly disappeared around the corner
I awoke gasping for air, choking on my surprise. Sitting upright in bed, as I clutched the sides of my mattress I realized my presence was not unknown in my dream. Was that it? Was that all it really was, every night I return to the same house on the same street witnessing the same occasion. I suppose a part of me would have liked to believe I had willed my self to a different time. But that was just a fantasy.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
May I be a writer and a reader? Why yes in fact I choose to seize that opportunity. Although reading occupies a greater amount of my time I derive more enjoyment from my writing. In my mind reading and writing walk hand in hand. I’ve learned to write from my favorite authors. OG Mandino taught me to inspire and evoke a drive, a passion within the hearts of my readers. John Grisham taught me to intrigue and carry my audience from page to page. From James Allen I learned the importance of directness and focus. I only pray to one day become as an accomplished writer as these men.
In the words of E M Forster, “What is so wonderful about great literature is that it transforms the man who reads it towards the condition of the man who wrote, and brings to birth in us also the creative impulse.” I hold writers in the highest regards, although perhaps socially inept at times I think they have a greater grasp on the human nature and the mind than those who neither read nor write.
I may not be published or in the process of writing a novel but I have my prospects. I spend most my time writing my theories that consist of controversial ideas. I enjoy playing the devils advocate and approaching things from perspectives which are not usually explored. Reading persuasive or argumentative pieces are what I take pleasure in the most. I find it an impressive and coveted trait, when a writer can transform your perspectives and dare you to think differently. I strive for that in all my writings, and will continue to do so through out my hopefully long lived career.
In the words of E M Forster, “What is so wonderful about great literature is that it transforms the man who reads it towards the condition of the man who wrote, and brings to birth in us also the creative impulse.” I hold writers in the highest regards, although perhaps socially inept at times I think they have a greater grasp on the human nature and the mind than those who neither read nor write.
I may not be published or in the process of writing a novel but I have my prospects. I spend most my time writing my theories that consist of controversial ideas. I enjoy playing the devils advocate and approaching things from perspectives which are not usually explored. Reading persuasive or argumentative pieces are what I take pleasure in the most. I find it an impressive and coveted trait, when a writer can transform your perspectives and dare you to think differently. I strive for that in all my writings, and will continue to do so through out my hopefully long lived career.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
