Happy Holidays?

Happy Holidays? Seasons Greetings? Why not Merry Christmas? What ever happened to a nation wide tradition of saying Merry Christmas to your neighbour or your friend? Calling it "Christmas Break" and "Christmas Shopping? Why, in this new generation, have people found the need to remove this countries traditions to satisfy the wants of others? I do not care if your religion is different from mine, or if your opinions on this time of year are different, but it needs to be made clear that this, in no way, regardless, is an insult. If someone came to me and wished me Happy Hanuka, I would return it. Same if they were to say Merry Christmas. The only reason people would turn this into an insult is this irrational desire to "have a cause" and to "defend the rights of others." This is a simple, pathetic human emotion that may have nothing to do with wanting to help others, but to make yourself feel good in the end.
     You can celebrate your holiday this time of year all you want, but don't you dare go taking away my right to mine.

The Work to Rule

     Recently, teachers across Ontario have been going on strike. The unions are getting the teachers to stop doing certain things promised contracts to try and get the government to agree to their terms.
     At Brookville Public School, a small school near the Campelville area, teachers have said they will hold no practises for their grade 6-8 boys volleyball team. The boys had a good team, and a straight win no loss record going. The parents banded together to coach, ref, and host the practises and games for the boys. They are now going to the Halton Championships. My question about this whole strike is why, for a fight between the teachers union and the government, the students are the ones suffering the most.
     We have lost the chance to do many in school events, like sports teams, grade trips, and school dances. Acton District High school has a semi formal each year, yet this year it has been cancelled because the teachers have been told, by their union, not to stay longer a the school then they have to. A senior trip to Africa has also been cancelled by the union, and many of the teachers are almost as furious as the students.
     This is a fight for the teacher's union, and they have no right to take it out on the students they say they are fighting for.

Life or Death

     This is a very controversial and highly questioned topic both in today's schools, politics, and news. Abortion is the decision of a woman to have the child killed before its birth. There are many things and many choices involved in this that I completely disagree with.
     Initially, I do not agree with the principal of killing a baby. born or unborn. The only case in which I can see any reason to commit this horrible act is if the woman was at risk of losing her life in the giving of birth. What I disapprove of the most, and something Obama has voted for many times, is the allowance for death IF the first attempt at abortion fails. This consists of either killing the child or simply dumping them somewhere to die as nature wishes.
     A commercial, available on youtube and news stations for the coming election shows a beautiful 23 year old girl whose life was saved when a nurse picked her out of the garbage can at the hospital. Why is it that people find the need to end a life that they simply do not desire to have to worry about.
     It is absolutely disgusting that people think they can play God in choices that include life and death when the simple solution, if you want the child so little, is to give him/her to a family who truly wants them.
     In matters such as this, humans are stupid and naive. The right to choose life or death is not, in fact, the woman's. Especially when a  new law is being considered by a party in the USA, Obama's party, believes it is alright to abort a child based on GENDER. Not only is this completely sexist, but unfair when the child hasn't had a chance to live the life they are meant to live.
     IN the case of rape, I can understand abortion in particular cases, but it is unfair to take out the hatred for the criminal on the product of the crime. Abortion in my mind is just another crime, and one just a heinous as rape...it is murder.
     I conclude this debate knowing it will make many people angry, but knowing that by posting this someone out there may see it, and it may save a life. Thank you for reading.

Video Games the New School?

    
     Boys, teens, and even adults around the world have taken a love, and even in some cases an addiction, to the latest video games for Xbox, Play Station, and other gaming systems. The most popular of these gaming themes have become war, shooting and fighting, such as Halo, Call of Duty, Modern Warfare, and so much more. The question I ask is; are these video games, with real life weaponry and the recurring goal of eliminating the enemy teaching the wrong things?
     I'm not just talking about moral lessons, but educating them on the use, build, technology, and mechanics behind the many weapons. Boys ranging from ages 8 and up are becoming professionals on scoping, silencing, fatal shots, and what weapon works best in what situation. Not only are the names of the guns a well known fact, but the basic workings of guns, grenades, mines, ballistic knives, and so much more. What was once a high valued skill of being able to create a gun, hit a target, and able to plan strategic attacks on "enemies" has become as common in children and teens as the ability to ride a bike.
     Those not old enough for the M rated games simply ask parents, friends, or siblings to purchase the game for them, and then watch calmly as virtual people are shot with realistic effects such as blood and pain. Not only is it the weapons, but adolescents are no longer able to differ between death in the games and death in real life. No longer are they fazed by real blood, death, killing, and murder. In fact, it's "cool" to be able to shoot a gun, and pride is taken in "head-shots" and "no-scope kills." Should we not be concerned by this?
     Increased knowledge in modern weaponry, the ability to kill in a game without a hint of the feeling of wrong, and the inability to tell the difference between death and murder in games and real life. Are we not encouraging through our games what our soldiers, human’s rights groups and politicians are trying to dissuade?

Paralympics to Olympics

     Oscar Pistorius, despite his two prosthetic legs which reach from his knees down, will now not only be competing in the Paralympics, but the Olympics as well. Yet it is still being questioned by many Olympic viewers as to his advantages in the 400m and 4x400m relay races he will be competing in while representing South Africa.
     Not only is he lighter, unable to sprain an ankle, have tireless calf's, and considerably more spring in his step, but there have been tests run to compare him to the average runner. Pistorius's limbs use 25% less energy then a runner with fully natural legs, and it takes him 30% less mechanical work to lift his body. Both of these, combined with the points stated at the beginning of this paragraph, prove how big of an advantage he is given compared to other runners with complete limbs.
     I am not questioning his right to compete in Paralympics, but the unfair advantages he will have over the Olympic runners.

Lying or Fantasizing?

     *The following blog point is expressed from the views of a Canadian who does celebrate Christmas each December. This is not meant to be taken as an insult to anyone who does A) not celebrate Christmas or B) is unable to purchase gifts for children, it is simply meant to be an opinion piece on a common debate topic.*
     Each year, come December 24, many kids around the world get excited for the big day, Christmas, where both Santa and their parents bring exciting gifts and toys during the night. Many children are excited by the idea of the jolly man in the red and white suit with his seven reindeer coming through the chimney to deliver gifts. However, come a certain age, children begin to realise these gifts are just their parents giving Christmas a little bit of magic.
     The question often asked, however, is is it right to LIE to our children in telling them about Santa, Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, or any other names he may go by? We are told never to lie to our children, but to build trust and teach them the truth about the world. But is this a lie? Or is it just something to spur the imagination, add to the enchantment of Christmas day?
     I was raised with the belief of Santa Claus, and once I discovered the truth, I was not angry about the lie, but glad I got to experience it at the time. However, a friend of mine has told me that he will not be telling his child about Santa, because as a strong believer in the Christian faith, he doesn't wish for his boy to believe the Bible as just another story like Santa.
     I would like to express personally that I do not believe this can be quite classified as lying to children so much as giving them something to be excited about and imagine, however I would like your opinion also. Will you enlighten your kids to the Santa fantasy? Do you believe it is a lie that shouldn't be imposed upon our youth? Please let me know by commenting below.

Batman Premiere Gets Explosive

     As I'm sure many of you know, the morning of July 20, at 1 in the morning, a premiere of Batman's The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado, was disturbed minutes into the film in the ninth theatre by a series of bangs. These shots sounded much like the shooting and explosions proceeding in the high action film, and at first, viewers believed this to be the case. But when smoke screens were released into the theatre and the fire alarm set off, the audience rushed to the exit, intent on making their escape from the supposed "fire." That's when the shooting began. At the moment, 12 are reported dead, and 50 are injured. Included in this mass casualty report are a six year old girl, a one year old baby, and multiple teens.
     The lone wolf suspect, as it is believed now, was caught on his way out the back exit of the theatre moving towards his car. He was dressed all in black, wearing a bullet proof vest and gas mask, armed with a semi-automatic rifle, a shotgun, and two hand guns. His name has been released as James Holmes, age 24, living in an apartment in Colorado, who was a medical student at a local college, and it is being reported that his apartment was, not only filled with buckets of ammunititon, but booby trapped as well.The booby trap consists of "sophisticated" explosives. The suspect also declared that a bomb was set near or within the movie complex. His parents and family, currently at home in their house in San Diego (not including the father, who's current whereabouts are unknown), are asking for privacy. The suspect in currently under custody but no other news from this has been released at the moment.
     On a well established American news channel, know as Fox News, brought in a therapist who is known for his dealings with patients who have committed such acts. He believes that often the shooter has empathy problems that often are formed from traumatic experiences in their past that have destroyed empathy for both themselves and others. Either this, or they have some mental problems and may actually been psychotic. However, he does not believe that a man is just "evil", and would do this just out of cold blood. However, I disagree.
      The man in question was obviously not completely crazy, as he has attended a medical school for biology, lived on his own in an apartment, and had spent the time needed to have this horrific act planned. It would have taken many days to get the required weaponry, plant the booby trap, and plan his entrance into the theatre. I am under the belief that the man is evil, and had these cold, heartless intentions regardless of his past, though for the moment I cannot be certain. My question to you is if you believe that a man can just be evil and commit these acts on nothing else but pure darkness. Please comment, whether it is answering my question or commenting on your concerns or prayers for those who suffered from this violent act.

For further information, check out http://www.foxnews.com/


Just for an update on April 21, 2013:
   James Holmes has been in trial and recently attempted to plead guilty, however the plea was declined and the court has announced it intent for a death sentence.

The First Debate: Supporting our Troops

    One of humanities biggest wishes has once been world peace, but with each attempt we have at this, another disagreement arises to split the nations once more. However, war has also been the cause to alliances between countries, bringing their troops, their political leaders, and their people together under a common goal. Yet many people despise the idea of war, the death, the economical loss, and the destruction to land and personal property. War is people's oldest surviving traditions, but the beautiful tradition that comes with it is the united front that our loyal, dedicated, and determined soldiers and troops put up to honour their country and their people.

     It used to be a non-voluntary induction into the armed forces, then an honour to serve, where shame was given to any who backed down that were capable and legally able to join the front lines. Now, the honour of service remains, yet still many people who are not part of the brave troops shun the soldiers in face of their opinion on war. They say soldiers are violent, un-controlled people who want nothing but to kill and destroy. War, in their opinion, is both wasted money and wasted time.

     What they seem to decidedly ignore is the humanity in our soldiers, and their simple goal to serve their country as they best can and protect those less fortunate in the land wrought with battle. For those Americans, Canadians, and other people who know what I am talking about, I ask you about 9-11. The Twin Towers were bombed, destroyed, and innocent lives were lost. We responded with war, and still Americans and Canadians alike say we were looking for a war, a reason to fight. I now ask you to view a certain favourite of mine on YouTube, a song called Have you Forgotten? By: Darryl Worley. The link is listed here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6yLQRF-cEU

     The point of this post is to ask if you truly respect what the soldiers go through and what they do for both their country and people they have never even met, as well as to wonder if you truly understand both the implications and disasters compared to the meaning behind many wars, and the reasons our soldiers go to the front lines.

   

     I also would like to stress the need for programs like Wounded Warriors. They offer support, with the help of civilians donating money, around $14/month, to soldiers who receives both physical and mental wounds in battle while serving their country. So please, if you too want to help go to their website at www.woundedwarriors.com.

Anonymous?

     In order for my blog to have its fully desired effect, I have decided to do it anonymously. This it to prevent any forms of prejudice and to prevent personal opinion from interfering with the effect my words will have on you. I give you full permission and even wish you luck if you wish to try and discover who I am, however I do not believe it to be possible.

     I would like to explain the choice in my pseudonym, Arachidamia. Arachidamia was a Spartan Queen who, upon the men’s preparation to depart for war and request that the women run to safety, stood against. She gathered together a group of Spartan women willing to fight and went to the men’s leader, sword in hand, offering the help the women could offer. Together the two genders succeeded in building a defence trench and winning wars. I admire any powerful and defiant figures, especially the minority’s ability in times of need to rise to the challenge.

     But now, take my words as you will, and be sure you know your stuff if you want to argue. I have a few ideas of subjects that I wish to hear to debated, and possibly wish to debate with someone. I get a thrill from the passion in peoples words and the competition that comes from two knowledgeable opponents.
     If you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to continue a long ago debate, email me at arachidamiadebate@gmail.com. Welcome to my blog, and take the chance given to oppose or side with my personal and eager views.

-Arachidamia