Who does my representative really work for?

I am so tired of Political Party propaganda. Whether your Red or Blue or Green etc. It seems like every politicians platforms changes as soon as they get into office. During their campaign they whisper sweet nothings into our ears and shame the opposition. They even create fun names for us to call each other from libtards to tea-baggers. But come election day, only one team wins and it really doesn’t matter who. Because the winner will do whatever the people who own them asks them to do, not what we want them to do. Why you ask? well because we aren’t the ones who funded their campaign. A prime example of campaign spending presented itself in the elections of 2008. Political parties, and independent groups spent a total of $5.3 billion on federal elections, with 2.4 billion alone spent on the presidential race. That money didn’t come from individuals but from parties relying on politicians to uphold their interests. Some of these lovely donors include Actblue, Goldman and Sachs, Citigroup, Walmart, and Koch brothers. But that is not all the spending, thanks to Super PACs politicians have a group of people and funds to promote and advocate on behalf of their party. Basically a way for corporations to fund unlimited amounts of money to help their political party. In 2010 the supreme court put down any caps on how much a individuals or persons could donate to a PAC (Political Action Committee). That means that corporations could donate as much as they want. This is possible because Corporations  are considered people according to the Corporation Personhood thanks to an american legal concept concocted in 1819. This crazy amount of money isn’t given without strings. I think its pretty obvious with the plethora of tax breaks and the fact that these companies have yet to fall under while their politician is office. Its not like these parties can bite the hands that feed them. Is there anything that can be really be done? I think there is. There is a growing group of people calling themselves Wolf PAC. Born on the internet a few years back they sole purpose is to take away that power. They plan is to revoke the rights corporation for corporations to considered people. Start with that and you can start chipping away at this corrupted system. They have two ways to tackle the issue, going through federal government or state legislators via an amendment convention of the states. They create awareness and incite action from the public to put pressure on their legislature. I remember when I first checked them out, they were mostly working of emails and had a simple webpage. Now their page has grown substantially, with educative material via informational literature and connecting with individuals around the United States. I see this as an option that more people will take serious in the coming years. I can’t do Wolf PAC justice, so feel free to check them out on their website. This will be a long process but no matter what party you affiliate yourself with, this cause is certainly something that we the public should be aware of.

Killing Mary Jane

http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/marijuana/it-s-background.html

I found this website and automatically started laughing. This website claims to be putting “TrueDrug Facts” concerning drugs from Cannibis to Cocaine. Their information is mostly outlandish with little to any facts, or outright making stuff up. For example “Marijuana smoke contains 50% to 70% more cancer-causing substances than tobacco smoke.” then continue to say “one major research study reported that a single cannabis joint could cause as much damage to the lungs as up to five regular cigarettes smoked one after another.” First off there are currently there are two FDA approved drugs containing cannabinoids those are dronabinol and nabilone. They are both used to treat chemo-related nausea. The major research study they claim provided evidence that a single cannabis joint causes damage to the lungs, is neither cited or believable. Most research studies regarding the effects of cannabis support the use of Marijuana as a medical option. The only research  studies I found saying negatives about the drug, mention a correlation between marijuana and lung issues or prove to be inclusive. Lets clarify, correlation is not the same as “cause & effect” which was how the information was presented in the article. They also go on to say “The Indian hemp plant (from which cannabis drugs like marijuana and hashish are made) was grown for use as an hallucinogen more than 2,000 years ago.” Actually the first recorded use of it was as a medical herb in Chinese medicine around 2737 B.C. and later as it went through Asia to Europe mostly used as fiber (for rope, clothes etc.). One of the worst offenses was “THC damages the immune system. Alcohol does not”.

Alcohol is not only known for destroying your liver but increase immunodeficiency in its users. I was thoroughly annoyed on how the information was presented. Its lack of actually evidence and its outright propaganda. It reminded me of 1930s and reefer madness. Much misinformation and fear which led to illagelization of the drug was created during that time. Weed was associated with the poor and people of color specifically Mexican population who introduced it as a recreational drug during the 1900-1920s. 

Whether or not you agree with the issue, I think anyone can be angered at how a website was created to misdirect its audience just to get people to agree with the authors misconceptions. Anytime a claim is made that is regarding a controversial subject, I expect an author to cite their sources or properly explain their logic.

Comics the Mythology of Today

                   

One the first books I read was about Greek mythology. Stories of  Hercules, Prometheus, the odyssey, and the plethora gods. Containing stories of heroism, betrayal, inhuman powers, and bigger than live characters. As I got older I got addicted to comics, and graphic novels. The heroes depicted by Marvel, DC, Darkhorse, etc. were so similar to what I was already reading it became an easy transition. At first I didn’t think why I like them so much. Considering that Greek Mythology was the basis of a powerful religion and culture while comics where obviously made to entertain. But the resemblance came in the form of its Heroes, and what they represented. They told of the story of greatness,  while giving the public and example of what to aspire to. Whether that be Hercules’s strength and honor or Spider-man’s wits and sense of responsibility. They also showed human faults, the misogynistic views or the jealousy of the Gods. For example Hercules was never known for his intelligence, and he was extremely prideful much like the Hulk. This often led him into a variety of issues and life-threatening predicaments.

Unintelligent
Prideful
Usually killed everyone once they pissed him off. Super-human strength

Unintelligent
Easily enraged
Destroyed everything insight when angered Super-human strength

Iron Man was an alcoholic, and ant-man a wife beater. Even their powers where similar  take Aqua man/Namor having power over the ocean much like Poseidon or Thor/Static Shock and Zeus. Although Thor on his own is Norse God, its always interesting to see what superpowers people come up with. They are basically something you wish you could control but obviously is not possible.  And Just like comics, the gods or heroes of old when end up fighting each other or Monsters. But even with the obvious similarities the most important one is how they make people feel. I could imagine that the ancient Greek children wish to be as strong as Hercules when they grew up, much like sometimes you will hear a kid declaring his wish to as strong as Superman/Hulk. Fortunately for us the heroes of today are more stable and less evil than the Gods of the old. The heroes always represent the times, back in the days of the Greeks, life was much harsher so their heroes needed to represent that. Now days our heroes tackle social issues, and have superpowers that weren’t just given by the gods or a curse. And even though we know there are no things as superpowers the ability to be something more and protect those things/people you love is something anyone can all relate too. In some cases more so than others, take for example people like Superheroes Anonymous, a group of individuals who actually dress up as superheroes and patrol the streets of their cities, or participate in community service such as volunteering in local soup shelters. From Moscow to New York you can see these Super Hero activist taking to the streets.

But while dressing up as a super hero is pretty outlandish I have noticed that in public service field like EMS on which I worked as an EMT, there where more than a few comic book geeks working our streets. I’d like to believe that maybe those comics books we read as kids inspired us to take a leap of faith and do something for others just like our Iron man and Batman did in our books. 

The Pain of Franisco Goya

Francisco Goya and his dark hand

“The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters” By Francisco Goya

One of my favorite artist is  Francisco Goya an amazing Spanish artist. He lived from 1746–1828. Worked mainly with royalty on family/self portraits, lighthearted scenery and leisurely activities.  In his later years during the French and Spanish war and eventual return of Spanish power, his artwork became darker (http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/goya/hd_goya.htm).

When going through his artwork, I really liked his scenery work and his later drawings of the paranormal the most. His paranormal work is often seen in supernatural TV shows, usually one of his paintings will be depicted in some old demon related book in the story.

Through out his artwork, Francisco did masterful job with the use of Chiaroscuro. All of his woks show great contrast and use of light and shadow. In his etching “The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters” his use of Chiaroscuro guided us from left to right following the light into the dark. Even though the primary figure is the man, the monsters are what continue to keep us attentive and help us give a story to the etching.

“St. Bernardino of Siena” By Francisco Goya

Some his  other works include  “St. Bernardino of Siena”. In this oil canvas Bernardino de Saint is seen on top of a rock talking to the king and the many people surrounding him.

“Charles IV of Spain and his family” by Francisco Goya

Francisco was a very interesting man, during his early years he was a recognized painter. Given the title of painter for the crown, where he painted family portraits and the such. Even as the royal painter he had a message, to the point where some of his paintings during that period were considered social satire. He tried to illustrate the corruption and hypocrisy of the crown. One his painting of the Charles IV of Spain and his family, illustrated that. He centered Charles wife Louisa and taller than her husband, signifying her true status as the actual ruler of Spain at the time.If you notice that in the background there is a painting of Lot and his daughters (signifying the incest within the royal families).

Unfortunately when Spain went through the Peninsula war with France and the horrors witnessed by Fransisco took a toll. Many of his art depicted the horrors of the war in his series of paintings under the title “Los disastre de la guerra” (disasters of war).  “Disasters of War 15: And It Can’t Be Helped”.  Depictions of torture, execution, and the state of the public of the time. He also lost his wife shortly after along with inexplicably becoming death, reasons unknown. He became a recluse, and introverted. He also had fallen in disfavor of the reinstated Spanish crown for his liberal views. He spent the remainder of his days around the surrounding area of Madrid in a small cottage. With such a trouble history you cant blame the guy for seeing the world in a much darker light then the rest of the world.  Through his paintings he tried to convey the pain of the people, and the need to remember the past so as not to repeat it so was in the case of “The Disasters of War”.

“Disasters of War 15: And It Can’t Be Helped” By Francisco Goya

“St. Francis Borgia at Death Bed of an Impenitent” by Francisco Goya

Most of his latter work was not displayed until 30 years after his death due to its controversy and connection to the paranormal. “St. Francis Borgia at Death Bed of an Impenitent” being one of the many were not shown until later after Francisco’s death. In this oil canvas Francisco mentally cut the painting in half, left representing the evil surrounding the dying “impenitent” man. On the right is the righteous St. Francis Borgia trying to repel these demons with the blood of Christ. These figures are highly symbolic probably trying to give a hint at what Francisco thought of the men who he saw committing such horrid crimes during the wars and later tyranny of Spanish ruling. This beautiful work of art along with many in Francisco later years was not funded very well if at all and thus most of later art work was considerably smaller to those made during his time with royalty.

“St. Francis Borgia at Death Bed of an Impenitent” by Francisco Goya
Close of up demons

Francisco Goya was an amazing artist. Intertwining art with story telling along great use of detail. His strong symbolism and ability to guide our eyes was aided by chiaroscuro, composition and continued use of proportion. Even though his work with royalty is what most people are familiar with, his later non-disclosed work is were his heart seem to be belong.

Disconnect

What I have written below is more a reflection of my conversation with the inmates at the Lino Lakes facility during OAP “Bridging the Gap Workshop”.

Here is a link to Vina Kays blog for further information

What does the word “inmate” mean to you? Does it make you cringe? Do the words, prisoner, convict, felon, bad man, or not me, come to mind. Maybe, but it also means a person, father, son, daughter, youth to others. Going to the Lino Lakes Correctional Facility on October 1st reminded me of that fact. Through the OAP workshop I was able to hear the voices of the forgotten and neglected in our society.

Prisons should not be the end all be all for those who through their shortcomings and bad decisions ended up there. The people I met that day, could be artist, writers, and public speakers if given the right support. They did not plead the “ I am innocent” routine to me and to the others present instead they acknowledge their faults and wish to be reintegrated into our society as productive members. But are we as a community letting that happen? Unfortunately the statistics are proving otherwise. What some call the “revolving door” effect is common place in our prisons. Our prison system is the largest in the world. Those two indicators should be evidence enough that our current system is proving ineffective. People like Ezekiel Calguiri who aspires to be a writer and take care of his family upon release has a hard road ahead of him .

Life post-prison is bleaker than when you first got in: depending on your charge you lose your right to vote, companies are 40% least likely to consider you for a job, your education is far behind your competition, and in general your a ill-prepared for what the new world in store for you. Unfortunately these are problems that our society as a whole decides to neglect. There is a disconnect from society and those we consider to be criminally unfit to walk our streets. These individuals want to change but our prison system is not  a form of rehabilitation like originally intended , instead it imposes on a limitation for any possibility to change. As community should increase its effort on re-introducing inmates to the outside world by forms of programs and increase communication between inmates and family. We as a society take simple communication for granted, in mates sole medium to communicate is telephone or letters, as one of the inmates described it “that phone is my heartbeat”. Currently Lino Lakes provides classes for prisoners that have not violated discipline to earn their GED and possibly an A.A. Degree. But as we are a well aware that level of education does not really account for much in the current job market. Currently there are programs in place to help inmates for transition into civilian life upon release. But as I talked with the prisoners I learned that re-entry to the outside world is the very difficult and the programs are not as helpful as they could be. Most of the inmates knew little if anything about how the internet worked. Some of these inmates have been prison for decades due to prison reforms of the 80’s and 90’s.

The culture has changed between has changed dramatically from what it was  2, 10 and 20 years . Social skills are  difficult for released inmates to adjust to,  how do you begin to relearn the skills to function in our day to day life when you have been locked up for so long. According to prisoner conversations between them and released inmates they have learned that most inmates released take about the same time they served to get adjusted to life outside example 4 years in = 4 years of adjustment in the outside. The OAP is beginning to unravel the possibilities for further improvement of these problems but its up to us as a community to step in. These individuals need our help more than ever, for them to succeed in our world it will require some effort form us to let them in. 

Facebook for life

Facebook For Life

If you think that was funny, go look at some of your friends posts or even better your own from 1-2 years ago. You’ll probably find some sad or hilarious ones. You know who else can find them, your boss, cops, your new significant other…etc They are funny now but become scary later, increasing security on your profile is a must these days. According to Statisticbrain.com Facebook has over 1.3 billion active monthly users and that number keeps growing. People post personal information or ideas everyday on Facebook and similar social media sites. Your audience can be your friends and everyone else if your profile is public. For example employers who are hiring tend to look over candidates social media before making their final decision. In fact according to Jobvite (a recruiting platform) results from a social recruiting survey they compiled and found that 93% of hiring managers look over social media profiles when deciding on candidates. Even the police has admitted that they track suspects over the internet to check their activity or infraction on their parole. In some cases they go a step further by creating fake profiles to gain more access. Its not all about big brother, it can be much closer to home like your current partner finding your exes pictures still on your wall (this is why I like staying single). Its really up to you to learn more about the systems and how you can protect yourself and avoid problems entirely.

The scary news shouldn’t keep you from using Facebook, and I am 100% sure it wont. Your going to log on today at some point and post something fun you did or complain about the weather. But as a user myself I want you to be safer about it, so I would like to spread the gospel and guide to a safer way to participate in the social media universe specifically Facebook.

I want you to find out how your profile looks like. Search yourself on the internet find your profile and see what comes up, “look at how the world sees you”.  Is this how you want to portray yourself? if not here some tips.

1. Learn more about your privacy settings here.
2. Be mindful of what you post, the internet isn’t Vegas, everything you post can and might be used against you. Example being the old picture you had with an ex still in your profile album…maybe it should get deleted or put in the black book of photos (password encrypted if possible).
3. When adding new friends on your list, check them out first. Are they who they say they are? Have you actually met this person or is this a friend of a friend, twice removed with dead bunnies as their cover photo?
4. DON’T  post yourself with incriminating evidence example: that cool “bong” you just bought, in hindsight maybe you shouldn’t post about how your “gonna smoke the hell out of it when I get home” or called a sick day at work but decided to “check in” on Facebook that your  going to the movie theater or club because loud sounds help your migraine.
5. Make your profile the Fort Knox of Facebook if you have to and here is a detailed list on how by Kim Komando.
6.  Worst case scenario, you end up adding that cool boss or the creepy co-worker who will make you feel guilty if you don’t. If you have to, maybe consider making an additional account profile that is public and work friendly. Or change the restrictions on those added people as shown on the link on tip 5.

Social media isn’t going out of style anytime soon and there are so many fun things you can do with it. As a user of the social media age, I encourage you to share your thoughts, make friends, connections, via Facebook or any medium. But just be safe about it.

Hey guys

Due to some technical difficulties It took me a while to get a post on here. But it all got sorted and I am glad to be taking the class with you guys. Let have a great semester!