Care for God's Creation & And the Oil Spill in New Orleans

If you have heard of the major oil spill of the Gulf Coast of New Orleans than you would know that this big glob of stuff that is in the oceans spreads over about 80 miles. The military planned that on last Wednesday to help the Coast Guard clean up the mess. They also said they were going to try and burn the oil. And to also put a collection dome so that no more of it leaks. They are really trying to clean it up the ocean because they know that having the ocean destroyed can be upset the very fragile ecosystem. It's mainly a problem for the fish and the birds because the birds are beginning to breed and nest which makes them extremely vulnerable because the oil could wash up on shore. Ten wildlife refuges in Mississippi and Louisiana are most likely to be affected. The Pass-a-Loutre Wildlife Management Area, at the tip of the Mississippi River is most likely to be affected first. Luckily, they have recovered more than 18,000 barrels of the oil-water mix. They also have deployed 100,000 gallons of dispersant, which breaks up oil, on late Thursday evening. But, that is the only thing that I have heard so far I will try to keep you updated.
   -Aaron

Pressure to look Perfect Drives Girls to Destructive Behavior.

    These days the media is always watching what today's young stars are doing, but look what fame is doing to them. Paparazzi waiting at their doors, anticipating for them to slip up, make the slightest mistake, or say the stupidest little thing. Look what fame has done to so many past stars, but as they say, "The fame kills." Some end up in very bad shape by using drugs, alcohol, and many others. But why? Girls today are fixating on their flaws, causing them to belittle themselves and even take destuctive action. The onslaught of messages and images they constantly recieve sets an unrealistic standard of beauty. The "Dove Campaigne for Real Beauty" is partnering with the entertainment industry to address this issue by giving girls a reality check educating them about what images are real versus Holllywood magic. Take "American Idol" for example, what most people base their votes on is if they look like the usual boy-band/girl-band type of singer. To them it doesn't matter if you look "unique," you always have to have that kind of "popstar look." Even if they don't even sing well." It is or responsibility to make sure that everyone fells good about themselves. We are called to help the children in need, whether that means physically or psychologically.
 http://www.sjc.edu/jarzt/commentary_karen.htm
- Brittany

Arizona Law Passing & Rights and Respnsibilities

http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/us/2010/04/24/gutierrez.az.bill.reax.cnn
If you have read in the recent post about Rights and Responsibilities you would know that I said that there is a law passing in Arizona saying that it was now a crime to be an illegal immigrant. This video link shows you the reaction of this happening. But, do you think that they have the right to be able to cross the border? I mean like if they have the right to necessities they should be able to live in a decent place because they probably have a legitimate reason for wanting to live in Arizona or any other state. Also, because it says in that particular Catholic Social Teaching that they have the right to health care, education, etc. This law is a good thing sort of depending on the way you look at it. But, there could be different opinions on whether being able to live America or to stay in Mexico. If you read this post than it would be great to have your opinion on the situation. My opinion is that they should be able to live the United States, mainly because this is the land of opportunity and they have the right to the things needed in life which can be provided in the United States. And, like what is so bad that there would be no way on any circumstances that they cannot live in the U.S.?

-Aaron

Ebony and Ivory

This is Black or White, and it is saying how color doesn't matter. We need to stop discriminating against people for their color. There's more to a person than just that.

This is Ebony and Ivory, and it is about black and white living in harmony.They talk about how we are all the same, and I hope you like it it because it's one of my favorites.


Since we're supposed to an article on whatever topic we choose, I decided to write an article on a topic that hits close to home: integration, and racial discrimination. Since there is absolutely no way I can possibly fit everything that I want to say into one article, I'll try my best to cut to the point. I am multi-racial, and for all of you with slightly smaller vocabularies, that means that I am made up of more than one ethnicity. To be specific, I am an African-America, French-Canadian, and Native-American. During my 13, going on 13.5, years as a multi-racial female in The United States of America, the self-proclaimed 'Land of Equal Opportunity', I have experienced first-hand exactly just how 'equal' our country is. Many people claim that segregation, and racial discrimination is gone. With all due respect, I disagree. I'm not saying that they're liars, simply ignorant of the hardships people face simply because of their ancestry. People everyday are profiled, judged, and alienated all because of the color of their skin. I'm sure when we all remember talks of how everyone was special, and unique in their own way. Unfortunately, no matter how many times the teacher would tell us, that particular lesson didn't last much longer than 1st grade. After that, we're exposed more to the media, and in some cases, our family, many of whom are singing the praises of those with light skin, and shunning those with dark. Segregation and racial profiling are, while more subtle than they used to be, quite common. I'm not saying that everyone with light skin, which I have, is racist. I know people with dark skin who continually prejudice against lighter toned people. I'm simply stating that in our country, of strong WASP origins, light skin is the ideal, an ideal that many Americans can never wish to achieve. Racism can be subtle, and in many cases is inherited. I know people my age who, however discreetly, discriminate against African-Americans. I also know that my grand-father, 62, has a strong preference for African-Americans, and an equally strong aversion towards Caucasians. Racism is a huge problem in our country, one of which the government, and people, in power are denying. It has affected many Americans, and others in foreign nations, and it will continue to do so until it is put to a stop. I'm not idealistic. I realize that stopping racism will not be as easy as holding a few rallies, or getting people to sign a petition. Racism is not going away any time soon. I didn't write this article to inspire you to be a better person, or to talk kindly to your neighbor. I wrote this article in the hopes of informing you about one of our country's, and the rest of the world's, biggest problems. I hope that I succeeded. 
P.S.: Thank you for letting me rant.  I obviously had a lot to say. There are two videos because they both go so well with the idea.
-Waverly

The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers

   
In today's econemy, people across U.S. are losing their jobs. But why?  The econemy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God's creation. Employers contribute to the common good through the sevices or products they provide and by creating jobs that uphold the dignity and rights of  workers-to productive work, to decent and just wages, to adequate benefits and security in their old age, to the choice of whether to organize and join unions, to the opportunity for legal status for immigrant workers, to private property, and to economic initiative. Workers also have responsibilities- to provide a fair day's work in ways that contribute to the common good. Workers, employers, and unions should not only advance their own interests, but also work together to advance economic justice and the well-being of all.  - Brittany

Rights and Responsibilities

This is Man in the mirror, and it talks about changing the world we live in. we all have the responsibility as human beings to help other people in whatever way that we can.

Rights and Responsibilities mean that every person has a fundamental right to all the needs in life. It also means that everyone has the right to an education, health care, etc. It also means the right to have free expression. Mainly it means that we have a right to the decent things in life, but we also have duties that come with these rights, too. Rights and Responsibilities basically is that we have a manifest destiny to the necessities needed for life. Caring for one another, your family, and friends falls under responsibilities. For example, the new law being passed in Arizona is saying that it is now a crime to be an illegal immigrant. Basically it means that the police/government have been given the right to arrest anyone who could be and illegal immigrant. So, like its saying that they are just going to arrest people who just look suspicious. They could just arrest someone for acting suspicious basically, making judgments just by appearance. But, they have the right to this, which could be better or for worse, and can either make a difference or start something. But, if they have the right to such basic necessities would you classify this as a right as in being able to cross the border or should they not be able to?
-Aaron

Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

Option for the Poor and Vulnerable is an extremely important Catholic Social Teaching. In the Bible, we are told that the poor will always be with us, and Option for the Poor and Vulnerable is the Social Teaching that tells us to care for them. We all have an obligation to help the poor and underprivileged in our area. That can mean the beggar on the side of the rode, a family in a poverty-stricken country,or the elderly lady down the street who can't take care of herself. Many people make the assumption that just because someone is poor, they're lazy. That is not true. Not everyone can get a job in our economy, and sometimes the only jobs that they can get, are low-paying with very little to no benefits. There is also a misconception that the vulnerable (handicapped, elderly, or mentally ill) are not worth the trouble, and are somehow less human. That is not true, as well. We tend to have a mind-set in our country that the strong are supposed to rule over the weak, especially since America is strongly capitalist. While competition is usually a healthy thing, we can not forget that we there are people less fortunate than us. The poor, and vulnerable, are just as deserving as the rest of us. They deserve to be cared for, and protected. The poor will always be with us, as will the underprivileged, but together we can make this a more equal and just world.
-Waverly

Call to Family, Community, and Participation

Having the right to life must mean that everyone else has a responsibility towards me. By his law, God goes not intend to dominate or control our will, but for us to walk with him. As the Lord, God said: "It is not good for man to be alone." Therefore, God wants us to be connected with one another as a family, community, and participate with one another though peace and love through all matters. All as one tribe, one planet, one race as brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers. It does not matter what color, nationality, or country from which we originate. That's how God wants us to live. We can make this happen by attacking the problem not the person with kindness, charity, and hope for one another. That's one way we can change the world to make it a better place. As long as we try to fix problems without any conflict at all and we are understanding towards another, the problems we are going through in the world today such as poverty, slavery, world hunger, the economy, loss of jobs and many others. As long as we do it the right way, we will finally find the love because that's what it's all about.
- Brittany

Solidarity

Solidarity means that we are all one with each other. It also means that we have forgiveness for one another. Solidarity is a Christian virtue. And saying that we know that we have a responsibility to help one another and also care for on another and to just not hate each other even if you don't like someone, as in a classmate, co-worker, etc. Acting out Solidarity makes you a good Samaritan, and you can achieve this by helping someone out if they're being beat-up or need help studying for a really important test. Solidarity is also to help your neighbor, help out at a charity, donate to a hospital, or anything that can bring the world together. Seclusion isn't an example of solidarity because it means you are just all by yourself and shove people away instead of actually letting people into your life and having friends. Solidarity can make you really think about how you should live, like in the Cube of Love and how it says to love your enemy, love everyone, etc. The Cube of love is a great way to live out solidarity. Take some time out of your day just to talk to someone you usually ignore. By pulling people together in small ways, we contribute to uniting the world.

-Aaron

Care for God’s Creation

This is Earth Song, and it is about making our planet a better place, and caring for our environment before it is too late.

As many of you know, we only have one planet. You may also know that that one planet we have is in grave danger. We, as a people, have contributed to the dire state that Earth is in. We have to fix this. We can't just go to Mars when we're done ruining this planet. Disrespect towards what God has given us, a place to live and raise future generations, is disrespect shown towards God. We have, more than any generation before us, made a very negative impact on this world. Care for God's Creation simply means to care for all that he has created. He has made it just for us and we need to show how grateful we are. That includes, but is not limited to: the Earth, the Universe, you, and me. He has given all of theses things to us as a sign of love, and we have the responsibility to take care of it. We can do this in multiple ways. I am sure we've all seen the public announcements advertising recycling, using less energy, and planting trees. What most people don't realize is that you can do more than that. We can educate, enlighten, and share our beliefs. For ideas you can go to these addresses:
http://library.thinkquest.org/11353/gather/help.htm
http://www.practicalenvironmentalist.com/21-practical-ways-to-help-the-environment
http://www.panda.org/how_you_can_help/greenliving/
http://planetsave.com/blog/2010/02/23/how-to-help-the-environment/
-Waverly

Life and Dignity of the Human Person

This is pretty much about god and life, the two most precious things in the universe.

Since this is the very first post, I think it's appropriate to start off with the most basic social teaching: Life and Dignity of the Human Person. This basically means that the human life is sacred, and that the destruction of it, no matter the circumstances, is wrong. The human life is an extremely precious thing. Though, as unfortunate as it may be, recently, people seem to have forgotten that. Such things as euthanasia, the death penalty, cloning, and more, threaten the dignity of life. These things, while not handled lightly, still occur. We must remember that just because something is legal, like abortion for example, does not make it right. Life is what God gave to us, and only he has the right to take it away. Remember, though when there is a will, there is a way. We can do something. We can protect the dignity of life by doing the simplest thing that I know of: speaking. Many are under the misconception that one voice makes no difference. Don't be one of them. Simply by talking to the people around you, sharing your knowledge, speaking up for what is right, you could save someone’s life, and maybe even the world.
-Waverly