4th of July '09! Reflection, Celebration, Action
I’m feelin’ extra happy/patriotic ‘bout the United States of America these days. Mostly because I’ve been thinking about what a privilege it is to live and work in this great country. I’m so thrilled to have President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama & Vice President Biden leading us through challenging [War & Foreign Affairs! Poverty! Economy & Jobs! Education! Health Care! Human Rights! Environment! Social Justice!] & dynamic times. I’m excited about the 4th also because I recently devoured HBO’s excellent DVD miniseries John Adams, and was reminded about our nation’s violent and fascinating birth. I’ve also been reflecting a lot lately on my years studying United States History as an undergrad, diving deep into important topics like the American Revolution, the Native American experience, the Civil War, slavery, the Vietnam War, 1960s, WWI & II, history of the conservation movement, civil rights & labor & suffrage moments & American feminist history. The United States is one young-huge-messy- complicated-country. One such country I’m proud to be a part of. One way I enjoy learning about different life experiences in the United States is via the popular This American Life series [Podcasts, radio show, Showtime series] – check it out!
Two powerful songs led by two American icons:
Neil Young & Choir – “America The Beautiful”
Tracy Chapman – “Talking ‘Bout a Revolution”
In terms of life & jobs & careers … if you are wanting to “make a difference” and incorporate service into your future, check out job & internship opportunities posted in HuskyJobs; check out this Careers with Social Impact handout … and … if you are wanting to impact change from within the system, and work for the largest employer in the United States [i.e the Federal Government], check out internships & jobs via Making The Difference, USAJOBS and this website relating to college majors & federal careers. Be on the lookout for an emerging campaign @ UW, focused on federal employment, including a new blog!
Since I have your attention, I just wanted to share an opinion. I’m concerned how these 5 particular forces are affecting our country: television; video games; big box retailers; hate groups; meth. To learn more about how meth is affecting the U.S.A, watch the documentary American Meth & movies Spun and The Salton Sea. I believe people should read more, watch less TV & put down the X-Box/Wii and go play outside. Are you not sure how big-box-retailers are impacting small businesses and communities? Watch Independent America: The Two Lane Search For Mom & Pop … and … Independent America: Rising From Ruins. In terms of hate-groups in the U.S., my hope is that education, empathy, activism and time will help curb hateful and divisive initiatives, organizations and beliefs. Time has already shown, and will continue to tell, how these 5 forces truly affect individuals, communities and our nation at large.
If you are the type not wanting to work for the government to influence change, but still want to make an impact and/or shake-up-the-system … I encourage you to explore the lyrics & activism & organizations promoted by several of my favorites: Rage Against The Machine; One Day As A Lion; Tool; System Of A Down; Axis of Justice; U2; Coldplay & Oxfam; Neil Young; Pearl Jam; Jack Johnson; The One Campaign; UW Carlson Leadership & Public Service Center; Tavis Smiley.
Peace out!
