How do you Honor your Freedom Fighter?

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Our First Amendment of the Constitution grants us the right to say whatever is on our mind, print and distribute without prosecution, worship any God of our choosing, lobby any law, and assemble any group of people with any common interest. But who do you think is defending those freedoms? During this ongoing, bloody conflict, our brave men and women of the Armed Forces have been fighting, struggling, and dying to preserve and protect the very freedoms many of us take for granted. Over 5,700 U.S. service members have perished fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Those who have already made the ultimate sacrifice are still being targeted beyond the grave.

Select groups such as the Westboro Baptist Church have been “exercising” their rights in anger and hatred toward our heroes in arms. These groups of protestors have been picketing outside of military funerals with signs that read “Thank God for Dead Soldiers, “God is Your Enemy,” and “You’re Going to Hell,” led primarily by Rev. Fred Phelps. Do these actions fall under our personal liberties? Unfortunately the answer is yes and the courts have been ruling in favor of the protestors.

I wish I could say these people do not have the right to protest the soldiers, but I do believe in our freedoms. Having said that, I believe it is also my right to consider these people traitors and enemies of the United States. These groups blame the deaths of American Troops on U.S. tolerance for homosexuality and abortion. Apparently to groups like the Westboro Baptist Church a man or woman, differing in sexual orientation isn’t good enough to take a bullet for them in the name of freedom. However; when asked how he felt about the protestors and their message, Specialist Benjamin Kunkel of the 504 Military Police Battalion, currently serving in his first tour in Afghanistan says, “I would like to tell you that you’re welcome for your right to protest the soldiers because we are the ones fighting and dying for those rights.”

Appreciation for Veterans Day

     It is one thing to empathize with the families that have loved ones overseas and many of us offer our prayers and blessings, but in order for us, the American people, to fully appreciate Veteran’s Day, we need to understand the struggles that our fellow Americans in uniform have endured and continue to experience today, in the name of freedom. Nineteen year old, Military Police Specialist, Benjamin Kunkel from Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, of the 372nd MP Company, attached to the 504th MP Battalion is currently fighting in his first tour in Afghanistan. While Kunkel was on his two week leave he had some things to say about the war.

     According to Kunkel, his company’s main missions include training the Afghan Police Force so that they can properly handle themselves and to perform drug raids to capture high ranking drug lords and stop the circulation of opium. Kunkel’s squad’s main duty is Security Force Assistance, (SFA) which requires them to execute convoy security as they escort high ranking officials such as Colonel Sherzad who is the head of the Afghan Police Force. Kunkel is also a part of a Quick Reaction Force Team, who is always ready to assist in any engagement whenever they are needed. This battalion also provides security for IED disposal, (Improvised Explosive Devices) and they perform presence patrols in the streets in order to ease the minds of the locals and to as Kunkel stated, “let them know that we are here to protect them against the Taliban.”

     In regard to the locals and their appreciation for the soldiers, Kunkel said," Most of the locals are very friendly and support what we are doing. On the other hand, some think we are causing more harm than good.” As far as morale is concerned, Kunkel said, “It’s not terrible but, there aren’t many troops who are happy to be here. It’s a lot of stress, constant lethargy, constant danger, and your mind is never at ease.” Afghanistan civilians that are in favor for U.S insolvent invite soldiers into their homes, feed, them, talk to them, and in some cases even give up valuable possessions to show their gratitude.
     As this soldiers tale began to become more difficult to keep a dry for, Kunkel admitted that he has 5 confirmed kills and a few possible others. When asked how he felt about those shots he fired, Kunkel said, “It is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do and I see their faces every night. The worst part about being over here is seeing others get hurt and having to hurt others. I don’t like to do it; However, I must protect those around me and myself… It’s my job.” An excerpt from The Soldier’s Creed reinforces the mentality that America’s armed forces live by to ensure success: “I am an expert and I am a professional. I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat. I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. I am an American Soldier.”
     As far as jobs are concerned, the hardest part about some of our occupations is making it out of bed in the morning and the most danger we face is in our automobiles, but for these soldiers, waking up means another day of dodging bullets, stepping over explosives, and surviving the day only to return to the same task in the morning. Kunkel commented on how “We are putting our lives on the line every day for less pay than people think; and there are sports stars out there getting paid millions to kick a football, but it is not about the money… We are fighting for you.” The majority of soldiers Kunkel has spoken with have agreed that a simple “thank you” is worth more than money. There are too many citizens crying out not only against the war, but the men and women struggling through this bloody conflict. Our soldiers need our support. A simple, yet great way to show our gratitude is by sending care packages. As Kunkel stated, “we can use anything and everything we can get our hands on.”
     It is men and women like Specialist Kunkel that should make every American proud. We need to recognize the selfless actions of our soldiers, who put their lives on hold to ensure that the rest of us are able to sleep soundly at night and enjoy all of the freedoms we all take for granted as they look death and despair in the face and keep pushing forward. If a simple thank you is these heroes request than why aren’t more of us showing our appreciation? I couldn’t be more proud of my best friend, Ben Kunkel and he stated, “I am glad I am in the United States ARMY. I surprise myself everyday discovering what I can do. This war has taught me to accept other people and their ways of life. I am able to work with some great people and am continuing to learn a lot.” Having said all of that Kunkel expressed that, “If there was no more fighting I would be the happiest person in the world. I wish people could solve their problems without violence, but this is my job and we do what we have to do and we do it for you.”

Time for Marijuana Reform? (Journalism Assignment)

Do you think it is time for a change as far as marijuana is concerned? Why or why not? I set out to the middle of Frostburg State University campus to find out how my fellow students felt about the idea of legalization and Proposition 19 that will appear on California ballots.

Louis Mozzano, a junior international business major and homecoming king hopeful from Middletown MD. said "It is already happening." Louis believes that the government is ignorant to believe that they can actually stop or control the underground business. He believes that the government should go with the flow of fully legalizing the substance for recreational use as well as medicinal and reap the benefits as far as taxes are concerned. No one person or group can stop the circulation and because studies are showing its medicinal benefits, it is time to let the people have what they want without the worry of prosecution.

History major/super senior, (5.5 years) Jen Gover from Carrel County said, "It would get out of hand." When asked "How would marijuana get more out of control than alcohol is today?," her response was " Alcohol isn't out of control." My follow-up question for her was "What does it matter if marijuana does get 'out of control' when studies show its medicinal properties?" Jen responded with "It's not dangerous, it will just make people stupid." Before I had time to write down her response in full, Louis Mazzono, who was still standing nearby, interjected with "Not going to provide names but, I know quite a few people who got here on academic scholarships who smoke marijuana daily."

Katherine Neubauer, a business major set to graduate in 2012, from Waldorf, MD. said, "Marijuana should definitely be legalized for recreational use!" Because of America's huge/growing debt. Katie feels that marijuana legalization can help with the increasing national debt issue. Instead of throwing people in jail for buying from drug dealers, why not tax it like alcohol and make a profit, instead of continuing to overcrowd our prisons?

In-school Counseling Graduate student, Ashley Ford, from Severna Park MD believes times are changing and the only way to stay ahead is to change with the times. The public view on the vegetation is changing and the medicinal qualities are becoming clearer. "I saw on the news about an ice cream shop in California where one bite of the dessert is equivalent to four to five puffs of a cannabis cigarette." said Ashley.

"People are getting into too much trouble over something that isn't harmful, violent, or dangerous." These are the words of Randy Ogu, a Freshman biology major from Prince George's County,MD. Ogu didn't have much to say because he was already late for class but, he wanted to add that "Yes, it is time for a change.


http://norml.org/

Tattoo Dreams VS Tattoo Discrimination

     I never really thought of about getting hand tattoo before, until now. I searched 'google image's for palm tattoos out of curiosity... and as the images loaded and as the "Marching Bands of Manhattan ", buffered simultaneously, I knew I wanted a tattoo of something Death Cab For Cutie. A pretty crazy image of a girl with a "LIVE LONG AND PROSPER" tattoo on her hand kinda stuck out. I already mentioned the word crazy in the sentence before, and that's exactly what I was thinking at first, but then I thought that I could maybe see myself getting a tattoo of a Death Cab For Cutie lyric in the same retrospect and am actually considering which one.

     I've been chewing over the tattoo idea for a couple years now but haven't been entirely sure but, do have a couple ideas as to which ones if any. I am probably going to run with this idea (not necessarily on the hand but probably somewhere.) Another strong possibility is the Stairway to Heaven album art (left in yellow outline) on one side or the other of my back and if I have that, then there probably will be no doubt that I will then have some kind of Beatles lyrics to add as well... probably "Let it be." There are a couple others but, I do think if I can figure up an idea for a really unique peace sign design, that will probably launch to the top of the list. Suggestions are welcome.

   Because I still haven't pinpointed which direction I wish to go as far as career goes, this could arguably bring up tattoo acceptance in the work place. I am not a person who likes to hide many things. At times I may even be too open, but that's just me. So with the tattoo idea, I do not want to have to 'hide' any of my potential body art. Tattoos are about self expression and shouldn't be hindered because of job restrictions. There is one particular case involving, Marine Corps and Firefighter veteran, Christopher Piggott, who was fired from Wood County Sheriff’s Office in West Virginia, on April 15th 2010 because of his forearm tattoo (right). The man served two tours in Iraq and faces discrimination after fighting for the very lives he still wishes to protect. Join the facebook groups to show support for this Marine!
 Two more sites containing petition details are included below.

Petition to End Discrimination Against Visible Tattoos in the Workplace
Tattoo Acceptance in the Workplace - Petition Site


Stairway to Heaven LIVE

Here We Go (Glimpse of What's to Come)

Hello, Edward is the name and this new journey is the game.
I plan on making a difference in the world, no matter the scale. It doesn’t take a “BIG” voice to make a difference. These are the words I live by. In addition to my love for controversy, I feel it is my duty to bring attention to those topics that are sometimes over-looked and swept under the rug so to speak. “If you’re not part of the solution your part of the problem” a quote every one of us has heard at one point or another. These are also words that speak to me and making a difference starts with the individual. “Be the change you wish to see in the world” – Gandhi

Hey everybody, anyone... 8- )
I’ve really wanted to start this blog for quite some time but, I have never really jumped into action until a great friend of mine Kate Hostetler helped me pick out a new e-mail address to dedicate to this blog and that was the final push to get these wheels turning. allyouneedised@yahoo.com (her great idea by the way!) We both love The Beatles and that is where the idea came from. I am not a 100% how this blog is going to turn out or which direction I am going to be heading in, but I hope those of you who decide to follow me appreciate whatever bits of ramble I wind up publishing, along with some discussion on current and pressing issues, and recent events that I plan on calling into question.




It’s about discovery. Self discovery…. It’s about figuring out who you are, piece by piece, experience after experience. It’s not about looking; it’s about letting… letting the discoveries make themselves known. Much like Russian government attempting to “order” industrial revolution from the top of the government, instead of Europe for example, whose people pieced together industrialization for themselves. Ordered modernization wouldn’t come easy because of the lag in progression in Russian society back in the time of industrial boom and I use this example to explain that it’s not about pushing to find out who you are, instead you just have to let it happen with open eyes and open arm. Being open-minded is really the only true way towards self discovery. It’s about exposure to new ideals, concepts, and situations. It takes finding those moments that strike a personal chord within for a person to have truly stepped foot on uncharted personal self being. For me, the years in high school before the transition into the college atmosphere were when I would say that I was a fairly closed minded individual. Being a part of the free spirited environment where creativity is promoted has not only helped me progress into the person I am becoming, but has taken the steps for me so to speak as far as figuring out who I am. Even though the many shadowed corners of my personality are still yet to be illuminated, I do know that every strand of my beliefs and theories connects within a knot of peace.

Also I love music, so with every post there will be an added music video of the song I was listening to during the process of my post.

Days Difference - Radio Song
http://www.facebook.com/#!/daysdifference