Counting Our Blessings

This week, the Pakistani government issued letters to all domestic cell phone companies stating that it would start blocking any text messages with "obscene" words. The specific words would be under the discretion of the telecommunication authority, but a list of about 1500 English and Urdu words were additionally listed. Among these banned words (which were mostly sexually explicit terms) were "Jesus Christ", "tampon" and "headlights". Many feel like it must violate some law, but in fact, it is legal under the 1996 act which blocks people from sending data through the telecommunications system that is "false, fabricated or obscene". The law also says that the government has the authority to ban all free speech "in the interest of the glory of Islam".

When I read this story, I felt so grateful to be living in this country. Not only are we well protected from foreign threats, but we have freedom of speech and religion. Our government may be large enough to regulate much of our daily lives, but we the people still have more than enough freedoms to live comfortably.

I feel like this story is published at such an ironic time. In class, we are learning about how our government has limited our liberties in the past and still does to this day. After reading this article, it made me realize that we complain too much. Obviously, our society can improve in so many different ways: socially, economically, morally, etc. On the other hand, we need to be grateful for living in a nation that still values basic human rights such as freedom of speech, religion, the right to a trial and countless others that we as Americans take for granted everyday. It is no surprise that millions upon millions of immigrants have moved into this country throughout its existence to seek refuge from their hostile homelands, my parents included. Even today, we are still the envy of much of the world. And with Thanksgiving right around the corner, I hope that everyone who lives in this country, legally or illegally, will count their blessings.

"Occupy" Protesters Turning Up the Heat

For most of the "Occupy Wall Street" movement, protesters have been abiding by the laws of this country and seeking peaceful demonstrations. Lately, it seems that the tension between the protesters and the police has been getting worse and worse. Police in Seattle have pepper-sprayed an 84-year-old woman as well as a pregnant 19-year-old just this past week. Demonstrators are outraged by the recent use of brute force exhibited by police. Because of this, many are seeking revenge. In fact, protesters in New York have threatened to fight back, stating that they will use rocks, bottles and molotov cocktails to retaliate against aggressive cops. One protester even stated that they will "burn New York City to the ground". This very well may be just an empty threat, but authorities take statements like these seriously.

Even though police are kicking it up a few notches, protesters have held their ground. I may not agree with what they're protesting against, but I admire their willingness to stand up for what they believe in. The media has been bashing these demonstrators left and right simply because they won't go away. It's alarming to see how drastically America has devalued the right to assembly. Throughout the Perilous Times unit, we have been discussing how our government has limited this amendment just about every time there is a military conflict. Unfortunately, this right is looked down upon even in modern times. Ultimately, I feel like it is our job as the new generation to continue using our Constitutional right of free speech, and at the same time, not crucify each other for our discrepancies, which is what the media is best at.

Click here to see the full pepper-spray article.

Winnetka's Affordable Housing Dilemma

Winnetka is known for its lush wildlife, beautiful lakeshore beaches and great schools. More notably, Winnetka is notorious for its lack of diversification between races and monetary classes, with 93% of residents listed as white, a median household income of around $200,000 and median property value of about $1 million. Winnetka (along with other North Shore suburbs) is one of the few neighborhoods in the country who hasn't been hit hard by these down economic times.

Because of this, many residents feel like the village has enough money to build houses that are affordable to less fortunate families. Owner-occupied houses will be built to sustain a family who makes at least $75,000 a year and rented houses will sustain families with an income of at least $45,000. Supporters feel like the "social good" of this plan is far more important than the possibility of a rise in taxes or a lowering of surrounding property values. Opposers are scared of the possibility of rising crime rates and feel like the government should not get involved in providing houses in such a high-end area to those who simply can't afford to live there on their own.

American values are definitely at stake here. Our nation is known for always offering a helping hand to those in need. If a natural disaster occurs halfway across the globe, we are always the first to send aid. When citizens of an oppressed country spark up a civil war, we are always joining the fight or sending weapons/ammunition to help support those trying to overthrow the dictator. At the same time, we are always looking out for our best interests above all else. We rarely join a conflict if there isn't some sort of benefit for us.

That being said, should Winnetka follow through with their plans of making affordable housing out of good will and to promote a sense of community? Or should they look out for their best interests and not put themselves in a position where tax and crime rates could potentially be higher than they are now?