A recent survey conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life indicates that 54% of churchgoers (as defined as people who attend church at least once a week) says that torture is often or sometimes justified. Granted that the way the survey defines churchgoers don't distinguish between devout Christians and cultural Christians. But regardless, this is a startling statistic. This confirms that the bible-belt Republicans are more influenced by the likes of Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld than they are by the words and values of Christ.
I cannot possibly fathom how the use of torture can be justifiable by Christian doctrine. Throughout the New Testament, Christians are told to love our enemies, to pray for them, to bless them, to turn our cheeks when they turn to strike us. When Peter wields a dagger and cuts off the ear of one of the guards who came to arrest Jesus, Jesus rebukes Peter and heals the guard. This is the Jesus I see in the Bible, not the Jesus that the likes of Dick Cheney seem to see.
The likes of al Qaeda and Islamic extremists pose enormous threats to international security. Their tactics are savage and heinous. They should be tried for crimes against humanity. But these reasons do not justify any use of torture. I am extremely saddened that the president of the National Association of Evangelicals declined to comment on this. He should be the first person to oppose the use of torture.
I'm no theologian by any means. I have my faults and sins. I do not wish to judge the people in this statistical sample who advocated the use of torture. But I find it appalling that there are Christians who can somehow reconcile two ideologies that seem polar to each other. To read more, click here.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
At the United Nations
It started at 6am. Had to get out of the house by 6:40 at the latest in order to catch the bus to New York. I was paranoid that I wouldn't wake up on time, but somehow, I did. Got to the bus stop with ten minutes to spare. Most of the interns/volunteers had arrived. The last barely made it, and by 7:15, we were heading for an adventurous day.
A couple of my friends had been interning at an organization called the U.S.-Asia Institute, which was dedicated to bettering the relations between U.S. and Asian countries. For their 30th anniversary, they decided to throw a gala at the United Nations, where foreign representatives, U.S. congressmen, and other dignitaries would come to join in the celebration. Ambassador Richard Holbrooke and former Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao among others were being honored for the contribution to U.S.-Asia causes (unfortunately those two couldn't make it due to pressing needs). The event officially started at 6pm, with guests arriving at 5 for a tour of the UN building. The interns and volunteers would do anything and everything to make sure that the night went as perfectly as it could.
The moment we stepped on New York soil, we were running around. I have no idea how women wear high heels all day. Even before the event started, my feet were starting to hurt. I told one of the interns I was working with, and she gave me a dirty look. I learned my lesson. I shut up and did my job.
I was chosen to help take photos for the event. There were two other professional photographers they hired for press releases and whatnot. I have no idea why they needed me. But they asked, and so I obliged. It sure beat the mindless grunt work the rest of the interns and volunteers had to do during the event (one of the other interns also had it good; she followed the three photographers and made sure we knew who and what to take photos of). The entire night was a blur: lots of running around, snapping photos, trying to stir up conversations (the conversationalist that I am...), trying to make professional connections, and just enjoy my time at the United Nations. I got a free meal out of it, although the portion of filet mignon was a bit tiny.
All in all, I'm thankful that I got the opportunity to go and mingle. It also provided a chance to get to know my friends from class better as well as the other interns and volunteers. During the dinner portion of it, albeit a very short portion of the entire day, I got the chance to talk to some of them and hopefully be able to continue to develop friendships outside of once-in-a-blue-moon opportunities such as this. Networking has never been my forte, but I'm trying to get more and more comfortable in it--not just for professional advancement but also to meet new friends, especially those who share similar interests as me.
I would attach some photos with this entry, but alas, I did not bring my USB cord, and so photos will have to wait until I go back to Washington DC and after I am done with the semester.
A couple of my friends had been interning at an organization called the U.S.-Asia Institute, which was dedicated to bettering the relations between U.S. and Asian countries. For their 30th anniversary, they decided to throw a gala at the United Nations, where foreign representatives, U.S. congressmen, and other dignitaries would come to join in the celebration. Ambassador Richard Holbrooke and former Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao among others were being honored for the contribution to U.S.-Asia causes (unfortunately those two couldn't make it due to pressing needs). The event officially started at 6pm, with guests arriving at 5 for a tour of the UN building. The interns and volunteers would do anything and everything to make sure that the night went as perfectly as it could.
The moment we stepped on New York soil, we were running around. I have no idea how women wear high heels all day. Even before the event started, my feet were starting to hurt. I told one of the interns I was working with, and she gave me a dirty look. I learned my lesson. I shut up and did my job.
I was chosen to help take photos for the event. There were two other professional photographers they hired for press releases and whatnot. I have no idea why they needed me. But they asked, and so I obliged. It sure beat the mindless grunt work the rest of the interns and volunteers had to do during the event (one of the other interns also had it good; she followed the three photographers and made sure we knew who and what to take photos of). The entire night was a blur: lots of running around, snapping photos, trying to stir up conversations (the conversationalist that I am...), trying to make professional connections, and just enjoy my time at the United Nations. I got a free meal out of it, although the portion of filet mignon was a bit tiny.
All in all, I'm thankful that I got the opportunity to go and mingle. It also provided a chance to get to know my friends from class better as well as the other interns and volunteers. During the dinner portion of it, albeit a very short portion of the entire day, I got the chance to talk to some of them and hopefully be able to continue to develop friendships outside of once-in-a-blue-moon opportunities such as this. Networking has never been my forte, but I'm trying to get more and more comfortable in it--not just for professional advancement but also to meet new friends, especially those who share similar interests as me.
I would attach some photos with this entry, but alas, I did not bring my USB cord, and so photos will have to wait until I go back to Washington DC and after I am done with the semester.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
CIA Memos
This past week, Pres. Obama released four CIA memos during the Bush Administration that detailed the use of torture in interrogation. In the news cycle of Pres. Obama cozying up to Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez, a vocal anti-Americanist, the release of CIA memos has seemingly gone under the radar. But as much as I try to give the benefit of the doubt to the new president, I cannot understand how he could have supported to reveal highly sensitive intelligence memos to the public in the midst of war.
I am vehemently opposed to the use of torture in any circumstance. The Geneva Convention is not outdated just because the world is threatened by non-state actors and terrorism fears. Supporters of Pres. Obama's decision to release these memos argue that the CIA tactics should never have been used in the first place and will never be used anymore; hence, the release of these memos expose no real national security threat. However, while I understand these techniques will never be employed, I believe these memos are highly classified information and its release serves no purpose except to mollify Pres. Obama's supporters who've become antsy in the president's lack of willingness to stray too far from the Bush Administration, especially the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was a politically expedient move that throws the CIA under the bus at a time when both wars hinge on the gathering and analyzing of human intellegence. Sure, the Obama administration has not called for prosecution of CIA agents, but nonetheless, idealistic decisions like this hampers the intelligence community from doing its job and protecting the nation's interest while emboldening terrorists abroad.
The honeymoon stage is over for President Obama. His first hundred days are coming to an end, and now he can no longer rely on the anti-Bushism to secure his legitimacy. He alone must own up to foreign policy decision like this and piracy in Somalia as well as domestic issues such as the economic crisis. And from the looks of his decisions of late, behind the charming and eloquent rhetoric of his speeches, he seems to be choosing to do whatever is politically expedient for his political legacy rather than the interest of the American people. The change that he promised during his campaign has not come in any shape or form, and Washington politics is business as usual (although I will praise Secretary of Defense Gates' proposal to completely revamp the military budget to scrap Cold-War era projects and shift military priorities towards emerging challenges in insurgency warfare, etc.). Its time to keep Pres. Obama accountable on his promise of bipartisanship and change.
I am vehemently opposed to the use of torture in any circumstance. The Geneva Convention is not outdated just because the world is threatened by non-state actors and terrorism fears. Supporters of Pres. Obama's decision to release these memos argue that the CIA tactics should never have been used in the first place and will never be used anymore; hence, the release of these memos expose no real national security threat. However, while I understand these techniques will never be employed, I believe these memos are highly classified information and its release serves no purpose except to mollify Pres. Obama's supporters who've become antsy in the president's lack of willingness to stray too far from the Bush Administration, especially the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was a politically expedient move that throws the CIA under the bus at a time when both wars hinge on the gathering and analyzing of human intellegence. Sure, the Obama administration has not called for prosecution of CIA agents, but nonetheless, idealistic decisions like this hampers the intelligence community from doing its job and protecting the nation's interest while emboldening terrorists abroad.
The honeymoon stage is over for President Obama. His first hundred days are coming to an end, and now he can no longer rely on the anti-Bushism to secure his legitimacy. He alone must own up to foreign policy decision like this and piracy in Somalia as well as domestic issues such as the economic crisis. And from the looks of his decisions of late, behind the charming and eloquent rhetoric of his speeches, he seems to be choosing to do whatever is politically expedient for his political legacy rather than the interest of the American people. The change that he promised during his campaign has not come in any shape or form, and Washington politics is business as usual (although I will praise Secretary of Defense Gates' proposal to completely revamp the military budget to scrap Cold-War era projects and shift military priorities towards emerging challenges in insurgency warfare, etc.). Its time to keep Pres. Obama accountable on his promise of bipartisanship and change.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
The Great Love of Christ
"Jesus loves us so much that He would rather go to hell for you than heaven without you."
Entering this semester, I had high hopes for God to do amazing things in my life. I wanted Him to teach me new things, to open my eyes to more of His vision for me, to lead me on new and exhilarating adventures, and the whole nine yards. What I didn't expect was to enter a dry spell. But that's exactly what happened. I'd go days without spending time with God. I'd go to church for the obligatory expectations of a good Christian. I'd attend small group to just hang out with people I'm still in the process of getting to know. The passion, the zeal, and the heart were simply not there. School has been overwhelming this semester. The demands of graduate studies kept me occupied with the need to always be reading about nuclear weapons, terrorism, insurgencies, statistical analysis, etc. And in the midst of all that, the desire for God waned and waned.
In the days leading up to Good Friday, I sat on my bed, popped open my study bible, eager to reconnect with God once again. It had been awhile, and somehow I had managed the time to get away from my books to focus on God. I read all four Gospel accounts of the final days of Christ, leading up to the time Jesus prays in the garden of Gethsemane. The words of Christ to Peter, John, and Andrew took on new meaning for me that night. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." As I began praying, I began falling asleep. Two hours later, I woke up and realized that I had fallen asleep while praying and reflecting. This was the condition of my heart. I was weak. I was weary.
During Good Friday service, the pastor preached on this very account, Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. Without going into depth, the one thing that he said that has stayed with me is this: Jesus loved us so much that he would rather go to hell for you than heaven without you. Bearing the entire wrath of God, He took the shame of the world and became sin for us. I don't know why but after that night, it felt like a weight was taken off my shoulder, and I could worship God freely again.
It's only been two days since, but I have regained the hope and expectancy I entered the year with. I know I'll falter and fail, but I also know that I have a great God who will pick me back up and push me forward again and again. Praise God for His great love.
Entering this semester, I had high hopes for God to do amazing things in my life. I wanted Him to teach me new things, to open my eyes to more of His vision for me, to lead me on new and exhilarating adventures, and the whole nine yards. What I didn't expect was to enter a dry spell. But that's exactly what happened. I'd go days without spending time with God. I'd go to church for the obligatory expectations of a good Christian. I'd attend small group to just hang out with people I'm still in the process of getting to know. The passion, the zeal, and the heart were simply not there. School has been overwhelming this semester. The demands of graduate studies kept me occupied with the need to always be reading about nuclear weapons, terrorism, insurgencies, statistical analysis, etc. And in the midst of all that, the desire for God waned and waned.
In the days leading up to Good Friday, I sat on my bed, popped open my study bible, eager to reconnect with God once again. It had been awhile, and somehow I had managed the time to get away from my books to focus on God. I read all four Gospel accounts of the final days of Christ, leading up to the time Jesus prays in the garden of Gethsemane. The words of Christ to Peter, John, and Andrew took on new meaning for me that night. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." As I began praying, I began falling asleep. Two hours later, I woke up and realized that I had fallen asleep while praying and reflecting. This was the condition of my heart. I was weak. I was weary.
During Good Friday service, the pastor preached on this very account, Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. Without going into depth, the one thing that he said that has stayed with me is this: Jesus loved us so much that he would rather go to hell for you than heaven without you. Bearing the entire wrath of God, He took the shame of the world and became sin for us. I don't know why but after that night, it felt like a weight was taken off my shoulder, and I could worship God freely again.
It's only been two days since, but I have regained the hope and expectancy I entered the year with. I know I'll falter and fail, but I also know that I have a great God who will pick me back up and push me forward again and again. Praise God for His great love.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
White House Liaison to Hollywood?
If you haven't heard by now, Kal Penn, the actor who most notably played Kumar in the Harold and Kumar movies, is now on the government payroll as the White House Liaison to Hollywood. His official title in the Obama administration is "Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison" and will be responsible for outreach efforts to Hollywood, arts group, and the Asian-American Pacific Islander groups. Does anyone else think that this is a waste of taxpayer money? And even if there were even a remote need for a position like this, the Obama administration could not find another more qualified person for the job?
For starters, I don't see why Hollywood needs any additional representation in society and politics. Actors, directors, producers, and other players in the business have ties to enormously strong political lobbies, most of which are on the liberal spectrum. What more outreach is needed to this already hugely influential bloc of society? Then there's the question of the Asian-American Pacific Islander matter. How is it that a person who is responsible for outreach to arts groups also responsible for outreach to an ethnic group? I don't understand how the arts and Asian-Americans are related in any fashion.
For all I know, this may prove to be a great move by the Obama administration and Penn can do influential things during his tenure in the White House. But I have my huge doubts that this is yet another example of the Obama administration's growth of bureaucracy in the federal government and wasteful spending. Even if there were some good things to come out of this (I can't imagine what that may be...), I don't think the benefits outweigh the costs, especially when Pres. Obama is tackling a bajillion number of issues already.
But enough ranting about useless political banter. Baseball season is upon us, and school is three weeks away from being over. Let the good times roll.
For starters, I don't see why Hollywood needs any additional representation in society and politics. Actors, directors, producers, and other players in the business have ties to enormously strong political lobbies, most of which are on the liberal spectrum. What more outreach is needed to this already hugely influential bloc of society? Then there's the question of the Asian-American Pacific Islander matter. How is it that a person who is responsible for outreach to arts groups also responsible for outreach to an ethnic group? I don't understand how the arts and Asian-Americans are related in any fashion.
For all I know, this may prove to be a great move by the Obama administration and Penn can do influential things during his tenure in the White House. But I have my huge doubts that this is yet another example of the Obama administration's growth of bureaucracy in the federal government and wasteful spending. Even if there were some good things to come out of this (I can't imagine what that may be...), I don't think the benefits outweigh the costs, especially when Pres. Obama is tackling a bajillion number of issues already.
But enough ranting about useless political banter. Baseball season is upon us, and school is three weeks away from being over. Let the good times roll.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Michigan
It seems there isn't much to be elated about in Michigan. The economy is seriously tanking with unemployment easily exceeding 10%. The Big 3 auto companies continue to be in dire situations as the global recession continues to affect car sales. Then there's the politics in the state, stained by decades of corrupt and scandal-ridden public officials--most notably, Kwame Kilpatrick. How Governor Granholm served on the board of economic advisers to Pres. Obama during his campaign was beyond me given that under her helm the economy has soured all the more.
With all those woes adding to the burden of all Michiganders comes the hardship of Michigan sports. Let's not even talk about the Detroit Lions with their winless season and decades of futility. The Detroit Tigers had one magical fluke season a few years ago after decades of mediocrity. Now they find themselves near the bottom of their weak division trying to attempt another improbable season. The Detroit Pistons, I will admit, had a good run in this decade, with smart cost-cutting moves and emphasis on team play. However, that run is on its last legs, and unless Joe Dumars is a magician of sorts, it would seem the Pistons would need to undergo a painful season of rebuilding. Detroit natives will argue that the Detroit Red Wings are the premier team in the NHL, but I would counter by saying that hockey has always had a limited national audience and it is close to be irrelevant outside the northern states.
College sports have not treated Michigan that well these days either. My alma mater, the University of Michigan, won its last national championship in college football in 1997. The last decade has been marked with high expectations and disappointing results in major bowl games under Lloyd Carr. The jury is out on the Rich Rod era (although I do have high hopes as he begins to get the type of players who'll buy into his offense), but last season, U-M suffered through its ugliest season in its storied program. U-M's basketball program deteriorated since the Fab Five era, suffering under the mediocrity of Tommy Amaker. However, there is hope with the Jon Beilein era, with the Wolverines getting their first invitation to the NCAA tournament since 1998 this year and even beat Clemson in the first round before bowing out to Oklahoma. Hope does exist. I believe. Then there's Michigan State. Their football program has always been inferior to U-M's, and despite their relative success last year, it is laughable to think their program can vault into the upper echelon of college football programs. The only thing Michigan State has going for them is its basketball program under Tom Izzo. Its last national championship in 2000 under Izzo and Mauteen Cleeves.
So with all this being said, it was funny to hear people talk about Michigan State's destiny to win another national championship at Ford Field last night against North Carolina. They had to win it as a source of encouragement for all of Michigan, to have something that Michiganders could have pride in. But to the entire state's dismay, the heavily-favored Tar Heels put a licking on the Spartans. I particularly enjoyed, I will not lie. I have no real Michigan loyalties (aside from my alma mater). In fact, I loathe all Michigan sports except for the Wolverines...but especially Michigan State. I couldn't understand how U-M alums and fans were supporting MSU. That's like sleeping with the enemy (figuratively). Besides, I've been a Carolina fan all my life. But watching the game reinforced the fact that it must really suck to be a Michigander these days. I am sorry for all you Michiganders. Hopefully, sometime in the future, things will pick up for you once again.
With all those woes adding to the burden of all Michiganders comes the hardship of Michigan sports. Let's not even talk about the Detroit Lions with their winless season and decades of futility. The Detroit Tigers had one magical fluke season a few years ago after decades of mediocrity. Now they find themselves near the bottom of their weak division trying to attempt another improbable season. The Detroit Pistons, I will admit, had a good run in this decade, with smart cost-cutting moves and emphasis on team play. However, that run is on its last legs, and unless Joe Dumars is a magician of sorts, it would seem the Pistons would need to undergo a painful season of rebuilding. Detroit natives will argue that the Detroit Red Wings are the premier team in the NHL, but I would counter by saying that hockey has always had a limited national audience and it is close to be irrelevant outside the northern states.
College sports have not treated Michigan that well these days either. My alma mater, the University of Michigan, won its last national championship in college football in 1997. The last decade has been marked with high expectations and disappointing results in major bowl games under Lloyd Carr. The jury is out on the Rich Rod era (although I do have high hopes as he begins to get the type of players who'll buy into his offense), but last season, U-M suffered through its ugliest season in its storied program. U-M's basketball program deteriorated since the Fab Five era, suffering under the mediocrity of Tommy Amaker. However, there is hope with the Jon Beilein era, with the Wolverines getting their first invitation to the NCAA tournament since 1998 this year and even beat Clemson in the first round before bowing out to Oklahoma. Hope does exist. I believe. Then there's Michigan State. Their football program has always been inferior to U-M's, and despite their relative success last year, it is laughable to think their program can vault into the upper echelon of college football programs. The only thing Michigan State has going for them is its basketball program under Tom Izzo. Its last national championship in 2000 under Izzo and Mauteen Cleeves.
So with all this being said, it was funny to hear people talk about Michigan State's destiny to win another national championship at Ford Field last night against North Carolina. They had to win it as a source of encouragement for all of Michigan, to have something that Michiganders could have pride in. But to the entire state's dismay, the heavily-favored Tar Heels put a licking on the Spartans. I particularly enjoyed, I will not lie. I have no real Michigan loyalties (aside from my alma mater). In fact, I loathe all Michigan sports except for the Wolverines...but especially Michigan State. I couldn't understand how U-M alums and fans were supporting MSU. That's like sleeping with the enemy (figuratively). Besides, I've been a Carolina fan all my life. But watching the game reinforced the fact that it must really suck to be a Michigander these days. I am sorry for all you Michiganders. Hopefully, sometime in the future, things will pick up for you once again.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Trafficking of Children
It's hard to imagine what it would feel like as a parent to have my child abducted. It's harder to imagine what it would feel like to know he/she would be sold to a trafficker.
I came across this article in the New York Times as I was doing some research for a paper that I'm writing for a class. There are simply no words that can express the sorrow and anger I feel.
We're taught, especially in higher institutions of learning, that humans are intrinsically good and that evil exists because of corruption in society. But I don't buy it. How can one justify the essence of humanity's goodness when millions of people are involved in the trafficking of kids?
And what is more saddening is that there are not nearly enough people who care about this. Too busy worrying over the 401k and job security in this economic crisis. Are we that self-absorbed that we tolerate selling of children into brothels, into warfare, and into other abhorrent places?
Sadly, I think we are.
I came across this article in the New York Times as I was doing some research for a paper that I'm writing for a class. There are simply no words that can express the sorrow and anger I feel.
We're taught, especially in higher institutions of learning, that humans are intrinsically good and that evil exists because of corruption in society. But I don't buy it. How can one justify the essence of humanity's goodness when millions of people are involved in the trafficking of kids?
And what is more saddening is that there are not nearly enough people who care about this. Too busy worrying over the 401k and job security in this economic crisis. Are we that self-absorbed that we tolerate selling of children into brothels, into warfare, and into other abhorrent places?
Sadly, I think we are.
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