Adventures in Penny Land

It’s not an everyday occurrence, for that we should be thankful. Although it doesn’t lessen the devastation and outrage, we should still be thankful that we live in a country that isn’t jaded by these acts of violence. They are still foreign and unsettled, for that I am thankful. There are pockets of the world where violence is more rampant than peace, death is more common than life, and the terrible nightmare that occurred in Boston is but a waking dream that never ends.

Violence begets violence and peace begets peace. Praying for those affected by violence yesterday, today…but hopefully not tomorrow. Just as the sun will rise, so can peace. 

<3

“Syria is self-destructing,” U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the Council on Foreign Relations on Monday. “After nearly two years, we no longer count days in hours, but in bodies. Another day, another 100, 200, 300 dead.”

We live in a world where Kim Kardashian gets more media coverage than a genocide does. 

Read More here.

<3 Penny

If a student decides to forgo the traditional college route, then that is their choice. Trade and vocational schools with their focused curriculum, lower costs, and assisted job placement are a may be a better alternative for some students. The issue I have is when the GOP, wants to eradicate that choice by integrating trade school with the traditional university curriculum. The GOP wants us to get college degrees… but only if the degrees are useful to corporations and don’t teach students to question social norms. In other words, they want to create a culture of automaton conformist. The burden of choice from self to society…only in this case the “society” is the GOP. Not cool, not cool. 

A well rounded education encourages free thinking, increases critical analysis, and encourages intelligent and healthy debate. More importantly, it generates a culture of vocal citizens who are equipped to question their government. Please be wary of the increase want in replacing trade school  with the traditional university curriculum. Each play an important role, but the GOP wants to create a world in which we are labors without- without a voice, without a choice, without rights.

I am the product of a race that was once prevented from even knowing how to read and write their own name. Preventing access to equal education should be a CRIME. Education is the only way to escape generational poverty and governmental assistance. The GOP has no right to limit the voices of future generations. It’s morally reprehensible. I am also the product of a well rounded education and incredibly diligent and passionate teachers I will not be silent. I will not allow us to take a step back. Please open your eyes and open you mouth. Make your name count for something.

Peace.Love.Acting.

Well, at least I recycle.

Joyce Vincent, a sad reminder of what most of you are willing to forget. That in the end, we are alone. People are consumed, rightfully so, with lives that center around their own world. Sometimes, people fall through the cracks.  When you have been denied a foundation, how could you expect to build a life? Don’t feel bad because when we fall-  we have been smiling, laughing, and present all the while, as not to burden you…how could you have known?