Junior ROTC in High School

People tend to either think of ROTC as an extremely negative, or extremely positive organization. There is seldom a middle ground in this debate. Those who believe it is negative are those who buy into the idea that JROTC brainwashes high schoolers or tries to recruit them for the military. In contrast, those who believe it is positive follow the view that JROTC provides excellent leadership opportunities, dicipline and structure, and a place to help someone grow in a positive way through a merit/demerit system.


When I was in eighth grade, I was scouting out high schools in Houston, Texas. There were private schools that I was assumed to fall into because of my life-long attendance at a private school. However, I was intrigued by the idea of being in ROTC. On my tour of Lamar High School, the public high school I was zoned to, I was with others "like myself" (meaning still wearing our uniforms from our respective middle schools). On the tour, the woman guiding us rushed us passed the ROTC department, simply saying, "This is where they put the kids who aren't going to graduate and are joining the military."

I was livid and so was my mother. Thankfully, my mother spoke up saying, "Actually, we would like to hear a little more about the program." This caused the woman to turn beet red as well as cause everyone to stare at me in my khaki, pleated skirt and my starched, white oxford button-down.

Looking back on those four years, ROTC was the best decision of my life. I joined, rose through the ranks, and never looked back. I was never pressured to join the military and never heard any of my instructors say to anyone, "well your grades aren't that great, why don't you look into the military instead of pushing yourself towards college." College was always a priority. Most importantly, was a sense of family you really got from being in the program. Whether stressing over a competition, or simply having a bad day, the ROTC community was there.

Guns and Gun Control

There has always been controversy about gun control, whether it's being debated in elections, in a private conversation, or anywhere in between. Due to recent college shootings, gun control is being addressed now more than ever. Both sides argue their points, but what it comes down to is that almost anyone over the age of 21 (with some exceptions) can purchase a gun. Some celebrate this, saying that the US Constitution presents our rights as Americans to bear arms. Others panic because of this concept.

Recently, I had a blow out near Richmond. I was really too upset to think about the unfavorable situation I was in. A police car pulled up behind me to see what the problem was. I was visibly shaken, yet he left me there to wait for the tow truck... on the side of the highway... at night... alone. Thanks. What if someone had pulled up to my car and raped me? Abducted me? Anything. If the police are not concerned about a stranded, twenty-year-old female, then I would like to carry a gun please!

Some of us at Sweet Briar College arm ourselves with pepper spray or things of that sort. But what if you want something a little more? Not all of us are from Virginia, and when we go home on break, I know I have to occasionally face a 22 hour car ride by myself back to Texas. I'm not going to lie, it gets a little scary at some gas stations and rest stops at night and it's those moments that I wish I had something "stronger" in the event of an emergency. Well, when I get my Concealed Handgun License, I'm getting a Beretta 3032 (pictured here)
While this handgun is small, I figure that with my temper, anyone who is not physically assaulting me shouldn't be aimed at. (The 3032 becomes inaccurate past a certain distance). It's all you really need. It holds seven rounds in a magazine, and the tip-up barrel lets you load directly into the chamber. It's semi-automatic so after your first shot, you can keep shooting without having to cock it every time. It is practical and simple to use. For more information visit http://products.berettausa.com/

If you are going to get a handgun, or any gun or rifle for that matter, BE RESPONSIBLE! It is true that people can react irresponsibly, DON'T BE THAT PERSON. I am not telling anyone to shoot someone, but rather to be protected. We have the right to bear arms, but do so with discretion.

Guns don't kill people. People kill people.

Blogging? Yes or No on "Socially Awkward"

While opinions vary among Sweet Briar students about blogs, the main consensus is that ultimately, blogs are “un-cool.” One student who chooses to remain anonymous says, “Blogs are for forty-year-old weirdoes who live in their mom’s basement and are too scared to venture into the real social scene.” Another source, Dena Gillespie says that blogs are “greatly overused” continuing on to say she’s not interested in reading things that say, “‘oh, I put on a shirt today!’” which Gillespie feels like many blogs have come to address.

Then why are blogs so popular? Sophomore Adella Robinson believes this popularity can be attributed to people’s desire to be known; “People want to have their voices heard, and sometimes blogging is the only way they can see it done.” However, when asked if she would ever create her own blog, Robinson replied, “Definitely not.”

http://www.blogworldexpo.com/ provides an outline of information on blogging and blog users:
These statistics suggests that blogging is not only nationally and internationally popular, but also that viewing blogs is widely practiced. Maybe Sweet Briar students simply aren’t following a trend, or are they? Facebook, in many regards, is a form of “trendy” blog, as you are able to write notes and have an extensive profile, and how many people at Sweet Briar have a Facebook? Perhaps what matters is what it is called.

As a blogger, by class requirement, not by choice, I have grown to like the thought of publishing my opinions and thoughts. However, the day I start publishing, “I put on a shirt today!” will hopefully be my last.


(image taken from jupiterimages.com)

"I Wish I Was In Dixie!"

Due to my strong sense of pride of my Southern heritage, it was inevitable that the day would come when I would address the Confederacy and the racist sentiment that surrounds the topic. As an example, I'm writing about the Confederate Anthem, "Dixie."

The song "Dixie" was written by Daniel Decatur Emmet and first performed in the 1850's in a Blackface Minstrel Show. While blackface mintrels could be viewed as racist, as they were whites impersonating blacks, some view that it taught whites about the black cuture at this time without the intent of being racist. (Try comparing this idea of performance to those of Carlos Mencia or Dave Chappell in which whites are not just characterized or impersonated). The subject of the melody is that of a Black man wishing to return to the plantation where he was born. As the Civil War progressed, versions of "Dixie" adapted for the wartime, and became the unofficial anthem of the Confederate Army. Fact: "Dixie" was one of President Abraham Lincoln's favorite songs and was played at his enauguration. Can this song truly be considered "racist"?

Capital Punishment and Assisted Suicide

What Makes Them Wrong or Right, Neither or Both

Both topics of discussion are known for their controversy. While both regarding the death of an individual, they are presenting the idea that either death is not wanted (the Death Penalty), or death that is desired (Assisted Suicide). My goal is to present the ideas of both.

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT:
Capital Punishment is either positive or negative depending on the person you ask. Though some might think that capital punishment is exclusively for murderers, in some states there are other reasons for the death penalty. These include treason, harming a child (ages vary from younger than 11 to younger than 14), repeated rape, airplane hijacking, or placing a bomb near a bus stop, to name a few.
(For morer information on capital punishment, check out www.deathpenaltyinfo.org)

ASSISTED SUICIDE:
Similar conclusions can be drawn about assisted suicide, because it too involves someone taking the life of another. This is not to be confused with suicide caused by depression or other mental illnesses, but rather desired as a result of a medical condition. (I am not advocating suicide, but rather showing how from a purely medical perspective, it can be justified).
(For more information on assisted suicide, check out www.balancedpolitics.org)


When comparing the pros and cons of both Capital Punishment and Assisted Suicide, I realize that although they may sound like two different topics, I submit that they are not at all that different; they both deal with one person taking away the life of another. But what DOES make them different, or like I mentioned earlier, wrong or right, neither or both? One can argue that the death penalty is a punishment. But what about those death-row inmates who HAVE realized that what they done was wrong, and accept that they should pay for their actions? If they accept this fact and are willing and asking to die, does this make their execution an "assisted suicide"? This brings up the idea that in some cases, death may not be a punishment, in regards to capital punishment, but rather a release, a suicide. So what's the difference? (I am clearly leaving out the obvious argument that in some cases death for capital punishment is unwanted and death for assisted suicde is wanted). Another argument for assisted suicide is life support. If a person is unresponsive, and their will cannot be heard, is it a punishment or murder to take them off life support? Or is it compassionate, assisted suicide?

Mandatory Minimum Sentencing

In 1986, Congress sanctioned the Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Laws. These laws were created primarily to stop "big time" drug dealers by discouraging them through the mandatory minimums they would face if caught. However, due to these obligations, small time drug users, and those who are not linked to major drug trade were also sentenced with mandatory minimums, regardless of the severity of their crime.

One group, Families Against Mandatory Minimums (http://www.famm.org/), brings up the point that mandatory minimums takes the control away from judges. Not only does it make it impossible for judges to control the sentencing, but judges can also no longer consider the individual or the individual's crime. Regardless, kingpins and small time drug users and dealers are tried in the same manner.

The article provided by FAMM goes on to state that 56% of adults no longer favor mandatory minimums.


As a Sweet Briar student, you may be wondering how this affects you, or why it is important.
Here's why:
In April 2007, in the middle of Hampden-Sydney College's "Greek Week," the DEA and local police department went into H-SC and made arrests. As Sweet Briar students, most of us have close ties with the all-male college members and most of us, knew someone, whether personally or as an aquaintence, that was arrested. I personally new a few, one of which was my boyfriend, pictured above, second from the left. He was federally arrested and found guilty of selling 1.8 grams of marijuana. 1.8 grams. Less than a cigarette. Due to mandatory minimums, he has been in prison since June 13, 2007. His release date is April 25, 2008. Over 10 months due to something that was created to bust big drug dealers. Is this justice? Let me conclude with this: not only was the jury crying when they found him guilty, but so was the judge because he couldn't stop an injustice from happening.