Spring Break. The very name brings tears of joy to Academia as a whole. Both teachers and students look forward to it as the midway-point of Spring Semester. It's a time of relaxation, fun, and perhaps some leisurely study if one feels so inclined.
Of course, that is all very theoretical...especially when one is attending a religious school. Roughly a quarter of the student population* left campus for the week to go on one of the various student-organized mission trips. They are an inspiration to us all.
I, on the other hand, spent Spring Break watching my numerous younger siblings. Mission trips vs. babysitting...
In my own defense, I work for free. Perhaps that heightens the moral level of my break slightly.
In the world of politics, things seem to be heating up...again. We're still in the 30-Day Comment Period for the Conscience Protection Clause. (That's the legislation passed under President Bush that allows medical professionals - doctors, nurses, and others - to refuse to perform or counsel abortions based on morals.) After this 30-day period is up at the end of the week, the Obama administration will rescind this rule, forcing healthcare providers to advocate abortion regardless of personal beliefs. The story is available in the Chicago Tribune here.
Our president has also, sadly, angered many people with his comments on the Special Olympics. Fox news reports here, in a light-hearted article featuring tips from a real Special Olympics bowler whose score (and dare I say manners?) far surpasses the president's. I find it ironic that any person from a traditionally oppressed population finds it funny to downplay another group of misunderstood individuals, even in jest. Additionally, I believe that it is grossly inappropriate for the leader of a country to take advantage of some of the most vulnerable citizens of that country in such a manner.
The cause of people with mental disabilities is right up there with the cause of elderly people and the cause of unborn children. It's the Civil Rights movement of our era. These people are seen as worthless and - in many cases - subhuman; much as the African-American people were viewed in the early days of our country. If President Obama wants to show the world that America has truly moved beyond social prejudice, he will embrace the 'slaves' of the modern day.
Unfortunately, I don't see that happening any time soon. All we can do is pray.
God bless,
PHC
*Possible exaggeration. Only possible.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment