..And the World Walks Out

At a conference on racism held in Geneva, Iran's leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke to a UN gathering of diplomats and called Isreal the "most cruel and repressive racist regime." This brazen attack on a sovereign nation prompted more than 40 diplomats, including diplomats from every European Union nation, to walk out. Isreal has condemned the remarks, but no action will likely be taken for the truculent comments, even though the head of the UN warned Ahmadinejad before he spoke to not say anything offensive in his speech. The outspoken leader, known for denying the Holocaust and claiming Isreal should be wiped off the face of the planet, received a hero's welcome Tuesday when he arrived in the Tehran airport.

While appearing to be open to a better relation with the West, Ahmadinejad has certainly diminished the strained ties between the US and Iran. As Isreal's staunchest ally, the US has no choice but to condemn the remarks made by Iran's leader. With the recent news of the imprisoned Iranian-American journalist convicted of espionage, Iran's actions appear counter-productive to improving our foreign relations. I feel that Iran acted immaturely by taking a "cheap shot" at Isreal in a gathering of nations aimed at improving relations between different races.

Week 13

Melissa Chandler, a Kokomo mom, was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty for binding two four year olds with zip ties and holding them in a closet. Last May, Kokomo police arrested Chandler and three other adults after officers discovered the children who, according to Grant County Judge Jeffrey Todd, would have died within days had they not been found. Chandler's sister, Jennifer Leonard, also received a similar sentence. No motive for such truculent behavior has been revealed.
I cannot comprehend what would propel a mother to torture a child as Chandler did. What further blows my mind is the number of other rational adults that stood idley by while Melissa Chandler deprived her children of food and water for extended amounts of time. The fact that this behavior takes places sickens me, and I am glad Chandler will spend time bound in handcuffs stuck in a jail cell, just like her children spent time bound with zip ties stuck in a closet.

What Would You Do? (Week 11?)

The ABC show "What Would You Do?" recently held an experiment to see how people would react to an openly affectionate homosexual couple in a public venue. The experiment, which was held in a New Jersey sports bar, began during the lunch hour with the couple acting as the other heterosexual couple in the bar was. When an actor began to stir up trouble by remarking on the inappropriateness of their behavior and sexual orientation, some people agreed, but most stood up to the man in favor of the homosexual couple. Later, the homosexual couple began acting overly affectionate during the crowded evening hours. This resulted in many people feeling uncomfortable or making quiet remarks. However, one woman got rather upset and stood up to the actor who was again stirring up trouble.
Since I have many gay friends, coworkers, and family members, I tend to confront anyone who is making derogatory comments about them and their sexual orientation. I honestly don't care who a person is in love with, because it is their business, not anyone else's. However, when it comes to PDA, I don't particularly like it from anyone regardless of their sexual orientation. If I was in the situation featured in this segment, I would not have any problem if they kept the PDA to a minimum; however, if they did act overly affectionate, I would not say or do anything about it, because who am I to say how they should act? Should someone decide to stir up trouble by claiming their actions are inappropriate, I know I would stand up for them and confront the person, because I do it now when someone is saying something derogatory based on race or sexual orientation.