I Am Me

Friday, January 21

Well, I've actually figured out how to successfully pull off an all-nighter. The secret is to grab a 2-hour nap in the early evening, before 8 or so. I've literally been up all night; it's now almost 5:30. You'd think I'd be up, being productive, contributing to the welfare of my education in some way, right?

Wrong.

The truth is, I've been perusing some very liberal, activist-type websites, and buying stuff online. I tend to soothe my bruised self with shopping, alcohol, or sleep. Since I refuse to drink before a math test, or on a school night for that matter, AND I had too much homework to get extra sleep, I chose shopping...

I found this awesome website that has a bazillion types of buttons! I'm hoping to convince PRISM, the Augustana Gay/Straight Alliance, to contingency SGA so we can buy these in mass quantities. We could sell them for $1 each and make a bundle!

I also found some T-shirts. I couldn't decide on which color, green or red, so I got both. Whichever one doesn't look as good on me, I'll give to my favorite sister.

My sister, Jenny, is the most awesome friend I've ever been lucky to know and have on my side. We got each other's backs, which is quite reassuring, especially when it comes to family matters. But that's a story for another day. If I could, though, I wish I could give her a bunch of money so she could go wherever she wants, do whatever she wants, and change the world. Jenny stands firm in the face of stubborn oppression, and is such a saavy woman. I guess that's the best word to describe her: saavy. She's only 23, but I think she will change the world.

I don't think us young people (ages 18-29) give ourselves enough credit when it comes to the amount of power we wield. Especially in politics. Now, yesterday, (although it feels like it still today, because I've not been to bed) was depressing. Yes, George Walker Bush was inaugurated as President of the United States of America. Yes, this election was a lot "more legal" than the one in 2000.

BUT. Oh yeah. There's a big interjection coming up here.

But: He does not have a mandate. He does not have the support of the entire country behind him. Contrary to the rumor popularized by the media, his evangelical fundamentalist religion is not supported by 80% of the country. (don't ask me where I heard that statistic. I don't remember.) In fact, there's a lot we can do, and more importantly, SHOULD DO, to prevent the next 4 years from destroying the Constitution, depleting our economic & human resources, and eviscerating the hopeful, dynamic spirit of change.

1. Start a grassroots campaign.
2. Speak up, in the face of bigotry & oppression. Stand up to the prevalent Republican presence in your local community.
3. Run for office.
4. Write to everyone. Your senators, representatives, governors, mayors, aldermen/women, the editor of your newspaper, the oppressors themselves (they need to hear that they don't have support of everyone to make their decisions over the general public.)
5. Vote. Don't wait 'til 2008. In 2006, we have some congressional elections. That's very important to preventing the passage of bills and amendments that otherwise might get through if one political party rules more than one branch of government. Not to mention, don't forget to vote in your local elections!
6. Don't be that one bad example every right-winger will point at as the representative of all liberals. Don't be violent, or break the law. Don't be physically hurting others. Fight hate with love. An eye for an eye was never a good idea - the cycle of vengeance will never end.
7. Be honest. Don't tell any person you're ok with something if you're not. It will be that much harder later on to convince that person of your true convictions.
8. Don't just talk the talk. Wearing buttons proclaiming your position is not enough. DO SOMETHING.
9. Sleep. You'll never accomplish much of anything if you never get enough sleep. Coming from someone who's been up all night, I can vouch for the veracity of this statement. It's now almost 6am, and I'm still typing. Sheesh. This goes for the rest of your body too - respect your health needs.
10. Network! It's fun, you bond with people, and learn new things. Not to mention, it's practically guaranteed to pay off in the future!

Alright. Enough's enough! I better get crackin' on my homework or I will have pulled an all-nighter for no reason.

Tell me how you've change society/one person/yourself recently. I need some inspiration.

~Kimmers

Kim 5:24 AM |