Ashley Smith

Three Friday’s ago, a man that was on trial for rape and related charges managed to overpower an officer, steal their gun, and kill four people while escaping an Atlanta Courthouse during his court hearing. The man, Brian Nichols, eventually found himself at the home of one, Ashley Smith.

Smith, a 26-year-old widow who was taken hostage by Nichols, calmly spoke to him and even read passages from the book “A Purpose Driven Life” to him. While taken hostage, Smith worked to gain Nichols' trust and looked for her chance to either escape or call 911. When the opportunity apprised itself, she escaped and immediately called the cops. Nichols was brought to justice shortly thereafter, and Ashley Smith has been touted as a hero ever-since.

So, I’d like to continue this blog by stating what should be obvious to the entire world:

ASHLEY SMITH IS NOT A HERO!!!

I can’t explain in mere words how frustrating it has been for me to watch this lady be glorified for doing what anyone would have done in her situation. In fact, she only did what dozens and dozens of people in this country do when in her situation: she tried to save her butt by any means necessary, and then called 911.

I guess I’m not upset with her, but rather with the media. This incident should not have been covered as extensively as it was. It was not a “shut down every news station and report on this for 36 straight hours” kind of occurrence, even though that’s what happened. As I flipped through MSNBC, CNN, FOX News, etc., this was the only thing on all day despite the fact that Congress was passing incredibly important Bills, new atrocities were being reported with respect to Prison Abuse in Iraq, and many other very important events were taking place domestically and internationally.

Next thing I know, this so-called hero is appearing on all of those news stations, in magazines, and even got the cover story of People Magazine. Then to top it off, the State of Georgia and City of Atlanta awarded her over $70,000 for bringing in a criminal.

Now hold up!!!

It’s not like she wrestled Brian Nichols down to the ground, took his gun, and dragged him to the nearest police station. She tried not to piss him off, got in a car, and called 911. Isn’t that what all of us are taught to do when there’s trouble; call 911? 3-year-olds know to do that.

And yes, maybe it was a good idea to read a book to the guy, but trust me, that’s not why he didn’t kill her. By her own admission, Brian Nichols had no intentions of hurting or killing anyone else. And I quote:

“He said, "I don't want to hurt you. I don't want to hurt anybody else, so
please don't do anything that's going to hurt you." He said, "You know, somebody
could have heard your scream already. And if they did, the police are on the
way. And I'm going to have to hold you hostage. And I'm going to have to kill
you and probably myself and lots of other people. And I don't want that."
And I said, "OK. I will do what you say."

There it is, from the horse’s mouth!

So I wish the media would quit trying to imply that it was her brilliance that kept him from continuing his rampage. His murdering spree was over before he entered her dwelling.

I honestly think we need to assess how we classify or label our heroes these days. It seems like it’s too easy to be a hero, garner all the acclaim, get all the praise and credit (even monetary awards and book offers which bring in more money; cuz trust me, her book will be appearing at a Walmart near you soon-if not a made for TV movie), but do little more (and sometimes no more) than what the average man has already done or would do in a similar situation.

And I really hate to do this, but this is an all-too familiar sight in this nation, so I must. That’s right; I’m pulling the proverbial “race-card,”

It is absolutely not lost on me that here we are once again glorifying a Blonde-Haired White woman who has saved the nation from a vicious predator who just happened to be a Black man. Not that this man wasn’t vicious, but I honestly wonder had he wound up at the doorstep of a 26 year-old black man or woman who did the same thing that Smith did, would their pocketbook be $70,000 heavier today. Would there be monetary awards if the perpertrator was a White man and the hostage a Black woman???

This situation isn’t unlike two years ago when we watched the nation virtually laud Jessica Lynch (also White and Blonde-Haired) into Sainthood for being RESCUED in Iraq. Certainly she should be praised for her service and courageousness in fighting for this nation, but for some reason I don’t recall being rescued as one of the major virtues of a hero. The real hero in her case was the Iraqi man that pointed out to US troops where she had been taken after being captured. But for some reason we still don’t know who that guy is. I wonder why???

My point is simply this; Ashley Smith’s actions were by no means unique or extraordinary, and certainly not heroic. Murderers/Criminals hold hostages way too often in the USA, but are later captured as a result of 911 calls that their hostages made. So what makes her so special? The next time that we praise someone in the fashion that we have exalted Ashley Smith, they better have at least done something really amazing as to warrant such glowing attention.

Gosh, we have got some serious precedence issues in this country!!!

-Maelstrom

Terri Schiavo

By now you are probably aware of the case surrounding Terri Schiavo. Ms. Schiavo’s heart suddenly stopped causing an imbalance in Potassium levels (probably brought on by bulimia) to halt Oxygen flow to her brain in 1990. Since then, she has been confined to a hospital bed unable to speak or clearly communicate, and unable to eat. She has been surviving in large part due to a feeding tube that is inserted through her belly-button.

Terri is now at the center of a huge political storm that has fiery proponents on both ends with some very polarized viewpoints. Her husband would like to have the feeding tube removed and allow his wife to die (basically starve to death) shortly thereafter. He believes that she is essentially dead now and would like for her to physically pass on as opposed to merely existing. Her family, including her parents, would like to have the feeding tube remain. They believe that it is possible Terri can recover over time if therapy is provided.

Numerous Doctors have declared Terri to be in a persistent vegetative state (which means cannot think, speak or respond to commands and are not aware of their surroundings), incapable of recovery. About a dozen Florida Court decisions have ruled that the parents have no jurisdiction over what happens to her since Terri’s husband is her legal guardian. So last Friday Terri’s time had run out and the feeding tube was removed. But then Congress, led by Tom Delay, passed a bill that would force the replacement of the feeding tube. This bill was signed by President Bush in the wee morning hours Monday. And now we seem poised for much more debating.

I know that this is a very touchy issue, and I do understand both sides of the coin, but there’s a lot more to this than just the notion of “should we leave the feeding tube in.” So here’s my take.

Having watched death materialize right before my eyes numerous times in my life, indeed in my own home, I’d have to say that despite my losses, I never wanted to see those I loved suffer in pain, disease, or in a state in which they were only existing. Although it is unspeakably hard to part with people that you love, it is often equally as hard to watch them suffer (especially if they suffer in vain, not recovering and ultimately dying anyway).

Be that as it may, I would never say what any particular person should do in such a situation. Now that this has become a legal matter though, I’ll speak solely on that basis.

Michael Schiavo is Terri’s husband, therefore her legal guardian. So in the absence of a record of her wishes, he has the right to make the call on the feeding tube. Not Terri’s parents, not Terri’s siblings.

Though I’m not married, I’d imagine that some things are discussed in the midst of that relationship that no one else in the family is privy to (at least I hope so). Therefore things siblings or parents/children discussed may have changed during a husband/wife union. So I know that Terri’s family is saying that Terri always said she wanted to live if placed in this type of situation, and that may be true. However, it is also equally likely that in the midst of her marriage, Terri expressed to her husband that she would never want to live on like this. Who can know? This is why it is my opinion that her husband should be the only voice listened to in this matter. The law also supports as much, which is why the Florida Courts have consistently ruled in Michael Schiavo’s favor.

So now the masses (including the Right Wing of Congress) have weighed in saying this is a life, and we should support the “culture of life” (as stated by our President), sometimes saying that the Courts and Michael Schiavo are playing God, turning this into a religious issue.

Well, all “taking the tube out is playing God” arguments are null and void as far as I’m concerned simply because didn’t we “play God” by putting the tube in? Isn’t it highly likely Terri would no longer be with us if we had not? Also, turning this into a religious issue is silly since dying is sometimes an act of mercy by God (any Bible reading Christian should understand that concept-holla at me Mr. President), and who’s to say that Congress is in line with “the will of God?”

What is really bothersome to me about this is that for some reason Congress is overruling the Florida Court system, and also imposing in a private matter. Since when did this nation become a Government against the people and for the dominant party in Congress? Also, this case is by no means unique. Thousands of people are dealing with this kind of issue all over the country even as you read this. So what makes this case so important that Congress can write and pass a bill on it. Keep in mind that many Congressman will be up for re-election in two years, and they are always careful to vote in a fashion that seems to be favorable to their party and constituents. Make no mistake about it, this is a political "game."

People who support Congress on this matter fail to realize that the government is essentially saying that they have the right rule on private matters. It is likened unto the government forcing a parent to let their 3-year-old child watch television even if the parent doesn’t want them to; the parent can’t say what’s best for their child. I recognize that this analogy is simplified, but it does represent the essence of what Congress is doing in this case. Terri’s legal guardian can’t speak on her behalf (say what’s best for her) even though Terri can’t speak for herself. For some reason, that kind of power of a dunamis (1 of 2 Greek words for “power,” meaning the ability to make something happen, from which we derive the word “dynamite”) nature doesn’t strike me as too Democratic.

Finally, I am thoroughly upset with all these idiots that are calling this a “right to life” issue. You know…like abortion.

I am certainly pro-life, but I’m no fool. This is NOT likened unto abortion. So I just wish all those abortion cronies that have jumped on this case as if it is the same thing would just shut up!
Unfortunately, what the Right Wing of Congress has successfully done is what the Bush Campaign did with the War on Terror. They have meshed together Terri Schiavo and Abortion under the umbrella of “right to life” like Bush mended together The War in Iraq and the War on Terror or “good morals” and “good government,” even though we know the Wars are separate and anyone with two eyes should recognize that good morals (as defined by the Neo-Cons) doesn’t equal good government (read my Post-election blog on November 3rd). Sadly, however, people are eating this “right to life” notion up like a Sumo Wrestler at a Buffet.

I will say, however, it does seem skeptical that Michael Schiavo apparently received over a Million dollars in court settlements in order to pay for his wife’s medical bills and the like, but she hasn’t received therapy since about that same time. It would seem to me that if he truly wanted to see his wife recover, that he would have put at least some of that money towards therapy. Also, he has a girlfriend and children from that relationship as well, so I understand the parents when they say that he should divorce Terri and just move on with his life.

So like I said before, this a very tough situation. And it is still unclear if Terri is indeed in a persistent vegetative state or if therapy would help her at all. If I could make a suggestion to Michael, I’d tell him to have the feeding tube reinserted, and somehow have Terri’s family consent to a 3-5 year trial period where therapy is administered. If there is no significant change, pull the plug. If there is, divorce her and leave her in the care of her family.

But honestly, that all seems totally unnecessary to me. And ultimately the most suffering through all of this won’t come from this nation, Terri’s family, or Michael Schiavo; Terri will suffer the most, and is suffering throughout the midst of this vain debate. For some reason, that fact seems to be lost in all this madness.

-Maelstrom

Consider Further

Too often I think that Americans, in general, recognize or only slightly pay attention to the tragedy and sufferings of people both here and abroad. When we see the poor people in Africa, we say “that’s so sad.” When we walk the streets of Washington DC and see homeless people fighting for a bench to sleep on we think “what a shame.” When we see suffering, it’s like we pity the sufferers for about five seconds and then forget that our pity didn’t end or help their suffering; yet we move on without doing much about it.

This notion is actually the big picture of the point that I was trying to make with my last blog “Wristbands.” It is as though we feel we’ve done someone a great service by buying a $2.97 bracelet, and we’ve got the proof of our benevolence on our wrists for the world to see. So we buy the bracelet, deem ourselves a “good person,” and only remember the purpose of the bracelet for the five seconds after someone asks us “what does that color stand for?”

I mean, why should we care much more than that? We’ve already done our part, right? We bought the $2.84 bracelet, which donated that money to XYZ charity that helps QRS sufferers; we’ve done our part!

Too often we do the minimum (which I suppose is better than nothing) and easily forget the ruthlessness of the tribulations that people go through. Honestly, when was the last time you really thought about the Tsunami (tell the truth!)? When did you last consider the devastation that the Tsunami is? Sure, you may have attended a Tsunami relief banquet that cost you $25 a ticket, or maybe you prayed at your particular place of worship for the victims during the 3 and ½ week period that the media was sensationalizing the tragedy, and you might have even gone on the internet to see if you could match up missing people with their families. But today, it’s back to life as usual. Not another dollar donated, no more prayers uttered. Out of sight, out of mind.

The greatest natural disaster in modern history, over 250,000 dead, not 3 months old, and we’ve already forgotten it. And what we’ve forgotten in 3 months will take “them” 5, maybe 10 years to rebuild. Yet now, during the course of the week, you’re lucky if you hear any of the 24 hour news stations mention the Tsunami.

And I’m not saying that we all need to put our lives on hold to go to Indonesia and help with the relief effort. Neither am I saying that you should donate your life savings to any particular cause. There are indeed limitations to what each individual can do, and certainly boundaries to what each person should do. Everyone has their own bag of problems to deal with and goals to strive towards. So by no means am I condemning anyone for only attending that $25 Tsunami relief banquet. In fact, I applaud such behavior. However, I hope that attending meant more to you than just the opportunity to garner acclaim for being a “good person,” and that you realize the tragedy didn’t stop with the last dance of that night.

I am also saying that if you truly care and remain aware/conscious, whenever you have the opportunity to help out, you will. And helping out will consists of more than joining a fad that has more to do with vanity than the cause it represents, and you will go beyond superficial pity when considering the severity of another’s suffering.

In our capitalistic, self-centered, apathetic society, so many injustices or crimes or tragedies go unnoticed; and even when a tragedy is so big that we can’t ignore it, it’s as though we also take that opportunity to further our personal agendas as opposed to truly helping with the situation. That’s why you get news stations that try to get a reporter so deep into the midst of a tragedy; so they can run a commercial the week later that says “when the meteor hit, WE were there.”

It seems to be the American way: long periods of apathy and ignorance, a brief period of awareness, concern and beneficence (often in order to evince our goodness), and then the cycle starts all over again.

But I know we can be better than that!

-Maelstrom

Wristbands

By now I’m sure that everyone is well aware of the colorful array of wristbands that seemingly everyone is sporting these days. And if you care to know, you might actually find out what the colors represent and what these bracelets stand for. Green for support of our troops, Blue for Mott’s Children’s Hospital, Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness, and the color that got it all started, Yellow LiveStrong bracelets.

Many people wear these wristbands not understanding the thought process from whence they come. For example, the “LiveStrong” bracelets, that were made popular by Tour de France record holder Lance Armstrong, are in large part Armstrong’s statement to denounce God. His bracelets were created in much the same mold as the Titanic; an outright defiance of God, or even the existence of such a higher being. Yeah, unbelievable, right?

Armstrong said that he didn’t beat Cancer because of God or prayer, but that he overcame Cancer by living strong, hard work, and good Doctors. And thus he gave birth to the bracelets. Nice to know, huh? Kinda makes you feel sorry for all those Cancer victims each year though. I guess they didn’t work hard enough. Better yet, maybe they didn’t pray hard enough.

However, by buying a LiveStrong bracelet you do send monetary support to a Cancer charity. And if that’s your goal, then I ain’t mad atcha.

But back to my original point. I recognize that each of these colorful bracelets represents something positive, and that proceeds for purchase of the bracelets often go to charities, but I do have a few fundamental issues with their ubiquitous presence.

Much like a great song that you hear on the radio, once it is in constant rotation, it loses its appeal and luster. Likewise, once people begin purchasing the bracelets without understanding their cause, and their existence becomes omni-present, then they become just another fad.

Think back about 10 years or so, when 4 letters headlined the wrists of half the country, "WWJD." You would see them on the wrists of “good Samaritans” as well as people holding Bacardi Limon in one hand, and a joint in the other (not that drinking Bacardi or smoking weed isn’t something that Jesus would have done-but I personally just don’t picture Jesus “throwin one back” or “blazing one”). The notion of “What Would Jesus Do” was lost in the fad, even though the wristbands were meant to be a constant reminder to the wearer that they should be on good behavior at all times. Once the fad kicked in though, the letters WWJD might as well have stood for “We Want Jelly Donuts.”

And I know the argument can be made that all of this is for a good purpose (certainly I don’t want to diminish the value of 100,000 people buying a $3 bracelet for charity because, well, that’s $300,000), but there are a dozen other ways that you can make a difference for charity that do not include joining a fad. If you really want to help out Mott’s Children’s Hospital, go and volunteer there. If you really want to support Cancer Research, donate a significant amount of money (no specific number) to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Center or the Cancer Center nearest your community.

And maybe I should point out (and not to toot my own horn, but to be real) that I’m not just saying these things, but that I have actually done them. I have spent ample time fundraising for Cancer Research as well as donating my own money. I’ve also spent time volunteering at places like Mott’s Children’s Hospital, which is always a very touching experience.

I guess I just hope that with all the fervor for the spectrum of bracelets, people understand the purpose behind why each bracelet exists. And if they deem that purpose reputable, that they won’t just stop at buying the bracelet, but will let the purpose drive them to do much more for that cause.

-Maelstrom

Colorado

I don't know exactly what's in the water out there, but something is definitely wrong with the State of Colorado. Over the last 10 years there have been multiple major news stories emanating from this relatively low populated State. The Columbine High School tragedy, the Jonbenet Ramsey murder mystery, the Unabomber, Kobe Bryant’s rape case, and the recent silly comments of Colorado University Professor Ward Churchill (who asserted that each individual killed in the 9/11 attacks was personally responsible for the attacks, and compared them to a Nazi War Criminal), to name a few. But the most remarkable thing coming out of the State has to be Colorado University Head Football Coach Gary Barnett. How in the world does he still have a job?

For well over a year now, accusations and lawsuits have been swirling around the Football program at CU; accusations that are heavily ladened with rape and sexual harassment. It began when Katie Knida, the female former field goal kicker, alleged that she had been raped, and often sexually harassed by her male teammates while she was on the squad. Other reports began arising that detailed recruiting weekends which included enticing High School players to come to Colorado by “introducing” them to College Women. Another report exposed the fact that phone calls had been made from the Athletic Department to a nearby strip club, apparently to invite strippers to a recruiting event.

Many more women have since come forward and also alleged rape. And even many former recruits have come out (on the record) and explained how the women at Colorado University “take care of you,” and how it is one of the great things about being a potential Colorado Football player. And just last week, 2 women who worked in the Athletic Department also came out and said that they were also raped by men connected to the Colorado Football Program.

So can someone explain to me again why Barnett still has a job?

By comparison, Washington University’s Head Football Coach Rick Neuheisel was fired for betting on NCAA basketball games in 2003, George O’Leary was fired from Notre Dame’s head football position for falsifying his resume, and Mike Price was fired from the Alabama position for involving himself with a stripper. Indeed the list goes on. And all of these men were fired more-or-less on grounds of moral indecency and school misrepresentation. Barnett is the head of a program that promotes using women as sexual objects, and has multiple sexual assault lawsuits on its hands, but he gets to keep his job?

And I’m tending to believe that at least one of the rape allegations is true, especially given the high volume of charges, the clear lack of supervision at these recruiting weekends, and the comments coming from both Barnett’s lips, as well as many former recruits. And if only one of the allegations is true, then that’s one too many.

I suppose that Colorado University’s President read my mind, or finally got her mind right, when she resigned yesterday morning, because I was certainly going to remark that she should’ve done so long ago. However, the heads should just keep on rolling. I’m yet trying to figure out how the Athletic Director hasn’t been fired, and I’m actually angry that Barnett has not received his pink slip yet. And where in the world is the NCAA? Why don’t they put the Colorado Football program on 2 year probation, suspend their scholarships, and send a genuine message that an atmosphere that objectifies women and uses them as sexual bait is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Collegiate Sports???

I don’t know what’s exactly in the water in Colorado, but someone should inject it with a heavy dose of Justice, and I suggest that the elixir begins distribution in the administrative and athletic offices at Colorado University.

-Maelstrom