OCD - Obama Compulsive Disorder (13)

Last post, I praised the wonderful attributes of the United States. However, some of the most ridiculous things in the world are found, in the words of Reader's Digest, "Only in America". Let me show you part of the writing prompt:

Presidential memorabilia dates back to the days of President George Washington, but Pres. George gots nothing on Barack. He has four times as many products as any other president in U.S. history. The scope of products run the gamut from, “Hot 4 Barack” hot sauce to “iKiss Barack” lip balm. Die hard Obama fans can even buy 43 inch “Obama’s White House Swords” or worse yet Chia Obama’s will be avalible for purchase later this year. The chia pets will be sold in two poses: determined and happy.

How absurd can you get?! Marketing managers jump on anything that the public gets interested in. In outlandish schemes, companies try to exploit people's obsession with celebrities in order to make as much money as possible. I think this craze over Mr. Obama is totally unnecessary. In fact if I were him, I would make it illegal to market presidents.

This frivolity speaks for human society as a whole. Many people either worship public figures to an extreme, or try to make money off those who do. These silly products don't do much good for the President's image either. They certainly don't help him out in his job. Do you consider patriotism to be eating your President in the form of a waffle? Anyway, those are my thoughts on the subject.

From an Immigrant (12)

As an immigrant to the United States, I've been asked if I like it here by various people. (Now I'm being asked by my English teacher, which is why I'm writing this blog.) I have to say that up until recently, I looked down on Americans as being stuckup and shallow. I maintained that I was British and Dutch and that I would never apply for U.S. citizenship.

But I have realized two things: Anywhere you go there will be stuckup and shallow people. The other thing is that I'm already practically an American. Although I don't have the citizenship yet, this country has been my home for 10+ years. I now have an American accent and I have absolutely no idea where all those something-ham and elsewhere-shire towns are in England.

America is called the "melting pot of society," a place where people from all over the world have come and created a unique culture. I have to say that this country was kind to my family when we needed to start a new life. It is truly a land of opportunity - in the urbanized flatlands of the Netherlands, I would have had no skiing, mountain-climbing, or hiking. America also is one of the best places to become a pilot, which is my lifelong dream. Yes, America still rewards those who try their best, and I am truly grateful to live in this country.

Forced to Fight (11)

The draft. A word that strikes fear and inspires 18 year-olds to change their vacation destination from Key West to Canada. Thankfully the U.S. does not draft people into military service unless the country is involved in a serious war. However, there are countries that require one to two years of service from each of their male citizens. Being in the army isn't optional for some folks.

Americans pride themselves on having the most powerful military in the world, made up by elite soldiers. One of the reasons this is so is because the military doesn't force you to join up. Those who really want to fight can go and fight, while those of us who are better at taking care of lawns and working for UPS can stay at home. It's human nature to perform poorly at something you aren't interested in doing. America is a free place because people choose to protect that freedom. It would be a sad day for liberty should the U.S. ever introduce mandatory service.

When will the fun ever end?! (10)

I sacrificed any hopes of vacation by joining the Senior Class Young Men's Chorus and signing up for mission trip. Last home leave was dedicated to a special tour to southern California with the quintet, mission trip is occupying my entire spring break, and the last home leave of the school year was recently canceled. At least the first two are for a worthy cause. Let me recount my experiences from home leave last weekend.

The Big Three rode down with Mr. and Mrs. R to Redlands, where we met up with Chris and our host, Corey. (Danny managed to see as little of us as possible by staying at home) We sang our way through the weekend, hopping between LLBN, churches, markets, and malls. The food was good, the schedule not too hectic, the weather hospitable, and the socializing and male bonding excellent. Every night was a late night, but the trip was positively memorable. We made it back safely, narrowly avoiding two successive collisions while trying to find Jose's "animal fries".

Now it's over, but the fun doesn't end. I still have to watch the DVD of us singing at the Romanian church and we'll be looking for our program airing on LLBN. Canada is now calling the quintet, mission trip is just around the corner - whew! Such are the latest escapades of the Flying Dutchman.

Once Upon a Time . . . (9)

In retrospect, I wouldn’t say it was my best idea. But as they say, It's the thought that counts. When I lived in the mission field, visiting SDA dignitaries would frequent our home, as my dad was the field president. Usually they would stay for a meal, much to my five-year-old delight. One particular morning, a visitor showed to chat with my parents. As it was just before breakfast-time, I decided I would help out by making breakfast for this visitor. Slipping into the kitchen, I proceeded to pour bowls of corn flakes - my favorite food - in preparation for the meal. It turned out that the person didn't stay, and after bidding the visitor goodbye, my family discovered my doings. Sitting on the table were bowls full of nice soggy corn flakes. I had also added the milk. It made a good laugh, and, although I don't remember the event personally, it made a good story as well. And that’s how I attempted to make this world a better place.

Note to Teacher: This is a true story.

Freedom (8)

Freedom is the breath of life. -The Flying Dutchman

In commemoration of February 1st being "National Freedom Day" here are my musings on freedom. Having read accounts of the Holocaust, the era of slavery, and the Dark Ages, I have glimpsed some of the horror that results from freedom being destroyed. Freedom is what keeps both beast and man alive. Most creatures, when deprived of liberty will eventually die. On a spiritual level, freedom is what sustains life as well. Sin, when allowed to continue its fatal course, puts man in bondage and results in death. Only by true freedom in Jesus is eternal life possible.