I want to bring to attention the need for this to be an issue in the 2008 elections. As a Psychology Major at the University of Iowa, with an expected graduation date for a BS in December 2007, I am very aware of the need for change and informing the public of certain things.
The Statement “Mental Illness is a Chemical Imbalance in the Brain” is only a theory. This is not a proven fact. Research has shown that it is likely to be the cause of mental conditions. However, the potential exists for this to be disproved.
The majority of research that supports this theory is drug studies. Drug studies, which are often funded by the drug companies. These studies show that there is a statistically significant improvement with persons with mental conditions while taking the drugs. “Statistically Significant” means that the chance of the improvement is caused by the drugs is greater than the improvement happening by chance alone.
Modern Technology in Brain Research canNOT analysis neurotransmitter functions in the live human brain. Neurotransmitters, or brain chemicals, are studied in rat brains after death, more than in live rats. Current functional imaging in live human brains only measures Oxygen flow and sugar metabolism, or usage.
These are facts that I feel few people outside of Psychology are aware of. I am going to be working on a research paper, where I will be analyzing studies that have already been done. I hope to have it completed by late 2007. I plan on writing this paper in a manor that persons who have little scientific background can easily understand.
Please feel free to see the following page from the FDA web site:
www.fda.gov/cder/drug/DrugSafety/Drugindex.htm
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
The State of Our Union Sucks
This is not about putting blame on Bush, or Clinton, or the Democrats or Republicans…
I wish someone, other than me, can say:
“Who is to blame is not the issue, but the country is messed up, our foreign relationships are messed up and we need an overhaul!”
I want to see the people in Washington be more concerned about who they are representing than “looking good” in the media. I want to see a politician get real. Really real, like being willing to say something that might not be popular, but is TRUE!
The people who “tell it like it really is” tend to not be popular. I don’t care about whether a person is likeable, as much as can I respect them. Honestly the people I respect the most, I don’t really like personally that much.
Where are the politicians that want to be respected more than liked?
I wish someone, other than me, can say:
“Who is to blame is not the issue, but the country is messed up, our foreign relationships are messed up and we need an overhaul!”
I want to see the people in Washington be more concerned about who they are representing than “looking good” in the media. I want to see a politician get real. Really real, like being willing to say something that might not be popular, but is TRUE!
The people who “tell it like it really is” tend to not be popular. I don’t care about whether a person is likeable, as much as can I respect them. Honestly the people I respect the most, I don’t really like personally that much.
Where are the politicians that want to be respected more than liked?
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Chirstians Should Not Hate Muslims
Look at the following verses:
Genesis 15:20
20: And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
Genesis 25:16-18
16: These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations. 17: And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people. 18: And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren.
There is more to this story. I would suggest reading all of Genesis. It tells me that God did promise His blessing on the decendents of Ishmael...
Genesis 15:20
20: And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
Genesis 25:16-18
16: These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations. 17: And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people. 18: And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren.
There is more to this story. I would suggest reading all of Genesis. It tells me that God did promise His blessing on the decendents of Ishmael...
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
The Grassroots Movement…
I had an interesting find today when I got home from class. I guess that I upset someone with something I said. This person decided that they would point out “the error of my ways”. They appeared to make the assumption that I was in favor of opening the southern boarder for free flow of immigration, just because I talked about history…
What ever this person thinks of me now, or will think of me later is not bothering me today. I hope that they will see more positive things about me as time goes on, but the thing that I find most enjoyable about the whole situation is that this person linked to my blog from theirs…
Publicity is important for a candidate that is not accepting a penny in campaign funds. The news about me and what I am trying to do must be spread by grassroots.
So thank you, I hope you will come to support my routing out corruption campaign in the future, but for now, I am kind of glad I made you mad…
What ever this person thinks of me now, or will think of me later is not bothering me today. I hope that they will see more positive things about me as time goes on, but the thing that I find most enjoyable about the whole situation is that this person linked to my blog from theirs…
Publicity is important for a candidate that is not accepting a penny in campaign funds. The news about me and what I am trying to do must be spread by grassroots.
So thank you, I hope you will come to support my routing out corruption campaign in the future, but for now, I am kind of glad I made you mad…
Friday, January 12, 2007
The History of Immigration in the USA...
The problem with persons immigrating, illegally, to the US, mostly from Mexico, is on the hearts and minds of most Americans today. I myself also see that there are many problems with those who are crossing our southern boarder illegally. The Primary problems that I see happening as a result of this are:
A) Identity Theft by illegal immigrants to obtain employment.
B) Illegal immigrants working for “cash under the table” and not paying taxes
on their income.
C) Their willingness to work for substandard wages bring down the general wage
paid to persons doing the type of work they are doing.
D) Use of health care that many natural born citizens are not able to obtain.
E) Women giving birth to their young here to allow the child to be a citizen.
F) Their lack of using the English language.
G) Spending the money they earn from work in Mexico.
I am sure that others could add to this list. I am only mentioning the ones I tend to hear about the most. I honestly do not know what the best solution to this problem is. I have some general ideas, but want to focus this post on how immigration on the land we call the USA has occurred over the last 300 years. In light of how immigration has happened here might spur some new ideas for finding a solution on the problems of today.
First, I would like us all to take a good look at the way Americans treated the Native People here in America. The first settlers on the east coast as well as our country grew and moved west. The methods that our ancestors used to take possession of this land we call the USA was less than admirable.
Next, look at the history of the state of Texas. Please feel free to see this for yourself at WIKIPEDIA.
Lastly, remember how we treated the masses from Europe. They were not sent back across the Atlantic Ocean. Does the Statue of Liberty and everything it stands for still have meaning for native born Americans?
I am not suggesting that this is not a problem that needs to be addressed. Only wanting to remind us all; our history has been less than the best. We should consider this when dealing with illegal immigration today.
A) Identity Theft by illegal immigrants to obtain employment.
B) Illegal immigrants working for “cash under the table” and not paying taxes
on their income.
C) Their willingness to work for substandard wages bring down the general wage
paid to persons doing the type of work they are doing.
D) Use of health care that many natural born citizens are not able to obtain.
E) Women giving birth to their young here to allow the child to be a citizen.
F) Their lack of using the English language.
G) Spending the money they earn from work in Mexico.
I am sure that others could add to this list. I am only mentioning the ones I tend to hear about the most. I honestly do not know what the best solution to this problem is. I have some general ideas, but want to focus this post on how immigration on the land we call the USA has occurred over the last 300 years. In light of how immigration has happened here might spur some new ideas for finding a solution on the problems of today.
First, I would like us all to take a good look at the way Americans treated the Native People here in America. The first settlers on the east coast as well as our country grew and moved west. The methods that our ancestors used to take possession of this land we call the USA was less than admirable.
Next, look at the history of the state of Texas. Please feel free to see this for yourself at WIKIPEDIA.
Lastly, remember how we treated the masses from Europe. They were not sent back across the Atlantic Ocean. Does the Statue of Liberty and everything it stands for still have meaning for native born Americans?
I am not suggesting that this is not a problem that needs to be addressed. Only wanting to remind us all; our history has been less than the best. We should consider this when dealing with illegal immigration today.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
The Neo-con Pharisees...
Forgive me if I offend anyone with this mix of Politics and Religion. When people use the name of my Lord and Savoir, Jesus Christ in a manner that portrays Him as being someone or something that He has never shown Himself to be in my life, or to be different that what I read about Him in my Bible, I get upset.
This post is about the idea of Neo-conservatism, not meant to be directed at any person within the movement. Differences in Biblical interpretation has taken so much focus off Jesus’ love and divided believers for centuries. I hope that all who read this can put aside these differing views long enough to hear what I have to say.
The first settlers here in America came here to escape religious persecution because their interpretation of biblical scripture was different from the norm in England at the time. Religious laws in England at that time forbid them from practicing their faith in the way that they felt was best for them. As such when the Constitution was written, the First Amendment was put in place.
First Amendment:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The Neo-con movement is in total violation of this Amendment. The idea that we need to bring this county back to the morals and values of our Christian roots is misleading to me. The Christian roots of this country were founded on REBELLION from the Church of England. The movement seems to be putting more and more attempts at creating legislation to force Americans to “act right” in front of our people in Washington. Support for this legislation coming from bringing these issues into the minds of well meaning, strong in their faith, Christian Americans.
I believe in Jesus. I believe He died for me to live a better life on earth and to have a glorious eternity with Him in Heaven. My interpretation of the Bible does not fit into any sect or denomination well. I feel that the current trend in the Neo-con movement is full of hypocrisy. Hypocrisy, that reminds me of the Pharisees in the days of Jesus.
In Matthew 15: 7-9, Jesus said:
7: Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8: This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9: But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Also: Matthew 23:27:
27: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
KJV
I admit that taking the bible out of context is not wise. So I will not quote more than this. I will say that throughout the gospels, more examples could suggest the validity to my point.
I see this Hypocrisy multiply in regards to foreign affairs. On one hand the movement is VERY against Islamic Theocracy in places like Iran, and the fear of Iraq becoming one as well now justifies the US continued involvement there. Yet here at home, it pushed the US to become a Christian Theocracy against the will of the people.
How can someone who has never known Jesus, see how Great He is when those who claim to do His work don’t act anything like He did?
This post is about the idea of Neo-conservatism, not meant to be directed at any person within the movement. Differences in Biblical interpretation has taken so much focus off Jesus’ love and divided believers for centuries. I hope that all who read this can put aside these differing views long enough to hear what I have to say.
The first settlers here in America came here to escape religious persecution because their interpretation of biblical scripture was different from the norm in England at the time. Religious laws in England at that time forbid them from practicing their faith in the way that they felt was best for them. As such when the Constitution was written, the First Amendment was put in place.
First Amendment:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The Neo-con movement is in total violation of this Amendment. The idea that we need to bring this county back to the morals and values of our Christian roots is misleading to me. The Christian roots of this country were founded on REBELLION from the Church of England. The movement seems to be putting more and more attempts at creating legislation to force Americans to “act right” in front of our people in Washington. Support for this legislation coming from bringing these issues into the minds of well meaning, strong in their faith, Christian Americans.
I believe in Jesus. I believe He died for me to live a better life on earth and to have a glorious eternity with Him in Heaven. My interpretation of the Bible does not fit into any sect or denomination well. I feel that the current trend in the Neo-con movement is full of hypocrisy. Hypocrisy, that reminds me of the Pharisees in the days of Jesus.
In Matthew 15: 7-9, Jesus said:
7: Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8: This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9: But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Also: Matthew 23:27:
27: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
KJV
I admit that taking the bible out of context is not wise. So I will not quote more than this. I will say that throughout the gospels, more examples could suggest the validity to my point.
I see this Hypocrisy multiply in regards to foreign affairs. On one hand the movement is VERY against Islamic Theocracy in places like Iran, and the fear of Iraq becoming one as well now justifies the US continued involvement there. Yet here at home, it pushed the US to become a Christian Theocracy against the will of the people.
How can someone who has never known Jesus, see how Great He is when those who claim to do His work don’t act anything like He did?
Thursday, January 4, 2007
My Response to Pelosi
It just occured to me:
IF the impeach Bush and Chaney thing goes though and
IF I do get elected...
I won't be the FIRST woman president...
IF the impeach Bush and Chaney thing goes though and
IF I do get elected...
I won't be the FIRST woman president...
John Edwards Responds to Me
This is what arrived in my lisain08@hotmail.com junk folder today. I used the contact me form on his web page. I said:
Hi John: www.lisastruckingadventure.com
The response:
Dear lisa,
The response to Senator Edwards' announcement last week was incredible.Everywhere we went, high-energy crowds of thousands turned out to hear John talk about building one America, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed -- starting with guaranteeing universal health care, ending poverty in thirty years, creating a new energy economy, and restoring America's moral leadership in the world. Online, more than a hundred thousand people have participated in virtual town halls and watched the New Orleans launch. We're off to a great start.But we need your help to keep the momentum going and get the word out to millions more. This campaign is about all of us, about our dreams for a better country and our commitment to making it happen. The best way to spread the word and build our momentum is for people in your area -- and around the nation -- to hear from you: what does your dream for America look like, and why do you support John Edwards' campaign for change?
Click here to write a letter to the editor of a paper near you -- and share your story about why you personally support our campaign to change America.
Click here to upload your story of support to YouTube.
We have all the tools you'll need to write and submit your letter online -- or to upload your own video to YouTube -- and it only takes a few minutes.Why is sharing your story of support important? Because people in your community and the media in Washington need to know that Americans really care about ending poverty and strengthening the middle class, about universal health care, global warming and restoring our moral authority in the world.The cynics don't believe it. After so many years of watching Washington cater to powerful interests and big corporations, they don't think the American people have the power to fundamentally change our country.But we know better. We heard from thousands of Americans last week about our need to work together to change America.Writing your story of support in a letter to the editor or explaining it in a video on YouTube is the perfect way to tell the world why you're ready to take action to change America. It only takes a few minutes to record a short video or write a short letter to the editor.Please share your story today.
Thank you for taking action.
Mathew Gross
Edwards for President
Just a tidbit of news...
Hi John: www.lisastruckingadventure.com
The response:
Dear lisa,
The response to Senator Edwards' announcement last week was incredible.Everywhere we went, high-energy crowds of thousands turned out to hear John talk about building one America, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed -- starting with guaranteeing universal health care, ending poverty in thirty years, creating a new energy economy, and restoring America's moral leadership in the world. Online, more than a hundred thousand people have participated in virtual town halls and watched the New Orleans launch. We're off to a great start.But we need your help to keep the momentum going and get the word out to millions more. This campaign is about all of us, about our dreams for a better country and our commitment to making it happen. The best way to spread the word and build our momentum is for people in your area -- and around the nation -- to hear from you: what does your dream for America look like, and why do you support John Edwards' campaign for change?
Click here to write a letter to the editor of a paper near you -- and share your story about why you personally support our campaign to change America.
Click here to upload your story of support to YouTube.
We have all the tools you'll need to write and submit your letter online -- or to upload your own video to YouTube -- and it only takes a few minutes.Why is sharing your story of support important? Because people in your community and the media in Washington need to know that Americans really care about ending poverty and strengthening the middle class, about universal health care, global warming and restoring our moral authority in the world.The cynics don't believe it. After so many years of watching Washington cater to powerful interests and big corporations, they don't think the American people have the power to fundamentally change our country.But we know better. We heard from thousands of Americans last week about our need to work together to change America.Writing your story of support in a letter to the editor or explaining it in a video on YouTube is the perfect way to tell the world why you're ready to take action to change America. It only takes a few minutes to record a short video or write a short letter to the editor.Please share your story today.
Thank you for taking action.
Mathew Gross
Edwards for President
Just a tidbit of news...
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Left, Right, Up, Down or In the Middle
I just read a recent post that has got me thinking. Now remeber that I admit to being somewhat of "the new kid on the block" as far as politics goes, so forgive me if this has a "duh" tone to it.
I myself have fallen into the idea that putting views, about politics, religion, or just life in general into "boxes". I alway took pride in trying to think outside the box when it has come to my scientific views, as many of my unfinished, unpublished writings in these areas would suggest. The idea of looking past the most obviouse answers, explainations, or solutions to situations in science is what fuels development. "Imagination is More Important than Knowledge" -- Albert Einstien. (A hero of mine, if you will) So why then do I, and possibly many others, still put other things like politics into boxes.
I admit to "blindly" voting straight Democrat from 18 to 30. Does that make me one of the "loney left"?
Does the fact that have a heartfelt concern for the poverty conditions in Mexico, that drives them to come here, and care deeply for them and their needs, mean I approve of HOW they get here? or that I am soft on the illegal imigration problem?
Does the peace sign tattooed to my hand, and my general anti-war attitude mean that I would not want to stand up to defend the values I hold dear? or not want to fight an honest enemy of the country I love? or not want to support the men and women of the armed forces?
Does the fact that I truely loved a job, at which, I burned aprox 100 gal of Diesel fuel a day mean I don't care about the enviornment? or taking the 40 mile drive to see my mom on a real regular basis mean the same?
Does the fact that I believe Jesus to be my Lord and Savoir, and the Bible to be the true Word of God mean that I will condem you to hell unless you see things as I do? or that I hate persons who choose to dedicate their lives to a person of the same sex?
I guess I need to start looking at ALL things outside the box, not just science...
I myself have fallen into the idea that putting views, about politics, religion, or just life in general into "boxes". I alway took pride in trying to think outside the box when it has come to my scientific views, as many of my unfinished, unpublished writings in these areas would suggest. The idea of looking past the most obviouse answers, explainations, or solutions to situations in science is what fuels development. "Imagination is More Important than Knowledge" -- Albert Einstien. (A hero of mine, if you will) So why then do I, and possibly many others, still put other things like politics into boxes.
I admit to "blindly" voting straight Democrat from 18 to 30. Does that make me one of the "loney left"?
Does the fact that have a heartfelt concern for the poverty conditions in Mexico, that drives them to come here, and care deeply for them and their needs, mean I approve of HOW they get here? or that I am soft on the illegal imigration problem?
Does the peace sign tattooed to my hand, and my general anti-war attitude mean that I would not want to stand up to defend the values I hold dear? or not want to fight an honest enemy of the country I love? or not want to support the men and women of the armed forces?
Does the fact that I truely loved a job, at which, I burned aprox 100 gal of Diesel fuel a day mean I don't care about the enviornment? or taking the 40 mile drive to see my mom on a real regular basis mean the same?
Does the fact that I believe Jesus to be my Lord and Savoir, and the Bible to be the true Word of God mean that I will condem you to hell unless you see things as I do? or that I hate persons who choose to dedicate their lives to a person of the same sex?
I guess I need to start looking at ALL things outside the box, not just science...
Monday, January 1, 2007
Make a Change -- Grassroot Style
Putting all politics aside for the moment...
I do love to write. I always have. I don't know for sure how good at it I am, but love it just the same. When I graduated from High School one of my English teachers told me to not let my spelling and grammer skills stop me from writing. There are experts out there that can help you with that. Your content ability as great. That being said...
I have always wanted to change the world, and make it a better place for everyone who lives here. The longer I live, the more I see that I truely am powerless over people, places, and things. That doesn't mean I can't make a difference. I can "Love My Neighbor as Myself" and look at what I find objectional about me. I CAN change me. Do I make a resolution, and then break it, YES. Looking at how many times I have tried to quit smoking cigarettes, yet still smoke is just one example of that. I just put my best foot forward each day, doing the best I can. Somedays I do better than others, but I don't give up.
I present the following challanges to myself and anyone who wishes to join me in 2007:
Smile at a stranger.
Learn more about something you "hate" or don't understand.
Tell family and friends you love them a little more often.
Do random acts of kindness.
Talk about what is right instead of what is wrong.
Say "I'm sorry" if you make a mistake.
Forgive someone who hurt you.
Build someone up.
Give a compliment when you see someone or something you like.
Please feel free to add to this list.
Lets make the world a better place, grassroot style!
I do love to write. I always have. I don't know for sure how good at it I am, but love it just the same. When I graduated from High School one of my English teachers told me to not let my spelling and grammer skills stop me from writing. There are experts out there that can help you with that. Your content ability as great. That being said...
I have always wanted to change the world, and make it a better place for everyone who lives here. The longer I live, the more I see that I truely am powerless over people, places, and things. That doesn't mean I can't make a difference. I can "Love My Neighbor as Myself" and look at what I find objectional about me. I CAN change me. Do I make a resolution, and then break it, YES. Looking at how many times I have tried to quit smoking cigarettes, yet still smoke is just one example of that. I just put my best foot forward each day, doing the best I can. Somedays I do better than others, but I don't give up.
I present the following challanges to myself and anyone who wishes to join me in 2007:
Smile at a stranger.
Learn more about something you "hate" or don't understand.
Tell family and friends you love them a little more often.
Do random acts of kindness.
Talk about what is right instead of what is wrong.
Say "I'm sorry" if you make a mistake.
Forgive someone who hurt you.
Build someone up.
Give a compliment when you see someone or something you like.
Please feel free to add to this list.
Lets make the world a better place, grassroot style!
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