Freedom is Not Free

For attention purposes, I'm placing what should be the last paragraph in this post at the beginning.

As much as I know a majority of Americans are against the current war in Iraq, I wonder if there will ever be a memorial dedicate to those who served there. While yes, not nearly as many soldiers have died as in our previous wars, I still feel as if those soldiers deserve a remembrance for their efforts, whenever it's over. And yes, although we entered the war under false pretenses, does that allow Americans to strip soldiers of their patriotism to a cause worth fighting for, and in some instance, their life? The quote at the Korean Memorial states, "Freedom is Not Free." As vague as the word "freedom" is, that statement has never resonated with me as much as it does now. The weekend was beautiful.

Having my brother here for the weekend was so much fun! It was, by far, the best weather I've experienced in D.C. I still have yet to fully recover from all the walking. Finally, I saw the war memorials- the Vietnam Memorial being my favorite. As I was trucking along, Casey was the one complaining his feet ached and wanted to take either the bus or Metro back to the apartment:) Nope, we kept walking.

Saturday night I babysat Addison for the second time, and Casey tagged along too. It ended up being an easy night with the little tyke. I cooked dinner, which felt great to eat a "home-cooked meal." She went to bed fairly early, and before I knew her parents were back. By the way, I absolutely adore them and want their lives one day. They also lent me their car again....yes, I did say again! It's been forever since I posted after the first one, and after the first time I babysat, they were gracious enough to let me take the car after they got home and use it the following day. Honestly, they are the most generous people I've ever met and have made D.C. feel that much more like "home."

So, Casey and I took the car and ventured to Arlington Cemetery Sunday. To be honest, I was terrified because I hadn't driven the car except to the grocery store and back. Luckily, Google map is a lifesaver, and we made it just in time for the changing of the guards without taking any cars out. On a sidenote, Casey thought I drove like I lived in D.C. I'm not sure whether was a compliment or not. But between the Vietnam Memorial and Arlington Cemetery, they were both emotionally draining experiences. As in pictures, the headstones continue on and on. The sacrifice thousands and thousands of soldiers have given for our country should not be taken for granted.

My Apologies!

Arg! I'm frustrated that I don't post on a more regular basis and will change. Since the last time I posted, my parents came out for a short weekend. It was great! I took them to my favorite place in D.C.- Eastern Market. They enjoyed Tunicluff's, a cozy pub, so much that we ate brunch there twice. I was growing to be slightly homesick, so seeing them brought home to me.

Work's been crazy busy. I wish I could elaborate more.

Casey, my brother, flew out Wednesday to spend half his spring break with me. I'm more or less forced to go out and show him the city. I think I need to have visitors more often! There's so much I still have to yet to experience. Today was short since I had class at 1 p.m. We ventured to the Capitol, sculpture garden and an art musuem. After class, we, including the housemates, went to the Supreme Court. I'm spent!

Tonight I'm taking him out for an Ethiopian dinner. All he knows is that we are going to an ethnic restaurant, but I'm sure he'll like it!

Side note: I found out this afternoon that I'm studying in French Polynesia for the 2010 spring semester!! Finally, my desire to study abroad is coming together!

I'm in love

I'm throwing down a cliche...I'm having the time of my life in D.C. Not only have I learned what I wrote about in my column (posted soon), but also that I am still able to find my home on the Metro after an afternoon of Sangria, which I will never partake in that specific happy hour act ever again. But if I can do it, anyone else can as well. (Photo- Pizza in Adams Morgan...an early morning heart attack waiting to happen)

Activities:
I've been a few restaurants in the area and am taking advantage of the ethnic food- a rarity in Iowa. There is a great, swanky "Asian fusion" restaurant in Chinatown, which I suggest to sushi lovers.


Mount Vernon- The local bartender took a couple of my housemates and I to Washington's home. You have to appreciate the hospitality Iowans offer to one another....His little girl was with us too. I've offered to babysit of course! (Photo- posing with GW)

Tip to anyone wanting to live in D.C- You make plans to visit different museums and explore the city, but then you catch up on prior night's sleep and wake up just to enjoy the night over again. The day is wasted. It's a viscious cycle.

Life in Washington, D.C.!

Hello, hello! Throughout the next four months, I'm posting casual updates about my time in Washington, D.C.

I've officially been here for two weeks now. My roommates are from the South--South Carolina and Georgia-- and that's been quite an experience in itself. The lives they lead are different from my Midwestern environment, but I couldn't have asked for better company to begin my experience here! They were extremely welcoming of this sole Midwesterner. They leave this week because they're only here for interim, and over the weekend the semester people will arrive. I believe the majority of them are from the Midwest, so it'll be back to me not being teased for having an accent.

My internship on Capitol Hill is amazing!! I begin work at 9 a.m. and before I know it, it's time to leave at 6 p.m. What internship can be better than that? I'm not sure on how much I can share, but those who know me know my internship. I'm gaining valuable hands-on experience in one of the most professional work environments. I interact with Capitol Hill's politicians...even if it's just to take pictures or tag along.
Erin, a fellow Simpsonian, and I had tickets to the inauguration. I'm not sure how to begin explaining the day. We were located in the Silver section, which was just before the public section, so we were pretty far back. We managed to stand directly behind the Reflection Pool. My camera has a decent, and I managed to take some "close up" pictures. The weather was ridicously cold to be standing in for hours, but attending the inauguration was well worth it. Not only was I emotionally exhausted, but battling the crowds took a toll on Erin and I; we were both ready to get out of the crowd of 2 million and into our warm apartment.

Sites visited thus far: the Washington Monument
Capitol- of course, but still waiting to take the official tour
Pentagon City Mall- Do you blame me?
Musueum of American History- The war exhibits are intense
So far, my favorite activity has been taking the short jaunt to the Eastern Market. The BEST banana bread is sold there, and I will be a regular customer for the duration I live here.

For the first time, more online than print journalists are jailed

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported Thursday that more online journalists are jailed than print journalists.

The New York organization announced its yearly census of 125 jailed journalists− two fewer than last year’s total− around the world. Fifty-six of the journalists consider themselves bloggers, Web-based reporters, or online editors.

China led the group 28 jailed journalists. Twenty-four of China’s journalists worked online. Cuba is second with 21, followed by Myanmar, and Eritrea.

Although the article did not offer the number of American jailed journalists, which occasionally occurs, the findings go to show how influential the internet is affecting media in other countries.

According to CPJ executive director Joel Simon said, "Online journalism has changed the media landscape and the way we communicate with each other.”

With this influence comes the attention from repressive countries. International journalists do not have access to freedom of the press as compared to America’s. The internet has the ability to access millions of people on a daily basis, thus changing countries “public discourse." It's helpful to mention that one of the most common reasons these journalists were jailed is because they acted against national interests.

I attempt to think of American journalists and how our media would be if the threat of censorship and jail were daily reminders, instructing us how to do our jobs. That image is unimaginable. I've grown up and been educated in a nation where freedom of the press is continually being challenged and fought for. Discovering that other journalists are being imprisoned for challenging their nation's interest forces me to step back and appreciate what our country has built in the past 200 years.

Should citizen journalists be considered journalists

Twitter has become a tool for all, including the average Joe.

Ordinary people, or as we like to call them, “citizen journalists,” are posting about the Mumbai attacks, and Americans are following.

What constitutes a citizen journalist? The topic occasionally leads to discussions in my classes, and forces me to ask myself whether there is such a thing as a citizen journalist.

As thankful as I am for the Twitter feeds, cellphone images, and photographs pertaining to the attacks, citizen journalism is a convenient label.

Samuel Freedman, journalism professor and New York Times education columnist, states his opinion in a Poynter Institute post on the matter, "It is journalism according to the ethos of indie rock ‘n’ roll: Do It Yourself. For precisely such reasons, I despair over the movement’s current cachet. However wrapped in idealism, citizen journalism forms part of a larger attempt to degrade, even to disenfranchise journalism as practiced by trained professionals."

What separates a post about the attacks from a post about somebody’s cat that can bark like a dog? By all means, I’m not equaling the events, but there is a line that appears to separate what is considered citizen journalism. Am I against people who post coverage of events? No, not at all. What I don’t agree with is the title they are given. Much like careers in medicine or law, I believe journalism is a profession, and the word “journalist” should be reserved for those whose careers are in the field.

Muslim author questions why media cover Al Qaeda

I wanted to blog about yesterday's New York Times' article on Al Qaeda releasing a video acknowledging America’s President-elect Barack Obama . Never have I been so infuriated by a topic in which a newspaper has covered. Yet, I wasn’t sure of the media angle to pursue. Well, I found it.

Written by Sumbul Ali-Karamal, author of The Muslim Next Door: The Qur’an, the Media and that Veil Thing, her post on Mediachannel.org questions why the media cover Al Qaeda and not other Muslim leaders.

Ali-Karamal writes, “We claim we do not negotiate with terrorists. We claim we are conducting a war on terror. And yet, at least since 9/11, we too often legitimize terrorists.”

Kudos to her! Why do the media feel it necessary to report Qaeda’s thoughts of America? In essence, should I be upset at the New York Time’s article content?

Or should I be more upset by the fact that the media relay Qaeda’s message of hating America? Is it important we know how they feel about us when we already know they hate us?

Ali-Karamal supports her post by citing examples of how the terrorist group receives more coverage than Muslim religious and political leaders. Why is that? Maybe it’s because the media report what they feel attract readers. According to the media, this subject matter is important because that’s what they are reporting. I admit, I was drawn to the article and read it to the end. Had the media not reported it, I would have never known how Qaeda felt about the President-elect.

The Times’ reporters write, “The video by Mr. Zawahri, an Egyptian doctor who has long been Al Qaeda’s second-ranking operative, contains no specific warning of an attack against the United States. But he tells his followers that America ‘continues to be the same as ever, so we must continue to harm it, in order for it to come to its senses.’”

If anything, this article moves me to support the war until Qaeda can no longer exist. I’m not upset they reported this, but I do see the validity in Ali-Karamal’s post. America can do everything to ward off the zealous hatred, but it will never happen. President-elect Obama wants a timeline for America to leave Iraq. Sadly, I predict more coverage will be given to Qaeda and their happiness in us leaving.