http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/38429
This bill could eventually lead to a situation where telecom companies would charge websites fees in order to give fast access to these websites. This could therefore lead to a massive discrimination among websites, where those who have the money to pay this fee, would be served, and it would destroy the equality we have cherished.

I feel almost powerless, but I have trust in fellow bloggers and the online community to bring this issue to the worlds attention! I encourage you to read about this issue on the following websites, and to post this in your blogs! We need to make sure the public knows about this! Especially internet users and bloggers that benefit from this net equality!

Here are some editorials/articles talking about it

http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/05/08/1352255

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.internet09may09,0,4559120.story

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6332676.html?display=Breaking+News

http://www.indybay.org/news/2006/05/1821761.php

There is some good news:
There are some politicians who have proposed bills that would help protect net neutrality. Congressman Ed Merkley has proposed this:
http://markey.house.gov/index.php?option=com_contenttask=viewid=1515Itemid=138]]> Wed, 10 May 2006 17:21:00 EDT http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/38429 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/38347
I’ve also had the opportunity to do some traveling which has been great. In mid April, I went to Barcelona for one week with my French high school, and I had an excellent time. Barcelona is a beautiful city, and I know I will return there someday. From Gaudi’s architecture, to the Picasso Museum and the Rablas, you can really keep yourself entertained. I stayed in the suburbs of Barcelona with a “host family” (it was actually an 80 year old lady) and she was very interesting. She was a Spanish protestant, originally from the Basque country in Northern Spain. She was certainly for the independence of the Basque region, and she wouldn’t say that she was Spanish. It was interesting seeing her point of view, even though we had problems understanding each other. I spoke a little Spanish, and she spoke a little French, and we did our best. Although, I will admit I was frustrated at time when she was criticizing the United States a lot in Spanish, about the War in Iraq, and our treatment of the Native Americans, and I couldn’t respond at all because I don’t speak enough Spanish.

After I got back from Spain I jumped right into a one week conference at the World Center of Peace in my city. It was called the RYLA and it was hosted by the Rotary. The theme of the conference was Europe and its future. Where will Europe be in 20 years? The first three days different speakers came in to talk about different subjects such as the current structure of Europe, agriculture, the weakness of the European Union, cultural exchanges, protecting minorities, healthcare, sustainable development, foreign aide, and many other interesting subjects. I was impressed by the quality of the speakers.

I also had a great time with the other 40 youth there, from 14 different nations around the world. There were some excellent thinkers, and it was great to here their ideas about the future of Europe. We also had a great time together outside of the conference, and we bonded well together. I was lucky enough to be able to celebrate my 19th birthday with this great group of young people, and they decided to sing happy birthday for me in 8 different languages (English, French, Polish, Hungarian, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese and German!) It was such a powerful moment. And we spent a great night together.

We finished up the conference on a Friday where we presented our ideas of Europe in 2026. It was quite interesting, and it was certainly complicated. But we had the general sentiment of a Europe even more united. And to wrap up the week, we had an excellent talent show where I impersonated President Bush, and a French friend impersonated Jacques Chirac. It was quite funny. The two presidents were seated in a café together talking about relation between the two countries.

After the conference ended, I took a break for a couple days and I caught some much need sleep. Then I took off for Nancy, Metz, and Paris. I had a great time in Nancy and Metz and I had some really stimulating conversations with some very interesting people. I also went to and Indian restaurant for the first time in months. It was so good.
Paris was nice as well, and I was lucky enough to get a guided tour of the George V hotel. I also visited the Orsay Museum, and the Panthéon. It was beautiful on Sunday, so I got the opportunity to walk around a lot as well.

I just got back home today, and I’m already starting another conference at the World Center of Peace in Verdun. I am a translator and a participant in a Peace Class, Classe de la Paix, where 6 Israelis and 5 Palestinians have come together to view what took place in Verdun, and to have conversations about the conflict in their region. I started translating tonight, and I certainly have a lot of work to do this week. This is the first time I have ever translated in a formal situation, but I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it. I am translating French into English. I am lucky to be able to witness this powerful activity, and I more than glad to help out. The class is here in Verdun to show the youth the conflicts and reconciliation between Germany and France. Two countries that went to war with each other 3 times in 75 years, that have become friendly neighbors with the largest economic relationship in Europe. Of course there are different circumstances, but the theme of peace is certainly present. I am very interested to see where this class goes, and I will be sure to post another entry about it!

Take care!


Trévor
]]> Mon, 08 May 2006 18:26:00 EDT http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/38347 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/34440
Vote please! Votez s'il vous plaît!

Maybe .6777 more Canadians will vote after seeing this, and my joyful expression.

Au revoir mes amis! Bon courage!]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2006 16:59:00 EST http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/34440 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/32135
It was also an exciting experience to be able to use two languages!

I am going to talk about this and more in my future entry, but now I gotta catch my plane!

In the future!]]> Sun, 20 Nov 2005 08:29:00 EST http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/32135 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/31172
I saw the dates of birth and death of some of these soldiers, and I was rather struken. Because only the last two numbers of their year of birth were shown, it's not certain which generation they are from, and it resembled the birthdates of my generation. And I realized how much I didn't want to see my generation displayed like this.

But unfortunetly, the war in Iraq continues, and people my age are begining to go overseas.

War is hell. There's no question to it. And the people who decided to take my country into war, will not even be affected by it. It's the poor, and the middle class that are fighting this war.

Perhaps history is too easily forgotten...]]> Thu, 27 Oct 2005 14:53:00 EDT http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/31172 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/31170
The language is going extremely well for me, and I keep learning more each day. I've even had a couple dreams in French!

High school is easy going, and I've made a lot of friends, I'm never bored. Although, I must say that the days are quite long here. Sometimes I get out of school at 6 pm!

I went to Paris for the first time last weekend, and it was awesome. It's such a beautiful and historic city. I ate some Indian food too, haha, but the quality was weak because I chose n'importe quelle restaurant. But nice to have some anyways.

I hope things are going well for everyone, and if you are in Europe, be sure to drop a line, maybe we can meet up!

Take it easy, and indeed, take it global

PS. I've very excited for the WSIS in November!

I'm at the Champs d'Elysees in Paris in the photo!

]]> Thu, 27 Oct 2005 14:26:00 EDT http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/31170 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/28556
I've been on somewhat of a farewell tour lately, and I wrapped it up last week visiting TIG in Toronto. It was great to see everybody, and to help out, I always enjoy myself up there.

I'm not nervous about going to France, I'm just not a big fan of goodbyes, or 5 hours layovers (I have two of them! :( ).

Well, take care everybody, I'll keep you posted!

Take it easy, and take it global!]]> Wed, 24 Aug 2005 03:24:00 EDT http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/28556 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/26207
My friend, Private Stephen Tschiderer, a medic in the National Guard, was shot in the chest by a sniper in Baghdad during a routine patrol. Steve fell to the ground, quickly got up and took cover. He was wearing body armor, and fortunately, the bullet did not pierce it.

Steve alerted his fellow soldiers of the sniper's position in a van nearby. They were able to track the men down. Steve followed the trail of the wounded sniper, and he handcuffed the man. Steve then treated the wounds of the man who shot him. Although this man attempted to take Steve's life just minutes before, Steve was giving him medical aid. It was an extremely honorable, courageous, and heroic act. Steve carried out his role as a medic in difficult circumstances.

The bullet nicked his thumb and hit his heart, but all he received was a bruise. He's already back on duty.

The insurgents involved were taping their actions for training purposes. The army got the tape, and they released the video of Steve getting shot. Steve was shot with a Russian sniper rifle called a Dragonoff. It's meant to pierce body armor, but fortunately, it failed in Steve's situation.

This wasn't the first amazing thing Steve has done. He's also saved the lives of Iraqi children injured in a terrorist attack. Back at home, he is a volunteer firefighter. On the day after he graduated from High School, he missed graduation parties to help the victims of a bus that flipped off a highway exit ramp.

I miss Steve and I hope he comes home safe and sound. He's an incredible dude. I hope his story receives some more press. Everything in the media these day's concentrates on the negative things.



The article, video, and detailed account
]]> Sat, 16 Jul 2005 13:41:00 EDT http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/26207 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/25963
I've been having a good time in Bermuda. Yesterday, I went fishing in the ocean for the first time in my life. It was a lot of fun, I caught a bunch of fish, and my wrist was certainly sore. I even got to eat the fish I caught. Today I went scuba diving for the first time, and that was a blast as well.

Bermuda is a cool island. The arhitexture is very interesting, the beaches are beautiful (pink sand), and it's very relaxing. I'm still intrigued witht the blue and turquoise water, it's stunning. The reefs are beautiful too.

I wish I could have went out and met more of the local people, but the family I am here with already made a lot of other plans. I've got to mingle with the taxi drivers, which has been a good time.

Flashbacks of Malaysia have been going through my head all of the time. The temperature is similiar, similiar plants, creatures, nice clouds, motorbikes, and beautiful beaches.

I'll get some pictures soon!

peace!]]> Sat, 09 Jul 2005 21:42:00 EDT http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/25963 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/25660
Yesterday was the first day of relaxation that I have had in a long time. I just stayed home all day, and read I book I received as a gift a couple months ago. It was great, I loved it. Not only did I enjoy the book "My Ishmael", but I loved the fact that I could read what I wanted to read, what I chose to read, not what the Federal Government wanted me to read.

The University of Rochester is going to be much different than high school. It's a private university that allows students to learn what they love to learn. You are not forced to take specific classes, but rather take clusters of classes in three different areas. You chose what you would like to pursue.

This summer is going to be excellent. Tomorrow I am leaving for an anti-tobacco industry meeting in Albany, NY. Then I'm going to be in Bermuda for a few days. Then I'll be making my way up to Toronto(can't wait!), and Quebec. And in late August I depart for France.

My best wishes to everyone!]]> Tue, 28 Jun 2005 12:36:00 EDT http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/25660 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/24480
The youth of the conference (from more than 25 states) got together and participated in some cool activism, I'll post an article when I find one. We displayed 1,200 pairs of shoes in a busy square to represent the 1,200 Americans who die each day from tobacco related ilnesses, and how we don't want to fill those shoes (like the tobacco industry wants us to)

But I have been having an excellent time here, I've had Indian food twice! The weather has been great, and the city has been beautiful.

Take it easy, and take it global!

Trevor]]> Fri, 06 May 2005 13:49:00 EDT http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/24480 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/24214
Life is good, and a bit crazy. Nine more weeks of high school.

I only have 16 more minutes until I am 18, I better type faster...

I am undecided between the University of Rochester, and Union College, and I will make my final decision by Sunday (when I come back from France).

Spring has energized me, it is truly my favorite season of the year. Just the smell of the outdoors makes me feel great.


Shoot, only 13 more minutes...


I was able to speak some Malay the other day, it was so fun. I met an Indonesian student at a surprise birthday party for my brother.


10 more minutes...


I went out to Indian food tonight with my family and friends to celebrate my birthday (busy tomorrow night). It was soooooo good. My favorite restaurant in the world is so close to me.


8 more minutes...


The weather was not so nice today.

Great, I am already talking about the weather; I am obviously lacking things to talk about.


5 minutes left... I really got to make this good


Well, I won't get too many new rights that I will be able to utilize before I go to France. I won't buy cigarettes, there are not any elections coming up, I just feel older. I don't want to get a credit card, but I guess I can get the death penalty now? What a right!


3 minutes....

Well I wrote a song. I am almost comfortable enough to record it well. I'll post again when it's digital.


2 minutes...


Vive la France!

]]> Sun, 24 Apr 2005 23:55:00 EDT http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/24214 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/23861 Frist Set to Use Religious Stage on Judicial Issue
I came across this article this morning, and I just couldn't believe it. Bill Frist, and some other radical Republicans are putting together this special TV program to show how the Democrats are against people of faith because they are blocking a few of Bush's judicial appointments. Frist is joining with many other religious leaders, and they hope to reach out to over 1 million people.

Fortunately, there are reasonable Republicans like John McCain who recognize how crazy this is.

The Republicans with power have become such hypocrites. Are they forgetting how many of Clintons judicial appointments were blocked? They blocked 40 of Clinton’s appointments without even listening to them.

My other problem is how they claim Democrats are "against people of faith," when in fact many Democrats are people of faith. Are they trying to brainwash people into believing that all Christians should be Republican?

I just think they have gone too far, I'm getting so tired of the Republicans milking the Christians with guilt tactics, and other terribly sly moves.

The Republicans are against having the "religious" come to power in Iraq, and they are against the extremely religious government of Iran. Do the Republicans not realize how close they are bringing religion to the government these days? Even if they did know, I doubt they would care; all they care about is getting the votes. They want your voting decisions to come down to your religion.
]]> Fri, 15 Apr 2005 08:14:00 EDT http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/23861 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/22128
Laughing is healthy! People know this! And quite frankly, John Kerry didn't make an embarrassment out of himself. John didn't get people to laugh! I think that if John had hired Jessica Simpson as his campaign manager, he would have blown Bush away. Jessica knows how to dumb it down.

Just look at the facts. Bush is a star. He is featured on all comedic shows! From SNL, Jay Leno, and The Daily Show and many more, just look at who the main man is. Undoubtedly, it is George W. Bush. He is praised by the comedic world. His appreciation of one-syllable words, mispronunciation of many words, award winning squint, constant blinking, and the smirk on his face when he says big words, define this kung fu master of comedy.

George Bush might just be a comedic actor. He would fit in perfectly at shows like Saturday Night Live. Think about it. He has writers. He reads from a script. He gets his makeup/hair done. He says a bunch of funny, unrealistic things. Like SNL's actors, he only works 6 months of year. His commercials don't contain any truth, they are just meant to please.

Now let's just find an intelligent comedian for the Democrats...

Conan O'Brien for president, 2008!

I think I am a philosopher now, am I?
]]> Fri, 04 Feb 2005 01:19:00 EST http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/22128 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/22125
Laughing is healthy! People know this! And quite frankly, John Kerry didn't make an embarrassment out of himself. John didn't get people to laugh! I think that if John had hired Jessica Simpson as his campaign manager, he would have blown Bush away. Jessica knows how to dumb it down.

Just look at the facts. Bush is a star. He is featured on all comedic shows! From SNL, Jay Leno, and The Daily Show and many more, just look at who the main man is. Undoubtedly, it is George W. Bush. He is praised by the comedic world. His appreciation of one-syllable words, mispronunciation of many words, award winning squint, constant blinking, and the smirk on his face when he says big words, define this kung fu master of comedy.

George Bush might just be a comedic actor. He would fit in perfectly at shows like Saturday Night Live. Think about it. He has writers. He reads from a script. He gets his makeup/hair done. He says a bunch of funny, unrealistic things. Like SNL's actors, he only works 6 months of year. His commercials don't contain any truth, they are just meant to please.

Now let's just find an intelligent comedian for the Democrats...

Conan O'Brien for president, 2008!

I think I am a philosopher now, am I?
]]> Thu, 03 Feb 2005 00:00:00 EST http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/22125 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/21935
Well, I figured out where I will end up next year, and I am extremely excited! I will be a foreign exchange student in France! I will be spending all of next year going to high school in France, and living with two or three families throughout the course of the year. I'll be leaving this summmer. I don't know where in France I will be going yet, I will find out in a few months.

I am so excited to begin my journey. I can't wait to learn another language, and to understand another culture. I anticpate the challenge, and the resulting benefits.

I want to know that awkward feeling when you return home, and still think in a different language. I want to the feeling of being rusty with my native language! It will be so odd!

Most of all, I would like to thank TIG. It's impacted my life in so many ways. I really don't know where I would be. I don't know if I would have considered opportunities like youth exchanges without TIG. The inspiration I have received is pricless. Thank you everyone, every person I have met through the website has impacted me in their own way. You have helped me realize the opportunities that will shape my life.

A year from now, I will probably be posting in French, crazy eh?

Take Care!

Peace
]]> Sun, 23 Jan 2005 00:00:00 EST http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/21935 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/21239
http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/breaking_7.html

North Korea claims that it is the only AID's free country in the world. Supposedly, North Korea deported 27 foreigners with AID's.

Now, I honestly doubt there is NO AID's in North Korea. I mean, the chances are nearly slim to none. They don't screen everyone entering the country (borders), so I would find it nearly impossible to make such a statement.

I guess it's kind of like Cuba during the horrible hurricane season of 2004. No Cubans died! The government forced people into trucks with guns, and evacuated the dangerous areas. Interesting eh?

I guess if you live in a small communist nation, you won't get AID's, and you won't die in hurricane. But do you think it's really worth it?

-Trevor]]> Wed, 22 Dec 2004 00:36:00 EST http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/21239 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/21135
They had a little celebration for me, gave me a gift, and had some cake. It was very nice of them. It was so hard to realize that over 2 years had gone by, 29 months. Time does fly. As I told them in my final address, "Years pass like seconds, and seconds pass like years." The board I served on always listened, and always respected my opinion, no matter how long my hair or sideburns were, and no matter how scruffy my beard was. I will enjoy having some more free time, but I actually will miss going. It's almost become a part of me.

I gained a lot of experience, especially when it comes to public speaking. And I learned more a lot of information about my school district, and how a school district operates. I gained a lot of administrative experience as well.

If I hadn't been the Student Representative on the Board, I probably would not have found out about TakingITGlobal. It sounds a little odd, but it is true. As the student rep, I introduced Mike when he came to speak the faculty of my school district about technology. I learned about Mike before introducing him, and on the night of March 12 2003, I discovered TakingITGlobal. I think it was around 1 am, so I didn't have much time to check it out, but I was definitely interested. And when I saw Mike's presentation, I was amazed. And I have been impacted in so many ways since then. It is crazy how things work out.

But anyways, I'll have some free time on Tuesday nights now.

Au revior

-Trevor
]]> Wed, 15 Dec 2004 17:41:00 EST http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/21135 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/20673
But then I grew up. And I grew to like sesame chicken. Somehow I came to trust the men who made it. How did that happen?

Sometimes, I wonder if there are certain part of us that should remain childish. After eating sesame chicken today, I still cannot tell what part of the chicken it comes from.

The young are free, and the old are restrained.

Lapse with me.]]> Thu, 18 Nov 2004 23:28:00 EST http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/20673 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/20495
If "healing" is accepting the fact that our country has made a grave error from which it will learn from, than indeed we are "healing."

I have had to suffer this reality just as many people have. I can remember an anecdote back from the sixth grade that applies to this situation. I made a mistake and completed a homework assignment in regular print, instead of cursive because I didn't enjoy cursive. Since I should have known better, I did not receive credit for the assignment. My teacher told me that it I should get it right the first time and he said, "It hurts to learn like that doesn't it?" I will never forget that story. It is a lot easier to make the right decision initially.

I believe America has made the wrong choice, and that the people of America will learn from their mistake through the consequences that could result from the choice. It is indeed, sad. I thought we had learned our mistake. I honestly did (well, considering he didn't win the first time, I could be incorrect)

I was worried all election night that he was going to win. And indeed he did. It has taken me a long time to get my thoughts together to formulate a post, or even a comment. Kerry's concession speech touched my heart, an amazing speech, but an extremely sad speech. All I could think was, "How in the world was this man not elected?" A tear actually broke through the reality I didn't want to accept. I finally realized what we face.

This Nation's Liberals Suffering from Outrage Fatigue shall continue for four more years... http://www.theonion.com/election2004/news_4027.php

The only good thing I can predict is another 4 years of amazing Saturday Night Live’s, Daily Show's and Late Night With Conan O'Brien's.

President Bush "promised" to work with Democrats in his acceptance speech. He made the same promises in 2000, in a very similar acceptance speech. This nation was united through disaster and courage, and divided because of war mongering and pointless polarizing acts. I (rationally) don't expect any change. If he does change, I shall work with him. I sincerely hope he does, for it would be to the benefit of the country.

I shall leave you with quotes from Bush's acceptance speeches.

Here are quotes from Bush’s first acceptance speech, December 13th, 2000. These are his promises.

"This evening I received a gracious call from the vice president. We agreed to meet early next week in Washington and we agreed to do our best to heal our country after this hard-fought contest."

"The spirit of cooperation I have seen in this hall is what is needed in Washington, D.C. It is the challenge of our moment. After a difficult election, we must put politics behind us and work together to make the promise of America available for every one of our citizens"

"After a difficult election, we must put politics behind us and work together to make the promise of America available for every one of our citizens.

I am optimistic that we can change the tone in Washington, D.C.

I believe things happen for a reason, and I hope the long wait of the last five weeks will heighten a desire to move beyond the bitterness and partisanship of the recent past.

Our nation must rise above a house divided. Americans share hopes and goals and values far more important than any political disagreements.

Republicans want the best for our nation, and so do Democrats. Our votes may differ, but not our hopes.

I know America wants reconciliation and unity. I know Americans want progress. And we must seize this moment and deliver.

Together, guided by a spirit of common sense, common courtesy and common goals, we can unite and inspire the American citizens."

"Whether you voted for me or not, I will do my best to serve your interests and I will work to earn your respect"

That was Bush in 2000


Here is what he said November 3rd, 2004

"Reaching these goals will require the broad support of Americans.

So today I want to speak to every person who voted for my opponent.

To make this nation stronger and better, I will need your support and I will work to earn it. I will do all I can do to deserve your trust.

A new term is a new opportunity to reach out to the whole nation. We have one country, one Constitution, and one future that binds us.

And when we come together and work together, there is no limit to the greatness of America"

Do you see any similarities?

-Peace- Trevor

]]> Mon, 08 Nov 2004 21:45:00 EST http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/20495 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/20087
I am currently at the apple store in NYC, in Soho. I am using the new TIG
e-mail service to update. This apple store is quite chill. There are a bunch
of awesome computers with free internet. Definitly check it out if you get a
chance.

I'll be spending most of the day in NYC, and then return to Princeton. And
tomorrow I will be headng home.

Peace

]]> Sat, 23 Oct 2004 14:28:00 EDT http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/20087 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/20066
Peace!

-Trevor]]> Thu, 21 Oct 2004 16:39:00 EDT http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/20066 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/19896
So anyways...

People typically encounter a close friend of theirs who happens to be supportive of the political party they personally oppose. Every single one of us has our own level of political consciousness and we all tend to differ. We then find ourselves in conflict. Do we try to talk to them about politics? Should I even bring it up? If I feel my political views have the merits to change the world, how could I not? Typically we find ourselves eventually talking about politics with our close friends.

When I refer to a friend who supports a different political cause, I am referring to a friend who can at the minimum, justify their views with some kind of argument. Some one who has a slight amount of passion. Those who do not have a formed opinion tend to listen.

Humans typically have a problem when it comes to admitting mistakes. Humans are naturally defensive of their views. I am, are you? But how can we level off our own bias? Why even listen to the opposition if it won't affect your views?

This is where I have changed in the past 4 years. I used to be under a completely different political persuasion. And I used to think I was always right, no matter what anyone else said. I couldn't even fathom the possibility that I was wrong. And 4 years ago, if I had seen who I am now, I would be absolutely shocked. Something clicked these past four years. A gradual changed occurred, and I have become dramatically different. I attribute it to the experiences that were drilled into my memory. The people I had talked to, the things I had seen, and the words I had read. I was in need of views I could justify, and I now completely accept the fact that I have changed.

I won't hide it. I can't hide it. You are who you were, and you were who you are. Admitting that you once supported a political philosophy that was against your own interests is a very hard thing to do (although my interests changed as well).

I changed from believing what my parents had influenced to believe, into someone who formed his own opinion. I realized I was free. Freedom hit me with excitement, and I no longer had to worry. But along with freedom came upon me, was the importance of my past. We cannot understand how are political thoughts are derived unless we look at where we have come from.

I have changed into someone who will listen to all. No matter how radically against my views you are, no matter how supportive, I enjoy listening to you. I choose listening because it gives me the power to adapt my current views to the logic exchanged. The power to change my opinion or the power to strengthen it. I believe this is how one can be open minded. And I will do my best to remain unchanged in that mindset.

I have gone completely astray as to what this update was originally about, but I think it is a very essential part of my question.

Is there a point in talking to certain people about politics? And most specifically, your friends who are passionate for the cause that opposes yours. We have to wonder whether or not our friendship could somehow be damaged if politics is thrown into the mix.

My grandmother told me that "Friends and relatives (who don't agree) should not talk about politics and religion" And I have come to understand why she said it. Is it worth it to damage your friendship over politics? If indeed you are as successful as too convincing ONE person to vote for your cause, would if be worth it if your friendship was tarnished. And that would be the rarest of cases. Since humans are typically defensive of their own views, they would most likely stand for their own views. It would result in no major reasoning change and possible damage to your friendship with no gain. It is that second example that I don't believe is necessarily worth it.

This does not mean I am against the expression of political views. Minor political discussions can certainly be healthy. But radical discussions of your true and virtuous beliefs can be harmful. The phrase “I agree to disagree" can be useful among close friends. Don't be afraid to use it.

It could also certainly be possible that your friends are the ones who initiate the political discussions. Maybe discuss politics with them in a slight and gentle manor, but do realize that your friendship is important. If they suggest something absolutely radical, try to politely correct them so it they do no view it as an attack. Obvious attacks are met with a defensive mind. Tell them what you believe and why you believe it, but don't destroy their belief.

And I shall end this update with a question I would like you to ponder.

Suppose you are walking down the street with an extremely close and important friend of yours. You are then confronted by a man handing out flyers and shouting statements for the political cause you oppose. These are radical statements that are very controversial. Your friend then tells you how much he supports the random man on the street. A political wave flows down your body due to the radical statements against the cause you believe in. You have the urge to debate. And let’s just say it's almost as if your mind is forcing you to debate due to the attack against your beliefs.

Do you....

A. Confront your friend for supporting the man by having a debate with him/her.

B. Tell your friend that you "agree to disagree." And later go back to debate with the man.

C. Confront your friend and the man head on, debating with both of them.

D. Simply ignore it all.

E. Other(be creative!)

If I experienced this situation I just created, I would choose B. Due to the amazing value of the friendship, and my enjoyment of a good old debate. It is important for friends to recognize each others beliefs, as well as not to criticize each other for them.

]]> Tue, 12 Oct 2004 00:32:00 EDT http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/19896 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/19557
I was with a friend, and I was on my way out of the parking lot. I then stopped for a second to say hi to a random friend I saw walking to his car. He looked at the back of my car and he noticed the "Kerry Edwards 2004" bumper sticker on the back of my car, and made a comment like, "Hey! What?! What’s that doing there?"

Another friend (who is in my government class) was nearby getting into his car, and he listened in on our conversation. Before I really got to respond to the kid asking about my sticker, my other friend warned him, "Hey man, your disturbing a wasp's nest. Watch out."

I got a nice laugh out of it and drove away.

I just happen to be a very well spoken supporter of the Kerry campaign most of the time, and my friend warned him of how "passionate" I was before finding out on his own, haha.

Politics is constantly on my mind, especially before such a critical election. I've become very worried, and very passionate. Issues including Iraq, national debt, gay marriage, AIDS/HIV prevention, and a draft are some of the things I believe this election will impact. I've started an essay on how I believe this election will affect the youth of America. It will be done fairly soon.

Of course, I recognize myself as a, "political activist," which many Republicans may change to a "crazy liberal." The high majority of my school supports Bush, so I often engage myself in lengthy discussions with fellow students. I love talking to people who understand the issues, people who can justify their stances, liberal or conservative, for Bush or Kerry. I don't enjoy talking to passionate people who cannot justify why they support someone. It can be very frustrating. I believe it is important to know why, and where you stand, and most of all, to vote.

Although I have been enjoying all of these political discussions, I am excited for it to end. I have many other things I wish to concentrate on. :)

Theres a new bumper sticker I'll be getting soon!

-Trevor
]]> Wed, 22 Sep 2004 00:13:00 EDT http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/19557 http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/19450
I spent 46 days out of the country this summer. Fairly crazy! But it was so much fun, and I felt quite satisfied in what I was able to do. I think I was only home for less than two weeks. I was also able to complete 3 summer projects (5 sections) which were quite hard. But I did it.

Now the college process is becoming quite important. Fortunately, I have visited quite a few and have a good idea of what I am looking for. I still am interested in visiting McGill, Princeton, Queens, and Vassar, and I already enjoy Union and Tufts. I have such a busy schedule leading into December.

I miss Toronto and all the TIG staff, I had such a great time up there this summer, can't wait to return and help.

I miss Thailand and Malaysia as well; I went through my pictures the other night and realized again, what an incredible trip it was. So beautiful there, so, so beautiful. And I miss many of the friends I made there.

Life is crazy, what else can I say. I've learned to love it. Well the summer is certainly over, my bags are finally unpacked...completetly :(. Haha, it had been about 80 days! But I'm sure i'll be traveling again soon. I think I have turned into Bilbo Baggins!

Peace- Trevor
]]> Wed, 15 Sep 2004 16:41:00 EDT http://Celebtjk.tigblog.org/post/19450