Silence begets violence

The shooting in Connecticut was a senseless act of violence. Since Newtown, CT barely have homicides, this shooting shocked them and the world. The reason this particular event demanded such a direct call to action because precious children were murdered. Seeing 20 little kids between the ages of 6-7 causing parents all around the world hearts to ache. As a society, I agree with President Barack Obama and that we need to regulate gun laws. Catholic Social Teaching teaches us to forgive even though it hurts. It also suggest that we do not fight violence with violence. The followers of CST would most likely vote against having someone in the school armed. I honestly do not know where we go from here. Hopefully, someone comes up with a great plan to help gun control and mental illness. 

Factory Fire

I think it is terrible how bad the conditions are in overseas factories. CEOs make millions and millions of dollars each year and they can't spare a few for their employees. Greed is taking over the world. As consumer, we should stand up for the workers but everyone has to join in. Companies need to know that as consumers we are serious about the welfare of those workers overseas. The government can't really have a say because these crimes are not committed in our country. Corporations should began paying fair wages and start having better working conditions. 

Forgiveness

Pope John Paul II is such a role model. He was able to forgive a man who tried to kill him. He is a true example of a man with strong religious values. Similar to Pope John Paul II, Immaculee has a strong faith in God and believes that you should forgive your neighbors, no matter what. She forgave the men who killed her family and friends. They are good role models on how Christians should act on forgiveness. They accomplished what many Christian can not do and that deserves recognition. What I learn is that if they can forgive someone for terrible crimes, I can forgive the people in my life.

  

"Messy" World

I feel really sad about what I hear but I barely act on my feelings. I think because we are so sheltered in the United States, we have no idea on how to relate to the violence in other countries. The Gospel tells us that we must not ignore it and try our best to help. I agree with the Andy Otto, the author,  that we can help by how we pray, how we vote, what we speak on, or what causes we become involved in. 

For example, Kony 2012 was a cause that rapidly spread across the nation. Many people supported the cause because it gave them a way to participate by donating money. If that story was just on the news one day, no one would have donated money or even thought about it twice which is sad. It takes a viral video to get the people's attention.

In addition, in AP Government we are learning a term called fleeting emotions, which normally describes the United State's people. As Americans, we go through mood swings. One month we like something, the next month we don't. Going back to Kony 2012, we only cared about that for about a month . For instance, there was suppose to be the cover the night April 20, where everyone would hang posters of Kony around the city. The video was released March 5, 2012 and around April 20, 2012, everyone forgot about it. Sadly, in a while people who were not directly affected by Hurricane Sandy will soon forget about that too. 

Global Solidarity

The world needs to acknowledge the injustice to women. However, the United States cannot fight every battle. People in those countries need to rise together against the injustice. Catholic Social Teaching tells us that we need to help our dear neighbors but it is hard when the countries are far away. Trying to stop the injustice in a country, there has to be a change in mentality within the people of that land. With natural disasters, it's more of a physical change.With hurricanes and tsunamis, you are trying to repair the  countries' land not their policies. We help the dear neighbors in those events by sending food and nurses to help the countries out. There is a difference in the level of shock because some things are easier to change than others. 

Resolutions

I believe that Bishop Ricken's suggestions are capable. Some of his suggestions are not apart of Baptist faith so I wouldn't do them. Here are my resolutions:

1. Attend Church: I will pay attention and listen to the word of God. Sometimes my mind wonders off in space, but I will try hard to remain focus.

2. Volunteer at least twice a month: I plan on tutoring at LaSalle Academy and serving food at St. Francis Inn.

3.Pray to God more: Sometimes I forget to thank God for everything he has done for me,so saying a little prayer every night will be my goal.

4. Read at least one passage from the Bible once a week besides at church and school. Doing that little step could increase my relationship with God

5. Be a kind person: I should treat others how I like to be treated. Being kind to someone can make a huge difference in his/her life.

Circle of Protection

Summary of Circle of Protection:

As Christians, we believe we must help the poor and those in need. The Christian community has an obligation to help them be heard, t to insist that programs that serve the most vulnerable in our nation. Therefore, we must join others to form a Circle of Protection around programs that meet the essential needs of hungry and poor people at home.

President Barack Obama:

The president believes that with are our brother/ sisters' keeper. His plan is to pay the national debt balanced so that he doesn't have the poor sacrificing the little they have for the rich to get tax cuts. His plan is for everyone to be one and no one left behind.

Mitt Romney: 

Presidential Candidate Romney plans to reduce the debt first and once the economy is better, the poor should be better. His plan is to raise 12 million jobs so they can supply money for those in need.

Both Candidates compared to the Church's teaching:

Both men are religious men and want to help the poor. Both plans are ideals and until put into action you can't really compare the two. 

PROJECT H.O.M.E.

     Project H.O.M.E mission is to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. As stated in their mission, they address the root causes of homelessness through  affordable housing, economic development, and environmental enhancement programs. In addition, Project H.O.M.E. provides access to employment opportunities,  adult and youth education, and health care. This is a sign of justice because they are not just giving the homeless a house and going their separate ways, but actually trying to help the homeless grow and evolved out of homelessness. I would only call them a charity because Project H.O.M.E. is helping people out of kindness.
     Project H.O.M.E. differs from a homeless shelter because they go the extra mile to help the homeless by offering more than just food and housing. Project H.O.M.E. offers a homeless person a way to better themselves. I believe that their "continuum of care" is their best program. Project H.O.M.E. describes it as being a proven and effective program to assist people in chronic homelessness. The continuum consists of street outreach, affordable housing, and comprehensive services, including health care, education and employment. I really love this program because it is telling the homeless that you can change your life and that times can get better. I loved that they aren't just giving the supplies to them but showing them how to work for it.

Forgiveness

     In Colossians 3:13 states, "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." As Christians, we are taught that we must forgive others just as Jesus forgave us for our sins. We also learn that forgiveness is not easy and that its takes time and faith. We must trust God to do the work in us that needs to be done so that the forgiveness will be complete. When we forgive completely, God frees us from the anger, bitterness, resentment and hurt that previously imprisoned us.
     Although in regards to 9/11, forgiveness is a hard thing to give. The lives of many innocent people were lost because of one man, Osama Bin Laden. The answer to the question is yes we should forgive Bin Laden because that's what God's tells us to do but it is so hard. It is so hard to forgive him because he led an attack that killed thousands of innocent people. The attack had seem like an act of senseless violence. Although it has been 11 years since the Tragedy, it still seems like an act that is unforgivable.
     As Christians, we must continue to ask God to help us to forgive a man who cause our whole country pain. We must put all our trust and faith into God that he will handle the situation for us. Forgiveness is the only way we can move on from this Tragedy and start anew. In addition, I believe the people who were personally affected by this Tragedy may have a hard time forgiving since they lost a loved one. If it was me, I would probably a hard time as well, but all we can do is continue to ask God for help.