I learned that our country was founded by people who had different ideas on how our government should work. There were the Federalists who sought to have much government involvement of our daily lives. Then there were the anti federalists who believed that the government should stay out of people’s lives as much as possible.
I believe that there should be at least some government control on our liberties. Our current Constitution allows for this. If founders like Jefferson, and philosophers like Richard Henry Lee had their way I believe that our country may have sunk into decentralized separate smaller countries not United States.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
How to improve upon one of my weakest virtues
I cannot stand to argue with people. I avoid conflict as much as possible. Unfortunately, there are times when I give in and argue with impossible people. This is usually when my foolishness gets the better of me. In an attempt to learn how to overcome this flaw I discovered the following advice from Wiki How. First they suggest you learn how to calm down. A recommended method for achieving this is to relax and breathe deeply. Trying to visualize a clam setting may help too.
Second, Wiki How recommends that you let go of being right. No two people can be right if they have opposing viewpoints. Someone must be strong enough to be humble.
Third, it is good to agree to disagree. Acknowledge another’s view and agree with them on any shared views
Lastly, the one that will be the most difficult for me, is practicing nonviolent communication. I tend to wear my emotions on my sleeve. I think that I will attempt to converse with myself in front of a mirror and try to watch my own body language.
http://www.wikihow.com/Defuse-an-Argument
Second, Wiki How recommends that you let go of being right. No two people can be right if they have opposing viewpoints. Someone must be strong enough to be humble.
Third, it is good to agree to disagree. Acknowledge another’s view and agree with them on any shared views
Lastly, the one that will be the most difficult for me, is practicing nonviolent communication. I tend to wear my emotions on my sleeve. I think that I will attempt to converse with myself in front of a mirror and try to watch my own body language.
http://www.wikihow.com/Defuse-an-Argument
These are my ten rules for living a good and virtuous life.
Rule One: Respect individual’s differences, no too people are alike. Learn to respect all people even those who may disagree with you.
Rule Two: Respect yourself, you must understand and respect your own unique perspective on life if you are to learn how to follow rule number one
Rule Three: Know when to fight for your beliefs, take a stand on what you believe in but be prepared to be challenged. Educate yourself in your beliefs before attempting to stand your ground.
Rule Four: Know when to turn and walk away, you will not win all of life’s arguments. Some people just won’t listen or are too stubborn to see your point of view. Know when the battle is lost and go prepare yourself for the next one.
Rule Five: Learn to be a critical thinker. You must learn to analyze critically any argument placed before you. Never accept anything at face value. Do the research. Learn to be skeptical.
Rule Six: Never stop learning. You can never completely master a subject. Any scholar in any discipline will tell you this. There is always an opportunity to learn even from things you may think that you have mastered.
Rule Seven: Know when to be humbled. No person on this earth is 100% perfect. Those who think that they are better than someone else are delusional.
Rule Eight: Learn to forgive. Anger and resentment will consume those who cannot forgive.
Rule Nine: Learning to Forgive does not mean Forgetting: Forgiveness is a kindhearted understanding of someone’s flaws. However you must not forget that persons flaw especially if it causes harm. Be wary not naive of treacherous people.
Rule Ten. Learn to Love. The world is a beautiful place full of wonderful people and cultures. You must learn how to love other human beings. Love is the key to understanding and connecting with others.
I find that following rule number four is very difficult but necessary. I have found myself caught up in useless arguments and senseless bickering. Sometime people just cannot be reasoned with. This is probably attributed to their own experiences. I have been working on this one for quite some time and I still have a long way to go.
Rule One: Respect individual’s differences, no too people are alike. Learn to respect all people even those who may disagree with you.
Rule Two: Respect yourself, you must understand and respect your own unique perspective on life if you are to learn how to follow rule number one
Rule Three: Know when to fight for your beliefs, take a stand on what you believe in but be prepared to be challenged. Educate yourself in your beliefs before attempting to stand your ground.
Rule Four: Know when to turn and walk away, you will not win all of life’s arguments. Some people just won’t listen or are too stubborn to see your point of view. Know when the battle is lost and go prepare yourself for the next one.
Rule Five: Learn to be a critical thinker. You must learn to analyze critically any argument placed before you. Never accept anything at face value. Do the research. Learn to be skeptical.
Rule Six: Never stop learning. You can never completely master a subject. Any scholar in any discipline will tell you this. There is always an opportunity to learn even from things you may think that you have mastered.
Rule Seven: Know when to be humbled. No person on this earth is 100% perfect. Those who think that they are better than someone else are delusional.
Rule Eight: Learn to forgive. Anger and resentment will consume those who cannot forgive.
Rule Nine: Learning to Forgive does not mean Forgetting: Forgiveness is a kindhearted understanding of someone’s flaws. However you must not forget that persons flaw especially if it causes harm. Be wary not naive of treacherous people.
Rule Ten. Learn to Love. The world is a beautiful place full of wonderful people and cultures. You must learn how to love other human beings. Love is the key to understanding and connecting with others.
I find that following rule number four is very difficult but necessary. I have found myself caught up in useless arguments and senseless bickering. Sometime people just cannot be reasoned with. This is probably attributed to their own experiences. I have been working on this one for quite some time and I still have a long way to go.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Week 10
Blog post week 10
Madison’s arguments and the Modern Era
James Madison’s argument for a large government works well in today’s society. Although his vision is in place, I feel that Madison and his contemporaries were too flexible with state rights. . I will discuss which of Madison’s arguments would help make an even larger government work in light of the modern era. I will also add my own insight as to how our country could benefit from more government intervention.
In the Federalist Essay number 10 (Mclean Edition pg 77) Madison lays out his plan for the perfect Republican form of government. Madison’s form of government effectively puts an end to the loose Articles of Confederation and successfully combines the power of the 13 individual states into one united Union (www.sparknotes.com). Madison discusses the factions that come from having too many independent states. The factions that Madison referred to were, the individual states with their own agendas which were not always in harmony with the collective good, the wealthy factions who dominate the poor, and the political factions vying for power.
The first faction Madison describes is the State. Today I feel that states still have too many rights. These rights continue to create friction and disharmony. I will use healthcare as an example. States have tried and still cannot agree upon a common resolution to overhaul healthcare. It took many of our brave congress men and women to step and up get a new healthcare bill signed into law. Some call this the beginning of socialism. The reason we have a centralized government is to make the basic necessities obtainable to everyone in the United States regardless of which state you live in. I believe that if Madison were alive today he would not call healthcare reform socialism instead he would call this government at work.
Another area where a stronger government intervention is needed is the regulation of financial institutions. Madison and Hamilton saw the need for this. Hamilton established the first Bank of the United States. Madison saw the economic divide and wished to control or limit faction with more money from overpowering those with less (pg 80). Unfortunately in today’s society economic institution have been regulated too little too late. These economic factions have ruined our economy.
Our country has always had its political factions. Today there are only two that really stand out from the others. The two biggest factions are Republicans and the Democrats, or the left and the right. The right is in favor of the individual and the power of the state, and the left leans towards stronger government involvement and control. I think that Madison would have pushed for one moderate political party instead of two powerful political factions.
In summary, it seems that our constitution is failing our nation. Economic strife, political factions, and too many state rights are tearing our country apart. It’s time to get creative. Our constitution was written at a different time under different circumstances. In his book A More Perfect Constitution political scientist Larry Sabato recommends forming a continental congress to look at the possibility of a creating a new constitution or revising our current constitution. I only hope that there are people just like Madison, Hamilton, and Jay that are creative enough to suggest and campaign for a stronger government to be incorporated into a new or revised constitution should Sabato’s idea ever be acted upon.
Madison’s arguments and the Modern Era
James Madison’s argument for a large government works well in today’s society. Although his vision is in place, I feel that Madison and his contemporaries were too flexible with state rights. . I will discuss which of Madison’s arguments would help make an even larger government work in light of the modern era. I will also add my own insight as to how our country could benefit from more government intervention.
In the Federalist Essay number 10 (Mclean Edition pg 77) Madison lays out his plan for the perfect Republican form of government. Madison’s form of government effectively puts an end to the loose Articles of Confederation and successfully combines the power of the 13 individual states into one united Union (www.sparknotes.com). Madison discusses the factions that come from having too many independent states. The factions that Madison referred to were, the individual states with their own agendas which were not always in harmony with the collective good, the wealthy factions who dominate the poor, and the political factions vying for power.
The first faction Madison describes is the State. Today I feel that states still have too many rights. These rights continue to create friction and disharmony. I will use healthcare as an example. States have tried and still cannot agree upon a common resolution to overhaul healthcare. It took many of our brave congress men and women to step and up get a new healthcare bill signed into law. Some call this the beginning of socialism. The reason we have a centralized government is to make the basic necessities obtainable to everyone in the United States regardless of which state you live in. I believe that if Madison were alive today he would not call healthcare reform socialism instead he would call this government at work.
Another area where a stronger government intervention is needed is the regulation of financial institutions. Madison and Hamilton saw the need for this. Hamilton established the first Bank of the United States. Madison saw the economic divide and wished to control or limit faction with more money from overpowering those with less (pg 80). Unfortunately in today’s society economic institution have been regulated too little too late. These economic factions have ruined our economy.
Our country has always had its political factions. Today there are only two that really stand out from the others. The two biggest factions are Republicans and the Democrats, or the left and the right. The right is in favor of the individual and the power of the state, and the left leans towards stronger government involvement and control. I think that Madison would have pushed for one moderate political party instead of two powerful political factions.
In summary, it seems that our constitution is failing our nation. Economic strife, political factions, and too many state rights are tearing our country apart. It’s time to get creative. Our constitution was written at a different time under different circumstances. In his book A More Perfect Constitution political scientist Larry Sabato recommends forming a continental congress to look at the possibility of a creating a new constitution or revising our current constitution. I only hope that there are people just like Madison, Hamilton, and Jay that are creative enough to suggest and campaign for a stronger government to be incorporated into a new or revised constitution should Sabato’s idea ever be acted upon.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
William M. Wood Jr.
ENG 241
Professor Brandon
3-4-2010
I have never read Poe, Thoreau, Franklin, Fitzhugh, Crevecoeur, or Emerson until now. I had heard their names mentioned before on Jeopardy. I knew that Poe lived in Richmond for awhile. I knew that Emerson and Thoreau had a passion for nature. I have learned how Thoreau believed that man needs to reconnect with nature and the simpler things in life. I wish it were that easy. I was thrilled to learn that Emerson was a non conformist like me. Poe taught me just how monstrous the human mind can be. I have read writings from the abolitionists before. In contrast, I did not even know that there was literature written to defend the idea of slavery.
To sum it up, so far these past eight weeks have taught me a lot about what each of these authors had to say. I have also learned valuable lessons. I have learned the contrast of the Age of Reason with The Age of Romanticism. More importantly each of the assignments has taught me a little more about myself.
I will attempt to write briefly about what I learned from each of these authors. There is so much to say that I doubt I could fit it all in one essay. I will also discuss the case for my grade. I will present evidence to defend my argument.
We started with Romanticism. We discussed three of the American Romantics. Two had very similar ideas and one did not. Romanticism covered two new styles. First there was an influence on the individual and nature as we see in writers like Emerson and Thoreau. Then there were those who focused more on the sublime and human nature such as Poe.
Thoreau and Emerson
Thoreau and Emerson were transcendentalists. Both valued the individual, employed the idea of feeling over reason, both felt for the little guy, both believed in getting back to nature, and both believed in a small government. Thoreau believed in returning to nature while maintaining a balance of civilization. Thoreau recorded in his journal that Emerson said “The charm of the Indian to me is that he stands free and unconstrained in Nature” (Henry David Thoreau, Journal, Monday, April 26, 1841). Emerson took more of the total return to nature approach. Both were members of the Transcendentalist club of New England. Both leaned towards a utopian style of society. Their view on God was that all things were divine. This led many to believe that the transcendentalists were mad. In the case of Thoreau this would have been especially true. Thoreau was a believer in Darwin’s theory of evolution, and a vegetarian. The theory of evolution was and still is highly controversial especially to most Christians. Thoreau and Emerson have influenced many great writers and rhetoricians.
Edgar Allen Poe
Poe was also a romantic but not like Emerson or Thoreau. First of all Poe was from the south and was very critical of northern writers. Secondly, unlike his nature loving peers, Poe embraced the sublime through a mastery of the macabre. I learned from Poe that there is a potential monster at the heart of every man. Many thought that Poe was mad, but they appreciated his work, which rivaled the likes of other horror writers around the globe.
Poe also wrote science fiction and writing theory. I learned this on a recent visit to the Poe Museum right here in Richmond. On my visit, I also learned that Poe’s works have been turned into movies in many different languages and countries. Lastly, I learned that Poe created the detective style story telling.
The Abolitionists
Slavery came to this country with the colonization by European expansion. Our founding fathers struggled with notion of slavery. Thomas Jefferson claimed in an 1805 letter to William A. Burwell that “I have long since given up the expectation of any early provision for the extinguishment of slavery among us” (Argument in case of Howell v. Netherland). The early abolitionists tried two methods. First, they tried to stop the spread of slavery to the west. Second, some early abolitionists believed that the United States should create a new African colony and send emancipated slaves there.
Later with the rise of Romanticism, people began to be able to sympathize with the plight of the slave. Romantic writers placed an emphasis on individualism and many romantics wrote in defense of the slave as a human being who should have the same rights as anyone else. Songs like John Brown’s Body told the plight of slaves to those who could not read. Eventually political leaders like Abraham Lincoln realized the injustice of slavery. This notion was particularly popular in the North but not so much in the South. The South relied on slavery for their very way of life. Writers of the Antebellum Era, such as Fitzhugh, argued for slavery. This caught me by surprise. I now know that there are two sides to every story, even if the story is not a pretty one.
The Age of Reason
Prior to the Romantic period, there was the Age of Reason. This period is also called the Age of Enlightenment. Writers and thinkers of this period questioned the wisdom of the Christian grounded 15th and 16th centuries. Some of the writers and thinkers were known as the Deists. Deists did not completely discredit Christianity, but did question some of the explanations that Christianity offered. During this period, there was a renewed focus on the classical Greek and Roman philosophy. Some of the great names of the enlightenment period are Paine, Franklin, and Jefferson.
Ben Franklin
We were assigned to read Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography. I have learned from his autobiography that Franklin was more than an inventor. I knew that he started the first fire department in the United States, but I had no idea how important his role as a founder was. It was great to learn that Franklin was an early abolitionist. As I read Franklin’s autobiography, I felt myself moved in a more patriotic direction. Franklin is truly an inspiration.
Summary
This semester so far has been eye opening. I have studied many authors from around the world. I have never placed so much emphasis on American writers as I have in this class. So far I am not disappointed. I think that it is essential that all American college students acquire an appreciation for the great American writers and their place in the shaping of our culture.
Why do I deserve the grade I think I deserve?
I have never been asked to grade myself. It is very difficult for me to place a letter value on so much learning. The interaction though discussion boards and blogs has really broadened my horizons. I feel that I have a solid grasp on what we have covered so far. I choose not to grade myself nor defend any letter grade that I may or may not deserve. I think that doing so would undermine my learning experience.
ENG 241
Professor Brandon
3-4-2010
I have never read Poe, Thoreau, Franklin, Fitzhugh, Crevecoeur, or Emerson until now. I had heard their names mentioned before on Jeopardy. I knew that Poe lived in Richmond for awhile. I knew that Emerson and Thoreau had a passion for nature. I have learned how Thoreau believed that man needs to reconnect with nature and the simpler things in life. I wish it were that easy. I was thrilled to learn that Emerson was a non conformist like me. Poe taught me just how monstrous the human mind can be. I have read writings from the abolitionists before. In contrast, I did not even know that there was literature written to defend the idea of slavery.
To sum it up, so far these past eight weeks have taught me a lot about what each of these authors had to say. I have also learned valuable lessons. I have learned the contrast of the Age of Reason with The Age of Romanticism. More importantly each of the assignments has taught me a little more about myself.
I will attempt to write briefly about what I learned from each of these authors. There is so much to say that I doubt I could fit it all in one essay. I will also discuss the case for my grade. I will present evidence to defend my argument.
We started with Romanticism. We discussed three of the American Romantics. Two had very similar ideas and one did not. Romanticism covered two new styles. First there was an influence on the individual and nature as we see in writers like Emerson and Thoreau. Then there were those who focused more on the sublime and human nature such as Poe.
Thoreau and Emerson
Thoreau and Emerson were transcendentalists. Both valued the individual, employed the idea of feeling over reason, both felt for the little guy, both believed in getting back to nature, and both believed in a small government. Thoreau believed in returning to nature while maintaining a balance of civilization. Thoreau recorded in his journal that Emerson said “The charm of the Indian to me is that he stands free and unconstrained in Nature” (Henry David Thoreau, Journal, Monday, April 26, 1841). Emerson took more of the total return to nature approach. Both were members of the Transcendentalist club of New England. Both leaned towards a utopian style of society. Their view on God was that all things were divine. This led many to believe that the transcendentalists were mad. In the case of Thoreau this would have been especially true. Thoreau was a believer in Darwin’s theory of evolution, and a vegetarian. The theory of evolution was and still is highly controversial especially to most Christians. Thoreau and Emerson have influenced many great writers and rhetoricians.
Edgar Allen Poe
Poe was also a romantic but not like Emerson or Thoreau. First of all Poe was from the south and was very critical of northern writers. Secondly, unlike his nature loving peers, Poe embraced the sublime through a mastery of the macabre. I learned from Poe that there is a potential monster at the heart of every man. Many thought that Poe was mad, but they appreciated his work, which rivaled the likes of other horror writers around the globe.
Poe also wrote science fiction and writing theory. I learned this on a recent visit to the Poe Museum right here in Richmond. On my visit, I also learned that Poe’s works have been turned into movies in many different languages and countries. Lastly, I learned that Poe created the detective style story telling.
The Abolitionists
Slavery came to this country with the colonization by European expansion. Our founding fathers struggled with notion of slavery. Thomas Jefferson claimed in an 1805 letter to William A. Burwell that “I have long since given up the expectation of any early provision for the extinguishment of slavery among us” (Argument in case of Howell v. Netherland). The early abolitionists tried two methods. First, they tried to stop the spread of slavery to the west. Second, some early abolitionists believed that the United States should create a new African colony and send emancipated slaves there.
Later with the rise of Romanticism, people began to be able to sympathize with the plight of the slave. Romantic writers placed an emphasis on individualism and many romantics wrote in defense of the slave as a human being who should have the same rights as anyone else. Songs like John Brown’s Body told the plight of slaves to those who could not read. Eventually political leaders like Abraham Lincoln realized the injustice of slavery. This notion was particularly popular in the North but not so much in the South. The South relied on slavery for their very way of life. Writers of the Antebellum Era, such as Fitzhugh, argued for slavery. This caught me by surprise. I now know that there are two sides to every story, even if the story is not a pretty one.
The Age of Reason
Prior to the Romantic period, there was the Age of Reason. This period is also called the Age of Enlightenment. Writers and thinkers of this period questioned the wisdom of the Christian grounded 15th and 16th centuries. Some of the writers and thinkers were known as the Deists. Deists did not completely discredit Christianity, but did question some of the explanations that Christianity offered. During this period, there was a renewed focus on the classical Greek and Roman philosophy. Some of the great names of the enlightenment period are Paine, Franklin, and Jefferson.
Ben Franklin
We were assigned to read Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography. I have learned from his autobiography that Franklin was more than an inventor. I knew that he started the first fire department in the United States, but I had no idea how important his role as a founder was. It was great to learn that Franklin was an early abolitionist. As I read Franklin’s autobiography, I felt myself moved in a more patriotic direction. Franklin is truly an inspiration.
Summary
This semester so far has been eye opening. I have studied many authors from around the world. I have never placed so much emphasis on American writers as I have in this class. So far I am not disappointed. I think that it is essential that all American college students acquire an appreciation for the great American writers and their place in the shaping of our culture.
Why do I deserve the grade I think I deserve?
I have never been asked to grade myself. It is very difficult for me to place a letter value on so much learning. The interaction though discussion boards and blogs has really broadened my horizons. I feel that I have a solid grasp on what we have covered so far. I choose not to grade myself nor defend any letter grade that I may or may not deserve. I think that doing so would undermine my learning experience.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Draft of week 8 assignment
William M. Wood Jr.
ENG 241
Professor Brandon
3-4-2010
I have never read Poe, Thoreau, Franklin, Fitzhugh, Crevecoeur, or Emerson until now. I had heard their names mentioned before on Jeopardy. I knew that Poe lived in Richmond for awhile. I knew that Emerson and particularly Thoreau had a passion for nature. I have learned how Thoreau believed that man needs to reconnect with nature and the simpler things in life. I wish it were that easy. I was thrilled to learn that Emerson was a non conformist like me. Poe taught me just how monstrous the human mind can be. I had writings from the abolitionists before. In contrast, I did not even know that there was literature written to defend the idea of slavery.
To sum it up, so far these past eight weeks have taught me a lot about what each of these authors had to say. I have also learned valuable lessons. I have learned the contrast of the Age of Reason with The Age of Romanticism. More importantly each of the assignments has taught me a little more about myself.
I will attempt to write briefly about what I learned from each of these authors. There is so much to say that I doubt I could fit it all in one essay. I will also discuss the case for my grade. I will present evidence to defend my argument.
NOTE:
We started with Romanticism. We discussed three of the American Romantics. Two had very similar ideas and one did not. Thoreau and Emerson were transcendentalists. Both valued the individual, employed the idea of feeling over reason, both felt for the little guy, both believed in getting back to nature, and both believed in a small government. Thoreau believed in returning to nature while maintaining a balance of civilization. (INSERT QUOATE TO SUPPORT) Emerson took more of the total return to nature approach. Both were members of the Transcendentalist club of New England. Both leaned towards a utopian style of society. Their view on God was that all things were divine. This led many to believe that the transcendentalists were mad.
Edgar Allen Poe
The abolitionists
The age of Reason
Ben Franklin
Summary
Why do I deserve the grade I think I deserve?
Conclusion
Works Cited
ENG 241
Professor Brandon
3-4-2010
I have never read Poe, Thoreau, Franklin, Fitzhugh, Crevecoeur, or Emerson until now. I had heard their names mentioned before on Jeopardy. I knew that Poe lived in Richmond for awhile. I knew that Emerson and particularly Thoreau had a passion for nature. I have learned how Thoreau believed that man needs to reconnect with nature and the simpler things in life. I wish it were that easy. I was thrilled to learn that Emerson was a non conformist like me. Poe taught me just how monstrous the human mind can be. I had writings from the abolitionists before. In contrast, I did not even know that there was literature written to defend the idea of slavery.
To sum it up, so far these past eight weeks have taught me a lot about what each of these authors had to say. I have also learned valuable lessons. I have learned the contrast of the Age of Reason with The Age of Romanticism. More importantly each of the assignments has taught me a little more about myself.
I will attempt to write briefly about what I learned from each of these authors. There is so much to say that I doubt I could fit it all in one essay. I will also discuss the case for my grade. I will present evidence to defend my argument.
NOTE:
We started with Romanticism. We discussed three of the American Romantics. Two had very similar ideas and one did not. Thoreau and Emerson were transcendentalists. Both valued the individual, employed the idea of feeling over reason, both felt for the little guy, both believed in getting back to nature, and both believed in a small government. Thoreau believed in returning to nature while maintaining a balance of civilization. (INSERT QUOATE TO SUPPORT) Emerson took more of the total return to nature approach. Both were members of the Transcendentalist club of New England. Both leaned towards a utopian style of society. Their view on God was that all things were divine. This led many to believe that the transcendentalists were mad.
Edgar Allen Poe
The abolitionists
The age of Reason
Ben Franklin
Summary
Why do I deserve the grade I think I deserve?
Conclusion
Works Cited
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