Inari

I would just like to say that anytime a person is forced to consider ending their own life due to the pains of an illness, or even the pains of life, I pity them. I believe that life is so precious that there are very few circumstances that would justify ending your own life or ending another's life who cannot end it themselves. I understand that under dire circumstances euthanasia seems like the humane thing to do, but don't believe that doctors ever have the authority to end another humans life. Doctors are there to help people recover, and ease the suffering of those who are in pain. Mercy killing may seem like the only way to help those who are dying, but I still could never support them. Two years ago my father died from complications with the chronic disease Multiple Sclerosis. MS is an autoimmune disease in which a victim?s immune system attacks it's own body (mainly the myelin sheath protecting nerves). The disease is a slow process of recovery and remission. He suffered from this disease all of my life. First he lost his sight, then his ability to walk, and finally he was stuck lying in a bed all day long. All throughout their lives my mother and father agreed that when his time came they would not allow any emergency recessitation or artificially assisted life. Even with this in mind, on the night my father died she begged the EMTs to perform emergency recessitation and save his life. I will never forget that night and how I pleaded, "Come on daddy, breath!" It's easy for all of you to say that euthanasia is humane, but until you are in the room watching someone die, you can't fully understand the repercussions of death. I may have just been a selfish girl who still wants more time to spend with my father, but I know that I could never sit back and watch a loved one die. Life is so precious, and we should appreciate every minute we have, because once it is gone we can never get it back. I love you dad.

The Tai-Pan led Ashi to his green hovercraft, and opened the door for her. Ashi stepped in and stared in awe at the magnificent mahogany dash and leather interior. The Tai-Pan slipped into the driver's seat and they sped away from the hysteric masses. "Impressive vehicle," commented Ashi as the Tai-Pan easily swerved in and out of the narrow streets. He only grinned in return as "Dust in the Wind" played quietly in the background. "Did you enjoy our little display at the conference?" "It was poorly planed and probably didn't kill the real senator," replied the Tai-Pan abruptly. Ashi slumped in her seat, loosing a little confidence, but she pretended not to listen and continued. "I represent people of importance in the Righteous Lightning, and we propose an alliance," said Ashi with an air of dignity. "I'm not a man to quickly join such a 'righteous' cause. Why would you, with such ?high? morals, seek me for assistance?" inquired the Tai-Pan. "I am only concerned with the destruction of the Domo Faction and the creation of a new world order for Autumn. To put it simply; I propose a change in power in which those who assist our cause are greatly rewarded. Even you could understand this." "What a unique proposition." "Look Tai-Pan, you are either with us or against us. We could really use your assistance in this revolution, and you will be greatly rewarded if we succeed. So are you with us?" said Ashi slightly annoyed.

Here's another thought for anyone to write about: Should immigrants be forces to learn English before they can enter the country? I know that America is becoming more and more bilingual with everything from warnings to shampoo instructions in two or three languages. Is this a bad thing? Should tourists make an effort to learn the language of the country they enter? Should I learn French because I'm going there this summer? Often Americans (especially older people) get very annoyed with people speaking in other languages than English. By forcing people to learn our language are we destroying the liberties/cultures of immigrants or are we preserving the United Statesian way of life? What do you think? Thanks for all of your posts, ~The Gadfly

[COLOR=DarkGreen]Here is my attempt at poetry. I tried to imitate the metaphysical poetry style, like Ann Bradstreet, Edward Taylor and John Donne. I'm afraid that my conceits are too obvious. Well tell me what you think.[/COLOR] [B]A Tree Mourning the Death of Her Leaves[/B] The icy chill of death comes upon the tree?s green leaves, Turning them red, yellow and gold with denial toward the reality of death. The tree is reluctant to let them go, For a tree cannot understand how to live without her beloved leaves. Taken for granted, the leaves protect the tree from evil, They make her whole and bring sunlight to help her grow. The necessity of leaves cannot be appreciated until they fall and are gone forever, For trees without leaves seem empty and alone. On the ground the crisp brown leaves are crushed and swept away with time, And it seems that only evanescent memories remain, But the roots of this great tree are fed through remnants of leaves, And these memories keep the tree alive through the winter. The tree mourns the loss of such dear leaves and feels abandoned, Standing in a forest of other mourning trees and feeling alone, Hope for closure is found in the comfort from her grove of trees, For the tree must not grieve alone, but share her burden with others. Though winter has come and the tree has lost loved ones, There is still hope for spring and the new leaves to come. It will be hard to move on, but the old leaves will always be in her roots, For the snow will melt, and she will grow through the memories of leaves long past.

Ashi scurried through the streets of Veleras with the tree suns directly in their zeniths. [I]The Domo's sure can keep order here when they want to.[/I] Domo guards were positioned at every corner armed with energy guns pointed at the ground. [I]How can we live on such a wonderful planet and be surrounded by all these damn guards. I fell like I'm being smothered! Well at least I'm not standing by and letting the Domo Faction ruin Autumn. Even if it takes a pack with the devil himself, I will liberate the people of Autumn![/I] Ashi slipped into the back of the crowd trying not to draw attention to herself. Mutants were not always welcome in public events. Ashi quickly surveyed the guard situation. Snipers lurked in every corner, but not everyone worked for the Domo Faction. Ashi made a quick, habitual glance at Chasity's position, knowing full well that she would be well hidden by the best cloaking devices available. Ashi turned her attention to the crowd and pitied the blissfully unaware people caught in the middle of this power struggle. After finding a comfortable position, Ashi retrieved a small scanning device from the many folds of her cloak. She flicked it on and viewed the blurry picture of what she hoped would be the Tia-Pan. Hiding the device in her long sleeves, Ashi scanned the crowds searching for a match. Ashi knew that even the Tai-Pan could not resist this kind of opportunity. After about fifteen minutes, Ashi's efforts were rewarded. >Target Identified< read her scanner. Ashi peered over to view a tall, dark man with black wavy hair, with a delicate, young Asian woman at his side. [I]Hello Tai-Pan, it's time to play and it?s your move.[/I]

Here, I clarify what keeping racial statistics on standardized tests is attempting to do: At my school we are required to take some easy standardized tests to graduate. They were so easy that the majority of people passed their freshman year. Anyways, my school wont get funding unless 95% or more of the student body as a whole [B]and[/B] 95% of various minority groups pass. So if we had only two black students at my school and one was absent for the test, that minority group would fail and the whole school would fail. If 95% of our school dose not pass we loose some funding from the state government. Theoretically this is supposed to ensure that minority groups are fairly treated and that they are keeping up with the rest of the school. Do you think that this will really help? Is the theory behind their methods just? I'm pretty sure that colleges use our races that we specify on SATs and ACTs to diversify their schools. I know that allot of colleges want an extremely diversified campus. They might accomplish this by picking a less qualified person of a certain minority group in order to fill their imaginary quotas. I know that I want to go to a diversified campus, but should I be chosen more on my race that my intelligence? I know that one of my friends is less than one-fourth Mexican, and generally she identifies herself as Caucasian. Earlier this year she identified herself as a Hispanic on the SATs. She scored relatively well and was sent various scholarship information forms. This time she has a plethora of scholarships intended for Hispanics, which she would not be eligible to receive if her mother was not half Mexican. With the same scores as a Caucasian, she will have far more opportunities. I know that this is intended to help struggling minority groups have and equal opportunity, but is it fair? Do struggling minority groups need this kind of help? ~The Gadfly

Here's another thought for anyone who cares: Teachers in public school systems are required to look around their classrooms and determine the ethnicities of their students (X number of Hispanic females, Y number of African Americans males, etc.). These teachers are not allowed to inquire about the racial background of any one of their students, but they are asked to speculate. I know that this is their way of insuring that various minority groups get a fair chance. Think about it, every time you take a standardized test (AP, SAT, ACT, etc.) you are asked to fill in race bubble. Should they really care what race you are? Is this a good policy? What should people of mixed ethnicity do? Dose protecting minority groups increase the equality of the United States? ~The Gadfly

Please continue to answer the above question, but here is an addition: While we're on the subject, what to do think about racial profiling? We see it all the time with the FBI and CIA arresting people of Middle Eastern descent due to their possible connections with terrorism. Even local law enforcement agencies use racial profiling based on arrest percentages. How can this be equality? Where is the line between protecting individual liberties and providing security for a unified society? Do we need to arrest all Arabs to prevent another 9/11, or is there another way? ~The Gadfly

OOC: It's Ashi not Ishi ;) IC: Ashi was once again on the road. On her glider, Ashi felt at home. It was only now that she could pause and sort out her thoughts. [I]How the hell did they find us? Heirashii was well protected, how did they... [/I] Silver tears leaked from the corners of Ashi's violet eyes. She quickly brushed them away. [I]No time for tears, I have a job to do.[/I] Dust flew up behind her as she speed off. Veleras glowed under the light of Xanathite powered streetlights. [I]At least the Domo Faction has not found us here.[/I] Ashi drove right into the deserted streets. It was almost eerie to see the bustling city of Veleras empty. Ashi stashed her glider near an abandoned Xanathite refinery. She walked cautiously towards the old factory, covered in red dust. Upon reaching a side door, Ashi removed her hood and shook her long ebony hair. A light flashed from a small metal box on the door, as Ashi's eyes were scanned. "ACCESS GRANTED," called a cold metallic voice. The hologram hiding the Righteous Lightning hid away flickered for a mere second, as the door creaked open allowing Ashi to enter. Ashi glided over to a telescreen and opened a communication link to the remaining Righteous Lightning cell in Heirashii. >Siiqua are you there? >Where the hell are you? >Heirashii was swarming with Domo Guards, so I fled to Veleras. >Will she do it? >Yes. Have you ever heard of the Tai-Pan? > No. > Find everything you can about him. I heard a rumor, and I want to know if he could become an ally. Ask Medo-kai what he thinks of this and get back to me. The screen went blank and Ashi slumpped down on her bed.

I live in an incredible un-diverse part of the United States. The other day in my US History class, my teacher posed the question: Which of the following statements should appear in an American history textbook if the Civil Rights Movement were to be called a success? 1. Ralph Bunch helped to negotiate a peace settlement to end a war between the Arabs and the Israelis in 1948. 2. Ralph Bunch, [B]an American[/B], helped to negotiate a peace settlement to end a war between the Arabs and the Israelis in 1948. 3. Ralph Bunch, [B]an African-American[/B], helped to negotiate a peace settlement to end a war between the Arabs and the Israelis in 1948. 4. Ralph Bunch, [B]a black American[/B], helped to negotiate a peace settlement to end a war between the Arabs and the Israelis in 1948. I just wanted some outside impute. In an equal society, should race even be mentioned? Would it be wrong to deny African-American community recognition for a triumph like this? Is the United States an equal society now? When, if ever, should race be identified?

Well here's my list. Right now I'm mostly into alternative rock, but I like everything form Enya to Simon and Garfunkel. 5. [B]System of a Down[/B] I love their beats and the composition of each song. The guitar acoustics are amazing and even through their screaming they sound good. Chop Suey Sugar Aerial Toxicity 4. [B]Disturbed[/B] Whenever I'm depressed/angry and feel like some good head-banging music I put this on. Their songs are just so catchy! Stupify Down With the Sickness Prayer Believe 3. [B]Trapt[/B] Their songs are a little softer, but I love them. I love that I can actually sing along with these songs, and their music is cool. Headstrong Still Frame Echo Hollowman 2. [B]Linkin Park[/B] I guess these guys are very popular here, and so I'll follow the trend. I love how Linkin Park isn't afraid to use violins and Japanese flutes. I usually don't like rap, but Linkin Park incorporates it so well I love it! In the End Faint Numb One Step Closer 1. [B]Evanescence[/B] This is my all time favorite band. Amy lee has an amazing voice, and she adds a haunting twist to all of their songs. I love the contrasts between her sweet voice, and the gothic metal rock. Their lyrics are beautiful and I love all of their songs. Imaginary Bring Me to Life Going Under My Immortal Tourniquet Even In Death

Ashi slipped though the crowd and hid in the shadow of nearby building. She focused all of her energy on cloaking herself, and in moments she was gliding though the dusty streets undetected. Near the outskirts of the town, Ashi found her yellow glider covered in a red-brown cloth. She removed the cover, and sped off into the sunset. Just as Autumn's third sun sunk behind the sand dunes, Ashi reached her destination. [I]Damn! She better be here![/I] Knocking on the door, Ashi called "Chasity Garten, are you there?" "Who is it?" "A friend from the Righteous Lightning." The door creaked open and Ashi entered. Looking around she saw the spoils of a wealthy vigilante. "I have a proposition for you. Commander Talon Vicecount has been stirring up trouble for the Righteous Lightning leaders, and we need him to be eliminated. Will you do it?"

Name: Ashi Sex: Female Age: 18 Race: Mutant. Ashi can make her skin transparent, allowing her to sneak around undetected. She is not very good at controlling this and sometimes she turns invisible without meaning to, and this is why she always covers her skin. Hair: Long black hair Eyes: Violet Skin: Pale, and can often be transparent Build: Light Clothing: Ashi always wears long, lightweight garments that cover her entire body. Over her head, a thick hood hangs low, allowing her to see, but preventing others from staring into her mutant eyes. A silk veil hangs accost her face protecting her delicate skin from the sand and sun. She constantly wears leather gloves, and never allows her skin to be seen, unless she is using her mutant abilities to spy on others. Weapon of Choice: Ashi carries two small hand guns, and a dagger hidden in her cloak. She generally does not fight in open combat, but she can protect herself. Vehicle: Ashi drives a small yellow gliders which runs on Xanathite. Speed: Excellent, Maneuverability: Excellent, Armor: Poor Vehicular Weaponry: none Bio: When Ashi was six, her parents were murdered by Domo Faction assassins for their involvement with the Righteous Lightning group. Ashi was left in the care of her mother?s sister, where she learned to hide her mutant abilities. When she was twelve, Ashi ran away and joined the Righteous Lightning, swearing to avenge her parents. To the rest of the world Ashi looks just like another human, and not even the leaders of the Righteous Lightning know that Ashi is a mutant. Now her only goal in life is to destroy the Domo Faction. Political Alignment/Reputation: Righteous Lightning Anti-Mechanoid League: Distrusted Domo Faction: Utterly Despised Robotica: Utterly Despised Vigilantes: Accepted Mutants For a Better Life: Accepted Prospectors/Merchants: Accepted Righteous Lightning: Trusted Is this okay?