Summer In the City

We all know that Detroit is an amazing city hidden within the destruction and dillapidated buildings. The people of Detroit are truely people of character and are never brought down despite the continuous drawbacks. Summer in the City is a non-profit organization designed to make community service fun and fulfilling for the volunteers while making a real impact on Detroit communities. Activities include youth enrichment with elementary school students, planting gardens, painting murals, and building parks.  You must  be 14 years old and HAVE to register here first! Volunteers meet up at 9 a.m at one of the six high school locations before being driven downtown by the designated drivers. You are driven back to these locations at aprox 3 p.m. At the end of the summer they will mail you your total hours=)  SITC runs Tuesday through Friday and ends August 13.

"Since 2002, 3,800 Summer in the City volunteers have contributed over 80,000 hours of service to projects that help make Detroit a safe, beautiful and sustainable place for everyone."

The Queen Visits UN

For the first time in over 50 years, Queen Elizabeth II arrived (even in the scorching July sun) to address the General Assembly in New York on July 6. Her speech praised the achievements of the United Nations, but noted that much more remains to be done to combat global issues like terrorism and global warming. She also discussed the changes she has seen within the UN since the last time she made an appearance in 1957, “Much of it for the better, particularly in science and technology and in social attitudes." Despite the unbearable heat, she finished her Manhattan trip with a visit to a special garden at Ground Zero dedicated to the 67 British victims who died September 11. She was met by NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg along with rescue workers and families of those who died. Although her total New York trip lasted less than 6 hours, this British Queen knows how to capture the hearts of an entire nation. She is also 84 years old but looking stylish as ever!

U.S v ARIZONA

Finally!! Today, President Obama allowed the Justice Department to officially challenge Arizona's "legal racial profiling" immigration law. The effort to block this enforcement will take place on July 29th. Most politicians would agree that Arizona should not create their own immigration law; rather leave the laws and policies regarding the issue to the federal government. "Arizonans are understandably frustrated with illegal immigration, and the federal government has a responsibility to comprehensively address those concerns," Attorney General Eric Holder said in a written statement. This puts the conflict of state's rights on full blast and will only further divide the country. "In our constitutional system, the federal government has pre-eminent authority to regulate immigration matters," the lawsuit says. I feel the Governement should definitly take this action. There is no reason for the Govenor of Arizona to enforce this law. It makes people wonder what his motives are, ie) scaring people from coming to Arizona (Mexicans, other Hispanics). He is attempting to  intimidate Hispanics from coming over the border, and by doing so he is taking matters into his own hands when it is a federal issue! I hope this lawsuit will only propel the Obama Whitehouse into taking action on proposing a national immigration law ASAP.

Independence Day

What country did the United States win independence from? Believe it or not, many teens and even adults could not tell you. Britain! The U.S was part of Britain. On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved and signed by the Continental Congress; thus leaving the 13 U.S colonies free from British rule. Back then the population was said to be 4 million; today, 309 million. Out of that 309 million, 32.5 mil are foreign born citizens (me), and more than 1 in 3 of these citizens became naturalized. A couple days ago Sienne College in Loudonville, NY, released their rankings of the best and worst U.S Presidents. Leading the list was F. Roosevelt followed by T. Roosevelt, Lincoln, Washington, and Jefferson. Clinton holds 13th place, with Obama making a debut at 15. No surprise, George W. Bush lands in the 39th position. As much as I love and honor our country, I used to be the most anti-patriot person in the world. While Bush was President, I was ashamed and embarassed to be part of a country that had totally opposite values and an agenda I felt was extremely destructive. I did not even want the flag or (red,white,&blue) anywhere near me. I did not want in any way to support the United States. However, after viewing the Obama campaign up-close and personal and experiencing true independence, I could never be more proud of my country. Presidents come and go, but the history and struggle our Founding Fathers overcame to guarantee our freedom, lasts forever. I had to realize that one President does not define our nation's values. The legacy of the United States and it being one of the only countries that guarantees all its citizens freedom is something to celebrate. Even if you do not support our current President, be proud of the progress our country has made. Happy 4th of July!!

Illegal to Text & Drive!

The Michigan texting ban was signed April 30 by Gov. Jennifer Granholm on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Many watched as Michigan became the 24th state to ban texting while driving. This ban is now law and takes effect today! Police are now allowed to pull a driver over if they notice unusual swerving, moving in and out of a lane, or just suspicious driving. The fines range from $100 for a first time offense up to $200 for a second offense. However, no points will be given regardless of the number of offenses. Driving down I-95 you may now notice billboards, advertisements, and public service announcements reminding MI drivers of the newly enforced law. The Office of Highway Safety Plan created this campaign and labeled it "Hands on the Wheel". Some wonder, 'How can they prove I was texting?' or 'What if I was dialing a number?' Well, these questions portray the sketchyness of this law. Police officers claim they won't "hunt" down texters...but we know how that story goes. The law is a good way to hopefully lower the accident statistics and I'm proud of our state. I would be a hypocrite if I said I have not checked my phone or texted at a red light, however this law will definitely make me more aware and cautious of doing these actions. Please be careful and don't put others' lives at danger because you didn't want to miss an "important" text.