The human experience. What is it? To each of us, its meaning varies. To me, the human experience shapes the way we think, the way we feel, our morals, our beliefs, and our political view. This week I was overwhelmed with news and redefining my own political stance based on my own human experiences. I don't know. Maybe it was the flu, the lack of fluids and food that got me thinking, or the hours upon hours of news I watched for two days straight with a NyQuil flooded mind. For a minute I even blamed it on Bieber Fever...but this week was eye opening. Like finding out that the person you have had a relationship with all these years is not really the person you think they are. I found myself watching the events in Egypt, Bahrain, Libya and Yemen unfold. I toggled between my ever faithful Fox news and the local media as I watched protesters gather across our country to have their voices heard regarding public works, unions, teaching and education. And then my mother called and I was given a crash course on radical Islam. Too much information but helpful. Her bottom line regarding Christianity and Radical Islam and the situation in the Middle East: "Angie, it doesn't matter if people here don't believe it. THEY believe it. And you cant reason with an ideology". I agree. By Friday night I had a migraine.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Made in China
The past few weeks, my children (Alex 6 & Madelline 8) have been particulary observant about how many of the things they own are "made in China". I have found it to be quite commical because it's not coming from anything I have said or have taught them. I don't really know where this fascination has come from.
At dinner Friday night, Alex looks at me and says, "I just cant take it anymore" as he is looking at his crayon and shaking his head. I asked, "what's that honey? what cant you take anymore?" He replies with frustration as he holds his crayon up to my face, "My crayon is made in China!" I tried not to laugh because he was visibly distraught and rightfully so! He says, "Why is everything made in China?" How do you answer that question age appropriately to a 6 year old without getting into economics, politics, foreign trade, outsourcing and how all those things come together? I really didn't know what to say and I found myself saying something that I wish I could have taken back immediately, "Welcome to America dear.".
My children's observation just added to my frustration already about how much we rely on other countries. As savvy as we are, as rich (but in debt) as we are, and with so much land and resources available...why are so many of our products made in China? And other countries for that matter. I know why. I really do. But why? Why do we have to go there? Why do we continue to rely on other countries so much for the things we need?
At dinner Friday night, Alex looks at me and says, "I just cant take it anymore" as he is looking at his crayon and shaking his head. I asked, "what's that honey? what cant you take anymore?" He replies with frustration as he holds his crayon up to my face, "My crayon is made in China!" I tried not to laugh because he was visibly distraught and rightfully so! He says, "Why is everything made in China?" How do you answer that question age appropriately to a 6 year old without getting into economics, politics, foreign trade, outsourcing and how all those things come together? I really didn't know what to say and I found myself saying something that I wish I could have taken back immediately, "Welcome to America dear.".
My children's observation just added to my frustration already about how much we rely on other countries. As savvy as we are, as rich (but in debt) as we are, and with so much land and resources available...why are so many of our products made in China? And other countries for that matter. I know why. I really do. But why? Why do we have to go there? Why do we continue to rely on other countries so much for the things we need?
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