Throughout our lives, we, the citizens of these United States, are urged every November or April to exercise our right to vote. While it is a right to go to the polls every election day and select those who will represent us in office, the mere thought of uneducated and apathetic voters casting ballots troubles me. These days, it’s difficult enough to juggle work, family, finances and other obligations without adding anything to the mix. And while I do think that this generation of voters is much more inclined to actually research the candidates and learn the issues, there are still those who register to vote without knowing anything about their potential representatives.
And I can honestly say that, once upon a time, I fell into that category. With my 18th birthday falling in October of an election year, I was more wrapped up in the reality of being an adult. Voting was the last thing on my mind. Besides, my apathetic self had adopted the, ‘one vote won’t make a difference’ philosophy. Four years later, my bad decision making once again reared its ugly head. Caught up in the whole MTV “Rock the Vote” hype, as well as being surrounded by a college crowd that was certain that our future depended on us getting to the polls and making a difference.
Of course, smart college student that I was, I focused my attention on the presidential race – Gore vs. Bush. I steadfastly threw my support behind Bush because all of my views on the majority of issues mirrored his. I developed a cocky attitude that I was right and all of those who supported Gore were imbeciles … including my better half. Together for three years, we never had as heated arguments as we did leading up to that election. Our political differences drove an insurmountable wedge between us and, eventually, our relationship bent until it broke. Looking back, I can’t help but kick myself for getting so wrapped up in politics that it adversely affected my life.
But, I digress. Heading to the polls that November, I looked over my ballot and realized I failed to do my homework. Sure, I had the president vote all figured out, but then came all the other candidates for Senate, Congress, Assembly and sheriff, with a referendum thrown in for good measure. Like the typical uninformed constituent, I merely chose the names that sounded familiar – those of the incumbents. After filling it out, I left feeling like a failure. Sure, I had done my part and fulfilled my right to vote, but I really had no idea what I was doing.
That’s why people need to realize that votes do count. And just because an incumbent has been in office for 30-some years doesn’t mean he or she is the right person for the job. Guess that whole live and learn saying rang true for me. And while I realize there are only a few days before Nov. 2 gets here, please do yourself a favor and, if you intend to vote, make sure you do some research. Going to the polls without any knowledge of who the candidates are and what they stand for is like walking into a final exam at school without ever having cracked a book.
Also, just because the option to vote party lines is there doesn’t mean you have to use it. These days, I find it hard to believe that any one person agrees or disagrees with either perspective entirely. Don’t be lazy. Get to know the candidates, the issues and go into your polling place knowing exactly who and what you’re supporting. After all, this is our country and we have to live with it until the next election rolls around … so let’s make it the best that it can be. And remember, every vote does count.
Jennie Oemig,
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Seat Belts Save Lives ... Mine Included
In recognition of national teen driver safety week, I thought it would be appropriate to reiterate the importance of safe driving.
To be fair, safe driving is pertinent whether you’re a teenager or not. And the main cause of fatalities is the fact that people are not buckling up when they get behind the wheel. All our lives, we’ve been told to buckle up for our safety … that that strap might save our lives if we’re ever in an automobile accident. I’m living proof of that. If it weren’t for those thin pieces of interwoven nylon, chances are I wouldn’t be here today.
When I moved to Wyoming in the summer of 2007, there were a number of things I had to get used to, such as climate (I’ve seen snow in July), environment (I’ve walked past a moose on the sidewalk) and, of course, altitude (you’d be surprised how quickly you can get drunk at 7,000 feet). But all of those things I had pretty much anticipated. One thing I never took into consideration was that I would have to adapt to the rules of the road in the west. Over there, the speed limit on the interstate is 80 miles per hour and 65 miles per hour on the highways. But that’s not even the worst of it.
Because there are so many animals that live in the mountains and cities are few and far between, drivers tend to share the road with nature … even mores than in Wisconsin. In addition to deer, you have moose, pronghorn, bison and mountain goats to contend with in those parts. So, one morning while I was driving out near the Jonah Field and Pinedale Anticline, two large energy fields in Wyoming, I came across a herd of pronghorn. Going 65 and rounding some sharp corners, not to mention the fact that shoulders are pretty much non-existent on rural highways, I swerved to avoid hitting one of them. Getting off the pavement, I yanked the steering wheel to get back on the road. Unfortunately, I ended up overcorrecting the vehicle and it started to roll.
While I had always been told that car crashes seem to take place in slow motion, I never believed it until I lived through it. The car rolled for what seemed like forever, though it was only one a a half times. After my car came to rest on its roof in the ditch on the opposite side of the road, I began to assess my situation. I was alive, so that was a good start. Looking around, I saw that two of the windows were shattered and there was glass everywhere. Still in somewhat of a state of shock from had just happened, I didn’t even realize that my index finger had been lacerated and was bleeding profusely. My primary concern was finding my phone and calling for help. Unfastening my seat belt, I looked all over the upside down wreckage for my cell.
While I eventually did find it, it was pretty much a lost cause. I was out in the middle of nowhere and didn’t get much in the way of reception. Thus, I had to wait for a truck driver to come by and call for help. When the police, paramedics and other emergency personnel showed up, the officer who questioned me pointed out that my finger was bleeding pretty badly. Initially turning down treatment, I eventually told the officer that it might be a good idea to go to the hospital and have my finger looked at. Eight stitches and several bumps and bruises, including marks on my waist and shoulder from where the seat belt held me in the vehicle, was all I got out of the terrifying ordeal.
But, I couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened had I not buckled up that morning. Would I have been ejected from the car? Would I have died? Would I have survived the crash, but had injuries so severe that I would have died before I got treatment? Would I be brain damaged or paralyzed if I did make it out alive? Thankfully, because of those two straps, I didn’t have to find out. But, any other day on any other road, there are people who aren’t as fortunate … who decided not to buckle up. Sure, I know of instances where people died because they were wearing their seatbelts, but those are few and far between.
Since that day, I’ve never not buckled up … and neither should you.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
To be fair, safe driving is pertinent whether you’re a teenager or not. And the main cause of fatalities is the fact that people are not buckling up when they get behind the wheel. All our lives, we’ve been told to buckle up for our safety … that that strap might save our lives if we’re ever in an automobile accident. I’m living proof of that. If it weren’t for those thin pieces of interwoven nylon, chances are I wouldn’t be here today.
When I moved to Wyoming in the summer of 2007, there were a number of things I had to get used to, such as climate (I’ve seen snow in July), environment (I’ve walked past a moose on the sidewalk) and, of course, altitude (you’d be surprised how quickly you can get drunk at 7,000 feet). But all of those things I had pretty much anticipated. One thing I never took into consideration was that I would have to adapt to the rules of the road in the west. Over there, the speed limit on the interstate is 80 miles per hour and 65 miles per hour on the highways. But that’s not even the worst of it.
Because there are so many animals that live in the mountains and cities are few and far between, drivers tend to share the road with nature … even mores than in Wisconsin. In addition to deer, you have moose, pronghorn, bison and mountain goats to contend with in those parts. So, one morning while I was driving out near the Jonah Field and Pinedale Anticline, two large energy fields in Wyoming, I came across a herd of pronghorn. Going 65 and rounding some sharp corners, not to mention the fact that shoulders are pretty much non-existent on rural highways, I swerved to avoid hitting one of them. Getting off the pavement, I yanked the steering wheel to get back on the road. Unfortunately, I ended up overcorrecting the vehicle and it started to roll.
While I had always been told that car crashes seem to take place in slow motion, I never believed it until I lived through it. The car rolled for what seemed like forever, though it was only one a a half times. After my car came to rest on its roof in the ditch on the opposite side of the road, I began to assess my situation. I was alive, so that was a good start. Looking around, I saw that two of the windows were shattered and there was glass everywhere. Still in somewhat of a state of shock from had just happened, I didn’t even realize that my index finger had been lacerated and was bleeding profusely. My primary concern was finding my phone and calling for help. Unfastening my seat belt, I looked all over the upside down wreckage for my cell.
While I eventually did find it, it was pretty much a lost cause. I was out in the middle of nowhere and didn’t get much in the way of reception. Thus, I had to wait for a truck driver to come by and call for help. When the police, paramedics and other emergency personnel showed up, the officer who questioned me pointed out that my finger was bleeding pretty badly. Initially turning down treatment, I eventually told the officer that it might be a good idea to go to the hospital and have my finger looked at. Eight stitches and several bumps and bruises, including marks on my waist and shoulder from where the seat belt held me in the vehicle, was all I got out of the terrifying ordeal.
But, I couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened had I not buckled up that morning. Would I have been ejected from the car? Would I have died? Would I have survived the crash, but had injuries so severe that I would have died before I got treatment? Would I be brain damaged or paralyzed if I did make it out alive? Thankfully, because of those two straps, I didn’t have to find out. But, any other day on any other road, there are people who aren’t as fortunate … who decided not to buckle up. Sure, I know of instances where people died because they were wearing their seatbelts, but those are few and far between.
Since that day, I’ve never not buckled up … and neither should you.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
If You Build It, They Will Excel
In regard to the meeting two weeks ago, I must applaud the decision of the facilities committee. Considering the recent disaster this community has faced and adding to that the poor economic condition, I think it took a lot of courage to insist upon a new elementary and middle school. While there will surely be a great deal of concerns, mainly of the property tax variety, I think it’s important to realize what’s at stake … the education of the children in this community. While Arcadians’ wallets may be dealt a huge blow if this process moves forward, ultimately, those kids are the ones who will be affected most by the final decision.
Though money always seems to come up as a concern when a construction project of this magnitude is being discussed (to be truthful, I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a time when funding was not an issue), at some point in the future, a new building will have to be constructed. And If you look at the economy, barring another major downswing in the market, things never tend to get cheaper. Let’s be honest … an increase in property taxes will never be something people will welcome with open arms. But, a lot can change in just a few years. If it were the pleasure of the committee and school board to wait five or so years to move forward with a new facility, when it absolutely, positively needs to be built, chances are it will cost even more.
Given that construction companies are practically begging for work these days, it’s more likely that, if the project were bid out sooner rather than later, the cost will be significantly less. And then, when you take into consideration the value of the children and the fact that their futures hinge on the education they receive right now, one would think cost would be a non-issue. Making sure those kids are in a conducive learning environment should be job one. A noisy building that was initially built 90 some years ago, has an unreliable heating system and consists of rooms that can no longer contain modern class sizes, is a far cry from conducive.
When I was in elementary school, the building I attended classes in left quite a bit to be desired. While not necessarily unusable, it was, without a doubt, in need of some serious upgrades. Handicap accessibility was lacking, it was unbelievably cold and drafty during the winter months, what with a faulty heating system, and security was minimal … I mean, how secure could a building constructed almost a century prior possibly be? And while there’s no doubt that teaching methods and the material are two crucial factors in a child’s academic success, I would have to argue that environment is just as important, if not more so. Let me tell you, listening to the clanging and banging of pipes every time the furnace kicked in during the winter months was a huge distraction, especially while attempting to comprehend long division or trying to read “Lord of the Flies” – as if those weren’t challenging enough as it was.
When you take into consideration the effects that learning environment has on students, it makes perfect sense to somehow find the funds for a new facility, regardless of the cost. While I’m not a parent and I don’t pay property taxes in Arcadia just yet, I know that a child’s education is priceless and monetary constraints of any kind should not be placed on the future leaders of this country. Sure, there’s a lot of time before anything is set in stone regarding this project, but this is merely food for thought ... something to have in the back of your minds when and if this issue comes to referendum.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Though money always seems to come up as a concern when a construction project of this magnitude is being discussed (to be truthful, I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a time when funding was not an issue), at some point in the future, a new building will have to be constructed. And If you look at the economy, barring another major downswing in the market, things never tend to get cheaper. Let’s be honest … an increase in property taxes will never be something people will welcome with open arms. But, a lot can change in just a few years. If it were the pleasure of the committee and school board to wait five or so years to move forward with a new facility, when it absolutely, positively needs to be built, chances are it will cost even more.
Given that construction companies are practically begging for work these days, it’s more likely that, if the project were bid out sooner rather than later, the cost will be significantly less. And then, when you take into consideration the value of the children and the fact that their futures hinge on the education they receive right now, one would think cost would be a non-issue. Making sure those kids are in a conducive learning environment should be job one. A noisy building that was initially built 90 some years ago, has an unreliable heating system and consists of rooms that can no longer contain modern class sizes, is a far cry from conducive.
When I was in elementary school, the building I attended classes in left quite a bit to be desired. While not necessarily unusable, it was, without a doubt, in need of some serious upgrades. Handicap accessibility was lacking, it was unbelievably cold and drafty during the winter months, what with a faulty heating system, and security was minimal … I mean, how secure could a building constructed almost a century prior possibly be? And while there’s no doubt that teaching methods and the material are two crucial factors in a child’s academic success, I would have to argue that environment is just as important, if not more so. Let me tell you, listening to the clanging and banging of pipes every time the furnace kicked in during the winter months was a huge distraction, especially while attempting to comprehend long division or trying to read “Lord of the Flies” – as if those weren’t challenging enough as it was.
When you take into consideration the effects that learning environment has on students, it makes perfect sense to somehow find the funds for a new facility, regardless of the cost. While I’m not a parent and I don’t pay property taxes in Arcadia just yet, I know that a child’s education is priceless and monetary constraints of any kind should not be placed on the future leaders of this country. Sure, there’s a lot of time before anything is set in stone regarding this project, but this is merely food for thought ... something to have in the back of your minds when and if this issue comes to referendum.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
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