Let Them In or Kick 'Em Out

Today in geography we read a n article about immigration and its effect on the US population. The article mentioned the ongoing debate over immigration; the two opposing sides being "No Immigrants" and "No Borders". The "No Immigrants" side obviously wishes to refuse all foreigners entrance into the country whereas the "No Borders" side wishes to do away with all restrictions on immigration. As part of the assignment that went along with the article, we were asked which side we mostly agreed with which got me thinking. how can they ask us to decide between such severe measures? Although I didn't think that the question was necessarily fair, I said that I leaned toward the side "No Immigrants". I am truly more in the middle, although right now I think that it would be better for America to greatly decrease the amount of immigrants that they allow into the country. Right now the economy in the U.S. is terrible, even though it is slowly getting better. America needs to get back on its feet before more people move here. American citizens need the chance to try and put their lives back together. Many people who come to the United States are searching for a better life. However, the U.S. needs to nurse itself back to health in order to provide the new opportunities that immigrants are looking for. Also, right now there are millions of American citizens are out of a job; the bad economy is the main reason for this, but another contributing factor is the fact that immigrants also take many of the jobs that are available. Everyone deserves a chance for a new and better life, but America needs to take care of Americans before it can offer hospitality to strangers.

I'll say again that I have nothing against immigrants, not even against illegal immigrants, I just think that while America is recuperating it would be best if the government limited the number of newcomers.

The Immortal Two

The two eyes of life, day and night, light and dark.
Individual symmetry.
Ethereal talent, awed silence.
Ink, flowing like blood,
inspiring mind-numbing brilliance.
Erratic shades of gray, molded into masterpieces
of shadow.
Different tools to work the craft,
but love of the art;
the same.
Sensitivity to the plight of life,
forgotten Old Souls born anew.
Blessed by the Muses, skilled in remembrance.
Removed in the clouds, lounging atop
Olympus's summit.
White light surrounding,
two born as one.

Slán go fóill

<3 B

Danaans vs. Tuatha de Danann

As I was sitting here clutching gratefully at the warmth of my tea, floating in the sweet caress of its dreamy aroma, I thought back over the last few days and of our crash course in the Odyssey. Several times while we were reading in class, I got the distinct feeling of remembrance with each lyrical phrase. Something about this story tugged gently yet insistently on the edges of a memory.
The steam from the mug in my hands warmed my face inspiring illumination. I suddenly remembered what it was that seemed so familiar. Today, as the shadows of evening tint the horizon, I realize that it is the perfect day for literary comparison.
What I remembered: The Fabulous Deeds of the Sons of Tuireann.

Whoa, hold on, what in the world is that?

That, my friends, is my favorite Irish myth.

Summary:
This myth is about three brothers (the sons of Tiureann) who are sent on a quest as punishment for a crime they committed. The fine for there crime was:

1. three apples
2. a skin of a pig
3. a spear
4. two horses and a chariot
5. seven pigs
6. a dog's whelp
7. a cooking-spit
   
8. and three shouts on a hill

However they were tricked and they were told that in fact, they needed to find:

• the three golden apples of the Garden of Hesperides which can cure all wounds
• the magic pigskin belonging to the King of Greece which can cure all diseases
• the spear belonging to the King of Persia that can "destroy anyone or anything"(MAC Uistin 32)
• the horses and chariot that can fly over land and water from Sicily
• the seven piglets that can be eaten at night and are alive the next morning
• the pup that makes all animals who look at him weak which belonged to the King of Norway
• the cooking spit from the Isle of the Fine Hair
• three shouts from the Hill of Miochaoin

The main story is how (and if) they accomplish each task.

I'm not exactly sure why the Odyssey reminded me of this. Maybe becuase it's about a quest that encompasses little tasks which are almost tiny stories within themselves; maybe it's because the brothers run into a cyclops at one point in the story. It could even be that they are so alike because they have similar endings.

That is one thing I like about mythology, there isn't always a happy ending. Of course I always hope for a happy ending....doesn't everybody? However I like how the good doesn't always win, and even if they do triumph over evil, it comes at high cost. I think it's almost like a life lesson.

-You're not always going to win against the evils in your life. Even if you do, the damage or price could be monstrous. Life is not a cushy, luxury car ride....even if you get that ride in the limo, you still have got to pay for the gas.

Ok, well I'm tired of being Yoda, so as usual:
Peace
Slán go fóill
Bridget