My Take on Intervention In Syria

Syria has undergone a civil war for the past two years where hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost and two million have been forced into refuge with their families by fleeing Syria. Bashar Assad has used ruthless force against rebel troops, all while rebel troops with connections to regional terrorist organizations have shown their brutality with captured Syrian troops as well. The atrocities of war between these two forces have increased as time has passed and hit a peak when chemical weapons armed with the poison gas of sarin were used on civilians in a suburb of Damascus on August 21st.

It is said that nearly 1,400 men, women and children died on that day due to those weapons being used. The extent of disregard for lives and international law were demonstrated by this heinous attack and while very few people doubt these chemical attacks took place, the questions that sprout from these events taking place are numerous and essential to answer before committing American military weapons to be used against Bashar Assad's government troops in order to assist terrorist-linked rebel troops. My questions are these:

1. If Bashar Assad was gaining advantage over the rebels in the civil war, why then would he have authorized chemical weapons to be used? Which side REALLY stood to gain most from chemical weapons being used?

2. Why does Obama want to go to Congress for authorization to attack Syria if he still insists that he'll attack Syria anyway even without that authorization?

3. Looking back at the most recent military interventions of Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan; why should the American people have ANY confidence that military strikes in Syria would do anything to help with America's national security or even the security of the Syrian people where they are at war with one another?

4. If Syrian forces were to shoot down an American plane or sink an American vessel in retaliation to American attacks, does Obama STILL rule out American troops on the ground?

5. If Obama's military team says this intervention is also to prevent "chemical weapons from going into the hands of terrorists", yet weapons have already been used against innocent civilians, who's to say military strikes would prevent that or even decrease the likelihood of it happening again?

6. Obama said his goal of military strikes isn't for "regime change", yet he insists Bashar Assad step down and is arming and training rebels while plotting out which sites in Syria are worth striking. Why not just say the truth and say his strikes aim is for "regime change"?

7. If the U.S. military strikes the chemical weapon sites, what would be the consequence of those poisons and toxic chemicals making it into the air among civilians?

8. U.S. attacks Syria, Hezbollah attacks American interests, Israel strikes Hezbollah in Lebanon, Lebanon spirals out of control due to the pressure of war and Syrian refugees, Iran supplies Hezbollah to attack Israel, then the region loses some of it's infrastructure and stability.... Should these series of events take place, then what?


I've missed out on several credible questions and scenarios, but I feel these are all questions worth exploring in the days to come. It is my utmost belief that what we're seeing manifest and unfold in Syria is part of a larger elaborate scheme on someone's part; an orchestrated set of events meant to evoke chaos and instability in order to gain an upper hand. I don't feel Syria threatens the livelihood of the United States or it's interests, I don't feel we've seen evidence Bashar Assad himself authorized these chemical attacks and I don't feel it is in the middle east or the international community's best interests to intervene militarily and help the already proven terrorist-linked Syrian Rebels into power. It does not make sense to me that we take a heinous secular dictator out of power and replace him with a heinous Islamist terrorist-backed group of rebels.

Obama and his backers say "History will judge us if we do not intervene"..

... but the truth is history has already judged us by our failed and flawed interventions. It's time we stop giving history books any more reason to look down on our nation and it's insatiable appetite for foreign intervention.

From me to the world,
- David.

A Dreamer's Dreams Unfulfilled Just Yet.

When I was a child, I naively felt that as I grew older and became a man, all things negative would vanish and the world would simply be at my doorstep WAITING for me to change it. I thought all it took to change the society I grew up in were simple speeches and well wishes, and all would be fine.

It was my naivete that kept me from the realities of this world; it won't change off of well wishes and speeches. Societies and communities don't transform because we merely want them to, they transform because we force it to through action, through collective effort and through self-transformations within ourselves.

How can I as just one man expect to win over hearts and change the minds of others if I cannot do this within myself?

I've realized that in order to change the mentality of one community, you've got to change the mentalities of the families within that one community. However, I can't promote health if I can't take my own advice. I can't promote education if I do not engage in education myself. I can't advocate on behalf of the homeless and ask others to feed the homeless if I have never done so myself. In all acts of community advancement I call for, I now realize that the best advocacy in the world is advocacy that is demonstrated by example.

What are my words without actions to follow them?

What are my goals without efforts to achieve them?

What are my dreams without waking up to live them?

Words, without action, mean nothing.



Here's to us changing the world through example; one day at a time.

- David

The Burden Of Aspiration

When we were young children, we were vivid dreamers. Some of us continue to be so, but some of us have allowed that ability within us to die through the years. Sometimes we forget what it is we dream and hope for because we are so occupied with what we must do day to day. We make time for work, but make little time for progress.

How do we measure progress? How do we measure success? Most importantly, why do we stop dreaming and aspiring?

I challenge anyone to put aside their worries with work, school and family for just a moment and think on why you're not 100% content with your life. We all have our circumstances we've been dealt; yet the approaches we take in life are entirely up to us. Do we sit and become complacent, or we aspire to excel and do our best? That choice is in our hands.

A Toast To Always Doing Better...

- David

A video that will TRUTHFULLY inspire you

America is falling from the top, and falling FAST.

America is failing its children.

America is falling from the top.

America's vision for its children and its future generations has fallen incredibly short sighted and distantly far behind the progresses the industrial world has made. To the detriment of the children of this nation and workers of our economy, we are approaching a new century with expired ideas and fall short of what we are all collectively capable of doing. The errors in our curriculum and the failed educational policies implemented for decades have fallen short, and American families everywhere are bearing the brunt of it in one form or another.

Join me in starting the conversation on education reform and what we can do better for ourselves, for our futures, for our children and for the progress of our country.

To thoughts that must be provoked and conversations that must be had...

- David.

Changing the Education Paradigm

A Toast To New Beginnings

2012 was the most amazing year of my entire life. It was in 2012 where I realized the extent of what I'm capable of. It was in 2012 where I emerged out of confusion and heartbreak. It was in 2012 where I took the risk of moving across the country to begin a life of my own. It was in 2012 where I saw my community come together as one on numerous occasions.

Everything about 2012 has changed my life as I've come to know it.

2013 will continue to change my life. 2013 will see my professional entry into politics and public service. 2013 will be the year that defines what I hope will be the genesis to my full adult life; both socially and professionally.

2013 is the year where every day is a different page in my book of life

...and I'll do everything to make each page worth reading.


Here's to new beginnings.

- David

Moment of Truth

There comes a time when you realize that your moment of truth is near. When all signs lead to the road in which you've visioned yourself going down for years. The repetition of our never-changing everyday life becomes unbearable and our yearning for change grows by the day. In this very moment, you know the transformation of your dreams into reality is inevitable. You know the weight of your worries and uncertainty are outweighed by your insatiable desire to do better and strive for your best...

This is your moment of truth.

 In this moment, you know that great rewards are never attained without great risk. In this moment, you finally admit that you are capable of everything you've dreamt in the past. In this moment, your life has added meaning, and in this moment, you live like never before. This moment is yours forevermore.

Seize that moment; for when it is lost, it is near impossible to seize again.

This is only what I've heard, but I intend to never see for myself. The time to make history is never more fitting than now.

This moment of truth is yours.

Our Most Important Investment

When it comes to what we as a nation decide to fund and invest in, we've unfortunately overlooked our most important national investment: Our Education. I argue that more than highways, sidewalks, police departments and military spending, our investment in our students and their educations must be not the first, but the last thing to be cut in government budgets. It is true that throwing money at schools does not always result in better test scores and higher graduation rates, but what remains true is that education is what gives our economy it's fuel and will continue to be that fuel so long as we are competing with countries like China, India, Brazil and other emerging economies. We must not be so fast to cut education funding, considering it's long term ramifications on our economy, our infrastructure and every other major facet of our American society. Too often our debates on education spending and education reform becomes mired and backlogged by politics and a stubborn refusal to meet in the middle on a number of issues that involve education such as funding, taxes, the NEA, charter schools, test scores, passing/failing schools, curriculum and tenure. I do not believe we can make any improvements on our education system without first collectively realizing that all sides must meet in the middle and come together for the sake of our generation's future. We cannot say we mean effective education reform without first opening ourselves to the idea that perhaps the opposing side might actually have a handful of great ideas. Nelson Mandela once said "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." I Agree. Do you? - David.

A Look at America and Our Hurtful Truth

When I first watched this video, I couldn't help but think about the many points brought up and how as a nation we became what we've become. While provocative and seemingly anti-patriotic for some, it raises eyebrows and serves as a reminder on the many areas of society in which we must do better. For the better and for the worse, it's important to keep our truths true and our priorities in order. Take a watch and tell me, what do you think?

Complacency: Our Worst Enemy

Often in life there are difficulties in really understanding who we are, what we want to become and where in life we want to be. We get so distracted by the present, we forget about looking towards the future in a clear and concise way. I know that sometimes I'm so bogged down with what I've got going on now, my future becomes foggy and I forget everything I wanted to do. I often looked at the clock and wondered where the time was going, when really I should've looked at my life and wondered where that was going.

I can't do that anymore.

We've all got aspirations and dreams we want to achieve and to put them on the back-burner for the sake of focusing on our present situation isn't always the right approach. In fact, it's usually this very habit that keeps our aspirations from taking place. We worry about things like risk and lack of security, when our biggest concern should be complacency.

Life shouldn't be a routine. Life should be an endless fulfillment of dreams we've dreamt for years on end. It does not matter whether our dreams are to travel, have a big family, become wealthy or land a prestigious job; as long as those dreams become fulfilled. If there's one thing life taught me, it's that hard work and persistence are the recipe for success.

To Never Become Complacent Again,
- David

Los Angeles: My New Home.

This is Home now.

Moving to Los Angeles isn't a dream anymore; it's reality. It's been reality for close to a month now and I couldn't be happier. The city offers me new sights to see and different people to meet. My apartment building is located walking distance from downtown L.A. and I get to see a skyline view of the city everyday from my apartment. 

Working in downtown L.A. is interesting; it gives me that big city feel I've always wanted to work and live in, as well as exposes me to different groups of people from different walks of life. Working close to the Staples Center, the University of Southern California and countless major hotels, Downtown Los Angeles keeps me interested and curious on what else there is to see and experience. 

The weather's unbeatable and the people, while sometimes pretentious, are generally laid back and friendly. I get the feeling people just want to live out here and enjoy life and the experiences in it. There are parks, bars, clubs, lounges, restaurants, beaches and museums that anyone is welcome to go to and enjoy for themselves. I wish I had more time to immerse myself in all that, but I knew for a while now that work comes first and I've got to get on my feet before I can live the lifestyle I want. Until then, I've got to enjoy my location in the city and make the best of networking and learning as much from this city as I can. 

There's a lot to learn in this city. There's even more to experience...

It IS Los Angeles, of course. 

Blogging Again, 

David.

The 2012 Elections and What To Expect.

Believe it or not, It's been almost 4 years since the election between Senators John McCain and Barack Obama. Much has taken place upon Obama's arrival to the White House; Some Good, Some Bad. A number of controversial issues have come up since November of 2008 and this administration, while currently up in poll numbers when polled against the current Republican candidates, has a very difficult road ahead of itself if it hopes to earn another 4 years from the American public. Whoever the Republican candidate may be, it seems as though the issues that the 2012 election will revolve around will remain the same: The economy, 'Obamacare', energy costs and entitlement programs. In all likelihood, Obama will not match both the fundraising and enthusiasm he had in 2008 when he ran on the 'change' and 'hope' themes. It is evident a large number of independent voters have become disenfranchised with Obama and even some of his most ardent liberal supporters are apprehensive about putting in all the effort for his campaign over again. Obama has his strengths and weaknesses coming into the 2012 elections, as does his eventual Republican opponent. This being said..

What are your predictions out there in the blogosphere?

Forever Discussing Politics,
David.

"I Still Have A Soul"

Please Donate Today

Martin Luther King Jr. once said "Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. "

In the bible, Proverbs 22:9 states "He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor."

Buddha once said "Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering. Some suffer too much, others too little."

Gandhi once stated "Poverty is the worst form of violence."

The great Greek poet Aesop once said "No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted."

And Finally, Mother Teresa once said "At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done."

We will be judged by 'I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in.'

Hungry not only for bread -- but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing -- but naked for human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a room of bricks -- but homeless because of rejection." 

I've realized these past months that all too often, people become preoccupied with their own sense of identity and uplifting, all while taking for granted the uplifting of others less fortunate. I, myself, have been guilty of this and realize now that as a person and as a Christian, It's time I carry out on engaging in deeds that make me a Christian, an American, and a Man. 

 We all have our obligations to carry out; regardless of faith, citizenship or affiliation. Before all else, we are all HUMAN. Please, I ask you all to please contribute whatever little you may have to the needy. Let us evaluate who we are and carry out our inherent tasks as people. Thank you.  

It's Time, 

David.

"With Your Faith"

Have a little faith in me, you need to know my dreams.

Despite the slow timing, it's better than it seems.

I've thought my life through, beside me, you can stand.

If only you promise I'll have your faith, your full faith in me as a man.

I need you to believe in me, when the rest of the world won't..

.. and when all else has doubted me, promise me you don't.

You see, I'm a man of aspirations, my dreams are of the day;

and I need your full faith in me to not let me sleep my dreams away.

I need to know you're there, with nothing there to hide.

Not to follow, nor to lead, but as my woman, be beside.

I need the up's to keep me afloat, the down's to keep me humble.

I need you to be my rock when the rest of the world crumbles.

When I'm hurting, I need you to notice, cause as a man, I can't show it.

For reasons I can't express, I still need you there to know it.

Your full faith as my woman, and when it comes to the heart of it;

I don't ask to be your world, I just ask to be a part of it.

I come with strengths, I come with flaws; I am merely just a man.

But with your faith, I can take on the world.. With Your Faith, I Can Stand.

"I Dream"

Experience has taught me much, the good and bad I've seen.

To make the good, better and the bad, good; for these reasons alone, I Dream.

I dream when there is no air to breathe, or a sky to see.

I dream when I'm just 1 step away from finding the best in me.

I dream when I am content, I dream when I am upset.

I dream when I rejoice in achievement and dream when full regret.

I dream because of all things in life, my dreams cannot be taken.

I dream because when all seems lost, in my dreams, I am never forsaken.

You see, I've never had much, but many dreams; I've had.

I've had dreams that were so good that I've needed so bad.

I've learned you can exist or you can live; as confusing as it may seem...

... I've learned that while the world is sleeping, it's better to lay and dream.

"Take Me As I Am"

Take me as I am, a man with many flaws.

A man that loves unconditionally, a man that loves without cause.

A man that loves far too much, a man who cannot hate.

I am what I am, I say what I say, despite what it may create. 

I think too much and feel even more; tell me, who should I be?

When my greatest friend and my greatest foe are both found within me?

I say too much and I'm too honest; how do I tell you what's true,

when lying to you hurts me, and telling you the truth hurts you?

When you get mad, I won't react; In anger, I become weak.

In anger I might say things I wish I did not speak.

... And so I don't speak, because I refuse to let my guard down, 

but when I don't speak, you think I don't care; tell me what I do now.

You despise me when I'm  with you and miss me when I'm away.

You couldn't stand me yesterday, but you say you love me today.

Take me as I am, and as in the years we've both been through...

Take me as the Flawed Man who loves too much and is sitting here waiting for you.

"What More Do We Really Need?"

Tell me you're with me, through thick and through thin.

Because I can never replace the love that I'm in.

We've been up, we've been down; always hand in hand.

For years we've wondered, "How much more can we stand?"

So just when we think we can't bear these pains anymore,

I just want to remind you, love; we've been down this road before.

Yes, we said we can't make it, and yes we've said we need help,

yet despite the struggle and uncertainty, look at how far we've dealt.

In case you forgot, I Love You; Now and Forever More.

In all the struggles that we've endured, we should never forget what they're for.

The times are going so fast, and it's hard to keep up to speed.

but If I got YOU, and you got ME; what more do we really need?

I'm Just Now Seeing...

... What if I've been so fixated on my career, I've forgotten about what really matters in my everyday life?

What if I've been so preoccupied with the people I'm supposed to meet that I forgot about the people I've already met?

What if I put myself before my family and broke my promise to them?

What if, in my pursuit of who I am to BECOME, I've forgotten who I AM?

Taking a Few Steps Back...
David.