I promised that 2011, the Year of the Rabbit, would be a vintage year and when I will take the great leap forward (mind the no capitalization). As the year draws to a close and the time to reflect beckons, I can relate so many things I am thankful for. Especially in a time of national and international uncertainty, such blessings should be cherished.
1. Changing law schools. It was a difficult decision to leave behind many friends and memories at Emory and Atlanta, a place which I truly enjoyed. The choice had to be made and the bargain has worked thus far, especially for my professional growth.
2. A unique summer. I had the opportunity to take part in two summer experiences after my 1L year. They are both instrumental for my future career and I thoroughly enjoyed both. My highlight was bringing a basket of farm fresh blueberries to court chambers.
3. Nonprofit experiences. I had wonderful supervisors whom I met and developed relationships with through networking. It puts much joy to contribute my legal and outreach skills to causes that matter to our communities.
4. Penn. I found my time meeting up with Penn friends and fellow alumni quite satisfying. Perhaps it's the two years that have elapsed or the memories that remain - I hope to build on the connections.
5. AABANY. It was a blessing to join and work with and learn from the talented attorneys at AABANY. I am happy to contribute my time and skills to the organization.
6. Classic rock music. Listening to the Beatles, Beach Boys, the Who, etc. saved my sanity during the study of the law. Because I don't get much of modern music, I am thankful for the classics.
7. A trip to California. It was for a law firm interview but done over my birthday. I got to enjoy the sunny weather and beaches in SoCal and did not want to come back.
8. Time to do so much. Time has never become a more scarce commodity during 2L year but I am glad to find enough to do most of what I am passionate about. Reaching out beyond law school is so often overlooked.
9. Family and friends. Nuff 'Ced.
It's time to build on these blessings and leave this year on a high (there are still two months left, properly). For now, time to enjoy pecan pie, the rare great weather in New York, and football...
Thursday 24 November 2011
Sunday 11 September 2011
Coming to Age after 9/11
Today is a solemn moment for all of us to remember and reflect. While I did not directly observe the events of that day, I attended high school only a few blocks from the Twin Towers. I remembered the confusion that all of us felt as Stuyvesant administrators and teachers led us walking north to 59th street, and then told us to find way back home (to Brooklyn) on our own. It was a terrifying time, and I felt I was thrust into the middle of a gigantic moment when I barely turned 14.
Ten years later, I find myself a more knowledgeable and responsive citizen. I realize that my education and life growing up would have been different had 9/11 not occurred. But in a sorts, it made me more engaged with what is going on home and abroad. I trace my current fascination with current events and geopolitics from reading and following 9/11 and the aftermath. This sense of responsiveness I carry with me as I continue my growth as a lawyer and citizen.
But 9/11 has left an almost indelible scar with me: the sense of insecurity. Since 9/11, all of us have witnessed a more guarded and cautious America, with some political freedoms curtailed and suspicions easily aroused. This sense has percolated to many of us, including me. I strive to not let 9/11 affect me, and continue to be open, tolerant, and understanding. But a part of me remains guarded and vigilant; maybe all the ups and downs of maturing and entering into an unstable economy has taken its toll. Or perhaps I have finally grown up since that fateful day ten years ago, and am ready to engage fully and honestly with myself and the world.
Ten years later, I find myself a more knowledgeable and responsive citizen. I realize that my education and life growing up would have been different had 9/11 not occurred. But in a sorts, it made me more engaged with what is going on home and abroad. I trace my current fascination with current events and geopolitics from reading and following 9/11 and the aftermath. This sense of responsiveness I carry with me as I continue my growth as a lawyer and citizen.
But 9/11 has left an almost indelible scar with me: the sense of insecurity. Since 9/11, all of us have witnessed a more guarded and cautious America, with some political freedoms curtailed and suspicions easily aroused. This sense has percolated to many of us, including me. I strive to not let 9/11 affect me, and continue to be open, tolerant, and understanding. But a part of me remains guarded and vigilant; maybe all the ups and downs of maturing and entering into an unstable economy has taken its toll. Or perhaps I have finally grown up since that fateful day ten years ago, and am ready to engage fully and honestly with myself and the world.
Sunday 28 August 2011
Today's Boston Globe articles
1. Social Epidemiology: In Lawrence, grocery stores are only one piece of the obesity puzzle
Having healthy foods accessible certainly helps to reduce inner city obesity, but as the article points out, ingrained cultural habits are difficult to break.
2. Memorials: King Memorial celebrates a leader, not just a symbol
This memorial is long overdue; Dr. King deserves his place among the greatest Americans. Dr. King will always be a beacon for our country's still unfinished struggle for equality.
3. Politics and Religion: The politics of the Saints
I'm glad to see Mormons are well-accepted now in American life, and two Mormons are seeking America's highest office. I still feel their religion will play too much of a role in the upcoming primaries.
4. Employees: Helping workers live healthy lifestyle
Companies are doing a good thing for their workers and themselves. I wonder if the wellness programs are still primarily motivated by the need to wean off health care costs and maintain productivity with trimmed workforces.
5. Apple and Innovation: In Boston, the keynote to Apple’s turnaround
Let us remember that moments like this often end up defining a company's future growth. I'm curious to learn more about Steve Jobs and how he made Apple so successful.
6. Education and Religion: Battered by nationwide criticism, why is Wellesley standing by its religion curriculum?
I'm split on this; my gut instinct tells me this program, especially its mandatory nature, violates the Establishment Clause. But reading the article leads me to praise the program and its importance to teach students about our diverse religious landscape.
7. Economic Theory: The I-word
Inflation may work and the Fed should not shy away from it just because it is politically unpopular. To revive the economy, unconventional tactics are needed (see Keynes in 1930s).
8. Boston: What’s tried and true around Boston
I agree: what's great about Boston is that the old can remain fresh. I've been to Mount Auburn and Union Oyster, and few others anywhere else can compare.
Greetings again from Boston, and Irene goodnight.
Having healthy foods accessible certainly helps to reduce inner city obesity, but as the article points out, ingrained cultural habits are difficult to break.
2. Memorials: King Memorial celebrates a leader, not just a symbol
This memorial is long overdue; Dr. King deserves his place among the greatest Americans. Dr. King will always be a beacon for our country's still unfinished struggle for equality.
3. Politics and Religion: The politics of the Saints
I'm glad to see Mormons are well-accepted now in American life, and two Mormons are seeking America's highest office. I still feel their religion will play too much of a role in the upcoming primaries.
4. Employees: Helping workers live healthy lifestyle
Companies are doing a good thing for their workers and themselves. I wonder if the wellness programs are still primarily motivated by the need to wean off health care costs and maintain productivity with trimmed workforces.
5. Apple and Innovation: In Boston, the keynote to Apple’s turnaround
Let us remember that moments like this often end up defining a company's future growth. I'm curious to learn more about Steve Jobs and how he made Apple so successful.
6. Education and Religion: Battered by nationwide criticism, why is Wellesley standing by its religion curriculum?
I'm split on this; my gut instinct tells me this program, especially its mandatory nature, violates the Establishment Clause. But reading the article leads me to praise the program and its importance to teach students about our diverse religious landscape.
7. Economic Theory: The I-word
Inflation may work and the Fed should not shy away from it just because it is politically unpopular. To revive the economy, unconventional tactics are needed (see Keynes in 1930s).
8. Boston: What’s tried and true around Boston
I agree: what's great about Boston is that the old can remain fresh. I've been to Mount Auburn and Union Oyster, and few others anywhere else can compare.
Greetings again from Boston, and Irene goodnight.
Monday 4 July 2011
America at 235 and Crossroads
Today America celebrates its 235th birthday in its quintessential ways: parades, baseball, barbecues, music, and fireworks. Much of it is deserved for most citizens. As America tries to climb from the recession, it's time to toast and remember what makes America so great: its commitment to ideals, especially in the Declaration of Independence; its strong and deep tradition of liberty; its entrepreneurial and hard-working people; its diverse and growing ethos; and its continued status as an economic and cultural titan in the world. The founding generation would have been proud.
But America today faces many challenges that may threaten its very identity. Namely, they include prominent issues such as the national debt and deficit, the prospect of a generation of jobless and unskilled laborers, and divisive debates about immigration. But equally important is the erosion of liberties and civil protections of the less powerful and consumers, which our Supreme Court continues to ignore. Some of those issues are pressing but America faced them before and did not succumb. And from my observations of its peoples and enterprises, they remain resilient and true to their principles. I remain confident that America and its people will rise up to the challenge, and ensure that America will continue to be great in the years to come.
Happy Fourth of July from Boston, MA!
But America today faces many challenges that may threaten its very identity. Namely, they include prominent issues such as the national debt and deficit, the prospect of a generation of jobless and unskilled laborers, and divisive debates about immigration. But equally important is the erosion of liberties and civil protections of the less powerful and consumers, which our Supreme Court continues to ignore. Some of those issues are pressing but America faced them before and did not succumb. And from my observations of its peoples and enterprises, they remain resilient and true to their principles. I remain confident that America and its people will rise up to the challenge, and ensure that America will continue to be great in the years to come.
Happy Fourth of July from Boston, MA!
Wednesday 8 June 2011
The state of the economy is not as dire as it seems
Despite the recent economic wobbles, including the slow pace of job growth in May, the economy is hardly going backwards into recession. May was the prognosis of this economic recovery: slow and somewhat painful. There will be months when many jobs will be added, and some when hardly any jobs are. Much of this is cyclical: worldwide events such as the Mideast crises and Japan earthquakes will affect the economic recovery. In May and this spring, the US economy finally felt the lagging effects of those disasters. But Japan is getting back on its feet and gas prices are declining to more normal prices, and hopefully the EU and IMF will not allow Ireland or Spain to default. Altogether, problems persist for the global economy, but things are hardly bleak.
What the US must resolve, sooner than later, is its debt and budget deficit. Politicians and citizens have finally realized that the US government cannot borrow forever, and some day, just like a debtor facing potential bankruptcy, its debt will be held to account. S&P has already downgraded the sovereign debt of several countries, including the US. A sound fiscal plan for the future is a must. It will indeed be precarious how the politicians on Capitol Hill balance the current need to bolster this economic recovery (the Fed is thinking about another quantitative easing), and the long term need to secure our fiscal future. There will need to be some painful cuts to our Social Security and Medicare entitlements, but compromises and sacrifices must be made to secure the blessings of liberty for our posterity.
What the US must resolve, sooner than later, is its debt and budget deficit. Politicians and citizens have finally realized that the US government cannot borrow forever, and some day, just like a debtor facing potential bankruptcy, its debt will be held to account. S&P has already downgraded the sovereign debt of several countries, including the US. A sound fiscal plan for the future is a must. It will indeed be precarious how the politicians on Capitol Hill balance the current need to bolster this economic recovery (the Fed is thinking about another quantitative easing), and the long term need to secure our fiscal future. There will need to be some painful cuts to our Social Security and Medicare entitlements, but compromises and sacrifices must be made to secure the blessings of liberty for our posterity.
Monday 30 May 2011
The Civil War at 150: What We Really Should Remember
This Memorial Day holds special significance as the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War. Americans today remain enthralled with the Civil War, perhaps because of the divided and partisan politics today that resembled that of the 1850s. Does this current phenomenon make the Civil War extra important?
First, let us put to rest a pervasive yet false myth. The War was not about states' rights or caused by it. The war was about slavery. Southerners seceded because they feared for their peculiar institution from the onslaught of Northern industrial capitalism. Northerners too did not want the chattel system to challenge their industries. Before 1860, the South did not secede even when states rights played a big role in the nullification and tariff crises. They only did so when a Republican was elected president and promised to halt slavery's expansion. The myth about states' rights underlying the War only arose after Reconstruction, when Southerners tried to justify secession and of course could no longer use slavery. Let us dispel this myth once and for all, especially in our classrooms.
Second, the Civil War's two fruits are more important than ever today. The War established that America tolerates no classes of citizens. The badges of slavery and racial discrimination were rejected then and still so today. Nonetheless, race remains in our politics and culture. In particular, discrimination against classes of citizens such as gays and homosexuals as well as native-born children of illegal immigrants exist. But the Citizenship and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment plainly prohibits such actions by states. We, especially those in the legal profession, must do more to advance the rights of these disadvantaged persons so that the freedoms that were fought for on the battlefield remain strong in the future.
Moreover, the War taught us that the Union remains above sectional rivalries. Even today, Americans remain patriotic and dedicated to their country. But patriotism means more than attending parades on Memorial Day or singing the anthem at baseball games. Patriotism means talking over our differences and finding a common solutions to America's problems. The caustic rancor on Capitol Hill does not belong. It's time for our leaders and us citizens to have sensible dialogues and listen to one another. We cannot afford another "Civil War" of sorts. While slavery threatened us with moral extinction and almost tore our country apart, let us not allow the national debt and budget crisis to cause our economic extinction. If we work through this ordeal, then those who died for our country from 1861 to 1865, and indeed in all the wars, would be proud.
First, let us put to rest a pervasive yet false myth. The War was not about states' rights or caused by it. The war was about slavery. Southerners seceded because they feared for their peculiar institution from the onslaught of Northern industrial capitalism. Northerners too did not want the chattel system to challenge their industries. Before 1860, the South did not secede even when states rights played a big role in the nullification and tariff crises. They only did so when a Republican was elected president and promised to halt slavery's expansion. The myth about states' rights underlying the War only arose after Reconstruction, when Southerners tried to justify secession and of course could no longer use slavery. Let us dispel this myth once and for all, especially in our classrooms.
Second, the Civil War's two fruits are more important than ever today. The War established that America tolerates no classes of citizens. The badges of slavery and racial discrimination were rejected then and still so today. Nonetheless, race remains in our politics and culture. In particular, discrimination against classes of citizens such as gays and homosexuals as well as native-born children of illegal immigrants exist. But the Citizenship and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment plainly prohibits such actions by states. We, especially those in the legal profession, must do more to advance the rights of these disadvantaged persons so that the freedoms that were fought for on the battlefield remain strong in the future.
Moreover, the War taught us that the Union remains above sectional rivalries. Even today, Americans remain patriotic and dedicated to their country. But patriotism means more than attending parades on Memorial Day or singing the anthem at baseball games. Patriotism means talking over our differences and finding a common solutions to America's problems. The caustic rancor on Capitol Hill does not belong. It's time for our leaders and us citizens to have sensible dialogues and listen to one another. We cannot afford another "Civil War" of sorts. While slavery threatened us with moral extinction and almost tore our country apart, let us not allow the national debt and budget crisis to cause our economic extinction. If we work through this ordeal, then those who died for our country from 1861 to 1865, and indeed in all the wars, would be proud.
Wednesday 18 May 2011
Corrupt Power, and Our Attraction to It
This week witnessed two powerful men whose personal lives were exposed to the public spotlight. Dominique Strauss-Kahn, head of the IMF and a potential French presidential candidate, faces many counts of sexual crimes. His political career is all but ruined. On the other side of the nation, Arnold Schwarzenegger seems unable to extricate his marriage from media attention, and now the tabloids will be running with details about his child with his housekeeper. Who knows whether the terminator has surfaced too early for Arnold.
Let's not forget that these cases are not atypical. The French, after all, have built a stereotype in promiscuity and sexual indiscretion by their politicians hardly seems news to the French people. Likewise, adultery today probably is a widespread phenomenon, especially among the rich and glamorous. I do not want to ingrain these stereotypes or argue that they are pervasive, but merely wish to point out that what happened should not surprise us.
In fact, our obsession with the rich and powerful and the media's role in reinforcing that obsession has created what we face today. Despite our better senses, we glamorize the rich and powerful to hide our own fears and vices. When they prosper, such as winning elections or propelling the stock market, we elevate them on a pedestal. When they fall, such as immersing in sex scandals, we throw them under a microscope. Unlike a scientist whose microscopic lens helps to define the resolution of the specimen, our lens blurs the problems of the rich and powerful and keeps us blind from our personal turmoils and sins.
Let's not forget that these cases are not atypical. The French, after all, have built a stereotype in promiscuity and sexual indiscretion by their politicians hardly seems news to the French people. Likewise, adultery today probably is a widespread phenomenon, especially among the rich and glamorous. I do not want to ingrain these stereotypes or argue that they are pervasive, but merely wish to point out that what happened should not surprise us.
In fact, our obsession with the rich and powerful and the media's role in reinforcing that obsession has created what we face today. Despite our better senses, we glamorize the rich and powerful to hide our own fears and vices. When they prosper, such as winning elections or propelling the stock market, we elevate them on a pedestal. When they fall, such as immersing in sex scandals, we throw them under a microscope. Unlike a scientist whose microscopic lens helps to define the resolution of the specimen, our lens blurs the problems of the rich and powerful and keeps us blind from our personal turmoils and sins.
Wednesday 4 May 2011
Capture of Bin Laden Is Not Mission Accomplished
Like most Americans, I share the joy and relief that Osama bin Laden has been killed. It took ten long years of hunting across two countries, but the armed forces finally took the man down. While bin Laden's death could not replace the loved ones lost on September 11, their families may at least have some solace from the trying ordeal. Furthermore, as President Obama said and promised, the capture of bin Laden represented America's dogged pursuit and determination to bring the War on Terror to a victorious conclusion.
But Osama bin Laden's death is just a milestone and not the end to the War on Terror. Al Qaeda has been living on without his greater presence for a long while, and others will doubtless step into bin Laden's shoes. There are greater challenges facing the U.S. such as extracting intelligence from the captured materials, figuring out Pakistan's role in "hiding" bin Laden so close to Islamabad, and most importantly, making sure another bin Laden does not emerge in the future. I applaud President Obama's decision not to show pictures of bin Laden's body, for it would cause violence and affront Islamic traditions. Even if America pulls out its military from Afghanistan starting this summer, the War on Terror is far from over.
But Osama bin Laden's death is just a milestone and not the end to the War on Terror. Al Qaeda has been living on without his greater presence for a long while, and others will doubtless step into bin Laden's shoes. There are greater challenges facing the U.S. such as extracting intelligence from the captured materials, figuring out Pakistan's role in "hiding" bin Laden so close to Islamabad, and most importantly, making sure another bin Laden does not emerge in the future. I applaud President Obama's decision not to show pictures of bin Laden's body, for it would cause violence and affront Islamic traditions. Even if America pulls out its military from Afghanistan starting this summer, the War on Terror is far from over.
Thursday 3 February 2011
A new year's thoughts
Another year, another opportunity. The rabbit's year will bring opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally. I took a large step forward the past year, and hope to continue do so this year. Law school is a challenge, but one that I can meet and embrace. This year, I hope to become more involved in the legal profession, both at school and outside. I also hope to develop more and deeper friendships with everyone I meet. Finally, I wish for a better and calmer world this upcoming year. Within peace lie great blessings.
Thirteen Virtues for the Year, courtesy of Ben Franklin and modified slightly by me.
1. Temperance
2. Silence
3. Responsiveness
4. Resolution
5. Frugality
6. Industry
7. Sincerity
8. Justice
9. Moderation
10. Cleanliness
11. Tranquillity
12. Humility
13. Prudence
Thirteen Virtues for the Year, courtesy of Ben Franklin and modified slightly by me.
1. Temperance
2. Silence
3. Responsiveness
4. Resolution
5. Frugality
6. Industry
7. Sincerity
8. Justice
9. Moderation
10. Cleanliness
11. Tranquillity
12. Humility
13. Prudence
Sunday 2 January 2011
Today's Boston Globe articles
1. Scientific Research: http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/articles/2011/01/02/broad_institutes_attack_on_disease_brings_answers_questions/
New approaches to scientific research should be encouraged. Nonetheless, I feel that this method is too expensive and given the complexity of the subject matter, will generate negligible results.
2. Gay Rights: http://www.boston.com/news/politics/articles/2011/01/02/hopes_for_gay_rights_gains_shift_to_courts/
The courts are a good alternative for gay rights activists. Sometime soon, the Supreme Court will take up a major gay rights case.
3. Republicans in Congress: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2011/01/02/gop_led_house_to_put_emphasis_on_constitution/
A pointless procedure. Every legislator knows the Constitution. It's for the courts to interpret statutes and whether they are constitutional; Congress should concentrate on passing laws and policy.
4. US-China Relations: http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2011/01/02/tone_of_us_china_relations_improves_but_trust_lacking/
It has been a mixed year for the relationship. Isn't it ironic that North Korea is driving the two countries together?
5. Health Care Reform: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2011/01/02/vermont_creating_a_singular_health_system/
I generally support the new health care law, but fear that it constrains states like Vermont that want to experiment with their own systems and not be shackled by Medicaid.
6. Economic Outlook: http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2011/01/02/the_recovery_will_speed_up_as_jobs_are_created/
This is a very sanguine outlook. I don't think jobs will grow that much this year, at least not enough to drive down the unemployment rate significantly.
7. 2011 - Obscure Facts: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2011/01/02/2011_the_year_you_werent_expecting/
These facts are obscure for a reason. Compiling them in one article is a tour de force of its own.
8. 2010 in Review: http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/articles/2011/01/02/that_was_a_rough_one/
A great laugh. 2010 sounds bad, but not that bad. Though if you watch that BP comedy video again, you may be agreeing with the article.
New approaches to scientific research should be encouraged. Nonetheless, I feel that this method is too expensive and given the complexity of the subject matter, will generate negligible results.
2. Gay Rights: http://www.boston.com/news/politics/articles/2011/01/02/hopes_for_gay_rights_gains_shift_to_courts/
The courts are a good alternative for gay rights activists. Sometime soon, the Supreme Court will take up a major gay rights case.
3. Republicans in Congress: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2011/01/02/gop_led_house_to_put_emphasis_on_constitution/
A pointless procedure. Every legislator knows the Constitution. It's for the courts to interpret statutes and whether they are constitutional; Congress should concentrate on passing laws and policy.
4. US-China Relations: http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2011/01/02/tone_of_us_china_relations_improves_but_trust_lacking/
It has been a mixed year for the relationship. Isn't it ironic that North Korea is driving the two countries together?
5. Health Care Reform: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2011/01/02/vermont_creating_a_singular_health_system/
I generally support the new health care law, but fear that it constrains states like Vermont that want to experiment with their own systems and not be shackled by Medicaid.
6. Economic Outlook: http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2011/01/02/the_recovery_will_speed_up_as_jobs_are_created/
This is a very sanguine outlook. I don't think jobs will grow that much this year, at least not enough to drive down the unemployment rate significantly.
7. 2011 - Obscure Facts: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2011/01/02/2011_the_year_you_werent_expecting/
These facts are obscure for a reason. Compiling them in one article is a tour de force of its own.
8. 2010 in Review: http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/articles/2011/01/02/that_was_a_rough_one/
A great laugh. 2010 sounds bad, but not that bad. Though if you watch that BP comedy video again, you may be agreeing with the article.
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