America, it's time to talk about guns

The recent tragedy at Sandy Hook should kick start a much-needed national dialogue about guns. It should happen in legislatures and town forums, not in courts. Ever since Heller, the question of gun laws have been mostly in the courts and concerning the Second Amendment. Politicians have refused to touch this poisoned chalice, even when recent events show it is much needed. I believe we can have sensible and effective gun control laws, which are currently lacking, without infringing on the people's Second Amendment rights.

But we must start somewhere. The politically taboo topics of gun control laws, especially at the federal level, and how accessible guns are to the mentally unstable are serious questions we need to ask. Too many lives are at risk to gun violence in America, and arguably it's worsening. The statistics and unclear and messy as to whether more restrictive laws, or less laws, are correlated with gun violence. But the public needs to learn, debate, and devise solutions to this problem rather than let it go on only in the courts while we sit on the sidelines or in the possible range of fire.

"Let us make our country worthy of their memory."

Giving Thanks for a Fruitful Year

Another Thanksgiving comes, and this is perhaps the first in a long while with clear skies and still autumnal weather. I woke up refreshed and relaxed, ready to enjoy a few days at home. Reflecting on this year, it has been a long but certainly productive one both personally and professionally. This is the time for me to give thanks to the many blessings in my life that cannot be taken granted: a loving family, a quality education, secure life, good health, and many friends. Seeing the suffering, whether from economic malaise in Europe, war in the Middle East, or even from Hurricane Sandy so close to home, gave me good perspective. I know I could have done better to take time from my busy life to help out those in need - even delivering one Thanksgiving dinner to someone in need counts. I vow to do much better in December.

I'm also thankful to be an American. No country in the world offers its people as much freedom, both economic and personal, as us. The election has wound down, but it showed our country at its best - people exercising their civic duty to vote, and people debating about issues dear to our country. Let's hope the people's representatives (no matter how cynical you are of the political process) get their act together and avoid the fiscal cliff. If yes, all of us can breathe a sigh of relief and look forward to 2013. Our country still faces many problems ahead, including reinvigorating the economic recovery, tackling federal spending and debt, making health care sustainable, and opening our doors to promising new Americans. But we should be thankful of living here and having the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving with our loved ones today and every year.

Obama's victory and new mandate

President Obama's election victory is due in large part to the failings of the Republican Party and Mitt Romney. I think many voters, including the independents and undecided, are unsatisfied with the state of the economy and Obama's policies over the past four years. But Romney and the Republicans offered no viable and concrete alternative path besides the usual rhetoric of smaller government, lower taxes, and free enterprise. That explains why voters remain deadlocked on who would handle the economy better. Meanwhile, the Republicans' social policies are seen as outdated and impractical, and that drove many women, minorities, young and educated people to Obama. The country may still be center-right economically or fiscally, but it is more center-left on many social issues. If the Republicans do not take a serious look at themselves and address their social and economic platform's failings, they will only be trounced in later elections.

Thus, I think Obama won because the public stuck with "the devil you know" instead of "the devil you don't know" and the economy is at least mending. That doesn't mean he has a large mandate to govern, unlike in 2008, and he must work with a recalcitrant Republican House. First priority must be the impending fiscal cliff. Even if Congress finds a solution - and let's hope they do long before Christmas - the country needs a comprehensive solution to address the federal debt and entitlement spending. They are behemoths facing Obama and Congress in the next few years. Other issues are important as well - immigration, overhauling the tax code, energy and climate change. But four years go quickly and if Obama can accomplish comprehensive reform in only one or two of those areas, his second term may well be more fruitful than his first.

Complexity behind Asian Americans

This weekend's WSJ featured a lengthy article on Asian-Americans (AAs) and touted their success as a model immigrant group like the Jews in the 19th and 20th centuries. (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204076204578076613986930932.html). It relies much on the Pew Research Report released this summer touting AAs' achievement in American society, and their values of hard work and emphasis on family. I think the article, like the Pew study, fails to recognize the complex and multi-faceted status of AAs and portrays them as a model minority, even though the article does note several contradictions facing AAs today.

First, many AAs do not fall under this model minority myth. Many of them, for reasons mostly beyond their control, are part of the shrinking middle class battered by the housing crisis and recession or are barely staying afloat. I know of many problems in the AA community that the mainstream media mostly ignores - such as crime and dropout rates among AA youth, continued hostility and discrimination against successful AAs and businesses, and the lack of services for many AA senior citizens. Granted, AAs as a whole are well-off compared to other racial groups, but most AAs still face the same problems as other groups - insecurity about their finances and the economy, unsure about the direction of this country and the welfare of their children. The Pew study and this article should not have perpetuated this model myth and should have acknowledged the complex reality of the AAs in America today.

What I think the article does point out well are two larger problems facing AAs: first, the lack of engagement in the issues and controversies of today, and the contradictions in many AAs between adherence to traditional values and adopting America's values. AAs are well-known for skirting unpopular and controversial issues, mostly for their own good, but I feel that should not be an excuse for passiveness. I think AAs, especially the young, should be more politically active - such as through voting - and engaged with the greater social and economic developments in America today. Sitting on the sidelines has contributed to the marginalization of AAs and their interests in the greater political discourse. Finally, I think many AAs face, either day to day or every once in a while, an identity crisis. Should they follow the traditional values of their forefathers or should they buck the trend and be more American? Can AAs be traditional - in their values of hard work, emphasis on education and family, and respect for others - but still be liberal and adapt to different and changing times? Many, including I, believe the two sides are opposite and culturally incompatible, but who knows - like the Jews of yesteryear, perhaps AAs and their values will be assimilated enough into American culture one day and become part of the mainstream.

An election up for grabs, the downtrodden Red Sox, and Supreme Court balancing in the middle

I watched the first presidential debate in a pub on Wednesday and came away impressed with Mitt Romney. The onus was on him to put in a strong performance and he did in several ways. He showed a sense of urgency about the nation's problems, while showing his compassionate side and ability to understand. He was aggressive throughout and criticized President Obama without appearing solely partisan and obstructionist on every policy issue. Romney also gave some specifics about his policies, which allows wonks to dissect and contrast them against Obama's. Without doubt Obama's insipid performance helped Romney shine, and with Romney scoring the style points, I must wade through both contenders' policies for substance and see what they really want for the nation beyond the rhetoric.

Obama desperately needed Friday's jobs numbers and he got what he wished for. I think it will have a huge impact, especially on those undecided voters who are finalizing their choices right now. The jobs numbers, especially the drop in unemployment below the dreaded 8%, would shore up Obama's appeal and help him maintain an edge in the polls. Underneath though, all the papers and economists suggest that the jobs recovery remains steady but very slow. The two biggest barriers to jobs growth are 1) the fiscal cliff come January and businesses' uncertainty (and hence their reluctance to hire) and 2) ongoing weak demand from emerging economies such as China and recessionary Europe. Obama may be partly responsible for the former, but not the latter.

Onto our national pastime, the Red Sox finally put us fans out of our misery with an absolutely atrocious season. I could not be more disappointed in the team and where it has gone and is going. Much of the blame, I agree, should start at the top with the ownership and front office. The players, too, I emphasize are not blameless. The Red Sox's problems are so deep that they would take many years to fix. I am unsure whether the Fenway Sports Group can turn it around and maintain the support of the fans. For me, the season was a mix of apathy, disgust, bewilderment, and mostly disappointment.

Finally, the high court resumed its term this past week and the cases thus far promise to make this term as interesting as the last. For those who keep track of cases based on ideology, last term's main cases did not turn out to be as conservative as the court's reputation is - mainly helped by Chief Justice Roberts's U-turn in the health care case. We'll see about this term, in which Justice Kennedy will continue to play his role as a swing vote. I will definitely be paying attention to the headline affirmative action case of Fisher v. University of Austin, as well as others to follow, especially if the Court takes up DOMA or Proposition 8.

Mid-Autumn Festival thoughts

Tonight I am home for the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is wonderful to be home again and out of the city. As much as I like New York, it's always good to get away for the weekend - whether that be in North Jersey or Long Island. Moon cakes await!

Everyone says the third year of law school should be easy and a piece of cake. I find it nothing but, perhaps because I always manage to keep myself busy. I continue to keep pace in my classes, follow through on my extracurricular commitments, and try to learn new things in my spare time. There is plenty to occupy my time this semester, even after I forced myself to cut back on doing too much.

Reading the Wall Street Journal every day has been a blessing too, despite the constant need to keep up with so many pages. I am avidly interested in this upcoming election - people say it's almost lost for Romney but I do not believe it. This upcoming debate will be interesting, and I must distinguish each candidate's policies from the rhetoric.

Some of my close friends are now back in China or Hong Kong. I will miss them for sure - for now, the Far East seems like another world. But given how small the world is today, they are merely seconds away. Next year I will be back; will we still recognize each other when we reunite?

Brazil and Argentina...a whole another world

South America opened my eyes. I had not travelled outside the US since 2005 and thoroughly enjoyed the adventure to Brazil and Argentina. Each country was unique in its own way, and I was tempted not to return to the States. The journey was an opportunity to relax after a busy and eventful summer, to discover new landscapes and friends, and to reflect away from the bustle of New York. I wish I had more time to do all three but must cherish what I have.

I loved Rio de Janeiro and will definitely be back to visit. Rio is so fun with many great sights, such as Sugar Loaf Mountain and the old city areas, wonderful beaches, and a most vibrant cultural scene. I would while away my day on the beach, trying my hand at surfing and playing beach football. At night, there are more than just samba shows, but also all kinds of music and shows (including the Portuguese version of Wizard of Oz). I brought back several CDs and they will be relaxing to listen to on the drive. It's unfortunate my trip to Rio was only four days.

Buenos Aires is special in its own way, and I know first hand why it is a European city in the middle of South America. I enjoyed walking through the main sites of the city, which are resplendent with history and culture. Certainly the highlight there was partaking of tango - going to a show and taking part in the Tango Festival. Now I know I must work on my tango this upcoming year. Finally, there's nothing more fun than meeting my friends and colleagues, from would-be exchange law students at UBA to attorneys in Buenos Aires. Our times were too short but all full of wonderful moments.

Beyond Buenos Aires, I ventured down south to the tip of South America and the "end of the world" in Tierra del Fuego. I loved my four days in Ushuaia and visited everything - navigating the Beagle Channel, hiking the Glacier Martial mountain, going to the National Park and the End of the World train, and visiting the prison museum. I also ventured out to partake of time with the locals at cultural events, including a band concert by a local artist and a bus trip to Rio Grande to see grade school students at a famous missionary school. Finally, it's always a sight to see snow in August. One day, I'll be back to the end of the world and giving myself another chance to soar free.

A Russian Game Called "Stupid"

My friend and I played some cards last night. We started with a game both of us knew well - Big 2 or Chinese poker, which is popular in south China and here in the US. A few rounds later, I proposed the Russian game of Durak, translated into "Stupid" or "Fool" in English. I learned Durak while growing up in New York with Russian friends and schoolmates. During middle school, we often played Durak over lunch and enjoyed the fun, the challenge, and the company. There, I became quite good at it and learned all its intricacies. Essentially, Durak is a kind of beating and trump-suit game, but with a lot of strategy and takes much skill to master. I especially like that the game can be both tactical and strategic, and the loser (who is called the fool or Durak, and hence the name of the game - which my friends and I called "Stupid" in translation) is teased for his loss, at least until the next game finishes and there is a new loser.

My friend and I switched to Durak after a few rounds of Big 2 and totally played it for the remainder of the evening. I haven't played it in a while and our games rekindled my love for the game. Do I think it's the best card game out there? Probably. It's hard to think of any that tops Durak, especially in terms of balancing skill, strategy and with multiple people, teamwork. Luck obviously plays a role but the fool is usually a fool and is usually a fool. My friend caught on quickly and played aggressively too. To my embarrassment, I lost several times in a row. Eventually, order was restored at the end and I finished with a flourish. But the memories and company of playing Durak last night remain invigorating.

For rules of Durak: http://www.pagat.com/beating/durak.html

The Supreme Court's Health Care Decision - Making Sense of It

Disclaimer: the statements below are solely those of the author, and do not represent the views of any other person or organization.

The debates and discussions about the Supreme Court's decision on the Affordable Care Act will continue for a long while. The politicians, health industry, and public will focus on the policy debates behind the ACA and whether it should continue or be repealed. November 6 may well settle that question. Legal scholars and lawyers, on the other hand, will parse through the interesting mix of opinions and what they mean for constitutional law. Both are important but neither is easy.

1. Impact on Politics - a clear winner is Barack Obama and the Democrats who pushed ACA through Congress. The ACA is Obama's signature legislative achievement and having it upheld, or at least mostly upheld, is necessary for Obama to win reelection. How much of a boost it provides his election prospects is uncertain - I still think the economy will be more important. As for Republicans and Mitt Romney, they will redouble their efforts to defeat Obama in November and amass enough political capital to repeal the ACA. The decision may light a fire in their constituency, but they would need a strong majority and the right circumstances come January to repeal the ACA.

2. Impact on Businesses and the Health Industry - for them, they can rest easy because they above all needed certainty. The health industry and other affected businesses have spent two years preparing for the implementation of the ACA. I know CMS has issued a number of rules implementing the law and for the law to be gutted would have undone the industry's expensive preparations. The impact of the ACA on the health industry is complex and long, and providers, insurers, other businesses are mixed about the ACA but at least they know it is the law of the land and must be complied with.

3. Impact on Federal Power - the constitutional challenges to the ACA were about the limits of federal power, specifically under the Commerce and Tax and Spending Clauses in the Constitution. The decision was a loss for proponents of strong federal power in several ways. First, Roberts and his conservative colleagues in dissent all agree that Congress's power under the Commerce Clause are subject to further limits, specifically that inactivity is outside the scope. Although the individual mandate may be a special case and Robert's discussion may be dictum, courts look more carefully at Congress's assertion of power under the Commerce Clause. I doubt that the various civil rights, environmental, and other social welfare laws are in jeopardy since existing Commerce Clause jurisprudence, even with the new inactivity limitation, sufficiently supports them.

The limitation on the Spending Clause power and the application of the coercion theory will also affect Congress's power to induce states through federal money. The Court did not fully enunciate what constitutes coercion, but they provided a concrete example of coercion (penalizing through withdrawing all Medicaid funds if a state refused to accept the ACA's reforms). That was the first major Spending Power limitation for almost a century. Overall, while the preexisting broad federal powers under the Commerce and Spending Clauses remain unchanged, the decision will likely lead to more stringent policing by the courts.

4. Impact on the Supreme Court - perhaps the biggest winner is the Supreme Court and the rule of law. Facing charges that the Court is a politicized branch and no longer a neutral arbiter of the law, John Roberts helped stem that tide and restore the Court's image as a legal institution. Many have welcomed the change and pointed to the whole October 2011 Term, which is less "conservative" and ideologically-divided than many past terms, while others have been more cynical and point to Roberts delivering a political victory to Obama while saving the legal victory for the challengers. Nonetheless, I think the Supreme Court has enhanced its stature in public eyes as a court of law, not a court of politics in disguise. How that carries on next term with affirmative action and gay marriage remains to be seen.

The public debate about the ACA and future of health reform will not die down soon. America needs health reform and innovative ways to solve the crises in our health care system. The decision puts the issue back to the election spotlight and to the people, where it should be, not with the courts. As for the law, the decision opens up debates about the expanse and limits of federal power, which will take years of litigation to define. Lawyers and law professors may be fascinated, but perhaps not so their clients and the law students.

A Day of Culture Galore

Yesterday, June 23, was a traditional Chinese festival called Duan-wu (端午). Most people know it for the sticky rice cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves and for the dragon boat races. The holiday supposedly commemorates the death of Qu Yuan, a great poet from the Chu Kingdom in the Warring States period of Chinese history (~500-300 BCE). He committed suicide by tossing himself into a river when he disagreed with his state's policies and failed to persuade his king. Today, the holiday retains some patriotic connotations while the popular celebrations focus on the dragon boat races and the arrival of mid-summer.

I admittedly did little to celebrate the holiday. I instead went with my friends to visit the Instituto Cervantes's El Dia E, its annual commemoration of Spanish culture. The Instituto held a block party with Spanish music, food, books, and crafts. There were tours of the Instituto and its library and galleries. We did a flamenco dance class, which was fun and too short, yet not that long lest I suffer more embarrassment. Altogether it was an enjoyable part of the weekend partaking of the rich cultures that New York and living in our time have to offer.

Queen's Jubilee; World Science Festival

Has it been 60 years since Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne of the United Kingdom? For many Britons who are celebrating her Diamond Jubilee this weekend, these sixty years have seen profound changes in their nation and its place in the world. The empire where the sun never sets is no more, as numerous former colonies sought and obtained independence one after another. The relic of the empire and vestiges of British power remain on the Security Council, where it maintains a stature above its actual weight. For an actual demonstration of British power, look at its operations in Libya and Afghanistan, where it plays mostly a supporting role to the US and NATO.

For many Britons, the tough problems remain at home. Two years of the Conservative-Liberal Democrats coalition rule have brought austerity to the land and another recession. The Tories have sought to jettison Europe off Britain's shoulders but for better or for worse, Britain cannot live without Europe. Like their fellow citizens in other EU countries, Britons and their leaders must ask how much austerity is permissible at the expense of growth. Britons may direct their ire at the Queen and her address but it is government that must be held accountable. Even beyond the economic crisis, Britons continue to question their national character and sense as a people. What it means to be British is different today than in 1952, and clinging to nostalgia, and especially using the monarchy, will not do the country much good.

On aside, I stopped by the World Science Festival this weekend. If only my work wasn't as busy during the week, I would have regaled myself in the various presentations on topics such as neutrinos, quantum mechanics and biology, and Einstein's theory with atomic time. Science is fascinating, and I'm glad to see so many children exploring science at Washington Square Park today. It is also important, and something each of us as citizens should understand a bit. We may not all be the next Thomas Edison but let's make sure this country produces the next one.

This Memorial Day, Reinvest in Service

Today, as we remember the service men and women who fought in all of America's wars, we should rededicate ourselves to our communities and the importance of service. Memorial Day is not merely a day on the beach or summer barbecues, but a time for reflection and dedication to those who sacrificed their lives and fortunes for us. It is our duty, as civilians, to make sure their sacrifice is not in vain. For us, we can make an impact serving our communities through volunteering and contributing our skills and time. There are problems small and great across America and its communities, but each of us has much to contribute.

I understand community service may be hard for many of us, especially those working in demanding professions like the law. I have been guilty myself of not doing as much I had aspired. But an aspiration for service can break, even transcend, any barriers time or circumstance may place. My mentor told me that a passion is something for which one is ready to drop everything else and toil without renumeration. There are ways to serve our communities regardless of your passion(s).

For many people, education is a passion. With our country's education system and its underpinnings for a successful future in peril, many have embraced education reform as their life's calling. College graduates founded and done Teach for America. Experienced professionals started charter schools. Joel Klein abandoned the practice of law to become the chancellor of New York City's schools for eight years. In fact, New York is one of the breeding grounds for education reform. There is much to be done, as several good articles in the New York Times reminded us that race and de facto segregation continue to be a problem in public and charter schools, even fifty-eight years after Brown.

Whatever the passion or cause, a lifetime devoted to service is worthwhile lived. For many us trained in law or business, service is easily forgotten because of short attention spans or too little time. I think the problem is less acute for our colleagues in medicine, who are more closer to serving individual people and remain more of a profession. Regardless of the difficulties, we need to make sacrifices to serve. Service is not an easy choice - it is often fraught with dilemmas of its own - but is the right choice. Those who served in the military sacrificed the ultimate, their lives, so we can live in peace and prosperity. Let us do them proud today and onwards.

Coming Full Circle

I was rooting for Chelsea yesterday. As an Arsenal fan, I would normally not. Even for neutrals, it was difficult supporting a team bankrolled by a Russian oil tycoon. They are not a glamour side, but in fact are the worst Chelsea team for years.

Nonetheless, it is their story that moved me. Their triumph over two of Europe's best teams in Barcelona and Bayern is a testament to human spirit and teamwork. They showed that faith indeed can move mountains. A lesser side would have capitulated a long while ago, but they stood together and with a bit of luck, defeated the odds to scale the pinnacle.

For many of the old guard, such as Didier Drogba, Petr Cech, and Frank Lampard, the final was the culmination of years of hard toil. They had gone through seven managers since Jose Mourinho, but time and time again the European Cup eluded them, often in dramatic circumstances. But they persevered and deserve the fruits of their work, especially Drogba and Cech's outstanding performances.

Yesterday, I attended the Joint minority bar judicial internship program's orientation for this year's intern class. I remember taking part just a year ago as a student intern in last year's class. At that time, I was like the others yesterday - mystified about the law but eager to learn. This year, I have come back as an alum and am glad to see the new faces who will continue to make the program strong.

My experience last summer has led me to where I am now. Through the program, I met Yang and learned about AABANY. I joined the association before the summer and have actively participated in its programs, such as helping to plan this year's program. I also met Emily, with whom I share a similar background. That led me to working with her at Success and becoming interested in education reform.

The journey remains long and there are many opportunities and challenges ahead. I will board the next train tomorrow. Where that leads me is unknown, but I must be the conductor of my own route. As I close one chapter for another, I will not forget the journey thus far - everything that I have learned and everyone whom I have met. One day, I hope to find myself like the old guard of Chelsea yesterday, holding aloft a grand prize after years of hard work. For now, I content myself with knowing that my investment last summer in the JMBJIP is coming to a full circle.

Falling Out with Josh Beckett

I still remember Thursday night, Oct. 18, 2007, with the Red Sox on the brink of elimination in the ALCS by the Cleveland Indians, Josh Beckett took the game into his own hands and delivered a clutch pitching performance that turned around the postseason. He, more than any other player, was responsible for the Red Sox's seventh title. I, as well as many New Englanders, knew we had a great pitcher who was the paragon of every boy's sports hero: someone who can produce in the clutch and carry a team on his own.

Fast forward five years and that Josh Beckett is nowhere to be found. With the Red Sox dead last in the AL East and his ERA south of 5, Beckett turned in a whole stinker Thursday night against the Indians. The Fenway Park crowd booed vociferously. It's not just Beckett's performance that rankled me and fans - it's his attitude. Still recovering from a reputation tattered last September through leading the club's "beer and chicken ring", Beckett did not help his case by golfing on a day off when he was supposed to be healing a muscle problem. That was extremely poor judgment, which he compounded by defending his choice to do as he wills on his days off. For me and every other fan, that attitude speaks of arrogance and stupidity. He should know that fans view the situation differently, and hold the players to a higher standard. The team's performance made the situation more tense. To many fans, Beckett was someone who was so taken by himself and did not care about the team. That went over the line. The team continues to defend Beckett, but for how much longer?

I once revered Beckett for 2007 and what he gave the Red Sox. But I can no longer. His actions speak of unpardonable lack of judgment and arrogance for himself over the good of the team. No athlete, however talented, can get away with that. Beckett has forgotten the number one insuperable rule in sports: talent will eventually fade, and it's attitude that distinguishes the greatest from the good. Athletes, paid so much at a time when others are struggling to make ends meet, are not excepted from the rules of good character. Beckett has lost it, and character lost is rarely regained.

The Story of May Fourth and Chen Guangcheng

May Fourth is a significant yet often misunderstood day in China. Today, people know it as "Youth Day" when teenagers and students get half day off school. The origin of the day, however, was the May Fourth movement that culminated in famous intellectual demonstrations in Beijing on May 4, 1919. That history, like most history in China, has been told differently and some might say misrepresented, by the Chinese Communist Party and official views. Chen Guangcheng's story happening today in fact parallels the true idea of what May Fourth was about.

May Fourth, as it should be remembered, was the story of an intellectual rebellion. The connection to students remain because many of them, some of whom studied in the universities in the West, led the voices that culminated in May Fourth. They rebelled against the inequities of the day: a weak, unresponsive national government in Beijing; a country divided by warlords and incapable of solving great social problems; and a backwards culture that was dragging back China's progress into the Twentieth Century. China's suffering at the Versailles Treaty, despite contemporary accounts, played little role in the intellectuals' frustration.

That clash of ideas was what underscored May Fourth. Intellectuals of all stripes and persuasions came to voice their dissatisfaction with the country and proposed ideas for change. The times provided the opportunity for students to voice themselves and their dissent with authority. One of the ideas that attracted attention was Marx-Leninism, that China should follow the Russian Revolution that had just happened up north. But Marxism was not the only idea or the main idea behind the movement, contrary to what official history relates. May Fourth was about many ideas coming and clashing, rather than one idea triumphing.

Chen Guangcheng fits within the ideals behind May Fourth. His role in pointing out the inequities that exist in China today and daring act of fleeing to the American embassy are as audacious and ground-breaking as those of the intellectuals who led May Fourth. He, like many of them, is voicing displeasure at problems in the country and how the politicians were fostering them. His act of dissent - some may call foolhardy while others may call defiant - is what May Fourth is about. Celebrating May Fourth as a mere youth day betrays the true origin of what's it's about and its contemporary significance - and does more injustice to people like Chen Guangcheng. The Chinese Communist Party is fine with that, but what about you?

Yesterday's Boston Globe articles

1. Campaign Finances: Fund-raising game upended in 2012 race

What hath Citizens United wrought? It will take time, but not that much, to find out whether money has incorrigibly corrupted our political process.

2. Student Loans: Senior citizens continue to bear burden of student loans

We are a nation indebted into debt. For now, we need to revise the bankruptcy code to allow discharge of student loans beyond "undue hardship." But the rising and unaffordable higher education system is at the root. 

3. Syria: Syrian forces kill 100 as cease-fire nears, activists say

Kofi Annan's efforts are laudable, but does anyone believe Assad would abide by the ceasefire? 

4. Gender: Is there really a gender war?

I agree - there really isn't, nor should be, a war between the genders. Framing the question as justice versus injustice is a better way to go, but it's harder because it's more abstract and less emotional. 

5. Supreme Court: Civil liberties, skewed by the Supreme Court

I agree - Florence was a horrible decision and showed how out of touch nine unelected judges can be from actual human experience. I fear, especially if the Court strikes down the mandate in June in name of "economic liberty," that we are returning to the pre-1937 Lochner era when economic substantive due process reigned while civil liberties were hardly protected. 

6. Church Restoration: A story of rebirth, ending still to come

Wonderful. Enough said. 

7. Wages and Labor: Wages haven’t kept pace with recovery, study finds

This is unfortunate, and it will only further squeeze the middle class. Corporate coffers are up, while ordinary Americans' savings accounts remain flat. Is this trend sustainable?

8. Democracy and the Internet: How democracies clamped down on the Internet

This is troubling, and reminds us how easy it is to clamp down on dissent and uncomfortable ideas in the name of security. Do not take free expression for granted. 

9. Comedy: The Three Stooges don’t get the respect they deserve

I loved watching the Stooges while growing up. I, too, think they do not get the respect they deserve. But this article and the numerous allusions to Buddhism confuse me.

10. Baseball Players: Are fat baseball players a problem?

Of course they are. Fitness is essential for any sport. Look at the September 2011 Red Sox for proof.

11. Bookstores: 10.5 ways local bookstores beat Amazon

I always shop at the Brookline Booksmith whenever I visit Boston. There are so many ways that local bookstores beat Amazon and B&N.

12. Animals: Pete the Moose: What really happened

A great tale of man and his enduring longing for a connection with nature. RIP Pete.

13. Historical Reenactments: For Patriots Day, a full reenactment of Parker’s Revenge

It's good to see these forgotten events get their due. One day they will make it into our history textbooks, either as their history - of our forefathers - or our history. 

Spring Break Thoughts

Has it really been almost four months since I last posted? And almost two months since the new year (of the Dragon) and when the spring semester started? The 2L spring is going by so fast that I hardly found time to take a breath. When spring break finally arrived yesterday, I felt at a loss because for the first time in ages, I did not have pressing things to get done.

Anyway, taking some time away from the law (as much as I could) and from New York City has been salubrious. I felt the peace and energizing spirit as I stepped off the LIRR at Garden City station. I jogged, free from time and the cars whizzing by, down the broad boulevards from Garden City to Manhasset. I finally saw my family. Today, I indulged in a concert with Haydn and Beethoven - much welcomed after weeks immersed in the law.

I hope this weekend will bring me some renewal and new purpose in making this semester and year fulfilling. There is much to do and many to encounter. I hope I will arrive back refreshed and more committed to my goals and principles. For break, I am catching up on reading Steven Brill's Class Warfare, a book about education reform and featuring my organization. It's worth a read, for all of us who are concerned about and interested in the next generation of Americans.