Jessica Crockett's Enlgish 1010

final draft research paper

2009-12-14T20:56:00.000-08:00

Jessica Crockett
12-05-09

“ I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. One has not only a legal but moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that ‘an unjust law is no law at all.” Who could say it better then Martin Luther King Jr. in the “Letter from Birmingham Jail”? He is know throughout history as the man who sparked the major civil right’s movements in the 1960’s. Martin Luther King was a law abiding citizen, but when necessary he greatly promoted civil disobedience to his followers. Civil disobedience has been used throughout history by many influential men such as Thoreau, Gandhi and King Jr. It has been used very creatively with many different tactics and outcomes. Civil disobedience is successful when trying to change a law or rule. It should be used today as we have seen through out history great changes being made when civil disobedience is used as a tactic.
Civil disobedience is the active refusal to obey certain laws, demands and commands of a government, and willingly accepting responsibility of the consequences. It does not promote violence as a way of getting the desired outcome.
The man most famous for establishing civil disobedience is Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau was a New Englander who liked to read and write. While writing his famous book Walden he decided to isolate himself from society and move to a small cabin by a pond. While at the cabin a tax collector knocks on his door and declares that he must pay 6 years of back taxes. Thoreau had no intention of paying the taxes. He refused to pay because he knew the money would go to support slavery as well as the Mexican-American war, both of which he was opposed to. Since he would not pay, he was sent to jail. “He willingly accepted the consequence of his actions.” Said James J. Donahue in “Hardly the Voice of the Same Man: Civil Disobedience and Thoreau’s response to John Brown.” His aunt posted bail a few days later. He was very disappointed that he was released and his bail money would be aiding a cause he did not support. He would have preferred to serve his time in jail, how ever long that may be, than give support to something he so greatly opposed. Henry David Thoreau sent the perfect example of civil disobedience, and later wrote about his experience in his book, Walden, which is how so many others learned of him.
Mahatma Gandhi first read Walden in 1903 while working as a civil rights activist. His hope was to be free from British rule and make India a free country. He recommended Thoreau’s teaching to everyone involved in the cause of Indian Independence. The British were firm on keeping India as their territory, but the Indians were convinced that they would obtain their freedom, and with Gandhi’s support of civil disobedience, that was how they went about it.
The Indians had been purchasing their clothing from the British, so their first step was to start making their own clothing. Although Gandhi was a successful lawyer, he too made his own clothes, setting the example for the rest of the county to follow. It was not necessarily the law to purchase clothes from the British, but when they stopped they got the attention they were seeking. Unfortunately it was negative attention, as the British would not give them independence so easily.
The British passes a salt tax in India. Salt is naturally produced on the coast of India, but the Indians could no longer gather and sell the salt to one another. The salt tax forced the Indians to purchase salt from British merchants only. They completely monopolized the salt industry in India. Since salt is a necessary mineral in a diet, the Indians had no other choice then to buy the over priced, naturally produced salt from the British. Gandhi would not stand for this. He lead a group of men on a Salt March in 1930, to declare to the British that they would no longer be purchasing the salt from them, and that they would be collecting it and selling it amongst themselves. Upon reaching the coast of India, the men started gathering the salt, since this was against the law the British attacked the Indians. Arrests were made, and several men were killed. In the article “Gandhi, salt and freedom” Gandhi’s purpose is described perfectly, “Yet, more than any other event, the salt march, exemplifying his tactic of non-violence, gave India's struggle for liberation its Gandhian stamp. His idea was to expose injustice, and shame the unjust into ending it, by shifting the perils of resistance on to the victim; his hope was to ennoble both.” The Indians held their ground and eventually the salt tax was lifted. During the course of Gandhi’s life, many different forms of civil disobedience were demonstrated by him and those who followed him. Eventually, India gained its freedom from the British and Gandhi’s legacy continues to influence many people around the world.
Marin Luther King Jr. is famous for his relentless fight for civil rights for the blacks. He believe that people should do what ever was necessary to gain their freedoms as long as it was non violent, which is why he led so many marches, protest and demonstrations. King first heard of Thoreau’s concept of civil disobedience while studding at Morehouse College. While there King said,
“ I have become convinced that noncooperation with evil is as
much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good. No other
person has been more eloquent and passionate in getting this
idea across then Henry David Thoreau. As a result of his writings and personal witness, we are heirs of a legacy of creative protest. The
teachings of Thoreau came alive in our civil rights movement, indeed,
they are more alive then ever before. Whether expressed in a sit-in
at lunch counters, a freedom ride into Mississippi, a peaceful protest in Albany, Georgia, a bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, these are out growths of Thoreau’s insistence that evil must be resisted and that no
moral man can patiently adjust to injustice” Hale, Sheffield " I Have a Dream: The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection.
King was especially concerned with breaking law that were unjust or oppressed the blacks. While in Birmingham jail for protesting, King addresses some concerns other clergyman have about his stance for civil disobedience and what constitutes breaking the law. “How does one determine whether a law is just or unjust? A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is out of harmony with the moral law. To put it in the terms of St. Thomas Aquanis: An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law. Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust. All segregation statutes are unjust because segregation distorts the soul and damages the personality...” he continues his explanation with “…A law is unjust if it is inflicted on a minority that, as a result of being denied the right to vote, had no part in enacting of devising the law…Sometimes a law is just in its face and unjust in its application. For instance, I have been arrested on a charge of parading without a permit. Now, there is nothing wrong with having an ordinance which requires a permit for a parade. But such an ordinance becomes unjust when it is used to maintain segregation and to deny citizens the First-Amendment privilege to peaceful assembly and protest. “ (Letter from Birmingham Jail) He goes on in his letter with a request that they will see the distinction he is making, and emphasizes the fact that he and others who are fighting for civil rights must be and are willing to accept the consequences of their actions when they break any law. Their willingness to accept the natural consequences is what sets them apart from regular outlaws. Through the use of civil disobedience, Martin Luther King Jr. was able to lead those who followed him on many successful marches, protests and demonstrations.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a big supporter of Rosas Parks and the Montgomery bus boycotts that soon followed Rosa’s arrest. Rosa gives a perfect example of civil disobedience. It was against the law for a black person to sit in the front of the bus. All blacks were shunned to the back when riding pubic transportation. Rosa Parks had just gotten off work after a long day. She sat down in the front of the bus, too exhausted to walk to the back. As she sat there a young white man told her to move to the back of the bus where she belonged. She would not budge. She knew it was against the law for her to be sitting in the front of the bus, especially when a white person needed her seat, but still she would not move from the front of the bus. Her actions eventually lead to her arrest. She purposefully and non violently broke the law and willingly accepted the consequences of her actions by allowing the officers to arrest her and escort her to jail. At her trial she was found guilty and fined 10 dollars plus 4 dollars in court fees. This was exactly the kind of demonstrations that Martin Luther King Jr. was looking for. This simple act of Rosa Parks fueled a complete boycott of the Montgomery, Alabama bus systems. Because the boycott lasted so long, it eventually led to the law being changed. People could no longer be segregated on the buses based on the color of their skin. Although Rose did not get on the bus thinking to herself that she was going to change the segregation laws, that is essentially what happened. “I did not get on the bus to get arrested; I got on the bus to go home.... I had no idea that history was being made. I was just tired of giving in.“ Rosa Parks said in an interview following the event in “The Montgomery Bus Boycott: Interviews With Rosa Parks, E. D. Nixon, Johnny Carr And Virginia Durr.". A similar event happened around the same time in Oklahoma City. A similar segregation law had been passed. Blacks and whites could not be served in the same restaurant. The fight to end the segregation had been going for about six years. Clara Luper and 13 other black children sat down at Katz Drugstore and requested to be served. This was not the first sit-in to ever happen, so eventually they were served. The NAACP actually directed sit-ins and promoted non-violence, to end the segregations in restaurants as is mentioned in the article "The Right To Be Served: Oklahoma City's Lunch Counter Sit-Ins, 1958-1964." Eventually after many sit ins and protests, the blacks were allowed to eat with the whites. Once again, persistence and standing up for what is right, can change the law for the better.
The infamous Boston Tea Party is also considered an act of civil disobedience. This was a direct act from the people of Boston toward the British. In 1773, while the colonist had been seeking their independence from Great Britain, a group of colonist refused to return 3 shiploads of taxed tea, as a form of rebellion. “Whopping war chants, the crowd marched two-by-two to the wharf, descended upon the three ships and dumped their offending cargos of tea into the harbor waters.” http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/teaparty.htm
. This showed the British that they were not happy with the way they were being treated and were not going to stand by and take it anymore. The incident remains an iconic event of American history, and reference is often made to it in other political protests.
Many great leaders through out history have used civil disobedience to make changes for the better, themselves and those who follow them. Although Thoreau is most commonly associated with having “started” civil disobedience, he is certainly not the first to talk of this great idea. The great philosopher, Socrates, also talked of civil disobedience as a good and moral act. King points out that civil disobedience is found in the Bible in the “Letter From Birmingham Jail” He recounts the story as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refuse to obey the new law of their ruler Nebuchadnezzar. The law stated that no one could pray out loud, or they would be put to death. These 3 men continued to pray out loud and willingly accepted the consequences of their prayers. They were forced to face the den of hungry lions. When the king found them still alive the next morning, he removed the law and allowed the people once again, to pray out loud.
Time and time again, throughout history it is easy to see that civil disobedience is a successful way to protest and fight for something that is unjust. It is effective because it proves a point but spares the lives of many who could die if war were to erupt. Civil disobedience should be used today and often times it is. There are numerous protests done on a weekly basis through out this country. Is protesting enough? Often times no, it is not enough. Breaking unjust laws and willingly accepting the consequence is the best way to make a change for the better. Changes that will have a lasting effect on the present as well as the future.

Work Cited

http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Articles_Gen/Letter_Birmingham.html

Donahue, James J. "'HARDLY THE VOICE OF THE SAME MAN': 'CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE' AND THOREAU'S RESPONSE TO JOHN BROWN." Midwest Quarterly 48.2 (2007): 247-265. America: History & Life. EBSCO. Web. 27 Nov. 2009.

"Gandhi, salt and freedom. (cover story)." Economist 353.8151 (1999): 65. Religion and Philosophy Collection. EBSCO. Web. 27 Nov. 2009.

Gardner, Tom, and Cynthia Stokes Brown "THE MONTGOMERY BUS BOYCOTT: INTERVIEWS WITH ROSA PARKS, E. D. NIXON, JOHNNY CARR AND VIRGINIA DURR." Southern Exposure 9.1 (1981): 12-21. America: History & Life. EBSCO. Web. 26 Nov. 2009.

http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/teaparty.htm

Graves, Carl R. "THE RIGHT TO BE SERVED: OKLAHOMA CITY'S LUNCH COUNTER SIT-INS, 1958-1964." Chronicles of Oklahoma 59.2 (1981): 152-166. America: History & Life. EBSCO. Web. 5 Dec. 2009

research journal

2009-12-14T20:08:00.000-08:00

Topic Choice

Civil Disobedience
1. Who uses it?
2. Was it successful?
3. Why or why not was it successful?
4. Who is/was most influencial?
5. Instances where things did not go as planned? violence?
6. How did the hippies use it? benefit from it?
7. Rapper m&m...
8. Should it be used today in our current political situations? i.e. gay rights, health care etc.

Research Guide

1. I know that civil disobedience has been used in the past by several popular leaders. What I need to know is specific instances it was used.
2. How did civil disobedience affect the civil rights movement? as far as I know it was good, but I also know there was a lot of back lash to the hippies and the blacks...
3. Anyone who would like to make a change with out engaging in violent means would be interested. Also someone who likes history, as it seems most examples of cd are coming from quite a few years back.
4. People could read about this cd in history books. Anything pertaining to Martin Luther King Jr.
5. On line, also it would be cool to find someone who experienced the civil rights movement first hand...or at least was alive and saw the happenings on the news.
6. yes, Ebsco will be my main source.
7. uhm...I don't know how to answer this question considering I have pretty much finished the paper all ready.

Student choice
1. http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Articles_Gen/Letter_Birmingham.html

this is a web site that has the full Letter From Birmingham Jail. King talks about the need for civil disobedience if they want to see a change in the way the blacks are being treated. He gives several example as to what is just and unjust so there is no question that he believes in obeying just laws but will not sit back and continue to be treated so unfairly.

This will be great for my paper. King is probably the main person I will be talking about, so quoting him often will be good. He was such an articulate speaker, I think his quotes will really strengthen my paper.

2. "Gandhi, salt and freedom. (cover story)." Economist 353.8151 (1999): 65. Religion and Philosophy Collection. EBSCO. Web. 27 Nov. 2009.

This artical sums up the salt march that Gandhi lead. It explains why he did it and the after math of his actions.

Since I am talking about Gandhi in my paper this article is great. It gives me the historical context I need and I think quotes from the article will benefit my paper since Gandhi is known so well throughout the world as using civil disobedience.

3. I really had a hard time narrowing this down because there was so much I wanted to talk about that goes along with civil disobedience. But once I got going I was grateful for the suggestion to get rid of a few things. I liked doing this research because I love history, so this was a history lesson as well as a research paper. While reading the article's on civil disobedience I kept saying to myself Americans need to embrace this concept. We kind of get it...I guess. Protest are still done, but I don't think anyone is willing to break the law to stand up for what they believe in. What would America and Americans be like if they did?

4. Graves, Carl R. "THE RIGHT TO BE SERVED: OKLAHOMA CITY'S LUNCH COUNTER SIT-INS, 1958-1964." Chronicles of Oklahoma 59.2 (1981): 152-166. America: History & Life. EBSCO. Web. 5 Dec. 2009

This article is about the blacks fight to be served the same as the whites. They were not allowed to eat in the same restaurants as the white and they eventually got so sick of the segregation that they would have sit in's. They would sit at a lunch counter and prove the point that they should be able to eat where they want.

This article is good for my paper because I just need a few more examples to finish up the paper. The blacks having the sit in's is a perfect example of what Martin Luther King Jr. is promoting in the Letter From Birmingham Jail, so this will just emphasis what has all ready been said.

Multiple Perspectives Free Write

Civil Disobedience is a good way to get things accomplished and it should be used in today's society. It is so good because it is non violent. It is just simply standing up for and doing what you thing is right. So many times we let society persuade us in believing what they want us to think is right and we just go with the flow. We aren't individuals often times. Civil disobedience promotes individualism but also a sense of community, as people unite to fight for the good cause they believe in. So many times people are injured or killed for standing up for the things they believe in because things get violent when people disagree. That is why cd is so great because those who practice it promote non violence.

Civil disobedience is not an effective way of getting things done around here. That is was law and the constitution are for. What good is all the work our fore fathers did if we are going to go against the law? We have a system for getting things done. We vote, right to our senator, go to town councils or what ever but we just can not simply refuse to obey the law because we don't agree with it or because we think the law is unjust. That would create total chaos if everyone only obeyed the laws they agreed with. It should be done away with.

Martin Luther King Jr should have been more like Malcom X in his quest to get freedom from oppression for the blacks. Malcom X believe that in eye for an eye was fair and if the KKK and others were going to attack them, then they had every right to attack back. His idea was to let the whites know what it felt like to be attacked or have a family member killed for no reason. He got alot of attention and really created a stir. Martin Luther King Jr. should have used his tactics on the American public. This would have been bloody and ugly but the blacks would have gotten their freedom a lot quick because the whites would have gotten tired of having their family killed and they would have given in.

civil disobedience rough draft

2009-12-06T18:02:00.000-08:00

Jessica Crockett

12-05-09

“ I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. One has not only a legal but moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that ‘an unjust law is no law at all.’”(1) Who could say it better then Martin Luther King Jr.? He is know throughout history as the man who sparked the major civil right’s movements in the 1960’s. Martin Luther King was a law abiding citizen, but when necessary he greatly promoted civil disobedience to his followers. Civil disobedience has been used through out history by many and it often times proves successful. (Civil disobedience has been used throughout history by many influential men, it has been used very creatively with many different tactics and outcomes, and more often then not, it is successful in achieving the desired result and should be used today when trying to change a law or rule.

Civil disobedience is the active refusal to obey certain laws, demands and commands of a government, and willing accepting responsibility of the consequences. It does not promote violence as a way of getting the desired outcome. (2)

The man most famous for establishing civil disobedience is Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau was a New Englander who liked to read and write. While writing his famous book Walden he decided to isolate himself from society and move to a small cabin by a pond. While at the cabin a tax collector knocks on his door and declares that he must pay 6 years of back taxes. Thoreau had no intention of paying the taxes. He refused to pay because he knew the money would go to support slavery as well as the Mexican-American war, both of which he was opposed to. Since he would not pay, he was sent to jail. He willingly accepted the consequence of his actions. His aunt posted bail a few days later. He was very disappointed that he was released and his bail money would be aiding a cause he did not support. He would have preferred to serve his time in jail, how ever long that may be, than give support to something he so greatly opposed. Henry David Thoreau sent the perfect example of civil disobedience, and later wrote about his experience in his book, Walden, which is how so many others learned of his

Mahatma Gandhi first read Walden in 1903 while working as a civil rights activist. His hope was to be free from British rule and make India a free country. He recommended Thoreau’s teaching to everyone involved in the cause of Indian Independence. The British were firm on keeping India as their territory, but the Indians were convinced that they would obtain their freedom, and with Gandhi’s support of civil disobedience, that was how they went about it.

The Indians had been purchasing their clothing from the British, so their first step was to start making their own clothing. Although Gandhi was a successful lawyer, he too made his own clothes, setting the example for the rest of the county to follow. It was not necessarily the law to purchase clothes from the British, but when they stopped they got the attention they were seeking, unfortunately it was negative attention as the British would not give them independence so easily.

The British passes a salt tax in India. Salt is naturally produced on the coast of India, but the Indians could no longer gather and sell the salt to one another. The salt tax forced the Indians to purchase salt from British merchants only. They completely monopolized the salt industry in India. Since salt is a necessary mineral in a diet, the Indians had no other choice then to buy the over priced, naturally produced salt from the British. Gandhi would not stand for this. He lead a group of men on a Salt March in 1930, to declare to the British that they would no longer be purchasing the salt from them, and that they would be collecting it and selling it amongst themselves. Upon reaching the coast of India, the men started gathering the salt, since this was against the law the British attached the Indians. Attests were make, and several men were killed. The Indians held their ground and eventually the salt tax was lifted. (4) During the course of Gandhi’s life, many different forms of civil disobedience were demonstrated by him and those how followed him. Eventually, India gained its freedom from the British and Gandhi’s legacy continues to influence many people around the world.

Marin Luther King Jr. is famous for his relentless fight for civil rights for the blacks. He believe that people should do what ever was necessary to gain their freedoms as long as it was non violent, which is why he led so many marches, protest and demonstrations. King first heard of Thoreau’s concept of civil disobedience while studding at Morehouse College(5). King said, “ I have become convinced that noncooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good. No other person has been more eloquent and passionate in getting this idea across then Henry David Thoreau. As a result of his writings and personal witness, we are heirs of a legacy of creative protest. The teachings of Thoreau came alive in our civil rights movement, indeed, they are more alive then ever before. Whether expressed in a sit-in at lunch counters, a freedom ride into Mississippi, a peaceful protest in Albany, Georgia, a bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, these are out growths of Thoreau’s insistence that evil must be resisted and that no moral man can patiently adjust to injustice” (5 or 6 depending on the source). King was especially concerned with breaking law that were unjust or oppressed the blacks. While in Birmingham jail for protesting, King addresses some concerns other clergyman have about his stance for civil disobedience and what constitutes breaking the law. “How does one determine whether a law is just or unjust? A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is out of harmony with the moral law. To put it in the terms of St. Thomas Aquanis: An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law. Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust. All segregation statutes are unjust because segregation distorts the soul and damages the personality...” he continues his explanation with “…A law is unjust if it is inflicted on a minority that, as a result of being denied the right to vote, had no part in enacting of devising the law…Sometimes a law is just in its face and unjust in its application. For instance, I have been arrested on a charge of parading without a permit. Now, there is nothing wrong with having an ordinance which requires a permit for a parade. But such an ordinance becomes unjust when it is used to maintain segregation and to deny citizens the First-Amendment privilege to peaceful assembly and protest. “ (1) He goes on in his letter with a request that they will see the distinction he is making, and emphasizes the fact that he and others who are fighting for civil rights must be and are willing to accept the consequences of their actions when they break any law. Their willingness to accept the natural consequences is what sets them apart from regular outlaws. Through the use of civil disobedience, Martin Luther King Jr. was able to lead those who followed him on many successful marches, protests and demonstrations.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a big supporter of Rosas Parks and the Montgomery bus boycotts that soon followed Rosa’s arrest. Rosa gives a perfect example of civil disobedience. It was against the law for a black person to sit in the front of the bus. All blacks were shunned to the back when riding pubic transportation. Rosa Parks had just gotten off work after a long day. She sat down in the front of the bus, too exhausted to walk to the back. As she sat there a young white man told her to move to the back of the bus where she belonged. She would not budge. She knew it was against the law for her to be sitting in the front of the bus, especially when a white person needed her seat, but still she would not move from the front of the bus. Her actions eventually lead to her arrest. She purposefully and non violently broke the law and willingly accepted the consequences of her actions by allowing the officers to arrest her and escort her to jail. At her trial she was found guilty and fined 10 dollars plus 4 dollars in court fees. This was exactly the kind of demonstrations that Martin Luther King Jr. was looking for. This simple act of Rosa Parks fueled a complete boycott of the Montgomery, Alabama bus systems. Because the boycott lasted so long, it eventually led to the law being changed. People could no longer be segregated on the buses based on the color of their skin. Although Rose did not get on the bus thinking to herself that she was going to change the segregation laws, that is essentially what happened. “I did not get on the bus to get arrested; I got on the bus to go home.... I had no idea that history was being made. I was just tired of giving in.“ Rosa Parks said in an interview following the event. A similar event happened around the same time in Oklahoma City. A similar segregation law had been passed. Blacks and whites could not be served in the same restaurant. The fight to end the segregation had been going for about six years. Clara Luper and 13 other black children sat down at Katz Drugstore and requested to be served. This was not the first sit-in to ever happen, so eventually they were served. The NAACP actually directed sit-ins and promoted non-violence, to end the segregations in restaurants. Eventually after many sit ins and protests, the blacks were allowed to eat with the whites. Once again, persistence and standing up for what is right, can change the law for the better.

The infamous Boston Tea Party is also considered an act of civil disobedience. This was a direct act from the people of Boston toward the British. In 1773, while the colonist had been seeking their independence from Great Britain, a group of colonist refused to return 3 shiploads of taxed tea. As a form of rebellion, the colonist climbed aboard the ships and threw the taxed tea overboard. This showed the British that they were not happy with the way they were being treated and were not going to stand by and take it anymore. The incident remains an iconic event of American history, and reference is often made to it in other political protests.(9)

Many great leaders through out history have used civil disobedience to make changes for the better, themselves and those who follow them. Although Thoreau is most commonly associated with having “started” civil disobedience, he is certainly not the first to talk of this great idea. The great philosopher, Socraties, also talked of civil disobedience as a good and moral act. Civil disobedience is found in the Bible as Shadrac, Meshak and Abindigo refused to obey the new law of their ruler Nebicanezer. The law stated that no one could pray out loud, or they would be put to death. These 3 men continued to pray out loud and willingly accepted the consequences of their prayers. They were forced to face the den of hungry lions. When the king found them still alive the next morning, he removed the law and allowed the people once again to pray out loud.

Time and time again, through out history it is easy to see that civil disobedience is a successful way to protest and fight for something that is unjust. It is effective because it proves a point but spares the lives of many who could die if war were to erupt. Civil disobedience should be used today and often times it is. There are numerous protests done on a weekly basis through out this country. Is protesting enough? Often times no, it is not enough. Breaking unjust laws and willingly accepting the consequence is the best way to make a change for the better. Changes that will have a lasting effect on the present as well as the future.

7. Greenhaw, Wayne "ROSA PARKS: 'ONE OF MANY WHO WOULD FIGHT FOR FREEDOM'." Alabama Heritage 85 (2007): 8-15. America: History & Life. EBSCO. Web. 5 Dec. 2009

8. Wilson, Kirt H. "INTERPRETING THE DISCURSIVE FIELD OF THE MONTGOMERY BUS BOYCOTT: MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.'S HOLT STREET ADDRESS." Rhetoric & Public Affairs 8.2 (2005): 299-326. America: History & Life. EBSCO. Web. 5 Dec. 2009.

9. boston tea party something or another

2009-11-21T12:47:00.000-08:00

sorry this took so long to correct, pretty much had to change all my sources since my paper was too broad...

1 .Dylan, Bob. "Blowin’ in the Wind." Columbia Records, May 1963.

This song has a series of questions that Bob Dylan asks. Generally about when people will stop looking down on others and see the reasons we need to pull together.

2 .Eyerman, Ron and Andrew Jamison. “Social movements and cultural transformation: popular music in the 1960s.” Media, Culture & Society 17 (1995): 449-468.

This article looks at social theory and culture, and how popular music transforms cultures and societies. Three concepts are central to their approach: context, process and articulation. This will be great when talking about the music and how it helped people get on board and fight for civil rights.
3. Garafalo, Reebee. Rockin’ the Boat: Mass Music and Mass Movements. South End Press, 1992.

This book talks about the affect that music has on people, and how it can bring them together. This is especially relevant for this presentation because I am looking at songs that spoke on behalf of millions of people.

4. Vail, Mark "THE 'INTEGRATIVE' RHETORIC OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.'S 'I HAVE A DREAM' SPEECH." Rhetoric & Public Affairs 9.1 (2006): 51-78. America: History & Life. EBSCO. Web. 17 Nov. 2009

This article is about Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech. The article focuses on His desires for civil rights. When discussing specific events referenced in songs, I can use this article.
5. Farina, Richard. "Birmingham Sunday." Vanguard Records, 1964.

On a Sunday in Birmingham Alabama there was a bombing of a Baptist church, 4 people died. The song remembers them by name, and talks about the choir, who sang of freedom during the bombing.

2009-11-11T11:05:00.001-08:00

Jessica Crockett

D'Andrea, Michael, and Judy Daniels "Exploring the Psychology of White Racism Through Naturalistic Inquiry." Journal of Counseling & Development 77.1 (1999): 93. Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition. EBSCO. Web. 10 Nov. 2009.

WILKINSON, T. M. "RACIST ORGAN DONORS AND SAVING LIVES." Bioethics 21.2 (2007): 63-74. Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition. EBSCO. Web. 10 Nov. 2009.

Ahmed, Bipasha "Teaching critical psychology of ‘race’ issues: problems in promoting anti-racist practice." Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology 18.1 (2008): 54-67. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. EBSCO. Web. 10 Nov. 2009.

Winnubst, Shannon "Is the mirror racist?." Philosophy & Social Criticism 30.1 (2004): 25-50. Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition. EBSCO. Web. 10 Nov. 2009.

Kessler, Frank "The Silent Brotherhood: Inside America's Racist Underground. (Book)." Library Journal 114.12 (1989): 95. Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition. EBSCO. Web. 10 Nov. 2009.

final draft-analysis-Forgiveness

2009-10-31T13:53:00.000-07:00

Forgiveness
“Is there such a thing as forgiveness?” This is the question Judy poses to Angel as she wonders if she can be forgiven from her crime of robbing the bank. Angel answers with a casual “ I hope so.” Clearly at this point he is not talking about Judy and her crimes, he is wondering if he can ever be forgiven of all the awful things he had done in his life. Can he right his wrongs by doing good? He doesn’t know, but is hopeful that he can. When July is accused of murder, Angel learns and understands what forgiveness is.
There are a lot of similarities to Angel in this episode and the Story of Jesus Christ found in the Bible. Angel represents Christ. He takes on the sins of all the people in the hotel. When Judy points her finger and places the blame of the murder on him. He doesn’t say anything at all. He stands there and lets them accuse him of something he is innocent of. He takes their sneering and mocking and accusing. Christ is also falsely accused. He was mocked and beaten and forced to wear a crown of thorns. He never lashed out or tried to direct his accusers’ attention elsewhere. He receives their accusations. Angel takes the blame that was once on Judy and puts it on himself. He accepts her wrong doing and suffers the consequences , even death, so she is spared. Christ did the same for our sins. He allowed himself to take on our sins so that we, in the end can be spared of suffering.
Angel allows himself to be hung from the rafters at the hotel in front of all his accusers. He received no fair trial, no trial at all for that matter but he did receive a public hanging. Christ willingly allowed himself to be whipped, beaten, wear a crown of thorns, nailed to a cross and hung for all to see. It was a very public death as his closest followers and enemies watched him suffer and die. Christ received no fair trial, but ultimately Pontius Pilate knew he was innocent, after he washed his hands in the water he said to the multitiude, “ I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.” Judy knows Angel is innocent, but she still sent him to his death. Pilate and Judy go along with what the people want, even though it caused innocent men to die.
While in their most vulnerable state, Christ and Angel are mocked while hanging on the cross and in the noose. While on the cross, Christ’s enemies are relentless. They taunted and yelled at him saying, “Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thy self. It thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.” As Angel is forced to put his head through the noose the crowd yells to “get him” and “kill him” and bell hop is especially excited to see Angel die if for no other reason then he gives him the “heebie geebies”
Both Angel and Christ possess the power to stop the people who are killing them. Angel, being a vampire could stop them with his strength, and Christ could stop them with his Godly power, but both chose to go through with it, allowing the natural consequences to take place.
Angel could not really die, as he was already dead. Christ knew he would rise again on the third day and fulfill his prophecy of his resurrection. Both could not die, which may be why they were so willing to allow such awful things to happen to them. Knowing their lives would go on, gave them the strength to continue and allow such heinous crimes to be committed to them.
Christ does rise again on the third day. Angel immediately frees himself from the noose and ultimately leaves the hotel. Because of Christ’s sacrifice of his own live, we can be forgiven of our sins. Because Angel “died” in front of all the hotel occupants, Judy was forgiven of her sins and no one bothered her about her past.
The enormous difference between these two is Christ is perfect and has no sins. Angel, clearly, is not perfect and has a lot of work to do. In the beginning of the episode he does not know if forgiveness is possible. By the end, he realizes it is. By taking on the sins of others he knows what it feels like to forgive. When Judy personally asks for his forgiveness, he immediately grants it, and there again he feels that forgives is possible. He also recognizes that to be forgiven he must forgive others and more importantly himself. He knows he cannot allow the guilt of his past to weigh heavy on his mind. As he talks with Judy, and sees how paralyzing guilt can be, he knows he must move and stop dwelling on his past mistakes.
Throughout the episode, Angel realizes he can be forgiven of his past mistakes. He knows he will have a lot of work to do to truly be penitent, but he now knows it is possible. Part of the forgivness process , for Angel, is letting go. Letting go of his past mistakes and more specifically his interactions with the people at the hotel. As he makes all his wrongs right, and begins forgiving himself, he can truly find forgiveness for himself and for others and go on living a happy and fulfilling life.

final draft-reflection- Chiropractor Visits

2009-10-31T13:51:00.000-07:00

Chiropractor Visits
Why are people so afraid to visit the Doctor’s office? Especially a Doctor of Chiropractic? Chiropractors are knowledgeable, helpful and they give treatment in a non invasive way. Everyone should have a regular chiropractic visit because it helps prevent back injuries, prevents other sicknesses and disease, and keeps the body in a state of homeostasis.
Back injuries are more and more common this day and age due to our lifestyle. Many people sit in front of a computer all day. This can put a lot of strain on the neck, and also the low back, if the chair is not comfortable or if proper ergonomics are not practiced. Proper ergonomics is very important. If someone sits in chair all day and they are slouched over, or their neck is protruding towards the computer or even if the height of the chair is incorrect and they are staining to reach the keyboard, there is bound to be back and neck problems. Problems can occur at the end of one day, or over the course of a whole life time of doing the same repetitive motion improperly. When the back is constantly put in an incorrect position, the vertebrae will begin to slip “out”. This is very painful to have your back “go out”. If the problem is not taken care of immediately, the muscles will begin to adapt to the new positioning of the vertebrae, and actually hold the bones out of place, making it that much harder to get the vertebrae back into proper alignment. When the back is not properly aligned, we are very susceptible to further injuries such as degenerative disks, herniated disk, muscle spasm and pain etc. So it is important to take care of the back to avoid these very serious and painful injuries. A monthly visit to the chiropractor will certainly help to prevent them.
All nerves are centrally located in the spinal column. They are distributed through the facets of the vertebrae and go throughout our entire body. Our nerves send messages throughout our body, and back to our brain. This is how our entire body functions. As the vertebrae moves out of its proper alignment, it can pinch the nerves that are surrounding the bone, causing a lack of signal to be sent to the proper place in the body. So a pinched nerve can cause a headache, tingling in the arms or legs, carpel tunnel syndrome, sciatica, thorasic outlet syndrome, constipation, acid reflux, acne and the list goes on and on! With a five minute visit to a doctor of chiropractic, they can help your vertebrae move back to its proper alignment and alleviate the pain it was causing, not to mention any other secondary condition it may have been attributing to.
It’s important to note that chiropractic adjustments do not cure anything. An adjustment helps to prevent sickness! Often times people think of only going to a chiropractor when their back is in serious pain, or after they have sustain a sports related injury. That is not all that a chiropractic adjustment is good for. An adjustment helps keep the body in a state of homeostasis; which is a state of balance. Balance is important to keep the body functioning optimally so it can fight of disease and sickness naturally. When the body is balanced and healthy the immune system can focus its attention in keeping the body healthy. When the body is in homeostasis, you don’t have to worry about seeing an MD, or filling your body with unhealthy prescription drugs, because your body is doing its job, naturally.
Chiropractors are also very knowledgeable in Alternative health medications such as herb, essential oils and acupuncture techniques. There are natural remedies for weight loss, cancer, headaches, acid reflux, even natural muscle relaxers. The great thing about taking a natural medication is there are no adverse side effects, as there are with taking a prescription drug.
Chiropractic adjustments are great because they help your own body to naturally prevent sickness, disease and back pain. Everyone should be getting an adjustment from their local chiropractor regularly which will allow their body to do what it was designed to do; keep you healthy, naturally!

final draft-observation- I Love Getting a Massage

2009-10-31T13:49:00.000-07:00

I Love Getting a Massage
If everyone got a massage once a week, there would be world peace! I received a massage at Serentiy Spa in Park City and it was an amazing experience. The Atmosphere was very relaxing, the therapist was exceptional and the massage was awesome.
I had a rough day and was ready to put my cares aside and relax. I pulled into the spa and went inside. I was instantly brushed with a faint smell of jasmine and vanilla. It reminded me of a warm summer night, the kind you never forget. I was greeted warmly and escorted to the womens room, were I put on a big white plush towel, and equally plush slippers. As I walked into the womens waiting room I passed the a huge rock water fall, filling the giant hot tub. No one was in there and I wished desperately I could jump right in. The water looked so inviting, I could see the steam slowly rising up, filling the room with wet heat. I resisted the temptation, as I didn’t want to miss a single minute of my massage.
I waited patiently in the waiting room for my therapist to come and get me. Waiting was not a problem as the couch was like a pile of cumulus clouds. I sank into the couch and closed my eyes until the massage therapist called my name. “Jessica?” I was greeted with a warm smile and a solid hand shake. Kimberly introduced herself and told me to follow her to the room. She took me through a labyrinth of hallways and treatment rooms. I would have gotten lost if I I didn’t follow so close behind Kimberly. We finally found our way down the long hallway and we entered the room.
The room was small and dim. I could see displayed on the counter all her different lotions and oils she would be using. It looked like a Bath and Body works store. She politely described the massage protocol of a Swedish massage. She explained that it would be a full body massage including my head and feet. She asked if there were any areas in particular I wanted her to work and I immediately shouted “My back and shoulders please!” I was so excited she would take the time to ask what was bothering me and wanted to be sure to address my “problem” areas. She returned a few minutes later with me lying prone on the table with my head supported by a “C” shaped cushion. She modestly uncovered my back, and began the massage. Her hands, warm on my back, glided over every inch. She followed the rhythm of the soothing music while she kneaded, chopped, and slid over my body. Her hands were like a metal detector and my sore muscles a gigantic buried treasure. She was certain to spent extra time where I needed it. After what seemed like a minute and a half, which in reality was an hour, Kimberly kindly let me know the massage was over. She told me she would meet me in front when I was ready. I knew I could have slept for a few hours after that massage so I got up instantly to avoid the embarrassment of them sending someone in to wake me up. As I left the room Kimberly gave me cold cucumber water to drink. It was the best, most refreshing water I had ever tasted. It was creamy, cold and delicious. I never knew that by adding a couple slices of cucumber to a glass of water could create heaven on earth. It was delicious organic treat, the perfect ending to a perfect massage.
As I left the spa. I felt like a new woman. My body felt faultless. My aching back no longer hurt. My shoulders felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off of them. My feet were so soft and smooth. I felt like I could conquer anything that came my way. I felt euphoric and peacefully energized. If only I could convince our world leaders of the benefits of massage, so they could feel the same way I did. Perhaps they would focus on the dilemmas of the world in a peaceful, relaxing, nonviolent way, which would lead to me winning a Nobel Peace Prize.

reflection revised

2009-10-16T14:56:00.000-07:00

Everyone should have a regular chiropractic visit because it helps prevent back injuries, prevents other sicknesses and disease, and keeps the body in a state of homeostasis.
Back injuries are more and more common this day and age due to our lifestyle. Many people sit in front of a computer all day. This can put a lot of strain on the neck, and also the low back, if the chair is not comfortable or if proper ergonomics are not practiced. Proper ergonomics is very important. If someone sits in chair all day and they are slouched over, or their neck is protruding towards the computer or even if the height of the chair is incorrect and they are staining to reach the keyboard, there is bound to be problems. Problems can occur even at the end of one day, or over the course of a whole life time of doing the same improper motion with the body day in and day out. When the back is constantly put in an improper position, the vertebrae will begin to slip “out”. This is very painful to have your back “go out”. If the problem is not taken care of immediately, the muscles will begin to adapt to the new positioning of the vertebrae, and actually hold the bones out of place, making it that much harder to get the vertebrae back into proper alignment. When the back is not properly aligned, we are very susceptible to further injuries such as degenerative disks, herniated disk, muscle spasm and pain etc. So it is important to take care of the back to avoid these very serious and painful injuries. A monthly visit to the chiropractor will certainly help to prevent them.
All nerves are centrally located in the spinal column. They are distributed through the facets of the vertebrae and go throughout our entire body. They send messages to our body and back to our brain. This is how our entire body functions. As the vertebrae moves out of its proper alignment, it can pinch the nerves that are surrounding the bone, causing a lack of signal to be sent to the proper place in the body. So a pinched nerve can cause a headache, tingling in the arms or legs, carpel tunnel syndrome, sciatica, thorasic outlet syndrome, constipation, acid reflux, acne and the list goes on and on! With a five minute visit to a doctor of chiropractic, they can help your vertebrae move back to its proper alignment and alleviate the pain it was causing, not to mention any other secondary condition it may have been attributing to.
Its important to note that chiropractic adjustments do not cure anything. It helps to prevent sickness! Often times people think of only going to a chiropractor when their back is in serious pain, or after they have sustain a sports related injury. That is not all that a chiropractic adjustment is good for. An adjustment helps keep the body in a state of homeostasis; which is a state of balance where the body is functioning optimally and can fight of disease and sickness naturally because the body is healthy so the immune system can focus its attention in keeping the body healthy. When the body is in homeostasis, you don’t have to worry about seeing an MD, or filling your body with unhealthy prescription drugs, because your body is doing its job, naturally.
Chiropractic adjustments are great because they help your own body to naturally prevent sickness, disease and back pain. Everyone should be getting an adjustment from their local chiropractor regularly to allow their body to do what it was designed to do; keep you healthy, naturally!

observation 2

2009-10-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

If everyone got a massage once a week, there would be world peace! I received a massage at Serentiy Spa in Park City and it was an amazing experience. The Atmosphere was very relaxing, the therapist was exceptional and the massage was awesome.
I’d had a rough day and was ready to put my cares aside and relax. I pulled into the spa and went inside. I was instantly brushed with a faint smell of jasmine and vanilla. It reminded me of a warm summer night. The kind you never forget. I was greeted warmly and escorted to the womens room, were I put on a big white plush towel, and equally plush slippers. As I was walked into the womens waiting room I passed the a huge rock water fall, filling the giant hot tub. No one was in there and I wished desperately I could jump right in. The water looked so inviting, I could see the steam slowly rising up, filling the room with wet heat. I resisted the temptation, as I didn’t want to miss a single minute of my massage.
I waited patiently in the waiting room for my therapist to come and get me. Waiting was not a problem. It seemed like the couch was made of cumulus clouds. I sunk into the couch until the massage therapist called my name. She asked my to follow her to the treatment room. It seemed as though she took me through a labyrinth. We finally found our way down the long hallway and we entered the room.
The room was small and dim. I could see displayed on the counter all her different lotions and oils she would be using. It looked like a Bath and Body works store. She politely explained the massage protocol of a Swedish massage. She explained that it would be a full body massage including my head and feet. She asked if there were any areas in particular I wanted her to work and I immediately shouted “My back shoulders!” I was so excited that she would take the time to ask what was bothering me and wanted to be sure to address my “problem” areas. She returned a few minutes later with me lying prone on the table with my head supported by a “C” shaped cushion. She modestly uncovered my back, and began the massage. Her hands were warm on my back and they seemed go glide over every inch possible. She worked quickly, but slowly at the same time. Her hands were like a metal detector and my sore muscles a gigantic buried treasure. She was certain to spent extra time where I needed it. After what seemed like a minute and a half, which in reality was an hour, the massage therapist kindly let me know the massage was over. She told me she would meet me in front when I was ready. I knew I could have slept for a few hours after that massage so I got up instantly to avoid the embarrassment of them sending someone in to wake me up. As I left the room my therapist gave me cold cucumber water to drink. It was the best, most refreshing water I had ever tasted. It was creamy. I never knew that by adding a couple slices of cucumber to a glass of cold water could create heaven on earth. It was delicious organic treat, perfect for ending a massage.
As I left the spa. I felt like a new woman. My body felt perfect. My aching back no longer hurt. My shoulders felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off of them. My feet were so soft and smooth. I felt like I could conquer anything that came my way. I felt euphoric and peacefully energized. If only I could convince our world leaders of the benefits of massage, so they could feel the same way I did and want to focus on the dilemmas of the world in a peaceful, relaxing, nonviolent way, maybe I would win a Nobel Peace Prize.

Analysis of an Ad

2009-09-28T15:52:00.000-07:00

first reading:
1. er, I think the main idea is about advertising.
2. the writer is trying to say that advertising agencies use celebs to help zero in on their target market.

second reading:
1. it is not effective in introducing the topic. I am still a little confused as to what the main topic is.
2. The thesis statement is, " In our modern world of today, Americans see thousands of advertisments every year, we buy many products because of ads."
3. no, the writer does not stay on topic. I'm not sure if the main topic is advertising, Andy or milk.
4. The paragraphs seem to be all over the place and they don't complete a full thought.
5. I want to know more about the ad agencies, statistic, ratio to ads vs. sells etc.
6. Things were quoted properly and did fit in the right context of the paper.

third reading
1.They are talking to the american population. The writer assumes every one knows who Andy Roddick and Stone Cold Steve Austin are.
2. No, I am not engaged at all. The writers style is kind of tinie-bopper-ish, if that makes sence.
3. The tone is consistent throught out the entire draft. I don' think the tone is appropriate for the audience. It was too young. Definitely should not have said, "He has a kind of sexy pose too" I get that she? was saying that the advertising agency likes attractive people for their adds, but by saying that she is adding her own comment, which I didn't appreciate for this paper.

1. The writer is good at having a lot of different topic to draw from with in one paper.
2. With all those topics she should have elaborated more on them, and made the paper flow from one topic to the next, so I could understand more clearly, what she is trying to say.

analysis

2009-09-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

for anyone who read this: This paper is a mess right now. I really had a hard time gathering my thoughts and trying to put them down on paper, so good luck with the reading...
“Is there such a thing as forgiveness?” This is the question Judy poses to Angel as she wonders if she can be forgiven from her crime of robbing the bank. Angel answers with a casual “ I hope so.” Clearly at this point he is not talking about Judy and her crimes, he is wondering if he can ever be forgiven of all the awful things he had done in his life. Can he right his wrongs by doing good? He doesn’t know, but is hopeful that he can. When July is accused of murder, Angel learns and understands what forgiveness is.
There are a lot of similarities to Angel in this episode and the Story of Jesus Christ found in the Bible. Angel represents Christ. He takes on the sins of all the people in the hotel. When Judy points her finger and puts the blame of the murder on him. He doesn’t say anything at all. He stands there and lets them accuse him of something he is innocent of. He takes their sneering and mocking and accusing. Christ was also falsely accused. He was mocked and beaten and forced to wear a crown of thorns. He never lashed out or tried to direct his accusers attention elsewhere. He just accepted their accusations. Angel takes the blame that was once on Judy and puts it on himself. He is accepting he wrong doing and is willing to suffer the consequences of them, even death (if he could die) so that she can be spared. Christ did the same for our sins. He allowed himself to take on our sins so that we, in the end can be spared.
Angel allows him self to be hung at the hotel in front of all his accusers. He received no fair trial, no trial at all for that matter. Christ willingly allowed himself to be nailed to the cross and hung for all to see as well. Christ received no fair trial, but ultimately Harold knew he was innocent, just as Judy knew Angel was innocent, but they still sent them to their death. Harold and Judy went along with what the people wanted, even though it was causing an innocent man to lose his life.
Both Angel and Christ possessed the power to stop the people who were killing them. Angel, being a vampire could have stopped them with his strength, and Christ could have stopped them with his power, but both chose to go through with it, allowing the natural consequences to take place.
Angel could not really die, for he was already dead. Christ knew he would rise again on the third day and fulfill his prophecy of his resurrection. Both could not die, which may be why they were so willing to allow such awful things to happen to them. Knowing their lives would go on, possibly gave them the strength to continue on.
Christ does rise again on the third day, Angel immediately frees himself from the noose and ultimately leaves the hotel. Because of Christ’s sacrifice of his own live, we can be forgiven of our sins. Because Angel “died” in front of all the hotel stayers, Judy was forgiven of her sins and no one bothered her about her past.
The big difference between these two is that Christ is perfect and has no sins. Angel, clearly, is not perfect and has a lot of work to do. In the beginning of the episode he does not know if forgiveness is possible. By the end, he realizes it is. By taking on the sins of others he knows what it feels like to forgive. When Judy personally asks for his forgiveness, he immediately grants it, and there again he feel that forgives is possible. He also recognizes that to be forgiven we must forgive others and more importantly our selves.
Angel know that he can be forgiven of his past mistakes. He knows he will have a lot of work to do to truly be penitent, but he now knows it is possible. As he makes all his wrongs right, and begins forgiving himself, he can truly find forgiveness for himself and for other and go on living a happy and fulfilling life.

reflection

2009-09-15T08:56:00.001-07:00

Everyone should have a regular chiropractic visit because it helps prevent back injuries, prevents other sicknesses and disease, and keeps the body in a state of homeostasis.
Back injuries are more and more common this day and age due to our lifestyle. Many people sit in front of a computer all day. This can put a lot of strain on the neck, and also the low back, if the chair is not comfortable or if proper ergonomics are not practiced. When the back is constantly put in an improper position, the vertebrae will begin to slip “out”. This is very painful to have your back “go out”. If the problem is not taken care of immediately, the muscles will begin to adapt to the new positioning of the vertebrae, and actually hold the bones out of place, making it that much harder to get the vertebrae back into proper alignment. When the back is not properly aligned, we are very susceptible to further injuries such as degenerative disks, herniated disk, muscle spasm and pain etc. So it is important to take care of the back to avoid these very serious and painful injuries. A monthly visit to the chiropractor will certainly help to prevent them.
All nerves are centrally located in the spinal column. They are distributed through the facets of the vertebrae and go throughout our entire body. They send messages to our body and back to our brain. This is how our entire body functions. As the vertebrae moves out of its proper alignment, it can pinch the nerves that are surrounding the bone, causing a lack of signal to be sent to the proper place in the body. So a pinched nerve can cause a headache, tingling in the arms or legs, constipation, acid reflux, acne and the list goes on and on!
Its important to note that chiropractic adjustments do not cure anything. It helps to prevent sickness! Often times people think of only going to a chiropractor when their back is in serious pain, or after they have sustain a sports related injury. That is not all that a chiropractic adjustment is good for. An adjustment helps keep the body in a state of homeostasis; which is a state of balance where the body is functioning optimally and can fight of disease and sickness naturally because the body is healthy so the immune system can focus its attention in keeping the body healthy. When the body is in homeostasis, you don’t have to worry about seeing an MD, or filling your body with unhealthy prescription drugs, because your body is doing its job, naturally.
Chiropractic adjustments are great because they help your own body to naturally prevent sickness, disease and back pain. Everyone should be getting an adjustment from their local chiropractor regularly to allow their body to do what it was designed to do; keep you healthy, naturally!

observation

2009-09-04T15:24:00.000-07:00

If everyone got a massage once a week, there would be world peace! I received a massage at Serentiy Spa in Park City and it was an amazing experience. The Atmosphere was very relaxing, the therapist was exceptional and the massage was awesome.
I’d had a rough day and was ready to put my cares aside and relax. I pulled into the spa and went inside. I was instantly brushed with a faint smell of jasmine and vanilla. It reminded me of a warm summer night. The kind you never forget. I was greeted warmly and escorted to the womens room, were I put on a big white plush towel, and equally plush slippers. As I was walked into the womens waiting room I passed the a huge rock water fall, filling the giant hot tub. No one was in there and I wished desperately I could jump right in. The water looked so inviting, I could see the steam slowly rising up, filling the room with wet heat. I resisted the temptation, as I didn’t want to miss a single minute of my massage.
I waited patiently in the waiting room for my therapist to come and get me. Waiting was not a problem. It seemed like the couch was made of cumulus clouds. I sunk into the couch until the massage therapist called my name. She asked my to follow her to the treatment room. It seemed as though she took me through a labyrinth. We finally found our way down the long hallway and we entered the room.
The room was small and dim. I could see displayed on the counter all her different lotions and oils she would be using. It looked like a Bath and Body works store. She politely explained the massage protocol and returned a few minutes later with me lying prone on the table with my head supported by a “C” shaped cushion. She modestly uncovered my back, and began the massage. Her hands were warm on my back and they seemed go glide over every inch possible. She worked quickly, but slowly at the same time. Her hands were like a metal detector and my sore muscles a gigantic buried treasure. She was certain to spent extra time where I needed it. After what seemed like a minute and a half, which in reality was an hour, the massage therapist kindly let me know the massage was over. She told me she would meet me in front when I was ready. I knew I could have slept for a few hours after that massage so I got up instantly to avoid the embarrassment of them sending someone in to wake me up. As I left the room my therapist gave me cold cucumber water to drink. The water tasted creamy. It was delicious organic treat, perfect for ending a massage.
As I left the spa. I felt like a new woman. I felt like I could conquer anything that came my way. I felt euphoric and peaceful energized. If only I could convince our world leaders of the benefits of massage, maybe I would win a nobel prize.