“To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West: Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.” Barack Obama, January 20, 2009.

This section of President Obama’s Inauguration speech particularly stood out to me. He is directing this comment to the destructive and opposing Muslims from the Middle East. “Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.” The greatest civilizations of all time all have one thing in common. As a testament to the wealth and prosperity that the civilization has achieved, they erect monuments and memorials that stand the test of time. The Ancient Incan society, Egyptian, Roman Empire, and American, have all created timeless monuments.
Other than the physical beings that these societies have created, more importantly are the positive contributions to the world. Scientific and governmental breakthroughs have shaped the history for each civilization. The key word to remember is ‘positive’ contributions. In order to be on the positive side of history you must accomplish it the right way. Power money and wealth mean nothing if you are not noble enough to ensure the appropriate distribution. Whether it be capitalism, or socialism, there must be a equal and righteous government in place. If these countries are able to “unclench your fist” we will be willing to extend a helping hand. Not only must they welcome our alliance, but they must first make a commitment to ridding their unmoral behavior.
This speech was the most powerful and moving speech that I have ever heard. Every section was carefully created and placed in an appropriate spot. From the beginning to the end of the speech, President Obama connected to all Americans and the issues that we face. Today I feel lucky to be coming into a workforce that is led by this man. Most importantly I feel lucky to be a citizen of the greatest country in the world.

Today we went to the Holocaust Museum in downtown St. Pete. In high school I went to the Underground Railroad Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio, so I had some idea of what a museum based on traumatic events would be like. The museum though small, was very informative and interesting. The shear brutality and inhumane cruelty that this museum represents has been exposed to us since an early age. Therefore most of the artifacts were not shocking or new. That being said this museum did a good job of explaining this era.
Some of my favorite pictures or displays were about the brave individuals who attempted to escape or avoid being captured. One of the displays in particular was one that showed how prisoners dug and constructed a tunnel under and outside of the ghetto. Out of the 250 prisoners that attempted to escape only 90 were captured and executed. This was a great engineering feat as well as a brave act of courage.
The second thing that I particularly enjoyed was the history lesson about the events that led to that situation. While I was reasonably informed about WWII history, it was interesting to see how everything led up to the genocide. The shear power and military might that Hitler assembled was to an extent impressive, in a sick kind of way. As an American seeing the pictures of General Patton and Eisenhower liberating the refugees from the camps was my most proud moment.

Hemmingway's character fighting sleep was interesting to me because of what he thought about. When he was trying to stay awake he would dream about trout fishing at home. He chooses this memory because it is peaceful and calm, far from the reality of war. This story reminds me of when I get homesick at night. SOmetimes when things are not going so good and I had a rough day, I think of peaceful happy thoughts of when I was home. Most of the time I picture my family having a blast together at my lake house. Lake Cumberland is a place where I am most comfortable. WHen we are there we are miles from civilization and yet so close to each other. There is none of the hustle and bustle of the normal world. Water is a theme that I share with Hemmingway's character. The water is relaxing and helps to refresh your batteries. From my great experiences growing up on lake Cumberland, I will hopefully always live near the water.

War museum

The war museum was an enjoyable experience for me. I was very intrigued by the array of different uniforms and equipment as well as tanks and trucks. I feel as though that as Americans, we are proud of our endeavors such as wars. Since the birth of this country we have been linked to war and a strong military. In many ways, our military is one of the proudest aspects of our nation. Both of the world wars have a long lasting positive outlook because of the result as well as what they represented to this country. As a country we were able to come together and win a war on both fronts. Almost as important as the war abroad was the positive financial ramifications that came forth. The result of the war came a young world super power to the likes that had never been seen before. That being said, as Americans we have always been proud of the efforts in WWII regardless of the terrible things that happened. We are able to enjoy a simple trip to a museum of war. Because the trauma of a war won is tolerable and understood much better than that of Vietnam. The trauma associated with killing and death that took place during war is now nationally accepted as necessary. Museums such as this are ways for young Americans like myself to pay tribute through education and an attempt to understand what a previous generation of Americans went through.

Thus far the most interesting aspect has been the story that involved Moses. Frued's rationalization of religion is interesting. My feeling is that he attempts to explain his own experiences by fictionalizing the events of the Bible. But once you finish reading about this subject, you wonder if he might be onto something. Not necessarily the details that he questions but more of the idea of making religion fit in order to explain the ways of the world. All of us are well versed in the scriptures of the bible and our specific religions. However these religons take from these books that are in essence stories. Stories can be used for mere entertainment or in this case interpreted to see fit.