Breed or Bred

Recently I caught on the news that there's been a growing trend of violent attacks by dogs, especially towards children, here in Oregon.

Although dog attacks would not be a very new thing, I did find some concern in the fact that it was discussed that Oregon may, like some other states already have, ban specific breeds. One breed being debated lately due to a number of attacks associated with the breed are pitbulls.

Although many recognize that people are the ones raising certain breeds of dogs to be violent, just as some are bred for hunting, or preferred for young children. However, they turn it around into a justification to ban certain breeds.

Honestly, I can see both sides. Deep down I feel there should be more regulation on pets and ownership. Too many pets in general go uncared for, neglected, or abused, and can lead to an early death.

Licenses are needed for breeders, and the same could be said for pet owners. It seems harsh on the surface, but when hearing that animals are often killed as a result of the way their owners use them, I can't say it's not fair to those who want pets. Too many people want animals, not pets, and want to create violence.

Whether or not these recent attacks on children are a matter of the breed, how they're raised, or some provoking, accidental or not, it does bring up a good issue to the ownership of animals. Abuse and mistreatment directly harms the animal, but it can extend to a neighborhood, and be used to manipulate an otherwise gentle and loving breed into a dangerous fighter.

Though pitbulls are one of the singled out breeds to be involved in violent attacks and labeled as "dangerous", one of the past winners of best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show was also a pitbull. I do think they are a strong and potentially aggressive breed. I also feel it's how their owner puts the obvious power of the dog to use.

Smaller dogs can be just as aggressive, their little bodies and teeth just don't pack the same punch, people don't label them dangerous, even if they're more likely to bite.

Further information can be read in this article about the pitbull breed and past talks of banning them and another about a recent attack on a 7-year old.

President of the World?

The year of children named Barack Obama. Much of the world is still buzzing over Barack Obama's win in the presidential election. There's special attention in the black communities all over the world the world and their reactions, seeing a black man take leadership of a world super power.

There's a pride sweeping, not just our nation, but many nations abroad as well. This election changed a lot of things, starting with the minds of the voters. More young voters turned out, more democrats turned out, and more black voters turned out. The numbers were in favor (obviously) for Obama almost across the nation. For the first time many are saying they care about politics and feel they matter in the electorial process.

Students in Britian even look to the future and hope that their own government can change and show more diversity.



After years of having one of our most unpopular presidents, days after the election results, polls have Obama with a tremendous amount of support, not just in the U.S., but all over the world, especially those displeased with the Bush administration. It brings new hope to deplomacy and international relations. There's almost a fanatical aspect to it all. "in Sierra Leone, six out of 10 male newborns in the capital's main maternity hospital were named Barack Obama Wednesday morning," said Domenico Montanaro.

I find great irony in the fact that so many were so nervous of Obama, especially based on his name, and now the name is becoming a sort of "Joe" or "Jack" around the world. I'm not surprised he's this popular. He in fact has about the same approval rating in some polls as Bush had disproval. I'm disappointed that a lot of it is due to the strong dislike of Bush, and the dramatic change he obviously brings. All I hear about his policies is that people are waiting, and they want a lot of different things delivered all at once as soon as he takes office.

Realistically it will take time, but I see Obama as a man of his word. I think he's earned the pride, respect, and excitement of people all around the world. Whether he delivers everything or not, there will be nay sayers. I know that his election brings me pride. Not because of race, but what he stands for, the people. Watching the whole election, he seemed there for me as a citizen of the United States.

It's So Decided, I'm So Excited

I can't help but be excited about the election. I don't pay close attention to the polls because most are either clearly in favor of a candidate, or sit there wobbling from one to the other when really the numbers are barely in.

I just feel the race is leading up to a new beginning, and I doubt many would disagree that we need one more than we ever have in a long time.

I found it funny that a reporter said his wife was still undecided this late when my latest story was just on that very topic (and I'll try to post it in the midst of everything sometime today). It seems to me that a person would need to weigh out the candidates at least the night before election day. Then again, I can't really see whats in their head.

From my story it seemed that some really didn't like either of the main candidates, and really didn't have a feel for the electoral process as a whole.

At least for those last minute voters (I even know a few personally) most lines aren't horribly long anymore, as many people across the nation have taken advantage of early votes. Maybe they'll call it before tomorrow morning for once.