Reel Injun: Injustices towards Native North Americans

Reel Injun: Injustices towards Native North Americans In this documentary, Reel Injun, by Neil Diamond, the director explores how Native North Americans were treated and shown in media from the early 20th century to the present. The documentary explores the negative stereotypes and mistreatment Native North Americans faced. The amount of negative depictions and inaccurate stereotypes about Natives in film played a significant role in the hatred towards Native People, and reinforced the stigmatized views that mainstream society already had towards them. As a result, their confidence had been destroyed and their self-identity lost, as their ideas of who they truly were as people had been abandoned. This documentary is an exploration of how the portrayals and treatment of Natives, not only in film, but also in real life, progressed over time. Neil Diamond begins his film by exploring the origins of Native stereotyping in movies. In early films, Natives were always portrayed with more of a positive image as opposed to a negative one. This was shown in films such as The Silent Enemy, where respect was given for the way of Native tribes and showed Natives as noble savages, who were brave and courageous warriors that were in sync with nature. The movie featured real Native actors such as Chief Buffalo Child Long Lance, who played as a hunter in the film, and was considered one of the most noble Natives at the time. Although the film consisted of positive stereotypes, these same stereotypes were ones that portrayed Native North Americans as less than human, in other words, as second-class citizens. Even though Natives continued to succumb to the motives of the White man, The Silent Enemy, showed them as gentle individuals that continued to show respect for others, never surrendering or holding a grudge, but rather, wanting to live in a peaceful coexistence with White people. However, the film did not become a box-office success; society was uninterested in films that showed the ways Natives lived their lives, and were more fixated on comedic movies, beautiful love stories, and action packed adventure stories. People wanted to get away from their own lives, and wanted to jump into something that made them feel happy; no one wanted to pay for a film that evoked pain and showed the mistreatment of Natives, when they could pay for a movie that made them feel entertained. Before films veered off into depicting Natives as brutal savages, one could say that this movie had a major impact on the analysis of Natives throughout history. Following these positive stereotypical movies, Western films became the norm. A more pronounced negative portrayal of Native North Americans arose, and people loved seeing the Natives become target practice for cowboys. In the 1930s and 1940s, the Great Depression had taken a toll on people; they were looking for an enemy, and it just so happened that Natives were their ragdolls for anger. Native people began to become severely disrespected and inaccurately depicted in films. Directors were going so far that they began to show Natives speaking a sort of Tonto speech, where English is played backwards, making Native people look like uneducated, uncivilized and most importantly, brutal savages; as opposed to the noble savages they were once shown as. Perhaps the biggest movie to ever destroy a total cultures way of life and reduce it to a mere thought, would be Stage Coach. Released in 1939, the film shows a group of White travelers and their journey across the Wild West towards New Me xico. The travelers were very fearful of being violently ambushed by savage Natives, who are made out to be unethical and merciless. The film stars cowboy actor John Wayne, a very patriotic American that makes Native people not only his practice targets, but makes them seem like ruthless, brutal savages who have no regard for human life and are out to get the Americans. The film was so discriminatory towards Native North Americans that it made the Natives themselves think that they should distance themselves from their own culture, not only for fear of being targeted, but because they had started to believe in these falsely concocted stereotypes. Stage Coach along with many other films at the time, caused a lot of Native North Americans to lose their sense of identity, and because of this, turned them towards substance abuse and provoking fights with their societal counterparts. Nonetheless, the assassination of Native character done by Hollywood, provided the foundation for the agg ressive behaviors of Natives in this time of heightened socio-economic issues. However, after a few decades of negative depiction in film, Natives were starting to be portrayed positively again. The 1970s for Natives was what one could call a sort of Renaissance period, as it was a major turning point in the portrayal of Native North Americans. This period started with The Occupation of Alcatraz, in 1969, where around one-hundred Native people occupied Alcatraz island in protest to the government and their land treaties. Alcatraz was always originally sacred Native land, and protestors wanted to buy the land back for the same amount they had been offered for it, which was just a few dollars. The occupation became infamous and people from all over the world took notice, especially the man who later became The Voice of Alcatraz, Lakota activist John Trudell. Trudell had started a radio show that explained the reason for the protest and describing other issues Native people faced in America and the world. He is known as one of the most influential people involved in the whole escapade, and his presence brought an energetic spark to the peoples voices. Although the occupation of Alcatraz eventually did collapse, it is still widely regarded as a symbol of Native North Americans desires for unity and authority in a White America. Following the attention that Alcatraz gained, two significant things happened, the American Indian Movement (AIM) which aimed to fight back against all the false identities, stereotypes and mistreatment Natives faced in film and in real life, arose; as well as the release of Billy Jack in 1971. In essence, Billy Jack was a representation of a Native action hero, who used violence to enact justice. The character was half-Indian, and would fight anyone who disrespected Native people or the law. He was basically an embodiment of not only hope, but all the angst and anger the 70s brought for Native people, and was retaliating for all the negative stereotypes Native people faced by doing what they could not, that is, fight against the oppressors. Reel Injun also mentioned a battle that took place in South Dakota, more specifically, at Wounded Knee, where hundreds of Natives were slaughtered. The government was retaliating for the Battle of the Little BigHorn in the late 19th century, and their goal was to fight against the Native Americans who had taken a town under its control, in hopes of having the government honor its previously agreed upon terrestrial treaties and rights that had went undelivered for so long. Despite the push of the United States government, the Natives continued to fight back and never surrendered, which led to the deaths of many men, women and children. During this conflict, in 1973, American actor Marlon Brando, famous for his role in The Godfather, had a Native activist named Sacheen Littlefeather boycott the Oscar ceremony by refusing Marlons Oscar Statuette on his behalf. This was done in hopes to protest the widespread defamation of Native North Americans in Hollywood film. Her speech in front of the public addressed the injustices Natives faced not only on the big screen, but in real life, more specifically throughout the country and the massacre occurring at Wounded Knee. People saw this speech from this hippie as inspirational, and her message was welcomed for the most part, by applause and open arms, which led to a newfound appreciation for Native people. Suddenly, being Native was the thing, as Americans liked the idea of the free and spiritual hippie and drew similarities with Native and hippie culture. Throughout these eighty years or so, the widespread propaganda of Native North Americans in Hollywood film was an up and down struggle. As described by Neil Diamond, the director of Reel Injun, Natives were first portrayed as the humble and noble savages, very attached with nature and respectful in their coexistence with the White American. In fact, the Natives were the ones that helped these men adjust into their lives in North America in the first place, yet in later years, culturally destructive films such as Stage Coach described them as brutal savages who showed no mercy and were as ruthless as possible when torturing these White folk. Later of course, this notion came full circle as the public took notice through the constant lobbying and pushing efforts of not only Native activists like John Trudell and Sacheen Littlefeather, but Hollywood actors like Marlon Brando as well. American people learned that Natives are more than their traditional regalia, with feathers and face-pai nt, rather they are real human beings, and that all human beings are different and deserve to be treated equally.

Product Launch Plan -Team-Mkt 571

Altadena Computer: Product Launch Plan Team X MKT 571 Altadena Computer: Product Launch Plan Product Description Product Positioning Targeting Market Needs In 2009 approximately 870,000 full-time students were attending Canadian universities. The highest percentage increase of enrollment for undergraduates was in British Columbia (6. 4%) and the highest percentage increase of enrollment for graduate students was in Prince Edward Island (38. 1%) (AUCC. ) With so many students, Altadena Computers has a large base to target and market their special brand of customized laptops. Because of to the economic downturn the prediction in Canada reflects more people returning to college to increase their job marketability. In 2009, an increase of 4. 1% in undergraduate programs and an increase of 7. 2% in graduate programs validate the predictions. Altadena aims to provide quality merchandise that lasts longer than a few years, replacing the laptop will not be a concern for the student. Altadena employees rely on the students to guide them in designing the perfect laptop. Channel Strategy Market Potential Below is data collected by World Bank of Internet user percentages for United Kingdom and Canada. The trend of Internet use has significantly increased, doubling in the past decade. In 1990, domestic and international Internet usage was merely nonexistent and has steadily progressed past the year 2000. In 2007, Canada’s Internet usage inclined to 72. 8% while the United Kingdom ascended at 71. 7% and is steadily increasing into 2008. {draw:frame} Case # 1 – Domestic Location – Canada In 2007 Canada’s population reached 33. 0 million. Using the population data, Altadena Computers can estimate potential buyers within Canada. Internet percentages will be valuable in determining the average annual consumption and a measureable selling price of $950 per laptop. This price may be considered an expensive pecuniary; however, Altadena Computers must realistically visualize price and profits of the investment. At a selling price of $950 per laptop, customer base of 3,300,000, and an annual consumption of 10 percent of Internet users, 7. 28%, Altadena Computer’s market potential is calculated at $228,228,000. Case #2 – International Location – (United Kingdom) SWOT Analysis (Canada & England) SWOT Analysis (Canada & England) Threats and opportunities are equally justifiable. Yes, Altadena Computers may be a new player in the game but that does not determine a disqualification for Altadena Computers. This only symbolizes a significant role on behalf of Altadena Computers to orchestrate diligence and effective market strategies to compete with existing and forthcoming competition. Currently, management anticipates threats because of increasing competition, transportation costs, pecuniary regulations enforced by the government, and demographic shifts in the market. However, as there are threats, opportunities also exist. Altadena Computers does more than provide college students with cost effective, premium service laptops, Altadena Computers is providing essential tools and contributing to society’s development. Consider Canadian Internet usage in 2008. According to the Publications section of the World Fact Book, â€Å"Internet usage in 2008 was 25. 086 million users from a population of 33. 487 million residents. † Most Internet users are â€Å"educated† meaning they have at least an undergraduate degree. Therefore, it is imperative that Altadena Computers provide this service to college students because laptops are in high demand for students. Competition In a market of such magnitude, competition is expected to be fierce and strong. Dell, Hewitt Packard, Wal-Mart, MicroCenter, and Fry’s are some of the few dominant competitors in the industry. With the exception of Dell Computers, conveniences these businesses present are their ability to showcase products and provide instant gratification. Customers can assess the product and leave with their merchandise. Although instant gratification is necessary for some consumers, not all customers require their product instantly. Some would prefer to build their laptop necessities and incur offering provided by Altadena Computers. The logic here is not to dismiss the competition; for the possibility of that occurring is relatively short lived. Altadena Computers is a new and emerging business in the industry. Many lessons can be learned that can be applied that were previously encountered by the competition. Marketing Objectives and Strategy Pricing Market Communication: Canada and England Communication in marketing channels can serve as the process by which influential information is conveyed, shared decision making is encouraged, programs are created, power is put into effect and commitment and loyalty are built. Communication is the bond that holds together channels of distribution. Marketing communication builds awareness of a business, its products and the business’s position through customer interaction materials such as brochures, press releases, web sites and other forms of direct, indirect and interactive marketing. Marketing communication represents the â€Å"voice† of the brand and is one way to establish a dialogue and build relationships with consumers (Kotler & Keller, 2007, p. 279). Altadena Computer Company must have an in-depth understanding of the company’s target audience and the process of buying, selling, and communicating to customers. Marketing communications are the means by which firms attempt to inform, persuade, and remind consumers—directly or indirectly—about the products and brands they sell (Kotler & Keller, 2007, p. 279). The marketing communication mix consists of six major modes of communication (Kotler & Keller, 2007, p. 279): Sales Promotion is short-term incentives to encourage trial or purchase of a product or service. Public relations and Publicity are programs promoting or protecting company or product image. Direct marketing is the use of mail, telephone, fax, e-mail, or solicit response or dialogue from specific customers and prospects. Personal selling is face-to-face interactions with prospective purchasers for the purpose of making presentations, answering questions and procuring orders. Publicity: Canada and England Distribution Strategy: Domestic and International A distribution strategy describes how a business will generate and persuade demand for a product or service. Distribution Strategy involves shifting products for point of formation to points of utilization by the end user, in a cost-effective method. Distribution strategy will identify how a business will manage the brand. Distribution strategies come is various forms: (1) manufacturer ? consumer, (2) manufacturer? retailer? consumer, or (3) manufacturer? wholesaler? etailer? consumers. The process can involve longer channels including agents and brokers Types of Distribution Channels Canada and England Distribution Strategy The primary distribution for Altadena Computer domestic and international customer will be manufacturer to customer. The customer will have access live assistance to make orders and ask questions, through the Altadena Computer website or with a customer service representative that has the knowledge and ability to service Altadena Computer customers. Altadena Computers Distribution Strategy Altadena Computers must take advantage of the distribution opportunities. For example, gaining permission from domestic and international educational institutions to place brochures in the building were students have access to the information. Another distribution opportunity is setting up a demonstration area at domestic and international universities and colleges to provide information and a glimpse at the product to the potential customer. Customers preferring to buy online will have to fulfill orders and allow Altadena Computers to sell directly to customers. Customers can also engage in another distribution strategy with Altadena Computers specialized customer service representatives to close deals. Altadena Computers distribution program will focus on the needs of the customer. Financial Information Market Research Conclusion References Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (2009. ) Retrieved March 7, 2010 from http://www. aucc. ca/publications/media/2009/enrolment_10_22_e. html https://www. cia. gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ca. html https://www. cia. gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/uk. html Common Wealth (2009) United kingdom. opulation. Retrieved 3-7-2010 http://www. thecommonwealth. org/YearbookHomeInternal/139560/ Kotler, P. & Keller, K. (2007). A Framework for Marketing Management (3rd ed. ) New Jersey: Pearson-Prentice Hall. Kotler, P. and Keller, K. L. (2006) Marketing management (12th Ed. ) New Jersey: Pearson- Prentiss Hall. Statistics Canada (2009) Population and demography. Re trieved 3-7-2010 http://www41. statcan. gc. ca/2008/3867/ceb3867_000-eng. htm World Bank, World Development Indicators (2010) Internet_ users as percentage of _ population. Retrieved 3-7-2010 http://www. google. com/publicdata

Research into Hindu culture Essay

†¢Pyol: The pyol is a sort of front stoop where Indians often visit with neighbours and watch the world go by †¢Austerity : Noun the trait of great – denial †¢Prostrate: to cast oneself face down on the ground in humility. †¢Chappattis : A flat unleavened round shaped bread of northern India. Made of wheat flour, water and salt †¢Tapas: (noun) Hinduism religious austerity. †¢Hobnobbed : to associate on very friendly terms †¢Sarayn : The Sarayn is an ancient river that flowed through what is now the modern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is often considered to be synonymous with the modern Gharghara river tribitutary of it. The Sarayn played a vital role for the city and life of Ayodhya, as according to the great Hindu epic,the Ramayana,is where Rama,the seventh Avatara of Vishnu immersed himself to the return to his eternal, real Mahavishnu form, when he retired from the throne of Kosala. His brothers Bharata and Shatrughna also join him, as do many devoted followers. The Sarayn is also the river, upon banks King Rama was born. †¢Mantap : a porch or vestibule of the Brahman temple. †¢Banyan tree : In Hindu religion the Banyan tree is considered sacred. It represents eternal life because of its ever-expanding branches. †¢Swamiji: Is primarily a Hindu honour title, loosely akin to â€Å"master â€Å"or â€Å"teacher†. It comes from the word Sanskritt and means â€Å" owner of oneself†, that is, a complete mastery over instinctive and lower urges. It is a title that is added to ones name to emphasize learning and mastery of a specific field of knowledge, most often religious or spiritual. In Hinduism, when one becomes a swami, one is considered to be liberated from material desires. Swamis have full control over their bodies, and are all-knowing. Many Swamis no longer need to eat or sleep. Receiving all of their energy from God. Many Swamis in India stay up in the mountains meditating. **** The short story â€Å" House opposite† is not marred by complexity or confusion , it merely observes the sentimentality, emotional and spiritual  norms imposed on human relationships and its implication with ideology superiority

Perseverance in Robert Frosts Stopping by Woods on a...

Perseverance in Robert Frosts Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening Epictetus once wrote, First say what you would be; and then do what you have to do. This aphorism of self-discovery and obligation clearly describes Robert Frosts poem, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. In the course of the poem, Frosts speaker is confronted with two choices: he can either forget his problems or he can follow through with his responsibilities and make the most of life. It is through Frosts remarkable presentation of the speakers thoughts that the reader may see how difficult this decision can be. Through powerful elements, such as alliteration, rhythm, and imagery, Frost stresses the importance of perseverence and facing ones fears and†¦show more content†¦Through clever and distant alliteration, Frost displays the importance of deciding whether to remain strong and press forward or to cowardly give up. Despite its possibly being the more difficult path, Frost signifies the essence of perseverence through rhythm. Throughout the poem, Frost employs a repetitive, trance-like rhythm to compliment the speakers struggle to fight off reality and remain in his carefree world. Furthermore, Jhan Hochman explains it as an ingenious form of interlocking rhyme: the third unrhymed line of the first three stanzas provokes the subsequent stanzas rhymed sound (Hochman 4). Frosts use of rhythm is an eloquent and clever element that expresses the weak and weary state of the speaker in his moment of a life-changing decision. Yet, in the last stanza frost brings his flowing lines to an abrupt halt with But I have promises to keep (Frost 13). With this line, Frost not only shifts the meter of the poem, but also signifies the speakers realization that he cannot give up or quit because of the life commitments he has made. Frost powerfully uses the rhythm in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening to emphasiz e the importance of choosing the path of life and all of its responsibilities instead of the easy way out. With imagery, Frost again stresses the significance of persevering over ones fears. The

Disaster Management Planning Norma Valdez Rosa - 1760 Words

Disaster Management Planning Norma Valdez-Rosa South University Online June 21, 2016 DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLANNING Mitigation is taking action to reduce potential disaster damages to the community before a disaster threatens. In Hidalgo County, located in South Texas; much of the land is dry, covered with grass and thorny brush and it is very humid and hot. Potential disasters to this area include: Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Floods, Heat, Wildfires and Armed or Terrorist Attacks. Disaster preparedness is a natural part of living in South Texas and everyone is responsible for preparing for such disasters. Before a disaster happens, an emergency plan should be prepared by all and should be practiced at least twice a year and updated accordingly with any new issues that may arise. Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and several hundred miles inland. Edinburg is a city in and the county seat of Hidalgo County, Texas; and it is located about 63 miles from the Gulf of Mexico by Brownsville, Texas. Hurricanes can create storm surges along the coast and c ause extensive damage from heavy rainfall, flash flooding can occur due to this intense rainfall. Floods are one of the most common hazards that occur and can be deadly. Very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, or low-lying ground that appears harmless in dry weather can flood. Average temperatures in Edinburg during the summer can reach 100 degrees; it has a warm humid temperate

Gay Marriage Should Be Legal - 909 Words

Gay marriage is a highly controversial topic in today’s society. Should same-sex marriage be legalized nationwide, or should it remain illegal? Thirty-five of our states have allowed equality, however sadly the rest are not progressing on the matter (CNN). This is a significant issue because of those involved in a homosexual relationship want the same rights and freedoms of marriage as those whom are convoluted in heterosexual relationships. Marriage equivalence is a constitutional right promised in the United States, however a dreadful quantity of citizens are still contending that granting same-sex marriage would be a detriment to the sanctity of marriage and would ultimately doom the United States. Others just simply argue that everyone deserves the right to marry the person they love regardless of gender. Marriage equality should be reasoned as a legal practice because same-sex couples should be able to live happy and, celebrate their love in the same way that heterosexual couples do. Though a vast majority of the American population wishes to keep the issue of same-sex marriage where they believe it belongs, in the back of the dark closet. Homosexual love is on the upswing in the United States today. Studies suggest that one out of every nine people are homosexual (Gates). Revoking same-sex couples the freedom to marry ultimately deems homosexuals as second-class citizens. This gives the rest of the population the thought that it is okay to ostracize homosexuals and,Show MoreRelatedGay Marriage Should Be Legal1159 Words   |  5 PagesAmendment, which puts a ban on gay marriage. This amendment entitles to equal rights to the gay community, ending toleration of discrimination in jobs, rights protecting gays from hate crimes,rights allowing advancement in government. 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However, what do you think if you cannot get married to him or her because it is socially unacceptable? 100 years ago different colored peopleRead MoreShould Gay Marriage Be Legal?778 Words   |  3 PagesShould Gay Marriage Be Legal? â€Å"†¦I now pronounce you husband and wife†¦Ã¢â‚¬  One would normally hear this when attending a wedding. In tradition marriage has been between one male and one female who love each other. But how would one feel if they heard â€Å"I now pronounce you groom and groom† or how about â€Å"†¦bride and bride...†? In the last 50 years the number of same-sex couples has increased. The on-going argument between the government and the people is â€Å"Should gay marriage be legal?† Although some sayRead MoreGay Marriage Should Be Legal1126 Words   |  5 PagesJune 26, 2015 for gay marriage to be legal in all fifty states, thirty seven out of the fifty and Washington D.C already legalized gay marriage. 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Since 2000, eleven countries have approved the legalization of gay marriage worldwide: Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, ArgentinaRead MoreGay Marriage Should Be Legal1179 Words   |  5 PagesGAY MARRIAGES Some states such as Iowa legalized gay marriage through the action of judicial interpretation based on the state’s constitutional stipulations while other states such as Vermont legalized gay marriage through legislation initiatives. These cases demonstrate the government is the sole body that can dictate the validity of whatever is to be regarded as a marriage, and in this case gay marriage. The power to validate marriage is still observed among the private citizens, religious institutionsRead MoreGay Marriage Should Be Legal1480 Words   |  6 PagesNew World Dictionary defines the word married as being husband and wife, yet there are millions of gay activists who are fighting for a new meaning. 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The best day of my life free essay sample

Irvine Welsh is a very famous Scottish author, He’s wrote books like Trainspotting, The Acid House and Marabou Stork Nightmares etc. Irvine Welsh Is probably most famous for his gritty depiction of a gang of Scottish heroin addicts, Trainspotting, Irvine focuses on the darker side of human nature and drug use. Irvine welsh is also known for writing in his native scot dialect, Making his prose challenging for the average reader unfamiliar with the style. His work is characterised by his brutal depiction of Edinburgh life. He has also written plays and screenplays, and directed several short films. Irvine welsh was born in Leith, The port area of the Scottish capital Edinburgh. His Family moved to Muirhouse, Edinburgh when he was four where the family stayed at local housing schemes. He left Edinburgh for the London punk scene in 1978, where he played the guitar and sang in the pubic lice and stairway 13. We will write a custom essay sample on The best day of my life or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Like many of his characters, he supports Hibernian FC. â€Å"(Hibs)†. He explores the rise and fall of the council housing scheme, denial of opportunity, sectarianism, football, hooliganism, sex, suppressed homosexuality, dance clubs, low-paid work, freemasonry, Irish republicanism, sodomy, class divisions and emigration and, perhaps most of all, the humour, prejudices and axioms of the Scots. On BBC breakfast he advised he lives in Chicago with his wife, Elizabeth. Previously he lived in Dublin, Ireland. Welshs novels share characters, giving the feel of a shared universe within his writing. For example, characters from Trainspotting make cameo appearances in The Acid House, Marabou Stork Nightmares, Ecstasy, Filth, and slightly larger appearances in Glue. The Best Day of My Life free essay sample The clot buster caused me to have a large brain bleed (stroke)  in my right frontal lobe. I was literally on the verge of death for several weeks. I say it is the worst day of my life because the effects of the stroke  resulted in  me being paralyzed on my left side. I spent six months in a re-hab hospital learning how to walk, talk, eat and live one sided but that was the easy part. Learning how to live with disabilities has been more difficult than I ever could have imagined. I did learn to walk and am still learning to live with disabilities. Today I walk using a cane and everything I do is one handed including typing. I also lost my husband during this past year, not because of death, but because he felt that he could no longer deal with the demands of taking care of our business, our home, our yard and me. We will write a custom essay sample on The Best Day of My Life or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page He became very resentful during the last year that we spent together and  was an angry and depressed person to live with and he asked me for a divorce. Our divorce has been final now for about a year. I still struggle with the  sadness of losing my best friend and the love of my life but I am an overcomer and have adjusted well. When I said it was the best day of my life it is because had it not been for the stroke I might not have found my way back to God. I also feel that I am back on the path for which he intended me to be on, which is to help people who have had life changing events. I moved from Pennsylvania to Colorado a few months ago and have been able to spend more time with my family. I have two new beautiful grandsons (See pics) and I live in my own little apartment where I’ve set the thermostat on â€Å"high faith† and it is a very comfy, cozy place to be. Being here in Colorado is truly good for my soul as I lived in Pennsylvania for twelve years and that is too long to be 2000 miles away from family. Although I still feel some sadness I know that I am right where God wants me to be and I realize that I am much stronger than I thought I was. Ive been able to adapt and overcome the worst of circumstances. I am a survivor! Personally I believe the role of the American citizen is to research and know the candidates that eventually we put into office. It is so important that we vote and that we believe in who we are voting for.