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George W. Bush elected Pres. of U.S.
George Bush has had a lasting impact on our country because of his wonderful leadership as a president. The manner in which he handled the crisis of the September 11th terrorist attacks reassured the nation and set precedent for how our government would further handle terror in the future. In addition, the Patriot Act was enacted under Mr.Bush and the security of our country is now better because of it.
(http://millercenter.org/president/biography/gwbush-impact-and-legacy) -
I was born
When I was born, it was somewhat of a surprise, as I am told. I have older triplet siblings, so I was born into a pretty large family. My parents had to do IVF so they could have my siblings, then along came me a while later. They say when a child is born, it is a miracle, and I definitely agree. Your birth sets the course for the rest of your life, if you are in health or sick, a happy baby, or a sad one. -
I was born (contd.)
Fortunately, I was very healthy and ended up coming home from the hospital less than 24 hours after I entered the world! I am no different today, as I am a mover and a shaker and enjoy being productive from day to day. -
Babynaming of me
Around a month after Jewish girls are born, there is a baby naming that takes place for them. Usually, names are chosen that honor ancestors. This not only honors the past, but can really shape the future of a child as ones name is a characterizing feature of that person. My name comes from a Yiddish word, meaning beautiful. Now, as I am much older, I try to see the world as it is, a wonderfully beautiful place for thriving humanity. -
Change of control of the United States Senate from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party
With the tide turning about the power of the parties, this will cause for many issues to be voted on democratically. Senator Jim Jeffords leaving the party the Republican Party, causes the majority to be with the democratic party. In the future, after this decision, I'm sure this affected much legislation and how it was voted upon. -
NCLB Act signed (contd.)
Therefore, this caused the education system to be federal after this date in 2002, and effects the style of education even today. -
The No Child Left Behind Act is signed (citation in title) (http://www.edweek.org/ew/section/multimedia/no-child-left-behind-overview-definition-summary.html)
The "No Child Left Behind Act" signing caused a change in the system of education in the U.S. The legislation was signed by George Bush and is the most recent elementary and secondary education act since 1965. The education is America was needed to be improved and this was the way that our government thought it could be done. It holds schools more responsible for students and schools risk losing major funding if they do not comply. -
President Bush announces a request for $87 billion from Congress for military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq
The urgent call for funds was a major step in fighting the war on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. The purpose of this was to promote national security and send a message to the world about what we as Americans stand for, which is first and foremost, our freedom. The involvement of the U.N. for assistance shows the world that this is a fight we need to fight together.
(http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/08/world/struggle-for-iraq-president-bush-seeks-87-billion-un-aid-for-war-effort.html?_r=0) -
I began preschool
When I was three years old, I began preschool at my synagogue, Adath Jeshurun. I was enrolled the the half day Hebrew program where I would have half a day of learning Hebrew and other Jewish and cultural customs. I really did love this, as now Judaism is apart of my identity. I delved so deep in the language that I was almost fluent at one point and would speak Hebrew at home with my mom, as she was well versed because she spent years in Israel on kibbutz. -
A videotape of Osama Bin Laden speaking airs on Arabic TV, in which he threatens terrorist attacks on the USA, and taunts the President, George W. Bush, over the September 11 Terrorist attacks.
This tape that aired threatened the U.S. and further drove our manhunt for the perpetrator, Osama Bin Laden. This was one of the driving factors for our government and military to continue our search and investigation of 9/11. The twisted mindset of terrorism comes out and furthers the war on terrorism, not just from the U.S. but internationally as well. (http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/30/world/middleeast/in-video-message-bin-laden-issues-warning-to-us.html) -
I started kindergarten
In September of 2005, I started kindergarten at McKinley Elementary. I was so excited to start that I wanted to learn to "read" by the time I started in the fall. I recall being nervous that I wouldn't know the pledge of allegiance, and had my sisters teach me that summer as well. I remember my first day and being so eager to meet my teacher and classmates. Because I was in full day preschool, I did not get too upset when my mom dropped me off the first time. -
I start kindergarten (contd.)
And ever since I saw the number line and alphabet chart on the wall, I knew learning would be my number one passion. -
unemployment rate drops to 4.4% (lowest since may 01')
The unemployment rate being low had a great effect on our economy because most people in the country were working, with stable jobs. In specific, women and hispanics had more jobs, which shows minority populations were employed more, and job segregation was lessening. This movement of all people being equal in the eyes of employers was improving and shouldn't be existent in the first place as all people of the same edu. can dothe same work. (http://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2006/nov/wk1/art01.htm) -
Robert Gates is sworn in as the new Secretary of Defense
Robert Gates was nominated by President Bush to be the new secretary of defense to replace Donald Rumsfeld. In 2011, Gates resigned from the position. During his time in the position, he saved the U.S. hundreds of millions of dollars that would have been unnecessarily spent on the military. These funds would be put toward other valuable government initiatives at the time, thus helping our economy in the way he could.
(http://www.biography.com/people/robert-gates-40993#later-years) -
The Annapolis Conference (a peace conference trying to end the Arab-Israeli conflict)
This conference could have a great effect on our government past the day in 2007 in which this occurred. The result and outcome could affect who our government would support in the war.This means that what money in aid will be approved for who, would have to be determined by our government and military, and could possibly impact our international relations in the future as well, even until today.(http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Peace/annapolistoc.html) -
The Food and Drug Administration declares that food from cloned cattle, swine, goats, and their progeny is safe to eat.
This declaration of the FDA has declared that it is safe to eat food from cloned cattle, etc. This in the future would possibly have some say on what else will be allowed to be cloned, and far into the future, determine its' effects on the economy, medicine, and technology as a whole. This could have some say on legislative decisions that would be passed in the future regarding cloning.(http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/issues/302/animal-cloning/about-cloned-animals#) -
Citizens United vs. FEC (citation in title box)(https://www.oyez.org/cases/2008/08-205)
The Supreme Court has ruled that there is a limit of spending on campaigns. This is especially applicable to the upcoming presidential campaign, where the wealthy candidates will have a budget of the amount they may have spent on their campaigns. This, in my opinion is unconstitutional as it dictates the financials of citizens, as we should have complete freedom on our finances. In the future, campaigns may only spend so much on their chance in the election. -
The United States Navy officially announces that it will end its ban of women in submarines
This step to allow women to serve in submarines is one in the right direction. This will continue the widespread feminism globally, as women can do anything males can do. Maybe further down the line, this will allow women to do more to be involved in the country's operation, especially militarily. More legislation shall be passed in the future for women to be equal to men in the eyes of all.
(http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=52954) -
January 6 – The US Constitution is read aloud on the floor of the US House of Representatives for the first time in history (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/07/us/politics/07constitution.html)
With the out-loud reading of the constitution, it is a wonderful standard for our government. It is important not to lose sight of what is important, and what is the most crucial in our government is the constitution. Representative Robert W. Goodlatte, a Republican from Virginia came up with the idea for the reading, is right on par with this notion. It is extremely important that our government never oversteps its rights. Hopefully this reading will be a reminder of that. -
President Barack Obama delivers his 2011 State of the Union Address (citation in title)- (https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/01/25/remarks-president-state-union-address)
The address President Obama delivered in 2011 spoke to the 'family' tone of our in addition to highlighting positivity about the economy, especially after the recession, and the stock market soaring. He spoke about technology and manufacturing. The broad speech highlighting positive things about our country was a great decision as the negative seems to only make the headlines. This shows the global players that there is good that's done in America, and will shape our future world relations. -
Hawaii and Delaware's civil union laws go into effect (citation in title)(http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/civil-unions-and-domestic-partnership-statutes.aspx)
Hawaii and Deleware approving same sex marriage was a great step for our country. Down the line, with this being voted in congress, same sex couples are legally recognized and permitted in all 50 states.Same sex marriage is something that should be determined by the individual, not the government, as people should marry who they desire. This again, will further set the tone for the legislation for all people in the U.S. to be permitted same sex marriage and more personal freedom as well. -
I became the student council vice-president
In 6th grade at McKinley, I was voted the VP of student council, as I have always loved to be a leader in my school and community. This was one of the first times I held any major leadership position, and I learned so much, including that I love student government and giving back to my school. I highly value my education that I feel I need to do something for what enables my greatest passion. I still continue to do this, but this passion of mine has further translated into my love of service. -
I started jr high
The beginning of junior high was an amazing experience in total. Jr. High taught me responsibility, independence, but most of all has given me a great inspiration. I had so many incredible teachers that instilled in me indescribable and invaluable lessons. This more than ever, made me the person I am today. Everyday, I left school feeling that I wanted to go out into the world and do something truly worthy of greatness, although beginning was very nerve wracking, I learned so much in the end. -
The United States and Russia reach a deal on Syrian chemical weapons
The United States and Russia made a deal where the Syrian chemical weapons must be inventoried and monitored, to ultimately be destroyed and under international control. If Syria were to breach the agreement, there would be "consequences", hopefully in order to keep the rest of the world safe from attack. This sent a clear signal to Syria that they will be stopped in making nuclear weapons and what importance it is they do not break the contract, as it puts the entire world in danger. -
The United States and Russia reach a deal on Syrian chemical weapons (contd.)
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Debt-ceiling crisis
The Republic party in Congress was outvoted by the Democrats on the side of President Obama. The government had to be shutdown for 16 days due to an economic crisis. The Senate finally passed legislation, approved by the house to increase the debt limit and extend this period for a while. Hopefully, this would teach the government economic officials better how to handle funds and prevent a repeated shutdown crisis.
(http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/17/us/congress-budget-debate.html) -
My Bat Mitzvah
For months, I planned and prepared for this very special day. In the Jewish tradition, girls have a bat mitzvah at either 12 or 13. It was finally my turn, and the day had arrived. I had practiced so diligently and awaited when all of my family and friends would gather for my bat mitzvah. First was the service, and fortunately I wasn't so nervous that I forgot my torah portion or any blessings. Looking back, it seems like a blur. I felt so proud of my heritage and the religion I was honoring. -
My Bat Mitzvah (contd.)
But what I do remember is feeling so lucky to have so many people that love and care so much about me. I can honestly say that I am forever grateful for the people in my life and will never take that for granted. -
Several states raise their minimum wages; Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio, Maryland, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
The minimum wage increase is a wonderful thing for the people of the states that raise it. It will, in the future greatly help people to stay our of poverty, thus reducing violence and crime as well. In specidic, D.C. and Maryland are the first to raise their minimum wage to over 10 dollars an hour.
(http://www.ncsl.org/research/labor-and-employment/state-minimum-wage-chart.aspx) -
I became the honor society president
At the end of the year when I was in eighth grade, there was a great opportunity in front of me, and I decided to seize it and apply to be the honor society president for my 9th grade year. I had to write an essay, fill out an application, and interview for the position one day after school. Throughout the following school year, I planned service trips, led meetings, and wrote and said speeches in front of my class. -
I became the honor society president (contd.)
Many times I underestimated myself, even from the beginning in doubting even getting to be on the board. By the end of the year, my confidence grew and I felt as though I was a different person. Having such an ability to help people really just humbled me as a person and a leader. I was so inspired to do all I could do with the position, and continuing with the same mindset in the future. -
I became an aunt
This past April, my half brother, Brad had a baby girl named Teagan. Ever since she was born, I can not get over how amazing she is. I think about what good she will do for the world when she is older, and what I can teach her. This is a very different position for me to be in, as I am the youngest in my family. I love having the responsibility to care for her. It has taught me how better to care for others and showed me ow much I love kids and want to have a career related to pediatrics. -
I traveled to france
This past summer, I traveled to France with my cousin and sister. We stayed with my family, who has a home in Paris. It was an interesting time to go as there were terror attacks there in the past year, and the refugee crisis going on at the same time. Not only did I get to experience Paris, but so many other parts of the world, because the population is so diverse. There is a large Afghan population as well as a Muslim population, in addition to many Asian and Indian people as well. -
I traveled to France (contd.)-2
There were imaging machines for personal bags before you would enter any museum or building. This was scary, but showed me what a great threat terrorism is and how seriously we as citizens, anywhere, should regard the issue as well. -
I traveled to France (contd.)-1
This was a culturally enriching experience for me. My horizons were expanded when I got to see families of Syrian refugees on bridges and under park benches. Firsthand, seeing this can not be paralleled to watching it unfold on the news and clearly, more needs to be done to assist in this epidemic. In addition, the tremendous security, especially in Paris, is something I have never experienced before either. Everywhere I went, there were people from the army, ready to react at any moment . -
The U.S. conducts its first commercial flight to Cuba in 50 years
The first commercial trip to Cuba was taken since the Cold War. This is a new beginning for the relationship of Cuba and the United States. Still, you may not travel to Cuba just as a tourist. But this is still a major step for Cuba as many families have been torn apart due to the termination of travel to the country. Hopefully, this can set the standard for a longtime relationship of the two countries to be built of a reciprocation of deeds. -
The U.S. conducts its first commercial flight to Cuba in 50 years (contd.)
