What are we doing???

Much like the bulk of the "American People" I have not seen war or even come close to seeing what they see... instead I watch my favorite TV shows and during advertisements change the channel and run past the news to catch the bits and pieces (that are usually taken out of context) and then proceed to form an opinion based on those incomplete facts. All my views and opinions about war changed when someone I grew up with went to his first tour in Afghanistan and would later serve for a second in Iraq. My opinions changed even further just a few days ago as I watched a National Geographic Channel production "Inside the Green Berets". Even though I have had many talks with my friend and gained a respect for things he went through, I got a feel for what those men and women actually go through as I watched that moving documentary. For one full hour I sat watching intently about men and women who volunteer their time, service and some times lives. After watching this and listening to the many stories told by my friends about whats going on "over there" I have to say it sickens me to think that while these selfless people ship off to an unknown location to carry out orders given by a Nation they love and Ideals that they believe in -even enough to go to war- we sit back and whine about our troops being at war and how it is "senseless" and that "we need to bring our troops home". All the while the men and women of the armed forces who are in the fight actually see the need for why they are over there. When we stop supporting our troops we are making a mockery of what they are so valiantly fighting for. Let us not make the mistake of thinking they are fighting for political power, oil, or economic stimulation. Regardless of what political misadventure got them over there, the troops are now fighting for what they see -innocent civilians in uncivil conditions being mistreated and harassed by radical groups who have no regard for their well-being.

Immigration

For years this problem has plagued our country being the center of so much controversy. "They're taking our jobs, they're the reason our economy is the way it is"... the list goes on. The problem I see is that no matter who you are or what you do in this country... you know that something has to be done, but no one seems to put forth the effort to do something about this. The biggest problem with our current state in this country is that everyone wants to be "politically correct" and feels that since they are in the "eye of the public" they can't do what really needs to be done. I commend Arizona law makers and thank them for doing not only what they felt was right and correct for their state, but for seeing this issue reek so much havoc on their state, the Country, the economy etc. and choosing to do the right thing by taking affirmative action. I hope the "American people" take this as a big kick in the face when they see the man they voted into office breaking yet another promise when he said in his campaign that he will do something about the problem of immigration, only to have the man he was running against, making promises of his own about immigration, take action and putting his plan in place. While Arizona will get a lot of flak from passing this law, I see them as the forerunners in "making the right choice" in a government who seems to have lost the ability to do so a long time ago.

Cancun vs Hawaii

Really, there is no match here. Its like comparing sweet, ripe, tasty pineapple to... crap. Lets take a look at what they both have and what they don't' have. They both have sand, ocean, humidity, and blue sky. But there they differ, in my opinion, is feeling... spirit... soul. Of the times I have been to Cancun I have noticed a few similarity among the people who tend to make Cancun their preferred vacation spot over a place like, say... Hawaii. They seem the type to have no problem what so ever with alcohol, smoking or public indecency. All three of which you will see on a regular basis. They are generally older and/or honeymooning couples who want that picturesque, completely cliched "romantic" vacation or "partiers", young college students and the more likely middle age loosers who have nothing better to do than "go to Mexico" to get completely "bombed" with the intent of hooking up with some "sweet little tart". Now I may sound a little negative toward Cancun but that's only because I have nothing good to say about it. For those who know me, know that my being part of the LDS faith has no influence on my opinion.
I think it is deceiving and dishonest to advertise Cancun as the "wonderful tropical beach location" that it is portrayed as. Of course then again, a "desert lined with hotels, buildings and concrete as far as the eye can see lined with a man made beach" wouldn't necessarily be what people want to hear to get them excited to go to Cancun.
So "what is my opinion regarding Hawaii" you ask? Well... I'm glad you ask me such a question. I have been to Cancun twice and to Hawaii countless. I lost track after the third or fourth time when getting myself to Hawaii went from "I need a vacation" to "dropping $500 on a ticket is more important than paying my rent".
Many people have told me their stories of going to Hawaii. Staying in a nice hotel, doing all the "tourist" activities of para sailing, zip lining, and spending the rest of their time lounging on what they call the "beaches" of Waikiki. If your on Oahu, for me, its all about the "North shore". The first time I went to Hawaii I rented a car and got a hotel just up the road from downtown Honolulu. As much fun as it was, I only slept in my hotel room two of the seven nights that I had it for and my trip really didn't start till I left the big city and found what I had always been looking for. The bulk of my time was spent with friends and locals on the beaches from Laie to Haleiwa to the north side of Kaena state park. Now, when I go to Hawaii I get off the plane walk outside hop on the pearl shuttle and don't get off till I'm on north shore and know that special spot when I see it. Probably the biggest difference I see between Hawaii and Cancun is the ability to explore. When your in Hawaii there is an innate insatiable desire to get out and explore, find something new and stay there as long as you can.