What a great week

What a great week this has been. On Tuesday, Barack Obama became the first Black president. Two days later, Nashvillians defeated the English only bill. It is great to see two things that I voted on go my way. It is also great to get on CNN.com and see Nashville made CNN headlines about defeating the bill. I believe that Nashville made the right choice on Thursday. I am also very happy that a good number of people turned out and voted for and against this measure. I am very glad to be a part of these elections and can’t wait to vote again!

What does nashville want?

The English Only ordeal is almost over. We will all find out on the 22th what Nashville wants. From what I have been seeing, Nashville doesn't want English Only. One way I can tell what Nashville wants, is by what Nashville is doing. The opponents of English only have raised almost $300,000 to fight against the measure. The major contributors have been local business and businessmen that include HCA, Gaylord Entertainment and The Nashville Convention center. Also, Mayor Dean and Governor Bredeson have voted against the measure. I hope that Nashville stands up against this measure and votes NO!

Titan economy

The Titans are helping the economy! Because the Titans made it to the playoffs, it means that there will be another weekend of 60,000 people in downtown Nashville. This means more people coming from out of town and staying in hotels and eating downtown. I hope the Titans win and make it to the AFC championship and bring more people into our great city. I just hope for that game I will actually have tickets!

Can i get tap water please

I just want to give thanks to Metro Councilman Mike Jameson for making the legislation to stop metro from buying bottled water. By moving to tap water, metro will be saving $30,000 – $40,000 each year. In a time where this country is in a recession, it is great to see our local government trying to save money wherever it can. I hope that metro will try and find other ways to save money so that more money will be available for better things.

Don't ask, Don' tell

What has “Don’t Ask, Don’ Tell” cost you:

- Over 12,000 military personal have been discharged because of this policy

- $79.3 million was spent to recruit replacements during 1994- 2003

- $256.4 million was spent to train the replacements during 1994- 2003

- $17.8 million for training officers

- $14.3 million for "separation travel" once a service member is discharged

Over $ 300 million was spent just because of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. In a time where recruiting numbers are low, the military is discharging too many people. I hope that when Barack Obama takes office, he will help repeal this discriminatory law.

My views on english only bill

Here are a few examples at what could happen if the English Only ballot is passed:

- If an international visitor is in Nashville and needed help from our government, they would not be able to get the help they needed in their native language.

- If Nashville wanted to contact a foreign-based company about moving their headquarters to Nashville, we could not contact them in their own language.

- If someone who did not speak English was a victim of a crime, the government could not communicate with them.

- Nashville could not communicate with their many sister cities around the world.

- Our government could not help the many political refugees from around the world that have now called Nashville their home because the government could not speak to them in their language.

The mayor and the majority of the city council are against this ballot. Please join me and vote against this ballot. Early voting starts on January 2^nd and Election Day is January 22^nd.

I am thankful for...

It is that time of year that I will list the six things that I am very thankful for:

I am thankful that the American people voted in Barack Obama as the next president

I am thankful that we live in a free country where people can vote

I am thankful that women still have the right to choose

I am thankful that Barack Obama wants a college playoff system

I am thankful that the Titans are actually winning

I am thankful that I have the opportunity to write in this newspaper