Essays and Writing
When I get around to it, essays I write for different purposes will be here, for you to read at your own pace and pleasure.
Contents:
Essay: Why Election 2016 was Historic
Essay: About Me and You (Formerly on the About Page)
CHECK BACK SOON FOR MORE PIECES OF WRITING!
Contents:
Essay: Why Election 2016 was Historic
Essay: About Me and You (Formerly on the About Page)
CHECK BACK SOON FOR MORE PIECES OF WRITING!
Why Election 2016 was Historic
11/2016
Eddie Schweikert
On the evening of Tuesday, November the 8th, millions of Americans tuned in to watch the 2016 election unfold. Many Americans feared for the worst, while others were optimistic. But as the night dragged on, people really began to realize, that no matter who wins, America isn’t under the best leadership. At the time I am writing this, Hillary Clinton has a lead of around 2,000,000 popular votes, but Trump has clenched the Electoral College. If you are reading this, you may think that it’s all over, that it was the ‘Finale’ of America. Although you may have cried, like any good finale should make you do, I can assure you, it isn’t over. Last night, across the country, states approved a lot of great things for their states. From ranked-choice voting, to medicinal marijuana, great and unusual nonpartisan things happened across the states. Throughout the course of this essay, I will be explaining many of these great and unusual changes to state laws.
In Maine, it appears citizens have voted for a ranked-choice voting system, 52% to 48%. Ranked-choice voting is an enormous experiment. In ranked-choice voting, citizens voting for any local office, along with the Governor, Senators, and Representatives, can rank their candidates from favorite, to least favorite. When ballots are counted, if no candidate has more than 50% of the voters’ first choices, then the least popular candidate would be out of the race. Their supporters would have their topped-ranked candidates removed, and their votes would go to their second-highest-ranked candidates, hopefully giving someone 50% or more. If this still doesn’t happen, the cycle repeats itself. What does this mean for Maine, and hopefully someday, America? Firstly, it gives third-party candidates more of a chance without ‘spoiling’ the vote and handing nomination to their least favorite candidate. Of course, it also ensures that more people are at least comfortable, if not happy, with the person that takes that particular office. If only more of America implemented Maine’s ways of voting (splitting electoral votes, ranked-choice voting, etc.), we would be a happier place, indeed.
Something quite strange and unusual happened in the District of Columbia Tuesday night. 86% of people living in the DC voted for the City Council to approve the proposal of statehood, and for them to petition Congress to become the 51st state of America. Although the Constitution and other laws prevent the Federal Government from being within any state, there is plenty of areas in the District that don’t have any Federal Government buildings, and have a lot of people. In fact, the District of Columbia is more populated than both Wyoming and Vermont. So, the people of the District voted on possible boundaries, excluding the national mall and most federal office buildings. A full list of these borders can be found here: http://statehood.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/statehood/publication/attachments/ Constitution-of-the-State-of-Washington-DC.pdf, along with the proposed constitution of the future state. Although listed on the aforementioned website as the State of Washington, D.C., many people believe its name should be New Columbia, or something even completely different, such as Potomac. Whatever they decide on naming it, I know that I, myself, will sleep better, knowing that over 600,000 people who have previously been unrepresented, are a step closer to being represented in Congress.
The main ballot measure that was highest on everyone’s list to watch was the legalization of marijuana, either recreational or medical. In all seriousness, my stances on recreational go back and forth, however, I believe medical marijuana can save lives. It’s scientifically proven. Medical marijuana is now legal in 28 states, plus the District of Columbia. What an amazing feat! Many feel justice has been served. Many children’s lives are now becoming easier. Soon, 6 states will allow recreational marijuana, as well. Just like everything else, there are pros and cons to this. Tax money the states receive skyrockets, but there is no place to cash this money, since banks are federally insured. In California, it is now legal to grow up to 6 marijuana plants on your own, however, I believe this is a terrible idea. Break-ins are common, even on locked homes. Kids break in to houses all of the time in run-down neighborhoods. If it is legal to grow marijuana in your own home in California, black market sales will also likely skyrocket, as marijuana is taxed at 15%, with up to an additional $9.25 per ounce, plus any taxes that local cities put into effect. (source: https://ballotpedia.org/California_Proposition_64,_Marijuana_Legalization_(2016)) As you can see, efforts to legalize marijuana, both recreationally and medically, have been made. Whether they’re for better or worse, is for you to decide.
From marijuana to a possible 51st state, and everything in between, many strange things happened on the night of Tuesday the 8th. The main point of this article was to give you facts about ballot measures in the United States. And, although you may think Trump winning is the doomsday of America, just remember this: It only takes one person to inspire change. I’m not saying you should go out ad protest, however, I am saying, perhaps someday, you, too, could run for President, with the intent of reversing whatever is done wrong between now and then. Until next time, good luck America, and vote for change in your state, if not on the federal level.
(Disclaimer: I did not write this article to convey support for Trump, but rather to show you, it takes a lot more than one man to bring everything down.)
Eddie Schweikert
On the evening of Tuesday, November the 8th, millions of Americans tuned in to watch the 2016 election unfold. Many Americans feared for the worst, while others were optimistic. But as the night dragged on, people really began to realize, that no matter who wins, America isn’t under the best leadership. At the time I am writing this, Hillary Clinton has a lead of around 2,000,000 popular votes, but Trump has clenched the Electoral College. If you are reading this, you may think that it’s all over, that it was the ‘Finale’ of America. Although you may have cried, like any good finale should make you do, I can assure you, it isn’t over. Last night, across the country, states approved a lot of great things for their states. From ranked-choice voting, to medicinal marijuana, great and unusual nonpartisan things happened across the states. Throughout the course of this essay, I will be explaining many of these great and unusual changes to state laws.
In Maine, it appears citizens have voted for a ranked-choice voting system, 52% to 48%. Ranked-choice voting is an enormous experiment. In ranked-choice voting, citizens voting for any local office, along with the Governor, Senators, and Representatives, can rank their candidates from favorite, to least favorite. When ballots are counted, if no candidate has more than 50% of the voters’ first choices, then the least popular candidate would be out of the race. Their supporters would have their topped-ranked candidates removed, and their votes would go to their second-highest-ranked candidates, hopefully giving someone 50% or more. If this still doesn’t happen, the cycle repeats itself. What does this mean for Maine, and hopefully someday, America? Firstly, it gives third-party candidates more of a chance without ‘spoiling’ the vote and handing nomination to their least favorite candidate. Of course, it also ensures that more people are at least comfortable, if not happy, with the person that takes that particular office. If only more of America implemented Maine’s ways of voting (splitting electoral votes, ranked-choice voting, etc.), we would be a happier place, indeed.
Something quite strange and unusual happened in the District of Columbia Tuesday night. 86% of people living in the DC voted for the City Council to approve the proposal of statehood, and for them to petition Congress to become the 51st state of America. Although the Constitution and other laws prevent the Federal Government from being within any state, there is plenty of areas in the District that don’t have any Federal Government buildings, and have a lot of people. In fact, the District of Columbia is more populated than both Wyoming and Vermont. So, the people of the District voted on possible boundaries, excluding the national mall and most federal office buildings. A full list of these borders can be found here: http://statehood.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/statehood/publication/attachments/ Constitution-of-the-State-of-Washington-DC.pdf, along with the proposed constitution of the future state. Although listed on the aforementioned website as the State of Washington, D.C., many people believe its name should be New Columbia, or something even completely different, such as Potomac. Whatever they decide on naming it, I know that I, myself, will sleep better, knowing that over 600,000 people who have previously been unrepresented, are a step closer to being represented in Congress.
The main ballot measure that was highest on everyone’s list to watch was the legalization of marijuana, either recreational or medical. In all seriousness, my stances on recreational go back and forth, however, I believe medical marijuana can save lives. It’s scientifically proven. Medical marijuana is now legal in 28 states, plus the District of Columbia. What an amazing feat! Many feel justice has been served. Many children’s lives are now becoming easier. Soon, 6 states will allow recreational marijuana, as well. Just like everything else, there are pros and cons to this. Tax money the states receive skyrockets, but there is no place to cash this money, since banks are federally insured. In California, it is now legal to grow up to 6 marijuana plants on your own, however, I believe this is a terrible idea. Break-ins are common, even on locked homes. Kids break in to houses all of the time in run-down neighborhoods. If it is legal to grow marijuana in your own home in California, black market sales will also likely skyrocket, as marijuana is taxed at 15%, with up to an additional $9.25 per ounce, plus any taxes that local cities put into effect. (source: https://ballotpedia.org/California_Proposition_64,_Marijuana_Legalization_(2016)) As you can see, efforts to legalize marijuana, both recreationally and medically, have been made. Whether they’re for better or worse, is for you to decide.
From marijuana to a possible 51st state, and everything in between, many strange things happened on the night of Tuesday the 8th. The main point of this article was to give you facts about ballot measures in the United States. And, although you may think Trump winning is the doomsday of America, just remember this: It only takes one person to inspire change. I’m not saying you should go out ad protest, however, I am saying, perhaps someday, you, too, could run for President, with the intent of reversing whatever is done wrong between now and then. Until next time, good luck America, and vote for change in your state, if not on the federal level.
(Disclaimer: I did not write this article to convey support for Trump, but rather to show you, it takes a lot more than one man to bring everything down.)
About Me and You
My Name is Eddie Schweikert. I am an author, animator, and friend. The two main things I will write/post about on this website will be my writing and YouTube videos. However, there is nothing special about what I do. I go to school and do these things in my free time. Anyone can be an author; Anyone can be an animator; And even more people can be a friend.
Writing is something I love to do. It's what I want to do for a living. I will only write about certain things, and only be good at a handful of those few certain things I will write about. So that's what I write. But anyone reading this can be an author. I once read on a different website (I can't think of the name at this moment), "Many people say being an author is staring at a blank page for hours on end. And if you write just a word, even better," or something like that. And, it's true. Being a fiction writer is all about three things: 1) Using good descriptions, 2) Staying on the plot line, and 3) Keeping your characters in mind, ALWAYS. Being a non-fiction writer is all about two things: 1) Keeping your facts straight and 2) Sounding Proper and Snooty. Sorry. I meant professional and educated. So, you too, dear reader, can also be an author, if you keep in mind these simple guidelines and keep reading!
Ah, animating. One of the few things that calms me down when it stresses me out. Click, change, click, change. A simple repeated process. And then there's the editing which is more complicated, and takes just as long. (I don't like it as much.) Although creating a feature length animated film is an EXTREMELY complicated process, short, simple animations are, well, simple. If you draw a stick man in different steps and phases of walking on different pages and flip through them all together, you've created an animation.
The first two things I've talked about that I love doing come in a wide spectrum. You can either mess around and create something decent, while it still being cool to some people; Or spend a lot of hardworking time on a fantastic end product, and some people still won't like it, but most people will. This last thing I love doing is a LOT different. It's being a friend. And although I put a lot of effort into my friendships, it is the easiest thing you can do from this list of my favorite things to do. You know you're a good friend when you think your buddy's work is one of the greatest things you've ever seen. But, a good friend should also be there through the tough times. And no, it isn't difficult. Just stop being a cynic, stop being self-conscious, and take a risk. Put yourself out there. Even if it's just being right next to two people having a conversation, and you butt in to agree with one person that the one episode of (insert favorite show here) is the greatest episode of the greatest show in the History of Planet Earth.
So, in conclusion, dear reader, I challenge you to become one of these things. I challenge you to become more creative. I challenge you to try out one of my favorite things and see how you like it. You may just even find out why they are my favorite things.
Writing is something I love to do. It's what I want to do for a living. I will only write about certain things, and only be good at a handful of those few certain things I will write about. So that's what I write. But anyone reading this can be an author. I once read on a different website (I can't think of the name at this moment), "Many people say being an author is staring at a blank page for hours on end. And if you write just a word, even better," or something like that. And, it's true. Being a fiction writer is all about three things: 1) Using good descriptions, 2) Staying on the plot line, and 3) Keeping your characters in mind, ALWAYS. Being a non-fiction writer is all about two things: 1) Keeping your facts straight and 2) Sounding Proper and Snooty. Sorry. I meant professional and educated. So, you too, dear reader, can also be an author, if you keep in mind these simple guidelines and keep reading!
Ah, animating. One of the few things that calms me down when it stresses me out. Click, change, click, change. A simple repeated process. And then there's the editing which is more complicated, and takes just as long. (I don't like it as much.) Although creating a feature length animated film is an EXTREMELY complicated process, short, simple animations are, well, simple. If you draw a stick man in different steps and phases of walking on different pages and flip through them all together, you've created an animation.
The first two things I've talked about that I love doing come in a wide spectrum. You can either mess around and create something decent, while it still being cool to some people; Or spend a lot of hardworking time on a fantastic end product, and some people still won't like it, but most people will. This last thing I love doing is a LOT different. It's being a friend. And although I put a lot of effort into my friendships, it is the easiest thing you can do from this list of my favorite things to do. You know you're a good friend when you think your buddy's work is one of the greatest things you've ever seen. But, a good friend should also be there through the tough times. And no, it isn't difficult. Just stop being a cynic, stop being self-conscious, and take a risk. Put yourself out there. Even if it's just being right next to two people having a conversation, and you butt in to agree with one person that the one episode of (insert favorite show here) is the greatest episode of the greatest show in the History of Planet Earth.
So, in conclusion, dear reader, I challenge you to become one of these things. I challenge you to become more creative. I challenge you to try out one of my favorite things and see how you like it. You may just even find out why they are my favorite things.