Rutger's spy case Sentence: Perhaps Fair Enough

The Rutgers webcam spy case has come to an end. The attention surrounding the case stormed national headlines and became a symbol of cyber-bullying. Tyler Clementi, a young college freshman, committed suicide in September 2010, likely over his roommates plot to publicly expose a sexual encounter he had with another man in their dorm room.

When the trial ended two months ago, the defendant Dharun Ravi, was found guilty on all fifteen charges. Today he was sentenced to 30-days jail time, three years probation and 300 hours of community service.

The announcement of his sentence though, has angered some who have closely followed the trial. As many know, despite Ravi not being charged for Clementi's death, a few gay rights-activists feel that he was should have been given a harsher sentence. Ravi was expected at most, to receive a 10-year prison sentence.

What I feel a few people are failing to understand about the outcome of this case, is that Ravi was not being tried for Tyler Clementi's death. Asking for a longer sentence because of Clementi's suicide, would be excessive. He was tried for what he was guilty for; invasion of privacy among one of them. It seems to me that Ravi's sentence was fit for his crimes.

Neither of the charges brought against Ravi were for Clementi's death. Suicide is a tricky slope, and it would be very risky to jail someone for that. When it comes to suicide, even if the evidence and blame points directly to another person, it's hard to just disregard the truth. With cases like these, it is common that people will act on their emotions, and not always the facts.

Penalizing someone for a crime that unfortunately points directly to the victim, would be unjust. There is much evidence that showed that the end result of Ravi's webcam spying definitely impacted, and ultimately cost the life of Clementi. It will also most definitely impact the life and future of Ravi. Whether he spends 30 days, or 10 years in prison will never make a difference. He will spend the rest of his life with the shadow of the case presiding over him and that to me, is the ultimate punishment.

I Support Obama on Gay Marriage

President Obama made headlines this week when he announced in an exclusive ABC interview with Robin Roberts, that "same-sex couples should be allowed to marry." Naturally, there's no way a sitting President's comments about gays, especially in the age of evolving social media, would go by undetected. Especially since gay marriage is a hot topic on political forums.

Obama's remarks has made him the first President in the history of the U.S., to clarify a stance on gay marriage. I was not quite shocked to hear of his approval. I feel that the new generations of Americans have become more progressive in their thinking and are not just tolerant, but accepting.

I support Obama's comments because it will take the country in the right direction. The direction of what this country stands for—land of the free. The old traditional values that several Americans want to return to or enforce, will disrupt the rhythm of moving forward. I do not believe there's something wrong with not believing in or supporting homosexuality, but what exactly are gays and lesbians doing to their non-supporters that makes them unable to see how their sexual preference doesn't affect them? I used to think it was an issue for me too, but it's not and never will be!

How society responded to homosexuality fifty years ago, is a vast difference from how many view it today. But even still, gay slurs are common insults, hate crimes towards homosexuals are not often prosecuted as hate crimes, and the revelation of 'coming out' is still an issue (when it shouldn't be).

I'm glad that my home state approved gay marriage last year. I would love to see everyone receive equal rights regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, or sexuality. Any President that is vocal about these issues, is one that will take the country in the right direction.

Hypersomnia: Admitting the Problem (Part 1)

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Hypersomnia. Perhaps this word sounds somewhat familiar. Indeed, it is the opposite of the more popularly known sleeping disorder, insomnia


Getting too much sleep has as many detrimental effects, as does not getting enough sleep. Hypersomnia is a disorder in which sleep or tiredness is excessive. At one point, I thought I had insomnia because I have a habit of sleeping late, and not being able to sleep unless my television is on.


I continued to think this way because my sleeping habits got worse, especially after New Years 2008. That New Years, I went to bed close to 4 am in the morning despite planning to go to bed early. Before that day, I had never slept that late unless I slept a lot earlier in the day. This sleeping habit has remained that way for me since. Sleeping before midnight is a rarity, and at times, I don't go to bed till 6 or 7am.


As my graduation approaches and I begin to start a new life, I have to begin the change.


Attempting to fix my problem, I had to figure out the problem.


I now know why I sleep late. Since I preferred to go to school (as well as taking night & weekend classes) rather working at the same time, I ended up not having much to do when I wasn't in school; besides babysitting, exercising, or hanging with friends.


You've heard of people not getting enough sleep -- well I get too much sleep. This past Sunday, I slept late and woke up late. I didn't do anything other than text several friends throughout the day, and read news. Then, I went to my room, laid down and in an hour I was sleeping (this is the reason I don't stay in my room unless it's time to go to bed).


I babysit my nephew during the week (my primary job). However, he's growing up now. After helping him with his homework, reading a book and giving him something to eat, he's in his room watching TV or playing video games. And my days work is pretty much done. Now that summers coming, I'm planning an earlier wake-up schedule. Part 2 coming soon.