Disguised and disgusting...

My course here in Dublin is going amazingly well. I am really loving it and it seems to be better than I could've expected. I am loving every moment of the course, the readings, the discussions, the debates, and the plethora of unique experience that I am gaining within this program.

This is the first time in a while since I have been in a 'public' school setting. Throughout the majority of my career, I was in a Catholic setting, where I did also come into some opposition. I attended Ave Maria College in Michigan for my freshmen year and then finished my degree at Franciscan University of Steubenville. It was at both of these institutions that I learned to research topics fully and back up debate with reliable sources. In the midst of my college career, I spent a year at a public community college, where I did run into some major opposition. I have always been a great lover of debate, but I like the intellectual debate that my Liberal Arts education prepared me for, not the debate (or lack there of) of debating lies or ignorance.

Today in my class, I saw for the first time in a very long time, people being absolutely captivated my untruths and unfactual information regarding the Lisbon Treaty. I was always taught by my Professors, never to take their word as truth, but rather to take the information given in class, find the facts to back up what was said or debate with with the Professors and the class regarding our findings. Today, as my Professor was speaking in class, I watched as my classmates (who are graduate students and should be challenging all things as intellectuals) sat by and were captivated by a Professor who is completely pro-lisbon and they didn't even know it. No one in my class challenged anything that was said, nor did they ask any questions. They smiled, nodded, and took notes on the horrific "facts" that were presented.

I, for one, am in this program for one reason and one reason only, to continue down my Liberal Arts path of thinking for myself and speaking up for my beliefs. It is devastating to me that people have become apathetic to truth and no longer search for ultimate truth. Truth is truth, it is not relative.


Note: I felt a bit like Ann Coulter probably felt while she was studying Law at University of Michigan. I am sure this year of public education will bring more instances of this... one can only hope! I love the challenge and the debate!

****************************************************

Tomorrow I am debating against the Lisbon Treaty. Please pray for me, as it is a tremendous challenge. I am prepared and am thrilled for this exciting event. I will let you all know how it goes.

- Kate