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Name: Megan
Location: Washington, DC
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Long Over Due

Posted by Megan on Thursday, May 22, 2008 3:03:04 PM
I've returned from Pennsylvania and now I'm getting ready to go back!!  Last weekend was amazing... We went to Scranton (yes, the home of The Office) for my friend's birthday.   A lot of fun was had by all.  I'm venturing back north for the long weekend tomorrow.  Memorial Day Weekend is a big holiday in my town which I think has to do with the combination of an aging population (a lot of vets) and a strong attraction to alcohol (a lot of alchies). I'm taking a super-long weekend because the Freeland Mountain Pub Run is on Monday afternoon.  It's in its 11th year and attracts participants from all over Northeastern Pennsylvania.  This is the first year that my friends and I will be doing it which should make for an interesting holiday weekend.
 
On to more important things... The Western Michigan/Pat Buchanan/salad dressing event happened over a month ago, but I've had the liberal influence over our country's institutions of higher education on my mind.  It's a concept that really baffles me.  I don't understand exactly why colleges and universities are so liberal, why the professors teach based on left-wing ideas, and why conservatives aren't trying harder to sway higher ed profs to the right side.  I have the blessing of a very unique view point on the whole issue...
 
At Catholic University (aka The Conservative University of America), the student population is almost equally divided between Republican and Democratic, but the Republican voice has always been the strong one on campus.  Credit has to go to the current College Democrat regime at CUA for boosting itself this past year, but the College Republicans won't give up the limelight without a fight.  It's very odd at a college that the College Republicans are one of the biggest, most popular, and recognizable organizations on campus, but that's the atmosphere at CUA.  Yes, we have our fair share of lib profs, but there's always at least a handful of conservative students in every class who speak up against the professor.  Professors at CUA know they can't really influence or sway anyone at the school and so they don't try.  It's really very nice sitting in politics classes where the teachers try not to let their personal persuasions shine through - they know very well if they do that their reviews will be poor at the end of the semester from at least 50% of the students enrolled in their course. Most of the time it's almost impossible to guess whether a prof is conservative or liberal unless they share some background knowledge with you like having worked for a Democrat in Congress during college, or something along those lines. Overall, I would say CUA politics majors receive a fairly unbiased education on content like the Congress, voters, and the military - we don't get an overwhelmingly dose of opinion from self-righteous professors.  If these profs like their jobs, it's in their best interest to keep any "non-Catholic" thoughts to themselves.  Plus, the University only allows speakers onto campus who are in alignment with the Church's beliefs - aka pro-life politicians.  While I can understand the argument coming from the College Dem's about freedom of speech - what did you guys really expect coming to The Catholic University of America?
 
My time at CUA is only half the reason why I claim a "unique view point" on the political dynamics on college campuses.  No surprise here, I come from a line of Pennsylvania State University  fans and grads and my twin sister happens to be currently enrolled at College Park.  Although I personally don't attend PSU, I get a lot of the feedback from my sister about the antics coming from the predominately liberal school.  Part of me is jealous that presidential candidates took the time to visit my sister's school and not mine (not that either of the Dem's would have been allowed), but I'm happy I don't have to listen to their empty rhetoric on my campus.  Both Obama and Bill Clinton made appearances at PSU before the Pennsylvania Primary. In Centre County, where PSU is located, Obama won with 60% of the votes in the Democratic Primary.  Centre County was one of only five counties that Sen. Obama won in Pennsylvania - which proves his popularity with college students.  Just to note, my sister visited me in DC the weekend that Bill and Barack came down on PSU, therefore avoiding the craziness which I'm sure ensued.
 
There are a lot of reasons why I'm happy I didn't choose PSU like the rest of my family, like size, personality, and location, but I could have gotten past all of those things by focusing on athletics and school spirit.  One thing I don't think I could have dealt with? The influence of left-wing professors. I'll take my non-biased education any day.
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Sweet Home Pennsylvania

Posted by Megan on Friday, May 16, 2008 10:09:49 AM
That's right, I'll be venturing back home to NEPA this evening after work at TH concludes for the week.  I couldn't be more excited to see my friends and family! The four hour trip is worth it, even if I'm only staying for the weekend.  DC will be my home again on Sunday night.
 
Since it's Friday, I decided not to blog about heavy, political issues and instead just give a brief run-down on miscellanious things that intrique me.
 
  • I've been at Townhall since November, but this is the first official week of my summer internship.  Since my 16th birthday, I have had a job - from a local grocery store to an intern for my county government.  This week on Townhall.com, Carrie Scwab Pomerantz explains why high schoolers should be holding summer jobs.  I totally support all of her points.  If I hadn't been juggling a job, school, and clubs since sophomore year in high school, I don't think I would have survived my internship and five classes, not to mention heading an organization on campus.
  • Time outlined the 7 steps McCain needs to take to win the general election in the beginning of this week. I'm not sure they entirely got it right, but it's ultimately a good article.  The sixth bit of advice pertains to winning over some traditional Democrats.  This is the key to winning the election, in my opinion.
  • The crazies over at the LA Times are suggesting that electors vote based on candidates' handwriting styles. Next, we will be asked to pick the most powerful leader in the free world based on a diet analysis and Cosmo horoscope. Anyone who would actually vote with these types of nonsensical things in mind doesn't deserve to be having such an influence on the future of the United States.
  • My life will be much easier than I thought this weekend.  A mine subsidance has forced those traveling between Freeland, PA and Hazleton, PA to find different routes for the past month.  Thankfully, Route 940 will be reopened today - just in time for my return home. This doesn't mean much to most people, but this happens quite frequently and it's very tragic.  This particular subsidence enveloped a few homes and a road, but no one was killed, thank God. Freeland residents have had a difficult month - my town is only a square mile with one stoplight and one grocery store.  Everything from schools to jobs is in Hazleton and everyone is very happy that the road is finally repaired.
  • One last thing - Happy 21st Birthday to one of my best friends in the whole world, Kasey Marsicano!!! Tomorrow will be a mini-high school reunion and I'm so excited!!  We will be touring the city of Wilkes-Barre for Kaser's birthday. This is the first summer in two years that I won't be working in downtown WB.  I look forward to my grand return to the circle and the infamous Susquehanna River.

Have a great weekend TH!

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"Barackism"?

Posted by Megan on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 10:01:34 AM
Moving has proven to be the most stressful experience which is why I haven't been able to post recently.  My belongings have been strewn up and down Michigan Avenue, NE from CUA to the new apartment throughout the beginning of this week, but I think I'm finally starting to get my life in order (we hope!).

I know that this is being talked about everywhere and I really hate "beating a dead horse," but I really have a few things to say about the Obama "57 states" incident.
 
First, how can someone running for president even make a so-called mistake like this?  I'm sure that Sen. Obama knows that there are not 57 states, but this is a pretty crazy mistake.  When I heard about this the first thing that came to my mind was that Fox show "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?"  I would love for Jeff Foxworthy to question contestants about how many states there are in the social studies category of the show closer to election time.  Perhaps if Sen. Obama should tune into that show more often... he may learn a thing or two.
 
Second, I love how for the past 8 years the leftists of this country have not stopped talking about President Bush being "dumb."  They love quoting his "Bushisms" constantly in an attempt to convince more and more people that he is inadequate.  Most of the time, I would say "let's not stoop to their level," but in this case, I really hope both conservatives and the Clinton camp mention the "Barackisms" (if you will) at every opportunity.  If Obama is our next president and he continues to misspeak, I can't wait to remind my liberal friends of the highly irritating Bush criticism that they've dished out during Bush's two terms.
 
Third, I would like to think that this incident will teach both conservatives and liberals a lesson - politicians make mistakes.  I don't think it will to even the slightest degree which is why I'm sticking by my first two points.  In my utopia, liberals would emerge and apologize for making fun of Bush, but since we're all aware that's not going to happen, I'm going to get comfortable on the low road and point out every mistake Obama makes. 
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School's out forevaaa

Posted by Megan on Friday, May 09, 2008 3:24:36 PM
Well, not really "forever," but at least for now.  My finals are over and so is junior year of college.  Next year will be bittersweet, but I'm really looking forward to it. 
 
To follow up on my last post, it seems that Obama is gaining more superdelegates which may finally put an end to this liberal madness.  I don't know about everyone else, but I really want this saga to end.  I'm hoping Obama wraps up the nomination ASAP so the country can concentrate on the general election.  Also, I think Obama is much more beatable than Hillary.  The proof lies in the fact that the states Obama has won will likely go to McCain, i.e. Alabama, Idaho, Georgia, etc.  These states are known for being strong-holds for Republicans and there's a very slim chance Obama will be able to turn them blue in the general election.  On the other hand, Hillary has taken the typically blue states.  With all of the party division going on and the moderate stance of McCain, there's a good chance that some of these purple or blue Hillary victories will cross the aisle into red region, i.e. Pennsylvania and Florida. 
 
A year ago, I would have told anyone who asked my opinion about the 2008 elections that a Democrat would be the next in the Oval Office.  As the days tick by and Obama wrangles in more delegates, I am more and more optimistic about a Republican win.  I was completely dreading Election Day 2008 and now, I'm more excited for November than for Christmas.  Half the reason why I'm so keyed up is because, if John McCain wins, it will make the thousands of dollars I've spent attending a school in DC totally worth it.  The Mall is only a few Metro stops from CUA and seeing a Republican sworn into office would make my senior year complete.
 
Speaking of DC, there should be some kind of manual that everyone desiring to ride the Metro has to read.  The commute from the Brookland neighborhood of Northeast DC to Arlington, VA is only about a half an hour, but it has forced me to hate WMATA.  Between getting hit with ten rolling suitcases by people too lazy to carry their things, being forced to listen to some 17-year-old's rap music because his iPod is loud enough for the conductor to hear, weaving through flocks of tourists, and having a bum hit on you by complimenting your pink rain boots, I'm pretty confident that riding the DC Metro is one of my least favorite activities - EVER. 
 
At the same time, Washington, DC is by far my favorite city and I'm happy the tourists come in gaggles to appreciate its grander, but honestly, they need some tips on how to maneuver this city.  That's my rant for today about DC.  Sometime soon I will enlighten you all with my problems concerning DC grocery stores, cabs, and, most recently, landlords.  There are so many reasons to love it here and, yet, so many more that cause me to believe it's the craziest city on Earth.  I guess that's just something that comes with being the seat of the free world.
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TGIF

Posted by Megan on Friday, May 02, 2008 5:20:31 PM
In the previous post, I forgot to include that I'm an intern for Townhall Magazine. I've been with TH since November and I'm continuing my internship until the end of July.
 
Pennyslvania politics is going to be the main topic of this blog.  For all of you non-PA people, prepare to be completely convinced as to why the Keystone State matters in national politics between now and the November elections. 
 
My "why PA matters rant" today is being fueled by an article in the Washington Times about superdelegates backing Obama.  It's my opinion that, if Obama succeeds in winning the Democratic nomination, PA may be red in the general elections.  This would pretty much satisfy my life's goal of seeing my home state on the "right" side and it would also boost McCain's chances of winning the presidency.  Why do I think PA would choose Mac over Barack?  Put simply, the Keystone State overwhelmingly favors Hillary and since we are so "bitter" thanks to our guns and religion, we may just be "bitter" enough to diss the Democratic Party if PA's main girl doesn't get the nod.  Also, PA is a purple state and let's be honest, who's more purple than Mr. McCain?
 
More on this topic soon.  Enjoy the beautiful weekend - I know I will!
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1st Post

Posted by Megan on Thursday, May 01, 2008 10:23:09 PM
Everyone else at Townhall is getting on board with blogging, so I thought I would give it a try.  Now that school is winding down, I'll have a lot of time on my hands and really, who doesn't want somewhere to voice their opinions?  Thank God for Townhall :)
 
To begin, let me explain the name of this blog.  A coal cracker is someone from the anthracite coal region of Pennsylvania (aka the true coal region, for all of my Western PA friends) extending from Lackawanna County, through Luzerne County and Carbon County, to Schuylkill County in the best corner of PA, the Northeast. Now that I live in Washington, DC, I thought it was fitting to combine the two.
 
Side-note: The URL, "diamonddistrict," is a play-off of the coal region and DC combo as well.  Black diamonds are pieces of coal.
 
Now that I've bored the entire TH community with way to much talk about fossil fuels, I'll give a brief run-down on this blog... this is pretty much going to serve as my personal venue to discuss what matters to me - from politics to class to the annoying people who ride the DC Metro.
 
 
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