We told Brittany Maynard that it was okay to Kill Herself, and She did.

When it comes to the Brittany Maynard situation, I can’t keep quiet much longer. I have sat back and watched her receive endless support. I have sat back and watched her be called brave, and courageous. I have sat back and shut my mouth, but I just can’t do it anymore. I am appalled by the reactions and the reporting surrounding this case.

Can you imagine what the world would be like if everyone got their choice to die with dignity? Not everyone has the “pleasure” of choosing when they want to end their own life, so why does she get the luxury to do so? What about the children and adults in the United States, and in various other countries that die of starvation? They, too, suffer, but they don’t have the luxury of asking a doctor to hand them pills. What about those that are diagnosed with Alzheimer's? What about all of the people that are suffering? They don’t have the choice to meet death on “their own terms” and “free of pain.”

When Maynard fights for “dying with dignity,” I don’t think anyone understands what that means. Dignity relates to nobility, majesty, and regality. It is a sense of pride in oneself; self respect. Dignity also relates to pride, self-esteem, and self-worth. And quite frankly, Brittany Maynard represents none of those things.

Now before you go off on telling me that I’m ignorant and heartless, and don’t understand the situation, let me plead my case. I do understand the other side of it. So, while I am completely one sided when it comes to this situation, it’s not because I’m ignorant and don’t understand the other side of it. No one wants to suffer, I absolutely understand that. I can’t imagine what her and her family are going through. I am so incredibly sorry that it has happened. I can’t imagine the fear, panic, and misery that she experienced. But no matter how hard I try to convince myself, I will never agree with it. I lost my mother to suicide when I was eighteen years old. So yes, I understand that I am extremely sensitive and partial to the subject. However, a lot of what I feel is fact based. I am a suicide prevention advocate, and I have studied and researched suicide, and assisted suicide, inside and out.

If my mother had come to me and said, “Casey I am suffering, I have decided that I am going to end my life on May 28.” I wouldn’t have told her how brave she was. I wouldn’t have applauded her and told her that she was strong and courageous. If I had any say, or any power in the situation, I wouldn’t have let her do it. I have spent the last year and a half wondering what would’ve happened if I could’ve done something to stop her. Wishing that it had never happened, and wishing that there had been something that I could have done. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. I wouldn’t wish it on Brittany Maynard and her family.

I don’t applaud her, I don’t admire her, and I don’t think she’s brave. Blogger Matt Walsh posted a blog titled, “There is Nothing Brave About Suicide.” And while I don’t always agree with Walsh and his opinions, I agree with everything he has said in this blog. He makes a valid point.

— “If you are saying that it is dignified and brave for a cancer patient to kill themselves, what are you saying about cancer patients who don’t? What about a woman who fights to the end, survives for as long as she can, and withers away slowly, in agony, until her very last breath escapes her lungs? Is that person not brave? Is that person not dignified? I thought we applaud that kind of person. I thought we admire her courage and tenacity. Sorry, you can’t advance two contradictory narratives at once. If fighting cancer is brave then it is brave PRECISELY BECAUSE she is fighting it rather than giving up and choosing death. In other words, if struggling against cancer until the bitter end is an act of courage, then it can’t also be an act of courage to opt out and ‘leave on your own terms.’ What makes one courageous is that it is not the other. What makes one commendable is that the other choice exists, yet the heroic individual takes the more admirable route.” —

We’re applauding the wrong person for the wrong reasons. My mother killed herself. And yet, when she did, all I heard about was how selfish and cowardly she was for doing so. And I’ve read and seen the stereotypes and stigmas surrounding suicide. It’s considered selfish, cowardly, and the “easy way out.” What changed? Why do you look down on my mother and put Maynard up on a pedestal? The stigma and the stereotypes didn’t go away so why did our feelings towards suicide suddenly change? After Robin Williams died, many people criticized how the media responded. They said that we were glorifying suicide. Assisted suicide is still suicide, and calling it brave and courageous is glorifying it in every possible way that I can think of. The world was heartbroken when Robin Williams killed himself, but the world supported Maynard’s decision to kill herself. The world is letting everyone know that it’s okay to kill themselves. For the first time in the history of our existence, suicide is okay. And we should be ashamed of this.

So to those of you that praised Brittany Maynard, shame on you. Do you, in fact, have any knowledge of suicide at all? Did you form your own opinion or did you just go along with what everyone else was saying? Did you even listen to what you were saying? Brittany Maynard killed herself. Everyone has been impressed and inspired by a woman’s plan to commit suicide. We are celebrating suicide. As a society, we have been fighting and advocating for our right to kill ourselves. As a society, we told Brittany Maynard that it was okay to kill herself, and she did. Did you even listen to what you were saying?

Trouble on the Turf

Trouble on the Turf

By Casey Lee

The FIFA World Cup is the most watched sporting event in the world. The Cup’s final game is the single most viewed sporting event on earth. This event has been going on every four years since 1930. For the first time in the Cup’s history, FIFA is allowing artificial turf to be used during the Women’s World Cup, taking place in Canada next year. 

Many athletes and soccer players have expressed their disapproval of using the artificial turf. Many of the women participating in the Cup think it’s gender discrimination. The players sent a letter to the Canadian Soccer Association and FIFA trying to negotiate with them about the fields.

“The best players in the world deserve premier playing surfaces. Simply put, artificial turf is not a premier surface in the soccer world. Singling out this women’s tournament for substandard treatment is a mistake. … If your organizations will not engage in a meaningful dialogue on how to correct the discriminatory treatment of women players, we are prepared to pursue legal action which we are confident should succeed,” the letter stated.

CSA and FIFA never responded to the letter. Because of this, a group of over 40 of the top women’s soccer players from across the world have sued the Canadian Soccer Association and FIFA. 

Artificial turf has been blamed for increased injuries on the field, including sprained ankles, concussions, turf burns, and an injury known as “turf toe.” The American Academy of Neurology recently reported that concussions appear to be more prevalent for certain athletes playing on artificial turf, and that women athletes appear more likely to experience concussions in soccer than in other sports. Temperatures on the turf can be much hotter than on natural grass. Turf also alters the speed of the ball, and the speed of play on the field.

Grass seems to be the better choice. Men have never had to play the World Cup on artificial turf, and probably won’t for many, many years to come. And unfortunately, the gender discrimination seems pretty clear. 

“If the men’s World Cup didn’t allow it, and they built brand new stadiums—not even put in grass fields, they built brand new stadiums with a couple billion dollars,” United States National women’s soccer player Alex Morgan said, “you’d think we’re worth the couple million to put in grass fields.”

Along with Alex Morgan, United States National Woman’s soccer player Abby Wambach has been leading the movement, and has become the speaker for all athletes.

“Even if this World Cup doesn’t get changed over to grass,” she said, “I want to make sure that we’re loud enough and we get heard by all the countries with women fighting this fight, so that it never happens again.” 

Neither CSA or FIFA have given any indication that they’re going to change the artificial turf to grass. Everyone seems to agree that if this was a men’s world cup, this wouldn’t happen. It’s not only a fight for women, it’s a fight for what is right. 

Should Goodell Resign?

By Casey Lee

According to ESPN back in February, Baltimore Raven Ray Rice was charged with simple assault after hitting his then fiancée, Janay Palmer. A few days after the incident, TMZ released video footage of Rice dragging her body out of an elevator. In late March, Rice was indicted by a grand jury on a charge of third-degree aggravated assault. In early May, he plead not guilty to the aggravated assault charge and in late July, the NFL announced a two-game suspension for Rice. After major criticism and backlash, in late August, the NFL announced more severe punishment for domestic violence incidents. Months later, TMZ released footage of Rice striking Palmer in the face and knocking her unconscious. Hours later, Rice was cut from the team and received an indefinite suspension from the NFL.

Since then, the NFL has been plagued with one bad incident after another. Back in July, Carolina Panther Greg Hardy was found guilty of assaulting his former girlfriend and threatening to kill her. This past week, nearly two months later, Hardy was put on the NFL’s exempt list and has been ordered to sit out while his domestic violence case is appealed. On top of that, Minnesota Viking Adrian Peterson was indicted for reckless or negligent injury to a child. Nearly thirty minutes later, the Vikings deactivated Peterson for their week 2 game. By September 15, it was believed that Peterson would be allowed to play in the week 3 game. Later that day, a previous allegation of child abuse by Peterson is reported. Finally, on September 17, the Vikings placed Peterson on the NFL’s exempt list.

The NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell are now in hot water. Goodell, who hadn't been heard from in nearly two weeks, held a press conference on Friday. Almost everyone, from the media to current players and former players, agreed the conference lacked substance and sincerity. During the press conference Goodell announced that the league will develop a new personal conduct policy, establish a conduct committee to monitor off-the-field issues, and brought up the Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson incidents several times. "I disappointed myself," said Goodell. "I disappointed the NFL. I disappointed our fans."

From the looks of it, few were impressed by Goodell. Since the press conference he's received harsh criticism for what was said during the conference, and how he's handled this situation overall. "In my personal opinion, being a former player," former New England Patriots and ESPN analyst Tedy Bruschi said on the air, "I want a new commissioner to lead my league." Several players also voiced their disapproval. Baltimore Ravens Torrey Smith tweeted, "what Roger just said is the exact same thing that players say when they make a mistake and plead their case." Retired American football wide receive Sidney Rice followed up with, "I know some people that got it wrong and don't have a job anymore. Does this mean it's okay to get it wrong? You gain 0 yards on an [incomplete] pass!" It seems as though many were hoping Goodell would resign. Unfortunately for him, it doesn't sound like this controversy will be going away any time soon.

Student Organization Fair

By Casey Lee

The Student Organization Fair was held in the Quad from 11:30am to 1:00pm, on Thursday September 4th. It’s one of Avila’s first events to kick off the new school year. It’s a time to eat food, mingle with friends, and learn about and sign up for various school organizations. 

One organization represented at the fair was Sister Heart. The organization, advised by Teresa McClain, is “dedicated to providing a safe place for all women and men, regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or culture. According to McClain, ”they encourage friendships, and personal and social growth. The organization also works to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault. A free women’s self defense class is being offered at Kauffman Stadium on Saturday, September 6, from 10:00am to 12:00pm.

“[Beth and I] are super excited about learning self defense from the Sister Heart [organization],” freshman Jodi Johnson said.

Her and her roommate, Beth Luder, decided taking the class would be beneficial for both of them. Several other organizations were present at the fair. Avila Athletic Bands, Student Senate, and many other organizations made an appearance. The Avila Athletic Bands even had a student walking around playing the drums.

Aside from that, the fair wasn’t all about school and organizations. There were a lot of different activities and fun games to partake in. They had a balloon artist, a caricature drawer, and several other activities. Students could get inside of giant plastic balls and race each other down The Quad. There were also snow cones, cookies, candy, and what seemed to be endless food.

“This is so much fun! I love meeting new people and joining new clubs. It’s a great way to get involved,” Beth Luder said.

The Student Organization Fair was a great way for new students to interact with other students and become familiar with school activities. It’s also an opportunity for current students to see new faces and talk to people they’ve never met before. Overall, it’s a great time to eat some food, mingle, and become more involved in the university.

What Does the New Semester Mean to You?

By Casey Lee

Some dread it, while others have been looking forward to it for years. Some have had their lives in order and major picked out for years, while others are unsure of their path and have changed their major two or three times. For some, it’s the beginning of a chapter and their first step into the next four years. For others, it’s their first step into finishing their final chapter. College can be a different experience for many students. Some students spend their time partying and focusing on their social life while some are finishing up their final few semesters, and are getting ready to embark on the next chapter in their lives.

“Right now college seems really fun. I’ve been partying a lot, and have been going out with friends. So far it’s been great,” Beth Luder, freshman at Avila University, said.

While parts of college can be fun, many parts of it can also bring many sleepless nights, stress, and anxiety. It may just be tests and grades, but it’s what determines your future. The pressure and strain that can come along with it can sometimes be overbearing. Trying to balance sleep, grades, and a social life is never easy.

“I’m only a sophomore but I’m already stressing out. I’m a nursing major, and I do love it, but it’s also a lot of hard work and it’s a huge commitment,” Blaire Collins, sophomore at the University of Missouri, said.

Someday, the sleepless nights and endless studying will be more than worth it. And no matter what it may bring, college accounts for many unforgettable memories. With the 2014 Fall semester starting, many memories are waiting to be made. Whether they’re negative or positive, they’ll stick with us for the rest of our lives.

Ray Rice - They're Just Covering Their Asses

By Casey Lee

According to ESPN back in February, Ray Rice, player for the Baltimore Ravens, was charged with simple assault after hitting his fiancée, Janay Palmer. A few days after the incident, TMZ released a video of Rice dragging her body out of an elevator. The Ravens, along with head coach John Harbaugh, said they fully supported Rice and his fiancée. In late March, Rice was indicted by a grand jury on a charge of third-degree aggravated assault. After his indictment, the Ravens again showed their full support for Rice. In early May, he plead not guilty to the aggravated assault charge and in late July, the NFL announced a two-game suspension for Rice. After major criticism and backlash, in late August, the NFL announced more severe punishment for domestic violence incidents.

A two-game suspension? So basically, the NFL thinks women are worth less than dogs. Why do I say that? In 2007, Michael Vick pleaded guilty to federal charges for dog fighting and he was suspended indefinitely. Rice hit his fiancée and he got suspended for two games. So I’ll say it again, the NFL thinks women are worth less than dogs. In fact, players receive longer suspensions for gambling, DUI charges, violating substance policies, and several other offenses. The NFL only announced more severe punishment because they received backlash and severe criticism. If you ask me it sounds like they’re covering their asses.

Since then, TMZ has released footage of Rice striking Palmer in the face and knocking her unconscious. Hours later, Rice was cut from the team and received an indefinite suspension from the NFL. Actor Seth Rogen tweeted and said, “I don't know much about football, but I know that Ray Rice is a piece of garbage who shouldn't be allowed to play it professionally anymore.” He was absolutely correct. The problem is that the Ravens and the NFL are being praised for their decisions. How do I feel about it? Shame on them. Firing Rice, and indefinitely suspending him was the right call, but it’s a call that should’ve been made months ago when the incident first occurred. I don’t know why seeing a video of him hitting her would be different than knowing he hit her. Harbaugh said in a press conference that, “it changed things.” My question would be changed what? You knew he hit her after you saw the video, but you knew he hit her months ago too. So what changed? Nothing, sounds like they’re just covering their asses again.