Well, I have been on this thing and Fox message boards since football season. I post a comment every once in a while. Lately it seems like I have been stepping on some toes and in turn, am getting called out. Some people want to know more about me so this is for them and anybody else who is interested.

I'm 23 and am finishing up my B.F.A. in Art all-level education. I like the arts because you can pretty much teach what and how you want to teach. There is no standardized test looming over you (This is not to say that I impose my views on my students). I like the Arts because you can pretty much incorporate the other contents. What better way to touch on history than by looking at the art that was being created around the world at that time. Anyway, because of limited openings in the Arts I plan on challenging the E.C.-4, Kines/health, and Sp. Ed. tests.

I was born and raised in south texas where we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Dia de los Muertos, and Charros Day. I was greatly influenced by my grandparents on my mom's side; they were hardworking resident aliens from Mexico. My Grandpa worked for the city all day and then did odd jobs in the evening like cleaning pools, mowing yards, and trimming trees. I still remember his hands and posture (from carrying heavy bags of any and everything over his shoulder all those years). Everyday I strive to be the kind of man he was.

My last name is French and is unusual in these parts. If you see another name like it, then we are probably related in some way. It (the last name) came from my dad's dad. He served in the Korean War and decided to come to the Valley afterwards. Most of his family are/were in New Hampshire. Rumor has it that they wanted nothing to do with us ( I can't confirm or deny that). My grandfather is anglo, and I just happen to have an anglo last name but I grew up the same way as any other working class hispanic kid in these parts.

On that note, I am working on a series of artworks that are exploring the culture clash I experienced as a hispanic "gringo" in south Texas. I also plan on adding on my grandfathers' last name (yes it's hispanic) so that the name can continue. They had 2 girls and 1 boy and my Uncle probably won't be having any kids.  

Let's see quick fact time (the juicy stuff):

I am not religious. I am indifferent to the display or censorship of religion in sport, just don't try to jamb it down my throat or think that I am inferior to you because I am not "whole"

I beleive in the seperation between church and state. There is a very fine line in this issue and the state has a responsibility to the entire nation not just the majority.

I am pro choice but I do feel it is important for individuals to see the irreversible results of their actions before making a choice.  

Immigration, I support the plight of the immigrant worker. The one that wants to work hard for a decent living but has no idea how to do it the legal way.  The legal process is complicated enough to begin with what with all the paper work and fees and going back and forth from one office to another. Now throw in a bunch of self-righteous blow-hards pushing them around at every corner.vI'll write more about it later.

Cruelty to animals is a serious issue to me. Specifically domestic animals. No, I am not in PETA because they are of the mold of all or nothing and I just don't agree with everything they stand for. I don't preach vegetarianism but I do feel that the inhumane treatment of animals processed for food needs to be addressed.

 I guess that is all for now. I will go into more detail of my view on these issues in later blogs.