Why PETA Is Upset With Obama For Swatting At A Fly

Wednesday, President Barack Obama swatted away a fly during an interview with CNBC at the White House and caused a media frenzy in doing so.

Quickly, members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals jumped on the issue and criticized Obama for killing a living organism. MSNBC.com said that PETA will be sending Obama a Katcha Bug Humane Bug Catcher, a device that allows users to trap a house fly and then release it outside.

It's kind of absurd that PETA would feel so strongly about the president swatting away a fly, but perhaps Obama really angered them when he killed the fly. After the fly landed on his hand, he waited patiently and then used his other hand to squish the creature.

"We support compassion even for the most curious, smallest and least sympathetic animals," PETA spokesman Bruce Friedrich said. "We believe that people, where they can be compassionate, should be, for all animals."

As of now, the White House has no comment on the incident.

Personally, I think it's ridiculous because everyone has swatted at a fly. It's a natural reaction to block one's face when something is buzzing around it. Am I wrong?

If you think so then tell me. Comment below.

Inquiring Minds Want To Know About Your Pride

Summer is in full swing and it's time for some pride, Nashville Pride that is.

The LGBT festival is celebrating 21 years of pride in a big way. It is scheduled to take place on Saturday at Riverfront Park in Nashville, Tenn. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Entertainment will include musical artists such as Lady Bunny, Atomic Blonde and headliner Deborah Cox.

Even though the festival doesn't begin until Saturday, events have been occurring all week. On June 17, Daisy Rae Welch hosted Family Feud night at Tribe in Nashville. Outloud also screened the documentary "Before Stonewall."

On Thursday, author Lamar Ariel met with fans at Outloud to promote his new book "Ready To Male."

Friday, June 19 Play hosted a Riveter Rock Women' s Music Festival. As a pre-pride concert, Play welcomed Laura Hildebrandt to the stage at 11 p.m.

Pride events will continue through June 26 when comedian Lisa Lampanelli is scheduled to perform at Ryman Auditorium at 8 p.m. Tickets are still available and can be bought in advance or at the door.

All events are open to everyone, depending on age for certain venues.

Bonnaroo 2009 Playlist

Radio Show Playlist for June 12

Gender identity bill stirs debate in SGA

Student Government Association senator and vice president of MT Lambda, Brandon Thomas, recently proposed that SGA add "gender identity and expression" under Article 2, Section 2 of the SGA constitution.

As of now, the constitution has a non-discrimination policy for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students on campus, but hasn't recognized the basic rights of gender identity and expression.

Perhaps the problem is that many people are unaware of what gender identity is. Gender identity is how a person identifies him/herself when referring to gender. Also, gender identity isn't always directly linked to sexual orientation.

As discussions continue, a common response to this bill may revolve around the fact that there is already something in the constitution for LGBT students and adding gender identity and expression will only make the policy more "redundant."

I don't see how it will make anything redundant because being homosexual, bisexual or transgender is not the same as gender identity. Open minds and a dictionary might help representatives know the difference.

Every student deserves to be protected and not discriminated against. If a student is hassled about being gay and it starts to affect his/her education, the student has a policy to back up his/her case.

Right now gender identity students do not have that luxury.

SGA's responsibility is to represent the students and listen to ideas and suggestions they may have. The first introduction on the mtsu.edu/sga Web site even says that SGA is the voice for the student body. Therefore, if the student body wants equal rights for gender identity individuals then SGA representatives should take the time to understand the difference between gender identity and homosexuality before brushing it off and calling it "redundant."

If the bill passes through SGA twice then it will become a referendum that students will be able to vote on during Homecoming this fall.

Have an opinion on this issue? Voice it here.

Inquiring Minds Want To Know Radio Playlist for June 5

Here is the playlist for this week.
If you want to hear a specific song next week then post the title and artist in a comment below. Thanks!

Inquiring Minds Want to Know Why Oral Sex Is The New Goodnight Kiss

Tune in to 88.3 FM Murfreesboro

This week's news topic is about a new book and documentary titled "Oral Sex Is The New Goodnight Kiss." The book and film are about female Canadian teens who trade sex for money, drugs and apparently homework. The overall consensus of the film is how oral sex has become more acceptable and isn't considered sex by teenagers.

However, the film also talks in depth about teen prostitution and how the girls becoming involved are from wealthy suburban homes. Apparently, children as young as 11 are turning to prostitution for money. But if these young girls are from rich households then why do they need to turn to prostitution? Things don't seem to add up here, so I'm guessing that they are seeking attention and a chance to be the most popular girl in school with the guys. Lame.

Some girls may take on the role of a prostitute, but others find themselves stepping into the shoes of a pimp. They call themselves girl recruiters. They become good friends with girls and then trade them to men for money and/or drugs.

Things sure have changed since I was in high school...