Occupy Movement

The Occupy movement is fascinating me on so many levels; first as a amateur sociologist, second as a student of law, and finally, as a fed up citizen of the United States.  I was a sociology minor in undergrad, which strangely prepared me for the study of law.  But it is at times like this that I truly am amazed at how systems push back and forth against each other.

While studying this subject, I focused on social movements and protests... Every radical protest in the 1900's started with the militants and the college students.  They made ridiculous demands.  Yet, the movements grew and as that happened, the average citizen joined and the demands became reasonable.  Size has everything to do with a successful protest, but also, persistence... especially if what you are protesting is the government.  So far, it looks as if Occupy is here to stay.

The student of law looks to the first amendment.  Yes there is a right to protest, but what and how far can this go?  What about when the protestors right violates one of mine:  say like walking peacefully through my favorite park or driving down a road.  What then?

Early yesterday morning, the city of Portland arrested protestors that had shut down Main Street.  Many were outraged.  But the question remains, whose rights are more important?

This is interesting times for sure.  Will Occupy stick around long enough to become a powerful voice, rather than the irritant it is right now?  Only time will tell......

You Should Teach....

That has been the common statement to me lately.  Oh, don't worry, I still plan to practice law.... but I need something to pay the bills in the mean time.  To be honest, I ache because I miss school so much.  I have been considering going back to school to get an MA then a PhD in something.... yet when someone said teach, I thought "Ya, that might fill the void."  So, I am going to keep applying for adjunct positions.  I think there is something valuable to be had by sowing into others lives.

Silence needs to be broken....

Yes, it does.  I haven't been talking a lot.  Mostly because I am disappointed in myself.  See, I have taken the bar a few times and have not been able to pass.  Latest example is this past July.  Results came out and again, I did not pass... this time the points for not passing were HUGE.  Not only that, but the fact of the matter is that the MBE (multiple choice questions) continues to be my stumbling block.

Now the MBE has become a monster in my head.  I was in good company.  Two of my good friends, both tops students in the class, were right along side me, except they did pass this last time.  I don't begrudge them.  But I have to wonder what the heck???? I bought a book, which has prompted me to write this post.  The book is written by a professor at Penn State who is speaking to those that have a hard time passing the MBE.  I never considered myself a high risk test taker.  But he says I am.  Why?  I am a single parent.  That means that I cannot cut off my life for the 8 weeks necessary to study for the bar.  I can't.  It's not possible.  So how do I rebound from that?

I don't know.  I wish I had some simple answers for everyone so I can pass and then pass on the solution for you.  As I navigate my way through this, I will share. 

The funny thing is:  If we gave only multiple choice answers, and twenty minutes to answer that question with one of those answers, and no research available -- in the real world of lawyering, it would be called malpractice.

This isn't about what you know... it's about whether you can pass a standardized test.