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My Birth
On this day, I, Elijah Heilman, was born. It is the starting point and beginning of my life. -
Florida has a Statewide Recount of the Votes in the Presidential Election
During the 2000 election, the Supreme Court of Florida ordered a recount of the ballots statewide, but canceled by the U.S. Supreme Court. The recount was ordered because 175,010 ballots were rejected by the machines, and could have changed the outcome of the election. In other words, the U.S.A. could have went into a totally different direction. This is significant because it left many upset causing distrust and anger between the people and the government. This created anti-government groups. -
George W. Bush Becomes the United States President
George W. Bush was the United State’s 43rd president, and was the President from 2001 to 2009. Some of the more memorable things he did was declaring a global “war on terrorism,” establishing the Department of Homeland Security and authorizing U.S.-led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq after the 9/11 attacks. -
9/11 Terrorist Attacks
The attacks of September 11th, 2000, were terrorist attacks by the terrorist organization known as Al-Qaeda on the United State of America. The terrorists hijacked planes to attack the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the White house. All but the White House were hit because the passengers of that flight retook the plane and sacrificed their lives to prevent the attacked and crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. This started the U.S.'s war against terrorism, and made us become more secure. -
No Child Left Behind Act is Signed
Under this law, each State must bring students from grades 3 through 8 and once in high school to a proficient level on state tests. Then they will report results of the student body as a whole and for particular “subgroups” of students. This displayed the governments care of the citizens, trying to get everyone a proper education. This also raised government (and individual) approval ratings, but received much criticism about the lack of funding for the program, and had ill side effects. -
The US-led Iraq War Begins
President Bush declared war on Iraq after discovering the production of weapons of mass destruction there and the connection to Al Qaeda. The war ended, but not without continued occupation of American troops. This cost the United States soldiers, money, and resources. It also caused resentment from anti-war groups and some Iraqis, and damaged relations between the U.S.A. and Iraq (not only on the governmental level, but between the general public of each nation). -
John G. Roberts, Jr. Confrimed as the 17th Chief Justice of the United States
Some important rulings of Chief Justice John Roberts are that some evidence can be used even if found through police negligence, and corporations have the same rights as average citizens engaging in political speech. Both of these rulings greatly affect the U.S. systems. The first changes how trials go, allowing the use of evidence gained illegally. This could put with innocents in jail, and release the guilty by technicality. The other gives interest group more influence in elections. -
The Bush Administration Spends $114 Million on Educational Programs
The Bush Administration increased the funding of educational programs to help expand the teaching of languages typically not taught in public schools (for example: Arabic, Chinese, and Farsi). This is to better the understanding of foreign cultures, national security, and to show the people the government cares about them. Bush said how it is key that government agents be able to understand nonstandard languages in case information comes in a non-typical language. -
Nine civilians killed in a raid in Iraq
An American convoy was in the middle of an operation targeting Al-Qaeda in Ta al-Samar when they came under fire. In response to the ambush, they called for air support, and it accidentally killed 9 civilians. Even after many humble, formal apologizes, shared mourning, and investigations to confirm what truly occurred by the U.S. military, it is easy to believe that a number of Iraqis resent the United States. This incident, along with others, continue to strain relations with the Middle East. -
Barack Obama Becomes President
Barack H. Obama became the first African American President, and the 44th President of the U.S.A. He started serving from 2008-Present. Some significant acts of President Obama during his presidency were Affordable Care Act and giving the order to kill Osama Bin Laden in 2011. -
Ten Russian spies Uncovered by the FBI
10 deep cover SVR, Russian intelligence service, operatives where arrested. They were sent with the mission to obtain information on important topics (changes in CIA personnel, nuclear weapons, etc) and get close to powerful people, but were unsuccessful at getting anything valuable. Even though there were messages between the SVR and the agents, Moscow calls them "Illegals". This brings the relationship of the U.S. and Russia into question, but on a positive note, it probably saved many lives. -
The U.S. Supreme Court Rules that the Protests of the Westboro Baptist Church at Fallen US Military Members' Funerals are Protected Speech Under the First Amendment
During the funeral of fallen military members who died in action, the Westboro Baptist Church was there protesting the United States for its tolerance of homosexuality, particularly within the military. A relative of one of the fallen tried suing them, but lost because they were protected under the First Amendment. While this shows the system's fairness and protection of rights, it caused resentment from citizens offended by the protests. This is a classic case of Morales vs. Laws. -
New Laws of 2012 Go into Effect
Each year new laws are passed, and each has some especially influential laws. These laws range from elections to businesses to youth and so on. In 2012, 40,000 state laws were passed. Laws like Florida state providing their schools food, and learning about homosexuals in California schools help make the students healthier, better educated, and safer. With so many laws being passed, a better and safer tomorrow is ever closer, but create more upset citizens. Nothing can satisfy everyone. -
Started LJ3
LJ3 stands for Live Jesus, Learn Jesus, and Love Jesus. It is a Youth group by Crosswalk of Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia. It started me toward my complete devotion to Jesus. This is significant because it steered me toward the start of my spiritual walk (which changed my life), and gave me most of the good friends and experiences I have today. -
Complete Devotion to Jesus
I was technically a Christian from birth, but this is when I truly and genuinely became devoted and gave my life to Him. My faith really defines me, it is my life. Without it I would be completely different person, wouldn't have the same relationships, or experiences. It was a major factor in my development as a person. -
American Taxpayer Relief Act
This was bill signed by President Obama that raised rates for those who could afford it, benefits for those who struggle, and discounts for those in specific circumstances. This can improve the U.S. with the larger revenue in taxes while also not over-taxing the governed. It also helps those who struggle to pay taxes, raising the approval/support of the government. With the increase, the government can improve/fund programs and such without hurting the citizens too much economically. -
Started Playing Football For Abington
During my 7th grade year at Abington Junior High School, I joined the Open-Weight 7th and 8th grade football team. I was never really part of a sports program before this, and wasn't in the best of shape. The team helped me become a part of something, and get into doing/being a part of sport teams more passionately. Also because of the teams I am apart of now, I have many more friends, gained many valuable life lessons and experiences, and am healthier. -
The Fight Against ISIS Begins
ISIS is a terrorist organization that splintered from Al-Qaeda, and has large areas of Iraq and Syria under their control to establish an Islamic state in the Middle East ruled by strict shariah law. These people terrorize anybody who isn't their strict version Islam. This continued the U.S.'s war on terrorism in the Middle East. As a result of this group, tensions rise in the States and the Middle East, and even stricter security is present here in the U.S. -
Started Wrestling For Abington
Actual wrestling isn't the most popular sport there is. After not making the basketball team, I was recommended to join the wrestling team, not only is it a physical activity, but it's a tough sport that requires tons of dedication, and conditioning. It is one of the most conditioned sports there is. This helped me get into shape way more than football ever could, taught me to fight, gave experience in doing something kinda weird (the uniforms are a bit odd), and taught me about dedication. -
Supreme Court Rules for Same-Sex Marriage
The Supreme Court rules in Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex couple have the right to marry nationwide. This is a milestone in U.S. history because this is another step toward complete equality on all levels. While it repaired some public relations with the government/court system it also damaged others. This also caused resentment since not everybody agreed with the decision, in other words this was both loved and frowned upon. It is important to note that this wasn't a unanimous decision. -
1st Mission to Moose Factory Island
This was my first ever missions trip, and trip to another country. Mission to Moose Factory Island 2015 was a Crosswalk missions trip to a church in Canada pastored by someone from our church. We did various volunteer and outreach activities for the Island. On this trip I learned many things, tried various new things, grew in my spiritual walk, and gained more good friends, including my current best friend. The trip was from 7/1/15 to 7/12/15. -
Started Being Part of Discipleship Group
In the High School Ministry at Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia, there are Discipleship Groups (the High School version of LJ3). I am a part of one, and I had no clue what it would be like. It turned out to be amazing. It helped me get connected with others who can help me with/through problems, better know friends, and make new friends. Spiritually, I improved many ways and gave me answers that are ever helpful. -
2nd Mission to Moose Factory Island
The following year after M2MFI2015, Crosswalk decided to return to Moose Factory Island with a new team. A lot of members returned from the 2015 team. We did similar volunteer and outreach activities from the year before, but added a movie night, game night, and got an entire hockey rink for the Vacation Bible School. This trip allowed me to form new relations, get better connected with my friends, increased my patience and , and furthered me in my spiritual walk. This trip was from 7/2-13/15. -
Sunday School
At my church, Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia, I was given the opportunity to serve in the Children's Ministry by becoming a volunteer assisting Sunday School teachers. I currently help out with the second and first graders. This job has given me experience with children, being an assistant leader, and being in charge of a large group by myself. -
Concussion
On August 16th I was diagnosed with a concussion. I was placed on limits for any brain activity like listening to music, watching TV, going to school, etc. This experience taught me how to better manage my time, appreciate the little things, and not always to act tough because something might be wrong and that will only make it worse. -
Citations 1
12/8/2000:(http://www.issues2000.org/Florida_Recount_Official.htm)
1/20/01:(http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0903598.html), (http://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/george-w-bush)
9/11/01:(http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0903598.html), (http://www.history.com/topics/9-11-attacks)
1/8/02: (http://www.edweek.org/ew/section/multimedia/no-child-left-behind-overview-definition-summary.html)
3/20/03: (https://www.britannica.com/event/Iraq-War) -
Citations 2
9/29/05:(http://www.biography.com/people/john-roberts-20681147)
1/5/06:(http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/06/politics/bush-proposes-broader-language-training.html)
2/2/08:(http://www.nbcnews.com/id/22985122/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/t/us-killed-iraqi-civilians-raid-military-says/#.V_ZRpPlpHcs)
1/20/09:(http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0903598.html),(http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/barack-obama-signature-moments-first-term/2014/11/24/id/609332/ ) -
Citations 3
7/8/10:(https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/29/fbi-breaks-up-alleged-russian-spy-ring-deep-cover )
3/2/11:(http://www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/educational-activities/facts-and-case-summary-snyder-v-phelps)
1/1/12:(http://www.nbcnews.com/id/45819570/ns/us_news-life/t/new-laws-toughen-rules-abortions-immigrants-voters/#.V_ZTFflpHcs)
1/2/13:(http://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/american-taxpayer-relief-act-2012.asp) -
