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IED MUBAROK

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What is wrong with Obama?

Do you know Barach Hussein Obama? He is going to be a new senator in US from Illinois. So, what is special about him? Actually, nothing special about him is if he is not a Moslem. Therefore, everything will go special because he is only one senator who is a Moslem.

Obama was born in racial level. His father was from Kenya, and his mother was a white American. He spent part of his youth in Indonesia before returning to Hawaii where he was born.

To be honest, I did not really understand about his problem and senator, I only heard that US senators are still debating about him. Basically, the debate is coming out from two causes. First, his name looks like Osama whom is the first terrorist target that is sought by US. The second reason is in US senator if somebody will be raised to be a senator; he or she has to take his/her oath under holy book. Due to this, it means that Koran will be come in US senator building.

Evidently, Obama is a great politician. He already did great jobs when he was in Illinois statehouse. According to Rose Brooks’s article in The Honolulu Advertiser, Obama is a good leader. Thus, why is not Obama to be a US senator?

In this case, I believe that US is still racial country not only in religion but also in race. In my opinion, I know that US culture basics on Bible. However, we cannot generally assume that the US government is Christian owner. Undoubted, US residents are not only Christians but also from many religions. Although Christians are the biggest population in US, but it does not mean that government can pressure their residents to be Christen followers.

Like black Americans, Moslems are also seen to be second level. I listened, for instance, to the radio two weeks ago. A Moslem woman who wears veil was required to take off her veil by her boss because her boss was not comfortable talking with her without looking at her face. Of course, we could not support her boss because wearing veil is her deal with God not with her boss. Moreover, everybody should respect with her decision.

This condition extremely is different from US jargon “Democracy country.” Democracy means that everybody is given good respect, and the government offers his or her rights. So, what is democracy for US government? I think US government should commit with their principle to keep democracy.

In Obama case, in my eyes, US should decide which one the best thing for them either allow Koran coming in senator building or no Holy Books anymore in senator building.

PS: This is not a great writing. It is only about my nervousness. In addition, I just want to pour my thinking in writing.

Alhamdulillah

Yesterday I had taken ELI placement test. The English Language Institute (ELI) is a part of the internationally renowned Department of Second Language Studies at the University of Hawaii. The primary purpose of the ELI is to provide English instruction for international and immigrant students who have been admitted to the university and who do not speak English as a native language, in order to facilitate their academic studies. Thus, ELI is only for unclassified UH students.

I took ELI placement test because from this test, I could know my ability, and the result of ELI test could be used to assume how many score in TOEFL. Since if I take Toefl, the result will be released four weeks after test, on the other hand, I should submit my application as soon as possible. Unlike toefl, ELI result could be known a few minutes after test.

Kim Small who is my scholarship coordinator told me that if my score in ELI is similar to a high score in Toefl (same as required from my major), I could be used ELI score to apply in my major. This test is a big deal for me because I did not have big expectation from iBT. In fact, iBT is more complicated than ELI is.

I only have three days to prepare ELI test after Kim Small told me on last Tuesday. To be honest, I was not ready to face this test, but I did not have choice, so I should take it.

ELI test has three section that are writing, listening and reading. In writing, we are given 45 minutes to complete one essay, and the topic of essay we could choose one of two topics, which are talking about global issues and a political change. Besides, I chose global issues especially women problems. Then, in the listening, we should do two parts. First thing is dictation, and second is academic listening with long conversation. The last is reading. Like listening, reading has two parts. In the first time, I should answer gab-filling, than reading comprehension test.

After I done all of sections, I only needed ten minutes to accept my result. Swear when I was seating in front of ELI director (Kenton), I am nervous. He appeared smile, but I didn’t want to guess what the meaning from his smile was because I know that American's characters always keep smile whatever they will say bad or good news. Finally, he said, “Nihayatul, I bring good news for you." Of course, I asked him soon, "What is it?” With smile he said, "Your score can be used to apply in UH." ALHAMDULILLAH. Finally, I got it.

Although I can follow my class in spring semester, it is not the end of the war. The real war is when I study in class, so for me, it is the first step to entry in more difficult situation. Readings, homework, and many other assignments have ready in my future days.

Bismillah. I hope I can surmount anything will come.

Thank for your support friends. I love you