BR 12-16-13

1. Miley Cyrus's performance at the MTV Video Music Awards; this risqué performance drew a huge crowd and a lot of attention. Although the publicity it gained can be deemed somewhat infamous, Miley acquires the attention she desired and in the exact manner she planned to do so.

2. Cloning of stem cells; a huge scientific breakthrough was made in the Oregon Health and Science University. Scientists were finally able to create stem cells by means of cloning.

3. Nelson Mandela dies; a huge political leader in South Africa, known for freedom fighting, emerged out of prison for 27 years and went on to fight against the struggle of racial oppression. He argued on the basis of reconciliation, rather than vengeance.

4. China moon rover lands on the moon; for the first time in history China has launched a successful space mission to the moon by means of a rover.

5. US government shutdown; from October 1 through 16, 2013, the United States federal government entered a shutdown and curtailed most routine operations after Congress failed to enact legislation appropriating funds for fiscal year 2014. Regular government operations resumed on Oct. 17 after a temporary appropriations bill was passed.

6. US NSA prism program; PRISM is a clandestine mass electronic surveillance data mining program known to have been operated by the United States NSA since 2007.

7. Yahoo buys out Tumblr; for a sum of $1.1 billion, Yahoo buys the well-known, popular social media site known at Tumblr.

8. Boston Marathon Bombings; during this year's Boston Marathon, 3 pressure-cooker explosives went off near the finish line, which killed 3 people and wounded a total of 264 others.

9. Pope Benedict XVI resigned; the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI occurred on 28 February 2013.  Benedict's decision to step down as leader of the Catholic Church made him the first pope to relinquish the office since Pope Gregory XII in 1415. The resignation was surprising, as being Pope is typically an office that is held from election to death.

10. Detroit files for bankruptcy; although not surprising, Detroit, MI filed for bankruptcy. It was the largest bankruptcy request ever, as they were in debt in upwards of 18-20 billion dollars.

BR 12-11-13

1. No; I feel like looking into cell phone records should be only done in certain situations and should be confined to a small group of anonymous individuals.

2. It's getting to that point. We still keep certain privacies held secret, while others are being exploited by certain organizations.

3. They use it to monitor everything.

4. Cell phone records of specific suspicious individuals.

Questions for Prisoner Debate

Pro:
-Would allowing prisoners to vote put a potential skew or bias in the results?

Con:
-Is this violating the rights of the prisoners?

BR 12-9-13

1. Yes, for national security reasons. 

2. They don't want to lose business in the U.S. and abroad.

BR 12-6-13

1. South Africa's first black president.

2. Negotiated with the nation's white leaders for democracy.

3. Led to the development of rights for all South African citizens.

BR 12-4-13

1. The way the justice system is set up in the U.S., this type of bias to masculinity would not go through. Personally I agree with it, but it would never go through in court.

2. He's a tough guy with strong beliefs. Twisted moral maybe, but he was mislead and thought he must take advantage of the situation.

BR 12-3-13

1. He called the Pope a Marxist and dissed his morals or beliefs.

BR 12-2-13

1. No. I feel certain rights should be taken as a result of their criminal actions, the right to vote being one of those.

2. Yes. They served their time and they deserved this right back, as they have served all punishment dealt to them.

Questions for Prayer Debate

Pro:
- Would allowing prayers at public events hinder the religions of certain individuals and their right to practice religion freely?

Con:
- Would not allowing prayers at public events hinder the religions of certain individuals as well?

Euthanasia Debate Notes

Pros believe that terminally ill people have the right to decide whether they want to live or not. Many countries in Europe have already adopted this thought. Humans have an inherited right of choice, and this should be respected.

Cons believe that it goes against Hippocratic Oath. They feel it goes against many religions, as it stated in the Bible to not kill one another. Illness severity is subjective by doctor to doctor, so assisted suicide should not be an option. Euthanasia is murder. They argue that euthanasia could not end a worthless life, because no life is worthless. Killing them would just hinder any future opportunities.

Questions for Euthanasia Debate

Pro:
- How could a country that believes in the death penalty not believe in euthanasia?

Con:
- Do you feel the physician is committing murder by taking the life of an individual?

BR 11-13-13

1. I disagree with this decision.

2. No; I believe it is under the trainer's discretion for deciding whether to train a killer whale with contact or not. The trainer is putting his or her life on the line by doing so, but at the same time they have the right to. At the same time, Sea World should not have to accept responsibility or liability for deaths of willing trainers.

BR 11-12-13

If I was the hunter in that situation, I would probably act in the same way he did. I would rather die than live with full-body paralysis. God ensures those who are saved a spot in heaven, and I would rather live there, even though I would leave my friends and family.

BR 11-6-13

1.) I do not support K-Mart's decision in staying open for 41 hours straight, especially since they are opening at 6 AM on Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving is a holiday bestowed upon us to celebrate family and community values, not to get an early jump on Christmas shopping. With the increasing commercialism of Christmas, people lose sight of the purpose and meaning behind holidays. K-Mart is denying Thanksgiving's meaning by making their employees work on such an occasion, while they should be spending time with their families.

2.) We allow the free exhibition of homosexuality in the US. We do not punish for exhibiting gay practices, although we still do not allow them to marry in most states. Russia's view of this is different in that they are completely against the practices of homosexuality and punish gays for doing so. People don't even have the right to be gay in Russia.

BR 11-4-13

1. It will make people less likely to vote.

2. Most likely; it makes things more difficult than necessary, which can in turn cause intrusion of voting rights.

BR 10-31-13

1. Yes; the letter was being given to kids, and this could potentially hurt their feelings and lead to psychological problems if these letters would be enforced.

2. She does have the right as it is freedom of speech. She is voicing her opinion in a manner that does not cause physical harm to anybody.

Question for Drinking Age Debate

Pro: The argument of maturity has come to question about this issue in several cases. Do you think that people are mature enough to handle themselves with alcohol at the age of 18?

Cons: Are there any possible health conditions that can result of excessive drinking under the age of 21?

BR 10-30-13

1. Younger voters have become more Democrat-oriented in recent years.

2. Yes; younger people throughout the nation seem to be swinging in support of the Democratic Party.

3. The Democratic Party will win more elections, which will lead to a more liberal-minded society in the future.

Assignment 10-29-13

1.)
-Why is the Capitol Building being pushed off the cliff? Cartoon's message.
-What does the elephant on the top of the cliff represent? Use of images.
-What is the significance of the setting of the cartoon? Subject of the cartoon.
- What does the officer handcuffing the elephant represent? Use of images.
-Why is the elephant being arrested? Cartoon's message.

2.)
Let your eyes "float" over the cartoon.
Use the significance of the most emphasized images to follow the flow of the cartoon.
Determine who the cartoon is trying to target.
Understand the context of which the cartoon was created under.
Look for symbols or images that recur throughout politics.
Look for any other minor contributions the artist made to create humor or add to the situation.

3.)
Symbolism: cartoonists use symbols of smaller ideas to represent larger ideas and guide interpretations of the audience in this way.

Exaggeration: cartoonists exaggerate physical characteristics of things to make or emphasize a point.

Labeling: cartoonists sometimes label things in order to provide clarity of what is going on in the cartoon.

Analogy: cartoonists use comparisons of simple things and apply them to a more complex subject to help the audience understand the situation with more depth.

Irony: cartoonists use irony to provide humor to  a situation or to express their opinion of the issue at hand.

BR 10-29-13

1. Although I don't agree with the "fat test" and its methods, I do agree that it is legal. The military is a organization that has a right to decide who serves our country or who is most beneficial in service.

2. No; being fit is being able to perform work with efficiency. Just because someone is thin, does not mean that they are able to efficiently perform work. The same goes for larger people with the ability to perform this work.

3. I would create a more in-depth test, based more on the ability to perform work or physical activities, rather than the size of the individual.

Political Standpoint Quizzes

Based on your responses, YOU are a… Post-Modern

Along with 13% of the public

Overall, your political values are closest to those of an…Independent

You Are 35% Conservative, 65% Liberal

According to your answers, the political group that agrees with you most is...

CENTRIST

Economic Left/Right: 1.12
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -2.41

Based on the results of all five quizzes, I found that I was very moderate with a slight right lean. With that being said, I was very liberal on most social issues and somewhat conservative on economic issues. I can agree with what these surveys told me, as it only reinforced what I previously thought about my political standpoint. Compromise is the most important aspect of governing to me, and being moderate is the easiest way to go about compromise.

10-28-13

1. This article is demeaning to the Confederates. They talk about the Confederates as if they were not even U.S. citizens, while they were just as much a part of the United States as the Union was. Even though the morals of the South are considered unjust in today's society and the Union prevailed overall, doesn't mean that the Confederates were bad. There is always two sides to the argument.

2. I disagree with the author on many levels.

3. People associate the flag with slavery and racial tension, rather than a side in the Civil War. They use it as a symbol for racist pride almost, and the connotations have stuck with it.

Assignment on 5-2

Origins  (to 1800)

Antifederalists: Wanted individual rights and didn't want the National Government to have too much power. Opposed the ratification of the Constitution. Farmers and very rural people supported it some.

Federalists: Wanted the Constitution to be ratified. Wanted a loose government all around, but the Constitution to enforce rights

1800-1860

Democrats:  Voting rights for all white males, a huge increase in the number of elected offices around the country, and the spread of the spoils system. Small farmers, debtors, frontier pioneers, and slaveholders were the main ones.

Whigs: Opposed to the tenets of Jacksonian democracy and strongly supported a high tariff. Bankers, merchants, and industrialists were the main supporters.

1860-1932

Democrats: Opposed sectionalism and helped pushed the nation's party politics back toward the economic arena. Businesses were heavy supporters

Republicans: Rights for African Americans and farmers, laborers, and newly freed African Americans.

                                                                                                                                                          

1932-1968

Democrats: Restoring the nation's economic and social life. Southerners, farmers, and big-city political organizations support it

Republicans: Restoring the nation's economic and social life. Northerners and manufacturers supported it completely.

BR 10-22-13

1. Yes; it is a frivolous lawsuit. The man is obviously not permanently injured from the car crash, so he has no case. He wouldn't have had the ability to push a rock of that size with the disabilities he was claiming to have.
2. I do believe they should be charged with destruction of property. That landmark was a part of a national park, which means the government has a right to protect it against the actions of people like those men.

BR 10-21-13

1. Breaking away from our devices is difficult, because these devices have become so handy and make things so much easier in all walks of our lives. We have formed a type of dependency on such devices.

2. Surviving without any type of technological device would be difficult for me. I use my cell phone for all type of communication, acquiring helpful information, as well as keeping me entertained in times of boredom.

BR 10-17-13

1. The next step is no change in Congress. The workings of our Legislative Branch will most likely remain the same, especially on the basis of Obama Care.

BR 10-16-13

1. No; bullying is practically tradition  in adolescent years. The seriousness of the matter, especially with cyberbullying is not to be taken lightly, but charging the girls with a felony is too serious for girls of that age, an age at which they might not understand the consequences of their actions. Other repercussions should be taken to correct this though.

2. Misdemeanors are not as serious as felonies. Felonies deal with criminal cases with huge fines or very prolonged amounts of imprisonment, misdemeanors are usually punished with minimum to moderate fines and shorts periods of imprisonment.

3. Better parenting methods should be taken into consideration, but to fix this a new mindset must be initiated by the kids in the first place.  

People Who Made A Difference

Alice Paul
- She grew up in New Jersey.
- She was a very influential women's rights activist.

Margaret Sanger
- She was born in 1879.
- She was very big on pushing birth control. This is what she is best-known for.

Deganawidah "The Great Peacemaker"
- He was a spiritual healer.
- He helped start the Iroquios League.
- He was born in the 13th or 14th century.

Eva Perone
- She was born May 7, 1919.
- She moved to Buenos Aires at the age of 15 to become an actress.

Harriet Beecher Stowe
- She was an American-abolitionist and an author.
- Her mom passed when she was only 4 years old.

Jon Keynes
-Very socialistic in thoughts, gov't should give people money.
- Suffered from a series of heart attacks.

Frances Willard
- Best-known for her help in passing the 18th and 19th amendments.
- Spent most of her childhood in Wisconsin.

Eugene V. Debbs
- Born in 1855 in Indiana.
-Quit school at the age of 14 to become railroad hand.

Betty Williams
- Won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1976
- Co-founder of Community of Peace People

Emmeline Pankhurst
- She married Richard Pankhurst
- British Political Activist

Helena Rubinstein
- Specialized in health and medical research.
- Started the Helena Rubinstein Foundation.

Edward Jenner
- Went off to study surgery at the age of 14.
- Developed the word vaccine.
- Developed the Smallpox vaccine.

Delores Huerta
- Worked as an elementary school teacher.
- She is a labor leader and civil rights activist.

Tagore
- Born in 1841
- Made over 2500 works during the Renaissance.

Dorothy Hodgkin
- Her father was an archaeologist.
- She decided to take chemistry in school, rather than archaeology.
- Credited with X-ray crystallography.

BR 10-15-13

There's nothing we really can do about it. The janitor offered the kids a dollar to "rough up" a kid for swearing at her. She cleared all previous background checks and had all the specific requirements necessary to work there. This is just an act of misconduct and can't really be controlled with how our society works.

BR 10-14-13

The article speaks of the protests at the WWII memorial. People gathered at the memorial to protest the government shutdown. It differed in purpose. Prior protests were to gain worker's rights mostly.

BR 10-11-13

1. Forcing the states to pay for something that is the national government's responsibility is not right. The national government should take responsibility for what they're responsible for.

2. Great Smoky Mountains; I think they're beautiful and unique, and I've always enjoyed mountains and the crazy geologic landforms that are created.

BR 10-10-13

1. It says that our nation as a whole does not approve of what our Legislative Branch is doing. If someone would choose hemorrhoids or jury duty over Congress, there is a problem.

2. I would do the only thing I know how to do, give it time. The only way possible to rectify the situation would be giving it time.

BR 10-9-13

1. Yes, regulations on campaign contributions should have some regulations for a more equal chance on representation. The regulations on campaigns currently are sufficient on this matter. I can also see the other side of the argument on the basis of freedom of expression though.

2. Freedom of expression gives people the right to express support, money, thoughts, and feelings towards whatever cause they wish. Putting regulations on campaign contributions denies people this right in some regards. It is their money, and they have the right to do with it what they please, constitutionally speaking.

3. The only way spending of personal funds should be limited is when it deals with equality among the nation as a whole. The campaign contribution regulations are a good example of this.

4. Campaigns would be allowed to recieve as much money as they want from contributors. This might lead to the side with more money dominating over the side with less money, making elections somewhat unfair.

BR 10-8-13

     I disagree with changing the name of the Washington Redskins to the Washington Indians. Although it can be taken as a racial or politically incorrect terminology, it is not used prominently in today's society in this way. This slur isn't used to insult Indians or Native Americans nowadays. I will admit, though, that it is definitely politically incorrect.

Response to Grandson

Well, Joshua, the biggest difference I made in my life was being the father of your mother and the grandfather of you. The most important difference you can make in somebody's life is passing what you know and applying what you learn throughout different aspects of your life to teach them for the common good of society. So, you, are my greatest achievement overall.

BR 10-7-13

1. It shows that our nation needs stronger flight security, among minors anyway.
2. It doesn't surprise me. It's easy to assume that a 9-year-old child would just be with their parent, and it's hard to be suspicious of a child in the same way you would be about an adult.

BR 9-30-13

The first two articles are about various terrorist attacks throughout the U.S. The third article is describing a time of government shutdown, very similar about what is to happen tomorrow in our country. The first attack received much more attention than the second, even though many more people were killed in the second attack. This might be because nobody wants to believe that an American killed that many people.

1. They're all from the 90s.

BR 9-19-13

     Playing violent video games does not in any way contribute to shootings. Studies have shown that video games can actually be a relaxing or soothing activity to people with ADD or ADHD. Just because something is simulated does not mean that the consumer will experience this in real life. You may play a flight simulation video game, but this doesn't mean you're going to be a pilot. Violent video games only have a profound influence on young children. Bad parenting is the cause for the influence from violent video games.

BR 9-18-13

1. To prevent drug usage, suicide, and murders

2. No. Nothing on a social media site is "private" in the first place. The whole purpose of social media sites are to interact with others and post your thoughts and desires. Anything posted on a social media site can be seen without any real "invasion of privacy".

3. I wouldn't really care. I'm indifferent to the whole situation.

BR 9-17-13

1. It goes against the whole idea of a melting pot. People have a hard time accepting those who are different.

2. Nope. Some demographics are more likely to be discriminated against compared to others.

BR 9-16-13

50 Years ago today, a terrible event occurred-- the bombing of a Black church in Birmingham, Alabama. This bombing killed four little girls. The four girls, Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson, Denise McNair, changed the course of history as we know it. This blast was planned by the Ku Klux Klan.

9/11 Assignment 9-12-13

The YouTube video we watched made more of an impact on me than any other 9/11 video previously. The personal account of the event made everything seem so much more real and personal. It's natural for somebody to feel this way about it though. I mean, I still don't completely understand the multitude of the situation, but getting an inside story makes me comprehend it a little more.


http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/26/nyregion/26NTOWER.html

This is an article of first hand accounts from people in the North Tower. The frantic reactions of all the people makes everything seem so real. I couldn't imagine being in that situation. Hearing all these situations out in my head reminds me of horrific instances in the past that I've encountered. After reading this article, it puts me in the mindset of protection over privacy. Nobody wants that to happen, and if searching your Facebook means stopping a terrorist, I believe it's necessary to do so.


There are a few accounts on this resource that are all pretty "heavy." The first story is about a man who was living in New York for a very short time, but gotten a phone call from his parents in Australia explaining what was happening. He opened his door to snap some pictures of the events and soon found himself dodging falling debris. Then, in a matter of minutes, was escaping from his small apartment and down the street to avoid that of a whole tower turning into that of rubble. It is pretty hard to think about that because what if I was there? My adrenaline would be pumping furiously, I'm sure, and I wouldn't be thinking about anyone else but myself just trying to get out of there and to safety.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-09-09/eyewitness-accounts-of-september-11/2866958

BR 9-13-13

1. Taliban is still making headlines, even with failed attempts. It seems as though they are, at this point, just trying to stay relevant.

2. Failure. It's like bullying. No matter how much you try to get rid of it, it's simply an impossibility. There will always be acts of terrorism, just as there will always be acts of bullying.

BR 9-12-13

1. This article speaks on the topic of employment throughout the nation. Unemployment has remained high even though layoffs are at a very low rate. Those looking for jobs will still be concerned as the rates of hiring did not increase.
2. In a way, it does. Steady employment is better than a fluctuating employment rate. With a steady employment rate, we can more easily work on a steady improvement towards better employment.

BR 9-11-13

     On the matters of security versus privacy, a few guidelines should be taken into consideration. On one hand, viewing internet information (e-mails, Facebook, etc.) can potentially save the lives of many innocent people from the threat of terrorist acts. On the other hand, though, the Government should know where to drawn the line. Determining the line between safety and privacy is the major controversial issue behind this. How far will the Government take it until they finally invade the privacy of our fellow U.S. citizens? Security is of the utmost importance in this situation.

BR-9-5-13

1. No; McDonald's should not raise the prices on the Dollar Menu. Instead, they should come up with more innovative ideas to create more of sales pitch. Raising the prices would only drive customers away.
2. They should be paid a "living wage", but based on the economic status of McDonald's currently, they are probably unable to provide entry level employees with that high of a salary.

BR-9-4-13

1. A person should pursue the degree that makes them happy. Salary is obviously an important aspect today, but your career choice shouldn't be based entirely off of it. It's better to work for less pay doing what you love than to make a lot of money and hate your job.
2. I'd like to see which group of college graduates is happier: those who pursued a degree based on financial gain or those who pursued a degree based on their interests.
3. It won't impact me at all. I'm going to continue to do what I want to do. This article had no influence on my prior thoughts about college.

BR-9-3-13

1. I do not think it's an invasion of privacy, because it is being used for good intentions in most cases. Also, these requests for information first have to be approved by Facebook.
2. This case does in fact comply with the terms and conditions of Facebook.
3. It does not violate the 4th Amendment.

BR- 8-30-13

I feel this is a case that is blown way out of proportion. In no way did the woman express concern with the people being threatened by the fact they were black, nor does the article even say that the whole group was black. At the same time though, I believe it was wrong to refuse them service based only on the concern of a single customer. Regardless of race, the restaurant does maintain the right to deny anybody service for a viable cause.

I Have a Dream Assignment

#4   “I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.” 

     King most likely meant to use the "table of brotherhood" as a metaphor to show union and forgiveness among Blacks and Whites. During this time period, it would have been outrageous for this type of thing to occur. It applies much to how gays are treated in today's society. People develop a "phobia" or don't like to associate with people who are different. In order to see everybody equally, King explains that we must look passed the exterior images to see us all as human beings. 

BR- 8-29-13

1. The emancipation proclamation came as a "great beakon of light" for the African Americans.
2. Although they were free, they still felt racial persecution as a result of segregation.
3. "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"
4. Instead of honoring this quote, Americans have given the African Americans a "bad check" persay. "And we refuse to believe that the bank of justice has gone bankrupt."
5. "now is the time to rise from the dark...and stand against racial injustice"
6. "We can never become satisfied as long as the negro man is still a victim of police brutality."
7. "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up upon the laws it was founded." or something like that.
8. "That one day, even the state of Mississippi...will be transformed into an oasis of justice."
9. "I have a dream, that my children will not be judged for the color of their skin, but for content of their character."
10. "Free at last, free at last! Thank god almighty, we are free at last!"

BR 8-27-13

1. I believe they should not have been tried as adults. Although they both have previous convictions for assault, they are both under the age of 18 and would not even survive in a regular prison. They should be put in juvenile institutions until the age of 18, and a case of further prison sentencing should be held at this point.

2. Their names should remain undisclosed because of the nature of the crime. These boys would be targeted by the media and the rest of our society as a result. The legal punishment is sufficient for the crime. There's no need for persecution from the public.

3. These crimes are inevitable. With new advancements in weapon technology, it has become very easy to harm individuals. Almost anybody has the ability to harm another person. There is no real way to stop it as a whole. The only way to hinder this is doing your part by not killing people.