Foreclosures

I'm not quite sure I understand why the government is having to step in and try to help people with their mortgages. These individuals are the ones that took out loans that they couldn't afford to buy a house that was being sold for way more that it was worth. Now the government is having to try and rescue these people. Doesn't sound right to me, what's your take on it?

Weed found on side of road near Tampa

http://www6.comcast.net/news/articles/odd/2007/11/27/ODD.Highway.Pot/?cvqh=disorderly_pot


What's everyones take on the legalization of good old Mary Jane? Personally, I'm all for it. Alcohol is the real enemy. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I never drink, but I recognize the fact that alcohol causes more car related deaths than strictly Marijuana highs. Not to mention the federal government could profit greatly from taxation. I'm curious though, what are some thoughts from people who disagree? FYI though, If you've never tried it successfully, I'm not sure you really have the right to knock it since you don't know what it's like.

Would they kill you?

I'm almost positively sure that in a country, a large part of the income comes from hospital bills and medicine prices. So think about this? Out of all the money "rolling" in from x-rays, check-ups, cancer treatments, STD treatments, etc., if someone found a cure...don't you think it would be ideal to keep it from society? I mean, if you cure everyone of diseases, then doctors, nurses, anesthisiologist, neuralogists, etc., would all be out of jobs. The medical field would cease to exist, which would mean no more making money in the medical field. Universities would lose a huge portion of money from students wanting to go into the field due to having to drop the program from the school's curriculum. The world isn't ready for cures...it would "cost" too much.

Families in Black America

I was listening to 92.1 on the way to school this morning; the topic of the day was the family life of Black America. It was stated that "40% of African-American women never get married." Callers responded to the statement in numerous ways. Some thought the reason for that high percentage was the behavior of African-American men these days. There is a very low percentage of traditional African-American families with both the mother and the father in the home. Another reason callers thought that 40% of African-American women never get married is because of the way that young ladies are currently being raised. I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I'm not saying that anyone is wrong, but I do belive that both are part of the reason. Although it is "right" for the home to have both parents, I do not believe that a single parent would fail raising a child due to NEEDING the other parent in the household. According to Webster's New World Dictioniary, the definition of "need" is "to be required to; must." It is capable for a single parent to raise a child, although it may be difficult. No, a man can't 100% teach a daughter how to grow up to be a woman, and a woman can't 100% teach a son how to grow up to be a man. However, a woman can teach her son what NOT to be as a man, and a man can teach his daughter what NOT to be as a woman. As far as the way girls are raised today, I think there has been a major change. From my great-grandmother's generation and beyond, down to grandmother's generation, all of the girls were raised to be wives. I, myself, was raised to be an independent, to think for myself and be able to provide for myself and one day, my children. Yes, I know everyone has different circumstances, but everyone no matter who you are, have a mother and a father. I think it is ideal for both parents to raise a child, I just do not believe that the child would be a failure if one parent was not there. Why do I think this? Because I'm living proof.

Black on Black Crime

Last nights GOP Debate was a rather interesting one to me. An African America teenager (with father stand next to him) asked Governor Mitt Romney the question what he would do to improve the war right here in America, black on black crime if he was elected president. Governor Romney answered by saying too many black babies are born out of wed lock and that's where it starts. He plans on getting to the root of the problem starting with the parents. Then he topped it off by saying Bill Cosby was right, when he said it was the parents Faults blacks are the way they are. Now I'm going to try to write this as calmly as I can, But I think that is a bunch of crap. He does know what goes on in the black community besides what he See's on T.V. You know it ticks me off because white republicans are quick to talk about how they don't believe in thing for example abortion, when they are the main ones that get them. Please I know I grow up with white girls who's parents were republicans. They just don't tell when things go on in there household. like an unplanned pregnancy they either go and get a abortion or get married before anyone can tell. We don't do it we just take responsibility and grow up. My boyfriend grow up in a single parent home and he turned out great. This is his last year at FSU he is very active. Then there is my family who's Parents are still married after 24yrs and my oldest brother went to jail last year for drug charges. Not because my parents did raise him right because he got grown and started hanging with the wrong crowd. His charges were dropped and now he learned his lesson and he's back on track. I'm not saying all black parent's are good ones, I just don't like that he stood there and basically say indirectly that we should be more like them. As for Bill Cobsy that would take another blog to tell u what I think about him and all his speeches. Lets just say outside of the Cobsy Show I don't care for him.

False Advertising

After catching an advertisement for a great deal at a local pub for domestic beers, I stopped in to take advantage of this; when asked I requested a Yuengling lager, upon delivery I was in turn asked for $3.75, the same for a foreign beer…This was no deal by any standard! Of course I questioned about the happy hour domestic deal and I was told that Yuengling was not on the domestic list. Huh? Not only is it absolutely made here, it is the oldest American brewery in the United States! After calmly explaining all of this to the unimpressed barmaid, her retort was that, “domestic means whatever I say it is.” Not only is this false advertising but poor use of the English language I say. If this place wants to sell only the normal tasteless, garbage-water Bud/Miller Lite crap for cheap, fine, but don’t call it a deal for “domestic” products. Bars and clubs somehow are able to live by rules ungoverned when it comes to specials—take the ‘ladies night’ promo we all know and love, anywhere else this could be considered discrimination. Just because we’re killing brain cells doesn’t make us stupid!

Don't let your job go to your head.

Judge Robert Restaino of Niagra Falls, New York sent 46 people to jail after no one accounted for a ringing cell phone in his court room. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? That is nothing more than halarious to me. Also, I feel embarrassed for the man. A little egomaniacal if you ask me. Get over it Robert. What is even more funny is the fact that the judge decided to release the defendants AFTER learning that reporters were aware of the large incarceration.

Green House Gases

I'm no scientist. Still, I wonder about the claims that scientists make about global warming. I just want to state that the world is constantly changing. Take a moment to think back to the idea of Pangea. If green house gases did not change, but stayed the same would our world have evolved as it did? In this article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071123/ap_on_sc/greenhouse_gases, The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that, "by 2020, 75 million to 250 million people in Africa will suffer water shortages, residents of Asia's large cities will be at great risk of river and coastal flooding, Europeans can expect extensive species loss, and North Americans will experience longer and hotter heat waves and greater competition for water." Isn't this change repetitive? I feel that this change is here for a reason. Global warming is just natures way of controling population. (That is all population, including humans!) this just proves that life is about survival of the fitist and species of all kinds will have to adapt to survive. After all, there is not enough room on the earth for every animal. (I don't think I would like it if Dinosaurs were still around!) So I leave you with this...Maybe green houses gases and global warming serve a big purpose and are not so bad.

Green House Gases

I'm no scientist. Still, I wonder about the claims that scientists make about global warming. I just want to state that the world is constantly changing. Take a moment to think back to the idea of Pangea. If green house gases did not change, but stayed the same would our world have evolved as it did? In this article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071123/ap_on_sc/greenhouse_gases, The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that, "by 2020, 75 million to 250 million people in Africa will suffer water shortages, residents of Asia's large cities will be at great risk of river and coastal flooding, Europeans can expect extensive species loss, and North Americans will experience longer and hotter heat waves and greater competition for water." Isn't this change repetitive? I feel that this change is here for a reason. Global warming is just natures way of controling population. (That is all population, including humans!) this just proves that life is about survival of the fitist and species of all kinds will have to adapt to survive. After all, there is not enough room on the earth for every animal. (I don't think I would like it if Dinosaurs were still around!) So I leave you with this...Maybe green houses gases and global warming serve a big purpose and are not so bad.

Sean Taylor's tragic death

Sean Taylor's tragic death sould be a reminder to us all that life is short and that athletes and celebrities are targeted for their wealth. On the field athletes are bonded together as brothers and off the field the bond remains just as strong.

DeJa rusalem Vu

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas are meeting in Annapolis to begin negotiations for 2 separate states and a possible peace between the two groups. Aside from my really bad play on words in the title, is this going to work? Or will we see a repeat of what happened during the Clinton administration? Some say that Clinton pushed so hard for peace talks in the region that it actually created more problems and led to further conflict between the two.

The recent talks are contrary to Bush's words in 2001 at his first meeting of the National Security Council where it was said that the administration would not be drawn into the peace talks between Israel and Palestine. Many doubt to see any real outcome to the talks. The meeting is being held to set up an outline for negotiations to begin before the end of the Bush administration. Bush believes the talks should have an open ended goal to "bring an end to bloodshed, suffering and decades of conflict" that doesn't focus on disagreements of the past.

What is different in these talks from those of the Clinton administration? Will these prove to be more successful? Why did the current administration turn from "not being involved" to suddenly being at the forefront?

I believe that Condoleeza Rice is doing her best to be diplomatic and make changes in the region, and has gotten more involved in it especially because of the war in Iraq. The region has been politically unstable for as long as I can remember and our presence there compounds the problems. It's hard for me to believe that there can peace for the region anywhere in the near future; there are too many warring factions, sects and idealists for anyone to ever come up with a compromise. And, when one leader tries to do well, some fundamentalist religious leader shows up and tears it all down. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, whom Abbas has been struggling with for power, denounced any kind of peace agreements with Israel on television saying that, " The Palestinian people will not be bound by anything the Palestinian Authority agrees to in Annapolis."

Can there ever really be peace in the Middle East? (I had to say it)

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/11/27/mideast.summit/index.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/26/washington/26rice.html

Vigilantes or bigots

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-minutemen2507nov25,0,6920660.story?page=1 I think a majority of the people who are mintue men, are not out to get somebody because they are raciest. The main fact here is that something does need to be done about illegal immigration. I do feel sorry for what mexicans are having to go through in their country and no I would not want to live there and would look for a better alternitive too, but I would do it legally! I think a lot of people miss that word. The issue is not that we don't want them here (there are some that think that way) the issue is the way they are going about it. Do it LEGALLY and there is no problem.

What is really fair?

Okay So while responding to someones blog it got me thinking about the Justice system and how unfair it really is. Take Micheal Vick for example he just got he's whole life taking from him for FIGHTING DOGS. Come on, now that I think more about it, it makes me mad. People are making such a big deal about this like he is a serial Killer. Don't get me wrong I have a dog that I love very much. If something happens to him I would be sad, but he isn't a human I won't grieve for him like i would a real person. Man people go hunting all the Time and kill Deers and such for the game, What about those animals? I don't see people boo hoo crying and giving people prison time for that Crap. Paris Hilton Received 45days in jail, but the sentence got reduced to 23 days for good behavior. Nichole Richie and Lindsey Lohan is another display of unfair Justice with there DUI charges and only serving 84 and 82mintues in Jail. Micheal Vick is facing up to 5 year in federal prison for FIGHTING DOGS. That is like around the same amount of time a convicted rapist would receive. I do believe Micheal Vick should receive a punishment, maybe even suspension from the team. I don't however believe it would be fair if they give him Prison time. You know white people hate for black people to always pull the race card, and I have to admit sometime is is about taking responsibility. However in this case I think the race card should be pulled. If Micheal Vick wasn't black do you think this would have been Made a big deal? Isn't it enough that he has had is whole career taken from him? I'm just saying The justice system really needs some work. After Paris got of jail they praised her, she scored top interviews with Larry King and People magazine. The 23day jail sentence made her more popular even with the law. She can get a job anywhere, but what about Micheal Vick. If he goes to prison there won't be a welcome party with flashing cameras waiting outside. There won't be anything or anybody waiting trying to give him interviews or even a job. As of November 26, 2007 Vick was being held at Northern Neck Regional Jail in Warsaw, Virginia awaiting sentencing on the federal convictions on December 10, 2007. So I guess I'll have to wait and see what the sentence will be.

Good Enough

Okay listen this is the way i really feel! War right now is pointless! Okay you feel as though we should not back out, Why not? We have only accomplished half of our goals, and yes i know that this will take time but how long, i guess it will be over when all loved ones come home dead!!Thats sad to say but true. If America would just think smart there are numerous ways that we can take care of this terrorist problem without continueing this war!

Unfair Justice

Do you ever feel that justice today is unfair! Look around and watch as loved ones
get in trouble and sentenced to life for something that is not that major! Look at celebrities and see what happens to them when they get in trouble, what a pat on the back and then are able to go home. When the courts want to make an example out of someone it is always blacks! i feel that more people should look around any start to notice that somethings are just not right!!

Black Colleges

Kenneth Jost writes an article titled: Black Colleges, Do They Still Have an Important Role? that questions whether historically black colleges should still exist as they can be viewed that they "are academically inferior, promote segregation, and do not prepare students for living in a diverse society." He offers statistics that claim that graduation rates of African Americans are much lower at black colleges than traditional colleges: % of black students who graduate at predominately white schools, highest=93%, lowest=59%; highest percentage at predominately black schools=76%, lowest=6%. W. Connerly, Chairman of the American Civil Rights Institute, gives that, "racial diversity is an intrinsic good that should be supported on every campus," and "historically black colleges are directly opposed to diversity; their entire reason for being is to not be diverse." In contrast, W. H. Gray, Pres and CEO of the United Negro College Fund disagrees and believes that black colleges are vital to the country, states, "the role of historically black colleges in this commonwealth is similar to that of Notre Dame (catholic), Brandeis (Jewish), Smith (women), and HINU (American INdians), these institutions provide access to choice to minorities. This is an interesting yet tough debate for me, I don't know if I believe that black colleges "promote segregation", as I have never thought of it that way, but it certainly might be so. I know this is anecdotal, but my stepmother attended and received a degree from FAM and she stated that she actually felt unwelcome at times by faculty and peers alike. I think that institutions of higher learning should not promote racism, even indirectly. There are so many stressors intertwined in the college experience that acceptance should not be an issue. Besides, to be educated is to see past such boundaries, so if the foundation of a college is promoting enrolling persons of a select nationality, it is not living up to its accreditation.

Anyone got roid rage?

I recently heard that Barry Bonds has been indicted for lying to a grand jury about the use of steroids. Should the government have been involved in the first place, it is a matter of the MLB, so why isn't it left up to them?

why are we still fighting in te war

I want somebody to answer me this one question. Why are we still fighting in the war and its been almost 7 years? There have been no weapons of mass destruction found, Osama Bin Laden has not been found nor do i think anyone will ever find him so why are we still sending troops over there to be killed? Someone should send George W. Bush over there and let him see what the troops go through everyday?

Tiffany

Not Good Enough

Some say we should stay in the war and some say that we need to pull out. Either way something has to be done quickly. This war is devasting to not only our economy, but also our soldiers. *Note: This image displays a soldier with horrendous injuries* It's a shame that there isn't some magical pill to make it all go away. If only we could have better medicine, more robotics involved in war, or just have abstinence from war altogether.

I Hope You Get Sick!

I recently watched the documentary by Michael Moore on the American healthcare system(SICKO). In the movie Moore travels to many different countries that have universal healthcare and seem to be doing well, opposite of what our media or government tells us. Now I understand that some of it can be untrue or false, but for the most part I have to agree with the idea of universal healthcare. When will the happen for the U.S.? When will the people of America stand up against the government and show them that we run this country, not them? If we show them we are not afraid of them, then maybe there could be some change!

MRSA

There is a new danger living in our community—MRSA, the “superbug” that has taken the world by storm. It is an extremely vulnerable bacteria; the acronym stands for methicillin-resistant staph aureus. It is significant because it does not respond to most antibiotics. Get a positive culture for it in the hospital and watch how quickly you are put on “contact isolation” which includes every hospital personnel donning gowns, gloves, and sometimes even a mask to protect themselves (and other patients) from the spread. According to this article: http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/document.php?id=cqresrre2007082400&type=query&num=mrsa&
Most hospitals are not required to publish infection reports (FLA does), but shouldn’t they have to? As advocates for community safety, I think they should, and it’s a little strange that they are not required to do so as this is such a prevalent infection that kills even healthy people! The article reads that over 3% of hospitalized persons have MRSA. Also, they say “most experts agree the government should spend more on disease-surveillance and anti-resistance efforts” and “Ideally, Congress should establish an antibiotic-resistance coordinator who reports directly to the secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). A direct line to the Cabinet is vital, he says, because other departments — including Defense, Veterans Affairs and Agriculture — also have roles to play.” How can we prevent the spread of this new enemy? Wash your hands after using the bathroom.

Does Heaven truly have a Ghetto?

I was so surprised that 2pac's song was used to teach a lesson! Although I've heard the song before I've never looked at it from a political point of view. When listening to the song (which I'm doing right now) the last thing that comes to mind is political ideologies or logical fallacies. Until it was mentioned, I did not know that Pac was talking about another politican besides Bush. When I hear "Rockefeller," Jay-Z came to mind even though Pac was awhile before his time! Today's class was a more enjoyable one because something that is interesting and very common in my everyday life was presented to me from a different point of view and I actually understood it.

I Want Some Crack!

In class on Tuesday, we reviewed previous journals and somehow the topic of comparing the amount it takes to be imprisoned with cocaine versus crack. The argument was made that one can be jailed for having 50 mg of crack but it takes 500 mg of cocaine; (I may be getting the language wrong but you can see the basic idea here) the underlying issue being that crack is primarily abused by African Americans and cocaine by predominately white people and thus an injustice exists. Perhaps we should look at the pathophysiology of this law: first, how much blow does it take to make rocks? And can one get physically higher with less crack than powder? What we really need is the precise pharmacokinetics of crack versus cocaine! Seriously though, the more I thought about this the more ridiculous it seemed; are we actually arguing that it’s not fair to the black addicts that the white addicts get away with more smack!? Or the law is tougher on black addicts than white?! You should be ashamed if this is truly how you think, stop diverting responsibility and focus on action, not reaction. Did the crackhead get more time than the cokehead? Maybe, and was it less fair? Probably, but at the end of the day was the one guy still busted for smoking crack? If you want justice to exist, then advocate for people to be law-abiding; this is not a problem with “the man”, this is a you problem! Really want this to go away? THEN STOP SMOKING CRACK!

SHOW ME THE MONEY!!

As you all may know Republican Fred Thompson accepted endorsements from the Pro-Life Group. This is quite interesting because he once supported the Pro-Choice group in the early 90's. People say it is fair for you to grow and learn and therefore change your decision on matters. Though, how will this change affect his campaigning? It is almost as if he is going to which ever group gives him a large chunk of change. I believe Fred Thompson's future is looking rather grim.

WHy?

HAve you ever wondered; Why should the U.S. continue fighting the Iraqi war, when the Iraq government has only accomplished five out of the 12 goals established by the U.S.

What should we do?

If you havent noticed there has been alot of wrecks here lately in Marianna, fl and numerous of other places. And if you read in the paper it is mostely teenagers that have been driving drunk or doing something real stupid on the road while driving..I think we need to all ask ourselves is there some ways that we can prevent this from being a loved one next or close friend

Fraud at the Polls?

I am new to the voting population. This will be my first year to vote. Growing up I have heard many stories of people voting under different names and for their dead relatives. To my understanding, when at the polls a person has to have their voter I.D. card and a picture I.D. So why is there so many cases of fraud? I feel that something should be done to prevent this. Maybe becoming registered to vote should be as extensive as getting your drivers licence. This article that I read talks about people who's information is not current and out of date. Something should be done about this matter.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071113/ap_on_el_pr/scotus_voter_id;_ylt=AjdpdEAzY54fFLRbzXXE3kph24cA

Hidden War Costs

How come certain costs from the war have been hidden? Are the real figures being hidden so that politics will not look bad when it comes time for elections? I feel that the U.S. does not have the money to support this war. At the same time, I do support our troops who are putting their lives on the line for us. I also feel that the government should report truthful figures to the public. We should know where our tax dollars are going and also the borrowed money from other countries. This is part of the reason the American dollar is loosing value.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071113/pl_nm/usa_war_costs_dc

Political Savior or Slayer?

It is plain to see that the internet proves to be a powerful tool towards politics. Is it a good or bad thing? Through the internet low-funded candidates can seek sponsors. It is also true that personal opinions and ideas can also run rampant and replace facts through the internet also. Could it be that the candidate that was just for you, that supported all of your ideas, but never received the funding can gain more acceptance through the internet? Or will the use of the internet just further confuse the public and make them even more politically ignorant?

Final Daily Journals

12. Do you watch any TV shows that are political? If so, which ones?
13. What frustrates you about this class?
14. Was there anything in this class you expected to talk about that we didn't?
15. Based on your research, what is the answer to your research topic?

Note that you cannot submit No. 15 until you have completed all three research assignments.

What should we do?

To all of you that were satisfied with going to war six years ago, but now opposed to it. To everyone that wants our president out of office because you feel the war is now "pointless". What will you do when we pull out before establishing a government? Having our troops home doesn't fix the greater problems.

North Korea and WMDs (for real this time)

North Korea has demonstrated that it has a nuclear program and given the governments bizarre antics and control, is it wise for us to be concerned? A recent poll that I heard about in a South Korean newspaper announced that if the North were to go to war with America, 40% would back its enemy, North Korea. This illustrates how dangerous the hated is that many countries have for America; I think we are always at risk because of it. But it has been exacerbated by our Executive administration's recent shenanagans in Iraq, and how we dealth with it, I pose the question: Under the current Executive Branch administration's policy of pre-emptive strikes against countries possessing the ability to harm the United States or sell weapon technology to countries with that aim, why has that policy not been applied to North Korea?"

Give the Man some Respect!

Anytime you turn on the radio, watch t.v., or get into any kind of political conversation, you usually always hear someone express their discuss or hatred with the current administration. I do understand that some people will always be displeased with whatever administration is in power, but I have never heard or have seen so many people with such disrespect for the President and other government officials as I have with the current administration. When are we going to get a president who brings back the class and demand for respect and results that so many people crave? When are we going to get a president who "brings back" the great name of the United States?

Uneasy

America seems to be uneasy whenever China takes any actions. They were able to make America fret when they destroyed their old satellite with a land based missile. Now China wants to join the International Space Station crew, but America says no communists allowed. If America is so uneasy about China's status, why is it that the trading between the two countries continue? After all the lead in the toys combined with what seems to be our skeptical outlook of the Chinese, what are we doing acting like buddies?

Journal Questions

10. What are your favorite movies that deal with politics?

11. Have you ever read any political books for any reason other than class? If so, which ones? What was your favorite?

When are we going to Learn?

When I say that I am bewildered as to why gasoline prices are so high, yet corporate profits for Exxon are shooting for a fourth year of world wide record profits, I mean that sincerely. There doesn't seem to be any logic on why the oil giants are making unheard of profits yet them blame the high price of crude oil, which is currently somewhere around $95 per barrel.

I would be guessing that these companies don't want to spend millions on trying to convince us why gas goes up, like they have in the past. Perhaps, they are just tired of lying so they can increase there profits even more. I don't know. I would really like to hear a logical explanation to this puzzlement of mine. And even if someone could, it really wouldn't persuade people because every one I talked to is so sick and tired of this and our gut feelings tells us that uncontrollable greed is the only motivating factor.

For me it would be logical and sound business practices, that if the costs of goods used for my products goes up, I can either raise my prices to have the same profit margin, or I can keep my prices the same and lower my profit margin. The oil companies are raising their prices and their profits, which have reached record levels like never heard of before. Exxon made over $39 Billion profit last year, the third straight year of record profit. I understand that a company has the right to make a profit, but this to me is criminal, especially when it is killing our economy and hurting millions of people. It doesn't surprise me that they can get away with it under this current Republican Administration. Greed...Greed...Greed.

I have been around long enough to know that the oil companies have lied to the American public before. In the so called oil crisis of the 1970's, when there was a "shortage" of oil production, large fleets of oil tankers parked their ships off the coast in the Atlantic waiting for the price of oil to go up before making port. That was during another Republican Administration, I wonder if there is a connection there?

If anyone is to blame it should be all of us. First, by allowing our complacency to look the other way all these years, second, for not seeking out alternative sources of renewable energy, and supporting the effort (Reagan's first act of his presidency, was to take down the solar panels that President Carter installed on top of the White House as a signal to the oil companies), and third,
by not using the one power we do have over business, and that is our purchasing power. The fact that we are in this predicament is just a further testiment that all of our lives have become so "self-centered" that we forgot what America was suppose to stand for, at least, a long, long time ago, perhaps in a far away galaxy?