Would Isolationism work today?

Looking at the presidential candidates, and all of the grafiti that has recently been posted about Ron Paul and his political views, does anyone think that a Libertarian stance on foreign policy would work in the world today? I think some aspects of it would be awesome (read rediculously Lassez Faire govornment) and the fact that they believe in a more isolationist and America First orientated foreign policy seems like a good idea (in theory). I think that some of the proposed ideas would fail miserably, but what is the worst, four years of something sucking? To have any sort of chance in not bogging ourselves down in a way of thought (more so) we need radical change to aid in finding a happy medium. I think that is what some of these things would do (this is jsut a brief overview of a few views/ideas), too. Still--their enviromental policy blows really hard (leaving corporations to police themselves), but for the most part, this stuff seems good on the (very) limited reading I have done on Ron Paul and the other candidates.

Waste of time?

Seeing the higher gas prices topic brought to mind all of the E-Mails, texts, etc. that I have been getting latley. I know that these have a higher purpose (to try and convince people to not drive or buy gas on a certain day in order to make a statement and hopefully lower gas prices), and yeah, I do send some of them on, but does anyone really think that they are going to get a really large section of the community to participate? I doubt that personally. I mean, I hope that even an extreme minority would participate--it would at least do SOMETHING. I just get the feeling that these things are filling up space in my inbox though...

Bird Flu

China has had another case of bird flu. China has had 26 cases of bird flu and out of the 26 17 have been fatel. I know that there is a huge alret to this bird flu but I am not getting it. Why is our government and the rest of the world so worried about somethibg that does not seem to be as serious as first expected? Is the government making a big deal for nothing or are they really just trying to prpare us incase in does eventually mutate to what they first thought it would?

Gas prices on the rise

Do you think gas is to high? Everyday gas prices fluctuates between $2.96-3:15 a gallon(reg). Who can afford these prices? At the rate gas is, it makes it harder to travel for the holidays. After hurricane Katrina, I expected this, but one year later and its still the same. Is the supply demand for the United States that high? If all of America boycotted on buying gas for 2 days, will a change come? Probably not, it might back fire and we all will be walking to where we need to go.

Should we call our troops home?

When we mention the word war it makes some of us break into tears. I have lost the reason to why we are fighting in the first place. Are we fighting for a cause or are we fighting for President Bush? So many of us have lost love ones in this battle, to it is a shame. No more troops deserve to have there life ended in a senseless battle. Our fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, neices, nephews, grandmothers, grandfathers, and grandkids need to be at home!

Should the police force be banned from using tazer guns?

Within the year of 2007, there have been an increased in deaths with police officers using tazer guns on people. One would think that after at least two cases resulting in death, our police department would use other force. I understand that they must protect themselves,but at what risk to killing someone. What happened to pepper spray, or K-9 attacking the attacker? We must visit the fact that people are dying after being tazed by the police force and something needs to take place, before more unnecessary deaths occur.

Are we truly focusing on a better President?

Well, it's that time for a new President. Who will win? Are Americans really listening to what the candidates have to offer? In a way I feel that we are not listening to what the candidates are offering, but simply looking for a change. Change? Well, if Clinton wins she will be the first woman to be president. If Obama wins, well he's the first African-American to win. Do you think Americans are only focusing on ethnicity, and gender?

Should felons be banned from voting?

Have you ever wondered why felons are banned from voting? Are they not still Americans who have rights? I feel that although someone have committed a crime and are now a felon, we should not ban their right to vote. The decision to vote in a election should be left up to that individual. Would you not consider this a violation of their amendments? What are your thoughts?

banned cell phone use while driving

i think the government should ban cell phone use while driving . people should not be talking and driving at the same time.Way to many people are dying because people are talking on their cell phone and driving at the same time.

Boy gets tasered by police

a 10 year old boy was tasered by police for leading cops on a wild goose chase when police finally caught the driver they tasered him only to find out it was a 10 year old boy. they should not have tasered him the boy is doing fine.


Tiffany

Don Imus new radio show

who ever let on imus have a new radio show should be fired. After he made those racist remarks he shouldn't have been allowed anywhere near the radio or television air waves

Tiffany

Racism in small communities in present day America

Racism in small communities in present day AmericaThis is coming from personal expense. I am a multiracial child with a white mother and black father. I grew up being picked on and stared at like I was a freak. How has racism changed in present day America? I ask myself that from time to time. In bigger cities it has gotten better for individuals much like myself. But in small communities it has not got any better. I still get looked at like a monster. My mother is called rude names and my father is called a scoundrel. I still face it today with my children growing up around vicious people that are intent on hurting their feelings by calling them names such as half breed. One question I know that will be asked to them that has been asked to me a thousand times “what race do I prefer?” Why should we have to choose? Why can’t we all just get along?

Women being discriminated against

Why are women still to this day being discriminated against? In recent debates some Insurance Companies have chosen not to cover birth control but will cover men’s Viagra. Why is this I ask? Both have something to do with the reproductive use, but one can save the lives of women. Birth control not only stops fertilization, but it help control bleeding, and regulates periods. What does Viagra do except keep an erection? So, once again why are women not covered for contraception’s? Insurance companies gets paid plenty, so why do women not only have to pay for health insurance that is bias, but also pay for a median that can help women live fuller heather lives? Is the world still a man’s world? When will we all truly get freedom and equal right for all?

Too much time in front of TV

Are parents spending too much time in front of the television? I as a parent say that we are spending too much time in front of a television. When you race home to see a football game or mini soap opera and forget that it is time to pick your child up from day care then it is too much television. When one quote exactly what the news says and picks the candidates that the news says is best this is too much television. Do you believe that television has caused people to stop using critical thinking skills?

Convince store

Why are Convince stores allowed to raise the price of products double sometimes triple the original price or the cost to make it? An example would be the bags of chips that use to sell for 25 cent that now sell for 65 cent. Why is that and is there any law to help protect the people of the United States from price gauging. Why are stores being allowed to steal from the American people? Not only does it hurt the people but the economy. Prices continue to soar while the price of minimum wage stays the same. This keeps the middle and lower classed stressed and working harder to afford what the convince stores have set a price to fatten their pockets.

Too much time idolizing actors

Are Americans spending too much time idolizing actors and actresses? I would say yes, we worry too much about what Brittany Spears is doing virus are own children. Why do younger generations of Americans struggle to fit the image set before us by magazines of thin models? Why are girls the age of 12 getting plastic surgery to look like these actresses and actors? I think that there should be some truth edited into these magazines about what real American children should look like not like pop stars.

Entitlements to citizens

The United State promises Entitlements to citizens who meet the requirement but have the rules for the entitlements gotten out of hand? I have recently applied for some of these entitlements and found that there is so much red type and by the time my file gets processed that I would be anywhere from 30 day to 3 months. Why must be go throw all the red type? They ask for things that are not even necessarily applying to the help I need. Such as, what political party I like or what is my sexual preference or race. This should not affect the fact that I need help and am applying for it. Why does it feel like when applying for help that you are being interrogated? Is this hassle really necessary?

blue prints

Why are car dealers allowed to buy the blue prints of a vehicle that will revolutionize the world and keep it from us? This act is almost like knowing cigarettes are bad but not telling the people. Environmental cars should be out but car dealers have bought the patens, so that Americans have to keep on buying gas guzzling cars to fatten their pockets. When an idea is made that will save the ecosystem it should be open to the public for use. Not allowing the people to receive better treatment, service, and environmentally friendly products is a form of stealing, much like what car dealers are still doing to this day.

Same sex aboptions

Same sex adoptions should be allowed. Why is it in Florida that same sex couples cannot adopted a child and give them a good home? Children are being left to forester homes when they could get a good home with a successful family. But because the couple is same sex the child is not allowed to live there with to perfectly capable parents. In America this could be viewed as forcing religion on that couple saying its wrong or violating their right to privacy and Bill of rights. Same sex should not matter if the they individuals adopting are qualified to adopt a child.

Rights not taught

Why is it that schools are not made to teach students their rights? It’s like slapping the younger generations in the face. I say it’s because the government wants its further generation dumb so they can take advantage of us and use us the way they want to. What are some solutions to this problem? I say stop forcing the FCAT and start teaching the Bill of Rights.

Forgetting holidays

Are we forgetting what holidays are really about? I do believe so. It’s evident when we ride round and see all the different homes competing with each other to have the best lights or the most people for dinner. The holidays should be remembered as a time of giving and sharing, getting to know ones neighbors and helping the less fortunate. Instead people are racing out to put up all the light, ornaments, and yard decoration instead of things lets donate some clothing to the needy. Why is America one of the richest nations in the world but the people act like they are the greatest and live their own people out in the cold?

Companies getting the best of us

Are technology companies getting the best of us? I do believe so. An example is I have a printer that is 5 years old and I needed a small part but the company is not selling them anymore. But they tell me I can send my old printed in and pay 130 dollars for a new printer to be mailed to me. Why do that when I can get one for 70 dollars at Wal-mart? Companies should have to carry the parts to machines that they have made instead of trying to replace them with machines that will break in a year. I view this as another way for companies to make money off of the people of America.

Social Classes

Why do we have social classes in America? Are they left over from Great Britain’s society? Do we class people by their income? Would Americans benefit from not having classes? I believe that if we got rid of class statues the social economic of America would improve greatly. There would be no more looking at people if they are poor and the certain classes getting tax breaks. What are your views on the subject?

WOW! Thats alot of HAM!

WoW! That is alot of ham. 88,000 dollars? HA! However, although I am amazed I am also a little angry. That is just sad that someone would steal some Christmas hams. I think whoever it is needs to dig a hole and bury themselves. I mean what are you going to do with that much ham? You can't sell it because everyone is looking for it because of the reward. You can't possibly eat that much before it goes bad. So what can you do besides sit on it?


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071203/ap_on_re_au_an/odd_australia_ham_heist;_ylt=AsB1Gb.w2xTRErxY1jE8qz8EtbAF

Fa la la la la...la la la la

I thought this was HILARIOUS! I work at Wal-Mart and right about this time of the year, employees are dreading the customers and their actions, which often lead us into running for the break room mumbling under our breaths. :) Anyways, I thought this article was funny. Don't laugh too hard! :)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071201/ap_on_fe_st/odd_santa_assault_1;_ylt=AueAH0VEES02V5lZTKuI5ToE1vAI

EviL Knievel dies at age 69

Evil Knievel dies at age 69. I dont know how many of you know who Evil Knievel is but I remember as a child sitting in front of the TV watching old re-runs of him doing his famous motorcycle stunts. He was an awesome character. The article says he suffered approximately 40 broken bones before he retired and that everyone expected him to die sooner than he did. I think this was a sad story. :(

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/obit_knievel;_ylt=AqHP_pzl2g_KyjapoOPvChpvzwcF

Jena Six teen close to plea deal.

First of all, I'd like to point out that I am not black. I am fully caucasian (WHITE). However, I do have alot of black friends and people who I consider my family. To me, this 17 year old BOY is being treated way too harshly. How can they justify charging these six teenagers with felonies when hanging nooses on a tree is not considered a hate crime? I believe in all my years (19) on this earth, I haven't seen such stupidity in our system. We are supposed to trust the judicial system. We are supposed to use the judicial system to our advantage. However, we can not get past racism? We are in 2007! Come on. This is just crazy to me.

NEW ORLEANS - A black teenager whose prosecution in the beating of a white classmate led to one of the largest civil rights protests in years is close to a deal that would allow him to plead guilty to a misdemeanor and avoid a second trial, his attorney said Sunday. Mychal Bell, 17, could enter the plea as early as Monday, said attorney Carol Powell Lexing. He has been charged with aggravated second-degree battery and conspiracy.
"We were prepared to go forward with the trial, but you have to do what's best for the client," Lexing said.
LaSalle Parish District Attorney Reed Walters did not return a call Sunday evening requesting comment.
Bell, who is black, is scheduled to go to trial Thursday on the felony charges for his suspected role in an attack on Justin Barker, a white student at Jena High School in central Louisiana.
Barker spent several hours in the emergency room after the attack but was discharged and attended a school event the night after the attack, which occurred about a year ago.
Bell was originally charged as an adult with attempted murder. That charge was reduced before a jury convicted him in June of aggravated second-degree battery. In September, that verdict was thrown out by an appeals court that said Bell should be tried as a juvenile.
The charges against Bell and five other black students led to a civil-rights demonstration in Jena in September. Felony charges against the other students are pending.
Critics said prosecutors have treated blacks more harshly than whites in LaSalle Parish, pointing to an incident three months before the attack on Barker in which three white teens were accused of hanging nooses from a tree at the high school. The three were suspended from school but never criminally charged.
Walters has said there was no state crime to charge them with.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071203/ap_on_re_us/jena_six;_ylt=AsyTLWz742YxbFxxEoXR2wFvzwcF

Tell me what ya'll think?!?!

Crazy man & Hillary...sound familiar?

I copy and pasted this news article from Yahoo. It was actually pretty funny to me. Tell me what ya'll think :)

Man takes hostages in NH Clinton office
ROCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — A mentally unstable man wearing what appeared to be a bomb strapped to his chest walked into a Hillary Rodham Clinton campaign office Friday, took hostages and demanded to speak to the candidate in a standoff that dragged into the night, authorities said.
The man released at least three hostages, but was still holding one person at nightfall, nearly five hours after the ordeal began, according to a law enforcement source who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about the situation.
Clinton was in the Washington area at the time, but the confrontation brought her campaign to a standstill just five weeks before the New Hampshire primary, one of the first tests of the presidential campaign season. She canceled all appearances, as did her husband, and the security around her was increased as a precaution.
In an early evening news conference, Capt. Paul Callaghan repeatedly refused to say how many hostages had been taken.
The man entered the simple storefront office along the town's main street around 1 p.m., ordered people onto the floor and then let a mother and her baby leave, said State Police Maj. Michael Hambrook.
About two hours later, a woman in a green sweater was led away from the building by a SWAT team member. Authorities, some carrying shields and guns, had the building surrounded.

Gunning Down the Mentally Ill

According to the October 2007 edition of JET, a mentally ill 18-year from New York City was gunned down by local police. The boy was yelling out that he had a gun. Although the boy's mom told police that he did not have a gun, police proceeded to gun down the teen that was actually only holding a hairbrush. Incidents like these should be avoided at ALL costs. If policeman make simple mistakes like these, then how efficient can they actually be? Before any action is made, I provisions should be made to make sure that the situation is indeed what it seems.

Rules to the Game of Sex

Genarlow Wilson was freed after two years in prison . He was convicted of aggravated child molestation against a 15-year-old although he was only 17 when the situation occured. According to Georgia law, the age of consent is 16 ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genarlow_Wilson). Had Wilson had vaginal sex with the young girl instead of oral sex, he would have only been charged with a misdemeanor (punishable up to one year) with no sex offender status. But, because he did not have sexual intercourse he was charged with a mandatory 10-year minimum prison sentence. This doesn't make any sense to me. Why would he get a better sentence for actually having sexual intercourse versus oral sex? The 10-year prison sentence was cruel and unusual for the 17-year old. I am glad that he was released from a harsh punishment, but I also believe that for him thinking he was going to be in prison for a minimum of 10 years taught him a lesson. Wilson knew he was legally an adult and should have never had sex with the 15-year old in the first place. I'm not saying he should not have been punished at all, but I believe that 10 years would have been too much. But also think about this? Of all the couples in the world having sex right now, how many do you honestly believe are the same age? No, just because it is happening does not mean that it's right, but it is something that should be considered because it's reality.

Such a fuss over a teddybear!

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,314542,00.html
There is a lot of uproar over a British teacher named Gillian Gibbons. She was sentenced for 15 days in a Sudan prision for allowing her students to name a teddybear Muhammad. It is against Islamic Sharia law to use the prophets name. The teacher could have gotten 40 lashes or six months in prison and a fine for this. If we want to compalin so much here in the U.S., I think we should start paying attention to what the people in other countries are being subject to. This is a harsh punishment for this teacher to have to endure.
Off the subject...why do I keep getting a pencil by my posts?

Is there hope?

There is talk that Palestinians might consider a peace treaty with Israel. Only if it is a permanent agreement. There might be hope yet! I'm wondering though, why weren't any of the other numerous ones that have been agreed upon and broken weren't permanent? Would the conflict have ended long ago if this is all it took?

Stabs boy and then self.

A woman stabbed her 12-year-old autistic nephew in both eyes with a military-style dagger, likely leaving him permanently blind, and i don't understand what would drive someone to do this pointless act of violate to a autistic boy.

Wisconsin Parents

So some parents duct tape their children together, who have no pants on, slap them, hit them with a belt and pour water on them. What kind of sick people are there out there i mean really where they get the idea to do these things to their own children.

Drew Peterson

Ok so Drew Peterson and another man alleged got some truckers to move a package for him. He denied this. I am just wonder about Drew Peterson, he is retired police, he other wife drowned in the bathtub, and his wife is missing or dead. Now one wife dead and other wife is missing odd coincidence.

Approval

I was looking at some approval rating for the president, and congress. They rate 33 and 22.5 respectively I was wondering why they are both so low. Is that many people unset with the government right now.

marriages

How come most of today's marriages end in divorce. Not all some endure the test of time , but most do not they end in divorce. Is it because of the way we are raised to day or what? People have no sense of morals today. Cheating on there significant other, or girl or boyfriend. Just plan breaking the law, people don't have respect for authority anymore or moral.

Man Worked to Death.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071130/od_nm/overwork_dc;_ylt=Ai.uINDdYJO9N2WK.3mtXn.s0NUE

A court ruled Friday that a Tokyo man, employed by Toyota, was literally worked to death. The victim's wife was denied spousal work-related compensation because Toyota claimed he only put in 45 hours of overtime in a month. The courts overruled this decision when evidence was shown that the victim had actually logged in 106 hours of overtime, and his widow was granted compensation. I feel like even 45 hours of overtime can be classified as worked to death, literally or metaphorically. Does anyone know if corporations, or the government in the United States have a cap for overtime, or is it possible to work to death (literally) in America as well?

Who Will Be The Healthcare Hero?

http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/issues/healthcare/index.html

The most important issue for me is universal healthcare for all Americans, this also seems to be a hot topic for the 2008 elections. In the above link you can find a short run down on what the presidential hopefuls think about nationwide healthcare. I am hopeful that the next president will realize the need for equal healthcare, and at least require all employers to carry insurance benefits for their employees. What do you think about universal healthcare, and what do you think is the best plan to accomplish this?

Shooter

One of the main debate topics for the upcoming presidential candidates is gun control. What are your thoughts on this subject? If we take away guns, will deaths go up in other categories?(stabbing, beating,etc.)

I'm a maniac..maniac!

The other day a mentally unsafe man entered the campaign headquarters for Hillary Clinton strapped with roadflares that he claimed were bombs. He took some hostages but later let them all go, his demand was to speak with Hillary. What was his reason for this?

Imus Returns, Will Listeners?

http://www.stargazettenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071201/LIFE/712010302

Imus will be returning to the airwaves on Monday December 3rd, this time with ABC. Imus was fired eight months ago from CBS for racial and sexual remarks against the Rutgers woman's basketball team, the reaction to his comments sparked racial conversations worldwide. Although Imus offered the team his apologies, which were accepted, will listeners be so easy to forgive? Does Imus deserve a second chance, or will he be boycotted off the air?

Feel threatened?

So Venezuela accounts for up to 15% of crude oil imports to the U.S., right? So if Sunday's vote is "yes", and Chavez cuts off crude oil imports to the U.S. and obtains full authority over the Central Bank; how big is the impact going to be on us? I understand how power can make people say some crazy things, but should we be taking him seriously right now, or not?

Most things are finite

I was recently paying my Geico Auto Insurance Bill. I thought how wonderful this company is to offer great service and have just about the lowest premiums in the business. Of course, their commercials are among the best in the world too.

One day, out of curiosity, I was wondering how they make money. I soon realized that they are a subsidiary of Omaha-based Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Then out of more curiosity, I wanted to see how this parent was doing. Gee, they had net earnings last year of only...$9 BILLION!!!

Suddenly, saddened by the intense greed of our beloved oil companies and their record profits, I started wondering how much is enough. We all love the notion of unlimited earning potential, even though that in reality is only reserved for a very few selected individuals. But when is it enough?

When I grew up, it was unheard these kinds of profits. And all I could think of was, I have to work more hours just to pay for their greed. It now costs me about $50 to fill up my small car that gets almost 30 mpg on the highway. And I rarely pleasure drive anymore..just to work!

The point I am making is that in this world, even money is finite. There is just so much money in the world. So this idea of unlimited earning means that it is potentially possible, for a very small number of people, to hoard all the wealth...oh, sorry, that is already happening.

So if we agree that its okay for 1% of the population to have the majority of the wealth, that really says, the other 99% have less and less for themselves. Now does that make sense?

So when do we say enough? Should our government restrict excessive profit taking, not just on paper, but in reality? To me the answer is simple, if the kind of profits generated in today's market is hurting the rest of us (which it is) then we need the government to step in to protect the interests of the majority. Hey, forget about our "interests", how about protect our survival!!!

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?

Journal Question 9

9. Do you listen to any musicians that are political? If so, who?

Senator Craig "entrapped"?

Republican Senator Craig pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an attempt to solicit sexual activity in an airport bathroom in Minnesota. The plea came weeks after the arrest. He had plenty of time to consult an attorney however he stated that he felt that if he pleaded guilty he could avoid the media storm and keep his arrest quiet. He also stated he did not disclose the arrest to his wife or kids. The Republicans called for his resignation and he is now attempting to appeal his guilty plea.
The police could have, and maybe should have, employed video or audio surveillance measures to strengthen the sting operation case against Senator Craig. This would have better illustrated if this case was just an accident or if the Senator was acting in an unusual manner in an apparent attempt to solicit sexual activity in the men’s room. In a recorded interview, Senator Craig stated that he was “entrapped”. There is a common public misconception about what it actually means, by lawful definition, to be the victim of entrapment. I could not locate the definition of entrapment as defined by Minnesota statues where the crime occurred however, the definition is similarly worded in all states. I have included websites where you can read the original arrest report, listen to a taped interview and read the legal definition of entrapment. What do you think? Does it seem to you that the Senator was attempting to solicit sex in the bathroom? How does it make you feel when the leaders of our country are accused of engaging in activity that would sully their personal lives?

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0828071craig1.html

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/08/31/craig.entrapment/index.html

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=entrapment&URL=CH0777/Sec201.HTM

Health Insure for Whom?

Recently, President Bush vetoed a bill that expand budget for health care insure for children that are not eligible for Medicaid. Days ago, in an interview on NPR, a woman stated that her child, Taylor, did not qualify for Medicaid because she was working and making money. She, then asked, if she should quit her job in order to get insurance for her child. I do not know the specific requirements to be eligible for Medicaid or SCHIP, but I think that there are many children that do not have health insurance and it is sad that this happens in The United States which is a wealth country with many resources. Why do they (the working poor) not have health insurance? Is it because they are very poor? Or is it because their parents earn sufficient money to feed them, to dress them, but cannot purchase private health insurance? Nothing is perfect, but if you are working trying to provide for your family, you should not have to choose between the things you need to survive or having health insurance for you and your family

Plague to School System, or Making Young Men's Dreams Come True?

I came across this article on students getting 'molested' by teachers. This instantly reminded me of a stand up comedy routine that was not only hilarous, but slightly truthful. Now, I'm totally against some dirty bastard touching elementary school, or even middle school kids--I mean that is just sick (though this is mainly what the article was talking about). However, when it comes to high school aged kids I think things get a little blury. Now I can totally see a young girl getting tricked into sex or raped, but serioulsy, some of these female teachers that are getting busted for "raping" or "molesting" guys is just crazy (this is where I was reminded of the stand up routine, and I agree with it). On this, name a single heterosexual, or even bisexual, male who would turn down sex with a female teacher (unless she is really old)?? I don't know of any. I don't know, I just think it is kind of scketchy that these kids are coming out and suing the schools orthe teachers or reporting it. Is that just me?

SCHIP veto override

The current vote to override the president's veto of the SCHIP program is good evidence of the partisanship going on in Congress today. Not to mention the logical fallacies and poor judgement. Democratic Representative Pete Starks stated the following during a passionate floor speech; "Where are you going to get that money? Are you going to tell us lies like you're telling us today? Is that how you're going to fund the war? You don't have money to fund the war or children. But you're going to spend it to blow up innocent people if we can get enough kids to grow old, enough for you to send to Iraq to get their heads blown off for the president's amusement," Stark said.
I can understand that he is passionate about health care for children and that he is vehemently opposed to the war in Iraq, but a tirade like this is uncalled for. He could have made his point more eloquently. He may have a point that the money is simply not in the budget for both programs but then he goes on to make the assertion that the United States is blowing up innocent people. He makes this statement as if innocent people are the sole target in Iraq. He then alludes that the war is killing off all of our young people, and if we could somehow find a way to allow our children to grow older, they will be sent off to war to "get their heads blown off" and all this for the "president's amusement". I think we are all smart enough to know that the war in Iraq is not killing off all of our young people. And not everyone who deploys to Iraq will have their "heads blown off". Lastly, I would wager that the president does not find it one bit amusing.
Just in case you would like to see the difference in how this story was covered I have attached articles from a liberal and a conservative source.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,303119,00.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/19/washington/19health.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Science shows whites are smarter than blacks!?

Dr. James Watson is a Nobel prize winner for his work and study in DNA. He was recently quoted as saying, "he's "inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa" because "all our social policies are based on the fact that their intelligence is the same as ours -- whereas all the testing says not really."
He also stated that while he would like to believe that all people are created equal, "people who have to deal with black employees find this is not true."
Dr. Watson apologized stating, "To all those who have drawn the inference from my words that Africa, as a continent, is somehow genetically inferior, I can only apologize unreservedly. That is not what I meant. More importantly from my point of view, there is no scientific basis for such a belief."
Was Dr. Watson quoted incorrectly, misunderstood or does he believe that whites, in general, are superior to blacks? What do you think?
Below are several links to sources publishing the story.

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article2630748.ece

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,303432,00.html

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-liwats1019,0,1054521.story?coll=ny_home_rail_headlines

Negitave News

In POS2001, I learned the mass media reports on bad news more than good. This draws more viewers and overall makes the station more money. Every time I sit down to watch the news, I see car bombings, people being blown away, women and children dying, stories spun against Bush. Shortly after 9/11, there were more politicans and Americans alike in favor of the war on terror. As the war progressed, more and more are against it. I am wondering if all of this negitave media has played a role in the oppostiton of the war? If there were bits about the progress being made in Iraq, would the president's approval ratings be higher and would more Americans be in favor of the war?

Money Wasted

Presidental canidates spend so much money, millions, on campaigns. There are countries so much worse off than us out there that could use that money for medicine, food, shelter or clothing. I think we should tone it down a notch and give to countries less fortunate. What about the inaugurational ball? Millions are spent on it every year. We know who's president, so why must this money be wasted on a party? Give it someone who needs it!

No Spanish Allowed

An elementary school in Kansas has made it against the rules for students to speak Spanish during school time. English is the only language that can be spoken. The reason for this ruling is that a group of students refused to speak English to teachers and a few students thouht a group of Spanish speaking students were making fun of them. I think this is violating the free speech rights of these children. It's AMERICA!!! People can speak any language they want. The school has a descipline problem to deal with not a Spanish problem!

What's the big deal?

I was reading about democrats questioning the new attorney general about whether or not the U.S. uses torture techniques. They talked about waterboarding. This is where we put a piece of cloth over the terrorist's face and pour water on it to make him feel like he's drowning. I guess what I'm asking is what's the big deal? We're not harming them by doing this and it's not going to kill them. We aren't drawing and quartering these people. If the U.S. does indeed do this, and it makes terrorists give up informaiton that will save American lives, then what's so bad?

Industrial Hemp

Two ND farmers are suing the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) because they believe it's their right as Americans to grow industrial hemp. Industrial hemp is different from marijuana in that it won't get one high. Industrial hemp doesn't contain as much THC; the drug in marijuana that gets smokers intoxicated. Industrial hemp is used to make textiles, paper, construction materials, car parts, food and body care products. Although I agree with the farmers and think they should be allowed to grow it, because it doesn't get anyone high, it is the law and I think the DEA is doing its job. I don't think the DEA is imposing on anyone's rights.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/10/17/pip.hempregulation/index.html?iref=newssearch

Journal Questions

TCC students, you can submit these any time before Wednesday and receive no late penalties. Chipola students, these are due next Monday.

7. Who do you support in the upcoming presidential election and why?

8. Where, specifically, do you get your news from? Use specific names of shows, channels, newspapers, websites, etc.

Brainwashing or Journalism?

It has been said throughout the centuries, that if you repeat something enough times, people will start to believe it. This happens in politics, ALL THE TIME!

It was one of Hitler's favorite tactics, called,"the big lie", and we saw it again recently when George W. Bush and Colin Powell (who testified in front of the U.N., and later on T.V. acknowledged his regrets) claimed that Iraq had WMD. As it has been unequivicably been proven, Hussien never had WMDs. But it was all over the media. Of course, no one acknowledged on the mainstream media that independant investigators for the U.N. concluded before the war that Saddam wasn't developing WMDs. Coincedentally, one of those investigators, committed suicide. If anyone still believes the WMD story, please research your findings!

Now the same network(s) are starting up the same stories about Iran. Believe me when I say this, that I have no liking for the things that take place in Iran. But what I dislike even more, is the stirring up of the hornets nest that is currently taking place in this country, this time against Iran. Particulary, the Fox News Network, who helped GW gain public support for the war in Iraq, now is starting to bash the same ol' war drums, this time on Iran.

And what I dislike the most, is to see people blindly follow what they have been told without question.

So my question to all of you is, does the news brainwash us or provide us with good journalism? I have seen a decline in journalism. Even in such prestigeous publications like the NY Times, I have seen reporters go from reporting the news to telling stories as if they are trying to write a best selling novel.

I believe that Fox is trying to brainwash us. Not that the other stations aren't doing it, but Fox in particular is laying it on heavy. Why? Is that really what journalism is about? Telling you what to think rather than letting you decide? And to think that their slogan is "fair and balanced." They are popular, because they tell you what you want to hear! People want to vent their anger on someone. And Fox does that for us.

If anyone is interested there is a website, who currently is being blacklisted by our government for exercising their constitutional rights, called MoveOn.org that has an interesting article about Fox. https://civ.moveon.org/donatec4/foxattacksiran.html/?rc=fox_attacks_iran_frontpage&r=2916

Time will tell. I knew well beforehand, that we were going to invade Iraq. How? Not because we had reasons, but because I studied the mainstream media and saw that they were beating the war drums. I would have been shocked if we didn't invade. Now I fear that innocent lives, including our brave soilders, are going to be killed, because the war drums of the media, are pounding again.

As our professor has stressed, get your information from more than one source. And please, don't always believe what you see or hear or read. Remember who your source is. Rupert Murdoch, owner of Fox and much more, has a history of trash journalism. When I lived in NYC, he purchased the New York Post, a respectable newspaper, created by Alexander Hamilton, yes, the A. Hamilton! It now is the equivalant to The National Enquire, shortly after his taking it over.

A woman for president?

A couple of weeks ago, I was driving down the road and read a bumper sticker on the back of a van that said "AnyoneButHillary.com". I thought it was pretty funny and I wasn't surprised at all that someone would make a website like that.

I'm not too sure who I'm going to vote for in the next election, but I know it is not going to be for Hillary. I grew up in a conservative family, but I dont always vote for the conservative candidate. Needless to say, my family didnt vote for Bill Clinton when he was running. I've been told by many people that Hillary was the backbone to Bill. Her ideas went through him, what he said was her words, what he did was her actions. Everyone knows that Hillary has always wanted to be president.

Regardless of who she is, I believe the United States isn't ready for a woman president. Socially, I know the structure of our society is changing and anything can happen, but a big change like having a woman as our president is kind of scary. What are some of the things that could happen if other countries thought of the U.S. as less powerful and less dominant if a woman was leading our country? What do you think about having a woman as our president?

Welfare Data From Class

Here is the data from the contended remarks in class about welfare and its recipients:

DHHS:

Recipients (with few exceptions) must work as soon as they are job ready or no later than two years after coming on assistance.

Also note that the maximum lifetime benefits are five years:

Families with an adult who has received federally funded assistance for a total of five years (or less at state option) are not eligible for cash aid under the TANF program.

Note that there are exceptions to these rules, particularly at the state level. States that do not force recipients to comply with these rules can be penalized.

Also from DHHS:

Half (50 percent) of TANF spells for individuals entering the program between 2001 and 2003 lasted 4 months or less, compared to 30 percent of AFDC spells beginning between 1992 and 1994 (See Indicator 7).

I was a bit off in class. 50% of recipients are on TANF for less than four months and 74% are less than a year, rising to 84% for 20 months or less. The other major welfare programs -- Food Stamps and SSI -- do not have the same time limits on them and they have longer spells of use.

Some students had the concern that putting people on welfare enables them to become poor and increases poverty. Research shows otherwise. Log in to JSTOR and read the following article if you'd like to read more: Welfare Spending and Poverty: Cutting Back Produces More Poverty, Not Less, Sanford F. Schram, American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Vol. 50, No. 2 (Apr., 1991), pp. 129-141. Abstract

The "New Consensus" on welfare expresses the idea that the major problem in social welfare is dependency, not poverty. Much of the evidence for this perspective has come from trend line data indicating that over time poverty did not evaporate in the face of increases in social welfare spending. Using various measures of the "dependent" poor, the empirical analysis presented suggests that reducing welfare expenditures relative to need does not produce less poverty and dependency.

Total welfare spending for the poor is $362 billion (out of a $3 trillion dollar budget). Direct subsidies to corporations are about $172 billion and Social Security (84% of which doesn't go to the poor) equals more than $600 billion -- that alone is already twice as much as all programs for the poor and we've only touched the tip of the iceberg in social welfare for the nonpoor. Check out the books The Government Racket and The Tax Racket by Martin L. Gross for more.

Is it getting a little hotter in here?

I grew up in a very large city, in fact, the largest city in the United States. One side effect of this lifestyle was and still is pollution. I grew up looking down the avenue on hot sweltering summer days seeing nothing but black clouds hovering over the streets. It was not my ideology that was imagining this, it was real. Scienctists knew back then that pollution was harmful to all living creatures.

All through the years, it just amazed me how so many people have actually argued about human contribution to global warming. And what is even more astounding, is that there are actually people still who think that this latest global warming trend has nothing to do with human activities.

The U.S. Government has resisted for many years acknowledging what many other countries have already discovered years ago, that human pollution into the environment is contributing to the latest warming trend. So my concern is why our government is taking so long to face up to an extremely critical issue? An issue that goes far beyond corporate profit. After all, if we are all dead because our environment can't substain life anymore, what use is money.

Do we need any proof from "experts" to tell us that what we are doing to our environment is very harmful, not to the Earth, but to us! The Earth will survive. Its not the planet that is on its way out, it is us.

Another question, why is it that the some of the same people who argue against human contribution to global warming see those that are not in denial of global warming as "tree-hugging" hippies, or liberals? What does ideology have to do with this issue?

I believe it is time we all stop being in denial and start helping "our" situation. Is it not instinctual for all, or most, species, to want to survive, not only for the individual, but to continue the species? And wouldn't it be considered suicide or murder if we go against that natural instinct?

If anyone wants to check out an interesting website about the climate change and how we can start making a difference, then go to http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/.

Blackwater: Private Security Contractors

For those who aren't familiar with them, Blackwater Training Facilities is a private company that is contracted for undisclosed purposes across the world. Currently over 1,000 contractors are employed in Iraq to support the U.S. military. Contractors are held accountable for anything that happens to them while engaged in a job and no responsibility is held by the company itself.

Recently one woman, the mother of one of these contractors, is suing Blackwater to take responsibility for the poor equipment that her son received while in Iraq. Her son, an ex Navy Seal and 3 others were killed while on a mission. Many detest Blackwater's involvement in the war because they are not an official military and are not forced to adhere to the same laws and morals as the military does. Some feel they are a dangerous and unchecked private army.

I believe Blackwater should be more open about its operations and take more responsibility in the people they employ in the field. And although they may be a necessary evil in a war torn environment I think more checks and government should be in order. However, this may be a difficult task because Blackwater helps fund the republican party and undoubtedly has connections within upper levels of government.

How do you feel about the use of hired contractors in Iraq? Do you think they might do more interference with military operations than support? Should they be held more accountable for the men they hire and the equipment they supply them?

Inside from Iraq

I got an email from one of my friends that is stationed in Iraq the other day that he sent to many people, letting us know how he was, and the real conditions of the war. Among other things, he shared that things are VERY different from what the news and the politicians portray them to be. He also said, "It hurts to hear the politicians say,'we can't win this war'". I can only imagine! Whether or not we agree with our country being over there is not the issue. We must support these soilders not matter what! They are risking their lives daily becasue our country asked it of them. I can't type the whole email, but some of the statistics made me cringe, they are so brave! So, I just wanted to let you all know that things aren't always what others say they are. And, I also wanted to ask a question: why doesn't the news and the politicians show us both sides of the war, why is it so one-sided? Because of his email, I have a totally new perspective of the war in Iraq! I wish everyone could see both sides!

Give me Liberty or give me Death.

Hopefully, we have all heard the revolutionary cry of our forefathers, "Give me liberty or give me death." That expressed a mood that was very prevalent during the revolutionary times. Another quote that has always stirred up deep emotions for me was from one of our founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin.

In 1759, he said,"Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." In light of the September 11 hijackings, and in light of the government's attempt to curtail our freedoms for the safety of our citizens, I find this saying to be most apropos in today's world. Not because I don't believe in fighting evil. In the case of WWII, it was most necessary. Evil, no matter where or what the origin is, should be fought.

No, I find Mr. Franklin's statement most interesting because it asks for us to have faith in Democracy and Liberty. I believe that having that faith is the cornerstone of any great democracy. I parallel that to a Christain having faith in Jesus and God (no matter what happens, always believe).

In the case of Democracy, we must have faith that no matter what happens, no matter what opinions take shape, no matter what our circumstances, if we are to believe in Democracy, then we must act accordingly and not trade it in for our safety. The millions of solders who died in WWII didn't think of their safety, the fought for their country and freedom. God bless them!

Pork good or bad?

There has been some discussion in the past year about porkbarrel politics. It is very fashionable when running for a position to speak out against this political practice. It seem on the outside to be a gross missallocation of Federal funds. However, some would argue that it is a necessary evil to get things done in small congressional districts that might not see this Federal money otherwise. So is porkbarrelling a waste of tax dollars or is it a useful way to fund small projects that would otherwise never be funded?

Campaign funds

Has anybody been paying attention to the coverage of the 2008 presidental race. I heard a few weeks ago that Barack Obama had broken the record for campaign contributions by a democratic presidental hopeful. This got me thinking about the state of our political system and when the amount of money a canidate could raise was directly responsible for their chances of winning. Why is it that we live in a democratic nation where people are so politically irreponsible that they can't get off their couch to find out the facts about the canidates they are voting for. This requires that canidates bring their ideas into every house in the form of advertisement which means they must pay for it which means somebody must donate to their campaign. Who are these benefactors? Well there are a lot of answers to that but most notably they are: Special intrest groups, lobbyists, big guns, big tabacco, the liquor industry, casinos, environmental groups, energy groups, big oil, the list goes on. All of these groups are not giving in the interest of the country they are giving in the interest of themselves and what is best for business. I'm not saying that our lazyness contributes directly to political corruption but it sure dosen't help that we want our canidates to be the best looking with the flashiest commercials in order to score our vote. Something to think about...

Hypothetical

Imagine that you have a friend. This friend asks you to borrow money from you. You see that the family is in need their children are un-educated and they have little health care. Now imagine that this friend takes the money you gave them to improve themselves, and they buy a gun with it because they feel it is their responsibility to fight crime in the city according to their ideals. Wouldn't you be outraged? I would think that anyone would. So why is there not more public outcry opposing the egregious misspendings of the White House and congress? An NPR report earlier this year reported that President Bush was to include monatary requests upwards of a quarter TRILLION dollars over the next 20 months for the efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7190893). I'm no fiscal genius but I would guess that our federal spending on education, healthcare, and our failing social security program is dwarfed by the spending in this war and national defense as a whole. It surprises me even more that this isn't evident across party lines. True, the right wing support for George Bush is faltering and the 2008 presidental hopefuls will barely claim to know him, but I find myself still finding people that support these irresponsible budget allocations because they are "conservative". I am all about protecting this country but sometimes I think that the best way to protect this country is to make sure that its children are educated its elderly are taken care of and its streets are safe.

California High School Violence

If some of you haven't heard, there was school violence today in California. Last I heard, a gunman was holding at least one teacher hostage, and maybe some students. Thankfully, the police finally got him. However, circumstances like these seem to be occuring more frequently today than they ever have. So, my question is, why? Schools across they nation are installing security systems and going to greater links to protect the students and staff, but, it doesn't seem to be helping. Why is this violence in schools occuring more and more? And, what is or isn't being done to stop it? Here's what I think: we shouldn't be so worried about what is brought on campus as much as who comes on campus. Any thoughts?

Journal Questions 4-6 and Extra Credit 1

These questions are for all classes. The answers should each be 2-3 sentences. This set of questions is the last to get a grace period on submission. Late penalties will be applied to questions 7,8 and beyond...

4. Who is your favorite politician and why?
5. Who is your least favorite politician and why?
6. Who do you think are the best and worst presidents in American history and why? You can’t put George W. Bush or Bill Clinton.

The older questions can be found here.

This question is optional and is extra credit. Just list the answer, do not use a complete sentence.

EC1. Where did the 9/11 hijackers come from?

Ahmadinejad

Columbia University granted Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to speak at their campus. Due to the Ahmadinejad political standing as an anti-Holocaust and anti-freedom believer, Columbia University has faced an extensive amount of criticism to whether their decision was right or not.
In the actual speech given by Ahmadinejad at Columbia University gave his view on much current debates such as nuclear power, education, religious tolerance, and public murder by the government.
The United States was not taken over by Iran terrorist, nor was it insecure, so was Columbia's decision on allowing Ahmadinejad to speech good or bad?
Is Ahmadinejad the new Hitler?
Does Ahmadinejad answer American questions?
Is there another issue that has yet to be resolved?

What isn't political science?

In class a week or so ago, Mr. Quinnell asked us to come up with a question about political science or politics in general. I was really curious about my question, so I was hoping y'all could help me answer it: it said on our notes, The Main Study of Politics, "studying everything is political, studying politics means studying nearly everything". So, my question is, what is not politics? Technically in some way I think politics could be related to everything, but where so you draw the line?
http://tcc.quinnell.us/index.php?n=Main.TheStudyOfPoliticsShort

UF Student Tased/Arested.

I thought this was pretty crazy when I first saw it, and there has been SOME concern, though not much, about the way in which the officers reacted. Now, I personally think that they could have handled things a little better, however, my roommate proposed a good point: What would we be saying, or doing, if the student had been black?

Personally, I think outcry would be significantly higher. Do I think that is right? Well, I'm pretty indifferent since I think that things are getting slightly better in terms of cop-minority relations (Though I DO think that police are constantly profiling and are, for the most part, a little racist and sexist). Mainly, I want to know what other people think would be going on--same response or polar difference?

Democracy and Freedom

Most of the people I grew up with agreed that some form of Democracy is the best form of government. I still agree with that but I wanted to ask an interesting question to the classmates and professor. The common understanding of a Democracy is that majority rules, such that lets say for example if 60% of citizens wanted Sunday to be an official day of bashing heads and breaking bodies, instead of a day of rest, family and reflection, then we should all pass laws stating such. If 55% of the population felt that its okay to continue to allow fast food chains to serve and advertise unhealthy, fattening, greasy addicting food, then we should do so.

So my question is should a Democracy allow the majority rule even if some of the practices have been proven to be harmful to its citizens? Secondly, can there be a Democracy if people with greater knowledge and understanding toward the general welfare of its citizens, be allowed to pass laws and guidelines without majority rule?

I think the answer is somewhere in between. Many societies have had the older portion of the population guide the group because of their experiences and wisdoms. There are advantages to that because each generation doesn't have to reinvent the wheel, so to speak. That too has a flip side because it might tend to stall progress and evolution if a society doesn't allow the visions of the youth to be expressed.

Blackwater shootout in Iraq

I saw this on the news last night and thought it was almost laughable. Not because possible innocent people were injured or killed, but because the Iraqi government is forbidding the company, Blackwater, to operate in Iraq. Blackwater is the largest private security company operating in Iraq. They conduct dignitary protection missions in a very dangerous place. Do you think the dignitaries they escort really want to be without the company's services? If it does come down to it, what would prevent the company from changing names and continuing to operate? Our government may look into the specifics of the incident but I doubt we will see a cancellation of Blackwater's contract.

Woman for President

The support of having a woman for president is higher than ever in the U.S.A. I think what we really need to consider in making that determination is so much more than our capability of accepting a gender breakthrough. The quailifications of the candidate are the only aspect that should be considered. What would happen if name, gender, and race were replaced with alias's on the ballods and we could only see a bullet point list of qualifications? Point is, gender should not matter.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/02/03/opinion/polls/main1281319.shtml

Mama says, "Mind your Manners"

When I was growing up I was always taught that you respect your elders. You say "Yes Mam," and "No Sir." You respect your brothers and sisters. You respect those around you because they are human beings. People can be sued and do time for extreme cases of disrespect.
So why do we seem to give little to no respect for our own President of theUnited States? George Bush is a target, laughable in the media, the punchline for thousands of blogs, u tube videos, and television spoofs. If we as a nation are expressing our utmost disrespect for our own president, how can other nations respect us. We laugh at our own leader, and make ourselves look bad in the eyes of other nations.
Every human being makes mistakes and every human being is equally entitled to respect.

Obesity and your bank account

Obesity in the United States cost $92.6 last year alone. Our tax paying dollars paid for half of the total through government funded insurance. So my question is, when is enough really enough? Do you think that your taxes could be spent elsewhere? I certainly do.
The government bans illegal drugs like cocaine and heroine because of the harm it causes our bodies and society. They protect us from second hand smoke in public places so that we can be healthier. When is the government going to invest time in health regulations for schools, restaurants, and food manufacturers? If they can control drug abuse, they should at least attempt to control food abuse. Although people can still find a way, I think with concerned effort from our nation little steps can become giant leaps.
http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20030515/obesity-costs-rival-smoking