Saturday, September 17, 2011
6th period: Current event due 9/23
This week in C&E we will be bringing our study of the American Colonial Era to a close and gearing up for the Revolution! To prepare us for our study of the American Revolution, the current event topic this week is political change. Remember, a revolution is nothing more than a change. Find and then report on an article that deals with some type of political change or transition. You can focus on events here in the United States or look abroad. Internationally, there are many uprisings and revolutions going on right now! Have a great week and happy hunting. I can't wait to read about your findings. :)
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Natalie Bulik-Sullivan, Pd. 6
ReplyDeleteLeft Leaning Denmark Elects First Woman
Author – “Independent”
NZ Herald, 17/9/11
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10752357
On the sixteenth of September, Denmark’s Parliament elected its first female Prime Minister, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, the six-year leader of Denmark’s Social Democrat party. The election was won by a slim margin, despite unfavorable media rumours regarding her husband’s sexual orientation and their tax history (both claims were denied by Thorning-Schmidt on the day of the election). One of the first, and most controversial changes she has vowed to make is to open Denmark’s borders to immigrants. The former PM, Lars Lokke Rasmussen of the Danish People’s Party, belonged to an organization called “Blue Bloc” which kept the borders effectively sealed, against the wishes of the European Union. Thorning-Schmidt belongs to an opposing organization (which goes by the name of Red Bloc). Rasmussen handed in his resignation to Denmark’s queen on the seventeenth of September.
I think that it’s a wonderful thing that Denmark is now led by a female PM. I am a proponent of women’s rights, and I believe that this is a major step in the path to sexual equality, as only a handful of countries around the world are led by women (if only the USA were one of them...). I also believe that the borders of all countries should be open to anyone who wishes to enter, so I support Thorning-Schmidt’s intentions to loosen Denmark’s border control. This relates to the topic we are studying because it is an example of political change.
Grant DeSelm, Pd. 6
ReplyDeleteClashes escalate in Yemen
Authors- Erica Solomon and Mohammed Ghobari
IOLnews.com
http://www.iol.co.za/news/world/clashes-escalate-in-yemen-1.1140780
President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s soldiers were in Sana’a on Monday attacking rioters and government officials. It was one of the most deadly pro-democracy demonstrations since the riots began eight months ago. Yemen’s soldiers killed 54 people in just two days this week already. Some local people think they are in such turmoil; their president will perhaps turn into a dictator in later months. Many protesters have camped out in their original “sit-in” area, Change Square. There, thousands of people want Saleh’s to end his 33 yearlong ruling. Many diplomats and politicians are working to speed up a stalled plan to which Saleh hands over his power.
I think it’s great that people are protesting for what they believe in. I can’t wrap my mind around some of the stories in this article and the things that have happened to some people. One man was at a market and left his two kids in his car. He heard gun fire and screaming outside the market. He rushed out and his older son was yelling and crying, he was shot but still alive; his brother got killed. It’s hard to imagine the things these people are going through but they are fighting for a political revolution and after eight months, getting pretty close to accomplishing what they are protesting for.
Allie Rives-Period 6
ReplyDeleteLibya Revolution Filters Slowly to Desert Towns
Francois Mori
USA Today-9/19/11
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2011-09-19/libya-desert-revolutions/50461412/1
Last week, a group of fighters following Libya's new rulers came a nd took over. After talking with the elders they all decided to lower the green flags of Moammar Gadhafi. The ruling group then proceeded their journey for battle further south. Recently, planes had wildly flown overhead and crashed into the town of 3,200 citizens. Along with the other terrified citizens of the town, Ali Abdullah who is the head of the local revolutionary council are in hiding. Without the use of electricity, including phones, he is in no way of contacting anyone. The new rulers came and took over when Libya's civil war was headed towards the Mediterranean Coast. They decided to take control because they wanted to form a new government. Along side of forming a new government they're focusing their efforts towards integrating the long-neglected communities along Libya and Central Africa.
As for the citizens being taken over, I feel as if it is incredibly unfair to them. Even though this country is not within a democracy, I think it's extreme to have new rulers doing this. The quickness that the new rulers seem to be doing stuff seems a little abrupt. I also think that it is unfair for them to start a completely new government. Apart from the citizens, I also feel bad for the former ruler. He was just taken over and sent into hiding. This relates to our topic, because it exemplifies political change. It shows it because in Libya there are new rulers taking over and trying to create a revolution for Libya.
Kaitlin Jones, Period 6
ReplyDeleteZambia election: Rupiah Banda faces Michael Sata threat
Author-BBC News
BBC News, September 20, 2011
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14974627
Elections in Zambia are coming up and the current president, Rupiah Banda, is running against his former competition, Michael Sata. Sata has been said to be “Banda’s biggest threat”. According to people of Zambia, Banda has made many improvements including the construction of roads, schools, and hospitals. Citizens also agree that their economy has greatly improved. This fact is ironic because in reality, most Zambians live off of about two dollars a day. There have been some incidents of violence regarding the election, but for the most part it has been pretty peaceful other than an uprising in the capital, and an intervention of a truck carrying voting ballots.
I think that it is really unfortunate that the people of Zambia have to live off of two dollars a day. However, I think it’s good that the economy is improving under the current president. I also think that it’s good that more people are registered to vote than last time. I hope that there won’t be any more violence or uprisings during the election period and that life improves for Zambians.
Ryan Castellano
ReplyDeletePeriod 6, Ms. Logan
CNN News
Libya fighters put pressure on regime holdouts
http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/20/world/africa/libya-war/index.html?iref=allsearch
There have been many revolts in Libya lately. Everyday citizens have been trying to overthrow their dictator Gadhafi. Many loyalists have been causing a lot of trouble related to these riots/outbursts. People who have tried to join the revolution have been shot or have died. The Gadhafi loyalists have even shot women and children. The NTC team has surrounded the loyalists main operation town Bani Walid waiting for the word to attack. The thing that will make this invasion hard is the tricky geography.
This is a very desperate time for these innocent Libyans. Most of them go to bed fearing the next day. I think that they have a lot of courage standing up to such a powerful man and risking their lives for their freedom. They are not just standing up for themselves they are standing up for their country. This story is related to the prompt because it is a revolution concerning Libya’s dictator, who is soon to be ex-dictator.
Ashley Powell
ReplyDeletePeriod 6
The Telegraph
Aung San Suu Kyi sees signs of political change in Burma
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/burmamyanmar/8772004/Aung-San-Suu-Kyi-sees-signs-of-political-change-in-Burma.html
All over the World there have been revolts against governing bodies. Take Lybia for example, they are having a very strong revolt against power. Very recently she met with the president and said after she agreed with many of the things he said. Right now they are just trying to work on a compromise because Aung San Suu Kyi said that a revolution would take a very long time to complete. A sign of change is that they just opened up the Burman border to news sites like BBC for the first time since 2007.
This article is relevant to the subject because its showing the political change which could someday happen in Burma. I like this article in particular because it shows a strong female leader which i support. Aung San Suu Kyi has been fighting this cause for over two decades.
David Hicks
ReplyDeletePeriod 7
Violent Clashes Mark Protests Against Mubarak’s Rule
Kareem Fahim
Published: January 25, 2011 (A relatively long time ago)
Source: NY times
URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/26/world/middleeast/26egypt.html?_r=1
Thousands of people appeared on the streets of Cairo, Egypt, on January 25th of this year to protest the rule of their President Hosni Mubarak. Mubarak has been in office for almost 30 years and it appears that the Egyptian people don’t want him to rule for his 31st. The protests were partly influenced by the toppling of the Tunisian government just weeks prior to the revolution. What started out as a peaceful protest began to turn violent when security forces failed to suppress the growing crowd. People were beaten and rubber bullets were fired by police. Tear gas was used against the crowd, and several protesters were beaten by officers. One group of protesters flipped and immolated a police car. Many were injured in these protests, but the end result was a lot more people coming in to protests the injustice done upon them by their government.
I find these protests to be quite inspiring, as well as being a wake up call. The fact that thousands of people can organize themselves in (semi)peaceful protest is astonishing. It shows that the Egyptian Government would have had to be inefficient enough to cause people to want change. This allowed them to establish a large group of people who also disagree with the Government’s actions. I believe that we as a people could never make such a huge change for even though we complain often, we seem to know how good we have it. This relates to our discussion in class because we are about to talk about revolution, and although the time periods are different, the same themes and general ideas apply. When life is unfair enough to cause major disruptions in the way people live, we will find a way to make it better.
Tea Party group forms its own 'super committee'
ReplyDeleteBy: Kevin Liptak
CNN
September 21st, 2011
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/21/tea-party-group-form-their-own-super-committee/?hpt=po_bn1
A “super committee”, or The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, was founded due to the large amount of American federal debts. Their goal is to find ways to reduce national debt by $1.5 trillion over a period of 10 years. The Freedom Works association, however, believes that the congressional committee will be corrupted by special interest groups. American taxpayers will no longer have any voice in the discussions about spending/reducing debt. To prevent this from happening, Freedom Works has created its own “super committee”. Their purpose is to give Americans a voice and to propose specific budget cuts. The committee and its advocates will meet on September 23 at a restaurant in Orlando to discuss their debt reduction ideas.
I think it’s good that the American population is actively expressing its opinions. However, I get the sense that America is starting to mistrust the government. I went on the Freedom Works website and its motto is “Lower Taxes. Less Government. More Freedom.” Isn’t that leaning slightly toward anarchy? And why do the people think that the congressional super committee will be more interested in special interest groups than taxpayers’ opinions?
Gabe Foster, 6th period
ReplyDeleteAmerican flag raised over embassy in Libya
The Associated Press, Kim Gamel
MSNBC.com, 9/22/2011
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44626544/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/
On Thursday, the U.S. ambassador to Libya was allowed to return to the US embassy Muammar Gadhafi was chased out a month ago and it was now determined safe for Gene Cretz, the U.S. ambassador to return. He says that he has full confidence in the transitional Libyan government and the new one to come. The Transitional National Council (TNC), in charge of running the country temporarily, are having trouble finding the last remaining pro-Gadhafi supporters. Gene Cretz said he believes it won't be long before they are found or surrender.
I believe this is an important first step to getting Libya back to being a normal country. I think its encouraging to see that it is now OK for the ambassador to return and I see this as a sign that the end is near. I hope soon that all countries in similar positions to what Libya was in will be able to rid themselves of bad rulers. I also hope that they can get a good government worked out in Libya so this wont happen again.
Julian Wilson
ReplyDelete6th Period
U.S. Reopens Its Embassy in Libya
New York Times
September 22, 2011
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/23/world/africa/us-reopens-its-embassy-in-libya.html?_r=1&ref=libya
This article is about the aftermath of the Libyan revolution and the return of the U.S. ambassador on Thursday. It talks about some of the past political instability in Libya and how now they are trying to get many U.S. companies to do business with them. Shortly after the former leader of Libya, Colonel Qaddafi, had been driven out, the U.S. ambassador, Mr. Cretz returned to Libya to help in the integration of U.S. businesses. Libya has a lot of natural resources, the most wanted being oil. The former rebel leaders are looking into the business contracts made during the Qaddafi era and trying to determine which ones are “legitimate” business contracts and which are full of corruption. They are trying to do everything they can to create a stable and uncorrupted economy and government. It is significant because it shows not only a successful regime change in our modern world but also it affects us by the possible transition of jobs and U.S. companies to Libya.
I think that it is really good that the U.S. ambassador has returned to Libya and that the government is now more stable there. It is also good that the former corrupt governmental system has been overthrown. It is good that we will now probably have a new source for oil, but also bad because it could mean that companies begin to stop looking for alternative fuel sources as much. This relates to what we’re learning in class because it shows the people rising up against a government that they don’t like and overthrowing it. It shows the beginning of a new system and government after a revolution and a country and its people trying to rebuild and improve themselves now that everything is wiped clean. My main question about this article is what types of U.S. companies the ambassador was speaking with about doing business with Libya because I am curious what kind of resources they want to obtain and how it could impact the U.S. economy and perhaps oil market as well.
Collin Vilen 6th period American flag raised over embassy in Libya, no author mentioned MSNBC, 9-22-2011 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44626544/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/\
ReplyDeleteAlthough Gadhafi was forced out of office over a month ago, forces that still remain loyal to him have not yet given up. The U.S. ambassador to Libya, Gene Cretz, will go back to Libya this week to reinforce America’s support for Libya. The ambassador is saying that he supports the interim government put in place by Libya until they can organize a more lasting government. He suspects that Gadhafi forces will surrender very soon. To unify the country, Cretz has raised the American Flag at the embassy. This is an important way of declaring our support to Libya’s efforts.
This is a very powerful notion that the U.S. has put out in Libya. Although we are in an economic crisis, we are still recognized as one of the great powers in this time period, and raising a flag is not considered a notion to take lightly in any country. I think the Gadhafi loyalists will throw in the towel when they hear our support. On any team or nation there’s always a rally cry or chant that fires people up, and for America and a lot of other countries this is raising the flag. It’s just the thought of being part of something bigger than yourself. I have felt and I am sure many other people have felt it too. This has a great deal to do with what we are learning today because there is massive political change going on in Libya. The whole government has been overthrown, and the country is having to basically start over. I am hoping that this does not anger extremist groups loyal to Gadhafi into launching a counter attack against the U.S. or Libya. That is not what we meant to cause and it would obviously be a great tragedy.
Colin Bergey
ReplyDeleteNTC lays out timeline to form new government / Jill Dougherty
CNN / September 22, 2011
Libya's National Transitional Council is already looking into setting up a new government, despite not having complete control of the whole country. This council is on the side of the ani-Gadhafi forces. The council said that it would not announce anything final about the government until their forces had control of the borders and more cities. The plan is that the established congress will help write a new constitution that the people will vote on. If it is approved, Libya will be a democratic country. This is important because this is what the revolution in Libya is all about.
I think it is great that they are planning to set up a democracy. I think the people of Libya will vote to pass the constitution. The people of Libya want political change just like the people of England wanted religious freedom. What will happen if the constitution is not passed by the people?
Mikko Rich-Voorhees 6th
ReplyDeleteLibya conflict: Anti-Gaddafi fighters take Sabha, BBC World news,
BBC Online News, 9/22/11
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15029062
Libyan Anit-Gaddafi fighters have been fighting endlessly for an extremely long time now. This week however they captured Sabha, one of Gaddafi’s last strongholds. Sabha is the largest Libyan city in the Sahara dessert and has direct routes to Niger, Tunisia, Chad, Egypt, and Sudan. Libya Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril who is currently in New York at the UN general assembly stated that he believes a new government will rise in Libya within ten days.
This is an extreme change in government completely throwing out the old leader and implementing a new one; it’s very similar to the American Revolution in that sense. I support the Libya Rebels and think their work is beneficial to the rest of Africa by helping to eliminate the remains of Gaddafi. I personally have never witnessed a larger governmental change than a new president being elected, so naturally I can’t imagine the overwhelming feelings of the residents of Sabha.
Alex Walker, 6th Period
ReplyDeleteSyria’s Protesters, Long Mostly Peaceful, Starting to Resort to Violence
Author: Anthony Shadid
Source: The New York Times
Publishing Date: September 16, 2011
Syria’s uprising is growing violent in peaceful regions. There have been many clashes in Homs, a city just outside the capital, Damascus. This proves the point that the more time President Bashar al-Assad spends as dictator, the more violent clashes there will be. Today (Friday the 16th) there was an outbreak of violence in which 44 people were killed. This contributes to the rising death toll which has already reached 2,600 people killed by government forces.
I think that Syrians may be resorting to violence because it is working for the Libya uprising. That doesn’t give them the right to be violent, though. In my opinion, a peaceful uprising would be better than a violent one because there would be less deaths. Also, using violent protests only gives the opposition an excuse to strike back. This is related to the American Revolution because it is an uprising that may result in drastic political change. Like the American Revolution it involves a series of protests against the head government that eventually become violent. If the dictator is usurped, this may even go down in history as the Syrian Revolution.
Carly Narotsky Period 6
ReplyDeleteSyria Violence hits forces and civilians
The Sydney Morning Herald
September 23, 2011
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/syria-violence-hits-forces-and-civilians-20110923-1kntl.html
Many people in Syria are unhappy with the current regime under President Bashar al-Assad. Since March there have been protests and it has been reported that civilians have been injured and arrested. According to the Local Coordination Committees, security forces shot at students under age 15 at Daeel public high school. Security forces and customs officials have been hurt and killed as well. The official news agency SANA is calling the ones responsible “armed terrorist groups,” and the province Damascus dismisses the idea that the uprising against authorities is popular among the Syrian people. Authorities have blocked cell phone service and the internet in some areas of the country in an attempt to stifle communication about the protests, but a Facebook page has even been made for the revolution. World leaders including President Obama of the US are also putting pressure on President Assad.
It’s tragic that so many people on both sides of the conflict are wounded and even killed! Reading about the high school students that were shot at and wounded really struck a chord with me. It must be so difficult for everyone living in Syria right now to deal with all the violence for so many months. However, if the people of Syria are truly unhappy with Assad’s regime, I hope that their protests are successful and they can get a change of government and leadership. The article mentioned a Facebook page that protest organizers created called “Syrian Revolution 2011” so I think it would be a good idea to check that out.
Nate Hebert-6th
ReplyDeleteMyanmar: Major Reform Underway
Jakarta Brussels
International Crisis Group-9/22/11
http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/regions/asia/south-east-asia/burma-myanmar/B127-myanmar-major-reform-underway.aspx
Myanmar is undergoing major political changes. The president Thein Sein has began implementing an agenda for reform. These include a switch from military dictatorship to a civilian government that is elected by parliament. The president wants to make a modern and developed democratic nation. The only resistance that me be holding them back is the weak technical and institutional capacity, which is where the western civilizations come in to help out. Although the nation is going through some major changes, some people are worried about how long it will take to change everything. This relates to our class discussions because we are going to talk about the American Revolution which is a type of political change.
This is great news for a nation that was solely focused on being a dictatorship. I believe that what the president wants to achieve is good, I’m just not sure if he can achieve it. I believe all other nations that can help should help to get rid of Myanmar’s old ways.
Crescentia Cho/ 6th period
ReplyDeleteWorld Shocked By U.S. Execution of Troy Davis/ Peter Wilkinson
CNN News/ September 22, 2011
http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/22/world/davis-world-reaction/index.html?npt=NP1
Troy Davis was put to death by a lethal injection because of a 1989 killing of a police officer. In Georgia, people made signs and posters because they want to stop the death penalty. World figures tried to stop it, but couldn’t. Davis’s death caused an outrage in the social media and it became a world topic. The execution made a lot of people angry because they were still some doubts about the crime.
I think that they should’ve thought this one over a little bit more. Before Davis was put to death he said that he didn’t do it. Even if he did kill someone, killing him is wrong because we’re committing the exact same crime. I defiantly agree with the people protesting saying that the death penalty should be outlawed because does killing someone make them learn their mistake? I don’t think so because you learn by realizing what you did wrong. Killing someone doesn’t give them the chance to do that, even if it was 20 years ago.
Natalie Ragazzo 6th Period
ReplyDeleteMcCotter ends presidential tun by CNN Political Unit
CNN.com September 22,2011
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/22/mccotter-ends-presidential-run/
Not even four moths ago did Thaddeus McCotter begin his presidential run. This past Thursday he resigned after not being able to create a foothold in the race. Even though he resigned the position of a Republican Party nominee, he does wish to be reelected to be Michigans's 11th Congressional District. He also states that he is 'committed to promoting and implementing a platform of principled conservatism.
I think that it was a smart idea to withdraw. I think this because if he couldn't secure a foothole then you wouldn't want to continue and keep losing. I like that he is trying to reelect for Michigan's new 11th District. I think its smart because if he knows these people and they like him then why not do it? Also if he did continue to compete in the run for President then, if his spot was taken in Michigan then which could end up with no job. So I think it was quite a smart for him to withdraw.
Tim Bogan, 6th Period
ReplyDeleteGovernment forces enter Libya's Sabha, to cheers
Author: Ben Wedeman
Source: CNN World
September 20, 2011
http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/20/world/africa/libya-sabha/index.html?hpt=wo_mid
Sabha, Libya was long considered a pro-Gaddafi stronghold until new government forces were met with cheers and jubilation from crowds as they rolled into the city on Tuesday. The fall of Sabha is important because now, any areas in Libya still holding out against the new government will be cut off. NTC fighters searched the city for signs of associates of Gaddafi, but so far only a small amount of weaponry was found in one house. People on the street have said that they supported the uprising from the start, but did not express it because of government suppression. It is, at the same time, hard to gauge the levels of opposition or support for the NTC at the moment, there was little resistance toward them in Sabha.
Sabha is vital to the strategies of NTC forces. With the city in control of the revolutionaries, the NTC can use it as a base and area for strategic interception. Having taken control of the garrison and airport at Sabha, NTC units were able to make 300 pro-Gaddafi mercenaries flee and captured 150 of his loyalists. I think the NTC were very smart in going to Sabha because it is the largest city in the Sahara with 100,000 residents. This makes it a very good military base. I think the revolutionaries are doing the right thing by eliminating loyalists of Gaddafi.
Emma Beck
ReplyDeletePer 5
House Rejects Bill Providing Disaster Aid
By The Associated Press
Source: NPR
http://www.npr.org/2011/09/21/140681507/house-rejects-stopgap-spending-bill
The House rejected a bill to provide more money to the disaster aid. Some were opposed to the bill wanting to give more money to help car companies build more fuel-efficient cars. Now they will have to come up with a different plan to stop another government shut down. What also might happen is that all the disaster relief could run out for all the victims of all the disasters that have happened or that may happen. The house has known for a few months and yet they were slow to request more funds.
I think that this is unfair. They should have passed the bill, these are people in need that without this money they could die, or be severely hurt and human lives are more important than the gas mileage of a car. They are thinking of only the future, not the present. This affects the people’s trust in the government. This is also showing the reliability of the government.
Camden Van Ord
ReplyDeletePeriod 6
CNN
Libya War: Anti-Gaddafi troops take key Sabha positions
September 19th, 2011
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14980398
The southern Libyan city of Sabha is being attacked by anti-Gaddafi troops hastily. The city is supposed to be completely taken over in about 2 days. However, this isn’t much of a concern to pro-Gaddafi forces. Their main focus is holding down Bani Walid and Sirte. Sirte was the birthplace of Gaddafi and he has been going out of his way to protect ever since the beginning of the revolution. With that said, Sabha is actually a very important position for the rebels to secure. It’s the largest city in southern Libya as well as the place where Libya can connect with Niger. Roads leading to places like Egypt, Tunisia and Sudan are heavily occupied by anti-Gaddafi forces. While the roads to Niger were a safe place for Gaddafi loyalists to escape through, they are now trapped inside of Libya. The rebel troops now plan to move into Sirte and Bani Walid. It only seems that if they have those two points, this rebellion is over.
I chose this article because it is an important event worldwide. The world has been watching this rebellion go on for months; people are now beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This rebellion seemed almost pointless at first; it’s amazing to see the revolution actually be a success. Thousands of people have risked their lives for the well-being of their country, and this work has almost paid off.
Katie Mimmack pd 6
ReplyDeleteWith Repeal Of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ An Era Ends by Liz Halloran
NPR on September 20, 2011
http://www.npr.org/2011/09/20/140605121/with-repeal-of-dont-ask-dont-tell-an-era-ends
On Tuesday, Semptember 20, 2011, The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell law, or DADT, was officially repealed. The law prevented openly gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender adults from serving in the military. This means that for the first time, service members will be able to publicly reveal their sexual orientation without fear of being discharged from the military. Even though the law was repealed back in December, it has not been put into effect until Tuesday. While many people are grateful for the repeal and celebrating the change, a national Gallup poll taken after Gallup repealed the law showed that 33 percent of the people interviewed were still in favor of keeping the law in place.
I think that it’s great that DADT has been repealed. I believe that the military and armed forces should admit people regardless of their sexual orientation, especially since it wouldn’t affect their ability to defend our country. There were many people already serving in the military who were being blackmailed and threatened with being kicked out, so I think it’s great that they can now do their job in peace without living under constant fear that people will find out who they love. This relates to what we are doing in class because it is a major political change. It has also sparked some debate between various GOP nominees on whether they would keep the repeal, or try to put back DADT if they were elected president.. Michelle Bachmann said she would put DADT back in place, while Herman Cain said that since it has been repealed, he wouldn’t go back and put it in place again. One concern I had would be what Michelle Bachmann, and others who are for DADT, would do to justify putting it it back in place, and how the public would react to it. By publicly saying that she would put DADT back if she was elected president, I think Bachmann may be losing a small percentage of voters, and gaining a small percentage of people who are anti-DADT.
Arjun Raghavan
ReplyDeletePd. 6
GOP Debate Dominated by Immigration, Social Security
Alexander Burns
Politico
9/22/2011
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0911/64223.html
A GOP or Republican presidential debate took place on September 22, 2011, as the United States gets ready for the 2012 Presidential Election. The GOP candidates discussed such issues as immigration, the economy, and health care. The main contenders for the GOP nomination are Gov. Rick Perry, Mitt Romney, Senator Rick Santorum, Herman Cain, Ron Paul, and Michelle Bachmann, as well as Newt Gingrich and others. This debate was hosted by Google and Fox News as was significant because not only did voters in the U.S. get to hear the contenders’ views about different topics specifically, but the questions that the candidates were asked were given by people and voted on by people. In essence, the debate was designed to give people answers to what they most wanted to know.
I was lucky enough to watch some of the debate. It was really interesting to see candidate Michelle Bachmann talk about the separation of church and state and her views on this touchy subject. I felt that the questions that were picked by the people were varied and diverse so as to give viewers a full perspective of the candidates’ characters. Overall, it was a great event which will help prepare voters for the upcoming election.
Paul Miller
ReplyDelete6
Palestinian Statehood Issue
CNN
September 22, 2011
http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/21/world/un-general-assembly/index.html
The Palestinian president wants an independent state from the UN. President Obama says that in order to recognize and allow that state or area to become theirs they have to resolve their conflicts there. He says that if statements and resolutions at the UN were the solution, it would have already been solved. Obama is in favor of the Palestinian state but says he will veto the vote unless the Palestinians and Israelis compromise. This UN meeting was in New York City today and the UN nations were there.
I agree with Obama because even if the UN grants the state to Palestine, there will still be conflicts over land there. He wants and I would want the conflicts to be resolved and for the state to be established. Although the peace agreements fell apart last year I would still hope they could compromise for the good of the people. We are talking about the colonies and how they established themselves, and that’s exactly what the Palestinian people are trying to do. Why can’t any compromise be made?
Maddie McNeal
ReplyDeletePerry's 2012 campaign echoes 2010 primary race
Cameron Joseph
The Hill, 9/22/11
http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/183305-perrys-2012-campaign-echoes-2010-primary-race
Sources are saying that Governor Rick Perry’s 2011 campaign for the presidency is similar to the campaign he ran in 2010 in the gubernatorial primary. Many of his tactics and strategies are very close to the ones he used in his previous election in Texas. Perry has now become the lead nominee in the Tea Party. He is showing the same political strategies against his opponents as he did before. However, as he is using similar tactics his opponents are using similar ones in order to beat him. It has become obvious that the dynamics of this race are similar to the one last year. The article also says that the reason Perry won his previous election was not fully due to his strengthens but to his opponents weaknesses. This may be a reason that Perry could be an easier opponent to defeat. Already Michelle Bachmann has attacked him in front of a national audience which will be much harder to explain on his behalf. In conclusion, Professor Robert Stein said that a decreasing group of Republicans are the ones who will vote for Perry, but, these people would still say he would beat Obama because anyone can.
As pointed out in the article Rick Perry is using the same tactics as he ha s previously. I think that he believes they worked once so he should use them again, but, it may backfire. His opponents will be able to read his game even before he makes a move. I’m not anywhere close to an expert on politics but I don’t think that this is the best game plan. Politics is about outsmarting the people fighting against you and winning! If Perry wants to win he needs to be smart and try to appeal to a larger group of people. This article relates to the topic of revolution because a possible change in presidents is a huge political change. Even though it happens every four to eight years it still brings huge change in the country.
Laura Sullivan, Period 6th
ReplyDelete“Libya Fighters Put Pressure on Regime Holdouts”
Author: CNN wire staff
Source: CNN.com
9/21/11
http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/20/world/africa/libya-war/index.html?iref=allsearch
Fighters are planning an attack on Bani Walid, a town still held by Gadhafi loyalists. While that was going on NTC fighters were moving into Sabha, a pro-Gadhafi stronghold. A message was put out that said gadhafi suporters do not believe that a long-time ruler or strong government could be overthrown like Gadhafi. In Bani Walid Gadhafi loyalist are robbing stores to starve the people and even shooting men, women, and children who try to join the revolution. In Sirte, Gadhafi’s hometown, revolutionaries have been hit and injured by Gadhafi loyalist who are hiding. No one has been able to enter and help out civilians yet.
I think the NTC fighters need to find a way to get into Bani Walid or Sirte to help out the people. What the Gadhafi loyalists are doing in Bani Walid is terrible and it needs to be stopped before anything worse happens. This article relates to what were doing in class because it has to do with a revolution still in the process in Libya.
Arianna Brown 6th period
ReplyDeleteEgypt's Educators Carry Revolution Forward
author Sharif Abdel Kouddous
source- commondresms.org
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/09/23-3
Teachers, professors, and students are taking a stand and helping the revolution in Egpyt press forward. Recently on september 10th 15,000 school teachers gathered to protest in front of the ministerial cabinet's headquarters in downtown Cairo. Their demands include the resignation of Education Minister Ahmed Moussa, increased wages, implementation of a 200 percent productivity bonus promised to public-sector workers, securing of employees' tenure and benefits through permanent contracts, and setting a minimum wage of roughly $200 per month.
Teachers and education in Egypt has not been doing well, teahers before barely got paid and class rooms are overpacked. On september 17th teachers around the country are on strike, refusing to go to school to teach. Parents and students are supporting this strike against the broken government to better schools and education.
These strikes and protests are part of the ongoing revolution in Egypt, Their another set of changes that will happen with the education system of the government. Universities are even joining in on the teacher strike along with the many other teachers across Egypt. Students, teachers and all educators are doing the right thing by taking a stand for change.
"Whoever feels something is wrong, they should just get up and say something about it," says Omar El Sabh, a 20-year old junior. "This is the embodiment of the revolutionary spirit around all of Egypt."
John Morales, 6th Period
ReplyDeleteMyanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi calls for vigilance on Myanmar's political changes
By, Asia News
Source: Spero News
Publishing Date 9-22-11
http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?id=60752&t=Myanmar%3A+++Aung+San+Suu+Kyi+calls+for+vigilance+on+Myanmar%92s+political+changes
Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi mentioned that her country is going through political change. Aung San Suu Kyi as well mentioned that change is not always for the best. U Khin Aung Myint, a speaker of the Amyotha Hluttaw; which is Myanmar's upper house, stated that she is very welcomed in the parliament. Myanmar also said that the country is going through military changes from dictatorship to " Civilian Government", that is elected by parliament. Aung San Suu Kyi in the other hand has spoken in New York and other different countries convincing that Berma alike other countries is going through change. She claims that Berma is less focused on, due to it's technological connections. Not only has Aung San Suu Kyi contributed to Berma but her father Aung San did too, whom is said to " give birth to Berma" and support the country's ethnic minorities.
I think that Berma is going through change, and that change is good. I like the fact that the military is now controlled by the civilian government rather than being dictated. I find Aung San Suu Kyi very influential because not only does she report but as well shes an author who writes books about Berma. Overall i think the change in Berma's political government is for a good cause and that the changes in other countries are being good as well.