Senate's release of torture reports

NY times
huffington post

Recently, the Senate has released private information regarding the CIA's post 9/11 interrogation detention program and their methods on "torture," an international crime. Although the people detained were only suspected of having affiliations with the events that took place on 9/11, all of them were tortured in inhumane ways that were not only physically disturbing, but psychologically, as well. Of the 119 known detainees, it has been confirmed that at least 26 of the 119 were innocent. In the fight for slavery, Nat Turner fought for the freedom of the black slaves; however, in the process, he killed many white people even if they did not do harm to the slaves. Although some whites did not directly harm black slaves, they suffered for the mere reason of being white. Just because someone may be suspected of being involved in the events which have harmed another, is it right to immediately take action? Nat Turner and the CIA's post 9/11 detention program both were not 100% sure that the people they tortured were guilty, yet they took initiative into torturing and even killing the opposing side. Is that justified? Should the 9/11 detention program have confirmed whether the person was guilty before taking course of action?

India's "solution" to solving rape

India is known for having a lot of issues when it comes to people of the female gender in the social ladder, and the government has been trying to crack down on this controversy by doing something about it by banning certain things in India. However, the way that they are going about this is ridiculous, to the point where it's comedic. I do like how India is trying their best to solve their issues when it comes to females, but it's as though they are taking one step forward and about thirty steps back. What do you think that India should do to solve the problems that females face in the country?

Kobe Bryant and Teammates Wear 'I Can't Breathe' Shirts Before Lakers-Kings

A few NBA players took the initiative and wore a shirt saying " I cant breathe". These were the last words of Eric Garner, the man who was choked to death. The death of Eric Garner has struck a lot of controversy, because the officer who choked pleaded innocent. A question I have for everyone though is: Is this incident blown out of proportion because a white man is killing a black man? Would this topic be controversial if a black officer killed a white man? Is this more of a race problem or is it more of an officer abusing his powers?

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2295116-kobe-bryant-and-teammates-wear-i-cant-breathe-shirts-before-lakers-kings?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial&hpt=hp_t2

The Unreconstructed North

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The word that sums up this article is duality. As we simplify, we regularly misremember and therefore misunderstand. Although many of you have not grown up in the northeast, I did, a product of Boston, Massachusetts and Washington D.C. The truth is much messier than the myth, and if we are to overcome the unfinished revolution from the era of Reconstruction in the 1860s and the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, then I think we need a movement. An organized, led, massive movement needs to form to bring this country forward. How do you think progress will be achieved? Gradually forward with intermittent setbacks? Or massive, organized protests?

Protesters Over Eric Garner Decision

http://abcnews.go.com/US/protesters-police-clash-york-city-eric-garner-decision/story?id=27383303

There have been many protests all over the country due to many conflicting controversies that have occurred over the years. For example, from the Trayvon Martin case, to the Mike Brown case, and now to the Eric Garner case. All of these cases have something similar and that is the fact that these three African American boys have been killed by White police officers. Many protesters have been acting on this card of a racial issue in all of these cases, while on the other hand many argue that if these men were white there would be no protests. I, however, do believe racism does exist in this country to this day, but however I believe that if our officers were better trained on how to handle situations like these, some of these cases could have been avoided. We can tie this back to the civil rights movement and how African American marched through towns fighting for equality. Many of these protesters protesting throughout this country due to these cases have the same intentions,mindset and goals that they want to reach. We can also see their determination for change which is a parallel comparison to the African Americans way back when the civil rights movement was taking place. My question is do you believe that these acts of homicide, by the white officers, were carried out due to the fact that these men were African American? Is this really a racial issue or is this issue really due to the fact that our law enforcers (police men) lack the proper knowledge and skills it takes to handle situations like these?

University of California Is Set to Raise Tuition

University of California has exclaimed that they will be raising the tuition by 27.6 percent over the next 5 years.  The universities panel said that this is needed because they aren't getting enough money from the state government. Governor Jerry Brown argued by saying that if they raise the tuition they will just keep giving them less money. But the universities keeps fighting by saying that this is what needs to happen for them to maintain there stature.This raise in tuition has outraged many students which has resulted in numerous protests on campus. Under this new plan the current tuition for in state students would rise from $12,192 a year to as much as $15,560 in 2019-2020. Out of state students who now pay upwards of $35,000 would have to pay around $45,000.  Do you think that it is right  that the governor to stop giving sufficient funds to the university? Will the university still remain elite if it cant be accessible to middle and lower class families as student loans are already an increasing issue in today's world?



http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/20/us/university-of-california-tuition-is-set-to-increase.html?_r=0

Orion, NASA's New Spacecraft

     This past Friday, NASA's Orion capsule landed in the Pacific Ocean after orbiting the earth twice in an unmanned test flight. This new capsule has been designed as part of NASA's effort to take crews past low-earth orbit, marking their first attempt since the Apollo missions in the 1960's. This new spacecraft would take crews not only to the moon, but far beyond. A NASA announcer has stated that "America has driven a golden spike as it crosses a bridge into the future." What do you think of this new project? Is this a significant scientific goal? Is this an appropriate way to spend money?

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Possible reprieve for Louisiana family's beloved pit bull

Discrimination has obviously been a big issue throughout our countries history. Yet in my personal opinion I believe one of the ideas you should never discriminate against is Mans Best Friend. Unfortunately this is the case for lots of breed most commonly Pit Bulls. An ordinance was set forth in a village in Louisiana banning Pit Bulls and Rottweilers. This has not been the first time a town has put laws against specific breeds. It is also stated that the laws against specific breeds are a waste of public resources. Do you agree? If a ban were to put on (dogs) should it be put on a specific dog breed or all dogs in general? Would you apply that idea to groups of people? Such as if one group does something should everyone get punished?

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Eric Garner chokehold death: No indictment for NYPD cop

Articel Link :

In July of 2014 a man named Eric Garner died after being put into a choke hold by officer Daniel Pantaleo. Garner was stopped for the suspicion of selling loose cigarettes. After months of investigation, the grand jury decided not to indict officer Pantaleo. Many citizens of New York and from around the country are outraged by the jury's decision because of the numerous amounts of evidence. A cell phone captured video of the whole conflict and you can hear Garner repeatedly say, "I can't breathe." Also, NYPD says that officers are not allowed to use choke holds, proving the officer had done something wrong. Adding on to the evidence, a medical examiner had ruled Eric's death a homicide. Many people are upset because they feel like this is discrimination, being that we also just recently had outrage over the Michael brown case. What do you guys think? Is there still inequality in our society that is becoming more prevalent? Or do you feel it was right to not indict the officer?

Obama’s potential immigration plan could enter uncharted territory

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Basically what the article is saying is that President Obama is trying to take action not to provide amnesty for undocumented immigrants, but make it so that they are not being targeted for deportation. That means that they are not legal citizens but Obama certainly is pushing the limits of his power. The last time something like this happened was with resident Ronald Reagan 28 years ago. Clearly, Obama seems to be pro-immigration, but it's always seemed to be a controversial issue. I found it really interesting how we as a country went from being totally anti-immigration with the Chinese exclusion act of 1882 to being this accepting (some of us are, anyway) of immigrants. What would the pros and cons of a action like the one President Obama is making be? Do you agree or disagree with his policy regarding immigration? Is he overstepping his powers as president by trying to remove the threat of deportation from undocumented residents (even if temporarily)?

Teaching Civilized Dissent: All Backgrounds Welcome

This past week, 100 middle school students from 10 schools around New York meet together at Tarrytown, N.Y. for a monthly tournament in order to be taught about civilized dissent.  Together they from the New York Debate League which is composed of students from elite institutions and a large amount of poor students.  This league accepts any child of ethnic background and involves a distinct mix of students.  The tournaments involve students being given a topic in which they have 20 minutes to study and then participate in a debate based on their given topic. Some of the students that have been involved in this league believe that it helps them prepare for the real world.  Another influence that these tournaments have on the students is that it allows the students to grow an appreciation of research, debate skills, and other skills which they will need for real world situations weather it be for political or presentation purposes.  Finally, these tournaments provide  middle school students of a more diverse ethnic background and who's families are not as financially stable as others to pay for more elite schools, the chance to learn about civil dissent and acquire real world skills...  So What?  Do you think that these tournaments will have a good influence on the youth of America?  What kind of outcome will these tournaments have on those who participate in them?

New court decision could end California's restrictions on conceal-carry permits

 
 http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/11/12/new-court-decision-likely-ends-california-restrictions-on-conceal-carry-permits/

In california Law-abiding Californians may not need to justify their need to carry concealed weapons, after the same three-judge panel that struck down restrictions on the permits earlier this year ruled Wednesday that it is too late for new opponents to join the fight against the ruling. The decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals would bar other law enforcement officials, including state Attorney General Kamala Harris, from gaining "intervener status" to join in further challenges of its ruling in a case originally brought by an independent journalist who sued the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department over its policy of requiring a specific reason for being allowed to carry a concealed weapon in public. Do you think its right for them to do this why or why not?

For Super Bowl 50, NFL courts LGBT businesses

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For the first time ever, the NFL is outreaching to businesses owned by lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders for the year of 2016.  Robb Fleischer, president of the Golden Gate Business Association, claims San Francisco is going to be the best place to create history for the LGBT community.  The NFL tries to target small businesses owned by minorities, women, and disabled veterans for their Business Connection program; the LGBT community is thrilled to be included in their organization.  The Business Connection program helps get businesses become incorporated in presentations from representatives of the NFL and the Super Bowl 50 Host Committee staff and corporate sponsors.  Nathan Ballard, a spokesman for the NFL, claims these outreach programs are not exclusively beneficial to the NFL, but the entire business world.  Do you believe there will be backlash against the NFL for associating with LGBT?  Does this make a progressive step towards equality?  Do you think more companies should corporate with the LGBT community?        

Republicans seize Senate, gaining full control of Congress

http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/04/politics/election-day-story/index.html

The GOP, or the Grand Old Party, won the over the senate this year. The GOP is better known as the Republican Party which is one of the two major political parties in America today. Being the majority in the Senate is a good thing for the republicans. The senate is able to do many things which includes opposing/rejecting proposed treaties or laws, and they also help elect federal executive officials. Many republicans openly contested Obama's recent health care plan but were unsuccessful on rejecting this plan because they were the minority in the Senate. Now that the republicans have control of the Senate they have the power to reject any of Obama's bills. I am not if this is a good thing or not. Certainly having the upperhand in the Senate helps the republicans try to make America the way they want it. It may also help improve America overall; because now there will be two different point of views trying to push their points across, and thus, giving us all the best we can get from them.Do you think that the GOP deserved to win? How will this impact the US?

Teachers File Lawsuit Against Principal for Discrimination

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Three former teachers from Bailey's Elementary School are filing a lawsuit against the school's principal, Marie Lemmon, for discrimination against race, religion, and gender. It also appears that this isn't the first time any charges have been filed against Lemmon's discrimination, but none of the previous affidavits by other teachers have been acknowledged by the school system. Years have passed since the Civil War and women's rights movements, yet discrimination is still very much alive and active in this country. And often times, especially in the case of schools, the matter is quietly shoved to the side to hopefully be forgotten. I believe that the education system should properly punish those who display discrimination as much as Lemmon does instead of attempting to protect the school's image. What do you guys think? Do you think discrimination occurring in schools should receive more attention, or is it too minor of a matter to be worried about?

Mandatory Mandarin: Portuguese kids take compulsory Chinese class

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The Portuguese town of Sao Joao da Madeira has recently made learning Mandarin compulsive for children 8 and 9 years old. This town has a large shoe industry and most of these children will end up making shoes or working for footwear companies. By mandating that children learn Mandarin, authorities hope that they will be able to work with or in China, whose footwear market is the biggest in the world. I think that it is good that these children are given this opportunity so early in their education, so that they can continue to use Mandarin throughout life and in their careers. The unemployment rate throughout Portugal is 13.6%, so it makes sense to give these children some way to succeed in the highly competitive job market. In early 1800s America, during the slave trade, slaves were forced to learn English and could not continue speaking their native languages. This could be seen as a historical connection because the children have no choice on whether or not they want to learn Mandarin. On the other hand, I think that this is much more like Reconstruction where the freedmen were finally allowed to learn English and most of them pursued it happily. What do you think? Is it right to make learning a language non-native to your country mandatory? Should the children be able to choose?

Connecticut girl barred from school amid Ebola fears; family sues

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The family of a third-grader, Ikeoluwa, in Connecticut filed a lawsuit against Milford Public School because they have banned their daughter from school for 21 days due to Ebola fears. Her family has just returned from a trip in Lagos, Nigeria for a family wedding, and she was banned from school “based on fears.” Rumors and panic started in Meadowside Elementary School in Milford, and Ikeoluwa was said to have “suffered severe emotional distress” from the decision to ban her. Stephen Opayemi, her father, was told that if he tried to bring his daughter to school, police would be there to remove her.  Ikeoluwa has not been diagnosed with Ebola, and she has not shown any of the symptoms. Do you think that it is right to ban Ikeoluwa? Is it right to make this decision based on fear, not medical information? 

Lava Flows up 2,000 degrees may destroy dozens of homes to Hawaiians

October 28,2014 people are waking up to the smell of burning to find out that its the lava slowly burning away at their homes. This lava flow is measured up to be at least 2,000 degrees and increasing.This lava is coming from molten rock from the Kilauea Volcano which is about 350 yards from the nearest house.The hawaiians in the 350 yard range of the Volcano have already been warned since the first sighting on tuesday. Till now people are still in their homes waiting and preparing to abandon their homes. WHat should the government do in the future for those who would be homeless? Leave them in the streets or what?

US disease expert argues against Ebola quarantine

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Scientists and politicians are disagreeing over whether or not to enact a 21 day quarantine - the incubation period for Ebola - on medical workers coming back to the United States from West Africa.  Dr. Anthony Fauci argues that this requirement would dissuade health care workers from providing their assistance in West Africa.  New Jersey governor Chris Christie responds to Dr. Fauci by saying that it will "'become a national policy sooner rather than later.'"  Dr. Fauci counters Christie's point by stating that other countries will be turned away from helping people in Africa, and the epidemic will continue to "roar."  Christie disagrees with Dr. Fauci on the matter.  Kaci Hickox, the first forcibly quarantined nurse in New Jersey states that she doesn't feel that she's been treated with "compassion and humanity."  US ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, agrees with Hickox and says that the US health care workers should be treated like heroes for the work they're doing.  Do you agree with Dr. Fauci, or with Chris Christie?  Should the returning medical workers be quarantined, and if they are, how do you think people will react?  Like Dr. Fauci predicts, or like Christie predicts?  What should the US do to prevent the spread of Ebola?

Iran executes woman who killed her alleged rapist

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A woman named Reyhaneh Jabbari in 2007 was sentenced to death for killing a man named Morteza Abdolali Sarbandi. This man allegedly raped her and the only reason Jabbari killed him was in self defense. However, she was still convicted of murder and the fact of her actions being self defense were ignored. She was held in solitary confinement for two months without access to a lawyer or her family. During those two months she was tortured as well. She had been waiting on death row for five years and her original execution date of September 30th was postponed due to public outcry against the execution. The United Nations and the The U.S. State Department had concerns about the trial saying that it was unfair and unjust. Although, Despite international pressure to spare her life she was hung. Iran has executed about 170 people this year and last year it executed the most people than any other country has. A connection in history that can be made to this event could be when the southerners hung black people who broke laws or went against white authority. They never got a fair trial and a lot of the time didn't even get their day in court. What do you think, Do you believe that Jabbari's sentence was unfair? Why do you think Jabbari was given such an unjust sentence? How do you feel about Iran executing so many people? What actions could the U.S. or other International organizations have taken to prevent this execution or countless others like this?

Golden Gate Bridge considers charging bicyclists, pedestrians

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The Golden Gate Bridge is known as one of the major landmark of San Francisco. What if someone told you that you have to pay walk or bike across the bridge? Would you do it? If the toll on the Golden Gate Bridge is approved, it would aim for July 2017 to start charges. I personally think they should not put a toll on the bride. Why should people who bike be tolled for not polluting the air? If the toll were to be approved I believe there would be less people would be biking. Although I do believe people would be willing to pay to go on the bridge but for those that bike daily on the bridge it isn't fair to them. What do you think? Would you pay the toll each time you wanted to go on the bridge?  Do you think its fair that pedestrians should pay sidewalk tolls since cars pay the bridge toll? 

Turkey Allows Kurdish Fighters Into Syria

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Since the formation of The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant better known by ISIS, the country of Turkey has not let the Kurds to use its borders to get into Syria from its northern borders. The fact that the Turkish officials have made this significant step, really helps the outcome of this ongoing war against this terrorist group. Someone has to give some credit to Turkey for their thoughtful action taken in the right path. Now the Kurds can send supplies to the cities that still have war going on in them faster, and more effectively. This really could be a turning point against the ISIS. This reminds of WWII where Persia (Iran) was used by the Allies to get supplies to the USSR southern borders against their war with the Nazi Germany. What do you think? Could Turkey's reaction endanger its territory by the ISIS? Or could it actually change the results of the war between the Kurds and the ISIS?

The country where it's apparently a crime to be rescued from slavery

 (Click Here to Read)

In Mauritania, the country with the world's highest incidence of modern slavery, it is apparent that being saved from such slavery charges that person for committing a crime. Why would anyone be charged for being saved from slavery? Mauritania was the last country in the world to abolish the practice of slavery, and yet, in 2007 it was only then that they considered owning humans was a criminal act. That should mean that escaping slavery is non-punishable then, right? Since the law states that it is a criminal act to own any humans. But that was not the case for 15 year-old girl, Mbeirika Mint M'bareck, who had been freed from slavery, yet had been charged for having sex outside marriage  (which can be punishable by death through stoning). Although it was not of her consent to be submitted into rape and commit adultery, that charge is looked upon more than the fact that she had been enslaved for adultery had been a longer standing law than slavery is.With these charges, it shows the sad, slow progress Mauritania is making towards equality. This 15 year-old girl is just a reminder that slavery goes on even in today's time, and that it should finally be brought to justice once and for all so that slavery is eradicated in every part of the world. So, as another country who looks upon this, how does this relate back to slavery in America with African-Americans? And, also (looking at the current situation at hand),  what are some ways that slavery can truly be abolished in Mauritania? 

At least 70 ISIS bodies dropped off at Syrian hospital, opposition says

http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/19/world/meast/isis-kobani/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

Throughout the past couple of days 70 bodies from the ISIS terror group have been dropped off at Syrian hospitals. Many of the bodies were dead on arrival. Nobody knows exctly who dropped the bodies off at the hospital, but some think that it was other ISIS members. These bodies had been killed by many car bombs going off in Kobani. Kobani is a city on the border of Turkey. The ISIS rebels have been trying to take over the city for a couple of weeks now. It is very important that the rebel ISIS group does not take it over. This war has become very heated. Do you think this could escalate into another World War? Do you think the U.S. should have stepped in like they did?

Over 48 million Americans live in poverty

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When people hear "The United States of America" they think of a great opportunity for anyone who can get into America. That may have been the case many years ago but today this is not the case. Over 48 million of the people in America live in poverty. I think that this is too many people that live in poverty for us to feel comfortable so we now need to take action and help save some of these people. Is this something the United States needs to focus on even with all of these other complications coming up right now? Or should the government put this aside and tend to other issues that are happening right now? Is there even a way for people to help this cause enough to make a difference because so many people are going into poverty at such a high rate?

Child is Given 3-D Prosthetic Hand

Jeff Powell, a student at UNC-Chapel Hill has been making prosthetic hands out of 3-D printers. Each 3D printed hand costs roughly less than $20. The project began this summer and is continuing to help children in the need of a prosthetic hand. Holden Mora, the first child in Chapel Hill to receive this hand, was deformed due to a birth defect. "I'm perfect one handed" The 7 year states but is currently learning how to be perfect two handed with his new hand. By showing Jeff certain bugs the hand may have, Holden also helps Jeff in improving his innovation. Jeff is also trying to start a non profit organization dedicated to giving children a hand a Prosthetic Hand similar to Holden's. What do you think about future prosthetic body parts being created by 3D printers? Do you think it will be effective?

Hong Kong Democracy Advocate Beaten

A videotape of the beating, along with pictures of the bruised body, of protester Ken Tsang adds to tension between protesters and the chinese government. Ken Tsang says he was "brutally" assaulted by police. A spokesman for the Hong Kong Police has said protesters have been violent as well, tossing objects, kicking, and pushing officers. One officer has had his shoulder dislocated after being pushed by a protester. Mr. Tsang was "accused of unlawful assembly and of obstructing a police officer".  Throughout history there have been cases of police brutality. Was Tsang asking for this treatment? Is it ever okay for police to resort to violence? How far is too far?
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/16/world/asia/video-of-apparent-beating-of-protester-in-hong-kong-stirs-anger.html?ref=world&_r=0

Against Rules, Dallas Worker With Ebola Boarded Plane

Ebola is a disease that began in 1976 and has been spreading through West Africa and is now in the U.S. The man, who had recently flown from Africa to Texas that was confirmed to be infected with Ebola is now dead because he did not receive proper care in time. But since then there has been two more Ebola infected people(nurses) in the U.S.  One of them had boarded a plane to Dallas before being diagnosed with the deadly disease. Now the C.D.C's job has been made much harder since it might have spread to other people in different parts of the U.S. She shouldn't have boarded the plane since she was one of the nurses that came in contact with the first Ebola patient. Is there risk of others being infected? Has there been cases of Ebola in other parts of the U.S? Is there a way to prevent it? Is there a treatment for EVD? What is your opinion?

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/16/us/ebola-outbreak-texas.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=LedeSum&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=1

Vicar: Dire Times For Iraq's Christians

The situation for Christians in Iraq has never been worse.  It is bad enough that they are being forced out of their homes, but they are also being tortured, killed, threatened, humiliated, and terrorists are now bombing sacred ground (churches).  Today, all of the churches in Iraq have been abandoned and more than half of the christian population has been cleared out either because of murder or because they have fled to other countries.  Though this is an article from a couple years back, many Christians are still being hunted down and prosecuted for their beliefs.  This sounds a lot like a genocide to me.  Have we not learned from our mistakes from the past.  Have we not learned from past genocides such as the Holocaust in the 1940's, the genocide in Armenia in 1915 (also a christian target), or even the Rwandan genocide in the 1990's? When will accept others no matter of where they come from or what they believe in?  What is your opinion? http://www.cbsnews.com/news/vicar-dire-times-for-iraqs-christians/3/