Remains of one missing Mexican student found

"In Mexico, parents of missing students vow search will continue"
By: Catherine E. Shoichet and Rafael Romo
Source: CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/07/world/americas/mexico-missing-student-id/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

Investigators of the case of the 43 students who went missing from the Teachers College in Mexico's Guerrero state have identified a bone fragment using DNA testing and determined it to belong to 19 year old Alexander Mora Venancio. Authorities believe that the students' remains were burned and placed into plastic bags only to be thrown into a river. Alexander's family has been pressuring the authorities for weeks for news of the 43 mission students. Alexander's school friends had even donated money to keep the investigation going. Confessions from drug traffickers has revealed that the 43 students were rounded up on orders of the local mayor and handed over to drug lords to be murdered. Iguala Mayor Jose Luis Abarca of being in charge of the students disappearance. So far 80 people have been arrested, ranging from police officers to drug cartel members. As the search continues, protests and riots ensue in major Mexican cities, and all the parents patiently wait for more news.

This incident has been named the worst human rights abuse in recent Latin American history, and for good reason. These students lives were abruptly interrupted for no good reason. All responsible for this heinous crime must be brought to justice, and all the victims should be returned to safety. Words cannot describe the grief the parents are suffering through, especially Alexander Mora Venancio's parents. Alexander's remains were the first to be found and identified throughout this entire investigation. This is truly an unfortunate event, and hopefully it will conclude soon.

Tragedy Strikes Cleveland

"Cleveland police kill boy, 12, carrying a replica gun"
By: BBC Staff
Source: BBC
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-30172433

Tragedy has struck Cleveland after police officers shot dead a twelve year old boy, Tamir Rice, waving his replica gun around in a play ground. A person who reported Rice indicated that he did not know whether the gun was real or not. Responding officers then ordered Tamir to raise his hands, but after failing to do so, was shot to death with two bullets. One officer was a ten year veteran of the force, while the other officer was new to the police force. Tamir was not reported pointing the gun at officers, nor did he make any verbal remarks. Police report the "weapon" Tamir Rice was carrying was a airsoft replica gun. Alicia Reece, a local lawmaker, will introduce legislation to make replica guns brightly colored. The Rice family lawyer said the family plans on proceeding with civil action against the Cleveland Police force.The United States Department of Justice is also conducting an investigation.

This was an absolutely, totally avoidable, tragedy. Tamir Rice's life was taken from him by trigger happy officers. Nothing is more tragic then a parent outliving their child, and unfortunately Tamir's parents will have to live with this pain. The officers responsible for this should be fired and punished by the law. There is no justifiable reason for this senseless violence.

War on Terror News

"Obama to Send 1,500 More Troops to Assist Iraq"
By: Helene Cooper and Michael D. Shear
Source: New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/08/world/middleeast/us-to-send-1500-more-troops-to-iraq.html

                  As the Islamic State group continues to terrorize Iraq and Syria, President Obama has authorized the deployment of 1,500 troops to Iraq bringing the total number of U.S. personnel in the area to 3,000. These troops are meant to train and advise Iraqi and Kurdish troops in order to combat the extremist Muslim terrorist group. U.S. personnel are trying to prepare for an offensive attack planned in Spring 2015. Training sites are to be established throughout the nation of Iraq, including the Anbar region. The White House is to request $5 billion dollars from Congress in order to train and equip troops and militants. The efforts on part of the United States are meant to retake regions of Iraq controlled by ISIL including retaking the city of Mosul, which is home to over a million people. President Obama is assuring that the 1,500 troops are not going to be engaging in combat. It is believed that the announcement of the deployment was made three days after the mid-term elections in an effort to avoid tarnishing the Democratic name, and to avoid further angering the American people prior to elections.

                Many Americans are upset that our troops are being sent back to Iraq, despite the President's promise to retract our troops from the Middle East. The Islamic State group is no longer negligible, but is now a threat to the United States and its allies. American troops will be providing a service by training the ill equipped Iraqi and Kurdish troops and assist in retaking Iraq from ISIL.

Transcendentalism

           Today at 12PM I had the chance to mimic a transcendentalist era writer. I was instructed to sit for thirty minutes in my backyard with only my thoughts and absolutely no technology by my side. I am ashamed to admit that it was a pretty difficult task for me. Trying to think of what to write was the most daunting task. I could only think of my future plans, about going to college and eventually running for Congress. My thoughts then drifted to my plans later today. I was planning on knocking on my neighbors' doors to collect money for the school walkathon. I already asked for donations on Saturday, and after today I am finally eligible for the Golden Raffle and the chance to win an iPad Mini. My main motivation behind raising the money, instead of just asking my parents for the twenty five dollars, was the experience I would gain from interacting with my neighbors. I received many no's, but those only served as a contrast to the yes's I received. This was good practice considering I plan on running for public office one day, requiring me to meet with my constituents on a daily basis. My future is something I think about almost every waking hour. It is my dream to serve the American people in Congress, and sitting outside in my backyard allowed me to properly reflect on my hopes, something I should do more often.

           My experience as a transcendentalist was both challenging, and ultimately rewarding. I don't know If i can guarantee that I will do this again, but the 34 minutes I spent in my backyard will be something I will remember doing for a long time. 

Death With Dignity Advocate passes at 29

"Brittany Maynard, terminally ill advocate for death aids, dies at 29"
By: Frank Shyong
Source: Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-brittany-maynard-suicide-20141102-story.html

             Brittany Maynard, a champion for the Death With Dignity Act, which allows patients of sound mind to request medical assistance to end their life, died in the loving arms of her family on Saturday. Maynard made national headlines with her decision to move to Oregon from California to take advantage of the Death With Dignity Act, which is only legal in four other states; Washington, Vermont, Montana and New Mexico. Maynard was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer on April of this year and her doctor told her she had six months to live at best. The State of California was to pass a similar law, but legislation was dismissed as it did not receive a sufficient amount of votes. Brittany Maynard a graduate of UC Berkeley and UC Irvine, strongly advocated the passage of similar laws throughout the whole nation. She loved to travel, and even scaled Mount Kilimanjaro. On Saturday she consumed life ending drugs and passed away surrounded by her loved ones in her Portland, Oregon home. "If Nov. 2 comes along, and I've passed, I hope my family is still proud of me and the choices I've made," Maynard says in her video about her decision (Brittany Maynard).

          Brittany Maynard's death must not be in vain. The Death With Dignity Act should be enacted in all fifty states of the Union. Terminally ill people should be able to decide if they want to end their lives peacefully, instead of being forced to endure pain and suffering, swallowing pills that would prolong the inevitable. If animals are put down humanely if they are suffering, why are humans not given the same right?

The Future of High School

             I believe that high schools in 2035 will be very similar, if not the same, as high schools today. Yes high schoolers will have more advanced technology at their disposal, but most of it would be too expensive for everyday high schools to be able to afford. Private high schools may be able to purchase some of these new devices and machines, like Pilibos has done with the Smart Boards, but if they would be willing to is another question. Teachers of 2035 would be raised in the technological age, and thus would be able to utilize these new gadgets, but regular public schools would never be able to afford them unfortunately due to underfunding. Students of 2035 will still be using paper textbooks, notebooks and pencils. It will not take twenty years for the American public education schooling system to reform. It would likely take several generations until public schools are given more attention and funding from the federal government. Students of 2035 would most probably have similar reading lists to the ones we have today unless a literary masterpiece is released within the next two decades. I can not imagine myself as a teacher, as teaching is not my passion. It takes a special type of person to be able to teach young people; someone who is completely selfless, patient and unfortunately unappreciated. There are many bad teachers, but they serve as a contrast to the rare breed of amazing teachers that mold the minds of young students, and these teachers make a true difference.

SOAPST for "Education"

The subject of Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay, "Education" is primarily focused on the need for education reform, and the overall philosophy of America's education system. Occasion is used with mentioning that the article was featured in the American Scholar magazine sometime in the 1800s. The audience consists of the readers of American Scholar, parents and teachers. The purpose of this essay is to inform readers of the condition of America's education system and to propose a method of reform for the system. The speaker is the renowned author Ralph Waldo Emerson, whom also served as the vanguard for the Transcendentalism Movement. Tone is used in this essay with Ralph Waldo Emerson's confident and professional writing method. 

SOAPST is a necessary method of analyzing a work of literature. It is extremely straightforward and easily understandable. As an added bonus it is very easy to learn how to use the SOAPST method. SOAPST analyzes every single part of a piece of literature, from the Subject to the Audience to the overall Tone of the piece. Every single portion of SOAPST culminates to form an easy to understand analysis of a seemingly complex work of literature. 

This essay is extremely effective, as Ralph Waldo Emerson is able to easily make all his points. His essay reaches out to a wide variety of readers, from parents to educators alike. His famous name, and the fact that he led the Transcendentalism movement establishes his right to speak of the need for an education reform in the United States.

Doctor treating Ebola in Africa forced into 'inhumane' quarantine

"Nurse Who Spoke Out About Quarantine Felt a Calling for Health Care, Friends Say"
By: Emma G. Fitzsimmons
Source: New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/27/nyregion/nurse-who-spoke-out-about-quarantine-felt-a-calling-for-health-care-friends-say.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=LargeMediaHeadlineSum&module=b-lede-package-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news

Ebola continues to spread across West Africa, and public fear of the fatal virus is at an all time high thanks to in depth 24/7 media coverage. For the past month, Kaci Hickox, a veteran of Doctors Without Borders and a graduate from University of Texas at Arlington, was in Sierra Leone helping treat Ebola patients. Upon arrival at Newark Liberty International Airport, she was one of the first "victims" of a policy championed by the governors of both New York and New Jersey for an immediate quarantine of all emergency medical staff returning from West Africa. Hickox was extremely frustrated that she was quarantined. She reported she had no symptoms and that the 101 degree reported by the forehead scanner at the airport was due to her being upset and flushed.  A later temperature recorded her body heat at a normal 98.6. She was placed into an isolation tent fitted with a portable toilet, but no shower or TV. She was originally not going to speak about the conditions she was forced to endure, until the governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie reported that she was "obviously ill." Knowing that she was fine, she decided to speak up. She first wrote an essay for the Dallas Morning News and later an interview with CNN. New York Mayor, Joe de Blasio came to the defence of Ms. Hickox's claims that her treatment was inhumane.

This is an important article as it includes the inhumane treatment that medical workers returning from West Africa are forced to endure, and the unnecessary Ebola hysteria brought upon by the over coverage by media. Medical workers should be tested and be given with ethical quarantine procedure, and the media needs to calm down and for once, stop spreading fear.

Scandal with Health Organizations response to the Ebola Outbreamg

"WHO to review Ebola response amid criticism"

By: Ray Sanchez

Source: CNN

http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/18/world/who-ebola-response/index.html

As the Ebola outbreak has claimed 4500 lives in West Africa, the World Health Organization, a United Nations agency responsible for disease control and prevention, is under extreme scrutiny after a report, cited in an Associated Press article, that it's response to the virus was botched due to incompetence and lack of communication with local offices. Criticism ranges from the agency's lack of prior knowledge that traditional containment methods would not work with the deadly Ebola virus, mostly due to affected nations unmonitored "borders" and lack of proper healthcare system, to a local WHO office in the West Africa region not communicating properly with headquarters and relaying information.     Most of the blame was put upon the West Africa office, which was dubbed the frontline against the Ebola outbreak, and was chastised for incompetence. 

Ebola is an extremely important issue facing the world today. It is no longer an issue that can be ignored and it has finally reached American shores. Leaders at the WHO West Africa office should be reprimanded and communication should be re-established in that region if this virus is to be contained. 

Education in America

 Do America's schools meet the educational needs of today's youth? That is the question being asked by both parents and experts alike. I personally believe, from my experience as a private school student, that it indeed does. Although I do not like math class, or hye tad as much as history or english, I understand the importance of it. Math teaches us to use our brains to solve problems, while hye tad instills pride and culture. I have been fortunate enough to attend a private school, but many public schools throughout the nation are severely underfunded and overcrowded, and unfortunately do not FULLY meet the individual educational needs of each and every students. On top of it, the teachers are unfortunately grossly underpaid. Students are still given a useful education, combined with hardwork on their part, that will lead them to success. America's education system is tailored to meet the needs of the masses not the individual. America's education system has its flaws, and it is way behind in standardized testing scores compared to our foreign brothers, but it still serves its goal of providing free education and indoctrinating the important values of being a good American citizen into the impressionable minds of young students. Everything in America is in need of improvement, especially our education system. I have the utmost confidence that the government, and the leaders that we elect will be able to fix the problems marring the American education system. 

"Obama hits road to deal with pair of global crises"
By: Kevin Liptak
Source: CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/15/politics/obama-ebola-isis/index.html

        In the midst of two international crises spread across two continents; the War on Terror against the ISIS threat in the Middle East, and the Ebola outbreak ravaging West Africa, Obama embarked on a two-day U.S. road trip beginning from Washington. As Ebola continues to spread, and ISIS continues to leave a path of destruction in the Middle East, President Obama's leadership abilities have come under question, and the road trip is meant to showcase his effectiveness as the President. Obama plans to stop at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta, and the U.S. Central Command at the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. Officials calmed the fears that ISIS and Ebola pose a threat to the American homeland, but do warn that if left unchecked they will reach uncontrollable levels. At the CDC headquarters, the President will be briefed on the deadly virus, and how the United States government is responding. The United States has contributed 100 million in combating the disease, and an extra 88 million is expected to be added to that sum if approved by Congress. The current estimate for the casualties of Ebola is at 3,500. At the Central Command in Tampa, where the front against ISIS is being run, the president is to be told about strategic plans against ISIS. According to Obama and his administration, ISIS does not present a threat to the United States, but individual fighters possessing U.S. and E.U. passports could potentially carry out an attack.
      This is a very important topic as it includes two threats important topics plaguing the world today, ISIS and Ebola. Both are currently being dealt with, but still constitute the need for foreign intervention. This two day trip by Obama is an attempt to show that he is a capable leader, but actions matter more. Middle Eastern powers need to work together and form a coalition to battle ISIS, while International Health agencies should continue searching for a cure devastating the nations of West Africa.

Volunteering Equals Experience

      Everyday the workforce in America becomes more and more competitive. This is why it is absolutely imperative that students get a taste of what the workforce they will soon be entering will be like. That is why volunteering must be made mandatory and a requirement for graduation. Along with the added bonus of looking good for colleges, volunteering offers countless opportunities and experiences that will stay with a person for life. Volunteering teaches one the essentials of adhering to a schedule and obeying those above them. One also gain the experience of what it is like to be in the work force, something one cannot get anywhere else. It is true some students will resent it, but volunteering will be a necessary evil for them that will hopefully reform their negative and obstructive thoughts towards working. Volunteering also grooms young, impressionable students into future respectable citizens that will pay their taxes, give back to their communities, and obey the laws set forth by those above them. The pros of volunteering far outweigh the seemingly nonexistent cons. Some may argue it is another form of slavery. This is a weak and spineless argument, as it does not address the valuable experience gained by those who give back. America is in need of valuable and loyal citizens, and they can be found volunteering in the workplace. Volunteers are future firemen, police officers, doctors, United States Serviceman, leaders and so on. The United States is climbing out of the economic turmoil left behind by previous administrations, and young volunteers who took time out of their days to work somewhere for valuable experience are needed to take the reins of the American Economy. Volunteering leads to experience and valuable opportunities, and eventually to a bright and fruitful future.

Ebola Worsens, and Obama steps up

"U.S. to Commit Up to 3,000 Troops to Fight Ebola in Africa"
By: Helene Cooper, Michael D. Shear, and Denise Grady
Source: New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/16/world/africa/obama-to-announce-expanded-effort-against-ebola.html

           As the Ebola outbreak continues to devastate West Africa, Obama announced on Tuesday, September 16, that the United States would be playing a bigger role in an effort to contain the disease that has already claimed 3,000 lives. The Pentagon's original plan was to build a 25 bed portable hospital, but the President and his administration plan to go beyond that by building 17 Ebola treatment centers with about 1,700 beds. The Department of Defense plans to open a command center in Liberia's capitol city of Monrovia for logistical reasons. The Military will dispatch engineers to build more treatment centers, and enough personnel to train at least 500 medical workers a week in hopes to combat the microscopic menace. In total, the military estimates 3,000 people will be sent to the disease-stricken area of West Africa. The United States government will also hand out 400,000 Ebola treatment kits, along with thousands of kits to test whether someone has the infectious disease. It is unknown when the 17 treatment centers will be built, and as the condition in West Africa continues to deteriorate, Liberia reports it needs a 1,000 beds in the coming week.

          This is an immensely important issue that can no longer be ignored by international governments. If control is not established in West Africa, the disease will continue to spread, and the death toll will rise substantially. Ebola does not recognize national borders, and will spread to any country that does not have a sufficient medical infrastructure and methods to contain such a deadly outbreak.

Salt+Caramel=?

      Nothing screams sophistication and class like something that came out of France, and Salted Caramel ice cream is no exception. I have absolutely no idea who's idea it was to combine those polar opposites together, but I do know that it tastes amazing, and in the end, that's all that matters. Its creamy texture, savory sweetness, and salty aftertaste all add up to create the embodiment of the word Bliss. It is completely different from any other ice cream flavor in existence, mostly due to the strange combination of salt and caramel, but like Will and Carlton from Fresh Prince, it works, and the result is truly amazing. I believe the most attractive part of this ice cream is the two completely opposite ingredients, found on both ends of the food spectrum, clashing together to form something so crazy, that it works flawlessly, a quality I find in myself. Yes I am a self-obsessed ego-maniac who puts his interests before those of others, but I am also a compassionate, and considerate human being who would help friends and family in a heartbeat without hesitation. One spoonful after another leads to my happiness factor increasing, and my mood level elevating. It's truly unbelievable that something so insignificant can have such a huge impact on what emotion i'm experiencing. It's kind of sad really. I won't let that deter me though. I will always enjoy the simple pleasure of being able to sit down and wolf down one spoonful of Salted Caramel after another, and appreciate the fact that I am truly blessed and fortunate to enjoy something that I take for granted everyday while someone goes hungry. This is why I love Salted Caramel so much, because it is proof that opposites DO attract.

ISIS, a Terrorist ARMY

"Islamic State's rapid growth caught U.S. by surprise"

By: Brian Bennet

Source: Los Angeles Times

http://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-obama-iraq-20140913-story.html#page=1

        As the ISIS threat continues to ravage the Middle East, foreign intervention has intensified after the Pentagon and the United States Government plan to form an international coalition to begin coordinated airstrikes against ISIS in Syria. Throughout this summer, ISIS wreaked havoc upon northern Iraq, accumulating thousands of new recruits from Iraqi Sunni tribes, prisons, and insurgent groups. US intelligence officials report that this sudden burst of recruitment has nearly tripled their size, catching authorities by surprise. The Obama administration is on full alert, attempting to break apart the dangerous new alliances the organization has made, and to push them back. ISIS has shown its competence with its major military gains and sufficient funding, along with capable leaders at the helm. As time progresses, the US military will be offensive, rather than defensive. Islamic State Leaders will be bombed for the first time in an attempt to aid Iraqi and Kurdish ground forces. These are the same tactics used against ISIS's forerunner group, Al Qaeda. Speaking at a fundraiser on Friday, President Obama conveyed his determined confidence that the United States and its allies would be able to push back ISIS, and eventually destroy it.

    This issue is extremely important because the ISIS threat can no longer be ignored. Their radical Islamic beliefs must be stopped, and the group must be defunct. They are more than a terrorist group, they are an army. An army with thousands of young, and passionate guerilla fighters ready to slaughter anyone who disagrees with them. 

ISIS threatens the West, World Leaders Stepping Up

"Left unchecked, Islamic State threatens West, anti-terror chief says"
By: W.J. Hennigan
Source: Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-islamic-state-threatens-west-20140903-story.html

      As the ISIS threat continues to ravage Iraq and Syria, Director Matthew Olsen of the National Counterterrorism Center calmed fears of an attack on American soil a day after the video of the brutal beheading of a second American journalist, Steven Sotloff, emerged. He did mention that Europe is prone to an attack, as more Europeans with European Union passports have abandoned their nations to fight for the radical Islamist terror group. More than 12,000 people have left to fight for the group and around 100 of them possess U.S. passports allowing them to return to their home countries. On Wednesday, Bosnian officials arrested 16 people suspected of having ties to ISIS. Recently, the United Kingdom raised its terror threat level from 'Substantial' to 'Severe', the second highest level of a five tier list. The UK threat levels are Low, Moderate, Substantial, Severe, and Critical. British Police were also given the authority to seize the passports of any traveller shortly after it was announced that an attack on the UK was 'highly likely'. French Parliament is attempting to introduce a similar law following the arrest of a 16 year-old girl and her potential recruiter who were both under suspicion of joining the Islamist group. Director Matthew Olsen warns a sympathizer inspired by the propaganda posted by ISIS on popular social media could potentially carry out an attack in America. As the War on Terror continues to rage on leaving a path of destruction and death in its wake, international leaders including President Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron plan to form a united front to battle the growing cancer called ISIS threatening the Middle East, and if ignored, the West.

      ISIS can no longer be ignored. Every day it continues to grow, attracting more and more people to join its cause. If the world does not come together to fight this threat, ISIS's numbers will increase and attacks will be carried out throughout Europe, and eventually the United States. ISIS must not be given this opportunity, and it must be eliminated now. The inalienable rights of Liberty, Justice and Equality that so many people enjoy, are at risk for if leaders do not act now.

"MOVIE REVIEW: 'As Above So Below'"
By: Brooke Corso
Source: The Monitor
http://www.themonitor.com/entertainment/movie-review-as-above-so-below/article_d09d0a0a-3468-11e4-9212-0017a43b2370.html

           On August 29, 2014, the horror thriller 'As Above, So Below' was released to the public and was received with extremely poor reviews from critics. Movie critic Brooke Corso gave the movie a low review due to its plot inconsistencies, and cliche ridden script. She began by giving a little background on the story, and quickly dwells into the many movie sins committed by 'As Above, So Below'. Her claim of value is built upon disapprovement of the film, with its characters being extremely dumb with a lack of common sense and concern for anyone else but themselves, despite their expert knowledge of many fields, including, but not limited to mythology and ancient mysticism. Brooke Corso builds Ethos when she compares her experience of being in Vienna's catacombs to the ones the characters of the movie were in, mentioning that she would not go deeper as they are extremely creepy. Logos is implemented when she writes about elements of the plot, and introduces the cast, and pathos is used when she makes fun of the movies ridiculous attempts at being scary.  It is highly advised by Brooke Corso and many critics like herself to not waste money and time on this film.

SAT: An Attack on Chinese Values

"Is the SAT a tool to impose 'American values' on Chinese students?"

By: Times Staff

Source: Los Angeles Times

http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-sat-exam-american-values-chinese-students-20140829-story.html

       The Institute for International Eduation reports that the number of Chinese students studying in the United States has grown by 20% every year for the last six years. In 2010 China passed India, with the largest amount of foreign students sent to the United States, and last year alone, 235,000 Chinese students were accepted into American Universities. College Board announced plans in March to include America's founding documents into the exam, and Chinese officials worry that the SAT will impose the American values of Liberty, Equality, and the Pursuit of Happiness upon its best students. These integral values that America was founded upon is considered threatening to China's communist rule. Author Kelly Yang says "If the new SAT succeeds, it will be the first time America is able to systematically shape the views, beliefs and ideologies of hundreds of thousands of Chinese students every year, not through a popular television show or a politician's speaking tour, but through what the Chinese care about most – exams." Chinese intelluctuals criticize the Governments attempt at forcing Communist ideologies upon students and the finger-pointing towards a foreign exam. Enforcing Communist ideas has become more and more difficult in modern China, due to the internet, and their adopted capitalistic economic system. The newest SAT tests with the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section are planned for Spring 2016. 

       This is an important article as it touches upon key political and social issues that make the United States and China so different. Admittance into America's most prestigious schools is highly sought after, and with the increasing number of foreign students moving to America makes the playing field much more competitive for American students. 

SOAPST for Blood, Toil, Tears, and Sweat

        The piece of literature, Speech to the Troops at Tilbury was a powerful, and influential speech. The speaker of the speech was Queen Elizabeth I of England. She automatically gained ethos as she has received the title of queen of England. The occasion of the speech was prior to England's battle with Phillip II's "invincible" Armada at Tilbury 1588. The audience of the speech was English Troops who were intently listening to the speech being said by their Queen, Elizabeth I of England. The purpose of the speech was to instill bravery into the troops and to encourage them to fight for their nation and defeat the Spanish Armada. The topic, or subject, being addressed during the Queen's speech is the battle that was soon to begin. The tone of the speech was a powerful one, with words that resonated with the entire crowd, and ultimately led them to their victory in defeating the Spanish Armada. SOAPST is a very useful tool that can be utilized to break down and simplify a piece of literature. It can also be used to uncover many of the layers a piece of literature has. In the end, this was a very effective speech as the English troops were brave and were able to defeat the Spanish Armada, the most powerful navy fleet at the time. Due to her powerful words, her speech resonated with the troops and they were able to defeat Phillip II's "invincible" fleet, and bring victory and glory to England.

Is that the Police or Military?

"No excuse for 'excessive force' by police in Ferguson, Mo."
By: Kathleen Hennessey
Source: Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-obama-ferguson-violence-20140814-story.html

         As the riots in the formerly peaceful suburb of Ferguson, Missouri continues to rage on, President Obama made a statement denouncing the unnecessary and excessive force used by the police in an effort to calm the situation. Shortly before Obama's statement, Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill made a similar statement saying the "response by the police has become the problem instead of the solution." Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky expressed his disapproval and concern over the rapid militarization of police forces throughout the nation, calling it an "unprecedented expansion of government power." The president has also requested an independent investigation be conducted by the Justice Department and the FBI. The President also stated his disapproval of the arrest and treatment of two reporters on Wednesday night. The topic of race and justice has been a hot-button issue for the President during his second term, and he made this statement in the wake of increased pressure on his administration to become more involved in the deteriorating situation in Ferguson. The President concluded his statement saying that it was the responsibility of authorities to calm the situation, and conveyed his trust that Missouri Governor Jay Nixon would be able to calm the situation and make certain that Justice is done.

      This is an important article as it touches upon two of the main key issues facing modern America today; The treatment of minorities by the Law, and the over militarization of our police. Minorities, especially African Americans, and Hispanic groups are still discriminated heavily by the police, even today. Minorities are more likely to receive the death penalty, be pulled over, or be immediately discriminated by law enforcement than white people. Recently in Ferguson, forces responded to unarmed American protesters donning camouflage gear, driving heavily armed vehicles with mounted turrets, and carrying automatic rifles, pointing them at citizens. This is not the military, this is the St. Louis County Police Department utilizing their newly acquired equipment given to them by the Pentagon. This is a serious menace facing small-town Americans, and is an unwarranted breach of Civil Liberties by the police. This is a result of the War on Terror and post 9/11 hysteria turning American streets into warzones. Military grade equipment has no place on American soil, and should definitely not be used to calm protests.

Police Officer sits on top of Armored Vehicle

Riot Police using equipment given by the Pentagon, confronting protesters in Ferguson

Image Source: Firstlook.org, "The Militarization of U.S. Police: Finally Dragged Into the Light by the Horrors of Ferguson" https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2014/08/14/militarization-u-s-police-dragged-light-horrors-ferguson/

Act Now for Autism

Few ads make one think like the one above does. This ad successfully incorporates all three appeals to make an effective and easily understandable ad that amplifies the constant isolation that a person with autism faces. Ethos is first established with the TreeHouse and TalkTalk Group logos on the bottom right. These are respected charities and foundations in the United Kingdom, and thus establishes the adverts credibility to the viewers. Ethos is further incorporated with the "talkaboutautism.org.uk" URL on the bottom. Logos is found in the elongated statement running along the wall reading, "The longer a child with autism goes without help, the harder they are to reach." This is an example of logos because the longer we delay help for children with autism, the more difficult it will be to reach out to them in the future. The same statement also includes pathos because it dramatizes the emotions and struggles that sufferers of autism experience daily if they go without help. Effective awareness ads convey the maladies that sufferers of any disease experience, and this ad does exactly that when pathos is further evidenced with the image used in the ad, as it shows a mother reading to her autistic child, but the child is emotionally far away. This appeals to the audiences emotions, especially those of parents, as any good parent wants the best for their child. Every parent wants to be able to easily communicate and interact with their child, but not treating their autism will affect even the most basic of daily interactions. This is a powerful ad that will resonate in the hearts of parents of both healthy and autistic children.

1984; Prophecy or Ploy?

Ask any average, somewhat well read person what book perfectly represents what almost every first-world government is turning into, they will most likely name George Orwell's dystopian novel, 1984. No other novel perfectly epitomizes what our world can become if we do not protect our most basic rights, like the Freedom of Speech. Government spying is unconstitutional and immoral, and we as a people must stop it now before it continues and we no longer continue to fight it. Governments will tell us that we must sacrifice our privacy and freedoms in the name of safety, but as perfectly said by one of our most renowned Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin, "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." We must fight back against mass surveillance, we must educate ourselves on our rights, and we must protect the most important document in the United States of America, and quite possibly the world, the Constitution. Our brave Founding Fathers spilled blood to win our independence and gain us the rights that we take for granted everyday, and we must not allow them to be trampled on by those who claim to be breaching them in the name of National Security. 1984 is a perfect example of the world we can be living in if we do not wake up. One day we are enjoying our right to speak freely, the next we are in prison for making an unintentional anti-government comment. If we are to fight back against this unconscionable breach of our Freedoms, the time is now. This is why 1984 is and always will be my favorite book.