Monday, November 24, 2014
Who should have majority rights to Israel/Palestine--Jews or Arabs?
Answer the question above using primary source documents. Post your paragraph as a comment to this blog post.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Random Suicide Bombing Kills 45, But Why?
SUMMARY:
On Sunday November 23, 2014 a suicide bomber in Kabul, Afghanistan killed 45 people at a local volleyball game. The attack is believed to be derived from Afghanistan’s agreement with the U.S. and NATO that would allow military forces to remain in the country. This is the largest suicide bombing in Afghanistan since 2010 when a suicide bomber killed 30 people and injure 52 at another volleyball game.
ANALYSIS:
The people of Afghanistan need to find a better way to express their feelings. A terrorist has no right to killed one innocent person let alone 45. But what really puzzles me is that why would an Afghan terrorist murder his own people why not attack westerners? I am also not sure what type of message they are trying to send to the west because this guy blew up his own people at a random volleyball game. I truly feel terrible for the victims of this merciless and random terrorist attack.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
What do you think were the bomber’s motives?
Why would he kill his own people?
Why do you think it was at a random volleyball game?
LINK TO ARTICLE:
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/23/world/asia/afghanistan-violence/index.html?hpt=wo_c1 Saturday, November 22, 2014
900 Dead in a U.S. led strike in Syria
Summary:
In the article "Activist Group: U.S. led Syria strikes kill over 900" published by the Associated Press on Friday, a Syrian activist group claims that over 900 people have been killed by U.S. airstrikes since September. 52 civilians have been killed as a result of these airstrikes. The United States have been targeting the Islamic State group in Syria starting in September, after doing so also in Iraq. This is all a result of the Syrian civil war, which has resulted in over 200,000 casualties, and counting.
Analysis:
I believe it is wrong for the U.S. to be partaking in these violent acts. They should try to stay out of this conflict by any needs necessary as to not get their hands dirty in someone else's war. Much like the American Civil war of the 1860s, disturbing amounts of people are dying. The death should obviously try to be kept at a minimum, and I believe if the U.S. stopped associating themselves with this fight, the death toll would go down.
Discussion Questions:
What do you think the U.S. should do about the Syrian Civil War?
How do you feel about the deaths of innocent civilians/
What do you think the future in Syria holds?
In the article "Activist Group: U.S. led Syria strikes kill over 900" published by the Associated Press on Friday, a Syrian activist group claims that over 900 people have been killed by U.S. airstrikes since September. 52 civilians have been killed as a result of these airstrikes. The United States have been targeting the Islamic State group in Syria starting in September, after doing so also in Iraq. This is all a result of the Syrian civil war, which has resulted in over 200,000 casualties, and counting.
Analysis:
I believe it is wrong for the U.S. to be partaking in these violent acts. They should try to stay out of this conflict by any needs necessary as to not get their hands dirty in someone else's war. Much like the American Civil war of the 1860s, disturbing amounts of people are dying. The death should obviously try to be kept at a minimum, and I believe if the U.S. stopped associating themselves with this fight, the death toll would go down.
Discussion Questions:
What do you think the U.S. should do about the Syrian Civil War?
How do you feel about the deaths of innocent civilians/
What do you think the future in Syria holds?
US releases Saudi prisoner from Guantanamo Bay
Summary:
In the article "US releases Saudi prisoner from Guantanamo Bay" by the AFP on November 22nd, 2014. We learn that the United States decided to release a very dangerous prisoner from Saudi Arabia, named Mohammed Al-Zahrani has been held in the prison for 12 years and was considered a threat to the United States. The approval to remove the prisoner was made by USA president Barack Obama in his effort to try to shut down the prison. Of all of the 142 prisoners at the prison, 73 have been clear to be released. They are trying to close Guantanamo prison because of the security concerns...
Analysis: I am actually surprised that they want to close the prison. I think that all the prisoners that are a real threat should stay in one place together and should stay there for long time and learn from their actions. They should highly considered using that prison for big gangster's like they use to do with the Alcatraz Island. I found that that was a good idea and it worked making the terrorist pay for what they've done to the society.
Discussion question:
1.Do you think they should keep the prison open?
2.Do you think they should use this prison for very dangerous people?
3.Why do you think the American government wants to close the prison?
Link to article:https://uk.news.yahoo.com/us-releases-saudi-prisoner-guantanamo-bay-144857539.html#TbntQ7m
In the article "US releases Saudi prisoner from Guantanamo Bay" by the AFP on November 22nd, 2014. We learn that the United States decided to release a very dangerous prisoner from Saudi Arabia, named Mohammed Al-Zahrani has been held in the prison for 12 years and was considered a threat to the United States. The approval to remove the prisoner was made by USA president Barack Obama in his effort to try to shut down the prison. Of all of the 142 prisoners at the prison, 73 have been clear to be released. They are trying to close Guantanamo prison because of the security concerns...
Analysis: I am actually surprised that they want to close the prison. I think that all the prisoners that are a real threat should stay in one place together and should stay there for long time and learn from their actions. They should highly considered using that prison for big gangster's like they use to do with the Alcatraz Island. I found that that was a good idea and it worked making the terrorist pay for what they've done to the society.
Discussion question:
1.Do you think they should keep the prison open?
2.Do you think they should use this prison for very dangerous people?
3.Why do you think the American government wants to close the prison?
Link to article:https://uk.news.yahoo.com/us-releases-saudi-prisoner-guantanamo-bay-144857539.html#TbntQ7m
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Hijab & Feminism
As a comment to this blog post, write a well developed paragraph with specific references from both articles that addresses the following questions:
Why might some women choose to wear the hijab and others choose not to? To what extent do people treat others based on what they wear or how they look? Should people have to consider what others will think of them when deciding what to wear?
Sunday, November 16, 2014
U.S. and China Hope to Slow Climate Change
Summary:
In the article “U.S. and China hope to slow climate change by big cuts in pollution”, President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping decided to cut down pollution. In doing so, the climate temperature will stop rising and thus leading to less global warming. Obama has created a goal in which the U.S. will use much less oil and coal. This will result in less carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere and becoming a “greenhouse gas.” A greenhouse gas traps heat and too much can make the Earth warmer. President Xi Jinping has also created a goal that China will use alternative energy which doesn’t give off carbon dioxide. In conclusion, this decision could be know as a “turning point,” and save the world from global warming.
Analysis:
I believe this is a brilliant idea that will help stop rising temperatures. It was interesting to learn about what greenhouse gasses are and how we can prevent them. Also I found it intriguing how two countries came together to stop pollution. If actions are carried through, this really could be known as a turning point in history.
Discussion Questions:
Do you think these goals will be carried through? Why?How can we help stop pollution in our everyday lives?
Do you think the next U.S. president will continue this plan? Why?
Summary:
After
two deadly attacks in Ottawa, Canadians fear that their participation in
Canada’s involvement in the war with Muslim extremists is coming back to haunt
them. The Canadian government is questioning whether its laws are strong enough
to deal with it’s national security threats. There have been two attacks on
members of the Canadian government in less than a week. The gunman attacked at
the parliament and a nearby war memorial and the other attack took place in
Quebec, where a man ran over two soldiers with his car. Security has been
heightened at military bases.
Analysis:
I
think that Canada should strengthen their laws so that attacks like this can be
prevented and their soldiers can be a lot more secure. I think that Canada
should continue fighting Muslim extremists. I do not think that the U.S should
help Canada with whoever is responsible for these attacks because they are
partners in the war against the Muslim extremists.
Do
you think that the U.S should do anything about this issue? If so what.
Do
you think Canada should continue fighting the Muslim extremists?
What
do you think that Canada should do about this issue?
Illegal Immigrant Minors in the US
 |
| Source: http://www.infoplease.com/us/immigration/migrant-minors.html |
ANALYSIS: I think that the kids should be able to stay in the United States and should be protected here. The reason for the immigrant children coming here is due to the violence that is taking place back at their homes. The only reason they would come to the US would be to escape the violence and the risk of potential death that exist back at home. I think that if the kids had the courage and determination to come all the way to the US by themselves that they should be protected here until other family members are found that can take care of them. Maybe we could set up temporary homes such as foster care for the immigrant children until further actions are taken regarding this issue.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
How do you think President Obama should handle this situation?
Who do you think is responsible for the increase in immigrant children? The violence back in their home countries or the lack of actions taken by the United States?
What can Americans do to help this situation?LINK TO ARTICLE: http://www.infoplease.com/us/immigration/migrant-minors.html
Friday, November 14, 2014
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Vatican Installing Showers for Homeless
Above, is a picture of homeless men that look like they haven't
washed themselves in days.
http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/
SUMMERY:
In the article, "Vatican Installing Showers for Homeless" published by Associated Press on November 13 2014, we learn that Monsignor Konrad Krajewski, the pope's chief alms-giver, is installing showers in public bathrooms to cater to the homeless. He came up with this idea after meeting with a homeless man named Franco, who he offered to take out for dinner when he realized it was his 50th birthday, but Franco declined because of his "awful stench". According to La Stampa's Vatican Insider website, Krajewski took Franco anyways, and learned that although there are many places to find something to eat throughout Rome, there is no place to wash yourself. The office of Monsignor Konrad Krajewiski has been receiving many complaints about their use of money. They responded by informing the shopkeepers and artisans that starting January 1, the Vatican is reserving the business for itself, to better fund his charitable efforts.
ANALYSIS:
I was really shocked when I read this article for the first time, because I didn't realize how much personal hygiene meant to the homeless. My impression was that they wanted nothing more than food or a place to sleep, not how clean they were. But now that I think about it, I understand why their personal hygiene matters so much, because they are constantly in the public, and it must be somewhat embarrassing to have everyone look at you like an animal that needs a bath. I think it's great what Krajewski is doing, even though business people are complaining, they need to understand how big of an issue we have with homeless people throughout the country.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Do you agree with how Krajewski is spending their money?
2. Do you think he is spending to much of the country's funds on charitable efforts?
3. Do you really believe that his plan to install showers in public bathrooms will make a difference?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
How is Florida's culture affecting sea turles?
NOVEMBER
SUMMARY: Turtle populations have came back strong in Florida beaches. After the early 2000’s turtle population went from almost 60,000 to just 30,000, but now they are coming back. Scientists do not have an explanation why the turtle population is going up and down, but they do believe that precautions Floridians have taken are giving sea turtles a greater chance at survival. By taking turtle meat off menus, turning man made lights off on beaches, and large fishing companies watching out for them, Sea Turtles will not go extinct.
ANALYSIS: I think the reason that Sea Turtles make a lot of nests one year then barely any the next is because their long lifespan does not demand them to breed immediately. Turtles live to about 100 years on average so they do not have to breed every year. I do not think they find it necessary to be breeding every year but they are aware that they need to. I also think the precautions humans have started to make will keep the turtle population healthy in Florida.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Why do you think Turtles have a Yo-Yo like breeding pattern?
Do you think humans were responsible for the original plummet of Sea Turtles?
What would you do if you lived in Florida to protect Turtles?
LINK TO ARTICLE: https://www.newsela.com/articles/turtles-florida/id/5744/
Compare & Contrast: Judaism, Christianity, Islam
In a well developed paragraph, using evidence from Primary Sources in Judaism, Christianity & Islam, identify similarities and or differences between the religions. Post your paragraph as a comment to this blog post.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Religions and Roommates Video
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3KDJMZaqyxKOUg4MDhyNXlVdlk/view?usp=sharing
Religions and Roommates Video
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B33XjZwge8C2Vk82eVVnVkd2WTg/view?usp=sharing
After attacks, Canada looks to beef up their security
After Attacks, Canada looks to beef up their Security
Summary: In the article After Attacks, Canada looks to beef up their Security by Los Angeles times on 10/28/14 states during more than 10 years of war across the Middle East, U.S. military forces have found a dependable partner in Canada, a country with an otherwise peaceful image. The Canadian government is looking closely at its laws and policies to see whether they are strong enough to deal with national security threats.The objective of these attacks was to instill fear and panic in our country, which will not happen.
Analysis: After fatally shooting Corporal Nathan Cirillo, who was standing guard at the war memorial in Ottawa shortly before 10 a.m., Zehaf-Bibeau got into a car he had purchased the previous day and drove the short distance to Parliament Hill, according to a timeline presented at the news conference.Police chased the car and were seconds behind Zehaf-Bibeau when he ran through the main doors, Paulson said. Inside the building, there was an exchange of fire involving the suspect, House of Commons security and police. Zehaf-Bibeau was pronounced dead at the scene.
Discussion Questions:
1: How can Canadians not let something like this happen again?
2: Does the Canadian armed forces need to get help by joining forces with another country?
3: Why do you believe the Canadians have such a week security system?
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Obama's New Challenge with All Republican Congress
SUMMARY: In the article, Obama’s Last Two Years in Office will be Challenging, written by McClatchy News Service on November 5, 2014, experts are saying that even though Obama ( a Democrat) wants to finish his last 2 years of presidency strong, it’s going to be tougher than he thought. He is going to be in for a treat considering both the Senate and House are now Republicans. Obama is willing to compromise and so is the House and Senate. But each side knows that they aren’t just going to wake up one day and change their views on the U.S’s problems. Even though it’s going to be challenging, Obama is going to need to find a way to cope and work on approving or making new laws with the Senate and the House of Representatives.
 |
| https://www.newsela.com |
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- Do you think Obama will be able to work with the Senate and House now as Republicans? Why or why not?
- What kind of challenges do you think Obama and the Congress might face?
- Do you think Obama will come out “strong” in 2 years?
LINK TO ARTICLE: https://www.newsela.com/articles/obama-lameduck/id/5900/
Students Missing in Mexico City
SUMMARY:
After a group of 43 students allegedly being kidnapped and murdered, a group of protesters have been trying to get the attention of the National Palace, a place used mainly for important ceremonies in Mexico City. This group has tried breaking in and setting the doors on fire using a metal police barricade. These students went missing in September. The group failed to get into the Palace, but did damage the entrance door of the Palace. The group wants justice. Another group has been standing in front of the attorney general’s office protesting their thoughts as well. Hundreds of people have acted out by graffiting and throwing rocks at government offices. Not only that, but lighting cars on fire using firebombs that they throw into the cars and trucks on the streets of Mexico City. Police authorities have a taped confession of gang members admitting to killing students in a landfill in the city Cocula and taking 14 hours to burn them showing no signs of death at all. Parents will not accept the fact that their kids are dead until it is 100% confirmed with DNA tests.
ANALYSIS:
I believe that the protestors have a right to be upset with this whole situation. Although I think that they are going to a high extent by destroying property and trying to break into government building, I think someone does need to take a stand for this awful situation that is occurring. This is not only one student, it is 43 students that have been missing since September with parents who do not know whether their child is dead or not. I think this event is devastating and something does need to be done immediately to fix this problem occurring.
 |
| www.rt.com |
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Do you think the protestors have a right to be this angry?
Do you think the protesters are going too far in this event?
Do you think that the government needs to be doing more to stop this situation or do you think that they are doing everything in their power already?
LINK TO ARTICLE:
ISIS Leader Possibly Injured
Chris Birch
ISIS’s leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was reportedly wounded during airstrikes against ISIS held territories. The Iraqi government stated on national television that Baghdadi was injured without elaboration. Pentagon officials however have not shared much information about the situation. A spokesperson for the Pentagon said that they don’t have much information and can’t confirm that he has been injured.
My thoughts on the situation about ISIS and having it’s leader being injured isn’t ISIS just going to get a new leader and go on being a threat in the Middle East. I think it’s great that the Iraqi government is trying to take matters into their own hands. Even though we do have to helped them out, it’s a step i the right direction at least.
What do you think we should do about ISIS?
Do you think other countries than the US and NATO to solve the problem?
43 College students supposedly dead
SUMMARY: Forty-three student’s families had marched into Mexico City from afar, demanding that they find their missing children. On September 26, a clash at a college between students and municipal police, leaving six dead and people have been blaming them for the disappearance of forty three of them. The parents had marched from Iguala city in the state of Guerrero, where their kids had been taken. Jose Alcaraz, the spokesman for the group who had marched to find their kids, had said that the goal other than to find the children would be to ask the government to take action to guarantee safety and try to rid of violence in Mexico. Soon after they arrived, the parents had been told that their kids had most likely been killed and the bodies were dumped into a local river.
ANALYSIS: I believe that what had supposedly happened to the college students is horrible. Although they do not know for sure, the parents are now believing that their children are dead. I think that maybe because they haven’t found the people after over a month, they suspect that they’re dead.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Do you think that the police could have prevented this? How?
Do you think that the police should have told the parents that their children were dead without any backup information?
Link to Article: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-11/10/c_133776892.htm
Polar Vortex Strikes U.S.
By: Jake Cook
After Typhoon Nuri, a huge storm that struck Alaska with freezing cold temperatures and monstrous winds, passed through scientists realized that this will most likely cause a polar vortex affecting 48 states including us. This Vortex can affect plane schedules, and also might start up the long, and miserable Winter that we had last year. The temperatures are predicted to drop 30 degrees below the average temperatures. The thing most interesting about this storm is that it was actually more powerful than the storm Hurricane Sandy that caused billions of dollars in damage and caused many deaths. It was just not recognized because it was in a non populated area in Alaska.
I think that this storm will cause trouble, but not to much trouble because it is just cold weather and snow which we’ve dealt with before, but now people aren’t expecting it. Another upsetting thing about this storm is it is probably going to start the long winter. On the plus side this storm hit in a non populated area causing not as much damage as if it hit somewhere big where it would have been the next Hurricane Sandy. I think that these types of things will continue on a yearly basis.
Questions?
- How often do you think these types of things will happen in the world?
- Do you think this polar vortex will cause trouble in the U.S.?
SpaceShipTwo crashes in California
In an article about SpaceShipTwo crashing in California, it tells about SpaceShipTwo crashing in a test on Friday, October 31st, killing one person and injuring another. SpaceShipTwo was an idea started by Richard Branson who also owns the popular Virgin Mobile and Virgin airlines companies. Two pilots were on the ship and one of them died and the other was seriously injured, located near the crash after parachuting out of the ship. The control base said they knew something was wrong when they hadn’t heard anything from the pilots after a minute and a half. Virgin is already having people, mostly celebrities, reserving spots to ride for $250,000 for the experience.
 |
| newsela.com |
I think it was really unfortunate that the spaceship crashed. I think it would be really cool to have seen the first successful galactic airline. I wanted to know what the cause of the crash was, though. I also think it was interesting how people are already reserving tickets to ride. Why would you want to reserve tickets for a shuttle ride that has already proved unsuccessful and could possibly kill you?
Questions:
- What do you think could’ve caused the crash?
- What do you think could’ve been done to prevent this from happening?
- Why do you think the control base stopped receiving messages from the ship?
Canada removing the Rights of their Citizens?
Summary: In the article “After Attacks, Canada looks to beef up Security Laws,” by Los Angeles Times, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, of Canada, states that a plan to give the countries security greater powers, will be put into effect. This statement was brought upon by the recent attacks in Canada. These attacks were designed to instill fear and panic in Canada, according to Harper. Harper wants more security power in areas including, gathering information, holding suspects, and arrest. Local Canadian citizens add that there is a need for more security in Canada. But they do not want lawmakers to overreact and take away Canadian’s freedom, which there is an abundance of. The Middle East is a battlefield for war, but United States military forces have found a dependable partner in Canada. This is because Canada has a peaceful image across the globe.
 |
http://www.reuters.com/
|
Analysis: I feel that, as Canada strengthens their military power, we (U.S.) will start to loose more and more friendliness with Canada. I think Canada is taking the safe way out of all of this madness in attacks. I think that this is the modern day world and is a good example of todays society. This is modern warfare. I think Canada has received a wake-up call to up their game in security. This is a bold statement, but a smart one. On the other hand, this is only a statement, no actions have been taken. If progress is made I think Canada will have made a change for the better. Minimal freedoms may be destroyed, but citizens do not understand that Canada is just protecting their citizens.
- Do you agree or disagree with the safety procedures being made in Canada?
- What do you think Canada can do to ensure safety of their nation?
- What is the best way to solve safety problems, while minimizing the removal of certain rights?
https://www.newsela.com/articles/canada-securitylaws/id/5783/
More Sea Turtles are Nesting on Atlantic Coasts
Summary: Off the coast of Florida, the number of sea turtles has gone up and down within the past few decades. However, the nesting population in areas like Florida's coast have sky rocketed. The Loggerhead and Green turtle's have especially have experienced an increase in population, leading scientists to wonder about the reason. Unfortunately, no underlying cause has been found. Some experts believe that new fishing regulations on sea turtles in the Atlantic caused the rise in population, but that cannot be the only cause. Regardless, if Florida restaurants remove all turtle related menus from their menu, then this growth will continue.
http://www.weather.com/
Analysis: I believe this growth of sea turtle population is a plus for Florida's tourism and for sea turtles. This will give vacationers more to see and experience. Also, sea turtle protection groups must be very pleased with this information. We now know that whatever was causing the weird population cycles is no longer a factor for population. However, this makes me wonder more about what caused the population growth and decline, and what happened to it. Hopefully scientists in Florida will answer these questions soon.
Discusion Questions:
1. Why do scientists not know what caused the population growth and decline of sea turtles?
2. How can we help this population growth continue?
3. How can we support the sea turtles?
http://www.weather.com/
Analysis: I believe this growth of sea turtle population is a plus for Florida's tourism and for sea turtles. This will give vacationers more to see and experience. Also, sea turtle protection groups must be very pleased with this information. We now know that whatever was causing the weird population cycles is no longer a factor for population. However, this makes me wonder more about what caused the population growth and decline, and what happened to it. Hopefully scientists in Florida will answer these questions soon.
Discusion Questions:
1. Why do scientists not know what caused the population growth and decline of sea turtles?
2. How can we help this population growth continue?
3. How can we support the sea turtles?
Mass Kiling of Students in Mexico
Summary: On November 7th multiple gang members confessed to the mass murder of fourty three missing students in Mexico. They were killed because they apperently "clashed" with the mayor of their town, and because of that he had the police abduct them on September 26 and then turn them over to local gangsters who executed them. The gangsters burnt the bodies and the dumped them into a river and a dump. The only thing analysyst could find from the students' remains were some teeth that reportedly turned to dust when touched. Dozens of police are among 74 people held in the case.
Analysys: What really tweaks me out about this story is the fact that the police aided in the killings. They are so corrupt and loyal to their mayor that they would do such a thing as abduct and turn over college students to gangsters to be killed. Who will protect you when the police become the criminals? Hopefully this awful occurance will starighten up the Mexican government. I believe that if something isn't done to stop corrupt systems like this then more problems will occur.
Questions:
1: How would you feel if you lived in Mexico and knew that you culdn't trust the police?
2: Should America do somethinng about this?
3: Why does the mayor of a town have this much authority?
LINK HERE
Analysys: What really tweaks me out about this story is the fact that the police aided in the killings. They are so corrupt and loyal to their mayor that they would do such a thing as abduct and turn over college students to gangsters to be killed. Who will protect you when the police become the criminals? Hopefully this awful occurance will starighten up the Mexican government. I believe that if something isn't done to stop corrupt systems like this then more problems will occur.
Questions:
1: How would you feel if you lived in Mexico and knew that you culdn't trust the police?
2: Should America do somethinng about this?
3: Why does the mayor of a town have this much authority?
LINK HERE
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Will Searching for Oil Harm many Animals?
SUMMARY:
This article “Oil exploring Atlantic Ocean blasts in whale waters”, it talked about how companies are going to be searching for oil and gas of the East coast. This is a great way to gain employment over here, except the problem is is that the sounds waves coming from the exploration can severely damage the marine mammals and sea turtles over there. Some agencies disagree and think that looking for oil and gas over there is a perfect idea and it won’t affect the animals over there at all.
 |
| Innocent whale swimming |
ANALYSIS:
I think that it is a bad idea to start searching for oil and gas off the East coast because we don’t want to lose our animals, which some are already endangered, like the North Atlantic right whales. Looking for oil may be a great thing because we will get a boost in employment and more oil, but we can’t risk it for the animals. I think we should wait a while until we know for sure if it will harm or not harm the animals before we do anything.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- Do you think we should look for oil and gas knowing that it may harm the animals?
- If we do search for oil, do you think many more animals will become endangered?
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Continued Battle for GMO Labeling
SUMMARY:
In the article, it explains how Oregon and Colorado are in a fierce battle over GMO labeling on foods. A GMO is any plant or animal that has been genetically modified. So far scientists have found that there are no health problems linking to GMOs. The two states will vote Tuesday on the law. California has also tried to pass a similar law, but was unsuccessful. Vermont actually did pass a GMO labeling law, but it continues to be fought over in court. It is mainly organic farmers and nutrition activists fighting for the law against big brands such as Coca-Cola and Monsanto. Therefore, more money is being raised against the cause. Companies fear GMO labeling will scare customers unaware of what a GMO actually is away from purchasing their product. Monsanto spokesman Thomas M. Helscher spoke on the issue, “The reason we don’t support them is simple. They don’t provide any safety or nutrition information, and these measures will hurt, not help, consumers, taxpayers and businesses. We support a federal approach which ensures food safety and consumer choice.”
ANALYSIS:
It is difficult to choose which side to agree with. Since GMOs really cause no harm to one’s health, why should they be labeled? But also, then what’s the big deal about labeling for them? I think companies mainly fear what people associate with a GMO. Before reading this article, I wasn’t aware that a GMO wasn’t harmful. I just assumed it was. Thats what companies fear consumers will do when they see a product they are purchasing contains GMO. They’ll think “Why buy a product containing something genetically modified when I can buy something that isn’t?” Although, I do feel that it is a right for people to know what exactly is in a product. I think if awareness of what a GMO is and how harmless it really is is spread, many more companies would support the labeling.
Woman protests for GMO labeling. http://eatdrinkbetter.com/
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- Before reading this article, would it matter to you if a product contained GMOs?
- Do you agree with Helscher that all of those aspects of the economy would be negatively affected?
- If this law passed, would other states begin a fight for GMO labeling as well?
LINK TO ARTICLE: https://www.newsela.com/articles/ballot-GMOs/id/5715
Soldiers attacked in Canada
SUMMARY: There were two attacks against the military in Canada in less than a week. The Prime Minister quickly reacted to this and said that they are going to speed up plans to change/add new laws and these new laws would help avoid future attacks. Michael Zehaf-Bibeau shot Corporal Nathan Cirillo while he was guarding a war memorial, the police chased him and eventually shot and killed him. In Quebec, a Muslim extremist ran over two soldiers with his car, he was killed before killing the second soldier. The police said that these two attacks were not connected. Zehaf’s mother, Susan Bibeau, apologized the day after saying “Can you ever explain something like this?” she said. “We are sorry. If I’m crying, it’s for the people,” she said. “Not for my son.” Many people gathered at the war memorial, and Jim Munson, a senator, said in an interview “The Canadian flag was a once a symbol of openness and peace, but now it is a target on our head.”
ANALYSIS: I agree with Jim Munson that the flag makes them targets now because if their soldiers were not prepared for these attacks. If they were unprepared, I can’t imagine attacks on innocent civilians. Soldiers need to be more prepared for these attacks to defend themselves. Also, I think these two attacks were connected because they both occurred within the same week.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Do you agree the Canadian flag makes them targets?
Do you think these soldiers were unprepared?
Were both attacks connected or not?
Do you accept the mother’s apology?
LINK TO ARTICLE: https://newsela.com/articles/canada-securitylaws/id/5783/
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| Businessinsider.com |
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