9/29

1- http://www.naturalnews.com/043968_abortion_First_Amendment_university_students.html

An administrator from the University of Alabama decided to take down a group of students' pro-life display before their reserved time had expired. Apparently she is very selective about what she allows to be hung around campus, and she felt that the students were lucky that it was allowed to be up for as long as it was. She is preventing students from being able to speak freely and openly about what they think is important. The students were offended by this incident that kept them from practicing the first amendment. The university apologized to all who were involved.

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4- http://www.4lawschool.com/conlaw/bbe.shtml

The Brown versus Board of Education court case was to determine whether or not race-based segregation was Constitutional. The schools were supposed to be separate but equal. Brown was one of many people during this time to be denied admission to a school strictly because of his race. Education is one of the most important responsibilities that the state and local government have to provide, and it cannot be denied to someone for unfair reasons. This was a direct violation of the 14th amendment.

5- If I had to personally choose one amendment only to live by, it would have to be freedom of speech. Freedom of speech allows you to defend yourself and stand up for what you believe in. I don't know what we would do without it. Some people might feel that the right to bear arms would be crucial to have in their life, but if it weren't for being able to express your beliefs verbally then what would violence solve? I cannot even imagine a life without being free to have your own opinions and beliefs of religion.

9/26

In my opinion, this low statistic for people who have graduated college with at least a bachelor in West Virginia is providing proof that for some reason people are not necessarily being prepared for the idea of college. I think with the lack of education in the school system, people are losing interest in furthering there knowledge with more schooling. Maybe if people were more excited to learn they would have more ambition to do greater things. People are not making as much money as they could be, and that makes our state less wealthy.

I think the percentage is so low because this generation is being raised by so many people who did not go to college. The idea of working right out of high school is popular, especially among people who live on farms or have coal miners in their family.

One possible solution to this problem would be providing more scholarships and grants to students in West Virginia who are interested in going to college. I can't help but believe it would help some, considering some people feel that they can't afford college and it isn't an option for them.

9/25

Obama was trying to speak out against the extremists who are causing violence. He urged all countries and religions to reject the extremists ideologies that are a risk to global stability as a whole.

I think he was somewhat effective in what he was trying to do. He at least attempted to address the issue and persuade other countries to feel the same why by providing good reason and examples of how it is important. However, there is only so much he could do so I wouldn't expect major progress from this.

9/24

I do not agree with the policy at all. I feel that people should have some allowance to smoke, even in public areas. If it is legal to smoke, why should they ban it from happening in bars and outdoors? I completely agree with having respect for others and not exposing them to your smoke, but in a bar it is more of a choice. If someone has a problem with the smoke they can always leave. Also, I don't think there is any real reason to keep people from smoking electronic cigarettes indoors.

This is taking away some of the freedom that we have always had as people, and I think it could affect business because some people will have to leave the area to smoke. It will probably be a bother to people who own bars and things the most.

9/12

At this point not much really surprises me with our country and government because I am mentally prepared for the worst. Lots of bad things have happened, so its safe to expect that things could continue to happen. However, I am somewhat shocked that things like this are being monitored near West Virginia because usually we don't have a popular place is overall news. This makes me feel concerned. It is sometimes hard to trust the government and other officials to keep situations under control and protect us. I hope everything is being monitored and action takes place to prevent things from escalating.

9/9

To be honest, I am not really surprised at all by the desperation and urging attempts to get business in the restaurants lately. I think it will affect America, and already has to a certain extent. Restaurants are becoming selfish, and not only wanting their business to be a success but wanting to make insanely large amounts of money. They have done everything they can to decrease prices of food to tempt the public to buy their food. This is bad because it affects the health of Americans. I don't think the business' need for profit should trump the health of citizens. I feel that it is more of a want for more business, not a need. If I could eat at any restaurant for 7 weeks I would want it to be somewhere healthy, such as Subway or something. I care about my physical appearance and health, so I don't think food is worth the expense.

9/8

Fred Mayer was a World War II veteran who lives a quiet life in Charles Town, WV.  He was a spy during World War II, and was captured by the Germans.  Mayer and his family fled Germany and came to New York in 1938, just one year before Hitler invaded Poland.  When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Mayer joined the U.S. Army, his knowledge of European language provided him a good rank.  Mayer infiltrated German barracks by posing as an injured German officer.  Mayer provided information about Hitler's bunk and when it was found, the information was accurate.  Mayer is unlike many veterans and doesn't hold a grudge against the Germans.

9/5

1- I think this poses as a danger and concern to average citizens because we do not know who is responsible for the towers or what their intentions are. That should be something we make a point to find out.

2- I guess they could be located near military bases for a number of reasons. Maybe the military or government really is involved, or maybe they are near military bases just to make it seem less suspicious.

3- I don't know, but it definitely would not surprise me. With how they are already trying to gain more control and interfere with our right to privacy, this would not be a shock to me.

9/4

1- This will break the bond that binds Britain to India, which could cause war to break out in India.

2- I believe that Al-Qaeda is targeting India because they are vulnerable and also to draw attention to themselves.
3- I don't think the United States should get involved because I believe we have plenty of problems within our own country to deal with first.

9/3

1- Rick Perry was charged with one count of abuse of official capacity and one count of coercion of a public servant. He was basically accused of abusing his power, by threatening to use his veto to cut funding if he didn't get what he wanted.

2- I disagree with his reasoning. He needs to understand that he cannot try to control situations with threats, however I think his punishment might be a bit harsh.

9/2

To be honest I'm not really that surprised that something like this could happen, considering how much technology continues to advance. I think as this happens more and more privacy will be invaded.  I definitely do think we should worry about what we post and who can see it, just because you need to keep in mind that sometimes people who aren't intended to see your posts or messages could. In my opinion, the people who hack into accounts such as this should be prosecuted in the highest offense.

8/29

I feel that the person/people to blame are those responsible for letting fully automatic weapons to be fired here.  I don't think that a nine year old should be allowed on the range, and I definitely don't believe that automatic weapons should be anywhere near a child in general. I believe that if people should even be allowed around these type of weapons at all, it should be regulated carefully in order to ensure safety.

8/28

Summarization of the Articles of the Constitution:

1- Gives Congress its powers and limits, creates the two sections of Congress: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
2- Makes the executive branch of the government, which includes the president and executive officers.
3- Creates the judicial branch of government, which is the court system of the government.  This includes the Supreme Court and other lower courts made by Congress.

4- Talks about the states and what responsibilities and duties each state has, as well as the responsibility the federal government has to each State.  

5- States that the only way the Constitution can be changed is by adding an amendment.

6- States that any debts or engagements the country had before the Constitution are still valid.  Also states the Constitution is the highest law and that all officers and judges have to uphold the Constitution.  

7- This article states how many states need to ratify the Constitution

8/27

Recently students at North Carolina State University have created a nail polish that detects date rape drugs in drinks.  After stirring the drink, the nail polish will turn colors if a date rape drug is detected.  The students are trying to raise money to refine their prototype and to pay executives.  I honestly don't see any drawbacks, other than people may begin to experiment with other chemicals in order to make the product defective.

8/26

It seem that Obama has given the go-ahead for surveillance flights over Syria, which will provide us with potential targets if airstrikes against Islamic State militants are approved.  The U.S. military is coordinating with Iraq forces in carrying out airstrikes against militants.  The strikes are limited to protecting U.S. personnel and supporting humanitarian efforts.  Surveillance flights over Syria will give a better picture of the ability to have an airstrike, should the White House make the decision. Obama has yet to decide what steps to take in Syria.

8/25

     On Sunday morning, residents of Napa, California were awoken from a 3:20 a.m. earthquake.  The earthquake was a registered 6.0 magnitude.  At least 172 people were treated for injuries, only three being in critical condition.   City and county fire crews worked overtime to clean up the wreckage, and today the  local schools were closed.  The earthquake, occurring at a depth of less than seven miles, was felt as far north as Sacramento and as far south as Santa Cruz.  Power and gas lines were both broken, causing many people to be without power.

     The earthquake was caused by the fault lines underneath the Napa Valley.  The last time Napa saw an earthquake of this scale was in 1989.  Fault lines can stay dormant, like volcanoes, for a long time.