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.

2-

3-

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.