Did you know that if you write something that may be offensive or harmful to someone in a school essay you could be subjected to 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine.
Last Monday a student at Cary-Grove High School, Allen Lee was asked by one of his teachers to write an essay expressing his feelings and emotions about a certain topic. The instructor felt that it was violent and although it was not directed to any specific person she felt the need to tell the administration from there the teen was arrested and was told to take classes elsewhere.
This is absurd, I can't believe this story. Ever since the V-Tech situation schools and their policies are becoming stricter and trying to take precaution in a way that is so ridiculous. So, I can write anything for school as long as its not violent??? I probably will use this the next time a teacher asks me to write a essay about a topic of my choice. (Just kidding Dr. Fallon)
But this makes you wonder if you are going to be careful about students are writing in classes you might as well show your concern in other areas too like what they watch on television, what they hear in music, what they read in books. Isn't war violent... don't we hear about it everyday... what makes people think that doesn't influence a young mind?
I don't know should we censor everything and try to establish peace between mankind? (A thought... sounds good.)
For more on this story visit:http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/04/28/america/NA-GEN-US-Student-Essay-Arrest.php
Monday, April 30, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Known to be a Vodka Drinker, but also Remebered for Eliminating Censorship
On Monday April 23, former Russian President Boris Yeltsin died in Moscow. Yeltsin was having severe health problems and excessive fondness to alcohol.
He will be best remembered by the efforts he made to make Russia a democratic country, instead of continuing the communist rule over the people. He did in fact eliminate censorship of the news media, tolerated public criticism and steered Russia toward a free market.
His leadership was erratic and often crude, and as a democrat he often ruled in the manner of a czar. He showed no reluctance to use the power of the presidency to face down his opponents, as he did in 1993, when he ordered tanks to fire on a Parliament dominated by openly seditious Communists, and as he did again in 1994, when he embarked on a harsh military operation to subdue the breakaway republic of Chechnya. It began a costly and ruinous war that almost became his undoing and that was ferociously revived in 1999 and still being waged when he resigned that year.
His relationship with the United States was a complicated one. President Clinton seized on the fall of the Soviet Union as an opportunity to advance American interests, and he and Mr. Yeltsin maintained a strikingly good rapport.
Although he made some "unpopular" decisions and may not be liked because people think that during his reign he corrupted Russia's Parliament also he still made changes that not only made for the people but freed the people of Russia.
When I was seven in 1993, Yeltsin a New Constitution in Russia was approved that guaranteed private property, free enterprise and individual rights.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Of Course Goverment Officials are Good Storytellers!
http://news.yahoo.com/i/703;_ylt=AglI2UuZ.QZkUIPww2f2irALMxIF
In a recent update on the case of Army Ranger Pat Tillman, an Army Specialist was told not tell how Tillman really died.
The update concluded that Tillman was killed by his own troops gunfire, when the story first spread about Tillman's death the Government let the media and Tillman's family believe that he died of enemy fire.
"I was ordered not to tell them," U.S. Army Specialist Bryan O'Neal told the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Tillman's family said that in the beginning they would have liked the truth rather than these exaggerated stories, just to make it seem like he died in the line of duty.
To me I am glad that the O'Neal came out with the truth that way other families in the U.S. that have relatives that are in the Armed forces can see that the Government and officials that have to record such deaths don't always tell the truth.
I think this family took it kind of well in front of media considering they were lied to and thought that Pat Tillman was in a crossfire with enemy, and thought he died of a heroic act. I don't know how would feel if I were in this position but it certainly makes me think about what other important details are the Government covering up or just not revealing.
In a recent update on the case of Army Ranger Pat Tillman, an Army Specialist was told not tell how Tillman really died.
The update concluded that Tillman was killed by his own troops gunfire, when the story first spread about Tillman's death the Government let the media and Tillman's family believe that he died of enemy fire.
"I was ordered not to tell them," U.S. Army Specialist Bryan O'Neal told the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Tillman's family said that in the beginning they would have liked the truth rather than these exaggerated stories, just to make it seem like he died in the line of duty.
To me I am glad that the O'Neal came out with the truth that way other families in the U.S. that have relatives that are in the Armed forces can see that the Government and officials that have to record such deaths don't always tell the truth.
I think this family took it kind of well in front of media considering they were lied to and thought that Pat Tillman was in a crossfire with enemy, and thought he died of a heroic act. I don't know how would feel if I were in this position but it certainly makes me think about what other important details are the Government covering up or just not revealing.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Is There Any Such Thing Called Privacy Anymore?
In recent celebrity news Alec Baldwin has been in the spotlight because of http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Movies/04/19/baldwin.bassinger.ap/index.html?eref=rss_topstoriesa disturbing voicemail he left on his 11 year-old daughter's phone. Baldwin and his ex-wife Kim Basinger have been going through a custody battle for some years now and it seems that he had a scheduled time to call his daughter, but his daughter, Ireland, does not answer the phone when he calls.
Although the message said some very negative things and in and very disrespectful manner, I think that his privacy should have been protected. I think Basinger had the right to let a judge hear the message, but for the media to get it and exploit their family's business in the way that it has, is surprising to me.
This is what Baldwin said about the message:
"Although I have been told by numerous people not to worry too much, as all parents lose their patience with their kids, I am most saddened that this was released to the media because of what it does to a child," he wrote. "I'm sorry, as everyone who knows me is aware, for losing my temper with my child. I have been driven to the edge by parental alienation for many years now. You have to go through this to understand. (Although I hope you never do.) I am sorry for what happened. But I am equally sorry that a court order was violated, which had deliberately been put under seal in this case."
In away I hope that Baldwin and his lawyer precede with a court hearing in figuring how the recording of his message got leaked out to the media. Just because you are a celebrity it doesn't matter, your business is your business, everyday people say things they regret on loved one's voice mail's everyday. On the other hand the person leaving the message should be reprimanded about their actions also, but it should not get to the point where people are being so careful as to what they say on some one's voicemail.
Although the message said some very negative things and in and very disrespectful manner, I think that his privacy should have been protected. I think Basinger had the right to let a judge hear the message, but for the media to get it and exploit their family's business in the way that it has, is surprising to me.
This is what Baldwin said about the message:
"Although I have been told by numerous people not to worry too much, as all parents lose their patience with their kids, I am most saddened that this was released to the media because of what it does to a child," he wrote. "I'm sorry, as everyone who knows me is aware, for losing my temper with my child. I have been driven to the edge by parental alienation for many years now. You have to go through this to understand. (Although I hope you never do.) I am sorry for what happened. But I am equally sorry that a court order was violated, which had deliberately been put under seal in this case."
In away I hope that Baldwin and his lawyer precede with a court hearing in figuring how the recording of his message got leaked out to the media. Just because you are a celebrity it doesn't matter, your business is your business, everyday people say things they regret on loved one's voice mail's everyday. On the other hand the person leaving the message should be reprimanded about their actions also, but it should not get to the point where people are being so careful as to what they say on some one's voicemail.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Beyond the Picket Line
In a story that took place in Raleigh, NC (LifeNews.com) a man that said his First Amendment right was being denied tries to get help from a pro-life firm when he was picketing against abortion.
To me abortion is a sensitive subject, and whether or not a person agrees with it they should respect others feelings about it. Although, I am not for abortion, I think that this man and his family have the right to picket for what they believe in as long as it is in a tasteful manner.
Fortunately for this man and his family the punishment was only for a citation and not jail time. I think city officials in all states need to make specific laws that are geared to what can and what cannot be rallied against.
I can remember a friend telling me how she went to planned parenthood for birth control and people that are pro-life were outside the front door picketing against abortion, but they didn't know she wasn't even pregnant. My friend said she was embarrassed and felt alone, all because some of these people think just because you are going into a place that does abortions, does not automatically mean you are getting one. Even Cook County Hospital does them, but you never see the picketers there. Ummm...
For more on the story visit: http://www.lifenews.com/state2233.html
To me abortion is a sensitive subject, and whether or not a person agrees with it they should respect others feelings about it. Although, I am not for abortion, I think that this man and his family have the right to picket for what they believe in as long as it is in a tasteful manner.
Fortunately for this man and his family the punishment was only for a citation and not jail time. I think city officials in all states need to make specific laws that are geared to what can and what cannot be rallied against.
I can remember a friend telling me how she went to planned parenthood for birth control and people that are pro-life were outside the front door picketing against abortion, but they didn't know she wasn't even pregnant. My friend said she was embarrassed and felt alone, all because some of these people think just because you are going into a place that does abortions, does not automatically mean you are getting one. Even Cook County Hospital does them, but you never see the picketers there. Ummm...
For more on the story visit: http://www.lifenews.com/state2233.html
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
A Tragedy Results in more Communcation and Networking
As the News spread about the Virginia Tech University massacre, the reports shown on television also have revealed how the Virginia Tech students were blogging and even using Facebook.com to spread the new, give their condolences, or simply share how they felt about the whole situation. One student who works for AOL even posted something on their website about the shooter.
To me this word of mouth type of communication is great. It gives people a chance to express themselves and also receive feedback on their thoughts. In a situation like this mutual support from each other can help to cope with this type of awful tragedy.
I copied some of the comments from other people on Facebook that are not Virginia Tech students, courtesy of Facebook. It is not how the lay out of a Facebook page really is but it just shows an example of how one thing can connect different people everywhere together.
I did have some Facebook responses to the tragedy posted, but blogger would not let me link to Facebook group page directly so I apologize. The responses were of concern for the families of the students and not at all vulgar in any way so if you have a Facebook page log on and view some of the groups that have dedicated pages to the V tech students and faculty.
To me this word of mouth type of communication is great. It gives people a chance to express themselves and also receive feedback on their thoughts. In a situation like this mutual support from each other can help to cope with this type of awful tragedy.
I copied some of the comments from other people on Facebook that are not Virginia Tech students, courtesy of Facebook. It is not how the lay out of a Facebook page really is but it just shows an example of how one thing can connect different people everywhere together.
I did have some Facebook responses to the tragedy posted, but blogger would not let me link to Facebook group page directly so I apologize. The responses were of concern for the families of the students and not at all vulgar in any way so if you have a Facebook page log on and view some of the groups that have dedicated pages to the V tech students and faculty.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Shut Up! Who Cares?
Last week I posted about the Don Imus and throughout the week I have been looking at coverage about the situation and really within the Black community. It seems to me that my first reactions were wrong about Imus, at first I was like off with his head but now I am realizing this just may be a pubilicity stunt, who knows. To me the Black community is taking this way too serious than it has to me. I know I might get some agry attitudes out there but that is my opinion. The content of Imus show is just what he intended todo with the statement he made, make people lauigh, offended, and in some way embarass the players of Rutgers. I'm not condoning what he did I'm just saying the media is making this like another Anna Nicole Smith situation. On the T.V. network BET(Black Entertaiment Television) They had numerous discussions and even a hour long segment on the case. My bottom line for this matter is that Don Imus will never be silenced because of free speech and basically because he has other supporters besides the ones who dropped him. Its "news" like this that becomes the enter of attention and makes important news the background noise.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
How Sorry is Don Imus?
There has been National media coverage on the racial remarks that radio host Don Imus made about Rutgers University women's basketball team but is this becoming junk news like mostly everything else in the media nowadays?
I don't know if I agree that Imus's freedom of speech has been denied but I do know that the comments he made were not called for. Racists or not, I don't know but the thing about it is the whole shutting him up for two weeks, but what NBC has failed to realize is that he is taking an apology tour and those basketball players will have to hear this story and those comments repeated over and over again, so where is the true apology?
The whole story is a perfect example of how a person can take the idea of freedom of speech to another level and abuse it.
Rosie O'Donnell said best: "Radio is not a right, it's a privilege."
There are a lot of good YouTube postings and I wish I could show you all of them but here is one that I thought covered the story better than some.
Let me know what you think!!
I don't know if I agree that Imus's freedom of speech has been denied but I do know that the comments he made were not called for. Racists or not, I don't know but the thing about it is the whole shutting him up for two weeks, but what NBC has failed to realize is that he is taking an apology tour and those basketball players will have to hear this story and those comments repeated over and over again, so where is the true apology?
The whole story is a perfect example of how a person can take the idea of freedom of speech to another level and abuse it.
Rosie O'Donnell said best: "Radio is not a right, it's a privilege."
There are a lot of good YouTube postings and I wish I could show you all of them but here is one that I thought covered the story better than some.
Let me know what you think!!
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Check it Out
http://www.aclu.org/freespeech/index.html
The above website sponsored by the American Civil Liberties Union, has dedicated this website to free speech and National cases invovlig free speech. This organiztion is also dedicated to protecting free speech. People who search these sites are able take actionand write their own comments and participate in the cause.
The above website sponsored by the American Civil Liberties Union, has dedicated this website to free speech and National cases invovlig free speech. This organiztion is also dedicated to protecting free speech. People who search these sites are able take actionand write their own comments and participate in the cause.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Donald Trump attacks the Bush Administration!
Somebody please let me know should Donald Trump fear for his life??!!
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Not Such an April's Fools for Indiana Teacher and Correctional Officer
Two women, one a journalism teacher, and one a correctional officer, were facing termination from their jobs because of Free Speech.
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/17005912.htm
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=14265704&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=416045&rfi=6
The teacher was suspended because she let one of her high school students put out a report supporting homosexuals, and the correctional officer was suspended because she told the press the truth about how bad the conditions in the prison were.
Both women claim that their right of Freedom of Speech was violated. I agree with both cases. Their Freedom of Speech has been restricted, because in both cases because their superiors have set certain rules for conduct they felt that those rules were broken.
In the teacher's case the school board felt that administration should have agreed and authorized for the article to be published in the school paper.
And in the lieutenant's case the correctional facility board felt that because she was a non-union employee she was an at will employee meaning she had to follow the guidelines to whatever the prison set forth; even if she did not agree with it.
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/17005912.htm
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=14265704&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=416045&rfi=6
The teacher was suspended because she let one of her high school students put out a report supporting homosexuals, and the correctional officer was suspended because she told the press the truth about how bad the conditions in the prison were.
Both women claim that their right of Freedom of Speech was violated. I agree with both cases. Their Freedom of Speech has been restricted, because in both cases because their superiors have set certain rules for conduct they felt that those rules were broken.
In the teacher's case the school board felt that administration should have agreed and authorized for the article to be published in the school paper.
And in the lieutenant's case the correctional facility board felt that because she was a non-union employee she was an at will employee meaning she had to follow the guidelines to whatever the prison set forth; even if she did not agree with it.
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