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
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