BR 12/11/13

1.  Do you believe the police have the same rights to "snoop" in personal cell phone usage as the NSA does?  Or is this a separate entity with different rights?   
No. Neither of them should be snooping through people's things. Especially the police, because they are doing a much worse version of spying than the NSA. Police are searching people's phones for no reason, but the NSA has a filter on words and things you say for them to have to search you. They are intentionally tricking civilians and it's not right.
2. Do we live in a society where privacy is a thing of the past?  
It seems as so, and I don't agree to it.
3.  Why would they use this technique? 
I suppose to find if terrorists are communicating on there. It is a public thing so it's not a big deal.
4.  What other areas should be closely monitored?  
Public (emphasis on public) online sites or games. Not my cellphone. They think because literally everything is government owned they can come in and do whatever as they please behind our backs. I think disguising their technology as cell towers is ridiculous. It makes me trust the police less.

12/9/13

1.  Does the NSA have a right to collect your personal data without a search warrant or probable cause? 
No. They do not. The 4th amendment protects you from that. 

2.  Why would these tech companies be against providing such said data? 
People will not want use them anymore because they think they are being spied on when they use it, and will eventually scare people off of using the internet entirely. 

BR 12/4/13

1.  Could this case have a similar outcome in the US?

Probably could. I mean people get away with stuff like that all the time. I read where in some cases burglars who

injure themselves in the process of a heist and suing the home owner or business.  

2.  Interpret what this case says about the father.

He is obviously a really big tool, he kind of ruined his wife's life just because he doesn't like the looks of his child. 

Instead of leaving his wife and helping with the child he sued her and left her with nothing. He's among the parasites 

of the earth. 

BR 12/2/2013

Well I think that they should do studies on their votes before they allow them, but I don't see why they wouldn't be able to morally vote.

Debate Notes

I agree with Jesse and Sierra the most, and I do believe that you can pray in public, but you don't need a parade. You can just pray to yourself. Religion can mean nothing to someone and nothing to another, but religion seems to get it's way. I know times have changed where religion isn't as strong anymore and religious people feel oppressed and limited, but expecting special treatment is why it's that way.

Debate Questions

Why can't someone pray privately?

Do you think religion really needs to be blended with government?

BR 11/19/13

They believed it to be just silly remarks. The Gettysburg Address is 150 years old today.

BR 11/18/13

From a constitutional standpoint, do you agree or disagree with prayer being held prior to public meetings?  Defend your answer.

I think they can do it quietly on their own, they don't need everyone to stop and take time for them. Just because you're religious doesn't mean you deserve your own break or pledge. 

BR 11/13/13

1. do you agree or disagree with the decision? 
I disagree with the binds they're trying to put between the trainers and the whales. The trainers know the risk when they get the job. 

2.  Do you think it is a violation for Sea World?  Or is it the right if the trainer to decide?   It's the right of the trainer to decide. 

BR 11/12/13

I respect his decision and I would have probably made the same one. I would rather die than not be able to move. I would have definitely had them pull the plug.

BR 11/6/13

1. I don't agree with the store being open for that long on Thanksgiving specifically. As if very many people are going to go out shopping on Thanksgiving, they will be home with their families. I feel bad for the employees, Kmart is just doing it to make a little more money. I think they should reconsider.

2. I don't have a conclusive opinion on this, but I think both sides are in the wrong. It was wrong for Russia to ban gays but it is wrong for Americans to go to their country wearing rainbows to try to start a big media explosion. If anyone was to come into America and try to disrespect our laws it would be a completely different story.

BR 11/4/13

1. What effect will tough requirements such as this have on voters?

There won't be as many first off, and I feel things won't go the way they should. 

2. Can these requirements violate the rights of voters?

I'm not sure, but it seems like it. People are trying to control all of that as much as possible. 

BR 11/1/13

1.  Was this a justifiable shooting?
No, obviously not. That guy needs to be evaluated. 

2.  What does this type of action say about society?
Sometimes you're not safe from lunatics, and there are plenty in America. 

BR 10/31/13

1.  do you believe this letter is too "harsh" why or why not?
Yes, I believe it's too harsh. Obviously parents know if there kids are overweight, that's not a reason to deprive them of childhood fun. I think it's stupid. 


2.   do you believe that it is her Constitutional right to hand out said letter?  Why or why not?
I guess by law she can but that kind of makes her a horrible person. 

BR 10/29/13

1.  Do you feel the "fat test" is legal?
I guess it has to be if people are losing their jobs over it.


2.  Does your weight make you "fit"?
No. They're are several different body types and some people are naturally big and weigh a lot but could be physically fit. 


3.  How would you handle this issue if you were the government?
I would get rid of the test, it's pointless and stupid. 

BR 10/21/13

1. Why is it so hard to break away from devices?
Sometimes people use their cellphone for their job. People make their devices a primary part of their routine.

2. Could you survive without your device(s)?
I definitely could, but I use it for many things. Primarily music. That's all I need.

BR 10/16/13

1.  Should the two girls be charged?  yes or no and explain your answer
      Yes. They need to be charged.  They should not have said the things they said. It's truly depressing. 


2.  What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
      Felony is on your record and more serious. Misdemeanor isn't as bad. 


3.  What one thing do you think should be done to combat bullying? 
      Parents need to stop thinking their children are angels and view the possibilities. 

BR 10/15/13

I think it's pretty humorous, I mean if a kid cusses at you and you pay children to beat him up you're pretty stupid. The kid could have been suspended anyway, but she decided to lode her job. I find it funny.

Notes on "Making A Difference"

1. Annie Beacant
    Born 10/1/1847
    Woman's Rights Activist
Arrested for her work on several occasions. Lived in India for a good section of her life. Inspired woman's rights.

2. Leon Sullivan
    10/16/1922
    Civil Rights Activist
Became a preacher at 18. Helped many African Americans get jobs. Ran boycotts.

3.Hansel Adams
   2/20/1902
   Photographer
   He dropped out of school and had an interest in music.

4. Susan B. Anthony
    Fought for anti-Slavery and Woman's rights

5.  Indira Gandhi
     3rd prime minister of India
     Daughter of Mahatma Gandhi

6. Rachel Carson
    Was against synthetic chemical pesticides. Died from breast cancer in 1964.
    Activist

7. Caesar Chavez
     3/21/1927
    Civil Rights Activist

8. Roger Baldwin
    1/21/1864
    Bachelor's Degree from Harvard, Veteran.

9. Eva Peron
    5/7/1919
    Died of uterine cancer.

10. Akbar the Great
       9/15/1542
      Died in 1605, Started a military conquest and conquered many.

11. Aung San Suu Kyi
Father created Burmese army, she is contained in her home there.

12. Jane Adams
9/6/1860

Known Woman's rights activist

13. I presented. (John Muir)

14 Deganawida
     Made Peace, stopped cannibalism in Indian tribes. Born to virgin mother.

15. W.E.B. Dubois
Civil Rights Activist, Author.
Died at 95.

16. Jacques Cousteau
      Diver, inventor, explorer.
      June 11, 1910

17. Ida Wells
      July 16, 1862
      Didn't give up her seat before Rosa Parks.

BR 10/14/13

People are protesting because the government has closed the WWII memorial because of the shutdown. People broke into it to protest, many were in attendance.

BR 10/10/13

1.  What does this say about the state of our legislative branch?
      People really don't have a high opinion of them. When the majority of people prefer jury duty then they are pretty disliked.  


2.  If you were the Speaker of the House, how would you rectify this situation? 
     I would reopen it, its pretty gnarly. 

BR 10/9/13

1.  Do you think there should be a limit on campaign contributions?  Why or Why not?
     Yes, Everyone needs a fair chance.


2.  How does this deal with the issue of free expression that we discussed in class?
      People have the right to spend their money but this doesn't make sense. 


3.  Should a person be limited on what and where they spend their  money?
     Typically no, but in this situation particularly yes.


4.  If the Supreme Court agrees with the McCutcheon  how would this change political campaigning? 
     The rich will pretty much run elections.

BR 10/8/13

I think they have a good point with it, that it seems to be more alright to make racist comments to native Americans than other races. I think they are a little too touchy about it, like it's a middle school problem.

BR 10/7/13

1.) I would think after 9/11 nobody, especially a little boy could get through security. That kid also ruins it for everyone, most kids will probably be searched and what not.
2.)Very surprised. I doubt an adult could have pulled that off.

BR 10/2/13

I enjoyed the emphases on the immense amount of pride and dominance Americans have yet they can't agree on a budget. I really liked the term, "the very pinnacle of human civilization'. It made me laugh. 

BR 9/26/13

1.      From the movie, what are the benefits of a centralized system?

        They can get their answers from one place, but it obviously wasn't a good idea.

2.     How did the advanced technology control the lives of the people in the movie?

     Through technology, like people's phones, street cameras, any live speaker 

3. Do you want to have that kind of technology in our community, like our school or municipality? Defend your stand.

    Of course not. The government can look at my public social networks all day. But when they start to spy on my private matters then I will be heated about it. That's a violation of our constitution. 

4.      In what way do you use technology wisely? Give an example.

   To use it for everyday challenges you couldn't do yourself. You basically have anything you want to know in your hand.

5.      What message does the movie want to convey? How should you use or treat technology in this digital age?

     The message I conveyed was that people can be oblivious of what is around them and how they should be more private with their technology. 

BR 9/19/13

I say that violent video games aren't the problem, because I play violent video games quite often and I don't want to kill anyone. Though today's video games get very deep and messed up sometimes, they don't brainwash people. I say just as anything an easily influenced person could take anything wrong, but they wouldn't kill people without a deeper cause. I'd say someone would have to want to kill someone before they play violent video games or watch violent movies because it glamorizes murder and shows a person that it's easier than it is.

BR 9/18/13

Thoughts of suicide, violence, or drug use. I don't think it's an invasion because what they say they read is public. I don't have a Facebook or anything, but I don't do anything suspicious so whatever I do out of school is none of their business.

BR 9/12/13

The article says it may be computer error, but I'd say it's a pretty good improvement. Though America has plenty of other problems. I guess they would see it as our economy is improving and they need to go get a job. The economy is improving in one area, not improving entirely. I hope it begins to though.

BR 9/11/13

I value my privacy a lot, it is in my opinion essential. The government can at any time tap into any device to see what you're doing and that is wrong. Who are they to think they can just spy on anyone they want. Obviously a terrorist isn't going to be texting his friend about killing people or his plans to. They can search all their lives and they may find a select few of things, but at the same time invading people's privacy. I feel exposed and offended that they can do that. The government asks as if they own us.

BR 9/9/13

Well things in Syria are getting pretty heated and apparently they would have a chance on preventing an attack from the U.S. if they got rid of all their chemical weapons within the week. I believe they're a little in over their head, I mean Russia and the U.S. would turn Syria into a parking lot.

BR 9/5/13

I don't think its right to raise prices but not wages. Fast food is an easy job, but for some people a lot of things rely on their job. I think they are making enough money already. There are McDonald's literally everywhere.

BR 9/3/13

Well I'm glad I don't have a Facebook, but I think it is a invasion of someone's privacy. I can understand why they did it from there point, I mean they could prevent something bad from happening if they were to stumble upon people talking about it. But in reality that probably wont  happen and they're just reading personal things by regular people. The government isn't known for being very merciful when looking into personal things.

I Have A Dream

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed - we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I think when he said the nation will rise up and live out it's true meaning he meant that America tends to flash freedom, but men weren't free and he wanted them to follow up on it. 

BR 8/29/13

He speaks of human equality and is very passionate about it, because it is one of the most important things to us humans. It was a horrible time for the African Americans and I think it is an awful thing to try to command what someone does when they should have a right to do it. Martin Luther King Jr. was the leader and a martyr for African American civil rights, and he was successful. He will always be remembered in American history. If not everyone is free, no one is.

The speech was given on August 28th, 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln memorial. 

BR 8/27/13

I think both boys should be tried for their crimes. Both of them knew what they were doing and they deserve the full consequence. I think sixteen is old enough to know not to beat an old war veteran to death. I think its good to keep their identities undisclosed because I think it would grieve the families even more, and appearances can cause some to be bias. Disregarding race or age it is a serious crime and they should have to pay for it.