The Wrap Up

Woah, this year has come and gone and school is over for the semester. I always assumed taking online courses would be tough, but you format made the class very informational and easy to follow. The links and documents you sent to us really made the class so informative because you got a good sources from both sides of the story. You shed the light on the Trayvon Martin case and found at facts I didn't know about Zimmerman and Martin. The war in Iraq and Afghanistan you could see and feel the struggle of the people in those countries through the information provided. Between learning about the presidential race and republicans and democrats, you have helped explain what the mean and helped me form my presidential opinion.

Many of the skills I learned from this class involved in researching and note taking, along with my typing and sentence structure. You giving us a topic and providing us with information from both parties involved helped me learn to research my topic and get two different stand points. My note taking now has a bulletin type structure similar to how your emails were structured. You reminded me the proper way to form my blog and to make sure to use spell check and not misspell words. Mainly it helped me try to focus on my research and do thoroughly and diversely.

Im not to sure how to answer what I learned about myself this class, because I feel it opened up more questions then answers. It did indeed help me form my political identity, but that is why I'm registered as undecided. As a student I see myself as I always do, I see what I exceed at and try to focus on that while trying to approve in areas I can improve in. What I'd change about the class is I'd put more lively colors and maybe just revise the question asking into a clearer form. The emails did not always have the clearest format and the comprehension questions were very hard to find. What didn't work for me is the unclear context in many of the questions you asked us to write about.

I feel like a lot of these questions are very repetitive and can be answered in fewer paragraphs. What I learned, what knowledge did I get, what knowledge or skill did I learn, and what new skills did I learn can all be pretty much summed up by asking what new information will I retain for the future. A lot of the news was not that mind blowing to me because we can all see world wide news over the internet, which is faster then the TV or newspaper. I feel like the class should have a way more diverse form of questions, because there was a few time I ran into questions that repeated themselves. I feel it is easier to simply ask similar questions on similar topics in one question and then ask who, what, where, when and why form of questions. All the knowledge that I received during the research and writing of these blogs is the information I will take into the future.

As for what my favorite topic to write on , the class itself, is current events. I enjoy writing about current events because we do not know the outcome. It is fun to hear people share their opinions on a topic as its in the making. By reading everyone else's opinions, it not only helps you form your own, but gives you an idea of their beliefs, living situations, and what the feel strongly about. With writing on current events its like an author with an outline and you choose as to how it ends. The fact that if you simply articulate yourself well and express whats on your mind in my opinion, is better then a right or wrong answer. We were not destined for anything in life, it weights on the results of you action and determination. A very great man by the name of Vince Lombardi once said  "The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand." Current events are the best because we can determine the result by our actions, not our words. I had a great time writing about this class and I hope you enjoyed reading my stuff.

Why so Syria?

What is the United States' job exactly? Are they expected to police and patrol the globe by some people? Our laws only apply to our boarders and people need to realized that. When faced with the question as to if we should get involved with Syria, I believe we should not get involved in international affairs right now. It's a civil uprising for a reason, and the civilians should be the ones involved. To interfere with another country that we have no relation to, and also effect feelings towards our current allies seems pretty ridiculous if you ask me. I love the idea of a democracy, but it does not fit everywhere and settle with people's belief. If these revolutions expect to be successful I feel they will have to be done so alone. I'm curious as to why we're so serious on the issue of Syria.

Our country was built on its "due it yourself" attitude, former during our revolutionary days way back in 1776. Of course ammo was provided, but I feel that the reason the victory was so successful was because people that fought in it had such a just cause that they wanted to fight strongly for. I don't understand how our involvement in another countries revolution will help us or them. If we we're to help them we'd receive even more resentment from foreign countries sparking hatred towards the United States. It will effect them because if we do help them, how will the know how to run the country and make decisions without the guidance of the United States. These random uprisings are a good thing in my eyes, for there is nothing wrong with fighting for something you want to change. It's always good to see us trying to continue this world and make it a better place for us and our kids. The US getting involved in Syria would bring no sort of peace and only help destroy the world. If the rebels dont stand for something, they'll fall for anything. They need to realized how much they want it and to form a plan, similar to the patriots of the revolutionary war.

The symbol for the United States is a bald eagle right? Then we do some people believe we're suppose to be robo cop. Half the resentment towards us comes from us thinking we're so great, and the people who believe it is a good idea to help Syria, you have the right idea, but will only cause more tension with other people. We make all these mandates to mind our own business while not getting involved with others, here we are doing the exact opposite. We have so many problems as a country right now that the last thing we need is another conflict. It's funny to me because the people that would say to go into Syria, are the same people complaining about violence and war. Doing the right thing in hindsight isn't always the best route to take. Most problems will be fixed themselves, so why involve a 3rd person party that does not understand the situation first hand. There is nothing to be gained from helping Syria, and I believe this country should be ran like a business. Some people are offended by that but we have to understand if we want to get back on top of things on a global scale, we need to start making smarter conditions. I believe these revolutions happen for a reason and the US intervening ruin what was meant to be. 

Does it Even Matter?

Why? Why do we do this? We've been doing this for over 200 years now and we still do til this day. You may be curious as to what I'm talking about, which is voting. I ask why we still vote because when I was about 11 or 12 years old I realized the different types of votes. Our vote, the peoples vote, in reality means nothing. It makes you feel good, a true american getting up and going out to vote. Unfortunately for you your vote means nothing. Each State with its electoral college gets a certain amount of votes, based on population I believe. Those votes are the ones that matter, and are suppose to reflect the popular vote from within the state, but thats not always the case. In the 2000 election, Al Gore won the popular vote, but Bush won the candidacy with more electoral votes. As you can tell I am unsatisfied with our current form of voting.

I chose to interview two of my neighbors, both whom I've known for years. During the interview both of my interviewees raised a brow to the question " What life experiences have shaped your political values and identity". The woman I interviewed, we'll call her Katie, said that the people she works with and see's on her way to work help influence how she votes. She said its a shame that people she works with are allowed to hold a job even after missing numerous days of work. She believes that the democrats have given people every excuse in the world to not get up and go out and work. These are more then your average sick days and vacation time, often coming in late claiming there was an issue with their kid. How often are you going to be caught up with you kid? My mother did a night shift when i was younger so she could still work and not miss out raising her child. Katie believes that this country needs to be ran more like a strict business, not have the government step in and give hand outs. The other person I interviewed, named Josh, says his whole life has been a political influence, everything from bussing, inflation, his parents, the Ronald Reagan era amongst a few. When he elaborated he specified similar to Katie, that the government should be there for the people, by the people. People have it way to easy, because of that, the laziness and slacker mentality hurts the country as a whole. People need to work hard and struggle so there is room for improvement in one's life.

Katie said she is an independent, for the reason that everyone has different views, and at no one point does a particular party have what she has in mind. Its more of what the leader of said parties say that influence her more then the actually party itself. Some of the major issues she has are the current abuse of welfare and immigration. She believes people can come here if the want, but it should be done in the same way. Similar to the welfare problem, people need it, buts its often abused, used as bail for jail, cigarettes and booze. Josh claims to be " conservatively conservative" saying he misses how this country used to be. We were once such a dominate world party because of production and quality of work. In his eyes it has all gone down the toilet, and he believes it will only get worse with four more years of Obama. His major issues include the economy, what his tax money goes to (ie: EBT cards), immigration, social welfare and the racial parody in this country. If you aren't aware of the racial parody in this country you should open you eyes because it is all around you.

Similar to Josh, my whole life is a learning experience day by day, constantly forming and shaping me and my opinions as a whole. I believe I don't have a political identity for the same reason I do not follow a particular religion. More people die over what the believe in then any other reason in the history of man. I'm not sure what I believe in, but every human being on the inside has a choice to make, and your actions speak a whole lot louder than words. The priests and candidates and who ever for that matter can say what they want, but your words and opinions only travel so far in life. There are many injustices that shape me and my life, for I am won that believes its better to vote against something you believe will bad for you that to vote for something that is good, our lives can only be so easy until we die because we can not adapt and evolve. What I am looking for in a leader is an honest, down to earth person, whom understands there position and their part and works in the best interest for the country.

What I learned from this is everyone is entitled to their opinion, but people don't always see things as a whole. People have to understand things in life arent free and I'm glad they are not because we'd be the laziest, least productive pieces of shit on this earth if you dont go out everyday and work hard to improve yourself of how your living. People have had it too easy and they are often the ones complaining about injustices meanwhile they are the cancer that is slowly killing this country. I'm damn proud to be Irish, and I'm damn proud to be an American too, so I try to let my actions reflect on the person I am and not sit there and complain. I've learned to address my problems head on, even if its hard for me to do so, because it will only be a learning experience for myself which I can act to improve myself. That is my message to you, to whom ever is reading this, to please go out everyday, learn something and try to improve yourself and your country will strive with you success.


My Questions: Would you rather vote for a cause you believe will help you or vote against one that will harm you and why?

How has voting changed since you were younger.

Do you believe you will see a woman in the oval office sometime in you life?Why?

Do you believe a candidates personal life and past should affect or reflect their candidacy.


What do you believe is the best way to improve our current voting system.

Take a Step Back Florida

I knew once I heard the story of Trayvon Martin and saw such a big reaction across the country I had figured we would write on this topic. Luckly for me I've been looking into it, not to be the judge of who's right or wrong, but get both sides of the story. Who are we to deem whats right and whats wrong for people to do in a country based on freedom. The Trayvon Martin story is very unfortune, my thoughs and condolences go out to his family and friends. Is anyone "guilty" in this case? How should "justice" be served? My question is how will this affect our 2nd amendment?

I'd like to start off by saying Rev. Al Sharpton is a complete joke. He'll make a race issue out of what cereal you buy. Is racisim still around?Yes. Its going to be for as long as their is human beings. Your saying in a country with a black president, where a LATINO shot and African American boy, and for the sole reason he's black and Zimmerman appears white, Sharpton is up in arms along with the NAACP caliming its a race issue. Im sure if the crime was black on black, black on white, brown/yellow whatever you want to call it, Sharpton will have little to say. I think its ironic how a mean preach about removing racism is the leader of an all black organization. Once he begins to see people as human beings and not black or white or asian or middle east, maybe racisim will go away.

Is anyone guilty in this case? Yes, George Zimmerman, a man who is not a cop, was incharge to patrol a gated community and killed a little boy. Just a teenager walking home who got caught up in a bad situation with a bad man. A young man returning home from the store ran managed to get into an altercation with the community watch supervisor, with the young boy ending up dead. The only way justice is to be served is in court, before a judge and his peers, and there is sufficient evidence showing George Zimmerman was attacked. If that was the case he would deserve life in prison for first degree murder, if not I still believe he should get manslaugther for the fact the little boy was not armed and Zimmerman is a grown man.

Well as of Wednesday April 11, 2012, George Zimmerman was charged with 2nd degree murder of Trayvon Martin. Facing 2nd degree murder, which means you killed someone with premeditating it, Zimmerman faces 25years to life with the chance of parole for his crime. One of the questions you asked was is someone guilty, and how should justice be served. Well our justice system has once again prevailed and shows us why we have this system. Somone commits a crime has the right to a free trial and recieved one, now all we have to worry about is how this effects our 2nd amendment. I truely hope that this is not affected, because its one of our rights from our fore fathers who started this country, and we have the rights to defend ourselves. Remember guns dont kill people, people do.

The Endless War

The war in Afghanistan, began alomost 11 years ago and is still going on. This war has gone on longer than both WWI and WWII and has no sign of stopping anymore. Many people question what we are still doing there, and how the most powerful armed forces in the world are unsuccessful in their mission. What are we fighting for? Who are we looking for? The questions are endless as to the reason we are still there. We killed Osama bin-laden, the leader of the September 11th attacks, but our government still believes we are not finished. Are we there for oil? We may never be sure as to what we are doing there, at least not anytime in the for-seeable future. In my opinion this so called "War on Terror" will never end, because we will always have issues and eniemes looking to harm the people of the United States. Other countries believe we are lazy and live to lavish of a lifestyle and we should be harmed for that. I want me safety and my freedoms, and I want them protected, but I wonder why these middle east countries are the target for our war on terror. Both the war on freedom and the war on terror are just fancy names for what I call the endless war, and my belief and fear is it may never end.

The other Wes Moore, One Name, Two Fates

How are both Wes Moore's alike? Give some background information that discusses the similarities between the two men and their respective histories.

The two Wes Moore’s are similar not only because they grew up in the same neighborhood, but because the boys had similar stories as they were growing up as kids. Both kids’ did not have an ideal family situation at home, both with strong mother figures and both having to deal with growing up without a solid male role model. Their communities both had impacts on their lives, with the people inside the community influencing their decisions they made in life. While the author’s mother chose to move out of Baltimore to avoid the chaos during that time, she felt moving to New York would help provide more opportunities for her young son. The other Wes was caught up within the violent riots and protest that were occurring in Baltimore.

You also see the impact of their siblings, and how their influence helped shaping the men the two boys become. The most important influence on the author’s live seems to be his sister Nikki, while Tony is Wes’ influence. Nikki was a positive older role model to have for the author while the other Wes looked up to his drug dealing brother. Both had run into trouble while they were younger, both given second chances, and this is where they begin to differ. Neither of the boys enjoyed going to school, and would rather focus on the things the enjoyed or how to make money. With two boys with the same name, living during the same time in similar situations, it’s hard to understand how different the two become as they get older.

Discuss a turning point in both boys' lives, where they seemingly learned from a mistake and took some action to try and correct it. What decision or action did they take to "straighten up" their lives?

As the boys become older they begin to drift down different paths on their way to becoming adults. One key event that both boys had dealt with was their respective run-ins with the police. The author got caught hanging around with someone who really doesn’t care about him, who pushed drugs and started trouble. When the two get caught spray painting, the cops let him off. This is where the author is faced with a situation in his life, and he chooses to learn from it, not repeat it. This is where family values come into play; because the author’s biggest fear about being arrested had been to fear his mother. This shows the type of person the author is, not wanting to disappoint the woman that has loved and cared for him. From that moment on, wanting to avoid confrontations with the police, the author goes on to go to military school to become successful in that. Even though he struggled and wanted to quit many times, after realizing how much his mother really does for him. This is when I believe he really “straightens up”.

The other Wes Moore had many encounters with the police as he was growing up. When he was younger growing up in Baltimore, he had a confrontation with a kid who had punched him after getting into an argument over a football game. Furious about being disrespected in front of his friends, he goes home to return with a knife to try to get revenge on the boy who embarrassed him. Cops had arrived after hearing complaints from the neighbors about a scuffle. The cops intercepted Wes, knife in hand, on his way to hurt the boy. Unlike the author, Wes did not learn from being arrested. Many of the people he looked up to, the dealers and gangsters, had reputations for getting arrested multiple times. Avoiding his older brother’s advice, Wes became involved in the drug game. He flaunted his wealth, living the street life, with all the money, homies, and ladies, all proof of his work. Even after getting involved with shootings Wes wouldn’t learn. I believe the lack of family structure and values had been a major reason as to why Wes had such a troubled past. I don’t believe Wes truly straightened up until he had already been in jails for a crime he’d serve a life for.

What affect did these boys' parents have on their personal development? Discuss how each's mom and dad may have influenced them. Who was around? How did they help or hurt their son?

The author’s mother was his foundation into the person he later becomes. While he was growing up he had three people in his family he could look up to, his older sister, his mother and his father. He really loved his father and had fond memories of him when he was younger. Unfortunately, his father was killed from being poorly treated at a local hospital. Now the burden of raising a family rests on the shoulders of his mother. Although his mother seems strict, what she is trying to do is steer her son down the right path into manhood. Wes didn’t understand why his mother was so determined to get him through school. When his grades began to slip his mom’s only choice was to send him to military school. At first he couldn’t believe it. He felt betrayed by his mother, wondering how she could send he son to military school. Not until he becomes and adults and recollects on his past does he understand the sacrifices his mother made.

The other Wes Moore had a lot less structure to his family. You could almost feel why Wes was so at home with his friends out and about instead of at home. His home was broken, although his mother was a strong women like the author’s, she did not play a big enough part in his life to help him make decisions in life. His father was a junkie and played very little part in his life growing up. It is hard for an inner city kid to grow up without a father figure in his life. The person he looked up to was his older brother Tony, who was a major drug dealer around their Baltimore neighborhood. Wes wanted to be just like his brother, with the money, the respect, the nice gear. Tony always feared that Wes would want to join him in dealing drugs, so he told him at a very young age that he doesn’t want to get involved with what he was doing and wanted him to go to school. I feel like Tony is least at fault for Wes because he was the most concerned and tried his best just to keep Wes on the right track. I feel like his father, not only not being around, but because his reputation as a drug addict hurt him the most, not having someone to guide a boy through becoming a man.

What did this book teach you about human behavior? Think about life, change, and the idea of fate. Are there similar patterns between these two boys? Are these patterns found in all people? (Get philosophical.)

I believe that this book helps prove my belief that everyone determines their own destiny; it’s all based on what you really want and what you set your mind too. The story gives you a good view of human behavior, and how your outlook can change your fate. Two boys, in very similar conditions, manage to take two totally different paths in life. Such a drastic difference between the two, one a Rhodes Scholar, author, military vet and college graduate, while the other is labeled a murderer. As you talk to the other Wes you can tell deep down they aren’t too different, you can still sense the little boy growing up in Baltimore whom unfortunately didn’t realize his wrong doings until it was too late.

It amazes me that still til this day, young kids are so naive and often don’t realize the complications of their actions. Humans’ tend to be influenced rather easy, instead of going with their heads or hearts. The choice to do right or wrong is found in all people, but it’s how they choose to react that determines the type of person you are. Every person does not start off in the same situation, but your fate is determined by what you make of you opportunities in life. If you choose not to learn from your mistakes, as Wes did, your history is bound to repeat itself. I feel like your ability to bounce back and learn from your mistakes means a lot for the character you have.

Crititque: What did you like about the book? What didn't you like about the book. Give a brief book review that explains your reaction, and if you thought the book was influential.
I must say, I’m not much of a reader, but this movie was not only a quick read but fast paced and drew me in more and more. The imagery used by the author gave you a visual of what was occurring in the book. His description of the people with in the book not only gave you and image but an idea of who the person is and who he or she thinks. Similar to question 4, I really enjoyed the human element of the book, showing how your actions and errors pave a way to your future. It helps disprove that you are a product of your environment and helps highlight how you’re a product of your decisions. There were very few things I didn’t like about the book, but one thing I did not enjoy was having to determine who’s story I was reading about. With both of the boy’s being named Wes, during a break or new chapter it may require you to tract back and find out who you were reading about.

If I had to write a review of this book, I would give it a 4.5/5. This book was very entertaining, making every page wanting you to continue reading. Wes Moore does an excellent job writing this book, not only going in depth on his side of the story, but also gathering the other Wes Moore’s information. You can see the effort and time he put into this book, with countless hours spent visiting the Jessup Correctional Facility. If I had not read the introduction, my reaction would have been a lot stronger for the conclusion of the story.

I believe this book is very influential, to any young man growing up without a solid family structure, growing up within the city, you can often relate to the boys in the book. To anyone who thinks their lives are too hard or stressful to make anything of it, you should be thankful for what you have, and only have the things that put you down be a driving force towards change. There is someone in a very similar situation to you, and your goal should be to strive and be more successful.

Election 2012....Going Once....Going twice...SOLD!!

Is the Citizens United decision good for US democracy, or will it limit/manipulate election? This is a tough question. Limiting the first amendment would be a crime against the first right we have as americans. But is the manipulation of the people who are not aware of the election fair from major companies brainwashing them with political BS? Does this mean the seat for the president can be bought? The most important factor is the Citizens United court case, the cases involved in the decsison, and the people effected by the decsison. Before you decide on what you believe is the right or wrong choice, you should look at both sides of the field.

The people who favor support the Citizens United Decision believe these people and corporations have a right to their opinions and should be allowed to voice them how they choose too. If you had money that you earned, the government in no way should be allowed to tell you how to spend your money, same way with the freedom of speech. There is no doubt that putting campaign ads on the television and radio does inform the people of the election and what is going on (assuming its true). If you one of those people who believe corporations are evil, then you are a hypocrites, but besides that, if you dont believe they have a right to speak on behalf of a canidate then we should take your right to free speech away from you. You can't try to limit someones opinion based on how much many they have or how the want to spend it or based on the fact the side Democrat or Republican.

For those who opposed the decision of United Citizens believe that allowing these companys to muck up and lie about other canidates will result in brainwashing. With frequent TV ads, radio ads and flyers many unknowing voters could be persuaded into voting for the canidate the companies are backing. In many ways this results in canidates' being able to buy the seat in the oval office. By allowing a third party to influence voters in an election, with the party often saying things their own way, its helps them swing the vote to the many americans undecided on either parties. Stephen Colbert's anti-superPAC campaigns help highlight the ludicrous accusations and lies told by superPACs'.