The article can be found here.
In this article, we read about how the NSA is wanting to possibly shift the storing of all of the phone data to third parties. In fact, they would like to push it to the phone companies themselves to store the data. However, they still want to be able to exploit that data. The phone companies are fighting against this, as they do not want to store data any longer than their company usually does. The NSA is worried that many of its procedures will shut down in coming years, and so this is why they are looking to change some of their system.
I have a problem with the NSA looking into my information at all. I recognize that they are trying to do something good, but I also think that America, a nation that was founded on freedom from the oppression of government, should not become a place where everything about your phone records is open to the government's prying eye. I also do not like the thought of "big brother" constantly looking over my shoulder, and going through my things. If any of you have read 1984, you can see how truly frightening that prospect is. Now, am I saying that we are living in a place that is analogous to 1984? Definitely not. I am merely saying that as we lose freedoms, the influence of the government in our lives will get bigger and bigger. We need to hold on to our freedoms as much as possible.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Temporary Stay Granted To Utah
The article can be found here.
What this article talks about pertains a lot to what we were talking about in class. One of the biggest topics in the nation (and definitely Utah) is the fact that a judge ruled that gay marriage was legal in Utah. This came as a shock to many people, because Utah was a very unlikely candidate for this quickly legalizing gay marriage. However, it did happen. In a crazy couple of weeks, Utah scrambled, and did happen to receive a stay from the Supreme Court. That is what this article talks about. However, what this will actually result in is still a toss-up. Utah has to go and appeal the case in a 10th circuit court, and we will just have to wait and see what happens.
I am very glad that they received this stay. I know that it is possible it may not change anything, but I think that they do deserve to appeal. I will be very honest in saying that I am against gay marriage. I recognize that this belief is quickly becoming unpopular, especially outside of Utah, but I will stand by it. I just hope that during this whole appeal, and the courts' decisions and rulings, that we will be able to peacefully resolve the conflict.
What this article talks about pertains a lot to what we were talking about in class. One of the biggest topics in the nation (and definitely Utah) is the fact that a judge ruled that gay marriage was legal in Utah. This came as a shock to many people, because Utah was a very unlikely candidate for this quickly legalizing gay marriage. However, it did happen. In a crazy couple of weeks, Utah scrambled, and did happen to receive a stay from the Supreme Court. That is what this article talks about. However, what this will actually result in is still a toss-up. Utah has to go and appeal the case in a 10th circuit court, and we will just have to wait and see what happens.
I am very glad that they received this stay. I know that it is possible it may not change anything, but I think that they do deserve to appeal. I will be very honest in saying that I am against gay marriage. I recognize that this belief is quickly becoming unpopular, especially outside of Utah, but I will stand by it. I just hope that during this whole appeal, and the courts' decisions and rulings, that we will be able to peacefully resolve the conflict.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
New Permits Could Harm Eagles
The article is here.
What this article talks about is a permit that the United States is moving forward on passing, which would allow builders of wind farms and other projects to last longer, and still have accidental eagle deaths. So, why is this such a problem? The eagle is a symbol of our country. They are endangered animals. But, no matter what animal it is, we do not want to allow too many accidental deaths. The problem is that we, as a human race, are expanding and needing more energy to run our usual lives. This means that we need to dip into the environment's pool of available space and habitats to make room for us. This is how eagles, and other animals, are accidentally killed due to the expansionism of people.
What do I think about this? I'll be honest, I am not one of the people who freaks out every time a tree is cut down, or an animal is killed. I am not saying, in any way, that I am against environmentalism. I think that there are ways for us to expand and get the resources that we need, while at the same time preserving the environment. The land that we live on deserves our respect, and we need to make sure and try to keep it as safe as possible. The eagle is a special symbol of our country. However, in this article it also talks about how these projects need to come up with plans to try and minimize accidental eagle deaths. I think that if we do our best, and continually revise plans to save eagles, and other animals, then we can expand. To a point. We need the environment we live on as much as we need the space for new energy projects. Expanding can be necessary, but I think that as many innovations as possible, to conserve space and help produce more energy efficiently, should be the direction that we head.
What this article talks about is a permit that the United States is moving forward on passing, which would allow builders of wind farms and other projects to last longer, and still have accidental eagle deaths. So, why is this such a problem? The eagle is a symbol of our country. They are endangered animals. But, no matter what animal it is, we do not want to allow too many accidental deaths. The problem is that we, as a human race, are expanding and needing more energy to run our usual lives. This means that we need to dip into the environment's pool of available space and habitats to make room for us. This is how eagles, and other animals, are accidentally killed due to the expansionism of people.
What do I think about this? I'll be honest, I am not one of the people who freaks out every time a tree is cut down, or an animal is killed. I am not saying, in any way, that I am against environmentalism. I think that there are ways for us to expand and get the resources that we need, while at the same time preserving the environment. The land that we live on deserves our respect, and we need to make sure and try to keep it as safe as possible. The eagle is a special symbol of our country. However, in this article it also talks about how these projects need to come up with plans to try and minimize accidental eagle deaths. I think that if we do our best, and continually revise plans to save eagles, and other animals, then we can expand. To a point. We need the environment we live on as much as we need the space for new energy projects. Expanding can be necessary, but I think that as many innovations as possible, to conserve space and help produce more energy efficiently, should be the direction that we head.
Friday, January 3, 2014
Marijuana and its Effects
The article is here.
As marijuana is becoming legal in some states (right now just Colorado, with Washington following later this year), the question comes up: what does marijuana do? What are the effects of this drug. The truth, according to this article, is frightening. Marijuana creates a high because of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which goes from your blood stream into the brain, and there attaches to nerve cells in high-density areas. These areas can include important functions such as "Memory, thinking, concentration, feelings of pleasure, coordination and movement, and sensory and time perception." So, these are the functions that are affected by marijuana. That is what is frightening. These are the basic functions that we need in order to perform well in life. The short term effects according to the Washington Post are, "a rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, red eyes, dry mouth, increased appetite and slowed reaction time." Long-term usage has also been shown to effect your body, and "Has been linked to impaired thinking, memory problems, panic attacks and other psychological issues. There have also been studies showing a weakened immune system and, for those who smoke the drug, impaired lung function."
So, why did I post about this? The reason I did is because I disagree with the legalization of marijuana as a recreational drug. The fact that it is a gateway drug is one of the most frightening facts of all, and now that it is legal I worry that more drug abuse will become a prevalent part of our society. However, just because I disagree with its recreational legalization does not mean that I disagree with its medicinal legalization. Already twenty states, as well as the District, have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes. I think that it can be very helpful in this way. The fact is, good or bad, it can create a high that helps with pain. So, why not use it responsibly to help people? That is how I think it should be legalized. That way, under a doctor's care, you can receive treatments. With recreational legalization I can see too many people abusing the drug, which would have a negative effect not only on themselves, but also on society.
As marijuana is becoming legal in some states (right now just Colorado, with Washington following later this year), the question comes up: what does marijuana do? What are the effects of this drug. The truth, according to this article, is frightening. Marijuana creates a high because of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which goes from your blood stream into the brain, and there attaches to nerve cells in high-density areas. These areas can include important functions such as "Memory, thinking, concentration, feelings of pleasure, coordination and movement, and sensory and time perception." So, these are the functions that are affected by marijuana. That is what is frightening. These are the basic functions that we need in order to perform well in life. The short term effects according to the Washington Post are, "a rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, red eyes, dry mouth, increased appetite and slowed reaction time." Long-term usage has also been shown to effect your body, and "Has been linked to impaired thinking, memory problems, panic attacks and other psychological issues. There have also been studies showing a weakened immune system and, for those who smoke the drug, impaired lung function."
So, why did I post about this? The reason I did is because I disagree with the legalization of marijuana as a recreational drug. The fact that it is a gateway drug is one of the most frightening facts of all, and now that it is legal I worry that more drug abuse will become a prevalent part of our society. However, just because I disagree with its recreational legalization does not mean that I disagree with its medicinal legalization. Already twenty states, as well as the District, have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes. I think that it can be very helpful in this way. The fact is, good or bad, it can create a high that helps with pain. So, why not use it responsibly to help people? That is how I think it should be legalized. That way, under a doctor's care, you can receive treatments. With recreational legalization I can see too many people abusing the drug, which would have a negative effect not only on themselves, but also on society.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Deportation Causing Upheaval in Children's Lives
The article is here.
This article explains the effects of deportation on children in the United States. The problem is that many people who came into the country illegally are raising children here who are U.S. citizens. So, what happens if the parents are sent back to their country? What happens to the children? How would you feel if your parent was taken away from you? Many kids said that they cried more often, and were more fearful. Some were more aggressive and angry. Many experienced changes in their diet and sleeping habits. These children's lives are getting turned upside down. Many programs are trying to be as careful and lenient with them and their parents to try and not destroy the kid's lives. But, can it really be done? Is it lawful to treat the parents differently?
This is a large problem in America. Immigration has been a fight for quite a while. I am not 100% sure what my view is, but isn't America supposed to be a place where we accept people into our country regardless of race? When did we become extremely closed down to all of the outside world, as far as our country is concerned? I do see a problem with the people who come and take advantage of our system, but that isn't everyone. I think that we need to be a little more open, and to change our laws so that we can include as many people in our country as possible. We want more children in America, so that we can grow! Growth in America can help us not only grow in population, but also to grow in developments and technologies, because of the new ideas generated by the rising generation.
This article explains the effects of deportation on children in the United States. The problem is that many people who came into the country illegally are raising children here who are U.S. citizens. So, what happens if the parents are sent back to their country? What happens to the children? How would you feel if your parent was taken away from you? Many kids said that they cried more often, and were more fearful. Some were more aggressive and angry. Many experienced changes in their diet and sleeping habits. These children's lives are getting turned upside down. Many programs are trying to be as careful and lenient with them and their parents to try and not destroy the kid's lives. But, can it really be done? Is it lawful to treat the parents differently?
This is a large problem in America. Immigration has been a fight for quite a while. I am not 100% sure what my view is, but isn't America supposed to be a place where we accept people into our country regardless of race? When did we become extremely closed down to all of the outside world, as far as our country is concerned? I do see a problem with the people who come and take advantage of our system, but that isn't everyone. I think that we need to be a little more open, and to change our laws so that we can include as many people in our country as possible. We want more children in America, so that we can grow! Growth in America can help us not only grow in population, but also to grow in developments and technologies, because of the new ideas generated by the rising generation.
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