Pope comes to town

This week, the Pope came to America for the first since becoming the Pope three years ago. Here is an article about the Pope speaking to youths about his time as a Nazi. Do you think the Pope coming to America is a big deal? If so, why, if not, why not? Should it be getting round the clock news coverage, or should it be shrugged off as just another diplomat coming to speak?

Deadliest Week '08 in Iraq

Last week was the deadliest week in Iraq so far this year.  There were at least 19 soldiers killed last week.  Here is a link to the complete article on the killings.  After so many years in this war it seems that our news sources have changed from reports on the war to reports on Brittany and political scandals.  Do you think it is right that we are not getting as much information about the war?  Or do you feel that it is still just as important for us to be informed on these issues?  Is it even our role to demand what we would want to see in our news?  Let me know your thoughts on this.    

small town conflict

The movie we watched this week in class really struck a chord. It reminded me of the small community where my grandparents live in northern Wisconsin. It is a close-nit tourist community, where everyone knows everyone. Even the littlest issues seem to grow and take on a lives on their own and cause a great deal of controversy. People take sides, and make decisions based on emotion more than logic which leads to bitter feuds between members of the community. There is something about small isolated communities that cause these blow ups. Some people choose to make little, resolvable issues into large, complex, "personal" issues which lead to harassment and other forms of violence. It is too bad that these communities have this type of social structure, because these places are typically beautiful and peaceful. Can anyone think why this might be? Why do little, resolvable issues, get blown out of proportion in these communities? Or do these example signify and represent the basic structure of our country?

Sex Scandles

Am I the only person that is extremely sick and tired of reading about and watching 24/7 coverage of high powered political figures and their inability to keep it in their pants. The problem I encounter, is whether or not I should care? Should I give a shit that the gov'ner from new york likes to waste $80,000 on hookers? Or that the mayor of Detroit slept around with one of his subordinates? You tell me! I care if they use government money, but that's about it. They lied about? Yea, well so has every other politician. CNN Fox News, CNBC, and every newspaper need to focus on things that really matter. Another thing, if the person is doing a outstanding job at his/her position, should their mistakes in their moral character lead to their untimely dismissal? Let me know what you all are thinking about this.

flying

I recently just flew home to Chicago for spring break, since I don't know what else to blog about, I'm going to vent about flying. I'm sick of sitting at the window seat, next to people who are too consumed by their new Apple lap top to notice or respond to you when you ask politely to go to the bathroom. What's the deal with airlines making you pay for snacks now? What happened to meals in a box that they just give you? Why do they show 3 hour chick flicks like becoming Jane?After the flight sitting on the runway after you land for 45 mins because the airport doesn't have a gate ready. Then realizing that the airline put your bag on the wrong flight, so you have to sit at the airport baggage claim for 2 and a half hours waiting for you bag to arrive, after you've been traveling for 12 hours and haven't eaten all day. WOW, Thanks that felt better! So if you would like to vent about any poor flights or airport stories, feel free to do so. Or if you just want to vent about anything else which is relevant go ahead.
Thanks for listening.

So long gun slinger

On Tuesday, Legendary quarterback Brett Favre called it quits after a stellar 17 year career. Being a life long Green Bay Packer fan, and being born and raised in Wisconsin, this news hits home. It was relatively expected, but shocking none the less. He meant a great deal to the people of Wisconsin and especially those in Green Bay. Click here to view his farewell press conference or HERE to view a clip from one of his most heroic performances, when he threw for 399 yards against Oakland less than 24 hours after his fathers untimely death.

Go Pack Go!

Speaker Monday at 8pm

Greatings-

This is a little bit of a promotion, but I really think all of you who are able to attend the guest speaker on Monday. Her name is Angela Davis. It will be a fantastic experience, especially for those who are interested in racism and women's rights. I had the opportunity to read of one books for one of Dr. Reichard's previous classes about the prison system, and it was eye opening to say the least. I know our professors will encourage us to attend this event, but I thought I would maybe mean something different coming from a fellow student. It will be enlightening and will not disappoint. Look forward to seeing some of you there.

Some good Free Speech quotes

The jaws of power are always open to devour, and her arm is always stretched out, if possible, to destroy the freedom of thinking, speaking, and writing.
~John adams.

It is the duty of the officials to prevent or suppress the threatened disorder with a firm hand instead of timidly yielding to threats…. Surely a speaker ought not to be suppressed because his opponents propose to use violence. It is they who should suffer from their lawlessness, not he.
~American Bar Association

I thank God, we have not free schools nor printing; and I hope we shall not have these hundred years. For learning has brought disobedience, and heresy and sects into the world; and printing has divulged them and libels against the government. God keep us from both!
~Sir William Berkely

If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.
~George Washington

I have always been among those who believed that the greatest freedom of speech was the greatest safety, because if a man is a fool the best thing to do is to encourage him to advertise the fact by speaking.
~Woodrow Wilson( this one is funny)

super delegate

This is an email from Obama's campaign, it brings up the issue of superdelegates v regular delegates. I am looking for some feedback such as, do u know the difference, if so what do you think about the superdelegates and do you think it is fair.

Thanks

Friend --
As you've probably heard, there could be a wildcard in the race for the Democratic nomination.
We firmly believe that the candidate who has won the most pledged delegates -- the result of having more voters in more places supporting your campaign -- will be the Democratic nominee.
But to be safe, we are working to attract the support of "superdelegates" -- party officials and Democratic officeholders from across the country -- who also have a vote at the Democratic National Convention.
You may already know some superdelegates -- they include senators, governors, and even former presidents and vice presidents. But many others are ordinary people who hold positions in the state and local party operations.
These nearly 800 superdelegates will vote alongside the more than 3,000 pledged delegates who are chosen in the various state primaries and caucuses. The candidate that gets a majority of all delegates (superdelegates and pledged delegates combined) will be the Democratic nominee for president.
Right now, Barack is ahead in the contest for pledged delegates. We've won 23 contests out of the 35 that have been held so far -- including the last 8 in a row. And with our decisive victories in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC on Tuesday, we now lead by more than 135 pledged delegates in the race for the Democratic nomination.
While we intend to continue winning states and expanding our lead among the pledged delegates, and believe that will likely ensure that Barack is the Democratic nominee, we're also doing the work of reaching out to superdelegates and making sure as many as possible support Barack Obama.
Here's where you can play a key role.
Our work so far has taught us one important lesson: that your personal story about why you support Barack Obama is often the most powerful persuasion tool for someone who's undecided. That's true whether that undecided voter is your neighbor or a superdelegate.
The story of where you're from, what brought you into the political process, the issues that matter to you, and why you became part of this movement has the potential to inspire someone who could cast a deciding vote in this contest.
Our staff will compile stories from supporters like you and make them a key part of the conversation with superdelegates as Barack asks for their support.
Share your story to help persuade superdelegates now:
http://my.barackobama.com/superdelegates
I've received a lot of email from folks asking how best to help with the superdelegate effort, and this is it.
Your note, combined with those of other Obama supporters, will tell the story of an extraordinary movement of ordinary people -- a story with a common thread of hope that becomes all the more powerful when it brings together the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our supporters.
Together we're building something historic, and your story can help make someone else a part of it.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you,
David
David PlouffeCampaign ManagerObama for America

Heated Debate!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A must watch!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND76uPySDKY Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xmpunA8nko&feature=related Part 2

This is a heated debate on CNN from a couple days ago on the issue of media responsibility and hate speech. This is a good on.

Here are some questiongs to think about....

What is hate speech?

Is CNN and Lou Dobbs resposible?

and finally, who wont this argument?

Look forward to your comments and opinions,

Thanks.

Presidental help

I am currently in HCOM 260 and in reviewing some of the election coverage, I stubbled across this website from the washington post. It allows a reader to go to each prodominate candidate and look at the issues in a new interesting way. I encourage you all to check it out and let me know what you think. We all need to be as informed as possible when it comes time to vote!!!
Click Here to get to the site and check it out.

Thanks have a good weekend and be safe.