Abortion

1. NARAL Pro-Choice America: In this organization, they argue that women should have the opportunity to choose abortion. The site states the problem which is that anti-choice groups want to outlaw abortion and will stop at nothing. They  have many violent tactics that they will go through in an effort to get rid of abortion. The proposed solution of this organization is to keep abortion both safe and legal. While their opinion on abortion is clearly stated, the organization also makes an effort to explain different aspects to abortion. For example, they go through bans on abortion after 12 weeks in addition to "Crisis Pregnancy Centers."   They give the facts to different parts of the controversy, but then also state "The Challenge" and "The Solution." This allows people to understand the many diverse aspects; it is easy to understand because everything is split up. One of the sections that I found particularly moving was that of the violence that occurs. Dr. George Tiller was murdered outside of his house because he provided abortions. In addition to doctors, other people are at risk for going through abortion including patients and their families. They face threats, murder, arson, stalking, etc. They propose to make sure that the laws are enforced that provide safety. National Right to Life: On this website, the organization instantly gives the medical facts. There are many different techniques that come with abortions during the first, and second  & third trimesters. As the time goes along, the health risks increase. One of the techniques that struck me is the instillation methods-- Hysterotomy. The method horrified me because not only is the greatest risk to the mother, but also because there are many incisions that are used. The website goes through many different aspects to abortion, but primarily the idea of the safety of abortion. They state that abortion is not safer than giving birth. Just as many other pro-life organizations, this one argues that life begins way before the actual baby is born.  The organization believes that there is no reason why any woman should have to go through any surgery of any kind especially induced abortion and not even be informed about the potential health risks. Overall, I believe that pro-choice has a better argument because their research is more evident with all different sides to the argument. They include everything from a legal standpoint to the importance of abortion and the benefits.  Some of the comments on the pro-life website are extremely misleading and even unnecessary such as "If the baby's life is not interrupted, he or she will someday become an adult man or woman. "Although I have always been a supporter of pro-choice, these websites helped me stick to my beliefs even further.

2. I think that a parent should not have the right to know if their daughter is having an abortion depending on the circumstance. If a girl is living in a comfortable atmosphere, where she feels safe, then she will willingly tell her parents that she is having an abortion. There would be no problem with her telling her parents because she would want to tell them. They could be there to assist her. However, the girl may be in a dangerous living situation where her parents are abusive; If she must her tell her parents that she is having an abortion, she may end up being in a terrible situation. Therefore, while I believe that girls should tell their parents, they might not be in the right situation to do so. It is ultimately up to them to decide. I believe that even by the age of 16, girls know what their morals are and will make the best decisions for themselves. They do need to to have their parents to consent to it because it is their choice, their health, and ultimately their life.

3. There should not be a requirement that the father is notified of a woman's decision to have an abortion. Like I mentioned above, if a woman makes the decision to have an abortion, she also has the right to decide who she would like to tell. If she wants to tell the father, who may be her husband or boyfriend, then she should and can. If the father was a loving and understanding person, he would understand the choice she is making. He would be there to support and it is evident that the woman would know that. However, what if the father raped her? Then, the mother should not have to tell the father; she had no choice to be raped. Why does the father have the right to know that she went through an abortion.  In the right situation, a woman will tell the father of her decision to have an abortion and this ultimately up to her.

4.  It is upsetting to me that 92 percent of Illinois counties have no abortion provider. I feel that we should have more because woman have the right to choose abortion if it is right to them. Woman should not feel like they have to go through with having a child if they are in a bad position.  One of the Illinois laws that I disagree with would be the counseling ban/ gag rule. This states that Illinois prohibits certain state employees and organizations receiving state funds from counseling or referring women for abortion services. While it is a woman's decision, the state should do everything to help support her when she does make this decision. The state helps fund other surgeries. Why is abortion any different? While everyone may not be pro-choice, the woman has the right to aid when she needs it.  Another law that I disagree with would be the Other Anti-Choice Law which states Illinois law includes a strongly anti-choice policy statement. While they are not telling them what to do, they are swaying people to a certain standpoint. This is not right because woman should receive fair and equal information about everything.

Death Penalty #3

There are various aspects in a capital case that are designed to protect the rights of the accused. For example, the initial step in a criminal prosecution when the defendant is able to make a plea. The defendant has the opportunity to speak honestly and openly. Whatever they may plea, will be recorded accurately so that there are no misunderstandings. The preliminary hearing also protects the rights of the accused because they examine the evidence to see if it is sufficient enough.  A defendant cannot be convicted if there is minimal evidence; this step helps to understand the evidence that is being used against the defendant. Furthermore, the grand jury ultimately decides if the indictments should be issued.  The juries are decided in a way to eliminate biases. The defendant is given a fair and equal; trial. All these steps help to make sure that only the guilty are convicted. I believe this system is successful because it thoroughly goes through all the evidence. In addition, the jurors decide the sentence meaning that the defendant is receiving a fair trial. Although these steps are sufficient, I believe that there is always something else that can be done in order to guarantee that only the guilty are convicted. In this case, it may be re-examining the evidence even more times. The system needs to ensure that only the guilty are convicted.

I was shocked by the various methods that are used for the death sentence. Some people discuss the death sentence very casually. However, I do not think they realize what exactly the death penalty, itself, involved. While I believe many are cruel and unusual, I believe the most humane is the lethal injection. There are no gun shots, nor electric chair. Rather, two needles (one is a back-up) are then inserted into usable veins, usually in the inmate’s arms. Out of the 38 states which allow the death penalty, 37 use this technique. I believe this proves that it is the most human;  it is widely accepted. To be completely honest, I believe that all the other techniques including hanging, firing squad, electrocution, and gas chamber should be considered cruel and unusual punishments. I had no idea that these were the different techniques and I believe they are violation of the 8th amendment. Specifically, I believe the gas chamber is one of the worst. It reminds me of the idea of the ways Jews were executed in the Nazi camps. The hanging also really strikes me as being cruel and unusual. It reminds me of pictures I have seen from slavery in history class.  I think that America can rise above this; we can do better than this.

I learned that 14 states are currently using the death penalty.  One of the statistics that struck me was that out of 3264, 1099 were actually executed. In other words, while over 70% of states allow a death sentence, many have barely used it. For example, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, South Dakota and more only have issued the death penalty once. In Kansas and New Hampshire, it has not been used at all. In several regions, all of the states allow the death penalty. However, bordering states of North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan do not allow the death penalty. In addition, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island do not allow the death penalty. This becomes an issue of justice. If a defendant happens to have committed the crime in one of the 14 states that does not allow the death penalty, their sentence is not equal to those who are in a different state. That being said, every crime is different and must be examined individually. The death penalty does vary, but I believe that there should remain consistency throughout all the states.

This information impacts what I have just learned because there are several changes. For instance, now there are 15 states who do not use the death penalty. It is interesting to see that there was steady increase of executions from 1976-1993. However, from 1994 to 2010, there has been several increase and decreased. The death penalty was used the most in 1999 with a total of 98 executions. That was over 10 years ago, and since then there has not been nearly as many.  I was shocked that over 75% of the murder victims in cases resulting  inexecution were white, even though nationally only 50% of murder victims generally are white. This demonstrates the idea that race does influence the sentence. However, in the race of the defendant executed, it remains relatively similar among white and blacks.  There have been 266 more white executions than black which appears as a relatively small difference to me. It concerns me that 139 defendants were placed on death row when they were innocent. However, I learned that many of these inmates who were innocent is based of of legal technicalities. In addition, the fact that they were released shows that once someone is on death row, it is not the end all, be all. The system was able to find the innocent people and release them.  Nevertheless, I am sure there are currently defendants that are also innocent. Since 1994, public support has decreased as the May 2006 Gallup Poll found that overall support of the death penalty was 65%. I believe that Death Penalty Information has significant information to be examined. It provides information worth knowing and I believe it presents the facts to reveal how the death penalty support has decreased and that it should not be used. Furthermore, there a lot of innocent people who have been released from death row.

Death Penalty #1

I believe that Clifford Boggess should have been executed.  It is undeniable that Boggess lived an extremely difficult childhood consisting of unstable familial relationships. He did not have it easy. Some may argue that Boggess's abuse caused him great distress. While this is true, it is untrue to say that the emotional stress he faced led him to commit the crime. He even admits that he was completely aware during the time of both murders. If he was psychologically insane, then he would not have been able to admit that he knew exactly what he was doing. He knew what he was doing was wrong. Furthermore, both of his murders were extremely violent and brutal. Once the victim was already dead, Boggess continued to act aggressively. Boggess did not just kill once; he killed twice.  I believe that people do have the ability to change after a crime of this sort. However, I believe that Boggess did not change. He claims that he has changed as a Christian and an artist, but I believe that he is masking is true self. Boggess talks very openly of his murders. While this demonstrates his honesty, the graphic images he conveys are very gruesome. He talks very briefly of the guilt he feels and shows little remorse. It is as if he feels that he is better than everyone and had the right to do what he did. In addition, he always appears very cheerful which makes me feel that his talk of being  apologetic to the families is an act. Boggess did not deserve to live a life in the prison nor out of prison. He asserts that he is a better person now. Still, I believe strongly that his life has nor value. He is saying things and acting in certain ways that people want to hear.  It is tough to determine whether the victims' families got justice after Boggess was executed because I was not in their same position. I believe that the only people who can say whether or not they feel that justice was served by executing Boggess is the victim's family. According the video, they appeared relieved that he was no longer living. While they will never get their loved ones back, they do not have to feel any sense of threat. They deserve to feel safe after such a terrible crime has been committed.

Bullying

1. Growing up, we are told never to bully because it is not right; we will be given consequences. After looking closely at bullying, I am most appalled by the story of Jamie Nabozny. It concerns me that most of the administrators did not do their job in protecting the welfare of Jamie. Up until the court case, the reactions of the majority of the administrators went against everything that we have learned. There was no consequences for the students as they said "boys will be boys." When Jamie's case was brought to court, he won the case; he won a lot of money. However, was justice really served? Although his bruises have healed from the bullies, I cannot even imagine the mental damage that he is still going through. While he may feel some emotional pain, his perseverance sticks out to me them most. Despite his mistreatment, he never gave up on his life. He continues to talk to students about his story in an effort to prevent bullying in schools. This demonstrates his character; he is someone who cares about the future of students who may face bullying.
2. Case: United States v. Lori Drew.
   In class, we read an article about United States v. Lori Drew. Drew created a fake online profile and used it to constantly harass Megan Meier; as a result of the bullying, Meier committed suicide. Initially Drew was charged of conspiracy, fraudulent use of the Internet, and providing face facts to MySpace. However, she was released and charged were dropped. I learned that after this incident, the state of Missouri quickly changed its harassment law to also include bullying through the Internet; it was approved on May 16, 2008. I feel that the change of the law is significant because it makes harassment cover not only text or phone calls, but also computers, text messages, and other electronic devices.  Missouri has even helped alter Califronia’s code which now encourages schools to develop potential solutions, activities, and problems that will decrease bullying.  This is important as it helps to alleviate bullying everywhere. In addition, the federal Megan Meier Cyberbullying Prevention Act was introduced to Congress on April 2, 2009.  It has not been passed yet, but it is designed to set a federal standard for the definition of cyberbullying. While this may be general, it can help to minimize more harmful language and behavior through the use of the web. Although bullying cases still occur all around the world, the laws help spread the message that bullying in unacceptable. By not creating any laws to help decrease bullying, we are condoning bullying; we are not doing anything to help it.
3. I feel that bullying is not a problem at DHS because when I walk through the halls of the school, I rarely see bullying. On the other hand, it is not like I am looking for it either.  When I learned that 160,000 United States students skip school to avoid being bullied, I feel that the chances are high that it is occurring at our school. I feel that many people do not recognize certain behaviors as bullying and therefore, continue the same behaviors through high school. 
4. From a legal standpoint, many of the laws created do help prevent bullying to a certain degree. However, I feel that the laws are only half of it. Spreading awareness and showing that we are all connected through a bond helps to unite students. I feel that from "Challenge Day," the activities planned to do this. I feel that it is successful because it shows students first hand the causes of their actions, while also offering a solution to bring us all together. I have seen the "Challenge Day" on Oprah several years ago and I feel that it is successful. While some may argue that students will only behave in a certain way when there are cameras around, I feel that the emotions, apologies, and unity is all authentic.  These types of workshops help to get all the students involved in a different way than the laws and other presentations do.  The "Challenge Day" is something that all schools should consider because there are several benefits. In fact, after Oprah showed the "Challenge Day" years ago, they did another show in which they talked to the students. They were genuine and the program really did impact the students positively.  In peer helping a few years ago, we did one of the same activities as "Challenge Day"; we did the one where if the statement was applicable to us, to cross the line. It helped to show how many similarities we have among one another and it brought our groups even closer.

"The Help" final entry

The opportunity to read "The Help" for class was extremely rewarding for me. Despite my homework load, I was able to find time to read this novel. It was time that I looked forward to because I was immediately drawn in to the novel.  I enjoyed taking the time to enjoy the prose while also understanding the content. I was expecting this novel to take me at least a few months to finish. However, I finished "The Help" in less than a month because I could not put the book down. It was extremely intriguing, moving, exciting, and upsetting to read. From the novel, in addition to learning many lessons about life in general,  I was able to understand how difficult life was for these maids at this time. They went through terrible situations everyday. Yet, they still had to  keep their heads high and treat the women with respect. I have no experience that could even compare to what these women went through. However, I was able to share in many of the same emotions that the characters felt. The novel taught me to recognize that there are more similarities in people than differences. While Aibileen and Miss Skeeter may seem different from one another, they are able to connect on many levels.  They can look past skin color; they recognize how much they have in common. I feel that the purpose of "The Help" was for everyone to realize that we are just two people. There is not a lot that separates us. I had originally assumed that there are so many differences between myself and my peers. However,  I can now see by looking just a little more closely, how similar we are. The novel helped illuminate the idea that we are all connected in some way. We should recognize this bond instead of emphasizing a difference.

"The Help" entry five

"The Help" ends with Aibileen as the narrator for the final chapter. As she leaves Miss Leefolts house, she knows she will not be returning. She is extremely emotional because she knows how much she will miss Mae Mobley. However, at the same time she feels free. She recognizes that she will not be able to work for another white women, but she feels that she should continue writing. To herself, she says "Maybe I ought to keep writing, not just for the paper, but for something else, about all the people I know and the things I see and done. Maybe I ain't too old to start over, I think and laygh and cry at the same time at this" (444). This realizes that she feels she can start a new type of life. She is free from her former life of serving others. It is her time and place to do something for herself. Whether that means writing of her daily experiences and observations or finding work in a completely different field, it is up to her. In her career as as a maid, she has been told what to do. However, it is now her time to decide what she wants to do. I am left feeling that Aibileen has lived a life dedicated to the good of others. Yet, she is hopeful. Her life is not over. Conversely, it is now her time to determine what is significant to her.

"The Help" entry four

Through the chaos of "Help" being released and available to read, I am moved by the amount of selflessness that both Miss Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minny possess. When Miss Skeeter reveals that she has been offered a job in New York from Miss Stein at Harper's Magazine,  she explains that she cannot possibly take the job. She knows things are getting really bad with the book and does not want to leave Aibileen and Minny in a bad position. Yet, it Aibileen and Minny who are the ones encouraging her to to take the job. They remind her that she has been dreaming of this job and that there is nothing holding her back. It is the courage she gains from both Aibileen and Minny that enables her to say "I'm going. I am going to New York" (425).  As the novel comes to a close, I am starting to realize the amount of respect that Miss Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minny have for one another. Despite the extremely tough and dangerous times, they stay true to who they are. They are there for one another for both the highest and lowest points of the process of  the creating "Help." It is a rare relationship to have had developed, especially in the South at this time, yet it is pure. With the upcoming controversies on their book on the rise, they will do what they know is right.

"The Help" entry three

After the chaotic months and months of putting together interviews, the copies of the manuscripts have been sent to the editor, Miss Stein. Miss Skeeter received a phone call from Miss Stein saying that they were going to publish the interviews into a book. Through the interviews, the maids have shared intimate details of what it has been like working for a white woman and their family. Now that the novel is being released, I am most struck by Aibileen and her feelings on the release. She is the first maid who agrees to be interviews and serves as a main contributor to receiving assistance from other maids. Although she is excited, she is also nervous for the novel to be released to the public. She has the potential to lose so much, yet she feels like she has done her part in sharing her story and opinions. I am most struck about the fact that while she constantly feels disrespected by Miss Leefolt, her relationships with the children are genuine. She feels like the mother to these children; she loves them and knows how special they are. When she reflects upon the fact that others may realize that she is one of the interviews, she may never be allowed to work for a white woman again. However, this is not what concerns her the most. Rather,  she realizes that "...After the book come out, if folks find out it was us, I probably never get to see these kids again" (390). This illustrates how much she cares for the well being of the children. She is terrified to lose them and the thought of never seeing them again causes her anguish. She wonders who will be there for the children. I find this to be very striking; Aibileen's work is much more than just doing domestic responsibilities and being a caretaker. It is not her role to develop close relationships with the children. Yet, she does which displays her capacity for love and compassion in life.

"The Help" entry two

As I read "The Help," I can see the amount of dedication Miss Skeeter has to the maids that she has interviewed. Her original idea of talking to maids to understand what it is like to work for a white family seemed completely out of reach. However, from what began as only Aibileen agreeing to do an inteview has turned to many other maids agreeing to tell their stories. It is amazing that word spreads so fast and sooner or later, it seems like the whole maid community knows about Miss Sketer is doing. It is evident that she wants these interviews published so that she can inform people. She values change and believes in civil rights. Therefore, she wants to display the inequalities. However, I keep wondering why the maids would risk their lives to be apart of an interview. What do they have to gain? They could be killed. My question was answered through Callie, a maid who shared her story with Miss Skeeter. She says "If any white lady reads my storym that's what I want them to know. Saying thank you when you really mean it, when you remeber what someone done for you..." (260). This quote struck because it is evident the amount of compassion that Callie feels when she says this. The principle of saying thank you can go a long way; sometimes a smile or a genuine thank you can brighten up someone's day. Sometimes, I feel that today we take a lot of things for granted. However, life is not about taking what is given to you. Rather, it is about appreciating the lessons we can learn from others. This principle is demonstrated perfectly as Callie explains. Most of the maids and "help" were treated with no respect whatsoever. However, it is the small things that help make a difference. Anyone who is not doing anything to convey the inequalities and unfairness that went on during the time is practically condoning the behavior. While it is unclear whether or not the interviews will be published  for sure, the maids and Miss Skeeter are doing their part to help inform and promote fairness and change.

Students and the Fourth Amendment- Article Responses

'Sexting' Suit Tests Searches of Student Cell Phones
After reading about this pending court case, I was shocked to hear that a school official searched through the phone finding inappropriate pictures. While there is clearly tension between the privacy rights of students and the interest of school administrators in maintaining discipline, a school official has no right to explore a student's phone without probable. While the student may have been on the phone during school, she was not doing anything else wrong.  The school does have the right to take away her phone because she broke a school rule. However, it was not that she was engaging in any harmful behavior regarding drugs or alcohol on a school campus.  Therefore, the school did not have the right to search through her phone.  When she gave the phone to the official, she did not give up her rights. Furthermore, the school crossed the line because it was not like the pictures were on the main background of the phone. In order to get to pictures, someone must go through multiple steps and buttons. As the student states, search of the device, “is akin to browsing through someone’s address and appointment book, opening and reading letters sent by U.S. mail, and rummaging through a family photo album or viewing home videos.” This concept is completely accurate because technology has been more advanced than ever. With the iPhones, blackberries, etc, these smartphones give people many capabilities. Therefore, the school did not have the right to search through this phone given the fact that there was no probable cause that would disrupt the school enviorment. In class, we discussed many different cases regarding the fourth amendment in a school setting.  Legal searches are necessary when there is probable cause for inappropriate behavior. For instance if a school administrator is given a report that a member of the cheer leading team is selling drugs, they have the right to go check their locker. After all, the locker is school property.
While there are many situations in which a search is important and justified, this is not true with this case. In this case, the cell phone was her own possession and there was no information given about illegal activity occurring.

Students and the Fourth Amendment

I am in favor of drug testing in schools because the purpose of these tests is to protect the welfare of all the students. While some may argue that the fourth amendment violates Fourth Amendment rights, it is evident that drug tests are constitutional. This has been proven from a legal standpoint in other fourth amendment cases. For example, N.J. v. T.L.O demonstrates the idea that students do have privacy rights, the Fourth Amendment rights and ideas are reduced in a school setting. This is because administrators and staff play the role as an guardian in the school student. As a result, they are watching out for students welfare. This principle can be applied to drug tests in a school setting. There are several court examples that directly reveal that drug tests are constitutional. This has been seen in Veronia v. Acton when the court said a suspicionless drug test of athletes was constitutional. In addition, the Court in Board of Education v. Earls further stated that suspicionless drug testing of students involved in any other activities was constitutional.  By drug testing students in general, the school shows that they care about the students. The school is doing its part to create a safe, disciplined and drug-free learning enviorment. The reason for these tests are to help those who are in need. In fact, if someone is tested positive, the school is getting them the help they need. Ultimately, the school is preparing the student for their future. It may seem that the whole concept of drug testing is unconstituional, the collection methods are both private and unobserved. When it comes to the results, the privacy and confidentitality protections are in place for students and the school district. In other words, the students are being looked out for. By not doing anything about the drug use, the school is practically condoning it. Therefore, it is their right and rersponsibility to drug test students in an effort to elimininate drug use and help students in general. Schools spend thousands of dollars every year to help enhance the school enviorment, but the most important contribution would be adding drug tests. On average, a student drug test will only cost between $10.00 and $30.00. This is worth the money because it is assisting students.

"The Help" entry one

Through the first ten chapters of "The Help," I find myself captivated as each chapter unfolds. It is unlike any other novel I have yet to encounter because there is not one consistent narrator throughout the novel. Rather, every other chapter or so is written in the viewpoint of one of the main characters. This allows the reader to understand more than one perspective on the same issue. One of the most fascinating aspects to the novel thus far is Miss Skeeter's perseverance. Coming out of a college with solely a degree and no husband, Miss Skeeter could live life disappointed. The opposite is true. While her mother is insistent on her daughter being married, Miss Skeeter continues to try start a career in journalism, writing columns and articles. She lands a starter job as a writer who writes responses regarding household jobs. However, she gets in touch with a prominent editor who insists on her writing about something different that will interest people. Miss Skeeter develops the idea of interviewing the black women who work for white families. These women fulfill household duties from cleaning and cooking. The black women are known as "The Help." The idea she comes up with is very dangerous as she knows. She confides in one of her friend's helpers, Aibilieen. Initially, Aibileen refuses to talk to Miss Skeeter about what it is like to work for a white woman. However, Miss Skeeter does not give up and eventually Aibileen agrees. Now, Aibilieen is trying to talk another one of her friend's to doing an inteview.

Religion RIghts

I think one of the most interesting statistics from the First Amendment surveys was that of the first question. I am shocked that in 2001 only 1% of the American nation could name specific rights guaranteed for right to petition. While the number is now 6%, this is not even close to acceptable. These statistics reveal that the citizens of the United States do not even know their guaranteed rights. From the time this survey began, there has not been one category in which even 65% of people knew their rights from the First amendment. I am also surprised that only 48% of people believe that there must be a clear separation from church and state. All the statistics in general gave me the eye-opener that many Americans are not informed of their rights. In addition, I learned that many people have strong opinions for and against different views and how important religion is to people.
According to Charles C. Haynes, “the challenge for 21st-century America is not only to sustain this extraordinary arrangement, but to expand the principles of religious liberty more fairly and justly to each and every citizen.” I believe that this task is extremely difficult as we have such a diverse society in terms of religion. While this is hard, it is very significant. We must educate students about their rights and responsibilities of the First amendment, and then we endanger the future of our religious rights. Fortunately, a new model has emerged for addressing religion and religious liberty in public schools. While it is difficult to discuss, we must talk about it in order to educate others. If we do not, then we cannot blame others for what may happen in the future. I chose to examine the idea of evolution and creation on the website. This debate has been in existence for longer than a century. It has caused and continues to cause a debate in science, religion and constitutional law. While we have all learned about Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution based on scientific evidence, I did not realize how much uproar it caused. The ideas he proposed said that a man evolved from animals including apes. When a science teacher John Scopes explained the idea of evolution in a school setting, there was a court case. I believe that Scopes had every right to express the ideas. He did not pressure students, but rather presented possibilities. The Scopes trial ended without a court declaration that the Tennessee law prohibiting the teaching of evolution was unconstitutional. While this case was over 80 years ago, the debate continues. While there are still questions regarding the science and religion of our existence, there is still discussion about the First Amendment in schools. The question is whether schools should be able to teach intelligent design alongside evolution in science.  I believe it should be allowed to be taught because education is not one-sided. Exposing students to many different ideas and opinions is an important aspect to education.  

7 Days in Septemeber

The movie was extremely difficult to watch as it captured the true emotions that were felt by the New Yorkers during and after September 11, 2001. The movie was worthwhile because it showed the attacks from the perspectives of the New Yorkers, everyday people. I was deeply moved by how the people reacted to the attacks. While I was saddened by the attacks and how terrible they were, it was difficult to see how the kids reacted. While they are young, they still understood what had occured. Everyone was affected by the attacks. Everyone in  New York could have spent time solely grieving and feeling sorry for themselves. However, while they were devastated, the people of New York were proactive. They worked in order to bring about change. The attacks brought out New York's true colors, making the state more closer than ever. Everyone contributed in order to support one another. From food to batteries to health supplies, New Yorkers were not ready to give up. Although they were devastated, frightened, and angry, the people came together for a better cause. The amount of assistance captivated me because it showed how people will react in a time of desperate need. They sought support and strength from one another which made New York strong. Everyone was on the same page which is why they were so compassionate for one another. The prayers that they said were very moving. They were praying not only for themselves, but for everyone around them. Along with groups of prayer, there were groups who were organizing relief. These types of helpful groups promoted hope in a time where the future is grim. The help offered by the people was not temporary. Rather, six months later and even now, the people look out for another. I believe that if something just as terrible were to ever occur again, the recovery would be just as efficient and outstanding as it was during these attacks.  

Speech Codes

In class, we discussed speech codes in the context of both high school and college.  Several speech codes are argued to to be unconstiutional as they violate the freedom of speech. Conversely, offensive speech such as fighting words in may not be protected speech by the government. At Auburn University, individuals in fraternities dressed very offensively at party. For example, white students dressed up as members of the KKK, painted their faces black, while being 'hung'. While at the time of the party, members may not have known what they were getting themselves into, they still are at fault. They have absolutely no right to promote this type of behavior in both the school enviorment and the real world. These pictures of the students were out of line and this type of behavior is not protected by the 1st amendment. This behavior causes distress and incites violence as it it directly offensive to blacks. Therefore, their actions are parallel to what fighting words represent. These are not protected by the government. The University took appropriate measures because they withdrew their recognition of the fraternities involved. They launched a full investigation of the harrasment and discrimination policies because these pictures are ubsurd. The pictures and the party in general should not be taken lightly. It is clear that it is being investigated seriously from Auburn and the world in general. I believe this is important because by not punishing the students, Auburn is practically condoning the behavior. Since they are taking measures, the investigation can be applied to more cases in the world. The debate of resrictions on speech is prevalant, but there is no doubt that disciplinary actions must be taken to the students involved.