NSA phone data collection 'illegal', US court rules
A former NSA employee Edward Snowden has leaked info about collecting data from private phone lines. Since then he has fled to Russia. The program hasn't been stopped yet but the supreme court is urging congress to take action. The NSA has been collecting phone numbers called and the times when they were called but not the actual content of conversations. Don't worry they aren't monitoring peoples conversations. Also it may have spied on some European businesses.
I think that the NSA shouldn't be doing this in the first place. I understand that since 911 terrorism has been an issue but I don't know if this is the answer. We have the freedom to privacy and that shouldn't be broken. I think that the NSA should try to protect us in other ways or try and get warrants on the people they are really worried about.
This related to AP gov because it deals with right to privacy and the patriot act which allows the government to interfere with the right to privacy with some limitations. It also shows the bill amending process.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Blog #13
Peaceful protests return to Baltimore streets
After a night of violence and looting peaceful protest has returned to the city of Baltimore. Demonstrations and protests are being carefully watched by 2,000 National Guard troops and 1,000 police officers trying to keep things calm. There is a 10pm curfew in place. Protests have been continuing daily since April 19th when a black man died in custody. There are still street battles and arson going on right now. 200 people were arrested and and over 100 cars were set on fire along with 15 buildings destroyed. Rioting came after Freddie Gray (a black man) was fatally injured while in custody. Some people think that they are taking advantage of the special situation to do things normally not allowed at all.
I neither agree or completely disagree with these protests. I think that the Black population is overreacting. I was not able to find any info about death in custody but I did find statistics related to arrest related deaths. The information said that 61.5% was by Homicide (Killed by someone else). This would most likely show that deaths are most likely from the police themselves. The interesting part for me was that the characteristics specified that most deaths were from White (42.1%), Male (95.4%), and from an age of about 25 to 34 (28.9%). So the graph and the math say that most police deaths are from young-ish white dudes. I am fairly certain (unless I am don't pay attention at all) that there aren't many anti-police protests about the Hispanic guy killed or the White guy killed. Only the Black guys. That's all I have to say about that.
This relates to AP-Gov because is shows the Judicial process and also the Executive power to call the National Guard (militia) and the Executive responsibility to enforce the law.
Link to Statistics done by the Department of Justice
After a night of violence and looting peaceful protest has returned to the city of Baltimore. Demonstrations and protests are being carefully watched by 2,000 National Guard troops and 1,000 police officers trying to keep things calm. There is a 10pm curfew in place. Protests have been continuing daily since April 19th when a black man died in custody. There are still street battles and arson going on right now. 200 people were arrested and and over 100 cars were set on fire along with 15 buildings destroyed. Rioting came after Freddie Gray (a black man) was fatally injured while in custody. Some people think that they are taking advantage of the special situation to do things normally not allowed at all.I neither agree or completely disagree with these protests. I think that the Black population is overreacting. I was not able to find any info about death in custody but I did find statistics related to arrest related deaths. The information said that 61.5% was by Homicide (Killed by someone else). This would most likely show that deaths are most likely from the police themselves. The interesting part for me was that the characteristics specified that most deaths were from White (42.1%), Male (95.4%), and from an age of about 25 to 34 (28.9%). So the graph and the math say that most police deaths are from young-ish white dudes. I am fairly certain (unless I am don't pay attention at all) that there aren't many anti-police protests about the Hispanic guy killed or the White guy killed. Only the Black guys. That's all I have to say about that.
This relates to AP-Gov because is shows the Judicial process and also the Executive power to call the National Guard (militia) and the Executive responsibility to enforce the law.
Link to Statistics done by the Department of Justice
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Blog #12
Loretta Lynch confirmed as new US attorney general
Loretta Lynch was recently confirmed by the senate. It was a 56-43 vote that resulted in her being appointed. She is replacing Eric Holder for this position. Eric Holder has been the attorney general since Obama became president. During her hearings to become the attorney general she talked about her plans to protect against terrorist threats and increase cyber-security. She also plans on making better relations between law enforcement and minority communities. She is expected to take office on Monday.
I think this is good. Eric holder wasn't doing his job and hopefully Loretta Lynch will better enforce border security and do her job. When she gets into office she will be immediately met by several financial cases involving US banks helping citizens evade taxes. I hope that Loretta Lynch does her job and makes sure that everything goes smoothly.
This relates to AP Government because it is related to the approving process of the senate. It shows the checks and balances system in place to make sure no branch is to powerful. I am glad this is in place to make sure that random people aren't appointed to these very important tasks.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Blog #11
US fast food wage protests expand to other industries
Jack Farmer
Fast food and Home care workers are now demanding an increase in minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 and hour. They feel like they aren't getting enough money to support them self and they feel like $15 would support their needs. This would increase unemployment though. It would mean businesses would have to lay off many of their employees due to how much more they would have to pay. Almost twice as much as they are now. The other alternative is a price increase in the goods we buy. If businesses are paying more they have to make more money to support their new expenses by raising prices of their goods which would defeat the point of increasing the minimum wage. Barrack Obama does support this because it would help the economy even though the effects could be worse.
I think that the minimum wage shouldn't be increased so much for several reasons. This change would increase unemployment by 200% in fast food restaurants just because of the cost. Also if the minimum wage increase and people pay more for their products a devaluation will occur where the value of money decreases. If this happens inflation will occur and the cost of imports would increase which would in the long run hurt the economy. I also believe that unskilled labor should not be payed that much that much because they didn't go to college and get any skill that makes them useful to employers.
This relates to A.P. government because it shows the first amendment rights to assemble and petition. The employees protesting are practicing their rights. Today's efforts with protesting the minimum wage have been the largest protest made by this group yet.
Jack Farmer
Fast food and Home care workers are now demanding an increase in minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 and hour. They feel like they aren't getting enough money to support them self and they feel like $15 would support their needs. This would increase unemployment though. It would mean businesses would have to lay off many of their employees due to how much more they would have to pay. Almost twice as much as they are now. The other alternative is a price increase in the goods we buy. If businesses are paying more they have to make more money to support their new expenses by raising prices of their goods which would defeat the point of increasing the minimum wage. Barrack Obama does support this because it would help the economy even though the effects could be worse.
I think that the minimum wage shouldn't be increased so much for several reasons. This change would increase unemployment by 200% in fast food restaurants just because of the cost. Also if the minimum wage increase and people pay more for their products a devaluation will occur where the value of money decreases. If this happens inflation will occur and the cost of imports would increase which would in the long run hurt the economy. I also believe that unskilled labor should not be payed that much that much because they didn't go to college and get any skill that makes them useful to employers.
This relates to A.P. government because it shows the first amendment rights to assemble and petition. The employees protesting are practicing their rights. Today's efforts with protesting the minimum wage have been the largest protest made by this group yet.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Iran nuclear deal: Can the US Congress sabotage it?
Iran nuclear deal: Can the US Congress sabotage it?
The white house officials are happy about new framework made with Iran recently. Republicans in Congress are remaining skeptical about the situation though. The deal is to contain the Iranian nuclear program. They are planning to reduce how the uranium can be. It cant be strong enough to be a weapon and it also will be monitored by other countries.
I think that this is a good thing. I really don't think that Iran should have a nuclear program. I think that they would abuse this power and create nuclear weapons if they haven't already. I think that the senate should not get rid of this because of how much it limits Iran's power.
This relates to AP gov because it shows that senate has power to do things like control treaties and agreements made with other countries. This would be a check made against the executive branch by the legislative branch
The white house officials are happy about new framework made with Iran recently. Republicans in Congress are remaining skeptical about the situation though. The deal is to contain the Iranian nuclear program. They are planning to reduce how the uranium can be. It cant be strong enough to be a weapon and it also will be monitored by other countries.
I think that this is a good thing. I really don't think that Iran should have a nuclear program. I think that they would abuse this power and create nuclear weapons if they haven't already. I think that the senate should not get rid of this because of how much it limits Iran's power.
This relates to AP gov because it shows that senate has power to do things like control treaties and agreements made with other countries. This would be a check made against the executive branch by the legislative branch
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Blog #9
Indiana set to enact 'religious freedom' bill
The Indiana governor is going to enact a religious freedom bill soon. The bill is expected to be signed this week because of lots of protests. This bill will prevent businesses from being forces to provide services that are contrary to their religion. The governor of Arizona recently vetoed a bill very similar to this because of pressure from big companies like Apple and American Airlines.
I think that this is acceptable but I don't necessarily agree with this. I don't think it is good that companies were forced to give service to people but I do think that the companies should be able to choose whether of not to allow service for certain people. I think that this is the specific business's choice to allow or not allow some people service because it is their own private business.
This has to relate with AP government because it has to do with the legislative branch of government passing laws. It also has to do with states being able to make their own laws and regulations based on their certain situations.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Blog #8
Target follows rival Walmart in wage increase
In this article explains that Target will increase their wages to compete with Walmart for jobs. The new raise in wage will begin in April. This decision came recently after Walmart and TJ Maxx's owners decided to also increase wages. Also some labor unions have been petitioning for a greater "living wage" for their workers which will be greater than minimum wage.
I think that this is good. I think that this move is a direct effect of economic improvement. It is great for employees and if the employers can afford it then i think that they should. I think the minimum wage is good right now and if the government increased or decreased it the businesses wouldn't be able to go through wage change in their own way and at their own pace.
This has to do with AP gov because labor unions were involved. It also shows separation of powers because Obama has tried to change the minimum wage in the past and congress most likely disagreed. The labor unions are also exercising their rights be petitioning.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Blog #7
Utah considers resuming firing squad executions
Jack Farmer
The legislation in Utah have proposed firing squads instead of lethal injection. These states are unable to obtain lethal injection drugs. Many other states are considering this because the lethal injection medicine takes a very long time to have an effect. Some legislators think that firing squads are more humane than strewn out deaths with lethal injection.
I think that this could help. I don't think it is necessarily more humane but it is definitely cheaper. I would rather be shot than slowly be killed by a drug. Firing squads are cheaper and injections are very expensive. Recently European countries have stopped selling these drugs so they are harder to obtain and the states inventories are greatly decreasing.
This relates to AP gov because it show separation of powers. It shows states rights and that states make their own legislation. In this article Utah and possible other states are deciding through their own process whether or not to allow firing squads.
Jack Farmer
The legislation in Utah have proposed firing squads instead of lethal injection. These states are unable to obtain lethal injection drugs. Many other states are considering this because the lethal injection medicine takes a very long time to have an effect. Some legislators think that firing squads are more humane than strewn out deaths with lethal injection.
I think that this could help. I don't think it is necessarily more humane but it is definitely cheaper. I would rather be shot than slowly be killed by a drug. Firing squads are cheaper and injections are very expensive. Recently European countries have stopped selling these drugs so they are harder to obtain and the states inventories are greatly decreasing.
This relates to AP gov because it show separation of powers. It shows states rights and that states make their own legislation. In this article Utah and possible other states are deciding through their own process whether or not to allow firing squads.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Blog #6
Hillary Clinton urges email release, amid growing controversy
Hillary Clinton recently responded to controversy over some of her emails that she sent while she was the secretary of state. She tweeted recently that she wants the public to have access to all of her sent emails. The amount of emails she sent totaled 55,000 pages of emails. The controversy came because of investigations on the attack of the the US embassy in Benghazi in 2012. The federal government has been trying to decide if the use of her personal email is a breach of federal law.
I think that her use of her own email should not be allowed. If she wants them to be released the government should release them. She shouldn't have used her own email because the federal governments email is better protected. I am not sure if her use of the email had anything to do with the attack in Benghazi. If it is found that it was related to Benghazi the federal government should increase its regulation over email.
This relates to AP gov because of privacy issues in the federal government. I do agree with the government about it being illegal to use a personal email but I don't think they should release her emails. If they want to go through an investigation that is fine but releasing the emails to the public wouldn't help anything.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Blog #5
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-31626957
In the post by BBC it discusses the court case between abercrombie and fitch and Samantha Elouf. It is about her not getting a job at abercrombie and fitch because her muslim headscarf would break the rules at abercrombie that your work attire has to represent what abercrombie sells. Ms. Elouf took this case to the supreme cour and abercrombie defended by saying that in the interview she didnt ask for a religious exemption.
I think that abercrombie is in the right. In some states there is a right to work policy which means that you can be fired for anything that the owner thinks is reason to fire you. I also feel like even though this discriminates against a religion it is fine because she doesnt have to work at abercrombie and fitch. Ms. Elouf should be able to find another job because abercrombie is obviosly not the only job.
This relates to AP gov because it shows freedom of religion and freedom of expression. This woman is exercising her freedom of religion even though the court would most likely favor abercrombie instead of Ms. Elouf.
In the post by BBC it discusses the court case between abercrombie and fitch and Samantha Elouf. It is about her not getting a job at abercrombie and fitch because her muslim headscarf would break the rules at abercrombie that your work attire has to represent what abercrombie sells. Ms. Elouf took this case to the supreme cour and abercrombie defended by saying that in the interview she didnt ask for a religious exemption.
I think that abercrombie is in the right. In some states there is a right to work policy which means that you can be fired for anything that the owner thinks is reason to fire you. I also feel like even though this discriminates against a religion it is fine because she doesnt have to work at abercrombie and fitch. Ms. Elouf should be able to find another job because abercrombie is obviosly not the only job.
This relates to AP gov because it shows freedom of religion and freedom of expression. This woman is exercising her freedom of religion even though the court would most likely favor abercrombie instead of Ms. Elouf.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Blog #4
Could Jeb Bush convince conservatives on immigration?
In this blog by BBC news is about Jeb Bush trying to tell conservatives why his views on immigration are good for America. He is trying to show that the economy needs more immigration. He will show evidence that businesses would be profited by this. His position is that immigrants should be allowed int he country which is a policy that conservatives don't agree with.
My position on the issue is that immigrants should be allowed into the country but the naturalization process does need potential revision. At the moment it seems to be very easy for immigrants from all countries to get into America. Recently President Obama granted amnesty to a very large amount of illegal immigrants which I don't think is the solution. It is not fair because other immigrants went through he process which is very time consuming, and this shows that immigrating to America illegally is OK.
This relates to AP Gov because it shows how the views of political parties differ and how they interact with each other. It also shows how people that run for president go about with their campaign. These speeches that he has made show how he will interact with his audience and therefore will either help or hurt him based on how well he does.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
BBC News: Keystone XL: house backs oil pipeline, defying obama
Jack Farmer
In this article the house defys Obama's request to not allow the keystone pipeline. The president is said to veto the bill and the House and Senate don't have enough votes to overide his veto. Republicans support it because it will provide jobs and most likely boost the economy. Democrats don't support it because they think it will increase emissions and hurt the environment.
This relates to AP Govornment because it shows checks and balances (because he president will probably veto it and excercise his checks and balances power). This also relates to AP Govornment because it shows the difference in views between political parties.
I feel that the pipeline is necessary but I understand the democrats point of view. The pipeline will increase emissions but I feel thatit is necessary to increase jobs and it will most likely boost the economy.
Jack Farmer
In this article the house defys Obama's request to not allow the keystone pipeline. The president is said to veto the bill and the House and Senate don't have enough votes to overide his veto. Republicans support it because it will provide jobs and most likely boost the economy. Democrats don't support it because they think it will increase emissions and hurt the environment.
This relates to AP Govornment because it shows checks and balances (because he president will probably veto it and excercise his checks and balances power). This also relates to AP Govornment because it shows the difference in views between political parties.
I feel that the pipeline is necessary but I understand the democrats point of view. The pipeline will increase emissions but I feel thatit is necessary to increase jobs and it will most likely boost the economy.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Blog #2
Blog Post #2
Jack Farmer
Net Neutrality set to be defended by U.S. regulator
http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-31128823
Net Neutrality Anthem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNM8Z1lm9bM
Net Neutrality Website
https://www.netneutrality.com/
In this article by BCC news Jane Wakefield talks about how the U.S. communications watchdog is proposing protection to ensure net neutrality is upheld. Tom Wheeler says that he intends to put restrictions on how internet providers handle data.
If net neutrality is not upheld internet providers could potentially create "fast lanes" for those who are willing to pay more. One of the principles of net neutrality is that anyone who holds data(email, websites, video) should be treated equally. Net neutrality is directly related to the 1st amendment as people should not have to pay to communicate or express themselves. My position is that net neutrality is very important and should definitely be continued as smaller websites would have to come at a price and sites like YouTube, Facebook, and other social media will get an advantage over the smaller sites.
Jack Farmer
Net Neutrality set to be defended by U.S. regulator
http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-31128823
Net Neutrality Anthem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNM8Z1lm9bM
Net Neutrality Website
https://www.netneutrality.com/
In this article by BCC news Jane Wakefield talks about how the U.S. communications watchdog is proposing protection to ensure net neutrality is upheld. Tom Wheeler says that he intends to put restrictions on how internet providers handle data.
If net neutrality is not upheld internet providers could potentially create "fast lanes" for those who are willing to pay more. One of the principles of net neutrality is that anyone who holds data(email, websites, video) should be treated equally. Net neutrality is directly related to the 1st amendment as people should not have to pay to communicate or express themselves. My position is that net neutrality is very important and should definitely be continued as smaller websites would have to come at a price and sites like YouTube, Facebook, and other social media will get an advantage over the smaller sites.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Blog post #1
Jack Farmer
Loretta Lynch, attorney general nominee, defends migration policy
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-31025783
In this article by BBC news, one of the nominees for attorney general defends Barrack Obama's current migration policy. She believes that citizenship must be earned by immigrants. She will probably be Eric Holder's succesor as attorney general but has not yet been appointed. Ms. Lynch also will be the first black woman to be an attorney general in the U.S.
I belive that she enforces her policies and goes through with what she says. I definitely believe that citizenship should be earned. If you dont go through the naturalization process or arent a legal citizen you should not be allowed in the country. there have been some incidents such as kids parents being forced out of the country while they were in college. I think that there should be no exceptions to the rules.
I belive that she enforces her policies and goes through with what she says. I definitely believe that citizenship should be earned. If you dont go through the naturalization process or arent a legal citizen you should not be allowed in the country. there have been some incidents such as kids parents being forced out of the country while they were in college. I think that there should be no exceptions to the rules.
This article was posted 1-28-15
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