Name: Raymond Liou
TOpic Politics
Title Obama Calls for federal wage Freeze
Writer Charles Riley
Date of Publish: Nov 29, 2010
Length: 671
CNN news
On Monday Obama called for a two year freeze on federal wages. The freeze is estimated over 10 years and will save over 60 billion dollars. The budget experts said that over $6 trillion is needed to stabilize the debt. It is the first of many actions we must take in the incoming budget to pull our nation on sound fiscal footing--which will ask from some sacrifice from us all." stated by the White House. This is not the first time Obama has froze salaries of government employees.
This will help decrease the debt that is huge in America. This will also show that Obama is doing something for the country cause there has been alot of criticism that Obama hasnt done much since he has become president and hasnt kept his word on stuff he would change. I think he knows the urgency were in and is bringing up some changes that will decrease this debt crisis.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Former state trooper,77, pleads guilty in civil rights case
Name: Raymond Liou
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: Former state trooper, 77, pleads guilty in civil rights case
Writer: CNN Wire Staff
Date: November 15, 2010
Length:660 words
James Bonard Fowler pleaded guilty to misdemeanor manslaughter. It happened at Selmamontgomery March. It was during the civil rights era led by Martin Luther King Jr.
At 2005 Fower had said the shooting was in self defense to Jimmie Lee Jackson the victim of the murder."He admitted his guilt , he apoligized to his family for what he has done, and has served some time," which Jackson had told CNN. He served 6 months in jail. This case is just one of the many civil rights era cases being opened up again.
This shows that cases even old like the civil rights era cases are being opened up again. It is a good way to never let a case die. This will give an example to bring old cases from the dead and will hopefully bring justice for more innocent lives lost during this conflicting times. This gives a glimpse of our country's past and the hard times we faced. It showes how much we changed now and shows how hard these civil right groups fought to get what civil rights that people have no in the United States
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: Former state trooper, 77, pleads guilty in civil rights case
Writer: CNN Wire Staff
Date: November 15, 2010
Length:660 words
James Bonard Fowler pleaded guilty to misdemeanor manslaughter. It happened at Selmamontgomery March. It was during the civil rights era led by Martin Luther King Jr.
At 2005 Fower had said the shooting was in self defense to Jimmie Lee Jackson the victim of the murder."He admitted his guilt , he apoligized to his family for what he has done, and has served some time," which Jackson had told CNN. He served 6 months in jail. This case is just one of the many civil rights era cases being opened up again.
This shows that cases even old like the civil rights era cases are being opened up again. It is a good way to never let a case die. This will give an example to bring old cases from the dead and will hopefully bring justice for more innocent lives lost during this conflicting times. This gives a glimpse of our country's past and the hard times we faced. It showes how much we changed now and shows how hard these civil right groups fought to get what civil rights that people have no in the United States
Obama calls for federal wage freeze
First Name: Laura
Current Event Posting Number: 2
Topic: Money
Title: Obama calls for federal wage freeze
Writer: Charles Riley
Publication Name: CNN
Date of Publication: November 29, 2010
Length: 639 words
On Monday, November 29, 2010 President Obama announced a two-year pay freeze for federal workers. He is going to cut their salary by 10% in efforts to solve the national debt problem. The president will meet with congressional leaders of the Republican and Democratic parties along with his newly appointed bipartisan deficit committee. The freeze will pay off $2 billion of our debt in 2011, and is planned to continue for the next five years. Most republicans are very supportive of the pay freeze, and as predicted the National Federation of Federal Employees is not. William Dougan, President of NFFE fought back saying, "We understand that sacrifices will have to be made in order to reduce our nation's growing budget deficit, but we believe doing so at the expense of dedicated civil service employees is a misguided approach."
In conclusion, this wage freeze is a step towards decreasing our deficit. It will affect 2 million federal workers. It will save $60 billion over the next decade, which is just a small fraction of the estimated $13 trillion deficit. The White House says that more ‘tough choices’ are on the way; so federal workers shouldn’t feel ‘singled out’. Many Republicans are pleased with Obama’s decision, along with many other Americans who want to alleviate our national deficit. According to a CNN Opinion survey, 68% of Americans agree that though the Federal Department will have to sacrifice part of their wage, it is needed to minimize America’s large debt.
Monday, November 29, 2010
US reaction to North Korean Attack
Maggie
Blog post #2
Topic: Leaders
After North Korean Strike, South Korean leader threatens 'retaliation'
by CNN wire staff
From CNN, November 24 2010
307 words
On Tuesday November 23, North Korea released deadly artillery attacks on South Korea. The US is now in a very interesting position, because it has to back up South Korea without offending North Korea. This balancing act has so far resulted in two actions. First, President Obama released a statement saying that since the US and South Korea are allies, the US will “defend South Korea as part of that alliance”. Also, the Obama and Lee (South Koreas president) released a statement saying that they had agreed to hold “combined military exercises and enhanced training” to “close security cooperation” and “underscore the strength of our alliance and commitment to peace and security in the region”. This means they will be essentially demonstrating their strength in order to intimidate North Korea. The idea is that this way, they are not actively provoking North Korea, they are simply showing strength and support of South Korea. However, it is yet to be seen whether this approach works. An anonymous US official said recently that it may not be working, and that US policy in the region needs to be reevaluated. For now, though, the US is still in South Korea showing support. Another aspect in this issue is the reactions from neighboring countries like China. Stephen Bosworth, the US special envoy on North Korea, was in China to talk to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently. He told reporters on both sides to exercise restraint, and said that the Chinese agree that conflict is undesirable.
In conclusion, the US is in a tricky spot because we have to defend our ally but we also have to be careful not to set off any actions or attacks from North Korea. Because of this, the US has decided to vocally and militarily support South Korea without being too loud about it. We'll see if it actually works, or whether the US involvement provokes further attacks.
Blog post #2
Topic: Leaders
After North Korean Strike, South Korean leader threatens 'retaliation'
by CNN wire staff
From CNN, November 24 2010
307 words
On Tuesday November 23, North Korea released deadly artillery attacks on South Korea. The US is now in a very interesting position, because it has to back up South Korea without offending North Korea. This balancing act has so far resulted in two actions. First, President Obama released a statement saying that since the US and South Korea are allies, the US will “defend South Korea as part of that alliance”. Also, the Obama and Lee (South Koreas president) released a statement saying that they had agreed to hold “combined military exercises and enhanced training” to “close security cooperation” and “underscore the strength of our alliance and commitment to peace and security in the region”. This means they will be essentially demonstrating their strength in order to intimidate North Korea. The idea is that this way, they are not actively provoking North Korea, they are simply showing strength and support of South Korea. However, it is yet to be seen whether this approach works. An anonymous US official said recently that it may not be working, and that US policy in the region needs to be reevaluated. For now, though, the US is still in South Korea showing support. Another aspect in this issue is the reactions from neighboring countries like China. Stephen Bosworth, the US special envoy on North Korea, was in China to talk to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently. He told reporters on both sides to exercise restraint, and said that the Chinese agree that conflict is undesirable.
In conclusion, the US is in a tricky spot because we have to defend our ally but we also have to be careful not to set off any actions or attacks from North Korea. Because of this, the US has decided to vocally and militarily support South Korea without being too loud about it. We'll see if it actually works, or whether the US involvement provokes further attacks.
Gates Seeking to Contain Military Health Costs
Timothy
Posting #2
topic: Health
title: Gates Seeking to Contain Military Health Costs
writer: Elisabeth Bumiller and Thom Shanker
publication name: New York Times
publication date: 11/28/10
length: 1300 words
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/29/us/29tricare.html?ref=health
In an effort to cut down on Pentagon spending, defense secretary Robert M. Gates is considering increasing the fee for Tricare. Tricare is a health care program that provides a lifetime of health care to those who have worked for the military at a much lower cost than other health care programs. As the cost of health care continues to rise, the Pentagon is finding it more and more difficult to maintain the low cost of Tricare. The total cost of health care for the Pentagon is around $50 billion; ten years ago the cost was around $19 billion. However, the cost of Tricare has remained the same since 1995. The rising costs of health care forces cuts to be made on things like new weapons and schools on military bases. Todd Harrison, a senior in defense budget studies, say that it could eventually prevent the US from upholding a sufficiently sized military. Many veterans and military officers' lobbies have responded angrily to the idea. They say that they have risked their lives in combat for the country, and should not "be the first in line to give [up] some more". Many retirees, especially the disabled, rely on the Tricare system for support, and raising the fee would be a significant financial burden for them. Previous efforts to raise the Tricare fee have been shot down by Congress, because they did not want to be seen as creating problems for the military or veterans.
Especially in the current economic situation of the US, making cutbacks are a necessity. Increasing Tricare fees would relieve the already stressed budget of the Pentagon. The effects of such an increase are worrisome as well. Many those who have served in the military have overwhelmingly opposed this change, having already served this country in combat. Gates has several more weeks to decide on whether or not to go with this plan so that the Pentagon can meet the deadline to submit its 2012 spending plans to the White House.
Posting #2
topic: Health
title: Gates Seeking to Contain Military Health Costs
writer: Elisabeth Bumiller and Thom Shanker
publication name: New York Times
publication date: 11/28/10
length: 1300 words
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/29/us/29tricare.html?ref=health
In an effort to cut down on Pentagon spending, defense secretary Robert M. Gates is considering increasing the fee for Tricare. Tricare is a health care program that provides a lifetime of health care to those who have worked for the military at a much lower cost than other health care programs. As the cost of health care continues to rise, the Pentagon is finding it more and more difficult to maintain the low cost of Tricare. The total cost of health care for the Pentagon is around $50 billion; ten years ago the cost was around $19 billion. However, the cost of Tricare has remained the same since 1995. The rising costs of health care forces cuts to be made on things like new weapons and schools on military bases. Todd Harrison, a senior in defense budget studies, say that it could eventually prevent the US from upholding a sufficiently sized military. Many veterans and military officers' lobbies have responded angrily to the idea. They say that they have risked their lives in combat for the country, and should not "be the first in line to give [up] some more". Many retirees, especially the disabled, rely on the Tricare system for support, and raising the fee would be a significant financial burden for them. Previous efforts to raise the Tricare fee have been shot down by Congress, because they did not want to be seen as creating problems for the military or veterans.
Especially in the current economic situation of the US, making cutbacks are a necessity. Increasing Tricare fees would relieve the already stressed budget of the Pentagon. The effects of such an increase are worrisome as well. Many those who have served in the military have overwhelmingly opposed this change, having already served this country in combat. Gates has several more weeks to decide on whether or not to go with this plan so that the Pentagon can meet the deadline to submit its 2012 spending plans to the White House.
Despite Attention, it's not all grab and scan at Airports
Crystal
Posting 2
Topic: Technology
Title: Despite Attention, it's not all grab and scan at Airports
Writer: Jason Hanna, Marnie Hunter
Publication Name: CNN.com
Date of Publication: Nov 25, 2010
700 Words
There has been much controversy about the new level of airport security. From the news coverage, it seemed as if everyone passing through the airports received a full body scan, and those who didn't pass the scan got a pat down. People who opt out of the full body scan, set off the metal or body scan will receive a body scan. Most people went through the airports as always. The increased airport security is used to detect nonmetallic explosives, and is a response to last year's Christmas bomber. Many critics say the body scan is too revealing, as it shows a person's anatomy, and that it poses as a health risk, as one type of scan uses low doses of radiation. They also say the new pat down is humiliating and much more aggressive.
Conclusion:
The new airport security is much more thorough and possibly too invasive. We are stuck between having secure and safe air travel and our privacy. We need to come up with a way to screen air travelers while also preserving their privacy. Until then, this new security is the best we have.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/11/24/enhanced.security.numbers/index.html?iref=allsearch
Posting 2
Topic: Technology
Title: Despite Attention, it's not all grab and scan at Airports
Writer: Jason Hanna, Marnie Hunter
Publication Name: CNN.com
Date of Publication: Nov 25, 2010
700 Words
There has been much controversy about the new level of airport security. From the news coverage, it seemed as if everyone passing through the airports received a full body scan, and those who didn't pass the scan got a pat down. People who opt out of the full body scan, set off the metal or body scan will receive a body scan. Most people went through the airports as always. The increased airport security is used to detect nonmetallic explosives, and is a response to last year's Christmas bomber. Many critics say the body scan is too revealing, as it shows a person's anatomy, and that it poses as a health risk, as one type of scan uses low doses of radiation. They also say the new pat down is humiliating and much more aggressive.
Conclusion:
The new airport security is much more thorough and possibly too invasive. We are stuck between having secure and safe air travel and our privacy. We need to come up with a way to screen air travelers while also preserving their privacy. Until then, this new security is the best we have.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/11/24/enhanced.security.numbers/index.html?iref=allsearch
Arab leaders urged U.S. to hit Iran
Takuto
Post Number: 2
Topic: Leaders
Writers: Paul Richer / Borzou Daragahi
Publication Name: SF Chronicle via LA Times
Date of Publication: 2010-11-29
Length: 619
WikiLeaks, one of the most growing website for publishing the "leaked" documents, recently released the diplomatic cables between Saudi Arabia and the United States, suggesting that the leaders of Arab nudged the U.S. secretly to attack and destroy the nuclear facilities in Iran and other Islamic Republic. So far the known lobbyist are Saudi Arabia King Abdullah and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, who contacted the U.S. to hit Iran by pressuring the White House to strike to "cut off the head of the snake before it was too late". The purpose for nudging is very simple: to stop Islamic Republic from researching and developing the nuclear power to produce nuclear-weapons. Nuclear weapon is a huge threat to Arabs because it allows Iran to destroy Arab's entire nations. The United States, in fact, have marked Iran as a terrorist country. According to a leaked document, it has been a while since the Arab leaders urged United States; they first stated a fear against Iran since May 2005 through February 2010's contact, where they seemed to be pressured. The White House immediately denied such fact that the documents of cables were purposely created with an intention for a performance.
First, it became clear that the Wikileaks really turned the government around the world as enemy by publishing closed, secret documents that has been anonymously sent. Now people have chance to take a look at the hidden documents, some people may understand why Saudi Arabia lobbied risky contact; that is, if Arabs and the United States wouldn't attack Islamic nations, they will attack Arab. Arab realized that they cannot defend their own country by themselves if they use the nuclear powers as main weapons. The United States now have to face two issues: an alternative way to protect and store the secret documents, as well as the difficulties with the foreign policy among countries, especially Middle East nations. This is, however, not the only document that has been leaked. It is one of over twenty-five thousand documents that government hid over many years from the world. It is unavoidable to gain criticism from other nations.
4 deaths tied to bacteria at food processing plant
Jon
Posting 2
Topic: Health
Writer: Greg Botelho
Publication Name: CNN
Date of Publication: October 21, 2010
Length: 650 words
Last month the Texas Department of State Health Services shut down the Sangar Produce and Processing plant due to bacteria being found in Sangar's celery and other products. Listeria monocytogenes, a severe strain of bacteria, was found in state laboratory tests. So far four people have died after consuming Sangar celery and ten have contracted serious health issues. Authorities have ordered the company to recall all its products that have come from it's plant in San Antonio, Texas since January. Sangar questioned the findings and denied any sanitary malpractice. President of Sangar, Kenneth Sanquist said "the independent testing shows our produce to be absolutely safe, and we are aggressively fighting the state's erroneous findings". Nevertheless, authorities also found a condensation leak near the food area, dirt on the food preparation table and hand washing problems amongst employees.
In conclusion Texas authorities found various health issues with the Sangar Produce and Processing plant in San Antonio. Chief among them was the presence of listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacteria, on their celery. Four people have already died from this contaminated celery and others have fallen ill. Although Sangar denies any health issues, authorities have recalled all Sangar's products shipped out since January.
In my opinion the Texas Department of State Health Services is doing the right thing shutting down the plant. Contaminated food is too dangerous to have floating around. Even though the recall will cost Sangar lots of money, it is better to recall their products and check them just to be safe.
Posting 2
Topic: Health
Writer: Greg Botelho
Publication Name: CNN
Date of Publication: October 21, 2010
Length: 650 words
Last month the Texas Department of State Health Services shut down the Sangar Produce and Processing plant due to bacteria being found in Sangar's celery and other products. Listeria monocytogenes, a severe strain of bacteria, was found in state laboratory tests. So far four people have died after consuming Sangar celery and ten have contracted serious health issues. Authorities have ordered the company to recall all its products that have come from it's plant in San Antonio, Texas since January. Sangar questioned the findings and denied any sanitary malpractice. President of Sangar, Kenneth Sanquist said "the independent testing shows our produce to be absolutely safe, and we are aggressively fighting the state's erroneous findings". Nevertheless, authorities also found a condensation leak near the food area, dirt on the food preparation table and hand washing problems amongst employees.
In conclusion Texas authorities found various health issues with the Sangar Produce and Processing plant in San Antonio. Chief among them was the presence of listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacteria, on their celery. Four people have already died from this contaminated celery and others have fallen ill. Although Sangar denies any health issues, authorities have recalled all Sangar's products shipped out since January.
In my opinion the Texas Department of State Health Services is doing the right thing shutting down the plant. Contaminated food is too dangerous to have floating around. Even though the recall will cost Sangar lots of money, it is better to recall their products and check them just to be safe.
Name: Remy
Posting #2
Period D
Topic: Leaders
Title: Bush visits Facebook for live chat with all his "friends"
Writer: Patrick May
Publication Name: Post and Courier
Publication date: 11/30/10
Length: 804
URL: http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/nov/30/bush-visits-facebook-live-chat-all-his-friends/
President Bush visited Facebook's headquarters today to host a Facebook Live event. He is on a tour promoting his book/memoir "Decision Points". For the users of Facebook Live, they will be able to ask Bush questions. It is unclear who will be moderating the questions being asked by the users. This is the first president to be featured on Facebook Live. The former president has been using the site since June 2010, by his Facebook page. A former Bush white house now a facebook general counsel Ted Ullyot asked a question at his CEO Mark Zuckerberg. While the president was largely unpopular in the liberal bay area, there was evidence of a small group of protesters outside the headquarters. Although Bush's reception inside was was warm and enthusiastic. One facebook employee Matt Wolocyzn found him "effortlessly charming".
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