"He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people"
In the Declaration of Independence, there are many points that explain why the Americans wanted to separate from the English. One is that destroyed their homes, killed their people and plundered their seas, which is one of the main factors that they wished for independence. When one country attacks another country, there are usually retaliations. In this case, it was England attacking it's own colonists. This takes these acts to different level of betrayal, which is what the Americans felt, leading to them eventually their desire for independence. This can be related to the Pearl Harbor attacks, which is what led to the Americans becoming involved in World War Two. The Japanese basically burnt their towns, ravaged their coasts, and destroyed many people's lives.
"For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretend offenses."
Another grievance and reason why the colonists felt as though they deserved freedom from England, was because they were sent out of their homes to England, where they were tried for offenses they did not commit. Many times, these trials would not allow for a trial by Jury, making many American Colonists guilty for acts they did not commit, but are later punished for. The resulting punishment was usually death, since no jury was involved, making the Judge the deciding factor. Today, we try to make sure that every person put on trial had been involved in what they are being tried for. Corruption within the courts is still present, but the good outnumber the bad, resulting in trials that come with a reasonable outcome. Some trials still result in a unreasonable, and unexpected outcome, but they are not as present as before.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Saturday, September 21, 2013
"Mall Massacre: 39 Dead"
"Mall Massacre: 39 Dead"
The Huffington Post
By: Jason Straziuso and Tom Odula
When people think of Kenya, what comes to mind is a poor, warring, and oppressed country. the people their have as much right to live their daily lives as much as everyone else in the world. Whenever the U.S. is hit by a terrorist attack, we spend long periods of time mourning, which is not a bad thing, but we should do the same for other countries. Recently, Kenya's Nairobi Mall, which is one of the biggest malls in Kenya, was attacked by Al Qaida gunmen opened fire and threw grenades in crowds of shoppers, resulting in chaos, destruction, and many lives lost. thirty nine people are confirmed dead, and more than 150 wounded. Casualties included Canadian and French citizens, and many American tourists were wounded. The shooting began when the Al Qaida gunmen cornered victims, asking whether or not they were Muslim. Those who said yes were let go, those who said no were killed. The forces that committed this heinous act have a Twitter, in which they send out threats to countries and their governments, some of which were directed toward the Kenyan government. Hopefully, different countries will be able to send aid to Kenya, in order to offer help, and allow them to begin reconstruction, and searches for the men who killed and wounded so many innocent people.
The Huffington Post
By: Jason Straziuso and Tom Odula
When people think of Kenya, what comes to mind is a poor, warring, and oppressed country. the people their have as much right to live their daily lives as much as everyone else in the world. Whenever the U.S. is hit by a terrorist attack, we spend long periods of time mourning, which is not a bad thing, but we should do the same for other countries. Recently, Kenya's Nairobi Mall, which is one of the biggest malls in Kenya, was attacked by Al Qaida gunmen opened fire and threw grenades in crowds of shoppers, resulting in chaos, destruction, and many lives lost. thirty nine people are confirmed dead, and more than 150 wounded. Casualties included Canadian and French citizens, and many American tourists were wounded. The shooting began when the Al Qaida gunmen cornered victims, asking whether or not they were Muslim. Those who said yes were let go, those who said no were killed. The forces that committed this heinous act have a Twitter, in which they send out threats to countries and their governments, some of which were directed toward the Kenyan government. Hopefully, different countries will be able to send aid to Kenya, in order to offer help, and allow them to begin reconstruction, and searches for the men who killed and wounded so many innocent people.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Floods in Colorado 2013
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/15/colorado-floods-2013_n_3929735.html
Huffington Post
By: Hannah Dreier and Jeri Clausing
Recently, Colorado was struck with devastating and horrific flooding across towns, even isolating some towns from other towns, and even picking up homes from their foundation. The flooding was so powerful, that it even destroyed roads leading to other towns and streets, basically separating them from the outside. People have said that it is not fair, that "all these beautiful places, it's just brown mud". We can imagine how hard the citizens of Colorado and their families are affected, some not being able to offer help because the flooding is not allowing them to get to the other towns. Four people are confirmed dead, and two missing but presumed dead after having their entire homes swept away. With more rains coming, the state is wondering if every other state will just ignore them and move on. So many people have been affected by this tragedy, including the lives of family members, friends, and neighbors, some even having their lives cut short. In order to help them overcome this disaster, they will need all the help they can get. If there is anyone with family in Colorado, the prayers of everyone in America go out to them, hoping that nothing more will come other than help and assistance.
Huffington Post
By: Hannah Dreier and Jeri Clausing
Recently, Colorado was struck with devastating and horrific flooding across towns, even isolating some towns from other towns, and even picking up homes from their foundation. The flooding was so powerful, that it even destroyed roads leading to other towns and streets, basically separating them from the outside. People have said that it is not fair, that "all these beautiful places, it's just brown mud". We can imagine how hard the citizens of Colorado and their families are affected, some not being able to offer help because the flooding is not allowing them to get to the other towns. Four people are confirmed dead, and two missing but presumed dead after having their entire homes swept away. With more rains coming, the state is wondering if every other state will just ignore them and move on. So many people have been affected by this tragedy, including the lives of family members, friends, and neighbors, some even having their lives cut short. In order to help them overcome this disaster, they will need all the help they can get. If there is anyone with family in Colorado, the prayers of everyone in America go out to them, hoping that nothing more will come other than help and assistance.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Syrian Chemical Attack Possibly Carried Out Without Assad Permission
By: Huffington Post
From: Huffington Post
Recent reports are saying, that the horrifying chemical attacks in Syria, which killed hundreds of innocent men, women, and children, was not done by President Assad of Syria. This is big news, meaning that the Syrian government may not be all to blame for the attack. Not only does this affect the people of Syria, and make them question their government even more, but it now also affects President Obama's decision to attack Syria. Not only is congress already at a larger no to yes ratio for going into Syria, but now it has reason to not do it. The biggest reason to attack Syria was due to the government apparently making the decision to attack its own civilians with chemical weapons, a decision which was thought to have been carried out by President Assad. If the leader of the Syrian government had not given the approval to carry out such an atrocious act, then this means that the government itself is corrupt, and has stopped listening to it's superiors. This can mean a major problem, because if the chemical attacks did not need the presidents approval, then there will probably two sides to the government, with the more immoral side being the one starting all this terror and chaos.
From: Huffington Post
Recent reports are saying, that the horrifying chemical attacks in Syria, which killed hundreds of innocent men, women, and children, was not done by President Assad of Syria. This is big news, meaning that the Syrian government may not be all to blame for the attack. Not only does this affect the people of Syria, and make them question their government even more, but it now also affects President Obama's decision to attack Syria. Not only is congress already at a larger no to yes ratio for going into Syria, but now it has reason to not do it. The biggest reason to attack Syria was due to the government apparently making the decision to attack its own civilians with chemical weapons, a decision which was thought to have been carried out by President Assad. If the leader of the Syrian government had not given the approval to carry out such an atrocious act, then this means that the government itself is corrupt, and has stopped listening to it's superiors. This can mean a major problem, because if the chemical attacks did not need the presidents approval, then there will probably two sides to the government, with the more immoral side being the one starting all this terror and chaos.
Getaway Review
Getaway: A Never-Ending Car Wreck
By: Christopher Orr
From: The Antlantic
Link: http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2013/08/-em-getaway-em-a-never-ending-car-wreck/279188/
Recently the movie Getaway featuring Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez was released. Critics who watched the movie all came back with the same decision: Do not see it. Christopher Orr uses sarcasm, humor, and heavy criticism towards the bland, unbelievable acting, and bad movie structure all together. Calling the movie a "never ending car wreck" allows for him to set up the readers expectations of the movie, with a ironic twist, due to the movie being based around a car chase. Orr makes a claim of value, stating that the effort made by the film result in "a kid trying desperately to act like a grown up, but with no real idea what that might entail." Orr is trying to say that the movie is attempting to have a mature attitude, where as in reality, it is a mediocre cliche that falls short of its goals. He even takes it as far as saying that the Shelby Mustang Super Snake, the car that the protagonist drives, offers the most "nuanced and psychologically complex performance." To have an actors performance be so awful that critics believe is as unemotional and boring as an inanimate objects, is beyond an insult. What it all comes down to is that Orr was able to use humor and sarcasm to make his claim valid, which is one thing that can separate a good piece of literature from the rest.
By: Christopher Orr
From: The Antlantic
Link: http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2013/08/-em-getaway-em-a-never-ending-car-wreck/279188/
Recently the movie Getaway featuring Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez was released. Critics who watched the movie all came back with the same decision: Do not see it. Christopher Orr uses sarcasm, humor, and heavy criticism towards the bland, unbelievable acting, and bad movie structure all together. Calling the movie a "never ending car wreck" allows for him to set up the readers expectations of the movie, with a ironic twist, due to the movie being based around a car chase. Orr makes a claim of value, stating that the effort made by the film result in "a kid trying desperately to act like a grown up, but with no real idea what that might entail." Orr is trying to say that the movie is attempting to have a mature attitude, where as in reality, it is a mediocre cliche that falls short of its goals. He even takes it as far as saying that the Shelby Mustang Super Snake, the car that the protagonist drives, offers the most "nuanced and psychologically complex performance." To have an actors performance be so awful that critics believe is as unemotional and boring as an inanimate objects, is beyond an insult. What it all comes down to is that Orr was able to use humor and sarcasm to make his claim valid, which is one thing that can separate a good piece of literature from the rest.
Monday, September 2, 2013
If God Had a Favorite Flavor, It Would Be Moose Tracks
The time has come to discuss one of the most important topics ever. Ice cream. When it comes to ice cream, the Holy Grail of all flavors is Moose Tracks. A flavor that has peanut butter cups, chocolate fudge, all while being surrounded by chocolate ice cream, is like having Jesus himself come down from the heavens to give you a hug. It is that good. Moose Tracks ice cream affects your taste, smell, hearing, touch(asyndeton). The flavors you experience all at once just fill one with joy and happiness(pathos). Ice cream has been a favorite for many, everyone having their own favorite flavor and why. Moose Tracks is my favorite flavor because it is not only ice cream. Moose Tracks includes chocolate, and peanut butter, and chunks of chocolate, and rivers of fudge (polysyndeton). With all that variety, and different combinations of some of the best treats one can be given, it is no brainer why so many people love Moose Tracks. If that is not enough, their is flavor called "Extreme Chocolate Moose Tracks", which for the relatively hardcore chocolate lovers. It consists of everything previously mentioned, but doubled, and filled with cups of chocolate fudge and peanut butter. One thing is certain: ice cream is one of the things people can turn to when having a bad day, or to enjoy as a snack. It truly shows the healing power of food.
Obama Wishes to Take Action in Syria
Syria Minister: US Strike On Syria 'Would Benefit Al Qaeda'
From and By: BBC
According to the deputy foreign minister, Faisal Mekdad, if the US were to attack Syria, it would cause terrorism to flourish all around Syria. Mekdad also goes on to say that armed groups backed by America used chemical weapons, not Syria. Since Mekdad is part of Syria's government, we do not know whether or not these statements are true, or if they are just trying to cover up what the Syrian regime did. The article also mentions Obama, and him wanting to take action in Syria. He will bring this up the next time Congress meets. This is considered one of President Obama's biggest gambles. He states that if Congress does not back him, it would be disastrous, and make him look like a fool for calling the vote in the first place. Going back to Mekdad, he states that an attack would only raise hatred for Americans, and that serious consequences are bound to happen. He believes that none of what he says matters, because Obama will still go through with the attack. This issue is only becoming a more serious one each and every passing day. Until action is taken to stop more of these horrible acts from happening, we will keep seeing more and more images of innocent men, women and children, experiencing horrors no person should see.
From and By: BBC
According to the deputy foreign minister, Faisal Mekdad, if the US were to attack Syria, it would cause terrorism to flourish all around Syria. Mekdad also goes on to say that armed groups backed by America used chemical weapons, not Syria. Since Mekdad is part of Syria's government, we do not know whether or not these statements are true, or if they are just trying to cover up what the Syrian regime did. The article also mentions Obama, and him wanting to take action in Syria. He will bring this up the next time Congress meets. This is considered one of President Obama's biggest gambles. He states that if Congress does not back him, it would be disastrous, and make him look like a fool for calling the vote in the first place. Going back to Mekdad, he states that an attack would only raise hatred for Americans, and that serious consequences are bound to happen. He believes that none of what he says matters, because Obama will still go through with the attack. This issue is only becoming a more serious one each and every passing day. Until action is taken to stop more of these horrible acts from happening, we will keep seeing more and more images of innocent men, women and children, experiencing horrors no person should see.
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