Thursday, November 17, 2011

Current event article: North County Times: "US farm exports boom as rest of economy struggles"

http://www.nctimes.com/news/national/us-farm-exports-boom-as-rest-of-economy-struggles/image_5364df78-48b8-52c9-8a3c-f56eaa2880d8.html

1. This article is about how the US is making deals with various countries in Asia. They are making deals for agricultural exports. The exports are gaining a lot of money for the US. This shows how the US economy is still working while the rest of the world's economy is in crisis.

2.This connects to what we are learning in class, because we are learning about the Columbian exchange. The Columbian exchange is the trade of various agricultural foods. The exchange also benifits both sides. The Columbian exchange from the Americas to Europe is just like the US trade with Asia.

3. This connects to my life as a citizen because I always have to buy these agricultural products in order to maintain a healthy diet. When I buy these items, the government gets money. So the agrcultural exports will end up with an increase in buyers and money.

4. I believe that these exports are a good thing. I believe this way because since our economy is in a recession, it's good to have more inprovements. It is also important for people to buy these products in order for our economy to improve.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

iPaws 6, article 5, Executive Branch: North County Times: "USDA report clears Pa. zoo in deaths of bison"

http://www.nctimes.com/news/national/usda-report-clears-pa-zoo-in-deaths-of-bison/article_50c6dfce-dcae-574b-a555-861b4841300d.html

1. This article is about the USDA clearing the wrongdoing of the deaths of two bison at ZooAmerica in Pennsylvania. This too place after the rising of water from Tropical Strom Lee. The bisons' homes were flooded. One bison drwoned, and another was shot by staff. Animal- rights activistsfelt these deaths were wrong, but the USDA cleared this by saying that the zoo made an appropriate response to the rising water.

2. This article connects to what we are learning in class, because the USDA is part of the executive branch. The USDA have the power to clear those accused of wrongdoing. In this case, the USDA cleared the wrongdoing of the bisons' deaths. In class, we learned about the executive branch and their role in government. Therefore, this article connects to what we learned in class through the USDA.

3. This article conects to my life, because the USDA oversees all the argricultural aspects in the U.S. They oversee food, forests, health, wildlife, etc. These aspects all come into play in my life, such as food safety and community development. The USDA is important to the safety of all living things, even plants. Therefore, the USDA effects my daily life, and the daily lives of others as well. The article shows one example of how the USDA makes a difference.

4. I think that the staff of ZooAmerica did the right thing during the death of the two bison. Though I was devasted by the death of the bison, I believe they did the right thing during that crisis. The animal- right activists should know that the staff did what they should've in their situation. The USDA gave good reasoning to the clearing of these deaths. I believe that in the end, that even though the deaths are troubling, the zoo did what they should've done.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

iPaws 6, article 4, Freedom of Religion and Press : North County Times: "Ohio pastor apologizes for Halloween pamphlets"

http://www.nctimes.com/ap/national/ohio-pastor-apologizes-for-halloween-pamphlets/article_395940a8-8e8f-5960-8beb-1baedac2b45f.html

1. A pastor in Ohio apologized for giving out inappropriate halloween pamphlets. In the pamphlets, it has a story where three children die. The pastor apologizes, and says the church was careless. He says that the church doesn't do thoses sort of scare tactics. the church gives out pamphlets every year. The pastor says the pamphlets were indeed inappropriate for children.

2. This article connects to what we are learning in class, because the church was using the freedom of press. The church used the pamphlets to symbolize how they felt. They also used freedom of religion, since the church has the right to believe in what religion they'd like. Both of these are part of the first amendment. Even though the pamphlets were inappropriate, it still showed how the church actually felt of their religion through the pamphlets

3. This article connects to my life because I also have the right of press and  religion, since I am a citizen of the U.S. I have the right to believe in any religion of my choice and to put what I want on newspapers, magazines, etc. So if I were to give out pamphlets like what the church did, I can put how I feel on those pamphlets. It is common for people to express feelings on newspapers and magazines, and luckily we have such a freedom.

4. I believe that even though the church had the right to put what they wanted on the paamphlet, I think they took it too far. To put death and killing on a pamphlet given to kids is crossing the line. The pastor is right saying the church was too careless. I am glad he took responsibility for his actions. Putting such actions on the pamphlets to kids was going too far, and it doesn't fit the occasion for kids having fun. Sure Halloween should be scary, but it shouldn't affect how kids think.

iPaws 6, article 3, Amendment 2: North County Times: "South Carolina sheriff urges women to carry guns"

http://www.nctimes.com/news/national/article_ce3c6eae-3d6a-5d5a-9764-250a55f90eae.html

1. This article is about a South Carolina sheriff, that wants women to carry guns for protection against assault and rape. He urged this after an arrest for attempted assault. He proposed that women carry fanny packs with guns in them while jogging. This is if a someone attempts rape with them, then they can use the gun for protection. He also encouraged women walking around in groups, for an increase in safety. HE mentions that guns are better than maces. The man accused was charged for first- degree assault.

2. This article connects to what we are learning in class because when women carry guns for protection, this is mentioned in the 4th amendment: the right to bear arms. The 4th amendment states that citizens have the right to bear arms for protection and hunting. The women carry guns for protection. The protection is against attempting rapists. The sheriff urged this for women in order to protect them. therefore, the 4th amendment connects to this article, since the women were protecting themselves.

3. This article connects to my life, because I know that I have the right to bear arms for protection. Even though in the article it specifically talks about women, I can still relate this sort of protection to my safety. If attempting serial killers try to kill me, then I have the right to bear arms as protection. I also ow know that it is safer to walk in groups. I can easily incorporate these factors into my daily life, and it can make a big difference.

4. I think the idea from the sheriff is a very good idea. I feel this way, because it increases the protection of women. Of course I believe assault is wrong, so I hope the guns will help womens' protection. One factor I think may be dangerous is that women might take advantage of this law. I hope they don't end up killing innocent people! They may even pull the trigger on accident.