Final Wrap Up!

I think this class was great. I really learned a lot about different current events, and what is going on  in the world around me. However this was my first online class, I'm not sure online classes really work the best for my way of learning. I prefer to be in  a classroom were I can interact with my professor and fellow students. I truly enjoyed this class and really liked the student-professor interaction. I was nervous when I took this online class because you just never know. I appreciated your fast responses to all the questions that I asked. It was a pleasure to be in your class this semester. 

I learned a lot about the world, things I would have never read up on if it was not for this class. One new skill I learned was how to Blog! before this class I never wrote a blog before in my life. I think its a great way to express your opinion on things that interest you. I most definitely will take my knowledge on how to blog, with me into the future. Its a great way to do assignments. 

I really liked the energy crisis topic. It was my favorite topic that I got to write a blog about. It was something I really enjoyed because, I really try my hardest to be "green" and it is a very serious matter. I don't think people  understand how bad it is not to care about the environment.  It was really great that we got to write a blog on how we can save our planet and what other people can do as well to keep the world a safe and happy place.

I learned a lot about my self as a student taking this class. I learned what sides I take when it comes to politics, and what my views are with certain laws. I also learned that online classes are not the best for my performance. I think I'm a much better student actually being in class. I kind of felt I waited to the last minute to do some of my assignments. But as long as I organized my time, and stuck to the schedule. my work got done.

Blogging was one of the newest skills I learned from taking this course, during the spring semester. I really enjoyed doing my assignments as a blog. I think it was a great way to do an assignment in a way that was fun and exciting.  Also it was a great way to improve my writing skills. And becoming a better student at writing essays.

 I must say that the past several weeks have been extremely valuable to me. I have learned many new techniques. I felt this was a valuable course and allowed me to get a good grasp on what is going on in the world. I am aware of a lot of things I was not before this class, from drones, to Israel and Palestine, to gun rights and the world energy crisis. This class was filled with great information, I really enjoyed learning. I truly really enjoyed this class. I would recommend taking this class to anyone.

In Drone We Trust?

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), otherwise known as drones, are remotely-controlled aircraft which may be armed with missiles and bombs for attack missions. Since the World Trade Center attacks of Sep. 11, 2001 and the subsequent "War on Terror," the United States has used drones to kill suspected terrorists in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, and other countries. According to( Procon.org) "The Pentagon operates some 7,000 drones while the CIA operates around 30,and each drone costs anywhere from $5 million for a Predator to $14.4 million for a Reaper. The Department of Defense's fiscal year 2012 budget estimates included nearly $5 billion for drone research, development,  and procurement (around 1% of the overall DoD budget), with additional funding that is classified." 

I personally think drones are a good idea if they help win the war on terror, and save the lives of our men and women who are fighting for our country.I have found 12 Pros of drones 11 cons according to Procon.org

PRO US Drone Strikes

• Drone strikes make the United States safer by decimating terrorist networks across the world
• Drones kill fewer civilians, as a percentage of total fatalities, than any other military weapon, 
• Drones make US military personnel safer. 
• Drone strikes are cheaper than engaging in ground or manned aerial combat. 
• Drone strikes are legal under international law,
•  Drone strikes are legal under US law.
• Drones limit the scope and scale of military action.
• Drone strikes are subject to a strict review process and congressional oversight.

• Drone strikes are carried out with the collaboration and encouragement of local governments, and make those countries safer. 
• The United States cannot risk falling behind the rest of the world in the development of drone technologies. 
• Drone pilots have a lower risk for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than pilots of manned aircraft and other battlefield soldiers. 
• The majority of Americans support drones. 

                            Protesters burn an effigy of a US drone in Sanaa, Yemen on Apr. 12, 2013.

CON US Drone Strikes

• Drone strikes create more terrorists than they kill
• Drone strikes target individuals who may not be terrorists or enemy combatants
• Drone strikes kill large numbers of civilians and traumatize local populations.
• Drone strikes mostly kill low-value targets who are not significant threats to US safety and security. 
• Drone strikes violate international law
• Drone strikes are secretive, lack sufficient legal oversight, and prevent citizens from holding their leaders accountable
• Drone strikes violate the sovereignty of other countries. 
• Drone strikes allow the United States to become emotionally disconnected from the horrors of war.
• US drone strikes give cover for other countries to engage in human rights abuses.
• Drone strikes are extremely unpopular in the affected countries.
• Many drone operators have emotional and psychological stress.

There are a lot of pros and a lot of cons to this situation. I believe in whatever makes our country safe from the "bad guys." If drones are strictly used for one thing, and that is to fight our enemy than all is good. However if the gov. thinks of taking advantage of innocent american civilians by using drones to spy, that is not right. Using the use of drones to spy is violation of our 4th amendment. If the gov. sticks with using the drones to keep its citizens safe and not to spy on us I see no problem with the use of drones at all. 

Who is the victim and who is the aggressor in this case? Israelis or Palestinians.

The struggle between the Israelis and the Palestinians is one of the most enduring and explosive of all the world's conflicts.To understand who is the victim and who is the aggressor, Israel or Palestine. You have to understand the history of the region.  As a result of World War I, Britain won control over the area of Palestine from the Ottoman Empire. Becoming known as British-mandate Palestine. From 1918 to 1948, Britain governed the Jewish and Arabic's living in this territory. Israel has always been part of the region, but never its own until After World War 2. This caused the Palestinians to become very "jealous." One or the other could be called aggressor. Due to the fact that both countries are fighting for their freedom.  I feel as though Israeli is the victim due to constantly defending itself from terrorist group in Palestine.  

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is caused over land, claimed by the Jewish as their biblical birthright and by the Palestinians, who seek self-determination. Israelis' and Palestinians' conflicting claims to this land have led to a lot of bloodshed on both sides throughout the 20th century, The last 100 years has brought Palestinians, a long and difficult search for self-determination and for coexistence with the nation they hold responsible for their suffering and loss. For the Jewish people of Israel, the return to the land of their ancestors after centuries of persecution around the world has not brought peace or security. They have faced many crises as their neighbors have sought to wipe their country off the map. 

One factor preventing the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the nature of the issues at stake. Issues such as Jerusalem, refugees, borders, and water are seen as a challenges for which there is no solution that would meet the demands of both Israelis and Palestinians. Over the past two decades dozens  have tried to place the Israelis and Palestinians at negotiating. Although they could never reach an agreement, despite the efforts of many world leaders, It has led many to believe that the two sides are too far apart, to ever come to a mutually agreeable peace deal.Can there be peace one day for both Israel and Palestine.? I have a heavy heart for Israel. Its not right they have to live the way they do. I also feel sorry for the people of Palestine who are not part of terror groups and just want to live their life in peace. I hope one day they can stop the violence.Peace between Israel and the Palestinians remains both necessary and possible.

The Energy Crisis

 SAVE OUR PLANET!!!
Between automobiles and coal burning power plants we the United States of America are the largest source of carbon dioxide pollution on the planet.  Each year in the U.S.A, automobiles create almost 1.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide. The coal burning power plants produce about 2.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide pollution each year.  “In fact the United States emits more carbon dioxide than China, India, and Japan combined.” (NRDC 8)  Colorado, Arizona, and Oregon experienced their worst wildfire season in 2002. A terrible drought caused awful dust storms in Montana, Colorado and Kansas. Also in Texas, Montana and North Dakota they experienced hundreds of millions of dollars in water damage from severe floods. 

Our World is already showing many different signs of climate change all over the world. The hardest and most devastating global warming to predict is the effect on our worlds living ecosystems. The smallest change could kill many different types of species.  Although many plants and animals would be able to adapt there are a lot that would also become extinct.  Reports from the (IPCC) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Control have documented that “11 of the past 12 years are among the warmest since 1850”

“The Arctic is feeling the effects the most “according to the multinational Arctic climate report between 2000 and 2004 (National Geographic News 4) “Average temperatures are twice the global average in Alaska, Western Canada, and Eastern Russia.  In 1910 Montana’s Glacier National Park had 150 glaciers. Now with the mountain snow melting and the glaciers melting as well. There are only 27 left.  The ice in the arctic is disappearing fast and will most likely have its first ice free summer by 2040. (National Geographic News 5)

 What can you as American’s and people from all over the world do to help our environment. Reduce your carbon foot print. “Reduce what you can, Offset what you can’t.” (Carbonfund.org 1) Think about the decisions you make in your daily life. What can you do to make the world a better place now and for the future?  We have to do our best to Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Everyday things can help you have a smaller footprint. The way we drive “Studies have shown up to 30% of the difference in miles per gallon is due to driving habits” you can save more than a ton of CO2 per year just by driving the speed limit, keeping your tires properly inflated, have your car running efficiently, and make you next vehicle purchase a fuel efficient one. (carbonfund.org 6) You can also reduce your carbon footprint by carpooling even just once a week, if you travel a lot by airplane try and look for a nonstop flight. At home make sure the lights are off, look for energy star labels when it comes to appliances and new windows. Use less hot water, plant a tree. Try and get other to help conserve as well. The smallest changes in your life can have the biggest outcome when it comes to the environment. It’s time everyone joins together to stop global warming.

Citizens United, SuperPACs, and the New Elections

 

The supreme court ruled in 2008 that big corporations and organizations have the same rights as US citizens, The court decided that corporations have "first amendment rights". (freedom of speech) Giving corporation's the right to spend as much money as they want on political advertisements. It is estimated that over $3 billion was used in the 2012 presidential election by SuperPACs. Before the supreme court ruled in favor of the citizens united decision, politician's were not allowed to receive any money from unions or cooperation's.

Although recent poll show 62% of Americans are not in favor of the Citizens united decision. There are those who support corporate freedom of speech. Some people believe that SuperPAC's increase transparency, That they help level the playing field by helping candidates stay in the race, and help to inform voters by having a lot of advertisements on television.

 Citizens United decision may sound like it has good intensions but what are the negative sides. Could it happen that elections can be bought? and now candidates who are supported by these big business will be in their debt when and if elected.?

My personal feelings about the Citizens United decision are, I think it is bad for our democracy. I personally cant stand their advertisements during election time. I also think it gives wealthy people and big corporations an unfair influence on who wins the elections. These donors can put any add they want on television they don't need any approval from the politician they are voting for to win. They can say whatever they want, to purswey people into voting for who they want you to vote for. They have lots of money and can get these adds out there. Does this mean if I wanted to make a commercial about who I think should be in office I could? I quote from an article I read "The size of one's wallet should not determine the strength of one's voice in our democracy."

The Action Interview

   For this assignment I chose to interview my dad. My dad works in the criminal justice field as a Parole Officer and has for the past 14 years. When it comes time to election time he votes Republican and last election voted Republican. 

   Experiences that have shaped my fathers political identity would have to do with every day events that happen in the world liberalism being one of them. Everything has to be politically correct its come to the point you literally can not do or say anything without hurting someones feelings. I cant say I don't agree I personally think its become ridiculous. Even Santa clause is under fire! he cant say "Ho Ho Ho" anymore because some women take offense to that!!! Christmas tress are now holiday trees! and everyone gets a trophy win or lose, no scores are taken because the children their feelings could get hurt. Politically correctness has gone mad.

   Growing up my dads family all were part of the "Kennedy error" the old conservative democratic party. Although growing up in a democratic family my dad is not, he leans more to the conservative independent side of the political party. During the first election run for President Obama my father did vote Democrat going on "change" But that changed after 4 years the last election he voted Republican. Some key issues would be being the worlds police don't really think its necessary, government health care why do we need the government to tell us what health care we need freedom of choice is slowly disappearing. Not that happy with the current party that is in office. Hopefully next election a Republican will win office. My dad believes in small government and his opinion the economy always does better with a Republican in office.

I have voted twice now since I turned 18, I always have voted Republican. Growing up I have always sided with whoever my parents voted for and what political party they believed in. I'm 26 years old now and I'm not really sure I'm Democrat or Republican. I do watch the news and keep up with current events. I would say I'm more independent. There are some things I believe in that Democrats do and disagree with things they believe in the same with Republicans. I would say I want a leader who is going to bring this country in the right direction, make more jobs, bring our troops home, have tighter control on what the government gives out for free such as food stamps, free phones ect. There are just way to many people who take advantage of our government when it comes to handouts.

I think this assignment was a great topic. Its always interesting on hearing what other peoples thoughts are when it comes to politics. Politics and religion can be a very touchy subject with some people. People vote for liberals or conservatives because its what they believe in and they want to have people they think can change the world run in office so things will change the way they think it should.  My views have stayed the same after this experience I have always believed and agreed in the same things my father has pretty much.

Questions asked in my interview.

1) How did you vote in the last election?
2) Do you consider yourself liberal, conservative, or independent?
3) What life experiences have shaped your political views?
4) What key issues are most important to you, when it comes to US policy?
5) Who will you likely vote for in the future?
6) Did you taxes go up when a Democrat was elected?
7) Do you support gun rights?
8) How do you think we can place tighter control on government handouts?
9)How do you feel about illegal immigrants becoming american citizens?
10)What are your thoughts on the war on terror?

All About Me!

My name is Nicole Alison Riordan I am 26 years old. I am from Wakefield MA which is a small town 25 minutes north of the North End part of Boston. I grew up in Wakefield my entire life, Wakefield is a great town to grow up in. One of my favorite things about my town is your 25 minutes from the city or 25 from the beach. Personally I like to drive a little further North to Gloucester which has some of the most beautiful beaches in New England I think. So thats a little information about my hometown.! A little about me now! I'm currently a student part time at Bunker Hill and my major is Psychology. It is very important to me to keep a good GPA so I can transfer to a university when I have finished my courses at Bunker Hill.  I have worked for the past 5 years part time at a marketing company in my hometown of Wakefield. My life at the moment is pretty much all about school and work its my number one priority! 

My Family!

My family the most important people in my life! Out of 4 siblings I'm the oldest I have a twin brother Derek who is one of my best friends. My younger brother Michael who is 17 and a senior in high school, he is also captain of the hockey team. And my little sister Mikayla she is 13 and is a social butterfly just like I was in school. Mikayla is a cheerleader & ballerina. She also plays for the varsity girls hockey team which I'm not so found of! but love her and support all my siblings in their decisions. My parents my mom Nancy who is my best friend in the entire world! my mom is a wonderful person and a fantastic mother. My Step dad Paul is an amazing man he has been in my life since I was 4 years old. My Mom and Paul have been married 18 years in February and have Michael and Mikayla together. And I cant forget Dexter who is my dog he is definitely part of the family!! Dexter is a Pomeranian he turns 5 this Valentines Day! Dexter was a birthday gift from a boyfriend at the time, having Dexter is the best I love him so very much!!

Wakefiled, MA My Hometown

Me & My Brothers Girlfriend Danielle
At the Wang Theater to see A Christmas Story!!  

Dexter!!!

Me & My Twin Brother Derek

Me & Mom at The
Wang Theater Christmas Time 2013

My Little Sister on the left Mikayla, Me and Cousin Kaylee

Me & My Cousins Adam, Angela, & My Little Brother Mike!!!

All of my favorite guys!! from Left Dad, Uncle Mike, Gramp, & Uncle Steve