It seems the pro-life arguement is winning. People have come to value life to a more extreme in the past few years. I think this may have something to do with all the war and sensitivity toward life since September 11, 2001. I personally feel the pro-choice arguement is stronger in general. I think no arguement can trump women's safety and right to choose what they do with their own bodies. No 60 year old man in Congress has the right to make decisions about what women do with their bodies. Pro-life believers have a point in saying that everyone should be informed of the consequences and everything that will happen during their surgery. They should be aware because in any surgery you should be aware of all that will happen and be educated on it. I think it is so wrong that some places are giving misleading information to prevent abortions.
I think no matter what women should have a right to choose what they do with their bodies. This does not necessarily mean I am pro-abortion, it just means that if the women feels it is the right thing to do to not have the baby then that is her choice. There are many cases where the baby was very much unexpected, unwanted, or will not be affordable with the income of the family. This pregnacy affects the whole family not just the girl. Therefore, parents should have to give consent if the kid is under 18. No matter what they should be made aware that their daughter is pregnant reguardless of age because it is morally right.
The mom for sure should be notified. Although the father is a man, I feel he should be notified, especially if he is paying for it. If the lady is not living with her father or not close with him, it should not be required. But I think that it is necessary.
Illinois's abortion laws do not do enough to protect the safety of women getting abortions enough. Also, it makes rules against certain people getting abortion counseling and rights. Illinois has some laws supporting both sides of abortion. I disagree with all the laws that prevent women from choosing or that try and convince them out of what they are doing. There are insurance issues too.Women should all have the right to choose. Abortions should be more accessable to women, many of the laws make it harder for women to go through with the process and less safe. I do agree with abortion being legal in Illinois. Also, they allow for emergency contraception. It is accessable to low income women. I think the laws need to be adjusted a little in order to reduce any guilt and forceful measures in this important and emotional decision.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Death Penalty #3
There are several stages that help out the defendants and that are meant to work in their favor. The guilt phase trial assures the defendant a qualified group of jury people. This stage also allows for the defendant to give or present evidence to rebut the evidence being used for prosecution. This stage also ensures that the defendant is in fact innocent until they are proven guilty. A closing statement is given to ask the jury and judge to consider their evidence. Also, this stage also states that guilt must be proved beyond reasonable doubt. Also, in the case mitigating circumstances are facts given in favor of the defendant to help reduce the penalty. This is part of the Penalty Phase trial. The defendant can also appeal. They can directly appeal by getting another trial, petitioning, and taking measures to try and reverse the decision. Also, a post-conviction allows the defendant to take further steps in changing the sentence. Clemency also can help reduce the punishment of the defendant. This process is not enough to determine putting someone to death. Although there are many ways to appeal a case, these opportunities are rarely ever granted. Also, executing for reasons beyond reasonable doubt is not a specific enough circumstance.
The methods of the death penalty are inhumane. They are all killing people that could have been sentenced to life in prison. The death penalty is hypocritical because America values life, and yet is willing to strip the lives of these people from them. All of the methods should be considered cruel and unusual under the Eighth Amendment because death as a punishment is cruel and unusual against all the America stands for. All of these methods go to unnecessary measures to make the deaths of these people more brutal. Instead of one man shooting a place guaranteed to kill the person in the method of firing squad, there are five men and they all aim for their target which is the heart. Also, it would be extremely inappropriate to use gas chambers as a method of killing for the death penalty. This was a main method used during the Holocaust and it is utterly disrespectful to use this method after that. If the death penalty absolutely must be used, although I don't agree with it, lethal injection is the most humane of the inhumane methods. This is the only one form of killing that would ft the requirements of not being as cruel or unusual under the Eighth Amendment. This is because it does not go to unnecessary measures to make a bloody and gruesome death. They inject shots and then they pass away. I never feel it is okay to inflict the death penalty upon anybody.
According to all of these charts, there are about 3x the amount of people on death row than that are actually executed as of 2008. This shows that waiting for the execution date is a long, agonizing process. This shows that someone people were granted pardons or were able to appeal. Fourteen states do not use the death penalty. These states tend to be more north or northeastern, other than New Mexico. Most at first, used the method of hanging (before the reinstatement). Most states currently use the method of lethal injection. Hanging is now the least common method of killing for the death penalty. The most people on death row and the most executions seem to be in the south. Texas, California, and Florida have large numbers for both the amount of people on death row and the amount of people executed. The policies about the death penalty are very similar in the south. Most seem to have life without parole and the juries decide the sentence. Most of the people on death row and executed were either black or white. Blacks killing whites seemed to be taken much more seriously than a case in which a black person was a victim. Very few Asians, Native Americans, and Latinos are on death row or executed. Women are hardly put on death row or executed. The murder rates are much higher in places with more people on death row and executions. There is clearly issues and discrimination in this process. The amount of men and women executed is an absurd difference. The standards for men and women, and punishments are much different in terms of the way they are dealt with and how harsh they are. It is not fair that black murderers who kill white victims are more likely to be put up for the death penalty than whites. This shows injustice in the system. If the system is not equal among all it is not constitutional and the death penalty should not be allowed.
These charts and this information explained and gave more specific statistics and facts about all of the statements above. It gives proof that blacks who kill whites will have much more serious cases and much more severe punishments than whites who kill blacks. There were 246 black men executed for killing whites, and 15 whites for killing blacks. Most (75%) of the victims in death penalty cases were white even though, nationally 50% are white victims. This shows that white victims are more likely to get a black person on trial for the death penalty than the reversed situation. This further demonstrates the injustice of the death penalty system due to discrimination. Also, of the chief justice attorneys 98% of them are white. The death penalty cost way more than putting someone in prison for life. It cost millions per execution. Enforcing the death penalty also costs several million dollars. An alarming amount of taxpayer's money goes to the death penalty. The public is almost equally divided on supporting or not supporting the death penalty. The point of view of the information center is that the death penalty does not reduce or deter people from committing violent crimes. It also the least efficient place for taxpayer's money to be going.This is a convincing argument but I would like to see the specific studies and places they got their information to see how realistic their facts are.
The methods of the death penalty are inhumane. They are all killing people that could have been sentenced to life in prison. The death penalty is hypocritical because America values life, and yet is willing to strip the lives of these people from them. All of the methods should be considered cruel and unusual under the Eighth Amendment because death as a punishment is cruel and unusual against all the America stands for. All of these methods go to unnecessary measures to make the deaths of these people more brutal. Instead of one man shooting a place guaranteed to kill the person in the method of firing squad, there are five men and they all aim for their target which is the heart. Also, it would be extremely inappropriate to use gas chambers as a method of killing for the death penalty. This was a main method used during the Holocaust and it is utterly disrespectful to use this method after that. If the death penalty absolutely must be used, although I don't agree with it, lethal injection is the most humane of the inhumane methods. This is the only one form of killing that would ft the requirements of not being as cruel or unusual under the Eighth Amendment. This is because it does not go to unnecessary measures to make a bloody and gruesome death. They inject shots and then they pass away. I never feel it is okay to inflict the death penalty upon anybody.
According to all of these charts, there are about 3x the amount of people on death row than that are actually executed as of 2008. This shows that waiting for the execution date is a long, agonizing process. This shows that someone people were granted pardons or were able to appeal. Fourteen states do not use the death penalty. These states tend to be more north or northeastern, other than New Mexico. Most at first, used the method of hanging (before the reinstatement). Most states currently use the method of lethal injection. Hanging is now the least common method of killing for the death penalty. The most people on death row and the most executions seem to be in the south. Texas, California, and Florida have large numbers for both the amount of people on death row and the amount of people executed. The policies about the death penalty are very similar in the south. Most seem to have life without parole and the juries decide the sentence. Most of the people on death row and executed were either black or white. Blacks killing whites seemed to be taken much more seriously than a case in which a black person was a victim. Very few Asians, Native Americans, and Latinos are on death row or executed. Women are hardly put on death row or executed. The murder rates are much higher in places with more people on death row and executions. There is clearly issues and discrimination in this process. The amount of men and women executed is an absurd difference. The standards for men and women, and punishments are much different in terms of the way they are dealt with and how harsh they are. It is not fair that black murderers who kill white victims are more likely to be put up for the death penalty than whites. This shows injustice in the system. If the system is not equal among all it is not constitutional and the death penalty should not be allowed.
These charts and this information explained and gave more specific statistics and facts about all of the statements above. It gives proof that blacks who kill whites will have much more serious cases and much more severe punishments than whites who kill blacks. There were 246 black men executed for killing whites, and 15 whites for killing blacks. Most (75%) of the victims in death penalty cases were white even though, nationally 50% are white victims. This shows that white victims are more likely to get a black person on trial for the death penalty than the reversed situation. This further demonstrates the injustice of the death penalty system due to discrimination. Also, of the chief justice attorneys 98% of them are white. The death penalty cost way more than putting someone in prison for life. It cost millions per execution. Enforcing the death penalty also costs several million dollars. An alarming amount of taxpayer's money goes to the death penalty. The public is almost equally divided on supporting or not supporting the death penalty. The point of view of the information center is that the death penalty does not reduce or deter people from committing violent crimes. It also the least efficient place for taxpayer's money to be going.This is a convincing argument but I would like to see the specific studies and places they got their information to see how realistic their facts are.
Death Penalty #3
There are several stages that help out the defendants and that are meant to work in their favor. The guilt phase trial assures the defendant a qualified group of jury people. This stage also allows for the defendant to give or present evidence to rebut the evidence being used for prosecution. This stage also ensures that the defendant is in fact innocent until they are proven guilty. A closing statement is given to ask the jury and judge to consider their evidence. Also, this stage also states that guilt must be proved beyond reasonable doubt. Also, in the case mitigating circumstances are facts given in favor of the defendant to help reduce the penalty. This is part of the Penalty Phase trial. The defendant can also appeal. They can directly appeal by getting another trial, petitioning, and taking measures to try and reverse the decision. Also, a post-conviction allows the defendant to take further steps in changing the sentence. Clemency also can help reduce the punishment of the defendant. This process is not enough to determine putting someone to death. Although there are many ways to appeal a case, these opportunities are rarely ever granted. Also, executing for reasons beyond reasonable doubt is not a specific enough circumstance.
The methods of the death penalty are inhumane. They are all killing people that could have been sentenced to life in prison. The death penalty is hypocritical because America values life, and yet is willing to strip the lives of these people from them. All of the methods should be considered cruel and unusual under the Eighth Amendment because death as a punishment is cruel and unusual against all the America stands for. All of these methods go to unnecessary measures to make the deaths of these people more brutal. Instead of one man shooting a place guaranteed to kill the person in the method of firing squad, there are five men and they all aim for their target which is the heart. Also, it would be extremely inappropriate to use gas chambers as a method of killing for the death penalty. This was a main method used during the Holocaust and it is utterly disrespectful to use this method after that. If the death penalty absolutely must be used, although I don't agree with it, lethal injection is the most humane of the inhumane methods. This is the only one form of killing that would ft the requirements of not being as cruel or unusual under the Eighth Amendment. This is because it does not go to unnecessary measures to make a bloody and gruesome death. They inject shots and then they pass away. I never feel it is okay to inflict the death penalty upon anybody.
According to all of these charts, there are about 3x the amount of people on death row than that are actually executed as of 2008. This shows that waiting for the execution date is a long, agonizing process. This shows that someone people were granted pardons or were able to appeal. Fourteen states do not use the death penalty. These states tend to be more north or northeastern, other than New Mexico. Most at first, used the method of hanging (before the reinstatement). Most states currently use the method of lethal injection. Hanging is now the least common method of killing for the death penalty. The most people on death row and the most executions seem to be in the south. Texas, California, and Florida have large numbers for both the amount of people on death row and the amount of people executed. The policies about the death penalty are very similar in the south. Most seem to have life without parole and the juries decide the sentence. Most of the people on death row and executed were either black or white. Blacks killing whites seemed to be taken much more seriously than a case in which a black person was a victim. Very few Asians, Native Americans, and Latinos are on death row or executed. Women are hardly put on death row or executed. The murder rates are much higher in places with more people on death row and executions. There is clearly issues and discrimination in this process. The amount of men and women executed is an absurd difference. The standards for men and women, and punishments are much different in terms of the way they are dealt with and how harsh they are. It is not fair that black murderers who kill white victims are more likely to be put up for the death penalty than whites. This shows injustice in the system. If the system is not equal among all it is not constitutional and the death penalty should not be allowed.
These charts and this information explained and gave more specific statistics and facts about all of the statements above. It gives proof that blacks who kill whites will have much more serious cases and much more severe punishments than whites who kill blacks. There were 246 black men executed for killing whites, and 15 whites for killing blacks. Most (75%) of the victims in death penalty cases were white even though, nationally 50% are white victims. This shows that white victims are more likely to get a black person on trial for the death penalty than the reversed situation. This further demonstrates the injustice of the death penalty system due to discrimination. Also, of the chief justice attorneys 98% of them are white. The death penalty cost way more than putting someone in prison for life. It cost millions per execution. Enforcing the death penalty also costs several million dollars. An alarming amount of taxpayer's money goes to the death penalty. The public is almost equally divided on supporting or not supporting the death penalty. The point of view of the information center is that the death penalty does not reduce or deter people from committing violent crimes. It also the least efficient place for taxpayer's money to be going.This is a convincing argument but I would like to see the specific studies and places they got their information to see how realistic their facts are.
The methods of the death penalty are inhumane. They are all killing people that could have been sentenced to life in prison. The death penalty is hypocritical because America values life, and yet is willing to strip the lives of these people from them. All of the methods should be considered cruel and unusual under the Eighth Amendment because death as a punishment is cruel and unusual against all the America stands for. All of these methods go to unnecessary measures to make the deaths of these people more brutal. Instead of one man shooting a place guaranteed to kill the person in the method of firing squad, there are five men and they all aim for their target which is the heart. Also, it would be extremely inappropriate to use gas chambers as a method of killing for the death penalty. This was a main method used during the Holocaust and it is utterly disrespectful to use this method after that. If the death penalty absolutely must be used, although I don't agree with it, lethal injection is the most humane of the inhumane methods. This is the only one form of killing that would ft the requirements of not being as cruel or unusual under the Eighth Amendment. This is because it does not go to unnecessary measures to make a bloody and gruesome death. They inject shots and then they pass away. I never feel it is okay to inflict the death penalty upon anybody.
According to all of these charts, there are about 3x the amount of people on death row than that are actually executed as of 2008. This shows that waiting for the execution date is a long, agonizing process. This shows that someone people were granted pardons or were able to appeal. Fourteen states do not use the death penalty. These states tend to be more north or northeastern, other than New Mexico. Most at first, used the method of hanging (before the reinstatement). Most states currently use the method of lethal injection. Hanging is now the least common method of killing for the death penalty. The most people on death row and the most executions seem to be in the south. Texas, California, and Florida have large numbers for both the amount of people on death row and the amount of people executed. The policies about the death penalty are very similar in the south. Most seem to have life without parole and the juries decide the sentence. Most of the people on death row and executed were either black or white. Blacks killing whites seemed to be taken much more seriously than a case in which a black person was a victim. Very few Asians, Native Americans, and Latinos are on death row or executed. Women are hardly put on death row or executed. The murder rates are much higher in places with more people on death row and executions. There is clearly issues and discrimination in this process. The amount of men and women executed is an absurd difference. The standards for men and women, and punishments are much different in terms of the way they are dealt with and how harsh they are. It is not fair that black murderers who kill white victims are more likely to be put up for the death penalty than whites. This shows injustice in the system. If the system is not equal among all it is not constitutional and the death penalty should not be allowed.
These charts and this information explained and gave more specific statistics and facts about all of the statements above. It gives proof that blacks who kill whites will have much more serious cases and much more severe punishments than whites who kill blacks. There were 246 black men executed for killing whites, and 15 whites for killing blacks. Most (75%) of the victims in death penalty cases were white even though, nationally 50% are white victims. This shows that white victims are more likely to get a black person on trial for the death penalty than the reversed situation. This further demonstrates the injustice of the death penalty system due to discrimination. Also, of the chief justice attorneys 98% of them are white. The death penalty cost way more than putting someone in prison for life. It cost millions per execution. Enforcing the death penalty also costs several million dollars. An alarming amount of taxpayer's money goes to the death penalty. The public is almost equally divided on supporting or not supporting the death penalty. The point of view of the information center is that the death penalty does not reduce or deter people from committing violent crimes. It also the least efficient place for taxpayer's money to be going.This is a convincing argument but I would like to see the specific studies and places they got their information to see how realistic their facts are.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Death Penalty Movie Response
I am not a supporter of the death penalty. I do not think a country that values life so much should be condoning the death penalty. It is hypacritical. Boggess's execution confused and tore me on the issue. He murdered two innocent old men in order to get money. When killing them he did some overkill because a part of him enjoyed it and he was proud to be brutal. He bragged about his killing. He also said he was "mentally aware" while he was doing his killing. He haunted these men's families and friends and ruined their lives. He threatened Pheobe, his girlfriend, that if she ever told anyone he would kill her. She ended up turning him in as anyone should. He was emotionless without a care in the world. He was crazy. These reasons are all what made me feel that he should be punished with the death penalty. He felt no remorce and therefore, was not a safe human to be on this planet.
On the other hand, he was a changed man during his time on death row. He became very involved in religion. He learned that he must come to terms with what he did and tell the truth. He admitted to sobbing about what he had done to these men and essentially knowing that they felt his remorce and forgave him for his brutality. He became humble. He also had a rough childhood which led to many of the issues that drove him to insanity. He was an orphan and never met his mom. He was always pretty isolated in his town. He had intense nightmares. He was sent away and never truly felt part of his family. The little boy inside him was wonderful. He was a great student, went to church, was an athlete, he was smart, sweet, and an extremely talented musician, as well as artist. He did what he could to make it up to these families, even though obviously nothing would bring their loved ones back. I do believe because of the horrible crimes he comitted he does deserve life in prison, but I am still torn about whether or not his life should have been stripped of him. Normally I oppose the death penalty 100 percent, but this case is so complex that it is hard to say what exactly the proper punishment was.
On the other hand, he was a changed man during his time on death row. He became very involved in religion. He learned that he must come to terms with what he did and tell the truth. He admitted to sobbing about what he had done to these men and essentially knowing that they felt his remorce and forgave him for his brutality. He became humble. He also had a rough childhood which led to many of the issues that drove him to insanity. He was an orphan and never met his mom. He was always pretty isolated in his town. He had intense nightmares. He was sent away and never truly felt part of his family. The little boy inside him was wonderful. He was a great student, went to church, was an athlete, he was smart, sweet, and an extremely talented musician, as well as artist. He did what he could to make it up to these families, even though obviously nothing would bring their loved ones back. I do believe because of the horrible crimes he comitted he does deserve life in prison, but I am still torn about whether or not his life should have been stripped of him. Normally I oppose the death penalty 100 percent, but this case is so complex that it is hard to say what exactly the proper punishment was.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Bullying Response
Jamie Nobozny's case really struck me. I could not believe someone was really bullied to that extent. I bet plenty of people were gay in that town, yet, poor Jamie was the chosen target for bullies. Being gay is a sexual orientation people are born with. To some, being gay is shameful because that is the belief of their religion. In truth, being gay does not define someone, it is just part of them. It is not a sickness and not contagious. Nothing is wrong with Jamie. These kids were too immature to accept anyone who was different from them. I thought the kids should have harsh consequences, and especially the one who beat him so bad he had to get surgery. The most shocking part was when a former bully, now in jail, went up to the stand. He admitted to all the bullying he had done to Jamie. This made me happy, even though the stuff he did to him was vulgar and hard to listen to, because now he was able to in a way make up for some of the things he did by being honest and helping Jamie win his case. When Jamie won I was proud and happy for him.
Jeffrey Johnston broke up with a girl in 7th grade, just as many had in their lifetimes. As a result, he was bullied continuously for the next few years. He was bullied online and someone hacked onto his video game and made horrible comments. He grew his hair long only to help out the chairty, Locks of Love. He was also very tall and got bullied for that as well. As a result of the constant bullying, he hanged himself at age 15. Currently, there is a website in his memory helping give resources and helps to make the school environment safe for students. It especially focuses on the dangers of bully and provides ways to help kids. There was a "Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for Students Act" in Florida made in his memory which demands schools make rules to stop bullying and have anti-bullying policies. His mom speaks to schools about her son to try and prevent this from happening to anyone else.
I have not seen bullying at DHS to be a problem. There is only one specific incident I can recall. I remember when I was a freshamn or sophmore these older kids were being rude to this boy in my grade. This boy is one who sort of picks fights and is a little controversial. Yet, he is very nice. This boy was arguing with these kids calmly and one spit on his face. It was disgusting. I remember I said out loud in front of them that was uncalled for and went over to the kid and asked if he was okay. He was fine but I still thought I should make sure. Other than that incident, I do not remember much bullying. Of course, there are pep rally and days like that where seniors go crazy and joke around to younger kids, but that is all in good fun. It does not go much beyond that. On a typical school day, I never see bullying. I never see cyberbullying either. I talked to Dean Chamberlain because I asked if that really goes on, and he told me I'd be surprised how often it really does go on.
I think DHS should have a "Challenge Day." As dumb as the show in general seemed, this day actually sounds like a good idea. It would be a way to unite the school. The school is not too cliquey or segreated but, in general, people tend to stick within their own groups. Although this is fine, people should all get to know each other. People judge and make assumptions all the time without even knowing people or what has happened to them. I think everyone should have an experience like that at least once in their lives.
Jeffrey Johnston broke up with a girl in 7th grade, just as many had in their lifetimes. As a result, he was bullied continuously for the next few years. He was bullied online and someone hacked onto his video game and made horrible comments. He grew his hair long only to help out the chairty, Locks of Love. He was also very tall and got bullied for that as well. As a result of the constant bullying, he hanged himself at age 15. Currently, there is a website in his memory helping give resources and helps to make the school environment safe for students. It especially focuses on the dangers of bully and provides ways to help kids. There was a "Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for Students Act" in Florida made in his memory which demands schools make rules to stop bullying and have anti-bullying policies. His mom speaks to schools about her son to try and prevent this from happening to anyone else.
I have not seen bullying at DHS to be a problem. There is only one specific incident I can recall. I remember when I was a freshamn or sophmore these older kids were being rude to this boy in my grade. This boy is one who sort of picks fights and is a little controversial. Yet, he is very nice. This boy was arguing with these kids calmly and one spit on his face. It was disgusting. I remember I said out loud in front of them that was uncalled for and went over to the kid and asked if he was okay. He was fine but I still thought I should make sure. Other than that incident, I do not remember much bullying. Of course, there are pep rally and days like that where seniors go crazy and joke around to younger kids, but that is all in good fun. It does not go much beyond that. On a typical school day, I never see bullying. I never see cyberbullying either. I talked to Dean Chamberlain because I asked if that really goes on, and he told me I'd be surprised how often it really does go on.
I think DHS should have a "Challenge Day." As dumb as the show in general seemed, this day actually sounds like a good idea. It would be a way to unite the school. The school is not too cliquey or segreated but, in general, people tend to stick within their own groups. Although this is fine, people should all get to know each other. People judge and make assumptions all the time without even knowing people or what has happened to them. I think everyone should have an experience like that at least once in their lives.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Class Discussion- Drug Testing
The other day in class we got punked. We were told Deerfield was going to make everyone involved in extracurricular activities take a Drug test. I had mixed feelings about this information. I thought this would help the drug problem in the school, and that is a positive. At the same time, I felt this was to an extent, a violation of privacy rights. I also felt that if some people should have to drug test, it is only fair that the rest of the school should too. I do not agree with the privacy invasion of how the test is conducted. I do not think it is necessary for people to stand and listen to other people's business. There is no trust if people think that these students would do something to alter the test. At the same time, this policy would help encourage people not to do drugs. This would be great, but many people would quit extracurricular activities in order to continue their drug usage. Also, if one school is required to drug test they all should be. It is not right to single out one school when every other school has these same problems. If one school is drug free playing a team full of kids on steroids the game is no longer fair. All or none should be required to drug test. I think it may be best to leave drug testing to the police and keep it out of the school's hands. I have mixed feelings about this policy.
Fourth Amendment Rights
Fourth Amendment rights are and should be reduced in a school setting. This should be done to protect the privacy and students as well as the safety of the school. School is a protected environment. A search in school is allowed as long as it is "reasonable." I think that this policy is okay and students may be searched with reasonable suspicion, but drug testing must be left to the police. The school has no business drug testing students. Drug testing students goes beyond privacy rights. As we learned in class during the debate, drug testing can seriously alter student and teacher relationships. If a teacher was involved in the test or a part of it, this realtionship could become awkward and uncomfortable. If this teacher suggested the test the student may hate the teacher. It is not the teachers place or responsibility to suggest a drug test. The teacher should talk to the student or go about the issues without violating their privacy. On one hand, it makes sense to drug test athletes and make sure their is nothing being taken to enhance performance or harm them. But if one group of people is tested, it is only fair to test everyone in the school. That becomes a violation of rights. It has been argued by respondants that these tests are said to be confidential, but don't do a good job guarenteeing this. "...the intrusion on students' privacy is significant necause the policy fails to protect effectively against the diclosure of confidential information...the school has been careless in protecting the information..."(pink sheet). This shows that student rights are violated. This test does not have guarenteed privacy. Becasue of this, students should not have to be drug tested in schools. This is the police's job, the school must stay out of this. It is one thing to call the police and have them do it, but another to invade privacy and conduct it themselves.
In the case of the searched cell phone at Pennsylvania high school, a students cell phone was searched. This device is private. As long as no one is being harmed, her cell phone is her own business. On the phone the administrators found nude pictures. This student's rights were violated because those pictures were not intended to be shown and distributed. This is a violation of this girl's privacy. It was okay for the teacher to take the phone when she was using it innapropriately in class. Searching the phone was the action that took everything to a whole new level. Alot of private information is stored on cell phones. If there was a major life or death situation, in which it would be a good idea to search the phone to save lives, a cell phone should never be searched. There was no reasonable suspicion, probable cause, or reasonableness to search the phone. This was wrong of the principal. The principal would not want a student to see these types of pictures if them, but the feelings are mutual. It is uncomfortable and disgusting that the principal has now seen these pictures, and the principal's own fault. This was a serious violation of privacy and Fourth Amendment Rights.
In the case of the searched cell phone at Pennsylvania high school, a students cell phone was searched. This device is private. As long as no one is being harmed, her cell phone is her own business. On the phone the administrators found nude pictures. This student's rights were violated because those pictures were not intended to be shown and distributed. This is a violation of this girl's privacy. It was okay for the teacher to take the phone when she was using it innapropriately in class. Searching the phone was the action that took everything to a whole new level. Alot of private information is stored on cell phones. If there was a major life or death situation, in which it would be a good idea to search the phone to save lives, a cell phone should never be searched. There was no reasonable suspicion, probable cause, or reasonableness to search the phone. This was wrong of the principal. The principal would not want a student to see these types of pictures if them, but the feelings are mutual. It is uncomfortable and disgusting that the principal has now seen these pictures, and the principal's own fault. This was a serious violation of privacy and Fourth Amendment Rights.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Freedom of Religion
People are very divided on their views of freedom of religion. As shown in the charts, people strongly agree with some things that my be offensive to other people yet, they strongly disagree with very similar sitautions. For example, people think it is more than okay for rappers to say whatever offensive language that they want to put in their lyrics. On the other hand, the majortiy of people believed there should be no consequences for what people say or do outside of school that may offend a person and their religion. This shows that peoples beliefs about freedom of religion vary due to society. People are used to rappers saying harsh lingo and offensive language so in their eyes it is alright for that to continue and it is not violating anyone's rights. I think peers making harsh remarks or offending someones religion is much more hurtful, even if it is off of school grounds. Although I do agree that administrators should not be able to punish people for what they do out of school, strongly agreeing with one of these statements and stronglying disagreeing with the other is a complete contradiction of ones self.
I also read about religious clubs. There was an Equal Access Law Pass to prevent "widespread discrimination" in schools. If one club should be allowed to practice religion in school so should another. One is not better than the other. As long as the freedom of religion is not abused or disrupting the peace in the school it must be allowed and apply to every religion.
I also read about religious clubs. There was an Equal Access Law Pass to prevent "widespread discrimination" in schools. If one club should be allowed to practice religion in school so should another. One is not better than the other. As long as the freedom of religion is not abused or disrupting the peace in the school it must be allowed and apply to every religion.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
911 Documentary
This Documentary makes me recall my vivid memory of September 11, 2001. The horror, the cries, and the confusion from that day is unforgettable. This attack was something that blind-sided all of America. America was forever scarred. People were lost and security was majorly increased. I remember where I was, what I said, what was said to me, what I felt, and what I did that day. I was sitting at my counter and my mom gave me breakfast. We were watching the news and all of the sudden it was interrupted by the second plane smashing into the building. My mom and I were in shock. As a third grader I had no clue what exactly had just happened. I went to my bus stop in disbelief that there was a detrimental crash. At school we were made aware of the situation and had a moment of silence. I remember having indoor recess and no one really understood the extent of what had happened yet. When I got home it was all over the news. I am sad when others are upset or hurt, so immediately my shock turned into a desperate need to help and pure sadness for all those people who lost their lives, people that had lost love ones, and those who lost everything due to this attack. This attack was an unforgivable one. If this attack affected me the way it did from thousands of miles away, I can't imagine how the people who were personally affected felt. This documentary gave me a sense of how New Yorkers dealt with the attack. They became more unified than ever. They came together to lend a helping hand to one another and get each other through the rough times. This brought warmth to my heart. People opening up to one another is key to a great nation. On the other hand, all of the individual personal stories talked about broke my heart. Very few people didn't know someone killed in this incident. The kids in this movie stuck out to me the most. They seemed very intelligent and although they were younger they had real and raw emotions on the situation. They were full of pure anger and dislike for the people responsible. This movie reminded me how angry I am about 911.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Speech Codes
Speech codes are necessary in order to protect student's rights of speech. The First Amendment ensures freedom of speech. Speech codes regulate what may be said and how things may be expressed because people stretch and interpret their first amendment rights too loosely many times. Any action or speech that makes someone feel uncomfortable and unsafe should be prohibited. People pay good money to attend universities and have the right to learned in a peaceful environment. There was a case in Auburn, Alabama where people dressed up and mock people because of their race. This is not acceptable. I agree with the University of Michigan's policy reguarding this issue. The policy prohibits "Any behavior, verbal or physical,...that victimizes an individual on the basis of race,ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation,creed...and that... creates an intimidating, hostile, or demeaning environment for educational pursuits, employment or participation in University sponsored extra-curricular activities." Those who disturb the peace should have consequences. No one is any better than anyone else. Everyone is equal and should be treated with respect. There is always the case where rules are too strict and violating people's freedom of speech, but it is better to have too many rules ensuring peace and adjusting so that everyone feels free and not too limited, than allowing people to be hurt and discriminated against for unjust reasons.
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