This week as I was traveling for work, I had my first experience having a full body scan done, courtesy of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). After all the uproar I had heard about whether or not it should be considered a violation of one’s privacy, the process itself was quite simple. I’m not sure what made them pull me out of line for the body scan while my co-workers went through the regular metal detectors. Regardless, I was happy they did. I was all done in about 10 seconds, while my fellow passengers were stuck waiting in line, and being further delayed by items passengers forgot to remove, invariably setting off the alarms.
As I sat on the bench collecting my stuff and putting my shoes back on, I paid notice to flutter of activity going on all around me. One gentleman, who went through the metal detectors with no problem, was asked to step aside while TSA officials wiped his hands with what I can only assume to be an explosive trace detection swab. He was then asked to wait while they took the swab somewhere else to “analyze” it. An elderly woman who was in a wheelchair was wanded and patted down by security officials and then asked to stand up with assistance from the TSA officials and a cane for the full body scan. I wondered how necessary it was to perform multiple security checks on a physically challenged elderly individual. A mother coming through with a young baby wreaked such havoc on the system you would’ve though Osama bin Laden was coming through the checkpoint himself. We all know of the numerous new security measure TSA has put into place since September 11th, but I was staring to wonder has all that time and money gone to waste? Are we scanning and searching the wrong people?
A recent Washington Post – ABC news poll showed 70% of Americans would support the TSA profiling people and using available information about passengers to determine who gets selected for extra security screening at the airports. Of those 70%, 32% favor taking gender into account, 39% favor taking religion into account, 40% favor taking race into account, 50% favor taking a passenger’s personal appearance into account and 86% favor taking a passengers behavior at the airport into account. Currently, the TSA does have enhanced screening procedures for U.S.-bound travelers, traveling from “state sponsors of terrorism, or other countries of interest” including, Pakistan, Yemen and Nigeria. TSA has yet to admit to any form of profiling passengers on domestic flights as all the September 11th flights were. Critics of profiling say the practice is discriminatory and goes against the American ideal of being judged on the content of your character.
So my question to you this week is “Do you think the TSA should profile certain people to determine who gets selected for extra security screening? If so, what characteristics should they use? If no, why not?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, May 31st, 2011. Happy Memorial Day – enjoy the day off!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Change is A-Comin', Oh Yes!
Last week, I happened to get home early enough to see that Oprah was celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Freedom Ride with an audience full of original activists. Some of you may have never heard of the freedom riders, but rest assured, our world would not exist as we know it today without their courageous actions.
In the spring and summer of 1961, 436 “Freedom Riders”, boarded buses in protest of segregation laws. The group consisted of blacks, whites, males and females, both young and old. Their plan was to buy bus tickets in Washington D.C. bound for New Orleans. Along the way they would test federal laws prohibiting segregation by having African Americans ride in the front of the bus and by sitting in “whites only” waiting rooms. The riders were trained to be nonviolent and prepared to be met with violence. As the first wave of buses crossed the Alabama state line, they were surrounded by a KKK led mob which threatened them with metal pipes, clubs and chains. They slashed the bus tires, set the bus on fire, and blocked the doors in an attempt to kill everyone on board. After the fuel tank exploded, many people ran off as the riders struggled to get fresh air. Many freedom riders were savagely beaten and left for dead. Others were imprisoned and tortured for months.
On September 22, 1961 the Interstate Commerce Commission issued an order that all segregation signs be removed from bus and rail stations in the South. The Freedom Riders had won. You can check out an inspirational video in which the original riders explain why they got on the bus, here: http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Freedom-Riders-on-Why-They-Got-on-the-Bus-Video/topic/oprahshow
I knew about the Freedom Riders long before I saw the Oprah show last week. However, watching the show made me realize just how much they had sacrificed for what the cause they believed in. I’m not sure if we have that same kind of willingness to change the world today. So this week, in honor of the Freedom Riders, I’m asking you the same questions Oprah challenged her viewers to answer, “What do you see wrong with the world today? What could you do to help change it?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, May 24th, 2011. Please note that you have an extra week to post your answer because I will be out of town May 16th – May 19th. I may not have access to email, but I will be available by phone or text if you have any questions. P.S. I absolutely loved your blog responses from last week. You made me proud! Keep up the great exchange of information!
P.P.S. One thing you could do to help change our world it vote! On a recent quiz, many of you stated that you weren't registered. You can now register online in just a few easy steps. Make a difference! Register today here: https://indianavoters.in.gov/PublicSite/PublicMain.aspx
In the spring and summer of 1961, 436 “Freedom Riders”, boarded buses in protest of segregation laws. The group consisted of blacks, whites, males and females, both young and old. Their plan was to buy bus tickets in Washington D.C. bound for New Orleans. Along the way they would test federal laws prohibiting segregation by having African Americans ride in the front of the bus and by sitting in “whites only” waiting rooms. The riders were trained to be nonviolent and prepared to be met with violence. As the first wave of buses crossed the Alabama state line, they were surrounded by a KKK led mob which threatened them with metal pipes, clubs and chains. They slashed the bus tires, set the bus on fire, and blocked the doors in an attempt to kill everyone on board. After the fuel tank exploded, many people ran off as the riders struggled to get fresh air. Many freedom riders were savagely beaten and left for dead. Others were imprisoned and tortured for months.
On September 22, 1961 the Interstate Commerce Commission issued an order that all segregation signs be removed from bus and rail stations in the South. The Freedom Riders had won. You can check out an inspirational video in which the original riders explain why they got on the bus, here: http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Freedom-Riders-on-Why-They-Got-on-the-Bus-Video/topic/oprahshow
I knew about the Freedom Riders long before I saw the Oprah show last week. However, watching the show made me realize just how much they had sacrificed for what the cause they believed in. I’m not sure if we have that same kind of willingness to change the world today. So this week, in honor of the Freedom Riders, I’m asking you the same questions Oprah challenged her viewers to answer, “What do you see wrong with the world today? What could you do to help change it?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, May 24th, 2011. Please note that you have an extra week to post your answer because I will be out of town May 16th – May 19th. I may not have access to email, but I will be available by phone or text if you have any questions. P.S. I absolutely loved your blog responses from last week. You made me proud! Keep up the great exchange of information!
P.P.S. One thing you could do to help change our world it vote! On a recent quiz, many of you stated that you weren't registered. You can now register online in just a few easy steps. Make a difference! Register today here: https://indianavoters.in.gov/PublicSite/PublicMain.aspx
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Checkmate: Osama bin Laden Killed
By now, we have all heard the news regarding the capture and killing of Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the September 11th attacks on the United States. I admit that when I first heard the news, I did feel a sigh of relief. Now I am not naïve enough to think his death represents the end of terrorism. Terrorism comes from hate and ignorance and the death of one man is not going to stop that. Rather, my feeling of relief came more from feeling that our long national nightmare is over. Ever since September 11th, it has seemed like our country has been in one long downslide. From a war that seemed to not have an end in sight, to our economy collapsing, it seemed to me that it all began around the time those planes crashed into the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania on that clear September morning.
Once the news had been confirmed by President Obama, Americans began literally celebrating in the streets. Americans flooded Ground Zero and the area surrounding the White House waving signs, American flags and singing the national anthem. I can understand how some people feel this way. Osama bin Laden and his network are responsible for the biggest national tragedy we have ever had on American soil. However, it crossed my mind that celebrating in this way may be the very thing that fuels people like Osama bin Laden in the first place. I flashed back to the pictures of people in the Middle East cheering when the towers fell and how sick that made me feel. It made me wonder just how the rest of the world was viewing us.
So my question to you this week is, “Do you think it is appropriate for Americans to publicly celebrate the death of Osama bin Laden? Do you think it helps or hurts our fight against the war of terror?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, May 10th 2011. For all the mothers out there – Happy Mother’s Day! To all of you who lost loves ones in the September 11th attacks or the war on terror, may you feel a sense of peace and closure. For those of you who have served in the arms forces – thank you!
Once the news had been confirmed by President Obama, Americans began literally celebrating in the streets. Americans flooded Ground Zero and the area surrounding the White House waving signs, American flags and singing the national anthem. I can understand how some people feel this way. Osama bin Laden and his network are responsible for the biggest national tragedy we have ever had on American soil. However, it crossed my mind that celebrating in this way may be the very thing that fuels people like Osama bin Laden in the first place. I flashed back to the pictures of people in the Middle East cheering when the towers fell and how sick that made me feel. It made me wonder just how the rest of the world was viewing us.
So my question to you this week is, “Do you think it is appropriate for Americans to publicly celebrate the death of Osama bin Laden? Do you think it helps or hurts our fight against the war of terror?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, May 10th 2011. For all the mothers out there – Happy Mother’s Day! To all of you who lost loves ones in the September 11th attacks or the war on terror, may you feel a sense of peace and closure. For those of you who have served in the arms forces – thank you!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Planes, Trains and Pink Nail Polish?
Last quarter, I watched a documentary series of transgendered children. The issue became of such interest to me that I blogged about it and your fellow students debated whether or not they thought it was appropriate to raise a child as another gender. You can read through my blog and their comments here: http://historicalandpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/2011/02/when-harry-became-hailey.html
So, a few weeks ago when I saw a J.Crew advertisement getting tons of negative feedback, I knew it would be great follow up on this topic. The advertisement sparking the controversy shows J.Crew designer Jenna Lyon’s painting her young son’s toenails neon pink. While many people saw absolutely no problem with it, others started complaining immediately. You can check out a Today Show video showing the advertisement and people’s comments here: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/#42569002 According to the Media Research Center the ad is “blatant propaganda celebrating transgendered children”. The Culture and Media Institute stated, “One has to wonder what young boys in pink nail polish have to do with selling women’s clothing”.
That really got me thinking. I myself have stated that I would not want to raise my children with the traditional concepts of gender roles. My nursery won’t be pink or blue, my daughter can take out the trash and my son can help with the laundry. That being said, I did wonder, “What does painting your son’s toes pink have to do with selling women’s clothing?” So my question to you this week is two-fold. First, “What do you think of a mom painting her son’s toes pink? Do you think it is important to raise your kids according to society’s traditional gender roles so as not to confuse children?” Second, you are all design students who will need to market your work. So tell me, “Why do you think J.Crew used this photograph to market their clothing?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011. You must answer both questions and designate your class to earn full credit.
So, a few weeks ago when I saw a J.Crew advertisement getting tons of negative feedback, I knew it would be great follow up on this topic. The advertisement sparking the controversy shows J.Crew designer Jenna Lyon’s painting her young son’s toenails neon pink. While many people saw absolutely no problem with it, others started complaining immediately. You can check out a Today Show video showing the advertisement and people’s comments here: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/#42569002 According to the Media Research Center the ad is “blatant propaganda celebrating transgendered children”. The Culture and Media Institute stated, “One has to wonder what young boys in pink nail polish have to do with selling women’s clothing”.
That really got me thinking. I myself have stated that I would not want to raise my children with the traditional concepts of gender roles. My nursery won’t be pink or blue, my daughter can take out the trash and my son can help with the laundry. That being said, I did wonder, “What does painting your son’s toes pink have to do with selling women’s clothing?” So my question to you this week is two-fold. First, “What do you think of a mom painting her son’s toes pink? Do you think it is important to raise your kids according to society’s traditional gender roles so as not to confuse children?” Second, you are all design students who will need to market your work. So tell me, “Why do you think J.Crew used this photograph to market their clothing?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011. You must answer both questions and designate your class to earn full credit.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
April Showers Bring May Flowers
I had a few good topics I wanted to blog about this week. Then I realized we have a holiday weekend coming up, and I decided to go easy on you and post something lighter. Since Easter is this weekend, I thought back to my favorite Easter memory. Easter was a very big deal in our house, almost as big as Christmas. We always got new Easter dresses, went to church and then rushed home to find our Easter eggs and baskets. One of the plastic eggs was golden and bigger than all the rest...whoever found it got the best prize! I loved coloring eggs too (I still do actually) and would think about my designs for hours! So my question to you this week is, "What is your favorite Easter or springtime memory?" Answers are due no later than Tuesday, April 26th, 2011. Don't forget to make sure your name and class are documented. For those of you who celebrate - Happy Easter! For everyone else, enjoy your day off!
P.S. I've noticed lately that some of you just comment that you don't know much about the topic so you can't really comment. That is not acceptable. If you don't know much about it - look it up! I don't expect you to be geniuses on the topic, but if you don't take the time to learn, it kind of defeats the purpose of being in school. :-)
P.P.S. For real, this is the last post-script. For those of you who wish to contact the senator in charge of the 21st Century Scholarship program we discussed in class, you can email Senator Thomas Dermody (or any other Indiana senator) here: http://www.in.gov/cgi-bin/legislative/contact/contact.pl
P.S. I've noticed lately that some of you just comment that you don't know much about the topic so you can't really comment. That is not acceptable. If you don't know much about it - look it up! I don't expect you to be geniuses on the topic, but if you don't take the time to learn, it kind of defeats the purpose of being in school. :-)
P.P.S. For real, this is the last post-script. For those of you who wish to contact the senator in charge of the 21st Century Scholarship program we discussed in class, you can email Senator Thomas Dermody (or any other Indiana senator) here: http://www.in.gov/cgi-bin/legislative/contact/contact.pl
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Mobile Chernobyl - Revisited
Yesterday, Japanese authorities declared the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant a level 7 event on the international scale for nuclear disasters – the highest level, putting it on par with the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. Officials said the amount of radioactive iodine released so far has been fifteen times the volume needed to be designated a level 7 disaster. According to officials, a level 7 disaster involves a “major release of radioactive material with widespread health and environmental effects”. The disaster in Japan has been one of the worst the world has ever known and my heart and prayers go out to the Japanese people. To donate to the relief effort, click here: http://www.redcross.org/
The Japanese disaster got me thinking about our own nuclear problems right here in America. Did you know that spent nuclear fuel is the by-product of producing electric power at nuclear power plants? Currently the United States has over 70,000 metric tons of nuclear waste stored at 121 sites across the country. This spent fuel waste is both thermally and radioactively hot, and is initially placed in "spent fuel pools" at the nuclear reactor sites to cool down. When the pools and on-site storage are full, the cooled spent fuel must be stored somewhere else. So, what should we do with all this waste?
The Yucca Mountain Repository was approved by Congress as the site to store spent nuclear reactor fuel and other radioactive waste in 2002. Amid much controversy, the funding was terminated in 2010. The nuclear industry is pushing Congress for funding to establish Yucca Mountain as the nation's permanent storage site. If they are successful, 100,000 shipments of high-level radioactive waste will be transported through 43 states. As the "Crossroads of America" much of that waste would be transported through Indiana, which currently has no nuclear reactors. Click here to see a map of the nuclear reactor sites in the United States. http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/map-power-reactors.html
Supporters of the Yucca mountain project say nuclear energy is cheap and clean and the transportation of the nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain will be safe and secure. The waste has to go somewhere and leaving it at the power plants across the country could be a security issue. Opponents of this plan say Yucca Mountain is not geologically stable and that transporting nuclear waste across country will lead to nuclear accidents. So my questions to you this week is, "Do you agree or disagree with the Yucca Mountain Repository as a place to hold our nation's nuclear waste? Would you want these shipments coming through Indiana? Do you think we should continue to use nuclear power? Why or why not?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, April 19th, 2011.
The Japanese disaster got me thinking about our own nuclear problems right here in America. Did you know that spent nuclear fuel is the by-product of producing electric power at nuclear power plants? Currently the United States has over 70,000 metric tons of nuclear waste stored at 121 sites across the country. This spent fuel waste is both thermally and radioactively hot, and is initially placed in "spent fuel pools" at the nuclear reactor sites to cool down. When the pools and on-site storage are full, the cooled spent fuel must be stored somewhere else. So, what should we do with all this waste?
The Yucca Mountain Repository was approved by Congress as the site to store spent nuclear reactor fuel and other radioactive waste in 2002. Amid much controversy, the funding was terminated in 2010. The nuclear industry is pushing Congress for funding to establish Yucca Mountain as the nation's permanent storage site. If they are successful, 100,000 shipments of high-level radioactive waste will be transported through 43 states. As the "Crossroads of America" much of that waste would be transported through Indiana, which currently has no nuclear reactors. Click here to see a map of the nuclear reactor sites in the United States. http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/map-power-reactors.html
Supporters of the Yucca mountain project say nuclear energy is cheap and clean and the transportation of the nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain will be safe and secure. The waste has to go somewhere and leaving it at the power plants across the country could be a security issue. Opponents of this plan say Yucca Mountain is not geologically stable and that transporting nuclear waste across country will lead to nuclear accidents. So my questions to you this week is, "Do you agree or disagree with the Yucca Mountain Repository as a place to hold our nation's nuclear waste? Would you want these shipments coming through Indiana? Do you think we should continue to use nuclear power? Why or why not?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, April 19th, 2011.
Monday, April 4, 2011
We the People
This week in class we began our study of the Constitution. The United States Constitution is widely recognized and studied as one of the most democratic documents ever written. Most of the freedoms that make us uniquely American can be found in the United States Constitution.
You can order your own free copy of the United States Constitution from: http://www.constitutionfacts.com/index.cfm?section=bookstore&page=freeCopy.cfm
So, this week I started thinking about what freedoms I value most. I think the one I am most grateful for is Freedom of Religion. We are very blessed to live in a country where we are free to practice or not practice our religion as we see fit.
So, my question to you for our first blog is, “What freedoms do you value the most? Why are they important to you?” In addition, I would like you to take a short quiz on the Constitution and include your score and results in your answer. Your score on the quiz will not affect your grade. The quiz can be accessed at the following link:
http://www.constitutionfacts.com/index.cfm?page=quiz.cfm
Answers are due no later than Tuesday, April 12th. Make sure that your screen name identifies who you are, and that you designate which class you are in to earn full credit!
You can order your own free copy of the United States Constitution from: http://www.constitutionfacts.com/index.cfm?section=bookstore&page=freeCopy.cfm
So, this week I started thinking about what freedoms I value most. I think the one I am most grateful for is Freedom of Religion. We are very blessed to live in a country where we are free to practice or not practice our religion as we see fit.
So, my question to you for our first blog is, “What freedoms do you value the most? Why are they important to you?” In addition, I would like you to take a short quiz on the Constitution and include your score and results in your answer. Your score on the quiz will not affect your grade. The quiz can be accessed at the following link:
http://www.constitutionfacts.com/index.cfm?page=quiz.cfm
Answers are due no later than Tuesday, April 12th. Make sure that your screen name identifies who you are, and that you designate which class you are in to earn full credit!
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