Assignment for 11/17

Engle V. Vitale
1. What issue was addressed in the case?
The issue in this case addressed an official school prayer and encouraging its recitation.

2. Explain the basic facts of the case.
In this case, a New York state law required the schools to open up with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. The law said any students who didn't want to participate didn't have to. A parent of one of the students sued since they thought the law violated the Establishment Clasue of the First Amendment.

3. How and why did the case progress through the courts?
The case progressed through the courts because there was a lot of debate upon the topic since it directly related to a violation of the Constitution.

4. Why was the case heard by the Supreme Court?
It was heard by the Supreme Court because the federal court didn't want to rule on it.

5. What was the Court's decision in the case?
The Court ruled in favor of the student and parent stating that prayer in school was a violation of the Constitution.

6. How does this case impact the nation and its people?
The case, in obvious ways, changed how schools allowed prayer in the school along with how they taught religion.  Though some people agreed with the ruling, some believe that the separation of church and state doesn't apply in this case.

7. What do you think about this case? (Do you think this is an important case? Do you agree with the Court's decision? Any other comments?)  I do think this case is important.  I agree with the ruling since that in my opinon I think church and state should be separated since not everyone believes in the same religion and if one is being followed in a school, it really isn't fair to the other people.

Assignment 11/6

Issue: Abortion
I would address this issue because it is a widely discussed and controversal topic.  In my opinion, I am pro-choice.  I think that everyone should have the choice to decide.  For cases, such as rape and health issues, I especially think this is true. 

Issue: Health Care
I would address this issue because health costs is a huge problem in our ccountry.  Many people can't afford to have health care, but they also van't afford doctor bills.  I think that Obama Care is a goof system, but it does have it's problems.  I don't think any one should be fined if they don't have this or any other health care.  There are also other issues that would need worked out.

Issue: Welfare Reform
I would address this issue because I think that Welfare is a very important system.  I think without welfare, our homlessness rate would rise.  We need these for our people to survive when hard times get too much. With that said, I think the Welfare systems need more restrictions and regulations set with random checkups to make sure they are doing all they said they would to get s certain welfare.

Issue: Air Quality
I would address this issue because I think that global warming is a problem and we do need to find ways to fix it.  In my opinion, we need to take care of our planet or it isn't going to be here for our grandkids, our their grandkids, etc.  We need to get more research done, and spread awareness.  Also, I think that we have advanced some in energy saving, but not everything.

Issue: Cost of Colleges
I would address this issue because I think that college should be cheaper.  Most people in our country can't afford the outrageous tuition costs along with all the other costs associated with going.  I don't think it it should be completly free, but it should be less expensive so that more people in the world would have the chance to attend regardless of the amount of money one has.

I am a Democrat.  I am literally pro-choice everything.  I believe one should be able to choose what makes them happy in life.  I also believe that everyone should be treated equally regardless of race, gender, or sexuality.   

Bell Ringer 11/6

I think that having someone young in the legistaure could be a goo thing.  She can add a point of view never before contributed.  With that said, I also think her young age could also hinder her effectivness as some might not take her seriously.  Also, I think that being young in the legislature is going to give her views as less thoughtout for the whole country.

Assignment 11/5

Issues Addressed:

drugs, pets, healthcare, global warming, recreation,

Candidate Chosen:
I choose the candidate I did because I believed the most in his values. He thought more of the people as a whole, then just benefiting a few. Of the issues addressed, I believed the most with healthcare option and the global warming recognition.

Bell Ringer 11/5

The election results for Barbour County didn't have a higher Republican or Democratic winning rate.  As for the state of West Virginia, Republican candidates won the popular vote for the House and Senate, but a Democrat governor won. The winners were mainly male and one incumbent won.  I think that elections are important because they give the people the freedom to choose their leaders.  I also think it is important to vote because it is a freedom that wasn't always there, and now that it is, we should take advantage of that and feel grateful for it.

Bell Ringer 10/29

Many of these laws, I feel, seem crazy.  I don't think some of them should be a law as they seem unfair to certain people.  I understand, though, that there was probably a reason behind them becoming a law, otherwise they wouldn't be.  If there was plenty of probable cause, I get making some of these crazy things into law.

Bell Ringer 10/30

1. How does this support your defense for the debate on Friday?
This supports my point on the debate because it shows the faults in the death sentence.

2. Do you believe that the court was correct in this instance?
Yes, I believe the court was correct in stalling the sentence until more information is received.

Presidential Report Card

Name of President: Abraham Lincoln

Number of Presidency: 16th

Years in Office: 1861-1865

In the following ten categories, grade your president from an A to an F. (You may “acknowledge” border-line grades with a – or a +).  You will need to give a 50 word justification as to why your candidate scored as they did. 

Category	Grade	Comments
Ability to handle and deal with a crisis	B-	I choose this grade because because throughout his presidency he handled many crisis's well.  One of these issues included working out the huge slavery issue to the best of his ability. On the other hand, he didn't deal all that well with the Civil War that started during his presidency.
Ability to work with Congress and Cabinet	B+	He worked very well with his companions.  He changed the Chief Legislators position giving Congress the right to make laws and the President to enforce them.  He wasn't much with working with his Cabinet members though, as he was more of a one man show.
Character and Integrity	A	He showed and had great character, as well as excellent leaderships skills that held the country together.  Lastly, he also was a incredibly honest person even receiving the nickname Honest Abe.
Education	C	I chose this grade because even though he did do a few things for education, such as the Morrill Act which enabled agricultural and mechanical colleges, he didn't greatly improve the education system for a majority of people.
Empathy	A	Lincoln was a very kind and compassionate president  He did what he could for the people to the best of his ability.  He had great character and wisdom and even received the nickname "Father Abraham".
Foreign Policy	B	Lincoln's foreign policy concentrated around keeping foreign intervention out of the Civil War. In the end it was a very successful policy, as no foreign involvement happened during his time as Commander in Chief during the Civil War.
Relates to the common man	B	Lincoln was a very likable person and president among many.  He always reach out for the people's opinions and wanted their approval.  On the other hand, he didn't always use the help of all the opinions received making him seem not so relative.
Persuasiveness	A+	Throughout his presidency, Lincoln sought the people to side with him and had to be very persuasive.  He sought this through the truth and understood the importance of his fellow workers opinions. He also used his humor and likable qualities to win over the people.
Political Experience	B	Lincoln didn't have any education in the political field.  With that said though he studied hard on his own and opened his own successful law firm.  Also, he served four terms in the Illinois State House of Representatives and one term in Congress.
Public speaking & Communication	A	He was an excellent speech giver giving some of the most famous speeches.  Some included his First Inaugural Address, Gettysburg Address, and his Second Inaugural Address.  All of his speeches inspired the country to come together as a whole unit as well addressing the current issues of the time.

Bell Ringer 10/13

1. Does this surprise you?
No it doesn't since websites like this are constantly being hacked.

2. Does privacy exist when dealing with electronically transmitting messages of any type?
Not really, even though many people think that it does.

Bell Ringer 10/10

Do you agree or disagree that the woman in this article should be able to take her own life? Explain your answer.
I believe she should be able to take her own life. It should be her choice how she dies, and if this is what she wants then no one should stop her.

How do you differentiate between suicide and euthanasia?
Suicide is is the person's choice too but it doesn't work with a doctor. Euthanasia is the voluntary choice of death working with a doctor in most cases.

How would you feel if you were the woman in this situation?
I feel like I would probably make the same choice she is making.

Bell Ringer 10/8

2. Are you surprised by the findings? Why or Why not?
No, I am not because it has always been this way for women.

3. How do you feel this issue should be addressed?
I feel this issue should be addressed by having women payed the higher minimum wage rate even with tips.

4. How should legislation be handled to deal with this?
They should make laws against any sexual harassment in the workplace and set a punishment.

Bell Ringer 10/6

1. What do these articles attempt to do?
To grab people's attention in order to get them to click on the article to spam them.

2. What is your reaction to this?
I think it is very annoying and should be stopped.

Bell Ringer 10/2

1. Why do many experts believe that ebola is not a worry in the US?
Because we have cleaner more applicable services than in a poor country and it also doesn't spread that easy, since the first signs come before you affect anyone else.

2. What diseases do they believe Americans should worry about? Are these preventable?
The influenza, measles, and the norovirus.

3. What personal concerns do you have?
At the moment, I have no personal concerns.

Bellringer 10/1

1. Do you believe that he should or should not have been called with a penalty? Why or Why not?
No, I believe he shouldn't have because he wasn't doing anything not alloweed.

2. Which amendment does this issue deal with ?
the 1st amendment

3. How would you keep this situation from happening again?
Explain to the player why his action might have been mis interpreted and have him stop.

Amendment Articles and Court Cases

Articles:

1-10-
The article I found describes speech about abortion.  It states that even if one doesn't agree with the person's views the protests are still alloweed. The Supreme Court alloweed the protests, but in some cases it might not.  The author gives an example of not allowing political speech around a polling place.

11-27-
In this article, a federal judge turns down Wisconsin's law that wanted voters to have photo identification at polls.  The federal judge said that it not only violated the 14th admenedment but also the voting Rights Act.  It is also unfair to people in lower income families who tend to stray away from such ID.

Court Cases:

1-10-
McDonald v. Chicago Case- This case is about the 2nd admendment.  It states that the Chicago hand-gun ban breaks the 2nd admendment.  By not allowing the people to own such guns, it affects their rights directly.

11-27-
Guinn v United States Case- This case dealt with qualifications of voters.  the main problem was in the grandfather clause exemptions to literacy tests in some states.  The exemption favored white voters and wasn't fair.

Bell Ringer 9/29

1. Why are they protesting?
They are protesting free elections and other democratic changes as well among the city.

2. What rights are they wanting that we may take for granted each day?
Freedom of speech and the right to assembly and protest as well as the right to vote.

Bell Ringer 9/26

1. What does the low percentage of adults in WV with a bachelors degree (4 year degree) indicate to you?
That there aren't enough transportation and bigger cities for more jobs to be available with college degrees. Also, income plays a major factor.

2. Why do you think the percentage is so low?
Because there isn't enough jobs with college degrees located in West Virginia.

3. List one possible solution to increasing the number of college graduates in WV
Building roads and building up the cities

Bell Ringer 9/25

1. The president attempted to make the point that even though all the countries have their issues among each other that we should come together to work on this extremist violence.

2. In my opinion, I think he was about 65% effective. He, i'm sure, persuaded some people, while others most likely still don't want to help especially the middle east countries who have always had heated tensions with the U.S.

Bell Ringer 9/18

This article describes how the Islamic State is run. It states that ISIS runs the enlarged area by compartmentalizing. ISIS has separated the Islamic State into Syria and Israel. The government of the state will soon consist of political making decisions that will not be separated from its military.

Bell Ringer 9/16

1. What is reasonable punishment.
Reasonable punishment, in my opinon, is strict punishment in most situations.  I think get a whipping is usually a good form of punishment since it teaches the child better.  The only time I don't agree with it is if it is especially cruel or uncalled for.

 

2. How have views on discipline changed over past twenty years?

People view discipline in a lesser manner than they did 20 years ago.  They think whippings are child abuse when 20 years ago they were accepted.

 

 

Bell Ringer 9/8

     This article is about a WWII veteran and the life he lived and now lives.  Fred Mayer was born into a Jewish family and fled to New York just one year before Hitler started prosecuting them.  He then joined the U.S. Army.  He also participated the Operation Greenup which allowed him to become a spy in Austria.  He was not only a incredible soldier for the army but a beneficial partner in the OSS.  Some have tried to get him an Medal of Honor for his work from the secretary of defense.

Amendments Summary 2-10

Amendments 2:
   States that each state has the right to have and to maintain militia as well as allowing the National Government and the states people to bear and own firearms.

Amendment 3:
   States that no soldier is allowed to stay in any house in times of no war as well as times of war without consent of owner.

Amendment 4:
   States that no person can be searched without a warrent with reasonable cause and the place of the search or things being taken.

Amendment 5:
   States that a person can be tried for a serious crime only if he has been charged by a grand jury, no one can be tried for the same crime twice, everyone's protected against self-incrimination, no one has to answer questions if it could lead to prosecution, and private property can't be taken for public use without compensation.

Amendment 6:
   States that in a trial the accused has a right to  a speedy and public trial by an jury of the state and district where crime was commited and the defendent must be informed of charge, has the right to cross examine witnesses, and has the right to require testimony of favorable witness, as well as the right to be represented by an attorney through whole process.

Amendment 7:
   States that in civil cases the right to a jury is guarenteed and that if the case exceeds $20 the right may be waived if both parties agree.

Amendment 8:
   States that excessive bail, fines, and cruel or unusual punishment will not be inflicted for any crime.

Amendment 9:
   States that though the Constitution sets out many right and protections that it does not that there are not other rights held by the people.

Amendment 10:
   States that the powers the Constitution doesn't grant to the National Government, and doesn't forbid to the States, belong to each State, or to the people of each state.

Bell Ringer 9/5

1. What dangers do fake towers pose to average citizens?
    These fake towers invade people's personal space but don't pose a dangerous threat.

2. Why would they be located near military bases?
    They might be located near military bases because whoever is running them might be trying to find out information on our military.

3. Do you believe the US government may be behind the towers? why/why not?
    I don't think it is the U.S. government due to the fact that they could do this without putting up these towers.

Bell Ringer 8/4

1. What impact will this have on India?
   In my opinion, I don't think this wil have an immediate impact on India but eventualy it will.  Even if India doesn't take action right away, I think that they will be forced to later on.

2. Why are they targeting India?
   They are targeting India because they want to show they have'nt forgotten their "brothers", saying "We did not forget you and will liberate you from injustice and oppression."

3. How should the US react to this?
   I think the U.S. shouldn't take immediate action.  Though the threat may seem serious at the time, I don't think Al-Qaeda will take immediate action.  If any more threat come or they start to target India, then I think maybe the U.S. should help if needed.

Bell Ringer 8/3

1. Rick Perry reacted to Lehmberg's drunk driving by telling her to step down from her position.  She refused so Perry took his own actions.  He witheld funding for a program that was run by Lehmberg.  This was a total violation of his powers of governor of Texas and is now facing serious legal trouble.

2.I don't fully agree with Perry's reasoning.  He shouldn't have cut the program since it would not only affect Lehmberg but many others as well.  It wasn't right.  But I do understand his thinking behind doing it since what Lehmberg did was just as bad, I just think he should have took different actions.

Bell Ringer 9/2

2. Are you surprised something like this could happen?
I'm not surprised that something like this could happen at all. Hacking accounts has become easier and more knowledgeable to more and more people.

3. Do you think before you post and worry about who can see what you send?
Yes, I do.

4. Do you think the people should be prosecuted who hacked into the cloud?
Yes, I think they should since it is not only an invasion of someones privacy it is also illegal to share such photos with other people.

Bell Ringer 8/29

1. Who is to blame for this accident?
In my opinion, no one is to blame for this accident since it was technically and accident.

2. Should nine year old children be able to shoot guns at a rifle range?
I think that the age of 9 is still too young to be handling and shooting guns.

3. Do you feel that uzis and other automatic weapons ever belong in the hands of children? Or in the hands of any human as a matter of fact?
I think that the uzis definitely should not be in the hands of children. I think it should only be in the hands of people well trained and in use for professional purposes only.

Bell Ringer 8/27

The article is on a new kind of nail polish that may prevent date rape.  The nail polish is suppose to turn colors when it comes in contact with a date rape drug.  It was created by a few undergraduate students from North Carolina State University.  I think it is somewhat a good idea if it worked, but having to use your finger to stir your drink would be a drawback.  Also, the fact that you most likely wouldn't be wearing the nail polish at all times makes it hard to use.

Bell Ringer 8/26

The article describes how the U.S. has started survveillance over Syria.  The flights are meant to provide information on targets for strikes within the area.  Also, the article mentions how there is no plan to coordinate with the Assad regime as well as getting to know the jihadist militants better. 

Bell Ringer 8/25

1. This article decribes the earthquake that hit Napa, California on Sunday.  The earthquake had a magnitude of 6 and was one of the worst the Bay had seen in awhile.  Only 172 people were treated for injuries, but a lot of damage was still done, estimated at $100 million.  Clean up is still in action as the people are trying to get back to their normal daily lives.

2. The Napa earthquake was caused by the North American plate and the Pacific plate.  The plates move past each other 2 inches every year, but when something like a strain happens to the plates an earthquake forms.

Bell Ringer 8/22

     Today in the United States, our country faces many problems.  Some are small and not as important while others are persisting and growing.  The three largest problems the U.S. faces, though, is the growing national debt, the rise of gasoline prices and the lack of finding an alternete energy resource, and unemployment and the systems behind it.  If we continue on the way we are these as well as other problems are just going to continously get worse.  Our country needs to find ways to fix or at least improve upon such problems.
     One of the largest problems our country is facing is debt.  It is contionously growing and hurting the people.  We don't seem to have a system to pay it off over periods of time, while instead we are just raising the debt limit.  This isn't helping of course; it's just putting the country in more debt.  To fix this problem we need to stop borrowing money unless it is of dire need.  We also need to find a way to cut our unnecessary funds down so that eventually we will have money to pay back what we have borroweed. 
     Another issue the United States is facing is oil prices.  It is continously rising and becoming un- affordable for the common people of the country.  We also aren't doing a very good job of finding alternate resources to use in place of gasoline.  If we were to ever run out of this fossil fuel our people would be lost.  To fix this issue we either need to build better cars that will get better gas mileage so that we can conserve what is left of the oil, or continue to do more research to find a better and easily accessible fuel.
     Lastly, unemployment is a huge problem.  Many of the people in our country are without jobs and it is only getting harder and harder to find a job.  With that said, our unemployment system isn't the best.  Many people drawing unemployment aren't trying to get jobs and therefore hurting the working person.  We need to fix this.  The working person faces enough money trouble without having to care and help other people.  We need to set restrictions and limits to be able to get unemployment, as well as routine visits so we know that the person is actively seeking out a job.
     The United States is a great country but it still has its problems.  Such things as unemployment, debt, and oil prices are only a few.  The people and the government need to come together and work on fixing these issues for the better of the people.  This could include cutting funds and being less greedy, new reserach, and better working and unemployment systems.  If such problems were fixed it would benefit the country overall.

Bellringer 8/20

1. The article describes how big corproations in the U.S. aren't wanting to pay high taxes and are merging with smaller foreign companies.  Many companies are participating in inversions to do just that. Newer studies show, though, that that U.S. companies didn't even pay in the top 35% rate.  The atrticle also explains all the ways U.S. companies have found loopholes to lower their taxes and shrink their bills. In other words,  U.S. companies don't pay taxes on global profits.

2. The purpose of taxes is to to get revenue for government fundings.

3. In my opinon, I think everyone should still pay taxes but weathier people should pay a little more.  Not too much more though since that would make people not want to be considered as wealthy. 

Bell Ringer 8/19

1. Identify at least two mistakes made by local, county or state governments that have helped to increase an already tense situation.
I think two mistakes the governments made were throwing tear gas at the protest crowds, as well as giving out the name of the officer who shot Brown as well as the harsh accusations of Brown.

2. In your opinion, define excessive force. Was excessive force used in the shooting of Michael Brown?
Excessive force is an unjustified use of force in certain circumstances. Yes, I think it was used in the shooting of Michael Brown. I think the police officer could have used other means to subdue Brown.

3. How would you restore order to Ferguson, MO?
To restore order in Ferguson I would try to handle all the situations as peacefully as possible. Telling and talking to the community about the undergoing investigation would also be helpful. Also, I think I would get better ways of crowd control.

Letter to Myself 8/18

Dear Myself,

     I have many goals I hope to accomplish in life.  As for this school year, I want to get a good grade on my senior project, pass the ap psychology exam with a high score, and get accepted to the college I want to attend next fall. In the next five years I hope that I will graduate from college with a degree and to get a well paying job afterwards.  Lastly, withing the next ten years I want to travel to as many places as I can and also I want to have a house and family of my own.  I know that you can accomplish all of these things if you just put your mind to it.
                                             
                                                                                 Yours,
                                                                                        Shania