Near School Tragedy

This article reports on a recent school shooting that happened in Seattle. The gunman was a 16-year old student at Washington State high school. Last week the suspect started shooting inside the school before being stopped by one of the teachers at the school. The suspect began attending the high school about a month ago and seemed to be adjusting well and making friends. In fact one of his new friends spoke out and said that she started receiving strange text from him shortly before the incident, such as  “It does not matter anyway after tonight” and “I decided I need to go, it’s my time.” The suspect only fired two shots before he was tackled down by an Advanced Placement Government teacher. Brady Olson was the teacher that tackled him and when he was asked about it he said, he did what any United States teacher would do and that was to run toward the gunfire and not away from it. The shooter entered into the cafeteria and when the students saw him with the gun they all ran out the back door. Before he could shoot off another round he was tackled down by Mr. Olson. Many students were not surprised by the actions of the teacher.

The event relates to the government because it occurs in a public building and the suspect is now under investigations and may be facing charges for what he did. This shows that the law applies to everyone no matter their age. It also shows that suspect must undergo procedure and that investigations must be conducted. The due process which is granted by the fifth amendment applies to everyone and that the law does not exclude anyone.

As a high school student myself this incident is an awful scenery to picture. For a student who shows no signs of any problems to show up to school and attempt to take the lives of innocent students is frightening. I am glad that the gunmen did not kill anyone and also the Mr. Olson, the teacher that tackled did what he did. If I wasn’t for him the end results might have been differently. I hope that if anything ever happened in school that I would have a teacher like Mr. Olson that would put the students safety first.   

https://news.yahoo.com/police-no-one-hurt-shooting-washington-high-school-151709888.html

"Trill Kill"

In this CNN article a recent killing of a college baseball player in Oklahoma. Three teenage boys are now facing murder charges for the crime. One of the teenagers was recently convicted of the crime and when asked what his reason was for killing the college student he said that he and his friends were simply bored and had nothing to do. Chancy Allen Luna was convicted of first degree murder and the jury has recommended that he received a life sentence. The victim of the drive by shooting was Christopher Lane who was 23 years old.  He was shot and killed by the teenagers  while he was on a jog. The driver of the vehicle, Micheal Jones has been charged with second degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with eligibility to parole starting in 2051. The third suspect who was 15 at the time of the crime is facing lesser charges because he agreed to testify against the Luna and Jones.

This article relates to AP Government because it shows different laws and procedures in each state and how the courts work. With the third suspect his situation also shows that suspects can make a deal with the system in order to help them and in return receive a lesser sentence.

My opinion on the issue discussed in this article is that the act was cruel and heartless. To take an innocent person’s life simply because you were bored is just brutal. If you don’t have anything to do then join a club or play a game being bored is not an excuse to take someone’s life. If I could ask them one question them it would be, what did you expect was going to happen and did you think of the consequences? In my opinion justice is being served right now for the innocent man that lost his life at the hands of some destructive teenagers.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/18/us/thrill-kill-teen-convicted/index.html

Police Distrust Increase

In this article the topic of race is talked about when it comes to police traffic stops in Wilmington, NC. The article uses a recent traffic study from professors at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. The results for the amount of traffic stops of drivers based on race is alarming with black drivers being two times more likely to be searched during a traffic stop than whites in Wilmington. Out of the 20 North Carolina cities used in the study Wilmington, NC ranked 2nd. The researchers have said that the purpose of this study is to call attention to the difference and to hopefully these statistics will start a change in the community. The Wilmington police department released a statement after the results of this study were released and said that the amount of traffic stops over the years have been decreasing. But although the amount is decreasing the amount of African American’s that are searched have been increasing over the years.

The results in this article seem to be shocking because I would not imagine such high numbers for the city that I reside in. In the midst of several police incidents with African Americans that have lead to injuries and deaths these statistics seem to increase police relations with citizens. As the enforcers of the law, I believe that the law has been misused and broken by several police officers who have taken advantage of the power that they are given. Police distrust has formed because those who are suppose to be protecting us are now the ones in the news for violating laws the are suppose to protect. The police distrust is increasing day by day as more incidents occur that give reason as to why citizens shouldn't trust police. This needs to stop because it is affecting so many innocent lives, and has increased government, mainly police distrust.

This relates to government because the issue of police relations with citizens continues to decline. The police department, which is a part of the enforcers of the law are on the opposite sides of the law now breaking the laws. People around the United States are now exercising their first amendment rights by speaking up for the what is currently happening in our country.  

http://www.wect.com/story/28798955/traffic-study-blacks-two-times-more-likely-to-get-searched-by-police-during-stops-in-wilmington

Kenya Massacre

This article discusses the events that have unfolded after the recent Kenyan University shooting incident. Last week a university in Kenya was unexpectedly invaded by al-Shabab, this attack has left more than 147 people dead. An eye witness has said that the members of the group asked students if they were Christians and if they answered yes then they were shot to death on the spot. The attack that happened early in the morning has left students of the university devastated, many students are yet to even be accounted for. Mohammed Mohamud has been identified as the leader of this attack, the government has posted a  $220,000 bounty for him.  After the incident Kenya’s president, Uhuru Kenyatta released a statement vowing to fight against the group. With the supporting article, it shows he has plans in order to fight against this group.   

In this article it discusses the tragic events that have recently unfolded in Kenya, which is a country in Africa. I believe that it is important to know about current events and issues from all around the world instead of just focusing on your own town’s news. Hearing and reading about this recent massacre has truly been devastating, to know that college students were simply killed because of their religion. This recent event in the country has outraged the government and they are working to prevent an event such as this from happening again. In the United States we have the freedom believe and worship who we choice and not be punished for it. While in many other countries people are being punished and killed simply because they don’t have the same beliefs as others. This event relates to the different structures of government and the difference in the rights of the people. It also shows the structural and systematic difference between the Kenyan government and the United States government.     

To hear about this issue was horrifying and I believe that it shouldn’t have happened. It was a violation of human rights, a person should have right to believe in whatever they want to. To take 147 innocent lives simply because they share your beliefs to me is just wrong period.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/04/02/garissa-attack-kenya/

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-32194722

After 22 years on Death Row, case dropped

This article discusses the issue of wrongful conviction or even the issue of not having enough evidence in order to support your case in court. In this trial a women, Debra Milke, was sentenced to death row many years ago for murder. She was found guilty of plotting with two other to kill her own son for an insurance payout. After many years of maintaining her innocence and fighting to change  the decision, she received her long awaited trial last week. After the retrial the judge found her innocent and dropped all charges against her. This decision from the judge made her the second woman who has been cleared from death row in the history of the United States of America. After several years of fighting back at the decision she has finally received the appeal that she wanted.Over the years the prosecutors have said that at one point or another in the interrogation room the suspect, Debra Milke confessed to the murder. The suspect has since stated that she has never confessed to being behind the murder. Neither can be proved because according to the prosecutors the interrogation where she “confessed” was not recorded. That made this part of the case a he said, she said argument over the answer to the question, did Debra Milke ever confess to being involved in the killing of her son?

This article relates to the course because it shows the processes and procedures in a trial. In the article it displays the importance of evidence in a case, if there were more evidence on Debra Milke and also if her “confession would have been reported then maybe the judge might not have dropped all the charges against. This article also points out the pros and cons of the United States court system, one of the cons are that it could find the wrong person guilty, in that case the wrong person must serve time for actions that they didn't commit. A pro about the court system is that it brings justice.

My opinion of this article is that  there was just not enough evidence in the beginning of the case in order to sentence her to the death row. He said and she said stories are not the type of stories that are meant for court, I believe that a judge’s should be based on the facts and evidence, which in this case there was little of. I am glad that she truly over that years maintained her innocence and continued to fight back with the faith to one day change the decision.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/24/justice/arizona-debra-milke-death-sentence/index.html

 

"India's Girl" Film Banned

This article mainly discusses the issue of raping in the country of India. Recently a documentary was made about one specific rape case that happened in India.The bizarre incident happened in 2012 when Jyoti Singh, a young medical student was brutally gang raped and murdered. The story soon after the incident became headline news and began to attract the attention of the world. The crime brought attention to the issue of rape in the country and has helped to start a change. Jyoti Singh’s story seemed to also attract the attention a British filmmaker named Leslee Udwin who wanted to join the fight to bring an end to the violence in India. India’s Daughter the title of the documentary tells the story of 23 year old, Jyoti Singh and how she was gang raped and assaulted by six men on a bus. After assaulting both Jyoti Singh and her friend the men left her by the roadside and after nearly two weeks Jyoti Singh passed away at a hospital in Singapore. The documentary includes interviews with one of the six men that raped and assaulted Jyoti Singh but the one person whose interview was not included was the friend that she was with, he was given the opportunity to but declined unless he was paid which the director refused to do. During the interview with one of the men responsible for her death he continues to place the blame of the attack on Jyoti Singh. The government since the release of the movie have banned it for several reasons, one of those being that they believe that the movie encourages violence against women. The six men that were involved in the incident have all been convicted since, four of them on death row, another one was committed to death but committed suicide in prison and the last person was a minor and therefore was only given a three year sentence.

This article or topic can relate to government because it shows how the justice systems in other countries work. Although the six men in this case were found and charged, that is not always the case because in fact most of these aren’t even reported. In the United States the consequences for this issue might have been handled differently because America has a different way of handling issues than India.

Since this incident was first reported in 2012 I have been following the story because of how bizarre it was and also because I wanted to see justice and change being brought for the victims of these crimes. No one deserves to be raped and brutally assaulted but in my opinion if they are then they should be able to contact someone for help and in order to get justice. Banning the documentary in the country is also something that I disagree with I believe that this movie would bring knowledge to it’s viewers on the issues in India and could help push change in the country. I believe that if the government truly wants change then they should show the movie and the rawness and reality of violence against women in the country. More needs to be done to put an end to this issue and hopefully this movie ignites that change .         

http://news.yahoo.com/india-s-daughter-documentary-about-2012-delhi-gang-rape-and-murder-204806009.html

University of Oklahoma Fraternity's Racist Chant

This article discusses a recent incident that occurred at the University of Oklahoma. A group of students from the fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon were involved in a racist chant on a bus. Although the video is only nine seconds long it has received plenty of backlash and has created many different conversations. In the video it is seen that several students lead the chant as the members chant about how there will never be a black Sigma Alpha Epsilon member and they also discuss lynching of African-Americans. As soon as the video was anonymously sent to the university’s newspaper. Immediately after receiving the video the school newspaper publicized it, and when the school viewed the video they decided to shut down the fraternity chapter. The president of the university, David Boren has since made a statement saying that racism is not tolerated on campus and that the school is finished with the fraternity and will be closing the chapter. The fraternity’s national president, Brad Cohen  has also released a statement which says that he is disappointed and disgusted by the outright racism showed in the video. Upon further research it has been found that this might not be the only incident at a university that involves this fraternity. There have been several other incidents over the years similar to this. This video has started a chain of outrage as to the act displayed, because of this video a football recruit to the university has decided to de-commit from the school. So far only Parker Rice who is said to be the leader of the chant has been expelled from the university, he is one of the two people that have been expelled since the video surfaced.

In this article it discusses the rules and decisions that are left to the school. Also in the article it is says that if the university had not responded to the incident then the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division would have had to step in because the incident violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. According to the Justice Department it "prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance", which this video seems to go against. This seems to show how we as citizens and groups such as this have a voice and can have an impact on issues in our country with the help of the law.

In my opinion incidents like this should not be handled lightly and I am glad that this issue has been handled seriously. The way this issue has been handled has really sent a strong message to the public about acts such as this. Reading this article and watching the video caused me to think, why? Why did they believe that the chant was appropriate? And another question that I would want to ask them is, do you think that it was worth? It is a shame that people continue to judge by the color of a person’s skin and not by the content of their character. This incident has taught me that America is not finished growing and that Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream has yet to be accomplished.         

http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/10/us/oklahoma-racist-chant/index.html

Facebook Argument Leads to Teenagers Death

In this article it discusses a recent incident where a teenager was shot and killed. Kierra’onna Rice was the fourteen year old that was killed after an argument on Facebook turned into a physical incident. The article states that the incident first began on Facebook, a social media site and then as the argument continued between the teenagers they decided to take the argument to the next level and meet. The girls involved decided to meet up at a park and fight. They planned to videotape the fight and post it online. But when they meet two male teenagers pulled out their guns and started shooting at the girls in the park. The shooting not only killed Kierra`onna Rice but it injured two people also. Two suspects have since been apprehended ages 17 and 19, their court date have yet to be set.

This recent murder shows the roles and responsibilities  of the country and state’s justice system. From this incident we see that the police don’t only arrest people but they also work to apprehend suspects and investigate cases. They used their sources that are made available to them to identify the suspects and have since probably investigated and found more evidence to support the case against the two teenagers. The suspects have yet to be indicted and receive their charges.Their court dates have not been set and the investigation is still on going. This incident shows us that social media can be used as a means of arguments and that they don’t end there. Meetings of the people from Facebook can turn out violent such as this one did.

In my opinion I believe that this incident could have been prevented if the argument had not moved to a physical meeting with plans to fight and videotape the fight. This incident seems to be an example of the bad effects of social media. Although it has its positives this incident that lead up to the killing of a 14 year old girl shows the negative effect that social media can have. An argument on Facebook should not have to lead to the killing of one teenagers and should have left two more teenagers wounded. This incident has now brought attention to the negative effects of social media and I believe that something must be done to help bring an end to issues like this.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/01/us/alabama-facebook-teen-girl-killed/index.html

 

Marijuana Legalization in Alaska

In this article it discusses the legalization of marijuana in the state of Alaska. This state is now the third state in the country to legalize this substance following Washington State and Colorado.  In the beginning the history of marijuana is discussed, it talks about how the substance has grown to be accepted as a recreational and medical drug. Since the legislation was passed it now makes it legal for people 21 years or older to be in possession of it. But there are even more limits to this law such as driving while under the influence of marijuana and there is also a one ounce restriction on the amount of marijuana in a person’s possession. Although the law was passed that made it legal to use the substance it has not been cleared yet for people to open stores in the state the sell marijuana. One fact that is said in the article is that marijuana is still under federal law a crime.  The article basically discusses the marijuana movement across the nation. Washington State was the first to legalize marijuana and has since been followed by Colorado and Alaska maybe in the near future several states will follow in their tracks.  

This article seems to show how laws change with the years and how states are in a way independent from the country. It talks about the passing of legislation by election in states. Voters of a community gather to vote on issues that affect their region or state and usually the majority wins rule is applied to come to a decision or choice a winner. The legalization of marijuana such as other laws has restrictions and limits. This piece of legislation also seems to show part of the American free enterprise system and how businesses begin to flourish. The passing of this law has now created many businesses and jobs for people. Entrepreneurs have the freedom to set up shops and sell marijuana after it is cleared that they can and there is no doubt that this business will grow in the state like the others. Something that this article shows is how the states listen to the citizens opinion and make decisions based on them. With this situation although some people didn’t agree with the passing of this law the majority who voted did, which shows that voting is a great way to be heard by the government.

The legalization of marijuana seems to a growing trend especially in the United States with now three states making it legal to be use marijuana whether  its for recreational use or medical use. This is such a large step for the country when a couple years ago marijuana was seen as a harmful and illegal drug substance. Although the laws of marijuana in each state comes with restrictions, I now believe that most people are starting to see marijuana as a substance such as alcohol. To me that should not be the case because people need to know that this substance is different and therefore should be categorized with alcohol. It has different effects than alcohol and affects people differently. A fact that stuck out to me was the one about how the use of marijuana is still a federal crime. The issue in my opinion should be dealt with on the federal level before state legislation is passed. I hope that people are well informed of the substances effects before they start using and purchasing it in stores.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/24/us/alaska-marijuana/index.html

NFL football player Benjamin Watson speaks up about his views on Race

In this CNN article we read about Benjamin Watson, a football player and his opinion about the racial debates and issues currently in America. When interviewed Watson discussed a post on his Facebook account in which he shared and displayed his views on several recent cases in our country that has brought up the issue of racial relations. He posted the message on his Facebook as a way to simply express his opinion on the subject when he posted it he hadn't expected it to create such a discussion. In his post he expressed his solution to the problem and his take on it was that if we honestly and freely discuss race then that will help our nation to move forward. Benjamin Watson is said to be the tight end for the New Orleans Saints. During the interview he talks about being blessed to be football player. He then goes on to discuss how he sees his position as an NFL player as a platform to honor and worship God. In his post he also discusses how he believes that the issue of race relations is a sin problem and not a skin problem.

This article seems to be a perfect example for the first amendment, to be more specific, freedom of speech. Through his social media Benjamin Watson has the right to express his opinions and feelings on issues that are affecting our country. Although his post went viral he did also receive some criticism about what he wrote, but at the end of the day he had the right to say what he felt and he can’t be prosecuted for what he said. Critics of the post didn't like it simply because of his suggested faith-based solution to the national problem.

I believe that Benjamin Watson had the right to post his opinion and also that he should not be judged or punished for having an opinion on a subject that is affecting our country because after all he is human and is entitled to his rights as such. I agree and seem to share similar views as Watson and therefore agree with most of what he post says. Another thing that I like about him is that he is using his platform as a professional athlete in a good way. He says in his interview that as a husband and father of five that he lives to worship God and serve as a good example to his children like his father did him. In fact he has the reason as to why he and his wife started the organization called One More Foundation, the purpose of this organization is to help communities and set an example for children. With this mind I believe that he is a great father to his children and by posting his opinion of important issues on his social media is a great way to set an example for his young children. There are many lessons to be learned from this article one of them might be to never be shy or scared about voicing your opinion. He is truly not only an example to his children but to many others around the country.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/17/living/ep-benjamin-watson/index.html

America Unsafe? Mall Shooting

In this article a recent shooting at a Pittsburgh area mall is talked about. According to Yahoo the shooting happened on Saturday at around eight in the evening and left three people wounded. As reported by CNN the shooter is said to have known only one of the victims, but the other two are said to be innocent bystanders. In the recent days that have followed the shooting that left two people in critical condition and suspect has been found. The motive for the shooting has not been found and at this there is an ongoing investigation in the case. People seem to now believe that the incident might just be about gangs.

The suspect in this case is said to be Tarod Thornhill, a 17-year old. He was identified and arrested the day after the incident after police used the help of surveillance footage and social media. He now facing adult charges of attempted homicide and three counts of aggravated assault. Tarod Thornhill is now set to attend his court hearing on February 18, 2015. At this trial it will be decided if he is convicted of the charges against him.

This article is relative to the government's branches and how the judiciary branch works in America. Although there seems to be striking evidence against the suspect he is still entitled to the due process of law and if not guilty of the crime until it is proven in the eyes of the law. Mr. Thornhill although suspected of this crime is still protected by the fifth and sixth amendments. These amendments give him the right to due process of law and the right’s of the accused such as the right to have a lawyer. Either way the suspect must be convicted of the crime in order to be guilty of the crime.

My opinion on this case is that safety in public places is starting to become a huge issue that is threatening many people’s lives in the United States. In my opinion something must be done in order to help make our country a safer place for all it’s citizens. This seems to just be one case out of dozens this month that have disturbed public places and have threatened people’s lives. An incident that just happened on Thursday was the Chapel Hill Shooting that ended with three innocent people dead. As crime as increase citizens begin to fear more for their lives. When I first heard that the suspect in the mall shooting case was a teenager I was surprised because as a teenager I am beginning to fear for the lives of my own generation. As a country we must unite and find a way to bring an end to the recent increase of violence. 

http://news.yahoo.com/shots-fired-pennsylvania-mall-several-people-hit-local-015211003.html
http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/08/us/pennsylvania-mall-shooting/index.html

Vanderbilt Rape Case

This article discusses the trial and conviction of two former Vanderbilt football players. According to CNN the two former college football players have each been convicted of four counts of aggravated rape, one count of aggravated rape and two counts of aggravated sexual battery. One of their charges aggravated rape comes with a minimum sentence of fifteen years. Corey Lamont Batey and Brandon Robert Vandenburg both twenty-one years old are the two men that have been sentenced in connection with this brutal crime that happened in 2013. There is evidence of the crime being commented, a video, but both men have argued that they were extremely drunk that night and therefore they were not responsible for their actions.

The two defendants have already faced the punishment at Vanderbilt as they have been kicked off the football team and they have been expelled from the school. Although the school has served it’s form of punishment the court system has yet to finalize what their punishments will be. They are one step closer to deciding on the punishment of the two defendants after three hours of jury deliberation they have finished the part of conviction. Now it is time for the part of sentencing which will take place on March 6, 2015.

This case seems to be the perfect example of individual responsibility which is part of the five elements that create the political culture of America. In the United States it is believed that a person is responsible for their actions and must be held accountable. In this case it is proven that although the college students might have been drunk they were still responsible for the crimes they committed. They are responsible for what they do to their bodies and alcohol and intoxication can not be used as an excuse for poor decision making. Their actions no matter what state they were in are their responsibility and the crime they committed that night will follow the legal procedure. In this case they have been charged with what the jury saw was fit from the evidence that was shown and also by their action in the video of the incident.    

I was attracted to this article because there has recently been an increase in crimes on college campuses around the country. As a high school student preparing for college I have become interested in the statistics and articles of the happenings in schools and how crimes are handled by the school officials and in court. Reading this article, I felt that the two defendants were trying to make an excuse for their awful actions. Truly I believe that what they have been charged with is fair and just for the evidence presented and the crime committed. It is sad to know that all these crimes from the Florida A&M University band hazing death to the Vanderbilt rape case are happening in colleges across the United States. But it is also satisfying to know that college officials are working constantly to decrease the numbers of college crimes in this country and are taking the correct disciplinary actions when crimes like this occur on their campuses.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/27/us/vanderbilt-rape-case/index.html

Sentenced Six Years For Hazing Death

In this article we read about a former college band student's sentence for participating in a brutal hazing incident that killed drum major, Robert Champion Jr. at Florida A&M University. Dante Martin, the defendant was charged with manslaughter and felony hazing after the incident, which happened in 2011. After a period of time the case went to court for the sentencing of Mr.Martin in 2014 but the sentencing court date was held on January 9, 2015. When closing arguments were finished it was time to deliberate, in the end the decision was made to sentence him to 77 months in prison.

There were fifteen people charged in the death of Mr. Champion, but as supported by the judiciary system they were each tried differently. Everyone involved in the crime did not receive the same sentence or the same charge. This is mostly due to the fact that they each played different roles in the incident. They each were also given the right to fair trial and had a chance to defend themselves with the help of a lawyer in the courtroom. It is then left up to the two sides, prosecution and defense to prove their case in court and in the end it is either a jury or judge that decide the fate of the defendant. To me this article is the perfect example to show the way the court system works in the United States, specifically Florida in this case and how it delivers justice for people’s actions.

I choose this article because I remember hearing about this awful incident when it first happened. Reading the disturbing details of the case had made hope that justice would eventually be served to the participants of this ritual. I find it appalling that a simple band tradition could become as brutal as to be the event that takes someone’s life. The defendant in this article, Dante Martin’s role in court was described as the leader of the incident by the prosecution. His role as the leader got him the 77 month or roughly six year sentence that he was dealt with. For the charges that he received he definitely received the lower end of sentencing range which could have been more than 20 years. After both sides presented their case I believe that justice was served to each of the fifteen participants in respectfully different ways.

Sources

http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/12/us/florida-famu-hazing/index.html
http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2014/11/ex_famu_marching_band_member_dante_martin_found_guilty_in_hazing_case.html