Blog 2 Alice Lopez SOC 122

Alice Lopez

Dr. Timothy Kubal

SOC 122

Andrew Bacevich: Why Is No Candidate Offering an Alternative to Militarized U.S. Foreign Policy?

MARCH 10, 2016

From <http://www.democracynow.org/2016/3/10/andrew_bacevich_why_is_no_candidate>

 

This news story covers the new book by Andrew Bacevich titled America's War for The Greater Middle East. As a retired Colonel, Vietnam veteran, and current professor Andrew raises 6 questions missing from the 2016 election debates, with an overall emphasis on how U.S. Foreign Policy has been counterproductive in these past years. I feel that Andrew is taking advantage of the political opportunity that the 2016 Election presents. It gives him great timing to bring up key issues that are or are not being discussed in debates, which means if there is a lack of discussion then his book is perfect for allowing citizens to become aware of issues that he finds important. His book can also further causes that are already in place since this can be used as an additional tool for their movement. Lastly, publishing books like these and raising awareness puts pressure on candidates to speak about the issue. 

No U.S. Charges for Officer Who Killed Ramarley Graham in His NYC Home

MARCH 09, 2016 

From <http://www.democracynow.org/2016/3/9/headlines/no_us_charges_for_officer_who_killed_ramarley_graham_in_his_nyc_home>

 

This story-line definitely has to do with framing the issue that is at question. As the title states, an officer shot an unarmed African-American teenager in his own home 4 years ago and is now facing NO charges. The short article discusses how the officer followed Graham into his home bathroom where he found him flushing down marijuana in the toilet, then shot him in front of his own grandmother and 6-year-old brother. The officer had no warrant to go into his home and even though he was indicted for manslaughter, due to an error that is no longer happening. Again, although this article is short, it achieves the purpose of framing the issue so readers can react to the injustice. This is why there is a focus on the details of the story: Graham being unarmed, Graham being shot in front of his family, officer having no warrant, and lastly the officer being let go because of a prosecutor error. These details are the ones that are supposed to get those reactive emotions to stir up anger so people won't let the excused murders continue.