oops, this is the real one.

Elizabeth Jorgensen

Dr. Kubal/Dem. Now

3/30/14

Dear White People: Film Tackles Racial Stereotypes on Campus & Being a “Black Face in a White Space”: 

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/24/dear_white_people_film_tackles_racial

The first video I watched discussed a new director’s film titled: Dear White People, and what drove Justin Simien to produce the film challenging racial tensions and predominantly white dominated Ivy league schools. The film addresses questions and challenges social stereotypes through comedy and satire. One of the main characters in the film hosts a radio show on campus where she addresses racial tensions experienced in the fictitious, although not far off college. Tensions mount when a ‘black’ themed party is thrown in which party goers reinforce derogatory racial stereotypes for entertainment. 

The film addresses issues that have been reported at colleges throughout the United States, where racial tensions are very alive. Students at the University of Mississippi, were expelled for inappropriate acts of racism and discrimination. Black students at Harvard recently started a campaign expressing students’ frustration of the type of racial profiling that still exists in society today. 

Targeted by Firebombing, Legislation, and Now Vandalism, Montana Abortion Provider Shutters Clinic:

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/27/targeted_by_firebombing_legislation_and_now

On March 4th of this year, All Families Healthcare was closed indefinitely due to vandalization in Kalispell Montana. The individual who broke into the office took their time destroying almost everything in the office building, include the plumbing. Susan Cahill’s abortion providing facility had only been open 3 weeks after being forced out of her previous office location, then bought by Hope Pregnancy Ministries. Although shocking, Cahill is no stranger to violent feedback about the assistance she provides for women who was firebombed in 1994. 

Susan Cahill has been providing abortions at All Families Healthcare for more than 30 years. The vandalism was an incredibly emotional attack, aftermath demonstrating the length of time taken by the suspect to destroy everything. Zachary Klundt, the daughter of a board member for the Hope Ministries, was arrested for another charge of vandalism of a bail-bonds and matched a footprint found at the scene from the abortion office break-in. When questioned, the board member retained her innocence and disgust towards the action taken against All Families Healthcare. 

Susan provides women the choice because it’s the right thing to do, and has fought tirelessly towards protecting legal abortions not only as a way to keep women safe, but also because she argues it is an individuals choice. By protecting this assistance towards women, Susan makes the point that many women won’t have to resort to illegal abortions, greatly increasing risks and death. 

elizabeth jorgensen, Dem. Now 3/30

Elizabeth Jorgensen

Dr. Kubal/Dem. Now

3/30/14

Dear White People: Film Tackles Racial Stereotypes on Campus & Being a “Black Face in a White Space”: 

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/24/dear_white_people_film_tackles_racial

The first video I watched discussed a new director’s film titled: Dear White People, and what drove Justin Simien to produce the film challenging racial tensions and predominantly white dominated Ivy league schools. The film addresses questions and challenges social stereotypes through comedy and satire. One of the main characters in the film hosts a radio show on campus where she addresses racial tensions experienced in the fictitious, although not far off college. Tensions mount when a ‘black’ themed party is thrown in which party goers reinforce derogatory racial stereotypes for entertainment. 

The film addresses issues that have been reported at colleges throughout the United States, where racial tensions are very alive. Students at the University of Mississippi, were expelled for inappropriate acts of racism and discrimination. Black students at Harvard recently started a campaign expressing students’ frustration of the type of racial profiling that still exists in society today. 

Targeted by Firebombing, Legislation, and Now Vandalism, Montana Abortion Provider Shutters Clinic:

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/27/targeted_by_firebombing_legislation_and_now

On March 4th of this year, All Families Healthcare was closed indefinitely due to vandalization in Colorado. The individual who broke into the office took their time destroying almost everything in the office building, include the plumbing. Susan Cahill’s abortion providing facility had only been open 3 weeks after being forced out of her previous office location, then bought by Hope Pregnancy Ministries. Although shocking, Cahill is no stranger to violent feedback about the assistance she provides for women who was firebombed in 1994. 

Susan Cahill has been providing abortions at All Families Healthcare for more than 30 years. The vandalism was an incredibly emotional attack, aftermath demonstrating the length of time taken by the suspect to destroy everything. Zachary Klundt, the daughter of a board member for the Hope Ministries, was arrested for another charge and matched a footprint found at the scene from the office break-in. 

Weekly Discussion 8

Alejandro Aguirre

March 30, 2014

SOC 122 – M/W 3:30PM

Kubal

 

Weekly Discussion

 

      In Democracy Now’s story, Why did the FBI Label Ryan Shapiro’s Dissertation on Animal Rights a Threat to National Security?, Shapiro discusses the opposition of the FBI and corporations against animal rights activists and those who simply promote what these activists believe in. Shapiro began discussing how this hostility began from his experience: when his dissertation was considered (by the FBI) one that promotes terrorism. The reason behind this opposition revolved around the illegally retrieved footage (as a result of trespassing) of animal abuse in slaughterhouses that Shapiro used in his dissertation. It should also be noted that the hostility came from the food industries that made profits from selling meats. In his defense, he stressed that he and these activists have not harmed a single person in the course of these practices. He said that activists who merely chalked anti-animal abuse slogans on sidewalks were prosecuted and identified as felons.

 

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/25/why_did_the_fbi_label_ryan

 

      Democracy Now’s story brings Ryan Shapiro again in Exclusive: NSA, FBI, DIA Sued over Refusal to Disclose U.S. Role in Imprisonment of Nelson Mandela discussing the injustices of these three agencies towards Mandela’s imprisonment. It was Shapiro who filed the lawsuit against these parties. One of the injustices he shared was the 27 years of incarceration Mandela spent after his apprehension. In addition to this injustice, Mandela was released in the 90s, but was not taken off the CIA terrorist watchlist until 2008. Why it took so long may still not have been disclosed. It was also mentioned how Mandela was sought as a national threat to the U.S. intelligence community. What should be kept in mind is how this incarceration took place even after his Nobel peace prize was awarded to him. Shapiro also discussed that Espionage Act of 1917 was the motive for refusing the disclosure of Mandela’s charges, but noted that it was in violation of conducting inadequate searches for the requested files by Shapiro. This and the denial of a document’s existence is also against the law and Act.

 

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/25/exclusive_nsa_fbi_dia_sued_over

Erik Guerra

Social Movements

MW 3:30-4:45 P.M.

March 30, 2014

Legal architect of CIA secret prisons.

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/28/a_debate_on_torture_legal_architect

Its is said that the CIA has been accused of secretly removing classified documents from the staff of Dianne Feinstein and from their computers. This effort is to undermine their panel report. Feinstein explains that if the senate can declassify the report it will be able to ensure that an unamerican brutal program of detention and deterrogation will never again be considered or permitted. The CIA has countered by filing a crimes report to the department of justice accusing senate staffers of illegaly accesing CIA documents. The CIA fully denies hacking into the senates computers and describe it as being far from the truth. John Rizzo a legal architect and former CIA counsel speaks about the clash between the CIA and the senate intelligence. He goes on to say that he believes the report should be declassified. He also says that fifty million dollars of tax payers money have been spent on it. Even though along side of the perfomance of the CIA will be exposed John Rizzo's performance will be exposed he still believes that it should come out.

Why Did FBI Monitor Occupy Houston, and Then Hide Sniper Plot Against Protest Leaders?

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/25/why_did_fbi_monitor_occupy_houston

It was said that the FBI had knowledge of and assassination plot against leaders of occupy Houston. It was also said that the FBI failed to share this information. A memo stated that as of October there were plans to attack protesters in Houston, Texas if deemed necessary. Ryan Shapiro says that the judge's ruling is terrific. The FBI found seventeen pages regarding this event but only provided five because of threat to national security. It was supposedly an investigation of terrorism during the Houston occupy. There were no evidence of this at all. Ryan Shapiro explains that these words were just said and not backed up. FBI is required to supply information to prove their statements. This can be done secretly between the FBI and the judge if this case is really national security threatening. The FBI was most interested in the peaceful protesters than the supposed terrorists that were threatening to kill them.  I found both of these videos very interesting due to their controversy. 

Democracy Now

The first video I watched was over the recent Sundance film "Dear White People". While this movie takes on a comedy/satire path in introducing its message, I feel it touches on a very big topic that our society likes to keep hushed do too its past. The discussion also touched upon the recent issue of some college students not long ago for MLK Day who had some black themed parties full of stereotypical and borderline racist outcomes. A good point mentioned, that I have herd myself is people seem to have this idea that racism is over given that we have a black president and that we love black artist and athletes when this is still far from true. Racism and stereotyping not only against the black population but against all minorities is still very present in today's society. A film like this I think serves as a good median to get a message out like this, as a minority group there is a lot of pressure and every day difficulties/struggles experienced much like any other person really. That the actions of one person or even a few does not define a race of people. While it will probably not happen any time soon, these things do need to be discussed, especially under an educational manner and not ignored. We need too accept that there was a dark past and address it instead of acting like it is the monster under our beds. Minorities are no different than those in a majority, we are all people just trying to make it through our lives as best as we can.

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/24/dear_white_people_film_tackles_racial

The second video I watched really had my jaw dropped. Especially when it is the bank that I mainly bank with currently, so this video worried me. Wells Fargo going behind closed doors and fabricating documents that were either lost or went missing. Along with Wells Fargo, Bank of America was also caught doing this and so investigation are going on on both banks. My mind is blown over this, banks answer as with everything is too just throw money at it to shut it up and they are actually getting away with it so far. When are we actually going to punish these people? I simply just do not understand after being caught red handed! This is affected a good amount of people as well mainly in foreclosures with the housing crisis, they reject and turn away people that are behind but trying to amend that problem. How corrupt and big are we going to further allow banks to become though before something is finally done? I have no doubt that big banks especially are part of the disease that is causing this country to decay. I am just glad that there is some people willing to stick their necks out to defend the people affected.

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/21/as_wells_fargo_is_accused_of

Article Summary # 7/Landon Clow

Article Summary # 7

Landon Clow

3/26/14

The first article I found this week to be extremely informational was "Georgia Activists Confront GOP Rejection of Medicaid." In this article it gives an insight on how a Republican controlled states government is putting politics over the betterment of its citizens. With the drastic need for health care coverage in the state of Georgia, many people are coming together to protest against a bill that would opt the state out of the benefits of Obama care. If the bill was to be shut down It would allow around 650,000 citizens of Georgia the ability to obtain healthcare. It is truly sad to see a state disregard the needs of its people for political gain. During the protest event at the state capitol, the group of protesters were chanting medicaid expansion now. Acts of civil disobedience took place which lead to 40 arrests.  The man in charge of the social movement was Reverend Dr. Raphael Warnock, and during his interview had stated a memorable quote that Dr. Martin Luther King once stated. The quote was " the time comes when silence is betrayal."

The other article I found highly informative this week was "Black, Latino Firefighters in New York City Settle Long Running Suit over Racial Discrimination." This article opened my eyes to the social injustice of the New York City Fire department. Before the implementation of the law suit, about 90 percent of the firefighters were white, which in no way expressed the entire population of the city. After the case was won, the department had to now make more of an effort to higher blacks and Latinos. Although they won 100 million dollars in the law suit, the two men interviewed stated that equal opportunity for all is far more important then the money received. One of the men interviewed name was Paul Washington who filed the complaint against the New York City Fire department. His main emphasis during the interview was that it is not just about him, but rather a small victory for the on going battle of racial discrimination.

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/20/georgia_activists_confront_gop_rejection_of

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/19/black_latino_firefighters_in_new_york

Dem Now! Summaries

Angelina Garcia

Soc 122 M, W, 3:30-4:45 PM

March 30, 2014

Word Count: 370

Democracy Now! Summaries

This week I watched/ read an story called Dear White People: Film Tackles Racial Stereotypes on Campus & Being a "Black Face in a White Space”. In this story, we are introduced to Justin Simien, the director of the Sundance Film Festival winning film (for U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Talent) titled “Dear White People”. The film is a comedy that satirizes racial stereotypes that occur on college campuses across the nation; although it is a comedy, it proposes a serious message concerning race. One of the main characters is a campus radio host of her own show called “Dear White People” at a predominantly white Ivy League school. A conflict occurs in the film when white students throw an African-American themed party, donning blackface and using fake guns as party props. As unbelievable as it sounds, there are actual college parties similar to the one in the movie; Arizona State University recently threw what they called an, MLK Black Party. They continue to talk about the film and Simien talks about his own experiences with racial stereotypes. He talks about the type of reception he wants from an audience as his film is a comedy, saying that it is a film for all people.

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/24/dear_white_people_film_tackles_racial

The next story that I read/ watched was called As Wells Fargo is Accused of Fabricating Foreclosure Papers, Will Banks Keep Escaping Prosecution? In this article the Justice Departments competency is put into question as banks like Wells Fargo are deemed to have low priority when it comes to mortgage fraud. It was revealed recently that Wells Fargo documents were found to guide lawyers to fabricate or make up documents in order to foreclose on homeowners. In the program, Amy Goodman introduces Linda Tirelli, a woman who represents clients who are being foreclosed on by Wells Fargo. Tirelli speaks about how she used the internet to find this so called guide that basically teaches Well Fargo lawyers to fabricate documents. Tirelli goes on to talk about how she hopes that federal courts will hold Wells Fargo accountable for their shady procedures. They conclude the broadcast with Tirelli speaking on her doubts of a person being held responsible for authoring the foreclosure guide.

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/21/as_wells_fargo_is_accused_of

Democracy Now! Week Of March 24th

Sara Hernandez 

3/30/2014

Democracy Now Social Movements @3:30

   

“Targeted by Firebombing, Legislation, and Now Vandalism, Montana Abortion Provider Shutters Clinic” video aired on March  27 was about A physician that provided abortions in Montana, whose clinic was completely vandalized and due to that it had to close. The video has an interview with the physician and she talks about how hurt she is because she had just recently  moved in and  seeing all her stuff destroyed was very shocking to her. Personally those are the big risk that a physician like her take day by day because there is a great amount of people who are against abortion, and those people feel hate towards her. The Dr. should have more security  because next time people might try to attempt something towards her and not to her clinic. “The Right to Heal: 11 Years After Iraq Invasion, U.S. Urged on Reparations for War’s Enduring Wounds” aired on March 26  talked about Iraq and how it is after 11 years since U.S invaded. After U.S invaded,  Iraq  is  still going through other things that  have killed  2,100 people this year. Iraqi people need a break to recover from the pass and from the things going on right now. I don't know how bad those innocent people suffer but I can imagine and I don't wish that upon anyone.

Joanna Sanchez

Soc 122 MW 3:30-4:45

Entry 6

              

This first article covers a movie that was made by African American students at a white ivy league college that tackles the issue of race and racism with comedy and satire. In the film a group of white students throw an African American themed party where they mock the stereotypes that are used against black people. This concept wasn’t too much fiction when students at Arizona State University threw a "MLK Black Party" where white students went in jerseys, flashing gang signs and drinking from cups made out of watermelons yet posting all the pictures on social websites using hash tags like "hood", "black our for MLK" and "my boy martin". I think it was a great idea that this video was made because it covers a huge issue that still exists in America. People always get offended when racism is brought up because a lot of people are colorblind and refuse to believe it still exists.

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/24/dear_white_people_film_tackles_racial

This second article talks about an environmental issue that has been affecting the Grand  Canyon area. The Energy Fuels Resources company was given permission last year to reopen a mine six miles from the Grand Canyon but a lot of people and Native groups have been protesting against it because of the toxicity of uranium. Lots of mines have closed but mining companies never disposed properly of their radioactive waste piles leaving them in the regions where it has affected the health of the Navajos. There has been an increase in cancer rates and other health issues as well. People argue that the reopening of this mine could strain scarce waters sources and continue to pose more health issues on the people living near it. The video states that there is 10 million people residing in the area50 miles away from abandoned uranium mines which is a serious issue. 

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/14/a_slow_genocide_of_the_people

weekly discussion

Tracy Galarza

03-28-15

 

            The first video I watched “Black, Latino Firefighters in New York City Settle Long-Running Suit over Racial Discrimination” dealt issues of discrimination agiains Amrican American and Latinos in The New York City fire deparment. A lawsuit against the fire department of New York City was made because many feel as if the hiring process of New York’s fire department is discriminating against African Americans and Latinos. When this lawsuit was made ninety percent of the fire department consisted of Whites. Paul Washigton, one of the fire fighters who was also in the video talks about how unfair the test to qualify to be a fire fighter was, and how the White were being favored. Those who applied within the years of 1992 and2002 will be receiving part of the seetlement bill of 98 million dollors.  I was surprised when hearing this issue reguarding racial profillig in New York city,especially when half the population consists of African Americans and Latinos.

 

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/19/black_latino_firefighters_in_new_york

 

 

            The second viedo I watched “DREAM Act Narrowly Fails in NY Senate After Gov. Andrew Cuomo Failed to Push Passage” deals the DREAM act bill not passed by the New York state senate. The bill is for those chideren who were rasied in the United States as children by undocumented parents. This bill would help many  of those college age students with financial aid assistance and also tution. This bill was alrady set to be passed but Senate Jeff required the votes two be changed to thrity two, thus the bill was not passed due to this. There is still hope for many to still have this bill pass and have immigration reform pass. I think that that the DREAM act is a bill very important to many who can not afford to pay for tutition. By helping these people  with college degree helps not only them but also has a positive effect in out society.

 

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/20/dream_act_narrowly_fails_in_ny

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Event #3

Cynthia Davila

3-27-14

Event #3

Today I attended a documentary that pretty much is focusing on what my group is focusing on. The C.A.P.E. Group stands for Citizens Advocating for Pre-trail Expansion and focuses on trying lowering cost of bail bonds and alternatives and the problem that there is so much over population in the jails and a lot of the people in prison caused such little crimes. Also many people are held for longer than needed which pretty much causes a back up in the nails. We watched a movie called "Broken On All Sides." It focuses on mass incarceration across the nation and the intersection of race and poverty writhing criminal justice. It advocates change around the overcrowding of the Philadelphia county jail system. It provided me with interesting facts such as how much incarcerated Americans increased so drastically since 1920! Also I knew stereotypically and now as fact, there are more black in jail than Hispanic and white males almost put together. Something that really bothered me and quickly caught my attention was when it showed a clip of cops brutally hitting a black male and he was so helpless raising his hands for them to stop and they continued to hit him while people around screamed to stop. It was a very interesting movie that I plan on sharing with my friend because she is totally into petitioning for this very same reason. I liked that this documentary aims directs to answer questions and provoke questions on issues brought upon by people out in the public. I am so glad I had free time to attend this movie ! I got very lucky with the group I am in because after watching more and more interviews going on, it makes me so interested to hear peoples personal experience. I loved listening to the activists Khalid Abdul Rasheed and Theresa Shoatz! I will continue to further explore into cases and interviews on people that are on different sides of the criminal justice system. 

Democracy Now 6

Democracy now 6

Cynthia Davila 

3-27-14

This week the 2 topics I learned about were talking about an Egyptian general that was resigned to clear run for presidency and the other was about bin laden's son-in-law who was confirmed in terrorism trial. 

Starting with the Egyptian General who was resigned, he stepped down to pave the way of his candidacy in the upcoming presidential elections. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi led the coup that was first democratically elected president. Mohamed Morsi had overseen the crackdown that left hundreds of people dead and thousands of people behind bars. Sisi had a very strong base of support and was already expected to win. Yesterday, one person was killed near Egypt's Cairo University in an ongoing protest against the sentencing of over 500 Muslim Brotherhood members to death. 900 additional Brotherhood members were then ordered to stand trial on charges of terrorism and murder. Personally I don't really understand the reasoning for all of the 900 behind bars and the others that lost their lives but I find it very interesting that it was all through protests. 

The other topic I learned about was about the son-in-law of Osama. He was convicted on charges of conspiring to kill Americans. During testimony, Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, described the meeting with bin laden inside a cave in Afghanistan just hours after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. He denied having prior knowledge though and Ghaith's court-appointed lawyers and said his appearance in videos were threatening the US but doesn't prove his involvement in actual plots. Lastly, during the trial, the court had rejected the testimony from alleged 9/11 plotted Khalid Sheikh Mohammed that Abu Ghaith had no role in al-Qaeda's violent operations. He now faces a sentence of up to life in prison. No matter what I completely support and agree that he should be in jail not only because he is related to Osama but because he could cause harm to the US when his father-in-law had no problem doing so. 

david Baltierra

David baltierra

California Flies the Coop

serving size

democracy discussion #4

Crystal Gutierrez

Social Movements 3:30pm

Dear White People: Film Tackles Racial Stereotypes on Campus & Being a "Black Face in a White Space"

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/24/dear_white_people_film_tackles_racial

   Racism has been around for many centuries and though it has gotten better, people still witness it today in colleges. “Dear White People,” is a film that addresses the issue of racism that still goes on and it includes comedy while portraying racial relations. The main character is a black female student and she hosts a radio show on the college campus; one day she confronts the stereotypes and problems students of color have to put up with. In response, many of the white students threw an “African-American” themed party which increased the tension at school. This film is a very serious film because it is geared towards racism and exposing certain people and so it does have an effect both good and bad. There was a fraternity group that had an “African-American” themed party, they used watermelon cups and wore basketball jerseys. Though “Dear White People” had funny scenes to make the audience laugh, the concept was deep and some people may have not liked the truth.

 

Obama to Visit Saudi Arabia, Key Source of Funding for Growing Jihadi Militarism in Middle East

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/26/obama_to_visit_saudi_arabia_key

   President Obama is meeting with King Abdullah this week in the kingdom in Saudi Arabia. Special requests have been made to President Obama, from members of congress and human rights organizations, to address the treatment of religious minorities, women, and activists when talking with Abdullah. Many political analysts think that the problem in Syria has moved into a war with Saudi Arabia and Iran; Saudi Arabia, is known to be the biggest source of funds for Islamic military groups. The report for 9/11 also shows Saudi Arabia to be the main source of funding for al-Qaeda. 

Democracy Now 7

Tabitha Arambula

 

Why Did FBI Monitor Occupy Houston, and Then Hide Sniper Plot Against Protest Leaders? Tuesday March 25, 2014

 

This story covers the Occupy Houston protest. The FBI had planned an attack on the protestors and they had evidence of the plan. When Shapiro tried getting the pages, the FBI said that they could only give them five, because they were part of the FBI investigation. They said that there was a terrorism threat, and possibly an overthrow of government. The FBI did not have any evidence to back up their claim, so Shapiro is suing them and several federal agencies. Since the FBI told the judge he has no power to state whether or not it was a national security threat, and that they, the FBI, did, that he should believe them. So the judge said that they cannot just say those things without any evidence. They also had an assassination attack on Occupy Houston activists.

 

Exclusive: NSA, FBI, DIA Sued over Refusal to Disclose U.S. Role in Imprisonment of Nelson Mandela Tuesday March 25, 2014

 

Ryan Shapiro wants the NSA, FBI, and the DIA, to release information about the role of the U.S in the imprisonment in 1962 of Nelson Mandela.  So far no one has opened up their secret reports on Mandela, and the NSA has already rejected Ryan Shapiro request on giving him information about Mandela saying its national security. Mandela was in prison for twenty seven years. Shapiro's work is on how the government infiltrates political and environmental movements. Shapiro wants to know the U.S thought of Mandela as a threat to American security. The CIA had leaked information to capture Mandela. After he was released from prison, he came to the U.S and made a speech at Yankee Stadium, to thank those who fought for his release. He was a freedom fighter, and the government suppressed his movement. The federal agencies that Ryan has sued would not confirm the existence or nonexistence of the materials and that they are classified.

Democracy now #7

Nadia Leon

Soc122 Mon/Wed 3:30-4:45

Democracy Now #7

March 24^th:  A landslide in Washington occurred and with this at least eight have been announced dead. Eighteen others have been declared missing and it is highly suspected that they are in the area of the mudslide. Fire Chief Travis Hots states that their main concern at this point in time is the safety of the responders. The landslide is in very delicate condition and has the similar formation of quick sand. So at this point it is not safe to have responders go and look for those who are suspected to be in the area. On Friday in Michigan marriage equality was legalized for a short period of time. Within this time period around 300 same-sex couples got married. The same-sex marriage ban was ruled unconstitutional. This lead to many LGBT couples rushing to the county clerk’s office before anything could change. Couples that were married stated that they were finally happy that they would be legal families and also that they would be able to be recognized as a legal couple. These ceremonies only took place for a short time. On Saturday this ruling was frozen. A report has shown that children who are a part of the Sikh religion have higher rates of being bullied. The report was titled “go home, Terrorist” and it showed that more than 50% of children from this religion are bullied and 67% who wear turbans are bullied. In Texas there was a large oil spill and there are already many operations that are being produced in order to deal with this mess. It is estimated that over 168,000 gallons spilled. This was due to a barge that hit the ship causing the oil to leak through. Due to the winds in the area of the spill the oil it may move to offshore. Another concern is the type of oil that was on the ship. It was a thick marine shipping oil.

Elizabeth Jorgensen, Dem. Now 3/23

Elizabeth Jorgensen

Dr. Kubal/Dem. Now

3/24/14

Scott Olsen, U.S. Vet Nearly Killed by Police Beanbag at Occupy Oakland, Settles Lawsuit with City:

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/21/scott_olsen_us_vet_nearly_killed?autostart=true

The first video I watched discussed Scott Olsen’s settlement with the city of Oakland after being shot by a beanbag by police during a demonstration for Occupy. During an Occupy Oakland protest in 2011, Scott was shot in the head by a beanbag projectile leaving him in critical condition with a fractured skull. After shooting the beanbag police then deployed flash grenades at individuals attempting to assist Olsen, video of the protest went viral. Scott sued the Oakland Police Department and agreed to an undisclosed million dollar settlement. 

Scott Olsen has permanent brain damage to his right frontal lobe because of the police brutality in Oakland during the Occupy movement. Hopefully his lawsuit along with the string of others involving police action’s during this protest will urge the Oakland police department to change their ways of controlling a protest. 

Black, Latino Firefighters in New York City Settle Long-Running Suit over Racial Discrimination:

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/19/black_latino_firefighters_in_new_york

The second video I watched also dealt with a settlement, this one by the Black and Latino firefighter applicants of New York over racial discrimination. New York City’s fire department is known for being the worst with its’ absurdly low diversity, up until these suits filed back in 2007 it was dominated by 90% whites and has since dropped to 87%. 1,500 Black and Latino applicants received $100 million in back pays to those affected by this discrimination.  Issues were addressed on the unfairness behind the entrance exam questions and its’ relevance to the job. 

Under the $98 million dollar settlement that was reached, there are high hopes for change in the way New York City fire department recruits applicants. Quotas will be added as an added incentive to achieve this change. Hopefully these new attitudes will prompt ongoing change in racial problems within the fire department and there can be an equal representation of ethnicities within the job field. 

Omar Ruiz

Democracy Now

There are a lot of things that surprise one in many ways, because at times you do not expect certain people to do certain things. For instance Gen. Jeffrey A. Sinclair, has been charged with lesser roles just because he is a General, and the Lt. Col. Joseph Morse committing a lesser crime has been judged harshly. The general rule is that someone with higher power should face higher chargers and punishment because he is to be the example, the model, and overall the leader that enforces the laws. I do not see how this seems fair. One is well aware that in the Army everything can be totally different than what it is here in the city but again, lesser people get judged and punished harshly.

 

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/7/headlines#373

 

Former Navy Football Player Acquitted of Sexual Assault

We all understand that every single person that is involved in any major military branch is considered a hero, a patriot, an All-American, but when it comes to their crimes committed specially when it comes to sex crimes, they just get away with them. I know that men live by the code of “men don’t tell about others” but there is a line to how much you can defend your friend. Many women are victims of rape and the attackers are never condemned for any action the make. Few weeks ago I saw a documentary called The Invisible War and it totally blew me away, I had a hard time through the whole time watching and giving me a different perspective of the people in the military. Women battle with their own superiors to bring justice to those who rape, humiliate and injure women, but it does not seem to do anything. The war is ongoing, I wonder why women who give up their life to serve our country cannot get the justice they seek or cannot do their job with peace just like men do.

 

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/21/headlines#32110

Democracy Now

Oliver Moreno

Social Movements

MW

 

Recently in the news I heard about Wells Fargo banks were accused of foreclosure papers. In the article As Wells Fargo is Accused of Fabricating Foreclosure Papers, Will Banks Keep Escaping Prosecution? This article discusses how the Justice Department was filed an internal report. The Justice Department is targeting mortgage, the main reason for the internal report is fraud. The Justice Department's inspector stated, "Despite playing a central role in the nation's financial crisis, mortgage fraud was deemed wither a low priority or not a priority at all." This statement came after recent revealed internal Well Fargo documents appears to guide lawyers used on how to fabricate missing documents to foreclose on homeowners. Wells Fargo bank is the largest mortgage servicer in the United States.

            Juan Gonzalez stated that the new internal report discusses the Justice Department greatly overstated its successes in targeting mortgage.  Eric Holder who is a attorney general said that to filled lawsuit on behalf of homeowner victims for losses totaling more than 1 billion, yet the exact amount 91 %  less, round 95 million.

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/21/as_wells_fargo_is_accused_of

 

            The other article I read dealt with healthcare. This article Georgia Activists Confront GOP Rejection of Medicaid as Moral Mondays Spread Across South discusses the movement spreading across the South. Around 40 people were arrested in Georgia last Tuesday. The 40 people arrested were involved in protesting a bill that would bar the expansion of Medicaid. The state of Georgia has the fifth-highest number of uninsured people of any state in the country. According to the Affordable Care Act, 650,000 additional residents would qualify for Medicaid. The state of Georgia is one of a number of Republican led states that have opted out of such Medicaid expansion. The protest last Tuesday at Georgia State Senate was the largest.

            Even though these two articles were about different topics, they showed that people should fight against injustice. Social movements are important for change. Persuasion is key to get people to join a cause.  A key thing to remember is humans wrote the laws, so they can be unwritten by humans.

 http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/20/georgia_activists_confront_gop_rejection_of

Soc Movements: democracy now

Dream Act

A bill known as the Dream Act has been recently rejected by the New York State Senate. Although the vote passed 30 to 29, the New York State Senate rules require that you have to have 32 votes, a majority of the 63 sitting senators. However the bill was doomed from the start because when they called the vote for the bill, they were aware that the lone Republican who had said he would support the bill left to Albany that morning. The bill was suddenly called in that afternoon knowing that there were not enough supporters for the bill. The Dream Act would have affected about 8,000 college- age immigrants who were brought to the United States as kids by their parents. According to Juan Gonzalez, who wrote a piece in the New York Daily News, the Dream Act would have provided tuition assistance by the state to undocumented immigrant college students in the country. Many students were upset that the bill did not pass. In fact, students protested the vote in New York City on the night of March 19. They were upset that there was not enough support for the bill when it was voted out. In addition, the governor has not pushed for the bill to be passed. He has made other issues a priority but nothing about the Dream Act has come up.

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/20/dream_act_narrowly_fails_in_ny

 

 

Toyota Fined $1.2B for Safety Violations in Cars

Recently, Toyota has been fined a record breaking 1.2 billion dollars. They were fined to resolve the safety defects in its cars. The penalty consists of Toyota misleading customers about the problem that forced the cars’ to accelerate even as drivers tried to slow down. According to Attorney General Eric Holder, this fine is the largest in the history of the United States. He also thinks fining Toyota is an appropriate action because of the amount of trickery that was involved in this case. Toyota’s actions displayed a total disregard for the systems and laws put in place for the protection of consumers. Toyota admitted to protecting its own brand instead of its customers. By Toyota making this statement, it reflects that they knew exactly what they were doing and abused the trust of public. Attorney General Eric Holder also stated that this case could serve as a model for other car safety cases such as General Motors who had a recall on millions of vehicles because of a faulty ignition switch.

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/20/headlines#3206

By: Alyssa Abayari

Erik Guerra

Social Movements 3-4:45 P.M.

March 23, 2014

U.S. Vet nearly killed by police beanbag at occupy Oakland

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/21/scott_olsen_us_vet_nearly_killed

A former marine who served two tour in the Iraq war was critically injured when shot at an occupy Oakland. The former marine Scott Olsen was shot in the head by a police projectile. Moments after he was shot police shot a bright flash grenade at a group of occupy protesters who attempted to treat the former marine. Soon after the protesters carried Scott Olsen away to safety. When Scott Olsen was later released from the hospital he sued the Oakland police. Many protest were held against the excessive force of the police. Oakland ports were temporarily shut down. Earlier this week Scott Olsen was finally able to come to a settlement with the city of Oakland after a two and a half year trial. Scott Olsen goes on and explains how stressful and time consuming the trial was. He also explains how a part of him wished that he continued the trial but that it could have led to a longer trial. Overall he is satisfied and will release more information regarding the settlement in a press conference.

Ailing U.S. Sailors so Tepco after exposure to radiation thirty times higher than normal.

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/19/fukushima_fallout_ailing_us_sailors_sue

The U.S.S. Ronald Regan air craft carrier provided humanitarian assistance of the shore of Japan. There was a distribution of clothes and blankets. At the time they were unaware that they were entering into an unprecedented nuclear crisis. A triple meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear power station had occurred. Shortly after returning home Navy Lieutenant Steve Simmons blacked out while driving. He later began experiencing gastrointestinal problems and fevers. Within months it was said that Simmons was unable to walk. Simmons is only one of many of first responders. Many are experiencing health problems such as blindness, infertility, and leukemia. Simmons is now part of a trial against the plants operator of Tokyo's electric power company. They believe the utility fails to disclose the risk of radiation exposure. There is still controversy that the people aboard the U.S.S. Ronald Regan were not exposed to radiation.

Weekly Discussion

Alejandro Aguirre

March 23, 2014

SOC 122 – M/W 3:30 PM

Kubal

 

Weekly Discussion

 

      In Democracy Now’s Georgia Activists Confront GOP Rejection of Medicaid as Moral Mondays Spread Across South, the issue of the state’s (and country’s) struggle to keep Medicaid from the perspective of Georgia’s activists. The fight is against a statute that would ban Medicaid in certain states. It was expressed that keeping Medicaid in the picture was already a challenge without the proposition of this statute. However, the U.S. government cannot afford such an enactment because it would cover 100% of it, which would amount to 14 billion dollars over five years. There is much encouragement from the speaker to uninsured individuals to apply for the Affordable Care Act. It is worth noting that the guest in this story is one of nearly 40 activists who got arrested for civil disobedience protesting against banning this statute in the state of Georgia.

 

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/20/georgia_activists_confront_gop_rejection_of

 

      The experience of three American hikers who were arrested in Iran for two years in solitary confinement was discussed in Democracy Now’s story, A Sliver of Light: Freed U.S. Hikers on Captivity in Iran & Activism Against Solitary Confinement. The hikers were arrested in 2009 by an Iranian soldier and were first put in a small, empty jail for two days and were transported in a van, while blindfolded, to a central prison. It was also reported that they weren’t told the reason for their arrest until near the end of their captivity. They were questioned why they were there, what their lives consisted of, and about their country’s security. They claimed to have only been taking a leisurely hike in the area. They also held that they were not treated as badly as other inmates since they were [white] Americans and used that to their advantage by going on a hunger strike (protesting harsh, but non-hostile treatment) so as to nationally portray the Iranian government as hostile, thus causing controversy. It was quite surprising to hear that 80,000 other people were also in solitary confinement – some who did not even commit serious crimes. Lastly, the cost for the release of each prisoner was .5 million dollars.

 

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/18/a_sliver_of_light_freed_us 

Democracy Now! Week of March 17th

Sara Hernandez Democracy Now Week Of March 17th

“DREAM Act Narrowly Fails in NY Senate After Gov. Andrew Cuomo Failed to Push Passage” aired on March 20th was about how the DREAM Act bill was rejected by the New York Senate, in New York. Only 15 States have passed versions of the DREAM Act and Dreamers/undocumented students are fighting for this bill to pass in other states. The DREAM Act is a bill that provides financial help to undocumented students that will be or attend a college institution. Since undocumented students don't receive FAFSA, the DREAM Act is a great opportunity and help to these dreamers whose family is low income. These students are students who have a clean  record, they have not committed a crime and they were brought to the U.S when they were small by their parents. “As Surveillance Costs Fall, Could the NSA Gain Ability to Record & Replay Every Call, Everywhere?”aired on March 21 was about how the cost or surveillance is getting cheaper and people are wondering if the NSA will now be able to listen, record,  and replay every phone call anywhere any time. Personally I think that if this is for security issues then it is fine, how ever it is taking away our privacy right. But if this will keep everyone safe then it should be done, or they can determine another way of surveillance.

democracy Now 6

Tabitha Arambula

Democracy Now

 

Black, Latino Firefighters in New York City Settle Long-Running Suit over Racial Discrimination (Wed March 19th, 2014)

 

This story covered discrimination against black, and Hispanics in the fire department in New York City. The percentage of whites were 90% and the rest were Hispanic and black. Now, the percentage varies with about 86 to 89% white and 8-9% Hispanic and about 4% blacks. That is the highest percentage so far. Being a firefighter is like a father-son job. You have to have connections in order to get in. Paul Washington fought for the settlement which benefited those people who could have potentially made it or gotten a job, those who took the entrance exam from 1999-2002 and for other discrimination during the hiring process. The settlement was $98 million. They could have settled this years ago but the Mayor Bloomberg did not do so. They could have settled for $10 million but it took about 12 years for them to finally win the battle.

 

Scott Olsen, U.S. Vet Nearly Killed by Police Beanbag at Occupy Oakland, Settles Lawsuit with City Friday March 21, 2014

 

Scott Olsen is an Iraq veteran who served two tours in the Iraq war. He went on a protest, Occupy Oakland, and he was shot with a beanbag that caused severe damage to his brain. He sued Oakland Police and finally settled for a number, because he knew if they went to trial, it would have been longer. He could potentially get dementia, Alzheimer's, or any other cognitive issue in the next 20 or 30 years. He is part of the Iran Veteran's Against War, and during the Occupy Oakland, protest, he was hurt by a beanbag that it is shot from a shotgun with 40 grams of lead, and it was fifteen feet away. He was going to have a conference later that same day and announce the settlement number. He did say it was about seven figures.

Article Summary 6/Landon Clow

Article Summary # 6

Landon Clow

3/21/14

The first article I found on Democracy Now this week is titled "Utah's Carbon Bomb." This article shines a light on how other states are trying to pass legislation to use the method of tar sands. For many months the main stream media has covered the Xl Pipeline story, but there are states trying to use the same method that has been found to be harmful to the environment. One of the states eagerly trying to pass legislation is the state of Utah. A recent study on the state has shown that they have the ability to hold up to 3 trillion barrels of oil. This startling number is more than the total amount we have used in are history. With the known harms to the environment the process of extracting from tar sands brings, many people in the state of Utah are coming together to fight the injustice. In the article James Hansen is being interviewed and revels the price of carbon is going to sky rocket. He also mentions that we have to reduce the amount of carbon we produce, so with that will bring higher regulations. Many governments are well aware that new regulations may be on the horizon, so they are trying everything in there power to pass laws now before it will be too late.

The second article I chose was, "Obama is Trying to Vanish Us." Among all of the articles from the past week I found this article to be the most interesting. Under president Obama the United States has been the most deportation of immigrants in its history. An astounding 2 million people have been deported and to bring awareness to the issue, undocumented immigrants are fighting back. Many acts of civil disobedience are taking place throughout the country. One example being a group of protesters gathering at the Mexico U.S. border. Also in the state of Washington more than 750 inmates held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement are on a hunger strike to try to bring notice of the social injustices going on. In the article two immigrants were interviewed about why they are on a hunger strike and what they are hoping to obtain with such acts. Both stated that they feel the one dollar a day they make is not nearly enough as well as better food. They felt what is happening within the detention system. After reading the article one quote stood out to me was when one immigrant said "Yes, we are immigrants, but what bounds us more is that we are all human beings."

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/14/utahs_carbon_bomb_state_plots_massive

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/13/obama_is_trying_to_vanish_us

Push Polling

Joseph Abdul

3/20/2014

Push Polling

            As one of the ways to inform the public about environment issues, the tactic of push polling was utilized. Our group had set up the survey to where it can serve the purpose. Of course, it was not a neutral survey; it was more of an informative phone call. We asked simple, non-intruding questions at the beginning and end. In the body of the survey we created statement questions, which were the “push” factor. The people who actually completed the survey seemed very interested listening and sharing their opinions. Thus I believe they conceived the information we pushed to them. 

            The most crucial part of the surveys was calling our community residents. During the two hours of calling, I completed three surveys. It seems like the time of calling played a big role in successful survey completion. My first session was between 8 and 9 PM, where I only accomplished one survey. The other session was 5-6 PM; I completed two surveys. More than five people refused the survey in the first session, I believe due to bad timing. I encountered a couple of businesses, a Spanish-speaking woman, and the Madera Unified School District. Besides that, I admired the calling website. It made the process easier and faster.

            There were few steps I could have accomplished in a better way. Knowing that I am a slow reader, memorizing the questions would have had a positive impact. It would have made me sound more fluent, not reading a script. Also, practicing the greeting and the voice for the approach would have helped. The survey itself had one flaw: the gender question. I didn’t feel comfortable asking such question over the phone. I filled in the answer according to my assumption for the gender. Over all, I believe it was a great experience.

               

Dog Days

New York Fire Fighters

Ricardo Torres Democracy now 3

Event 2

March Fourth for March 4th

3-19-14

Cynthia Davila 

I attended my first march after I sat at my booth to represent my C.A.P.E. Group. As people started to gather for the march I was so impressed with the turnout. I think people that were at the mic trying to get people to come attend also are what got peoples attention walking by. A lot of people stopped by to make signs such as, " Hungry for justice" "March fourth on march 4th" Stop fossil fuel 

Freeze tuition sign petition" and  

"Love your animals don't abuse them." There were so many different people supporting every group. The March didn't last as long as I expected and I was totally into it. I learned that we had to walk at a steady pace, especially for me I am a very fast walker so I was in the back just following along with everyone. I actually seen some people tag along as we were walking which was really surprising to me because I didn't expect people to suddenly join in. Everyone was holding their sign very proudly and It made me very proud to be along the side of all of them holding up my sign. I feel like this experience made me want to start to be more involved with march's because I never knew how much it could catch people's attention and make them very interested in what we are learning and studying in class. We couldn't chant in certain areas but when we did it was awesome. I was a cheerleader so I was so proud to be able to chant for something that I stand up for. After the march many people were talking about it as they walked away, including me. My friend and I were so happy about the turn out and can't wait to continue to do more.  

Event 1

March Fourth for March 4th

Cynthia Davila 

3-19-14

Sociology 

While I had to sit out at our booth for March 4th, I represented my group C.A.P.E. which stands for Citizens Advocating for Pre-trail Expansion. As I was sitting at my table many people came around to see what our problem was and were very interested to see what we were focusing on. Our problem is that more serious crimes can merit higher bail but this isn't always the case. The biggest issue surrounding bail and it's problems is the fact that regardless of the crime, anyone who can make bail can spend the money and go free until his or her trial. When people saw this they seemed to be very concerned because many of them could very much relate ! Looking at out flyer we were handing out they were really shocked to see how it affects the community. Criminal justice reformers point out that this situation costs the taxpayers about $100 a day per prisoner and that is a huge problem because all of us are getting charger for people in prison that we don't even know and probably don't even support what they are in there for. We want to be able to lower the cost of bail bones and alternatives to the Monterey bail system. If we were to release people on electronic monitoring it will be likely to change as California enters it's second year of realignment in the fall. Counties will be left with the option of overcrowding or even just letting people be free because they can't handle them in the system anymore which I think is very unsafe. I was really surprised and impressed with the outcome because we got many people to sign our petition and many people were totally interested to see our flyers! It was a good turn out and It was my first time doing it so I was so excited about it. 

Democracy Now! week 8

Joseph Abdul

3/18/2014

Democracy Now!: Week 8

            As the center of attention is focused on the Keystone pipeline, the Utah plan to extract shale oil and tar sand oil is progressing. Utah sits on an astounding 10 billion barrels of oil that can be extracted from the sands. However, unlike conventional oil, tar sand causes severe land disturbance to obtain. Not to mention the inefficiency associated with it. The sands have to be melted and treated, a long process till the oil is liquefied. Permits have already been given to extract oil in some of the private and public lands. The rural population of Utah is actually in support of the idea because of the job opportunities involved. This can cause a major carbon production over the next few decades. It is exactly the opposite of what we should be doing to help the climate change issues. Compared to Alberta, Utah has more barrels of oil, but harder to liquefy, making it a last resort for oil due to economic unviability.

            On a related topic, uranium-mining interest is posing a threat to the Navajo population of Arizona. A proposed plan is advocating for mining six miles away from the south entrance to the Grand Canyon. This can affect tourism in the region adversely. The region is familiar with these practices as 1000 abandoned mines from the mid 20^th century are spread all over. Radioactive materials were not properly disposed of, causing many casualties to the poor population in the surrounding areas. Navajo activist see the abandoned mines as a slow genocide as the cause long-term diseases such as cancer. Today, few mines are still operating under the land reviews of the 1980’s, which if updated, wouldn’t be allowed to operate.   

              

Links to Videos:

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/14/utahs_carbon_bomb_state_plots_massive

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/3/14/a_slow_genocide_of_the_people

 

Democracy Now 5

Democracy 5 

03-19-14

Cynthia Davila 

The two topics that I learned about on democracy now were about the UN panel having enough evidence to indict Syrian combatants for War crimes and France banning Monsanto GM corn. In the first topic, the United Nations investigators have expanded their list of suspected war criminals from both sides of Syria's civil war. Paulo Pinheiro the panel chair and Carla Del Ponte the inquiry member said they've collected enough evidence to indict. Carla Del Ponte says, "I just say as former prosecutor that I would be glad to be prosecutor of this office of the prosecutor, because the commission have collected a lot of evidence that can be used tomorrow to prepare an indictment," which errands that she agrees with the incident and she is ready and prepared to support It. I think that's great that they finally have enough evidence to stop war crimes. 

The second topic that I heard was about France and how they have banned the agribusiness giant Monsanto's genetically modified corn ahead of the season annually of sowing maize. The corn is the only diversity allowed in the European Union. Although, France has long attempted to ban all the GM crops, causing threats to health and the environment. After I read that, I further examined why they have been banned and according to the editor of Buzzflash at Truthout, it says, "The sale, use and cultivation of varieties of maize seed from the line of genetically modified maize MON 810(...) is banned in the country until the adoption, on the one hand, of a final decision, and secondly, of (EU) community action" showing that the annual sowing of maize in France gets under way in the second half of March. I will continue to research that topic because it seems very interesting to me they banned corn because it is a sign of firm opposition to modified seeds. 

Student Debt Crisis

Dear Tim:

Millions of young people are starting their adult lives with an average of
 twenty nine thousands dollars of student loans on their backs adding up to
around $1.2 trillion in student debt.

To find out how we got here, check out this great new film on student

debt<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIyMHLkZ804>created by our

campaign partners at Brave New Films.


Is this how we want our education system to work? Watch and share this

video now <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIyMHLkZ804> to call for higher
ed, not higher debt!

Join the campaign for Higher Ed Not Debt here<http://www.higherednotdebt.org>
.
And learn more about Brave New Films here. <http://www.bravenewfilms.org>

Remember to follow StudentDebtCrisis.org on

Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/StudentDebtCrisis1>and
Twitter <https://twitter.com/DebtCrisisOrg>.

Thanks,

The* StudentDebtCrisis.org* Team

Rob, Kyle, Natalia and Aaron

------------------------------

 This message was sent to tim j kubal by Robert Applebaum through MoveOn's
public petition website. MoveOn Political Action licensed and paid for this
service, but does not endorse contents of this message. To unsubscribe or
report this email as inappropriate, click here:
http://petitions.moveon.org/unsub.html?i=20698-1371416-aafOZj

*Want to make a donation?* MoveOn is entirely funded by our 8 million
members--no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny

staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in

here.<https://civic.moveon.org/donatec4/creditcard.html?cpn_id=687>

Democracy Now Summary #6

Nadia Leon

Soc122 Mon/Wed: 3:30-4:45

Democracy Now summary #6

March 28^th: One of the stories that is discussed on this episode of Democracy now is how there was a suicide bombing occurred in Afghanistan this weekend. The occurrence of the bombing  led to the result of 15 people killed and 28 others wounded. Afghanistan’s president Hamid Karzai refuses to let U.S. troop remain in Afghanistan after this year. To enforce this he has declined to sign an agreement to let U.S. troops do so. This, however, may change due to election for his replacement being early next month. On a previous episode of Democracy now there was the discussion of how many hunger strikes had been coming about. well at the immigration detention center another hunger strike started due to detainee not being happy with how they were living and their treatment there. Many detainees are refusing to eat, this has been going on for three weeks. The Obama administration is looking for a way to fix this problem due to all of the criticism that they have been receiving in regard to the many that have been separated from their families. Another interesting story that was covered on this episode was one concerning General Motors recalling 1.6M cars. So far 3.1 have been recalled within the last month. The defect of these cars has to do with ignition switches. It was found that some of the cars have faulty ignition switches that lead to the shutdown of the engine and also the airbags. There have already been incidences of death from this defect, which has made this recall that much more urgent. General Motors CEO Mary Barra made a statement which announced that they are doing what they can to fix the situation and that due to something going wrong within the process there have been “terrible” things occurring. She also states that they are going to use this incident to better the company and take more precaution.

 

 

 

Fwd: Democracy Now! Week of March 10th

Week Of march 10th

Sara Hernandez

March 16,2014

Social Movements

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Sara Hernandez <minnie559@mail.fresnostate.edu>
Date: Sun, Mar 16, 2014 at 7:59 PM
Subject: Democracy Now! Week of March 10th
To: tkubal2.2009.protest@blogger.com
 
Week Of march 10th

Sara Hernandez

March 16,2014

Social Movements

“"Obama Is Trying to Vanish Us": Immigrants Fight Record Deportations with Protests, Hunger Strikes” aired on March 13th was about how immigrants at  at the Northwest Detention Center are going on a hunger strikes to stop the deportations that Obama's administration has allowed. The detainees have been worn by the guards that if they don't eat then they will be feed by force. They want to force feed the detainees just like in Guantanamo and its not fair because they can't have their right taken away. Like one of the hunger-striking immigrant said, we might be immigrants but we are all human beings. The only thing that these people want to go home to their families, how are the families suppose to sustain themselves if the dad is detained in a place like this. In “A War on Campus? Northeastern University Suspends Students for Justice in Palestine Chapter” was about a group or organization about the Palestinian cause that has been suspended from the university & most likely from any other university that starts a group or organization what has to do with Palestinians. Universities might be taking students freedom of speech on campus, since young jewish students and other students even faculty  are getting more involved and express support to the Palestine solidarity movement.

Fwd: Democracy Now! Week Of March 3rd

Week Of march 3rd

Sara Hernandez

March 9,2014

Social Movements

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Sara Hernandez <minnie559@mail.fresnostate.edu>
Date: Sun, Mar 9, 2014 at 10:12 PM
Subject: Democracy Now! Week Of March 3rd
To: tkubal2.2009.protest@blogger.com

Week Of march 3rd

Sara Hernandez

March 9,2014

Social Movements

Aired on Monday March 3rd was about the military movement of Russians troops in the Ukraine and how they are declaring war if Russia doesn't retrieve. The thing about this is that it can involve the U.S and there is a probability that we have another war. That won't be ours, but we would be involved because the U.S can't seem to mind its own business, instead of worrying  about what's going on in this country. "The Death Penalty is a Hate Crime": Bob Autobee Speaks Out to Spare Life of Son’s Killer aired on Wednesday march 5th talked about a case in 2002 who was suppose to end in a death penalty but the father of the victim does not allow it to happen after this person killed his son. The Judge however is not allowing the victims father to make a change in the trial. The Father of the victim says it isn't human, and in the event of  the death penalty that will take place, its not gonna make him feel any better, its not gonna bring his son back.

Fwd: Democracy Now! Week of Feb. 24 2014

Week Of Feb.24

Sara Hernandez

March 2 2014

Social Movements

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Sara Hernandez <minnie559@mail.fresnostate.edu>
Date: Sun, Mar 2, 2014 at 5:56 PM
Subject: Democracy Now! Week of Feb. 24 2014
To: tkubal2.2009.protest@blogger.com

Week Of Feb.24

Sara Hernandez

March 2 2014

Social Movements

“Japan, U.S. Move to Expand Nuclear Power Programs Despite Contamination at Fukushima & New Mexico” aired on February 26 was about how Japan wants to revive their nuclear program. After the disaster of Fukushima 30 years ago,  Japan wants to reopen its power plant near Carlsbad, New Mexico. I think that the thing about power plants is that the ones who suffer, if something like Fukushima would of happen again, is the innocent people around the power plant.  The second video aired on February 27 called, “Big Oil and Bad Air: Report Exposes Link Between Fracking and Toxic Air Emissions in Texas” argue about a place in Texas called Eagle Ford and the people who complain and are having trouble living around that are. Lisa Song was one of the investigators of the air quality and air pollution in the area, she talks about how people are complaining about head aches and having trouble breathing most of the time. Like I mention above the people who are suffering the consequences are the residents around the area, these people should be worried about not being able to breath because of inconsiderate people, who only care about manufacturing and business. I'm completely against these power plants with chemicals that not only harm our environment but our population.