Sunday, April 19, 2009

Boston Tea Party (Part 2)

Last Wednesday, Tax Day, many Americans took part in another tea party in a sense. We see America reverting back to its old tactics, when they don't like something...dress up as indians and have a tea party. I understand what they are trying to do here, and it is really cool. I see the symbolism in the old days back under British tryanny, and how they are comparing this day back to a time of complete taxation without representation. But in reality it is a bit of a stretch.

The other day I was watching the Daly show with Jon Stewart, and they went on to completely shut down this comparison. They had a British man out there asking various questions about if this compares to the days of British tryanny. Surprisingly almost all of the people answered yes! But immediately the British man would shoot down all thier comparisons in a very comical way. Although it was really funny, I am starting to think about how others view the Obama Administration, to think that someone could actually compare today to tryanny is just ridiculous, and although they are upset, they need to just stop complaining, and unite with the country to overcome this tough time.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

My 24 Realization

I have been watching the show 24 for the last four years. I love the plot twists, the action, the excitement, and it always turns out with America on top due to our top agent, Jack Bauer. I found myself thinking about the amazing episode last night, and I realized something. I realized that although it is a fake tv show, with nuclear and biohazard weapons, it also actually shows many problems we facing now in the real world.

One example, is the overall terrorist threat, that's an obvious one. But let's dig a little deeper into this. In the past seasons Jack has tortured many terrorists to give him answers so he can disarm bombs at the last second. That just seemed like part of his job as a viewer, but they opened up this season in a very interesting way. It was Jack in a court room, and was being prosecuted for his actions of torture in the past. This then opens up a whole new ball park, for now many of the viewers are thinking out of their point of views on torturing: Is Jack guilty or innocent. Is torture sick, and inhumane, or do the ends justify the means in that one tortured terrorist could save the lives of thousands of Americans.

Also, we are currently in our war unit, and we are trying to figure out what deserves to be called a war. In 24 we are shown many of the behind the scene looks on various operations on enemy, and domestic soil. Many times people are killed, and it makes me think, is this just a war, or an armed conflict. As I continue to enjoy this great show, I will keep looking for other instances for debate on issues we discuss in the real world.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Is Blinding a Mouse Really Worth That Perfect Shade of Red?


In light of our unit assessment, I feel it is necessary to talk about the many cosmetic products in the past and present that tested their products on animals. For some reason humans have this sense of entitlement here that we can abuse other animals to perfect a product, make money, and satisfy a customer.

Animals are hurt during many processes at leading cosmetic industries, and the sad part is that many women who buy these products may not be cognizant that the company does test on animals. All animals, Cats, Dogs, Mice, Monkeys, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs are used for the testing of different products. Is it really necessary to blind a mouse to get that perfect shade of red? How greedy can we get. Some say it is necessary, in the sense that in hurting some animals they can reap the benefits in creating an awesome product that many women will buy.

I obviously don't wear make up, so I don't really care about how good a cover up is or whatever, but really it is something many people don't know about, and the general consumer needs to know now. But it isn't only in cosmetics, for many shampoo and soap companies practice the same; "Guinea pigs are used to test sunscreen products...Dogs are used for biomedical research where as cats are used for neurological research" (Buzzle.com). I personally think it is ridiculous, and to think that they continue to do this today, even though it is becoming a much more controversial issue is stepping over the line.

Please read this article to learn more about how insane animal testing really is, and how devastating it can be.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/animal-testing-in-cosmetic-industry.html

Or type in animal testing pros and cons into google and it is the first link.