Turkey agreed to a five-day cease-fire in its Syria Assault - by Jace Jeremiah

Turkey agreed to a five-day cease-fire in its Syria assault

link:https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2019/10/17/pence-pompeo-turkey-trip-push-syria-cease-fire-trump-says-kurds-not-our-problem/4002909002/

Summary:The five days cease-fire was as US negotiation that allowed Kurdish forces to withdraw from the Turkey-Syria border and end the conflict.  the US wants to get the turkey region to cease fire and restore the peace and stability of the region. Trump then got on his twitter to brag about the deal and that he saved turkey region from total war.  trump had a initial decision to withdraw the us military and let the turkish attack the kurds. this five day cease-fire didn't repair the damage that has already was produced by trump. there is a lot of criticism for this cease fire because it is basically kicking the kurdish out of the area and they are getting replaced with the turkish.  the kurdish are have to move to syria because there are no longer a 20 mile safe zone between the countries.

question:

1.do you believe the Trump and pence did the right thing in turkey region?

2.what are other conflicts you can think of that come from the cease-fire?

If Trump pressured Ukraine's president, here's why it would matter

Link to Article    https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-ukraine-president-biden/index.html

Trump is claimed to be abusing the power of the constitution by talking about one of his opponents to Ukraine’s president. This was to get information to help him win the election next year. Now, Democrats want to investigate Trump's call with the Ukraine president.  GOP challenger Bill Weld said "Talk about pressuring a foreign country to interfere with and control a US election, it couldn't be clearer….It's treason pure and simple”. However, there's no evidence that Biden and his son did something wrong. This connects to US history because the United States Constitution says that a president can be impeached for illegal activity. President trump is being accused of impeachment by democrats. Trump is being accused by impeachment by democrats for talking to another country about his election, which is illegal. Do you think Trump is doing too much for these votes ? Do you think Trump should be impeached?

Abrar Fahad killing: Bangladesh student was beaten for four hours

Article Link

Summary: Abrar Fahad was a student that studied at Dhaka’s Bangladesh University of Engineering.He was kidnapped from his dorm, taken to another and was beaten repeatedly. Reports say the motive of this was because Fahad posted on a social media platform criticizing the government. Autopsy reports also say that Fahad died because of blunt force trauma in his body and there is a theory he died from blunt objects that were used. Students protested the death of Fahad and demanded the death penalty to the men that killed Fahad. 

Reaction:

No, I don’t consider the death penalty to be an appropriate punishment for these men. Instead of the death penalty I feel it is more reasonable for the men to sit in prison and pay for their crime. No. the reasoning to Fahad’s death is not justified because it is not a crime to post your opinion online even if others don’t agree with it. 

Questions:

1. Do you think the death penalty is an appropriate punishment ?
2. Do you think the reasoning to Fahad's death is justified ?
3. What punishment do you think is appropriate for these men ?

Ex-cop who killed neighbor in his own home found guilty of murder

link:https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/amber-guyger-botham-jean-verdict/index.html

Summary: On September 6, 2018 An ex-Dallas police officer Amber Guyger shot her neighbor Bothanm Jean. Guyger is charged with killing Botham Jean, her 26 year old African American neighbor, in his own apartment while she was off duty. Dallas police officer Amber Guyger entered Jean's apartment, which she said she mistakenly thought it was hers, and shot him as he watched TV on the couch. Botham was unarmed in the incident when it occurred. Guyger was found guilty of murder on October 1, 2019. The murder conviction carries a sentence of up to life in prison.

Reaction: I agree with the sentencing of life in prison for Amber Guyger. She killed an innocent man for her own mistake. His family deserves justice for Botham Jean.


Connection: The 2nd amendment states ‘’A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” This ex-police officer was armed with a firearm off duty and shot and killed an unarmed innocent man in his own apartment. This relates to the 2nd amendment because having the right to bear arms needs more regulated laws and a more strict background check.

Questions:

Do you think Guyger was under the influence of something which caused her to go in the wrong apartment?


Was the killing of Botham Jean an example of hate crime?


Does Guyger deserve her sentencing?

Lawmakers Seek Protections For Workers Against Lung Damage Tied To Making Countertops

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/10/07/767916317/lawmakers-seek-protections-for-workers-against-lung-damage-tied-to-making-counte

Summary: Lawmakers are calling the department of labor to do more to protect workers that are working on cutting engineer stone for countertops. The material contains high levels of the mineral silica, and breathing in silica dust is dangerous. While silica is found in natural stones, like granite, engineered stone made of quartz can be more than 90% silica. This type of artificial stone has become increasingly popular among Americans for kitchen and bathroom countertops in recent years. Even though proper dust control can take away the risk of silica-related disease, at least 18 workers in California, Colorado, Texas and Washington have recently suffered severe lung damage. At least 2 of the workers died of their silicosis, which is a lung disease that can be progressive and it has no treatments. The only way to treat it is to get a lung transplant. 


Connection to US History: Government Regulation of Workers' Safety and Health, 1877-1917 because it relates to the unhealthy and dangerous working condition. 

Discussion Question: What do you think lawmakers can do to protect these workers that are cutting stone for our countertops?

A war between Iran & U.S would be a Catasrphoe

A War between Iran & U.S. would be Catasrphoe

https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/03/middleeast/iran-war-games-kiley-intl/index.html



U.S president donald Trump is actually making the right decisions to avoid military actions toward Iran. According to intelligence sources in the Middle East and the West, recent attacks on Saudi oil facilities were launched from Iranian soil. Iran has been blamed by multiple countries the US, UK, France and Germany among others for being behind the cruise missile attacks.An act of war -- has yet to be made in public, even though, according to the sources, intelligence officials have told politicians they are 100% certain they the situation is under control. I do believe Trump is actually taking the situation serioulys and that he is trying his best to resolve and stay away from War.

• Do you guys believe Trump is making the right choice by not going to war with Iran?

Trump Continues to Urge Countries to Investigate Political Rivals

Link:https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/03/us/politics/trump-china-bidens.html?fallback=0&recId=1RiaVJBqe4TyjGAsFU9IVclIgsK&locked=0&geoContinent=NA&geoRegion=CA&recAlloc=top_conversion&geoCountry=US&blockId=most-popular&imp_id=417983542&action=click&module=Most%20Popular&pgtype=Homepage

Summary:Trump is facing impeachment for pressuring Ukraine to investigate his political rivals of the 2020 presidential elections. On Thursday, while leaving the White House  he called for China to investigate former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., he also asked for foreign countries to help him in the upcoming election. Although he is facing impeachment, he argues that there is nothing wrong with seeking foreign help. Trump has also pressured his own Justice Department to investigate his Democratic opponents, and also fired his first attorney general for not protecting him from the Russia Investigation. Trump has constantly abused his power while in office to get what he wants, such as calling a government shut down for not getting funding for the border wall, and now he is calling for help to get dirt on his fellow opponents in the upcoming election. I believe Trump has used his power in office for many unjust reasons, and for that I believe that he should be impeached.

History Connection: This is connects to history because it connects to the Black Sox Scandal in 1919, where eight Chicago White Sox players intentionally threw the World Series match for money from a  gambling syndicate. This syndicate known as Arnold Rothstein used his wealth and power to rig the outcome of the game, just like Trump is doing while in office, but for the Presidential Election.

Questions:
Do you believe Trump will be impeached? Why?
What are your opinions on Trump's current actions?

11-year old girl charged with hate crime after police says she beat up a 10-year old 

link- https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/24/us/11-year-old-charged-with-hate-crime-trnd/index.html

Summery: In Gouverneur, New York two white girls ages 10 and 11 were involved with assault. The 10 year old was charged with a second degree harassment and the 11 year old was charged with assault and a third degree hate crime. The victim was African-American, after the incident she was seen with a black eye, bruised knees and hair had been pulled out of the victim. The attack happened around September 10 when the parents of the victim reported this problem. The case was then taken into juvenile court as the girls were referred to St. Lawrence County Probation for further action.

Reaction: I believe this case should be further looked into in order to figure out the motive of the attack as to if this is related to a hate crime or not. There is not enough provided information to tell.

History Connection: This issue is connected to history because of the hate crimes against African Americans. As an example during 1954-1968 The Civil Rights movement was created to prevent these racial discrimination acts. Such as the incident with Little Rock Nine in 1957.

Blog questions:
 How may the school react to these issues regarding hate crimes ?
What do you believe the motive was?
Do you believe this was a hate crime issue or not ?

Boris Johnson’s ultimatum: back me or face 14 October election

Link to Article (ad warning): 

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/02/boris-johnson-threatens-to-ignore-mps-on-no-deal-brexit

Summary: 

The U.K. prime minister Boris Johnson has a no-deal Brexit scheduled for this Halloween. He has made abundantly clear that there are “no circumstances” that Brexit would not happen on 31 October. Many conservative MPs (members of parliament) feel Johnson is rushing Brexit and that it is reckless and damaging. They hope to bush a bill that would delay departure from the EU until 31 January. The bill these conservative MPs are pushing states an extension must be sought if the prime minister hasn’t passed a new Brexit agreement after 19 October. He must otherwise write to the president of the European council to request an extension, though he must accept any alternative extension offered by the EU. 

Reaction: 

Given Boris’ and the U.K.’s reputation, many, including me, believe that Brexit will be delayed yet again and that it will not happen on 31 October as it is currently planned. In order for Brexit to happen on Halloween, Boris would have to have a meeting with European council on 17 October, and need to have an election before then, on 14 October. Despite this, Johnson claimed that the U.K. will have time to come up with any deal and that they shouldn’t need an election, which “I don’t want and you don’t want.”

Connections to US history: 

This is very similar to the incompetence of American government and law. One example is how a bill becomes a law. A bill has to be voted on by the House of Representatives, and if it passes, it has to be voted on by the Senate. Even if it is voted on, the president can still veto it. It is a very long-winded process. Also, Boris Johnson is much like Donald Trump in many ways. He is incompetent, delusional, and he even looks like him. Many, including me, refer to him as “British Trump.”

Questions: 

1) Do you think Brexit will happen by Halloween? Will it be delayed again?

2) Do you support Brexit?

3) What is your opinion on Boris Johnson (British Trump)?

Georgia Homeowner Kills Three Masked Teens in Robbery

article link

Summary: On September 16, 2019, two 16-year-olds and one 15-year-old tried robbing three people, including one homeowner and two residents in their front yard. Teenagers tried robbing them but shortly after opened fire at them, residents open fired back at the Teenangers. Two teenangers were seriously injured and died at the hospital. The other teenager died in the crossfire. Resident who shot the teenagers back has not been charged with anything and will not be, because it was self-defense, which is a law in Georgia.

Reaction: I think that he should have shot the robbers to protect himself from getting killed. I think that he shouldn’t be charged it was his right to fire back when in serious danger. I think that robbers wouldn’t be that situation or the homeowner, if the robbers didn’t try something stupid and especially pull out a gun and shot the homeowner.

Connection: This connects to Women’s Self-Defense Movement they were fighting for their right to vote. While the other stories they were fighting for their life. The Women’s Self-Defense Movement has a long history and many people are involved. This movement has created rules that can relate to the Georgia robbery. 

Questions:

1. Do you think that homeowner should have shot the robbers? Why or why not?
2. Should the homeowner be charge with murder? Why or why not?
3. Do you think the robbers caused their own deaths? Why or why not?

Texas shooting highlights dangers of guns sold without background checks

Tuesday, september 17, 2019
URL of article : https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/09/us/universal-background-checks-guns-texas-shooting-invs/index.html

Image from article:

 

Summary/Reaction: All recent shootings have been caused because people are selling illegal firearms to people and aren’t doing background checks on those that they’ve sold the weapons to. A west texas shooter, seth Ator, 36, failed a background check when he tried to purchase a gun in 2014, because he had been deemed "a mental defective" by a judge, according to law enforcement sources. He was later able to buy a gun from a private seller. He killed seven people and wounded 25 others on August 31 before being apprehended and killed by the police in a shootout. The person who sold Ator his gun is being investigated as an unlicensed dealer, according to a law enforcement source. If there weren’t unlicensed dealers and more background checks there wouldn’t be as many shootings.

Connection to US History: The connecting to history is the 2nd amendment. It connects to the 2nd amendment because in the 2nd amendment it talks about giving the people the right to bear arms, because of this it enables people to preform shootings.

Question(s): Do you think that the law for guns should be enforced?

Trump plans ban on sale of flavored e-cigarettes

URL of article: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49667688
Image from article:

Summary/Reaction: Donald Trump had recently announced that his administration will ban flavored e-cigarettes due to the huge number of vaping-related deaths. Trump told reporters that vaping was a “new problem” in society today which had highly affected children and young teenagers. The U.S. Health Secretary Alex Azar said that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also coming up with a plan to ban all non-tobacco flavors. In the past, 33 states had already reported six deaths and 450 cases of lung illness that was linked to vaping. Among the 450 cases that were reported, the majority of victims were young adults with an average age of 19. Michigan had already taken the first step to be the first state in the United States to ban flavored e-cigarettes. My reaction to the article was negative. Knowing the consequences of vaping is addiction, I believe that the banning of flavored e-cigarettes might bring some hope into our society by slowly taking the step to lessening the harmful products that are being sold in markets. 

Connection to US History: This current event connects back to the Harrison Narcotics Act that was passed in 1914 becoming the United States’ first federal drug policy. It had restricted the manufacture and sale of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and morphine. 

Question(s): Many people vape because of peer pressure, a method of coping with stress or maybe just out of curiosity. What can we do to prevent the current and future generations from vaping/consuming other drugs?

Military Funds Used For Trump's Wall

- URL of Article: these-are-the-11-border-projects-getting-funds-intended-for-military-constructio



Image from article:


Summary/Reflection: 

On Wednesday, September 4th, Trump uses military funds to support his projects to build his wall. According to the Pentagon's news, military construction project funds will be losing $3.6 billion. There will be 11 projects that these funds will be going to including: pedestrian fencing and barriers in San Diego, replacement of vehicle barriers in Texas, and new fencing at the border in Arizona. Such projects is causing our military forces to lose huge amounts of money. I think that this is harming our national security, which puts our lives at risk. If the military isn't able to get the equipment because of the low funds they receive, how are they supposed to protect us? I feel that our security and protection is supposed to be a priority in our country, and if our lives are being put at risk, then I feel that the people should stick up for our safety and do something about it. 

Historic Connection:
I connected this issue with the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act. This is because in 1996, this act doubled the border patrols that kept immigrants away. It also allowed more fences to be put up. This act is similar to the issue the US is dealing with now because our leader's priority is to restrict many immigrants from entering the country. 

Discussion Question: Do you think the decision to take away our military's funds to keep us safe is the right choice? What do you think is more a priority, our safety or building the border?

North Korea’s human rights: What's not being talked about

-URL of Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44234505

-Image from Article:


-Summary/Reaction: This article details what really goes on and the conditions people are facing in North Korea today. Isolated from the world, North Korea has been ruled by the Kim family for three generations. The citizens show full devotion to the family and the current leader Kim Jun Un. If the citizens do not give their full devotion they will be killed. The citizens are forced into labor. They send hundreds of thousands of people to work overseas for cheap labor. This was proven when Mr. Adams said, "Many overseas workers live in a monitored dormitory where there is no freedom of movement, rendering them essentially prisoners. The revenue the workers' get-go mostly to the North Korean government which is a lot of North Koreas revenue. revenue. The malnutrition in North Korea is also horrendous. People in North Korea are starving and are forced to eat things like grass and mineral-infused water. My reaction to this article is negative - I think that the conditions in North Korea need to change drastically and I would never support this if this was happening in the United States. I think that North Korea needs to change its laws completely and start helping their citizens.

-History Connection: I can connect this with slavery and the slave trade in 1619 in the United States. In North Korea, people are getting sent overseas to work cheap labor. They are monitored and are basically prisoners. This is the exact same with the slave trade, African Americans were sent overseas to work and they were treated unfairly. Just like how they are treated like prisoners the African Americans were treated the same. African Americans were also malnourished just like how the North Korean Citizens where. There are many ways the North Korean conditions compare to Slavery in the United States.

-Question(s) for Discussion: If you where a North Korean citizen protest the government even with the risk of getting killed? If not what would you do?

Federal Workers’ Children Born Abroad May Not Receive Automatic Citizenship

Federal Workers’ Children Born Abroad May Not Receive Automatic Citizenship

Link Here

Summary/Reaction: The Trump Administration has recently come up with an attempt to keep illegal immigrants out of the US. Children of US military service members who aren’t born on US soil are no longer guaranteed automatic citizenship. This new policy is mainly aimed at military families who have not been in the US in years, yet does not affect families with one parent who is a US citizen and has lived in the US for over 5 years. Although they do not receive automatic citizenship, they are still able to apply for citizenship. This policy is set to apply on October 29, and will affect any child born after. I believe that this policy is wrong and that the children of US military parents should be granted automatic citizenship. Military families are worried about other things, and wondering if their child is a US citizen should not be one of them. If the parents are citizens and their child is not born on US soil, then their child should still be qualified for automatic citizenship because the parents (or parent) is a US citizen.

Historic Connection: I connected this article to Proposition 187 in California(1995). Proposition 187 took away education, welfare, and health sources from immigrants in California, although it never officially became a law. Similar to this, the US is taking away guaranteed citizenship from the children of US military parents to limit legal immigration

Discussion Question: After all US service members have done for our country, do you think that this policy is fair?